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Horsthemke B. The role of epigenetics in rare diseases. MED GENET-BERLIN 2024; 36:111-120. [PMID: 38854642 PMCID: PMC11154187 DOI: 10.1515/medgen-2024-2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Epigenetic control systems are based on chromatin modifications (DNA methylation, histone modifications and nucleosome positioning), which affect the local kinetics of gene expression. They play an important role in maintaining cell fate decisions, X inactivation and genomic imprinting. Aberrant chromatin states that are associated with a deleterious change in gene expression are called epimutations. An epimutation can be a primary epimutation that has occurred in the absence of any genetic change or a secondary epimutation that results from a mutation of a cis-acting regulatory element or trans-acting factor. Epimutations may play a causative role in disease, for example in imprinting disorders, or may be part of the pathogenetic mechanism as in the fragile X syndrome and in syndromes caused by a mutation affecting a chromatin modifier. For several diseases, DNA methylation testing is an important tool in the diagnostic work-up of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernhard Horsthemke
- University Hospital EssenInstitute for Human GeneticsHufelandstr. 5545147EssenGermany
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2
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Ocaña-Paredes B, Rivera-Orellana S, Ramírez-Sánchez D, Montalvo-Guerrero J, Freire MP, Espinoza-Ferrao S, Altamirano-Colina A, Echeverría-Espinoza P, Ramos-Medina MJ, Echeverría-Garcés G, Granda-Moncayo D, Jácome-Alvarado A, Andrade MG, López-Cortés A. The pharmacoepigenetic paradigm in cancer treatment. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1381168. [PMID: 38720770 PMCID: PMC11076712 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1381168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic modifications, characterized by changes in gene expression without altering the DNA sequence, play a crucial role in the development and progression of cancer by significantly influencing gene activity and cellular function. This insight has led to the development of a novel class of therapeutic agents, known as epigenetic drugs. These drugs, including histone deacetylase inhibitors, histone acetyltransferase inhibitors, histone methyltransferase inhibitors, and DNA methyltransferase inhibitors, aim to modulate gene expression to curb cancer growth by uniquely altering the epigenetic landscape of cancer cells. Ongoing research and clinical trials are rigorously evaluating the efficacy of these drugs, particularly their ability to improve therapeutic outcomes when used in combination with other treatments. Such combination therapies may more effectively target cancer and potentially overcome the challenge of drug resistance, a significant hurdle in cancer therapy. Additionally, the importance of nutrition, inflammation control, and circadian rhythm regulation in modulating drug responses has been increasingly recognized, highlighting their role as critical modifiers of the epigenetic landscape and thereby influencing the effectiveness of pharmacological interventions and patient outcomes. Epigenetic drugs represent a paradigm shift in cancer treatment, offering targeted therapies that promise a more precise approach to treating a wide spectrum of tumors, potentially with fewer side effects compared to traditional chemotherapy. This progress marks a step towards more personalized and precise interventions, leveraging the unique epigenetic profiles of individual tumors to optimize treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belén Ocaña-Paredes
- Cancer Research Group (CRG), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
| | | | - David Ramírez-Sánchez
- Cancer Research Group (CRG), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
| | | | - María Paula Freire
- Cancer Research Group (CRG), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
| | | | | | | | - María José Ramos-Medina
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Gabriela Echeverría-Garcés
- Centro de Referencia Nacional de Genómica, Secuenciación y Bioinformática, Instituto Nacional de Investigación en Salud Pública “Leopoldo Izquieta Pérez”, Quito, Ecuador
- Latin American Network for the Implementation and Validation of Clinical Pharmacogenomics Guidelines (RELIVAF-CYTED), Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Andrea Jácome-Alvarado
- Cancer Research Group (CRG), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
| | - María Gabriela Andrade
- Cancer Research Group (CRG), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Andrés López-Cortés
- Cancer Research Group (CRG), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
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3
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Webster AK, Phillips PC. Heritable epigenetic variation facilitates long-term maintenance of epigenetic and genetic variation. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2024; 14:jkad287. [PMID: 38113034 PMCID: PMC10849368 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkad287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
How genetic and phenotypic variation are maintained has long been one of the fundamental questions in population and quantitative genetics. A variety of factors have been implicated to explain the maintenance of genetic variation in some contexts (e.g. balancing selection), but the potential role of epigenetic regulation to influence population dynamics has been understudied. It is well recognized that epigenetic regulation, including histone methylation, small RNA expression, and DNA methylation, helps to define differences between cell types and facilitate phenotypic plasticity. In recent years, empirical studies have shown the potential for epigenetic regulation to also be heritable for at least a few generations without selection, raising the possibility that differences in epigenetic regulation can act alongside genetic variation to shape evolutionary trajectories. Heritable differences in epigenetic regulation that arise spontaneously are termed "epimutations." Epimutations differ from genetic mutations in 2 key ways-they occur at a higher rate and the loci at which they occur often revert back to their original state within a few generations. Here, we present an extension of the standard population genetic model with selection to incorporate epigenetic variation arising via epimutation. Our model assumes a diploid, sexually reproducing population with random mating. In addition to spontaneous genetic mutation, we included parameters for spontaneous epimutation and back-epimutation, allowing for 4 potential epialleles at a single locus (2 genetic alleles, each with 2 epigenetic states), each of which affect fitness. We then analyzed the conditions under which stable epialleles were maintained. Our results show that highly reversible epialleles can be maintained in long-term equilibrium under neutral conditions in a manner that depends on the epimutation and back-epimutation rates, which we term epimutation-back-epimutation equilibrium. On the other hand, epialleles that compensate for deleterious mutations cause deviations from the expectations of mutation-selection balance by a simple factor that depends on the epimutation and back-epimutation rates. We also numerically analyze several sets of fitness parameters for which large deviations from mutation-selection balance occur. Together, these results demonstrate that transient epigenetic regulation may be an important factor in the maintenance of both epigenetic and genetic variation in populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy K Webster
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA
| | - Patrick C Phillips
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA
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4
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Giuili E, Grolaux R, Macedo CZNM, Desmyter L, Pichon B, Neuens S, Vilain C, Olsen C, Van Dooren S, Smits G, Defrance M. Comprehensive evaluation of the implementation of episignatures for diagnosis of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). Hum Genet 2023; 142:1721-1735. [PMID: 37889307 PMCID: PMC10676303 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-023-02609-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Episignatures are popular tools for the diagnosis of rare neurodevelopmental disorders. They are commonly based on a set of differentially methylated CpGs used in combination with a support vector machine model. DNA methylation (DNAm) data often include missing values due to changes in data generation technology and batch effects. While many normalization methods exist for DNAm data, their impact on episignature performance have never been assessed. In addition, technologies to quantify DNAm evolve quickly and this may lead to poor transposition of existing episignatures generated on deprecated array versions to new ones. Indeed, probe removal between array versions, technologies or during preprocessing leads to missing values. Thus, the effect of missing data on episignature performance must also be carefully evaluated and addressed through imputation or an innovative approach to episignatures design. In this paper, we used data from patients suffering from Kabuki and Sotos syndrome to evaluate the influence of normalization methods, classification models and missing data on the prediction performances of two existing episignatures. We compare how six popular normalization methods for methylarray data affect episignature classification performances in Kabuki and Sotos syndromes and provide best practice suggestions when building new episignatures. In this setting, we show that Illumina, Noob or Funnorm normalization methods achieved higher classification performances on the testing sets compared to Quantile, Raw and Swan normalization methods. We further show that penalized logistic regression and support vector machines perform best in the classification of Kabuki and Sotos syndrome patients. Then, we describe a new paradigm to build episignatures based on the detection of differentially methylated regions (DMRs) and evaluate their performance compared to classical differentially methylated cytosines (DMCs)-based episignatures in the presence of missing data. We show that the performance of classical DMC-based episignatures suffers from the presence of missing data more than the DMR-based approach. We present a comprehensive evaluation of how the normalization of DNA methylation data affects episignature performance, using three popular classification models. We further evaluate how missing data affect those models' predictions. Finally, we propose a novel methodology to develop episignatures based on differentially methylated regions identification and show how this method slightly outperforms classical episignatures in the presence of missing data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edoardo Giuili
- Interuniversity Institute of Bioinformatics in Brussels, Université Libre de Bruxelles-Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Robin Grolaux
- Interuniversity Institute of Bioinformatics in Brussels, Université Libre de Bruxelles-Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Catarina Z N M Macedo
- Interuniversity Institute of Bioinformatics in Brussels, Université Libre de Bruxelles-Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Laurence Desmyter
- Center for Human Genetics, Hôpital Erasme, Hôpital Universitaire de Bruxelles, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Bruno Pichon
- Center for Human Genetics, Hôpital Erasme, Hôpital Universitaire de Bruxelles, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sebastian Neuens
- Center for Human Genetics, Hôpital Erasme, Hôpital Universitaire de Bruxelles, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Genetics, Hôpital Universitaire Des Enfants Reine Fabiola, Hôpital Universitaire de Bruxelles, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Catheline Vilain
- Center for Human Genetics, Hôpital Erasme, Hôpital Universitaire de Bruxelles, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Genetics, Hôpital Universitaire Des Enfants Reine Fabiola, Hôpital Universitaire de Bruxelles, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Catharina Olsen
- Interuniversity Institute of Bioinformatics in Brussels, Université Libre de Bruxelles-Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Clinical Sciences, Research Group Reproduction and Genetics, Brussels Interuniversity Genomics High Throughput Core (BRIGHTcore), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Brussels, Belgium
- Clinical Sciences, Research Group Reproduction and Genetics, Centre for Medical Genetics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sonia Van Dooren
- Interuniversity Institute of Bioinformatics in Brussels, Université Libre de Bruxelles-Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Clinical Sciences, Research Group Reproduction and Genetics, Brussels Interuniversity Genomics High Throughput Core (BRIGHTcore), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Brussels, Belgium
- Clinical Sciences, Research Group Reproduction and Genetics, Centre for Medical Genetics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Guillaume Smits
- Interuniversity Institute of Bioinformatics in Brussels, Université Libre de Bruxelles-Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Center for Human Genetics, Hôpital Erasme, Hôpital Universitaire de Bruxelles, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Genetics, Hôpital Universitaire Des Enfants Reine Fabiola, Hôpital Universitaire de Bruxelles, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Matthieu Defrance
- Interuniversity Institute of Bioinformatics in Brussels, Université Libre de Bruxelles-Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.
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Grolaux R, Hardy A, Olsen C, Van Dooren S, Smits G, Defrance M. Identification of differentially methylated regions in rare diseases from a single-patient perspective. Clin Epigenetics 2022; 14:174. [PMID: 36527161 PMCID: PMC9758859 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-022-01403-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND DNA methylation (5-mC) is being widely recognized as an alternative in the detection of sequence variants in the diagnosis of some rare neurodevelopmental and imprinting disorders. Identification of alterations in DNA methylation plays an important role in the diagnosis and understanding of the etiology of those disorders. Canonical pipelines for the detection of differentially methylated regions (DMRs) usually rely on inter-group (e.g., case versus control) comparisons. However, these tools might perform suboptimally in the context of rare diseases and multilocus imprinting disturbances due to small cohort sizes and inter-patient heterogeneity. Therefore, there is a need to provide a simple but statistically robust pipeline for scientists and clinicians to perform differential methylation analyses at the single patient level as well as to evaluate how parameter fine-tuning may affect differentially methylated region detection. RESULT We implemented an improved statistical method to detect differentially methylated regions in correlated datasets based on the Z-score and empirical Brown aggregation methods from a single-patient perspective. To accurately assess the predictive power of our method, we generated semi-simulated data using a public control population of 521 samples and investigated how the size of the control population, methylation difference, and region size affect DMR detection. In addition, we validated the detection of methylation events in patients suffering from rare multi-locus imprinting disturbance and evaluated how this method could complement existing tools in the context of clinical diagnosis. CONCLUSION In this study, we present a robust statistical method to perform differential methylation analysis at the single patient level and describe its optimal parameters to increase DMRs identification performance. Finally, we show its diagnostic utility when applied to rare disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Grolaux
- grid.4989.c0000 0001 2348 0746Interuniversity Institute of Bioinformatics in Brussels, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Alexis Hardy
- grid.4989.c0000 0001 2348 0746Interuniversity Institute of Bioinformatics in Brussels, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Catharina Olsen
- grid.8767.e0000 0001 2290 8069Clinical Sciences, Research Group Reproduction and Genetics, Brussels Interuniversity Genomics High Throughput Core (BRIGHTcore), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Brussels, Belgium ,grid.8767.e0000 0001 2290 8069Clinical Sciences, Research Group Reproduction and Genetics, Centre for Medical Genetics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Brussels, Belgium ,grid.8767.e0000 0001 2290 8069Interuniversity Institute of Bioinformatics in Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sonia Van Dooren
- grid.8767.e0000 0001 2290 8069Clinical Sciences, Research Group Reproduction and Genetics, Brussels Interuniversity Genomics High Throughput Core (BRIGHTcore), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Brussels, Belgium ,grid.8767.e0000 0001 2290 8069Clinical Sciences, Research Group Reproduction and Genetics, Centre for Medical Genetics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Brussels, Belgium ,grid.8767.e0000 0001 2290 8069Interuniversity Institute of Bioinformatics in Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Guillaume Smits
- grid.4989.c0000 0001 2348 0746Interuniversity Institute of Bioinformatics in Brussels, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium ,grid.4989.c0000 0001 2348 0746Center of Human Genetics, Hôpital Erasme, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Matthieu Defrance
- grid.4989.c0000 0001 2348 0746Interuniversity Institute of Bioinformatics in Brussels, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
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Abstract
Modern epigenetics emerged about 40 years ago. Since then, the field has rapidly grown. Unfortunately, this development has been accompanied by certain misconceptions and methodological shortcomings. A profound misconception is that chromatin modifications are a distinct layer of gene regulation that is directly responsive to the environment and potentially heritable between generations. This view ignores the fact that environmental factors affect gene expression mainly through signaling cascades and the activation or repression of transcription factors, which recruit chromatin regulators. The epigenome is mainly shaped by the DNA sequence and by transcription. Methodological shortcomings include the insufficient consideration of genetic variation and cell mixture distribution. Mis- and overinterpretation of epigenetic data foster genetic denialism ("We can control our genes") and epigenetic determinism ("You are what your parents ate"). These erroneous beliefs can be overcome by using precise definitions, by raising the awareness about methodological pitfalls and by returning to the basic facts in molecular and cellular biology.
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Mishra A, Prabha PK, Singla R, Kaur G, Sharma AR, Joshi R, Suroy B, Medhi B. Epigenetic Interface of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs): Implications of Chromosome 15q11-q13 Segment. ACS Chem Neurosci 2022; 13:1684-1696. [PMID: 35635007 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.2c00060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are multifactorial in nature and include both genetic and environmental factors. The increasing evidence advocates an important role of epigenetics in ASD etiology. One of the most common forms of epigenetic changes observed in the case of neurodevelopmental disorders is imprinting which is tightly regulated by developmental and tissue-specific mechanisms. Interestingly, many of these disorders that demonstrate autism-like phenotypes at varying degrees have found involvement of chromosome 15q11-q13 segment. Numerous studies demonstrate occurrence of ASD in the presence of chromosomal abnormalities located mainly in Chr15q11-q13 region. Several plausible candidate genes associated with ASD are in this chromosomal segment, including gamma aminobutyric acid A (GABAA) receptor genes GABRB3, GABRA5 and GABRG3, UBE3A, ATP 10A, MKRN3, ZNF, MAGEL2, Necdin (NDN), and SNRPN. The main objective of this review is to highlight the contribution of epigenetic modulations in chromosome 15q11-q13 segment toward the genetic etiology and pathophysiology of ASD. The present review reports the abnormalities in epigenetic regulation on genes and genomic regions located on chromosome 15 in relation to either syndromic (15q11-q13 maternal duplication) or nonsyndromic forms of ASD. Furthermore, studies reviewed in this article demonstrate conditions in which epigenetic dysregulation has been found to be a pathological factor for ASD development, thereby supporting a role for epigenetics in the multifactorial etiologies of ASD. Also, on the basis of the evidence found so far, we strongly emphasize the need to develop future therapeutic strategies as well as screening procedures for ASD that target mechanisms involving genes located on the chromosomal 15q11-q13 segment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Mishra
- Dept. of Pharmacology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Praisy K Prabha
- Dept. of Pharmacology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Rubal Singla
- Dept. of Pharmacology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Gurjeet Kaur
- Dept. of Pharmacology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Amit Raj Sharma
- Dept. of Neurology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Rupa Joshi
- Dept. of Pharmacology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Benjamin Suroy
- Dept. of Pharmacology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Bikash Medhi
- Dept. of Pharmacology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh 160012, India
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Galetzka D, Böck J, Wagner L, Dittrich M, Sinizyn O, Ludwig M, Rossmann H, Spix C, Radsak M, Scholz-Kreisel P, Mirsch J, Linke M, Brenner W, Marron M, Poplawski A, Haaf T, Schmidberger H, Prawitt D. Hypermethylation of RAD9A intron 2 in childhood cancer patients, leukemia and tumor cell lines suggest a role for oncogenic transformation. EXCLI JOURNAL 2022; 21:117-143. [PMID: 35221838 PMCID: PMC8859646 DOI: 10.17179/excli2021-4482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Most childhood cancers occur sporadically and cannot be explained by an inherited mutation or an unhealthy lifestyle. However, risk factors might trigger the oncogenic transformation of cells. Among other regulatory signals, hypermethylation of RAD9A intron 2 is responsible for the increased expression of RAD9A protein, which may play a role in oncogenic transformation. Here, we analyzed the RAD9A intron 2 methylation in primary fibroblasts of 20 patients with primary cancer in childhood and second primary cancer (2N) later in life, 20 matched patients with only one primary cancer in childhood (1N) and 20 matched cancer-free controls (0N), using bisulfite pyrosequencing and deep bisulfite sequencing (DBS). Four 1N patients and one 2N patient displayed elevated mean methylation levels (≥ 10 %) of RAD9A. DBS revealed ≥ 2 % hypermethylated alleles of RAD9A, indicative for constitutive mosaic epimutations. Bone marrow samples of NHL and AML tumor patients (n=74), EBV (Epstein Barr Virus) lymphoblasts (n=6), tumor cell lines (n=5) and FaDu subclones (n=13) were analyzed to substantiate our findings. We find a broad spectrum of tumor entities with an aberrant methylation of RAD9A. We detected a significant difference in mean methylation of RAD9A for NHL versus AML patients (p ≤0.025). Molecular karyotyping of AML samples during therapy with hypermethylated RAD9A showed an evolving duplication of 1.8 kb on Chr16p13.3 including the PKD1 gene. Radiation, colony formation assays, cell proliferation, PCR and molecular karyotyping SNP-array experiments using generated FaDu subclones suggest that hypermethylation of RAD9A intron 2 is associated with genomic imbalances in regions with tumor-relevant genes and survival of the cells. In conclusion, this is the very first study of RAD9A intron 2 methylation in childhood cancer and Leukemia. RAD9A epimutations may have an impact on leukemia and tumorigenesis and can potentially serve as a biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danuta Galetzka
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Radiation Therapy, University Medical Centre, Mainz, Germany
| | - Julia Böck
- Institute of Human Genetics, Julius Maximilians University, Würzburg, Germany.,Institute of Pathology, Julius Maximilians University, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Lukas Wagner
- Center for Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Centre, Mainz, Germany
| | - Marcus Dittrich
- Bioinformatics Department, Julius Maximilians University, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Olesja Sinizyn
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Radiation Therapy, University Medical Centre, Mainz, Germany
| | | | - Heidi Rossmann
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Medical Centre, Mainz, Germany
| | - Claudia Spix
- Division of Childhood Cancer Epidemiology, Institute of Medical Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, University Medical Centre, Mainz, Germany
| | - Markus Radsak
- Department of Hematology, University Medical Centre, Mainz, Germany
| | | | - Johanna Mirsch
- Radiation Biology and DNA Repair, Technical University of Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Matthias Linke
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Centre, Mainz, Germany
| | - Walburgis Brenner
- Department of Obstetrics and Women's Health, University Medical Centre, Mainz, Germany
| | - Manuela Marron
- Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology - BIPS, Bremen, Germany
| | - Alicia Poplawski
- Institute of Medical Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, University Medical Centre, Mainz, Germany
| | - Thomas Haaf
- Institute of Human Genetics, Julius Maximilians University, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Heinz Schmidberger
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Radiation Therapy, University Medical Centre, Mainz, Germany
| | - Dirk Prawitt
- Center for Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Centre, Mainz, Germany
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9
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Epimutation in inherited metabolic disorders: the influence of aberrant transcription in adjacent genes. Hum Genet 2022; 141:1309-1325. [PMID: 35190856 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-021-02414-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic diseases can be produced by a stable alteration, called an epimutation, in DNA methylation, in which epigenome alterations are directly involved in the underlying molecular mechanisms of the disease. This review focuses on the epigenetics of two inherited metabolic diseases, epi-cblC, an inherited metabolic disorder of cobalamin (vitamin B12) metabolism, and alpha-thalassemia type α-ZF, an inherited disorder of α2-globin synthesis, with a particular interest in the role of aberrant antisense transcription of flanking genes in the generation of epimutations in CpG islands of gene promoters. In both disorders, the epimutation is triggered by an aberrant antisense transcription through the promoter, which produces an H3K36me3 histone mark involved in the recruitment of DNA methyltransferases. It results from diverse genetic alterations. In alpha-thalassemia type α-ZF, a deletion removes HBA1 and HBQ1 genes and juxtaposes the antisense LUC7L gene to the HBA2 gene. In epi-cblC, the epimutation in the MMACHC promoter is produced by mutations in the antisense flanking gene PRDX1, which induces a prolonged antisense transcription through the MMACHC promoter. The presence of the epimutation in sperm, its transgenerational inheritance via the mutated PRDX1, and the high expression of PRDX1 in spermatogonia but its nearly undetectable transcription in spermatids and spermatocytes, suggest that the epimutation could be maintained during germline reprogramming and despite removal of aberrant transcription. The epivariation seen in the MMACHC promoter (0.95 × 10-3) is highly frequent compared to epivariations affecting other genes of the Online Catalog of Human Genes and Genetic Disorders in an epigenome-wide dataset of 23,116 individuals. This and the comparison of epigrams of two monozygotic twins suggest that the aberrant transcription could also be influenced by post-zygotic environmental exposures.
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10
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Laborde CM, Larzabal L, González-Cantero Á, Castro-Santos P, Díaz-Peña R. Advances of Genomic Medicine in Psoriatic Arthritis. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12010035. [PMID: 35055350 PMCID: PMC8780979 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12010035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a common type of inflammatory arthritis found in up to 40% of patients with psoriasis. Although early diagnosis is important for reducing the risk of irreversible structural damage, there are no adequate screening tools for this purpose, and there are no clear markers of predisposition to the disease. Much evidence indicates that PsA disorder is complex and heterogeneous, where genetic and environmental factors converge to trigger inflammatory events and the development of the disease. Nevertheless, the etiologic events that underlie PsA are complex and not completely understood. In this review, we describe the existing data in PsA in order to highlight the need for further research in this disease to progress in the knowledge of its pathobiology and to obtain early diagnosis tools for these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Álvaro González-Cantero
- Department of Dermatology, Hospital Universitario Ramon y Cajal, 28034 Madrid, Spain;
- Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Ctra. Pozuelo-Majadahonda, 28223 Pozuelo de Alarcón, 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Patricia Castro-Santos
- Immunology, Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas (CINBIO), Universidad de Vigo, 36310 Vigo, Spain;
| | - Roberto Díaz-Peña
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Talca 3460000, Chile
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +34-981-955-073
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11
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Ruiz de la Cruz M, de la Cruz Montoya AH, Rojas Jiménez EA, Martínez Gregorio H, Díaz Velásquez CE, Paredes de la Vega J, de la Cruz Hernández-Hernández F, Vaca Paniagua F. Cis-Acting Factors Causing Secondary Epimutations: Impact on the Risk for Cancer and Other Diseases. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13194807. [PMID: 34638292 PMCID: PMC8508567 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13194807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetics affects gene expression and contributes to disease development by alterations known as epimutations. Hypermethylation that results in transcriptional silencing of tumor suppressor genes has been described in patients with hereditary cancers and without pathogenic variants in the coding region of cancer susceptibility genes. Although somatic promoter hypermethylation of these genes can occur in later stages of the carcinogenic process, constitutional methylation can be a crucial event during the first steps of tumorigenesis, accelerating tumor development. Primary epimutations originate independently of changes in the DNA sequence, while secondary epimutations are a consequence of a mutation in a cis or trans-acting factor. Secondary epimutations have a genetic basis in cis of the promoter regions of genes involved in familial cancers. This highlights epimutations as a novel carcinogenic mechanism whose contribution to human diseases is underestimated by the scarcity of the variants described. In this review, we provide an overview of secondary epimutations and present evidence of their impact on cancer. We propose the necessity for genetic screening of loci associated with secondary epimutations in familial cancer as part of prevention programs to improve molecular diagnosis, secondary prevention, and reduce the mortality of these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Ruiz de la Cruz
- Laboratorio Nacional en Salud, Diagnóstico Molecular y Efecto Ambiental en Enfermedades Crónico-Degenerativas, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Tlalnepantla 54090, Mexico; (M.R.d.l.C.); (E.A.R.J.); (H.M.G.); (C.E.D.V.); (J.P.d.l.V.)
- Avenida Instituto Politécnico Nacional # 2508, Colonia San Pedro Zacatenco, Delegación Gustavo A. Madero, C.P. Departamento de Infectómica y Patogénesis Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (CINVESTAV-IPN), Mexico City 07360, Mexico;
| | | | - Ernesto Arturo Rojas Jiménez
- Laboratorio Nacional en Salud, Diagnóstico Molecular y Efecto Ambiental en Enfermedades Crónico-Degenerativas, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Tlalnepantla 54090, Mexico; (M.R.d.l.C.); (E.A.R.J.); (H.M.G.); (C.E.D.V.); (J.P.d.l.V.)
- Unidad de Biomedicina, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, UNAM, Tlalnepantla 54090, Mexico;
| | - Héctor Martínez Gregorio
- Laboratorio Nacional en Salud, Diagnóstico Molecular y Efecto Ambiental en Enfermedades Crónico-Degenerativas, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Tlalnepantla 54090, Mexico; (M.R.d.l.C.); (E.A.R.J.); (H.M.G.); (C.E.D.V.); (J.P.d.l.V.)
- Unidad de Biomedicina, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, UNAM, Tlalnepantla 54090, Mexico;
| | - Clara Estela Díaz Velásquez
- Laboratorio Nacional en Salud, Diagnóstico Molecular y Efecto Ambiental en Enfermedades Crónico-Degenerativas, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Tlalnepantla 54090, Mexico; (M.R.d.l.C.); (E.A.R.J.); (H.M.G.); (C.E.D.V.); (J.P.d.l.V.)
| | - Jimena Paredes de la Vega
- Laboratorio Nacional en Salud, Diagnóstico Molecular y Efecto Ambiental en Enfermedades Crónico-Degenerativas, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Tlalnepantla 54090, Mexico; (M.R.d.l.C.); (E.A.R.J.); (H.M.G.); (C.E.D.V.); (J.P.d.l.V.)
- Unidad de Biomedicina, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, UNAM, Tlalnepantla 54090, Mexico;
| | - Fidel de la Cruz Hernández-Hernández
- Avenida Instituto Politécnico Nacional # 2508, Colonia San Pedro Zacatenco, Delegación Gustavo A. Madero, C.P. Departamento de Infectómica y Patogénesis Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (CINVESTAV-IPN), Mexico City 07360, Mexico;
| | - Felipe Vaca Paniagua
- Laboratorio Nacional en Salud, Diagnóstico Molecular y Efecto Ambiental en Enfermedades Crónico-Degenerativas, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Tlalnepantla 54090, Mexico; (M.R.d.l.C.); (E.A.R.J.); (H.M.G.); (C.E.D.V.); (J.P.d.l.V.)
- Unidad de Biomedicina, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, UNAM, Tlalnepantla 54090, Mexico;
- Subdirección de Investigación Básica, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, Ciudad de México 14080, Mexico
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +52-55-5623-1333 (ext. 39788)
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12
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Wang M, Ibeagha-Awemu EM. Impacts of Epigenetic Processes on the Health and Productivity of Livestock. Front Genet 2021; 11:613636. [PMID: 33708235 PMCID: PMC7942785 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.613636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The dynamic changes in the epigenome resulting from the intricate interactions of genetic and environmental factors play crucial roles in individual growth and development. Numerous studies in plants, rodents, and humans have provided evidence of the regulatory roles of epigenetic processes in health and disease. There is increasing pressure to increase livestock production in light of increasing food needs of an expanding human population and environment challenges, but there is limited related epigenetic data on livestock to complement genomic information and support advances in improvement breeding and health management. This review examines the recent discoveries on epigenetic processes due to DNA methylation, histone modification, and chromatin remodeling and their impacts on health and production traits in farm animals, including bovine, swine, sheep, goat, and poultry species. Most of the reports focused on epigenome profiling at the genome-wide or specific genic regions in response to developmental processes, environmental stressors, nutrition, and disease pathogens. The bulk of available data mainly characterized the epigenetic markers in tissues/organs or in relation to traits and detection of epigenetic regulatory mechanisms underlying livestock phenotype diversity. However, available data is inadequate to support gainful exploitation of epigenetic processes for improved animal health and productivity management. Increased research effort, which is vital to elucidate how epigenetic mechanisms affect the health and productivity of livestock, is currently limited due to several factors including lack of adequate analytical tools. In this review, we (1) summarize available evidence of the impacts of epigenetic processes on livestock production and health traits, (2) discuss the application of epigenetics data in livestock production, and (3) present gaps in livestock epigenetics research. Knowledge of the epigenetic factors influencing livestock health and productivity is vital for the management and improvement of livestock productivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengqi Wang
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Sherbrooke Research and Development Centre, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
- Department of Animal Science, Laval University, Quebec, QC, Canada
| | - Eveline M. Ibeagha-Awemu
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Sherbrooke Research and Development Centre, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
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13
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Garg P, Jadhav B, Rodriguez OL, Patel N, Martin-Trujillo A, Jain M, Metsu S, Olsen H, Paten B, Ritz B, Kooy RF, Gecz J, Sharp AJ. A Survey of Rare Epigenetic Variation in 23,116 Human Genomes Identifies Disease-Relevant Epivariations and CGG Expansions. Am J Hum Genet 2020; 107:654-669. [PMID: 32937144 PMCID: PMC7536611 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2020.08.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
There is growing recognition that epivariations, most often recognized as promoter hypermethylation events that lead to gene silencing, are associated with a number of human diseases. However, little information exists on the prevalence and distribution of rare epigenetic variation in the human population. In order to address this, we performed a survey of methylation profiles from 23,116 individuals using the Illumina 450k array. Using a robust outlier approach, we identified 4,452 unique autosomal epivariations, including potentially inactivating promoter methylation events at 384 genes linked to human disease. For example, we observed promoter hypermethylation of BRCA1 and LDLR at population frequencies of ∼1 in 3,000 and ∼1 in 6,000, respectively, suggesting that epivariations may underlie a fraction of human disease which would be missed by purely sequence-based approaches. Using expression data, we confirmed that many epivariations are associated with outlier gene expression. Analysis of variation data and monozygous twin pairs suggests that approximately two-thirds of epivariations segregate in the population secondary to underlying sequence mutations, while one-third are likely sporadic events that occur post-zygotically. We identified 25 loci where rare hypermethylation coincided with the presence of an unstable CGG tandem repeat, validated the presence of CGG expansions at several loci, and identified the putative molecular defect underlying most of the known folate-sensitive fragile sites in the genome. Our study provides a catalog of rare epigenetic changes in the human genome, gives insight into the underlying origins and consequences of epivariations, and identifies many hypermethylated CGG repeat expansions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paras Garg
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences and Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Hess Center for Science and Medicine, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Bharati Jadhav
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences and Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Hess Center for Science and Medicine, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Oscar L Rodriguez
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences and Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Hess Center for Science and Medicine, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Nihir Patel
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences and Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Hess Center for Science and Medicine, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Alejandro Martin-Trujillo
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences and Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Hess Center for Science and Medicine, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Miten Jain
- UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| | - Sofie Metsu
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Antwerp, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Hugh Olsen
- UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| | - Benedict Paten
- UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| | - Beate Ritz
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - R Frank Kooy
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Antwerp, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Jozef Gecz
- Adelaide Medical School and the Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia; Women and Kids, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia; Genetics and Molecular Pathology, SA Pathology, Adelaide, SA 5006, Australia
| | - Andrew J Sharp
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences and Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Hess Center for Science and Medicine, New York, NY 10029, USA.
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14
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Turinsky AL, Choufani S, Lu K, Liu D, Mashouri P, Min D, Weksberg R, Brudno M. EpigenCentral: Portal for DNA methylation data analysis and classification in rare diseases. Hum Mutat 2020; 41:1722-1733. [PMID: 32623772 DOI: 10.1002/humu.24076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Revised: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetic processes play a key role in regulating gene expression. Genetic variants that disrupt chromatin-modifying proteins are associated with a broad range of diseases, some of which have specific epigenetic patterns, such as aberrant DNA methylation (DNAm), which may be used as disease biomarkers. While much of the epigenetic research has focused on cancer, there is a paucity of resources devoted to neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), which include autism spectrum disorder and many rare, clinically overlapping syndromes. To address this challenge, we created EpigenCentral, a free web resource for biomedical researchers, molecular diagnostic laboratories, and clinical practitioners to perform the interactive classification and analysis of DNAm data related to NDDs. It allows users to search for known disease-associated patterns in their DNAm data, classify genetic variants as pathogenic or benign to assist in molecular diagnostics, or analyze patterns of differential methylation in their data through a simple web form. EpigenCentral is freely available at http://epigen.ccm.sickkids.ca/.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrei L Turinsky
- Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Centre for Computational Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sanaa Choufani
- Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kevin Lu
- Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Centre for Computational Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Da Liu
- Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Centre for Computational Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Pouria Mashouri
- Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Centre for Computational Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Daniel Min
- Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Centre for Computational Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rosanna Weksberg
- Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Division of Clinical and Metabolic Genetics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Institute of Medical Science, School of Graduate Studies, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael Brudno
- Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Centre for Computational Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Computer Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Techna Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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15
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Abstract
Tracing cell lineages is fundamental for understanding the rules governing development in multicellular organisms and delineating complex biological processes involving the differentiation of multiple cell types with distinct lineage hierarchies. In humans, experimental lineage tracing is unethical, and one has to rely on natural-mutation markers that are created within cells as they proliferate and age. Recent studies have demonstrated that it is now possible to trace lineages in normal, noncancerous cells with a variety of data types using natural variations in the nuclear and mitochondrial DNA as well as variations in DNA methylation status. It is also apparent that the scientific community is on the verge of being able to make a comprehensive and detailed cell lineage map of human embryonic and fetal development. In this review, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of different approaches and markers for lineage tracing. We also describe the general conceptual design for how to derive a lineage map for humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexej Abyzov
- Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA;
| | - Flora M Vaccarino
- Child Study Center, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, USA;
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16
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Angers B, Perez M, Menicucci T, Leung C. Sources of epigenetic variation and their applications in natural populations. Evol Appl 2020; 13:1262-1278. [PMID: 32684958 PMCID: PMC7359850 DOI: 10.1111/eva.12946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2019] [Revised: 03/01/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic processes manage gene expression and products in a real‐time manner, allowing a single genome to display different phenotypes. In this paper, we discussed the relevance of assessing the different sources of epigenetic variation in natural populations. For a given genotype, the epigenetic variation could be environmentally induced or occur randomly. Strategies developed by organisms to face environmental fluctuations such as phenotypic plasticity and diversified bet‐hedging rely, respectively, on these different sources. Random variation can also represent a proxy of developmental stability and can be used to assess how organisms deal with stressful environmental conditions. We then proposed the microbiome as an extension of the epigenotype of the host to assess the factors determining the establishment of the community of microorganisms. Finally, we discussed these perspectives in the applied context of conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernard Angers
- Department of biological sciences Université de Montréal Montreal Quebec Canada
| | - Maëva Perez
- Department of biological sciences Université de Montréal Montreal Quebec Canada
| | - Tatiana Menicucci
- Department of biological sciences Université de Montréal Montreal Quebec Canada
| | - Christelle Leung
- CEFE CNRS Université de Montpellier Université Paul Valéry Montpellier 3 EPHE Montpellier France
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17
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Abstract
Developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs) are a group of severe, early onset epilepsies characterized by refractory seizures, developmental delay or regression associated with ongoing epileptic activity, and generally poor prognosis. DEE is genetically and phenotypically heterogeneous, and there is a plethora of genetic testing options to investigate the rapidly growing list of epilepsy genes. However, more than 50% of patients with DEE remain without a genetic diagnosis despite state-of-the-art genetic testing. In this review, we discuss the major advances in epilepsy genomics that have surfaced in recent years. The goal of this review is to reach a larger audience and build a better understanding of pathogenesis and genetic testing options in DEE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malavika Hebbar
- Division of Genetic Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA
| | - Heather C Mefford
- Division of Genetic Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA
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18
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Salgado C, Gruis N, Heijmans BT, Oosting J, van Doorn R. Genome-wide analysis of constitutional DNA methylation in familial melanoma. Clin Epigenetics 2020; 12:43. [PMID: 32143689 PMCID: PMC7060565 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-020-00831-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Heritable epigenetic alterations have been proposed as an explanation for familial clustering of melanoma. Here we performed genome-wide DNA methylation analysis on affected family members not carrying pathogenic variants in established melanoma susceptibility genes, compared with healthy volunteers. Results All melanoma susceptibility genes showed the absence of epimutations in familial melanoma patients, and no loss of imprinting was detected. Unbiased genome-wide DNA methylation analysis revealed significantly different levels of methylation in single CpG sites. The methylation level differences were small and did not affect reported tumour predisposition genes. Conclusion Our results provide no support for heritable epimutations as a cause of familial melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catarina Salgado
- Department of Dermatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, PO Box 9600, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Nelleke Gruis
- Department of Dermatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, PO Box 9600, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Bastiaan T Heijmans
- Molecular Epidemiology, Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Oosting
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Remco van Doorn
- Department of Dermatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, PO Box 9600, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands.
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19
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Abstract
The prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has been increasing steadily over the last 20 years; however, the molecular basis for the majority of ASD cases remains unknown. Recent advances in next-generation sequencing and detection of DNA modifications have made methylation-dependent regulation of transcription an attractive hypothesis for being a causative factor in ASD etiology. Evidence for abnormal DNA methylation in ASD can be seen on multiple levels, from genetic mutations in epigenetic machinery to loci-specific and genome-wide changes in DNA methylation. Epimutations in DNA methylation can be acquired throughout life, as global DNA methylation reprogramming is dynamic during embryonic development and the early postnatal period that corresponds to the peak time of synaptogenesis. However, technical advances and causative evidence still need to be established before abnormal DNA methylation and ASD can be confidently associated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martine W Tremblay
- Program in Genetics and Genomics, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
| | - Yong-Hui Jiang
- Program in Genetics and Genomics, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA.,Departments of Pediatrics and Neurobiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA;
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20
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Chang Z, Yadav V, Lee SC, Heitman J. Epigenetic mechanisms of drug resistance in fungi. Fungal Genet Biol 2019; 132:103253. [PMID: 31325489 DOI: 10.1016/j.fgb.2019.103253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Revised: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The emergence of drug-resistant fungi poses a continuously increasing threat to human health. Despite advances in preventive care and diagnostics, resistant fungi continue to cause significant mortality, especially in immunocompromised patients. Therapeutic resources are further limited by current usage of only four major classes of antifungal drugs. Resistance against these drugs has already been observed in pathogenic fungi requiring the development of much needed newer antifungal drugs. Epigenetic changes such as DNA or chromatin modifications alter gene expression levels in response to certain stimuli, including interaction with the host in the case of fungal pathogens. These changes can confer resistance to drugs by altering the expression of target genes or genes encoding drug efflux pumps. Multiple pathogens share many of these epigenetic pathways; thus, targeting epigenetic pathways might also identify drug target candidates for the development of broad-spectrum antifungal drugs. In this review, we discuss the importance of epigenetic pathways in mediating drug resistance in fungi as well as in the development of anti-fungal drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zanetta Chang
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Vikas Yadav
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Soo Chan Lee
- South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases (STCEID), Department of Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
| | - Joseph Heitman
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
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21
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Garg P, Sharp AJ. Screening for rare epigenetic variations in autism and schizophrenia. Hum Mutat 2019; 40:952-961. [PMID: 30900359 PMCID: PMC6801017 DOI: 10.1002/humu.23740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2018] [Revised: 02/19/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
While many studies have led to the identification of rare sequence variants linked with susceptibility to autism and schizophrenia, the contribution of rare epigenetic variations (epivariations) in these disorders remains largely unexplored. Previously we presented evidence that epivariations occur relatively frequently in the human genome, and likely contribute to a subset of congenital and neurodevelopmental disorders through the disruption of dosage-sensitive genes. Here we extend this approach, studying methylation profiles from 297 samples with autism and 767 cases with schizophrenia, identifying 84 and 268 rare epivariations in these two cohorts, respectively, that were absent from 4,860 population controls. We observed multiple features associated with these epivariations that support their pathogenic relevance, including (a) a significant enrichment for epivariations in schizophrenic individuals at genes previously linked with schizophrenia, (b) increased brain expression of genes associated with epivariations found in autism cases compared with controls, (c) in autism families, a significant excess of epivariations found specifically in affected versus unaffected sibs, (d) Gene Ontology terms linked with epivariations found in autism, including "D1 dopamine receptor binding." Our study provides additional evidence that rare epivariations likely contribute to the mutational spectra underlying neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paras Garg
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, Hess Center for Science and Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Andrew J. Sharp
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, Hess Center for Science and Medicine, New York, New York
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22
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Pollock RA, Zaman L, Chandran V, Gladman DD. Epigenome-wide analysis of sperm cells identifies IL22 as a possible germ line risk locus for psoriatic arthritis. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0212043. [PMID: 30779748 PMCID: PMC6380582 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0212043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2018] [Accepted: 01/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Psoriasis and its associated inflammatory arthritis, psoriatic arthritis (PsA), have a clear heritable component, but a large proportion of the heritable risk remains unexplained by gene sequence variation. This study aimed to determine if epigenetic factors contribute to the missing heritability in psoriatic disease. DNA methylation profiling was performed on sperm cells from 23 probands with psoriasis without PsA (PsC), 13 PsA probands, and 18 unaffected controls. Differentially methylated CpGs and regions (DMRs) were identified and validated by pyrosequencing. Underlying AluY and copy number variation (CNV) in the HCG26 and IL22 genes, respectively, were assessed by genotyping. Array, subject's age, age of psoriasis onset, psoriasis severity, and medication usage were found to influence methylation at many genes and were included as covariates in the analysis. Between PsC probands vs. controls, 169 DMRs were found; 754 DMRs were found between PsA probands vs. controls, and 86 between PsA and PsC probands (adjusted p<0.05). Differences in methylation across DMRs were generally subtle (<10%) but correlated well with pyrosequencing. Biological inference prioritized notable DMRs associated with skin disease (SIGLEC14, JAM3, PCOLCE, RXRB), skin and/or joint disease (MBP, OSBPL5, SNORD115, HCG26), and joint disease (IL22, ELF5, PPP2R2D, PTPRN2, HCG26). Hypermethylation of the DMR within the first exon of arthritis-associated IL22 showed significant correlation (rho = 0.34, 95% CI 0.06-0.57, p = 0.01) between paired sperm and blood samples, independent of a CNV within the same region. Further studies are needed to rule out underlying genetic causes and determine if these represent heritable, constitutional epimutations, or are the result of exposure of germ cells to endogenous or exogenous environmental factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Remy A. Pollock
- Psoriatic Arthritis Program, Centre for Prognosis Studies in the Rheumatic Diseases, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Laila Zaman
- Psoriatic Arthritis Program, Centre for Prognosis Studies in the Rheumatic Diseases, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Vinod Chandran
- Psoriatic Arthritis Program, Centre for Prognosis Studies in the Rheumatic Diseases, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institue of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Dafna D. Gladman
- Psoriatic Arthritis Program, Centre for Prognosis Studies in the Rheumatic Diseases, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institue of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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23
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Sallustio F, Gesualdo L, Gallone A. New findings showing how DNA methylation influences diseases. World J Biol Chem 2019; 10:1-6. [PMID: 30622680 PMCID: PMC6314879 DOI: 10.4331/wjbc.v10.i1.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Revised: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 12/05/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
In 1975, Holliday and Pugh as well as Riggs independently hypothesized that DNA methylation in eukaryotes could act as a hereditary regulation mechanism that influences gene expression and cell differentiation. Interest in the study of epigenetic processes has been inspired by their reversibility as well as their potentially preventable or treatable consequences. Recently, we have begun to understand that the features of DNA methylation are not the same for all cells. Major differences have been found between differentiated cells and stem cells. Methylation influences various pathologies, and it is very important to improve the understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms. Epigenetic modifications may take place throughout life and have been related to cancer, brain aging, memory disturbances, changes in synaptic plasticity, and neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease and Huntington’s disease. DNA methylation also has a very important role in tumor biology. Many oncogenes are activated by mutations in carcinogenesis. However, many genes with tumor-suppressor functions are “silenced” by the methylation of CpG sites in some of their regions. Moreover, the role of epigenetic alterations has been demonstrated in neurological diseases. In neuronal precursors, many genes associated with development and differentiation are silenced by CpG methylation. In addition, recent studies show that DNA methylation can also influence diseases that do not appear to be related to the environment, such as IgA nephropathy, thus affecting the expression of some genes involved in the T-cell receptor signaling. In conclusion, DNA methylation provides a whole series of fundamental information for the cell to regulate gene expression, including how and when the genes are read, and it does not depend on the DNA sequence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Sallustio
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari 70121, Italy
| | - Loreto Gesualdo
- Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation Unit, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari 70121, Italy
| | - Anna Gallone
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari 70121, Italy
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24
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A critical view on transgenerational epigenetic inheritance in humans. Nat Commun 2018; 9:2973. [PMID: 30061690 PMCID: PMC6065375 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-05445-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 149] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2017] [Accepted: 07/06/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Transgenerational epigenetic inheritance refers to the transmission of epigenetic information through the germline. While it has been observed in plants, nematodes and fruit flies, its occurrence in mammals-and humans in particular-is the matter of controversial debate, mostly because the study of transgenerational epigenetic inheritance is confounded by genetic, ecological and cultural inheritance. In this comment, I discuss the phenomenon of transgenerational epigenetic inheritance and the difficulty of providing conclusive proof for it in experimental and observational studies.
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25
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Identification of rare de novo epigenetic variations in congenital disorders. Nat Commun 2018; 9:2064. [PMID: 29802345 PMCID: PMC5970273 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-04540-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Certain human traits such as neurodevelopmental disorders (NDs) and congenital anomalies (CAs) are believed to be primarily genetic in origin. However, even after whole-genome sequencing (WGS), a substantial fraction of such disorders remain unexplained. We hypothesize that some cases of ND-CA are caused by aberrant DNA methylation leading to dysregulated genome function. Comparing DNA methylation profiles from 489 individuals with ND-CAs against 1534 controls, we identify epivariations as a frequent occurrence in the human genome. De novo epivariations are significantly enriched in cases, while RNAseq analysis shows that epivariations often have an impact on gene expression comparable to loss-of-function mutations. Additionally, we detect and replicate an enrichment of rare sequence mutations overlapping CTCF binding sites close to epivariations, providing a rationale for interpreting non-coding variation. We propose that epivariations contribute to the pathogenesis of some patients with unexplained ND-CAs, and as such likely have diagnostic relevance.
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26
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Guéant JL, Chéry C, Oussalah A, Nadaf J, Coelho D, Josse T, Flayac J, Robert A, Koscinski I, Gastin I, Filhine-Tresarrieu P, Pupavac M, Brebner A, Watkins D, Pastinen T, Montpetit A, Hariri F, Tregouët D, Raby BA, Chung WK, Morange PE, Froese DS, Baumgartner MR, Benoist JF, Ficicioglu C, Marchand V, Motorin Y, Bonnemains C, Feillet F, Majewski J, Rosenblatt DS. APRDX1 mutant allele causes a MMACHC secondary epimutation in cblC patients. Nat Commun 2018; 9:67. [PMID: 29302025 PMCID: PMC5754367 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-017-02306-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2017] [Accepted: 11/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
To date, epimutations reported in man have been somatic and erased in germlines. Here, we identify a cause of the autosomal recessive cblC class of inborn errors of vitamin B12 metabolism that we name “epi-cblC”. The subjects are compound heterozygotes for a genetic mutation and for a promoter epimutation, detected in blood, fibroblasts, and sperm, at the MMACHC locus; 5-azacytidine restores the expression of MMACHC in fibroblasts. MMACHC is flanked by CCDC163P and PRDX1, which are in the opposite orientation. The epimutation is present in three generations and results from PRDX1 mutations that force antisense transcription of MMACHC thereby possibly generating a H3K36me3 mark. The silencing of PRDX1 transcription leads to partial hypomethylation of the epiallele and restores the expression of MMACHC. This example of epi-cblC demonstrates the need to search for compound epigenetic-genetic heterozygosity in patients with typical disease manifestation and genetic heterozygosity in disease-causing genes located in other gene trios. Inborn errors of vitamin B12 metabolism of the cblC class are caused by mutations in the MMACHC gene. Here, Guéant et al. report epi-cblC, a class of cblC in which patients are compound heterozygous for a genetic mutation and a secondary epimutation at the MMACHC locus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Louis Guéant
- INSERM, UMR_S954 Nutrition-Genetics-Environmental Risk Exposure and Reference Centre of Inborn Metabolism Diseases, University of Lorraine and University Hospital Centre of Nancy (CHRU Nancy), 54505, Nancy, France.
| | - Céline Chéry
- INSERM, UMR_S954 Nutrition-Genetics-Environmental Risk Exposure and Reference Centre of Inborn Metabolism Diseases, University of Lorraine and University Hospital Centre of Nancy (CHRU Nancy), 54505, Nancy, France
| | - Abderrahim Oussalah
- INSERM, UMR_S954 Nutrition-Genetics-Environmental Risk Exposure and Reference Centre of Inborn Metabolism Diseases, University of Lorraine and University Hospital Centre of Nancy (CHRU Nancy), 54505, Nancy, France
| | - Javad Nadaf
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University and Research Institute McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, H4A 3J1, Quebec, Canada
| | - David Coelho
- INSERM, UMR_S954 Nutrition-Genetics-Environmental Risk Exposure and Reference Centre of Inborn Metabolism Diseases, University of Lorraine and University Hospital Centre of Nancy (CHRU Nancy), 54505, Nancy, France
| | - Thomas Josse
- INSERM, UMR_S954 Nutrition-Genetics-Environmental Risk Exposure and Reference Centre of Inborn Metabolism Diseases, University of Lorraine and University Hospital Centre of Nancy (CHRU Nancy), 54505, Nancy, France
| | - Justine Flayac
- INSERM, UMR_S954 Nutrition-Genetics-Environmental Risk Exposure and Reference Centre of Inborn Metabolism Diseases, University of Lorraine and University Hospital Centre of Nancy (CHRU Nancy), 54505, Nancy, France
| | - Aurélie Robert
- INSERM, UMR_S954 Nutrition-Genetics-Environmental Risk Exposure and Reference Centre of Inborn Metabolism Diseases, University of Lorraine and University Hospital Centre of Nancy (CHRU Nancy), 54505, Nancy, France
| | - Isabelle Koscinski
- INSERM, UMR_S954 Nutrition-Genetics-Environmental Risk Exposure and Reference Centre of Inborn Metabolism Diseases, University of Lorraine and University Hospital Centre of Nancy (CHRU Nancy), 54505, Nancy, France
| | - Isabelle Gastin
- INSERM, UMR_S954 Nutrition-Genetics-Environmental Risk Exposure and Reference Centre of Inborn Metabolism Diseases, University of Lorraine and University Hospital Centre of Nancy (CHRU Nancy), 54505, Nancy, France
| | - Pierre Filhine-Tresarrieu
- INSERM, UMR_S954 Nutrition-Genetics-Environmental Risk Exposure and Reference Centre of Inborn Metabolism Diseases, University of Lorraine and University Hospital Centre of Nancy (CHRU Nancy), 54505, Nancy, France
| | - Mihaela Pupavac
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University and Research Institute McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, H4A 3J1, Quebec, Canada
| | - Alison Brebner
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University and Research Institute McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, H4A 3J1, Quebec, Canada
| | - David Watkins
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University and Research Institute McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, H4A 3J1, Quebec, Canada
| | - Tomi Pastinen
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University and Research Institute McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, H4A 3J1, Quebec, Canada
| | - Alexandre Montpetit
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University and Research Institute McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, H4A 3J1, Quebec, Canada
| | - Fadi Hariri
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University and Research Institute McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, H4A 3J1, Quebec, Canada
| | - David Tregouët
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC University Paris 06, Institut National pour la Santé et la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), ICAN Institute for Cardiometabolism and Nutrition, Unité Mixte de Recherche en Santé (UMR_S) 1166, Team Genomics & Pathophysiology of Cardiovascular Diseases, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Benjamin A Raby
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, United States of America
| | - Wendy K Chung
- Departments of Pediatrics and Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, United States of America
| | - Pierre-Emmanuel Morange
- INSERM, UMR_S1062, Nutrition Obesity and Risk of Thrombosis, Aix-Marseille University, 13005, Marseille, France
| | - D Sean Froese
- Division of Metabolism and Children's Research Centre (CRC), University Children's Hospital, CH-8032, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Matthias R Baumgartner
- Division of Metabolism and Children's Research Centre (CRC), University Children's Hospital, CH-8032, Zürich, Switzerland
| | | | - Can Ficicioglu
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, United States of America
| | - Virginie Marchand
- Laboratoire Ingénierie Moléculaire et Physiopathologie Articulaire (IMoPA), UMR7365 CNRS - Université de Lorraine and FR3209 CNRS- Université de Lorraine, 54505, Nancy, France
| | - Yuri Motorin
- Laboratoire Ingénierie Moléculaire et Physiopathologie Articulaire (IMoPA), UMR7365 CNRS - Université de Lorraine and FR3209 CNRS- Université de Lorraine, 54505, Nancy, France
| | - Chrystèle Bonnemains
- INSERM, UMR_S954 Nutrition-Genetics-Environmental Risk Exposure and Reference Centre of Inborn Metabolism Diseases, University of Lorraine and University Hospital Centre of Nancy (CHRU Nancy), 54505, Nancy, France
| | - François Feillet
- INSERM, UMR_S954 Nutrition-Genetics-Environmental Risk Exposure and Reference Centre of Inborn Metabolism Diseases, University of Lorraine and University Hospital Centre of Nancy (CHRU Nancy), 54505, Nancy, France
| | - Jacek Majewski
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University and Research Institute McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, H4A 3J1, Quebec, Canada
| | - David S Rosenblatt
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University and Research Institute McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, H4A 3J1, Quebec, Canada
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27
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Bens S, Luedeke M, Richter T, Graf M, Kolarova J, Barbi G, Lato K, Barth TF, Siebert R. Mosaic genome-wide maternal isodiploidy: an extreme form of imprinting disorder presenting as prenatal diagnostic challenge. Clin Epigenetics 2017; 9:111. [PMID: 29046733 PMCID: PMC5640928 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-017-0410-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Uniparental disomy of certain chromosomes are associated with a group of well-known genetic syndromes referred to as imprinting disorders. However, the extreme form of uniparental disomy affecting the whole genome is usually not compatible with life, with the exception of very rare cases of patients with mosaic genome-wide uniparental disomy reported in the literature. Results We here report on a fetus with intrauterine growth retardation and malformations observed on prenatal ultrasound leading to invasive prenatal testing. By cytogenetic (conventional karyotyping), molecular cytogenetic (QF-PCR, FISH, array), and methylation (MS-MLPA) analyses of amniotic fluid, we detected mosaicism for one cell line with genome-wide maternal uniparental disomy and a second diploid cell line of biparental inheritance with trisomy X due to paternal isodisomy X. As expected for this constellation, we observed DNA methylation changes at all imprinted loci investigated. Conclusions This report adds new information on phenotypic outcome of mosaic genome-wide maternal uniparental disomy leading to an extreme form of multilocus imprinting disturbance. Moreover, the findings highlight the technical challenges of detecting these rare chromosome disorders prenatally. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13148-017-0410-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Bens
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Ulm & Ulm University Hospital, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, D-89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Manuel Luedeke
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Ulm & Ulm University Hospital, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, D-89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Tanja Richter
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Ulm & Ulm University Hospital, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, D-89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Melanie Graf
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Ulm & Ulm University Hospital, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, D-89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Julia Kolarova
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Ulm & Ulm University Hospital, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, D-89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Gotthold Barbi
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Ulm & Ulm University Hospital, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, D-89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Krisztian Lato
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Ulm & Ulm University Hospital, Ulm, Germany
| | - Thomas F Barth
- Institute of Pathology, University of Ulm & Ulm University Hospital, Ulm, Germany
| | - Reiner Siebert
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Ulm & Ulm University Hospital, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, D-89081 Ulm, Germany
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28
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Bartosch C, Lopes JM, Jerónimo C. Epigenetics in endometrial carcinogenesis - part 2: histone modifications, chromatin remodeling and noncoding RNAs. Epigenomics 2017; 9:873-892. [PMID: 28523964 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2016-0167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Carcinogenesis is a multistep multifactorial process that involves the accumulation of genetic and epigenetic alterations. In the past two decades, there has been an exponential growth of knowledge establishing the importance of epigenetic changes in cancer. Our work focused on reviewing the main role of epigenetics in the pathogenesis of endometrial carcinoma, highlighting the reported results concerning each epigenetic mechanistic layer. In a previous review, we assessed DNA methylation alterations. The present review examines the contribution of histone modifications, chromatin remodeling and noncoding RNA alterations for endometrial carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Bartosch
- Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto), Porto, Portugal.,Cancer Biology & Epigenetics Group, Research Center (CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Pathology & Oncology, Medical Faculty, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.ccc), Porto, Portugal
| | - José Manuel Lopes
- Department of Pathology & Oncology, Medical Faculty, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Pathology, Centro Hospitalar São João (CHSJ), Porto, Portugal.,IPATIMUP (Institute of Molecular Pathology & Immunology, University of Porto); I3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Carmen Jerónimo
- Cancer Biology & Epigenetics Group, Research Center (CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.ccc), Porto, Portugal.,Department of Pathology & Molecular Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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29
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Teschendorff AE, Zheng SC. Cell-type deconvolution in epigenome-wide association studies: a review and recommendations. Epigenomics 2017; 9:757-768. [PMID: 28517979 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2016-0153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
A major challenge faced by epigenome-wide association studies (EWAS) is cell-type heterogeneity. As many EWAS have already demonstrated, adjusting for changes in cell-type composition can be critical when analyzing and interpreting findings from such studies. Because of their importance, a great number of different statistical algorithms, which adjust for cell-type composition, have been proposed. Some of the methods are 'reference based' in that they require a priori defined reference DNA methylation profiles of cell types that are present in the tissue of interest, while other algorithms are 'reference free.' At present, however, it is unclear how best to adjust for cell-type heterogeneity, as this may also largely depend on the type of tissue and phenotype being considered. Here, we provide a critical review of the major existing algorithms for correcting cell-type composition in the context of Illumina Infinium Methylation Beadarrays, with the aim of providing useful recommendations to the EWAS community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew E Teschendorff
- CAS Key Lab of Computational Biology, CAS-MPG Partner Institute for Computational Biology, Shanghai Institute for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China.,Department of Women's Cancer, University College London, 74 Huntley Street, London WC1E 6AU, UK.,Statistical Cancer Genomics, UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, 72 Huntley Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Shijie C Zheng
- CAS Key Lab of Computational Biology, CAS-MPG Partner Institute for Computational Biology, Shanghai Institute for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
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30
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Choi W, Lee J, Lee JY, Lee SM, Kim DW, Kim YJ. Classification of Colon Cancer Patients Based on the Methylation Patterns of Promoters. Genomics Inform 2016; 14:46-52. [PMID: 27445647 PMCID: PMC4951400 DOI: 10.5808/gi.2016.14.2.46] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2015] [Revised: 04/25/2016] [Accepted: 04/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Diverse somatic mutations have been reported to serve as cancer drivers. Recently, it has also been reported that epigenetic regulation is closely related to cancer development. However, the effect of epigenetic changes on cancer is still elusive. In this study, we analyzed DNA methylation data on colon cancer taken from The Caner Genome Atlas. We found that several promoters were significantly hypermethylated in colon cancer patients. Through clustering analysis of differentially methylated DNA regions, we were able to define subgroups of patients and observed clinical features associated with each subgroup. In addition, we analyzed the functional ontology of aberrantly methylated genes and identified the G-protein-coupled receptor signaling pathway as one of the major pathways affected epigenetically. In conclusion, our analysis shows the possibility of characterizing the clinical features of colon cancer subgroups based on DNA methylation patterns and provides lists of important genes and pathways possibly involved in colon cancer development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wonyoung Choi
- Department of Integrated OMICS for Biomedical Science, Graduate School, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Jungwoo Lee
- Department of Integrated OMICS for Biomedical Science, Graduate School, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Jin-Young Lee
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Life Science & Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Sun-Min Lee
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Life Science & Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Da-Won Kim
- Department of Integrated OMICS for Biomedical Science, Graduate School, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Young-Joon Kim
- Department of Integrated OMICS for Biomedical Science, Graduate School, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea.; Department of Biochemistry, College of Life Science & Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea
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31
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Bens S, Kolarova J, Beygo J, Buiting K, Caliebe A, Eggermann T, Gillessen-Kaesbach G, Prawitt D, Thiele-Schmitz S, Begemann M, Enklaar T, Gutwein J, Haake A, Paul U, Richter J, Soellner L, Vater I, Monk D, Horsthemke B, Ammerpohl O, Siebert R. Phenotypic spectrum and extent of DNA methylation defects associated with multilocus imprinting disturbances. Epigenomics 2016; 8:801-16. [PMID: 27323310 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2016-0007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To characterize the genotypic and phenotypic extent of multilocus imprinting disturbances (MLID). MATERIALS & METHODS We analyzed 37 patients with imprinting disorders (explorative cohort) for DNA methylation changes using the Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChip. For validation, three independent cohorts with imprinting disorders or cardinal features thereof were analyzed (84 patients with imprinting disorders, 52 with growth disorder, 81 with developmental delay). RESULTS In the explorative cohort 21 individuals showed array-based MLID with each one displaying an Angelman or Temple syndrome phenotype, respectively. Epimutations in ZDBF2 and FAM50B were associated with severe MLID regarding number of affected regions. By targeted analysis we identified methylation changes of ZDBF2 and FAM50B also in the three validation cohorts. CONCLUSION We corroborate epimutations in ZDBF2 and FAM50B as frequent changes in MLID whereas these rarely occur in other patients with cardinal features of imprinting disorders. Moreover, we show cell lineage specific differences in the genomic extent of FAM50B epimutation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Bens
- Institute of Human Genetics, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel & University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, D 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Julia Kolarova
- Institute of Human Genetics, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel & University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, D 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Jasmin Beygo
- Institut für Humangenetik, Universitätsklinikum Essen, Universität Duisburg-Essen, D 45122 Essen, Germany
| | - Karin Buiting
- Institut für Humangenetik, Universitätsklinikum Essen, Universität Duisburg-Essen, D 45122 Essen, Germany
| | - Almuth Caliebe
- Institute of Human Genetics, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel & University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, D 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Thomas Eggermann
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Aachen, D 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | | | - Dirk Prawitt
- Section of Molecular Pediatrics University Medical Centre of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, D 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Susanne Thiele-Schmitz
- Division of Experimental Paediatric Endocrinology & Diabetes, Department of Paediatrics, University of Lübeck, D 23562 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Matthias Begemann
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Aachen, D 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Thorsten Enklaar
- Section of Molecular Pediatrics University Medical Centre of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, D 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Jana Gutwein
- Institute of Human Genetics, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel & University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, D 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Andrea Haake
- Institute of Human Genetics, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel & University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, D 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Ulrike Paul
- Institute of Human Genetics, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel & University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, D 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Julia Richter
- Institute of Human Genetics, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel & University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, D 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Lukas Soellner
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Aachen, D 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Inga Vater
- Institute of Human Genetics, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel & University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, D 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - David Monk
- Institut d'Investigació Biomedica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), Cancer Epigenetic & Biology Program (PEBC), Catalan Institute of Oncology, Hospital Duran i Reynals Barcelona, Barcelona, ES 08907, Spain
| | - Bernhard Horsthemke
- Institut für Humangenetik, Universitätsklinikum Essen, Universität Duisburg-Essen, D 45122 Essen, Germany
| | - Ole Ammerpohl
- Institute of Human Genetics, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel & University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, D 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Reiner Siebert
- Institute of Human Genetics, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel & University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, D 24105 Kiel, Germany
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32
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Zheng SC, Widschwendter M, Teschendorff AE. Epigenetic drift, epigenetic clocks and cancer risk. Epigenomics 2016; 8:705-19. [PMID: 27104983 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2015-0017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
It is well-established that the DNA methylation landscape of normal cells undergoes a gradual modification with age, termed as 'epigenetic drift'. Here, we review the current state of knowledge of epigenetic drift and its potential role in cancer etiology. We propose a new terminology to help distinguish the different components of epigenetic drift, with the aim of clarifying the role of the epigenetic clock, mitotic clocks and active changes, which accumulate in response to environmental disease risk factors. We further highlight the growing evidence that epigenetic changes associated with cancer risk factors may play an important causal role in cancer development, and that monitoring these molecular changes in normal cells may offer novel risk prediction and disease prevention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shijie C Zheng
- CAS Key Lab of Computational Biology, CAS-MPG Partner Institute for Computational Biology, Shanghai Institute for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Martin Widschwendter
- Department of Women's Cancer, University College London, 74 Huntley Street, London, WC1E 6AU, UK
| | - Andrew E Teschendorff
- CAS Key Lab of Computational Biology, CAS-MPG Partner Institute for Computational Biology, Shanghai Institute for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China.,Department of Women's Cancer, University College London, 74 Huntley Street, London, WC1E 6AU, UK.,Statistical Cancer Genomics, UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, 72 Huntley Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
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Eggermann T, Perez de Nanclares G, Maher ER, Temple IK, Tümer Z, Monk D, Mackay DJG, Grønskov K, Riccio A, Linglart A, Netchine I. Imprinting disorders: a group of congenital disorders with overlapping patterns of molecular changes affecting imprinted loci. Clin Epigenetics 2015; 7:123. [PMID: 26583054 PMCID: PMC4650860 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-015-0143-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2015] [Accepted: 09/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Congenital imprinting disorders (IDs) are characterised by molecular changes affecting imprinted chromosomal regions and genes, i.e. genes that are expressed in a parent-of-origin specific manner. Recent years have seen a great expansion in the range of alterations in regulation, dosage or DNA sequence shown to disturb imprinted gene expression, and the correspondingly broad range of resultant clinical syndromes. At the same time, however, it has become clear that this diversity of IDs has common underlying principles, not only in shared molecular mechanisms, but also in interrelated clinical impacts upon growth, development and metabolism. Thus, detailed and systematic analysis of IDs can not only identify unifying principles of molecular epigenetics in health and disease, but also support personalisation of diagnosis and management for individual patients and families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Eggermann
- Department of Human Genetics, RWTH Aachen, Pauwelsstr. 30, Aachen, Germany ; Sorbonne Universites, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMR_S 938, CDR Saint-Antoine, Paris, France ; 3APHP, Pediatric Endocrinology, Armand Trousseau Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Guiomar Perez de Nanclares
- Molecular (Epi)Genetics Laboratory, BioAraba National Health Institute, Hospital Universitario Araba, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Eamonn R Maher
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Cambridge and NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge, UK
| | - I Karen Temple
- Human Genetics and Genomic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine University of Southampton, Southampton, UK ; Wessex Clinical Genetics Service, Princess Anne Hospital, Coxford Road, Southampton, UK
| | - Zeynep Tümer
- Clinical Genetic Clinic, Kennedy Center, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - David Monk
- Imprinting and Cancer Group, Cancer Epigenetic and Biology Program (PEBC), Institut d'Investigació Biomedica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), Hospital Duran i Reynals, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Deborah J G Mackay
- Human Genetics and Genomic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine University of Southampton, Southampton, UK ; Wessex Clinical Genetics Service, Princess Anne Hospital, Coxford Road, Southampton, UK
| | - Karen Grønskov
- Clinical Genetic Clinic, Kennedy Center, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Andrea Riccio
- DiSTABiF, Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli, Caserta, Italy
| | - Agnès Linglart
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics-ABT, CNR, Napoli, Italy
| | - Irène Netchine
- Endocrinology and diabetology for children and reference center for rare disorders of calcium and phosphorus metabolism, Bicêtre Paris Sud, APHP, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France ; INSERM U986, INSERM, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France ; INSERM, UMR_S 938, CDR Saint-Antoine, Paris, F-75012 France
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Abstract
Constitutional epimutation, which is an aberration in gene expression due to an altered epigenotype that is widely distributed in normal tissues (albeit frequently mosaic), provides an alternative mechanism to genetic mutation for cancer predisposition. Observational studies in cancer-affected families have revealed intergenerational inheritance of constitutional epimutation, providing unique insights into the heritability of epigenetic traits in humans. In this Opinion article, the potential contribution of constitutional epimutation to the 'missing' causality and heritability of cancer is explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan P Hitchins
- Department of Medicine (Oncology), Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University, Grant Building S169, 1291 Welch Road, Stanford, California 94305, USA
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35
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Parashar S, Cheishvili D, Arakelian A, Hussain Z, Tanvir I, Khan HA, Szyf M, Rabbani SA. S-adenosylmethionine blocks osteosarcoma cells proliferation and invasion in vitro and tumor metastasis in vivo: therapeutic and diagnostic clinical applications. Cancer Med 2015; 4:732-44. [PMID: 25619880 PMCID: PMC4430266 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2014] [Revised: 10/06/2014] [Accepted: 11/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Osteosarcoma (OS) is an aggressive and highly metastatic form of primary bone cancer affecting young children and adults. Previous studies have shown that hypomethylation of critical genes is driving metastasis. Here, we examine whether hypermethylation treatment can block OS growth and pulmonary metastasis. Human OS cells LM-7 and MG-63 were treated with the ubiquitous methyl donor S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) or its inactive analog S-adenosylhomocystine (SAH) as control. Treatment with SAM resulted in a dose-dependent inhibition of tumor cell proliferation, invasion, cell migration, and cell cycle characteristics. Inoculation of cells treated with 150 μmol/L SAM for 6 days into tibia or via intravenous route into Fox Chase severe combined immune deficient (SCID) mice resulted in the development of significantly smaller skeletal lesions and a marked reduction in pulmonary metastasis as compared to control groups. Epigenome wide association studies (EWAS) showed differential methylation of several genes involved in OS progression and prominent signaling pathways implicated in bone formation, wound healing, and tumor progression in SAM-treated LM-7 cells. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis confirmed that SAM treatment blocked the expression of several prometastatic genes and additional genes identified by EWAS analysis. Immunohistochemical analysis of normal human bone and tissue array from OS patients showed significantly high levels of expression of one of the identified gene platelet-derived growth factor alpha (PDGFA). These studies provide a possible mechanism for the role of DNA demethylation in the development and metastasis of OS to provide a rationale for the use of hypermethylation therapy for OS patients and identify new targets for monitoring OS development and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surabhi Parashar
- Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - David Cheishvili
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Ani Arakelian
- Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Zahid Hussain
- Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | | | - Moshe Szyf
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Shafaat A Rabbani
- Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Schneider E, El Hajj N, Haaf T. Epigenetic information from ancient DNA provides new insights into human evolution. Commentary on Gokhman D et al. (2014): Reconstructing the DNA methylation maps of the Neanderthal and the Denisovan. Science 344:523-527. BRAIN, BEHAVIOR AND EVOLUTION 2014; 84:169-171. [PMID: 25277105 DOI: 10.1159/000365650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Eberhard Schneider
- Institute of Human Genetics, Julius Maximilian University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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Girardot M, Feil R, Llères D. Epigenetic deregulation of genomic imprinting in humans: causal mechanisms and clinical implications. Epigenomics 2013; 5:715-28. [DOI: 10.2217/epi.13.66] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammalian genes controlled by genomic imprinting play important roles in development and diverse postnatal processes. A growing number of congenital disorders have been linked to genomic imprinting. Each of these is caused by perturbed gene expression at one principal imprinted domain. Some imprinting disorders, including the Prader–Willi and Angelman syndromes, are caused almost exclusively by genetic mutations. In several others, including the Beckwith–Wiedemann and Silver–Russell growth syndromes, and transient neonatal diabetes mellitus, imprinted expression is perturbed mostly by epigenetic alterations at ‘imprinting control regions’ and at other specific regulatory sequences. In a minority of these patients, DNA methylation is altered at multiple imprinted loci, suggesting that common trans-acting factors are affected. Here, we review the epimutations involved in congenital imprinting disorders and the associated clinical features. Trans-acting factors known to be causally involved are discussed and other trans-acting factors that are potentially implicated are also presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Girardot
- Institute of Molecular Genetics (IGMM), CNRS UMR-5535, 1919 Route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier, France
- Universities of Montpellier I & II, Montpellier, France
| | - Robert Feil
- Institute of Molecular Genetics (IGMM), CNRS UMR-5535, 1919 Route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier, France
| | - David Llères
- Institute of Molecular Genetics (IGMM), CNRS UMR-5535, 1919 Route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier, France
- Universities of Montpellier I & II, Montpellier, France
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38
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Frequency and characterization of DNA methylation defects in children born SGA. Eur J Hum Genet 2012; 21:838-43. [PMID: 23232699 DOI: 10.1038/ejhg.2012.262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2012] [Revised: 10/16/2012] [Accepted: 11/01/2012] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Various genes located at imprinted loci and regulated by epigenetic mechanisms are involved in the control of growth and differentiation. The broad phenotypic variability of imprinting disorders suggests that individuals with inborn errors of imprinting might remain undetected among patients born small for gestational age (SGA). We evaluated quantitative DNA methylation analysis at differentially methylated regions (DMRs) of 10 imprinted loci (PLAGL1, IGF2R DMR2, GRB10, H19 DMR, IGF2, MEG3, NDN, SNRPN, NESP, NESPAS) by bisulphite pyrosequencing in 98 patients born SGA and 50 controls. For IGF2R DMR2, methylation patterns of additional 47 parent pairs and one mother (95 individuals) of patients included in the SGA cohort were analyzed. In six out of 98 patients born SGA, we detected DNA methylation changes at single loci. In one child, the diagnosis of upd(14)mat syndrome owing to an epimutation of the MEG3 locus in 14q32 could be established. The remaining five patients showed hypomethylation at GRB10 (n=2), hypomethylation at the H19 3CTCF-binding site (n=1), hypermethylation at NDN (n=1) and hypermethylation at IGF2 (n=1). IGF2R DMR2 hypermethylation was detected in five patients, six parents of patients in the SGA cohort and two controls. We conclude that aberrant methylation at imprinted loci in children born SGA exists but seems to be rare if known imprinting syndromes are excluded. Further investigations on the physiological variations and the functional consequences of the detected aberrant methylation are necessary before final conclusions on the clinical impact can be drawn.
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de Waal E, Yamazaki Y, Ingale P, Bartolomei MS, Yanagimachi R, McCarrey JR. Gonadotropin stimulation contributes to an increased incidence of epimutations in ICSI-derived mice. Hum Mol Genet 2012; 21:4460-72. [PMID: 22802074 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/dds287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We previously demonstrated that intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), a type of assisted reproductive technology (ART), can induce epimutations and/or epimutant phenotypes in somatic tissues of adult mice produced by this method. In the present study, we compared the occurrence of epimutations in mice produced by natural conception, ICSI and somatic cell nuclear transfer. Surprisingly, we observed the highest frequency of epimutations in somatic tissues from ICSI-derived mice. We also observed a delay in reprogramming of the maternal allele of the imprinted H19 gene in spermatogonia from juvenile ICSI-derived male mice. These observations led us to hypothesize that the exposure of the maternal gametic genome to exogenous gonadotropins during the endocrine stimulation of folliculogenesis (superovulation) may contribute to the disruption of the normal epigenetic programming of imprinted loci in somatic tissues and/or epigenetic reprogramming in the germ line of ensuing offspring. To test this hypothesis, we uncoupled superovulation from ICSI by subjecting female mice to gonadotropin stimulation and then allowing them to produce offspring by natural mating. We found that mice produced in this way also exhibited epimutations and/or epimutant phenotypes in somatic tissues and delayed epigenetic reprogramming in spermatogenic cells, providing evidence that gonadotropin stimulation contributes to the induction of epimutations during ART procedures. Our results suggest that gonadotropin stimulation protocols used in conjunction with ART procedures should be optimized to minimize the occurrence of epimutations in offspring produced by these methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric de Waal
- Department of Biology, University of Texas, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
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40
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Wang L, Sun H, Pan B, Zhu J, Huang G, Huang X, Tian J. Inhibition of histone acetylation by curcumin reduces alcohol-induced expression of heart development-related transcription factors in cardiac progenitor cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2012; 424:593-6. [PMID: 22776204 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2012.06.158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2012] [Accepted: 06/29/2012] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Alcohol exposure during pregnancy may cause congenital heart disease (CHD). In our previous studies, we found that alcohol selectively increased acetylation of histone H3 at lysine 9 (H3K9) and enhanced the expression of heart development-related genes in cardiac progenitor cells. The objective of this study is to investigate the protective effects of histone acetyltransferases (HATs) inhibitor, curcumin, on histone hyperacetylation and the over-expression of heart development genes induced by alcohol. Western blot analysis was employed to detect the acetylation levels of histone H3K9 and real-time PCR was applied to measure the expressions of heart development-related transcription factors, GATA4, Mef2c and Tbx5 (GMT). Our results showed that alcohol increased the acetylation of H3K9 by 2.76-fold (P<0.05) and significantly enhanced the expression of GATA4 and Mef2c (P<0.05). When cells were treated with alcohol plus 25 μM curcumin, the hyperacetylation of H3K9 and over-expression of GATA4 and Mef2c by alcohol was reversed. These data indicate that curcumin can correct the over-expression of cardiac genes by reversing the alcohol induced hyperacetylation of histone H3 at lysine 9 in cardiac progenitor cells, suggesting that curcumin is protective against alcohol-induced cardiac gene over-expression that may result in heart malformations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linyi Wang
- Heart Centre, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
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41
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Sazhenova EA, Skryabin NA, Sukhanova NN, Lebedev IN. Multilocus epimutations of imprintome in the pathology of human embryo development. Mol Biol 2012. [DOI: 10.1134/s0026893312010207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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42
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Primary epimutations introduced during intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) are corrected by germline-specific epigenetic reprogramming. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2012; 109:4163-8. [PMID: 22371603 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1201990109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) has become increasingly common worldwide and is now responsible for 2-3% of children born in developed countries. Multiple reports have suggested that ART-conceived children are more likely to develop rare epigenetic disorders such as Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome or Angelman Syndrome, both of which involve dysregulation of imprinted genes. Anecdotal reports suggest that animals produced with ART that manifest apparent epigenetic defects typically do not transmit these epimutations to subsequent generations when allowed to breed naturally, but this hypothesis has not been directly studied. We analyzed allele-specific DNA methylation and expression at three imprinted genes, H19, Snrpn, and Peg3, in somatic cells from adult mice generated with the use of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), a type of ART. Epimutations were detected in most of the ICSI-derived mice, but not in somatic cells of their offspring produced by natural mating. We examined germ cells from the ICSI mice that exhibited epimutations in their somatic cells and confirmed normal epigenetic reprogramming of the three imprinted genes analyzed. Collectively, these results confirm that ART procedures can lead to the formation of primary epimutations, but while such epimutations are likely to be maintained indefinitely in somatic cells of the ART-derived individuals, they are normally corrected in the germ line by epigenetic reprogramming and thus, not propagated to subsequent generations.
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43
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Puzyrev VP, Kucher AN. Evolutionary ontogenetic aspects of pathogenetics of chronic human diseases. RUSS J GENET+ 2011. [DOI: 10.1134/s102279541112012x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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44
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De S. Somatic mosaicism in healthy human tissues. Trends Genet 2011; 27:217-23. [PMID: 21496937 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2011.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2011] [Revised: 03/09/2011] [Accepted: 03/14/2011] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
From the fertilization of an egg until the death of an individual, somatic cells can accumulate genetic changes, such that cells from different tissues or even within the same tissue differ genetically. The presence of multiple cell clones with distinct genotypes in the same individual is referred to as 'somatic mosaicism'. Many endogenous factors such as mobile elements, DNA polymerase slippage, DNA double-strand break, inefficient DNA repair, unbalanced chromosomal segregation and some exogenous factors such as nicotine and UV exposure can contribute to the generation of somatic mutations, thereby leading to somatic mosaicism. Such changes can potentially affect the epigenetic patterns and levels of gene expression, and ultimately the phenotypes of cells. Although recent studies suggest that somatic mosaicism is widespread during normal development and aging, its implications for heightened disease risks are incompletely understood. Here, I discuss the origins, prevalence and implications of somatic mosaicism in healthy human tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subhajyoti De
- Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, and Department of Biostatistics, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
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45
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Hjelmeland LM. Dark matters in AMD genetics: epigenetics and stochasticity. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2011; 52:1622-31. [PMID: 21429863 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.10-6765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Leonard M Hjelmeland
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, USA.
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46
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Schneider E, Pliushch G, El Hajj N, Galetzka D, Puhl A, Schorsch M, Frauenknecht K, Riepert T, Tresch A, Müller AM, Coerdt W, Zechner U, Haaf T. Spatial, temporal and interindividual epigenetic variation of functionally important DNA methylation patterns. Nucleic Acids Res 2010; 38:3880-90. [PMID: 20194112 PMCID: PMC2896520 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkq126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation is an epigenetic modification that plays an important role in gene regulation. It can be influenced by stochastic events, environmental factors and developmental programs. However, little is known about the natural variation of gene-specific methylation patterns. In this study, we performed quantitative methylation analyses of six differentially methylated imprinted genes (H19, MEG3, LIT1, NESP55, PEG3 and SNRPN), one hypermethylated pluripotency gene (OCT4) and one hypomethylated tumor suppressor gene (APC) in chorionic villus, fetal and adult cortex, and adult blood samples. Both average methylation level and range of methylation variation depended on the gene locus, tissue type and/or developmental stage. We found considerable variability of functionally important methylation patterns among unrelated healthy individuals and a trend toward more similar methylation levels in monozygotic twins than in dizygotic twins. Imprinted genes showed relatively little methylation changes associated with aging in individuals who are >25 years. The relative differences in methylation among neighboring CpGs in the generally hypomethylated APC promoter may not only reflect stochastic fluctuations but also depend on the tissue type. Our results are consistent with the view that most methylation variation may arise after fertilization, leading to epigenetic mosaicism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eberhard Schneider
- Institute of Human Genetics, Julius Maximilians University, Biozentrum, Am Hubland, 97074 Wuerzburg, Germany
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47
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Pliushch G, Schneider E, Weise D, El Hajj N, Tresch A, Seidmann L, Coerdt W, Müller AM, Zechner U, Haaf T. Extreme methylation values of imprinted genes in human abortions and stillbirths. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2010; 176:1084-90. [PMID: 20093482 DOI: 10.2353/ajpath.2010.090764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Imprinted genes play an important role in fetal and placental development. Using quantitative bisulfite pyrosequencing assays, we determined the DNA methylation levels at two paternally methylated (H19 and MEG3) and four maternally methylated (LIT1, NESP55, PEG3, and SNRPN) imprinted regions in fetal muscle samples from abortions and stillbirths. Two of 55 (4%) spontaneous abortions and 10 of 57 (18%) stillbirths displayed hypermethylation in multiple genes. Interestingly, none of 34 induced abortions had extreme methylation values in multiple genes. All but two abortions/stillbirths with multiple methylation abnormalities were male, indicating that the male embryo may be more susceptible to excess methylation. Hypermethylation of multiple imprinted genes is consistent with stochastic failures of the mechanism, which normally protects the hypomethylated allele from de novo methylation after fertilization. Two of six informative abortions/stillbirths with H19 hypermethylation revealed significant biallelic expression of the autocrine growth factor IGF2. In two other cases hypermethylation of MEG3 was associated with transcriptional down-regulation. We propose that primary epimutations resulting in inappropriate methylation and expression patterns of imprinted genes may contribute to both normal human variation and disease, in particular spontaneous pregnancy loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Galyna Pliushch
- Institute of Human Genetics, Department of Pediatric Pathology, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
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48
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Kanber D, Berulava T, Ammerpohl O, Mitter D, Richter J, Siebert R, Horsthemke B, Lohmann D, Buiting K. The human retinoblastoma gene is imprinted. PLoS Genet 2009; 5:e1000790. [PMID: 20041224 PMCID: PMC2791201 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1000790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2009] [Accepted: 11/25/2009] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Genomic imprinting is an epigenetic process leading to parent-of-origin–specific DNA methylation and gene expression. To date, ∼60 imprinted human genes are known. Based on genome-wide methylation analysis of a patient with multiple imprinting defects, we have identified a differentially methylated CpG island in intron 2 of the retinoblastoma (RB1) gene on chromosome 13. The CpG island is part of a 5′-truncated, processed pseudogene derived from the KIAA0649 gene on chromosome 9 and corresponds to two small CpG islands in the open reading frame of the ancestral gene. It is methylated on the maternal chromosome 13 and acts as a weak promoter for an alternative RB1 transcript on the paternal chromosome 13. In four other KIAA0649 pseudogene copies, which are located on chromosome 22, the two CpG islands have deteriorated and the CpG dinucleotides are fully methylated. By analysing allelic RB1 transcript levels in blood cells, as well as in hypermethylated and 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine–treated lymphoblastoid cells, we have found that differential methylation of the CpG island skews RB1 gene expression in favor of the maternal allele. Thus, RB1 is imprinted in the same direction as CDKN1C, which operates upstream of RB1. The imprinting of two components of the same pathway indicates that there has been strong evolutionary selection for maternal inhibition of cell proliferation. Genomic imprinting is an epigenetic process leading to parent-of-origin–specific DNA methylation and gene expression. Defects in this process lead to abnormal development, growth, or behavior. It is still unclear why and how imprinting evolved and how many human genes are imprinted. Based on genome-wide DNA methylation analysis in a patient with a generalized imprinting defect, we have found that the paradigmatic retinoblastoma 1 (RB1) gene on chromosome 13 is imprinted. Imprinting of RB1 is linked to the insertion of a DNA sequence derived by retrotransposition from a gene on chromosome 9. Part of the inserted DNA sequence has evolved into a differentially methylated alternative RB1 promoter. Differential methylation of this sequence skews expression of the RB1 gene in favour of the maternal allele. The direction of the imprint imposed on the RB1 gene is the same as of the maternally expressed CDKN1C gene, which operates upstream of RB1. The imprinting of two components of the same pathway indicates that there has been strong evolutionary selection for maternal inhibition of cell proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deniz Kanber
- Institut für Humangenetik, Universitätsklinikum Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Tea Berulava
- Institut für Humangenetik, Universitätsklinikum Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Ole Ammerpohl
- Institut für Humangenetik, Christian-Albrechts Universität zu Kiel, Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Diana Mitter
- Institut für Humangenetik, Universitätsklinikum Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Julia Richter
- Institut für Humangenetik, Christian-Albrechts Universität zu Kiel, Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Reiner Siebert
- Institut für Humangenetik, Christian-Albrechts Universität zu Kiel, Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Bernhard Horsthemke
- Institut für Humangenetik, Universitätsklinikum Essen, Essen, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Dietmar Lohmann
- Institut für Humangenetik, Universitätsklinikum Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Karin Buiting
- Institut für Humangenetik, Universitätsklinikum Essen, Essen, Germany
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49
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Jiang SW, Li J, Podratz K, Dowdy S. Application of DNA methylation biomarkers for endometrial cancer management. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2009; 8:607-16. [PMID: 18785809 DOI: 10.1586/14737159.8.5.607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
It has become clear that aberrant gene expression, via alterations in promoter methylation or histone acetylation, is a contributing factor for carcinogenesis, perhaps as important as genetic mutation. This is particularly evident in endometrial cancer, in which multiple genes are silenced through hypermethylation. In this review, we discuss the field of epigenetics and relevant techniques to characterize methylation and acetylation alterations. The CpG island methylator phenotype, epimutations and the effects of aging on methylation are also discussed. In endometrial cancer there is evidence that hypermethylation of relevant genes can be reversed using epigenetic inhibitors, resulting in re-expression of silenced genes. Preliminary data also suggest that a panel of methylation biomarkers could be useful for diagnosis and even screening in selected populations at high risk. This disease is particularly well suited for such a strategy given that the endometrium is readily accessible for testing and endometrial cancer precursors are well defined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Wen Jiang
- Department of Biomedical Science, Mercer University School of Medicine at Savannah, 4700, Waters Avenue, Savannah, GA 31404, USA.
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Low frequency of imprinting defects in ICSI children born small for gestational age. Eur J Hum Genet 2008; 17:22-9. [PMID: 18941474 DOI: 10.1038/ejhg.2008.177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Although there is an increased frequency of low birth weight after assisted reproduction, the mechanisms underlying this association are unclear. We have proposed that some of the children conceived by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) with low birth weight might have an epimutation (faulty methylation pattern) in one of the imprinted genes involved in fetal growth control, eg, KCNQ1OT1, PEG1, PEG3, GTL2, IGF2/H19 and PLAGL1. Using bisulfite DNA sequencing and sequence-based quantitative methylation analysis (SeQMA), we determined the methylation pattern of these genes in buccal smears from 19 ICSI children born small for gestational age (SGA, birth weight <3rd percentile) and from 29 term-born normal weight children after spontaneous conception. We detected clear hypermethylation of KCNQ1OT1 and borderline hypermethylation of PEG1 in one and the same ICSI child. The other children and the parents of the affected child have normal methylation patterns. Imprinting defects appear to be a rare finding in ICSI children born SGA. Methylation of the paternal KCNQ1OT1 and PEG1 alleles may be a previously unrecognized cause of SGA. The epimutations found in the SGA child, whose father had oligozoospermia, probably result from an imprint erasure defect in the paternal germ line and therefore appear to be linked to the fertility problem of the father and not to in vitro fertilization/ICSI.
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