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Khatib H, Townsend J, Konkel MA, Conidi G, Hasselkus JA. Calling the question: what is mammalian transgenerational epigenetic inheritance? Epigenetics 2024; 19:2333586. [PMID: 38525788 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2024.2333586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
While transgenerational epigenetic inheritance has been extensively documented in plants, nematodes, and fruit flies, its existence in mammals remains controversial. Several factors have contributed to this debate, including the lack of a clear distinction between intergenerational and transgenerational epigenetic inheritance (TEI), the inconsistency of some studies, the potential confounding effects of in-utero vs. epigenetic factors, and, most importantly, the biological challenge of epigenetic reprogramming. Two waves of epigenetic reprogramming occur: in the primordial germ cells and the developing embryo after fertilization, characterized by global erasure of DNA methylation and remodelling of histone modifications. Consequently, TEI can only occur if specific genetic regions evade this reprogramming and persist through embryonic development. These challenges have revived the long-standing debate about the possibility of inheriting acquired traits, which has been strongly contested since the Lamarckian and Darwinian eras. As a result, coupled with the absence of universally accepted criteria for transgenerational epigenetic studies, a vast body of literature has emerged claiming evidence of TEI. Therefore, the goal of this study is to advocate for establishing fundamental criteria that must be met for a study to qualify as evidence of TEI. We identified five criteria based on the consensus of studies that critically evaluated TEI. To assess whether published original research papers adhere to these criteria, we examined 80 studies that either claimed or were cited as supporting TEI. The findings of this analysis underscore the widespread confusion in this field and highlight the urgent need for a unified scientific consensus on TEI requirements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hasan Khatib
- The Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, The University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Jessica Townsend
- The Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, The University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Melissa A Konkel
- The Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, The University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Gabi Conidi
- The Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, The University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Julia A Hasselkus
- The Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, The University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
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2
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Han S, Luo Y, Liu B, Guo T, Qin D, Luo F. Dietary flavonoids prevent diabetes through epigenetic regulation: advance and challenge. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2023; 63:11925-11941. [PMID: 35816298 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2022.2097637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The pathophysiology of diabetes has been studied extensively in various countries, but effective prevention and treatment methods are still insufficient. In recent years, epigenetics has received increasing attention from researchers in exploring the etiology and treatment of diabetes. DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs play critical roles in the occurrence, maintenance, and progression of diabetes and its complications. Therefore, preventing or reversing the epigenetic alterations that occur during the development of diabetes may reduce the individual and societal burden of the disease. Dietary flavonoids serve as natural epigenetic modulators for the discovery of biomarkers for diabetes prevention and the development of alternative therapies. However, there is limited knowledge about the potential beneficial effects of flavonoids on the epigenetics of diabetes. In this review, the multidimensional epigenetic effects of different flavonoid subtypes in diabetes were summarized. Furthermore, it was discussed that parental flavonoid diets might reduce diabetes incidence in offspring, which represent a promising opportunity to prevent diabetes in the future. Future work will depend on exploring anti-diabetic effects of different flavonoids with different epigenetic regulation mechanisms and clinical trials.Highlights• "Epigenetic therapy" could reduce the burden of diabetic patients• "Epigenetic diet" ameliorates diabetes• Targeting epigenetic regulations by dietary flavonoids in the diabetes prevention• Dietary flavonoids prevent diabetes via transgenerational epigenetic inheritance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Han
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Grain-oil Deep Process and Quality Control, Hunan Key Laboratory of Forestry Edible Resources Safety and Processing, National Research Center of Rice Deep Processing and Byproducts, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, China
| | - Yi Luo
- Department of Clinic Medicine, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Bo Liu
- Central South Food Science Institute of Grain and Oil Co., Ltd., Hunan Grain Group Co., Ltd, Changsha, China
| | - Tianyi Guo
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Grain-oil Deep Process and Quality Control, Hunan Key Laboratory of Forestry Edible Resources Safety and Processing, National Research Center of Rice Deep Processing and Byproducts, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, China
| | - Dandan Qin
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Grain-oil Deep Process and Quality Control, Hunan Key Laboratory of Forestry Edible Resources Safety and Processing, National Research Center of Rice Deep Processing and Byproducts, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, China
| | - Feijun Luo
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Grain-oil Deep Process and Quality Control, Hunan Key Laboratory of Forestry Edible Resources Safety and Processing, National Research Center of Rice Deep Processing and Byproducts, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, China
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3
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Wang X, Li H, Mu H, Zhang S, Li Y, Han X, Zhang L, Xiang W. Melatonin improves the quality of rotenone-exposed mouse oocytes through association with histone modifications. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 262:115186. [PMID: 37393821 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Rotenone, an insecticide that inhibits mitochondrial complex I and generates oxidative stress, is responsible for neurological disorders and affects the female reproductive system. However, the underlying mechanism is not fully understood. Melatonin, a potential free-radical scavenger, has been shown to protect the reproductive system from oxidative damage. In this study, we investigated the impact of rotenone on mouse oocyte quality and evaluated the protective effect of melatonin on oocytes exposed to rotenone. Our results showed that rotenone impaired mouse oocyte maturation and early embryo cleavage. However, melatonin prevented these negative effects by ameliorating rotenone-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and dynamic imbalance, intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis damage, ER stress, early apoptosis, meiotic spindle formation disruption, and aneuploidy in oocytes. Additionally, RNA sequencing analysis showed that rotenone exposure changed the expression of multiple genes involved in histone methylation and acetylation modifications that result in mouse meiotic defects. However, melatonin partially rescued these defects. These findings suggest that melatonin has protective effects against rotenone-induced mouse oocyte defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofei Wang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; The First College of Clinical Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Huiying Li
- The First College of Clinical Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Hongbei Mu
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shaozhe Zhang
- Wuhan National High Magnetic Field Center, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuanyuan Li
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaotao Han
- Wuhan National High Magnetic Field Center, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Ling Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Wenpei Xiang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
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Degueldre F, Aron S. Long-term sperm storage in eusocial Hymenoptera. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2023; 98:567-583. [PMID: 36397639 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
In internally fertilizing species, sperm transfer is not always immediately followed by egg fertilization, and female sperm storage (FSS) may occur. FSS is a phenomenon in which females store sperm in a specialized organ for periods lasting from a few hours to several years, depending on the species. Eusocial hymenopterans (ants, social bees, and social wasps) hold the record for FSS duration. In these species, mating takes place during a single nuptial flight that occurs early in adult life for both sexes; they never mate again. Males die quickly after copulation but survive posthumously as sperm stored in their mates' spermathecae. Reproductive females, also known as queens, have a much longer life expectancy, up to 20 years in some species. Here, we review what is currently known about the molecular adaptations underlying the remarkable FSS capacities in eusocial hymenopterans. Because sperm quality is crucial to the reproductive success of both sexes, we also discuss the mechanisms involved in sperm storage and preservation in the male seminal vesicles prior to ejaculation. Finally, we propose future research directions that should broaden our understanding of this unique biological phenomenon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Félicien Degueldre
- Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, CP 160/12, Université Libre de Bruxelles, B-1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Serge Aron
- Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, CP 160/12, Université Libre de Bruxelles, B-1050, Brussels, Belgium
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Odroniec A, Olszewska M, Kurpisz M. Epigenetic markers in the embryonal germ cell development and spermatogenesis. Basic Clin Androl 2023; 33:6. [PMID: 36814207 PMCID: PMC9948345 DOI: 10.1186/s12610-022-00179-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is the process of generation of male reproductive cells from spermatogonial stem cells in the seminiferous epithelium of the testis. During spermatogenesis, key spermatogenic events such as stem cell self-renewal and commitment to meiosis, meiotic recombination, meiotic sex chromosome inactivation, followed by cellular and chromatin remodeling of elongating spermatids occur, leading to sperm cell production. All the mentioned events are at least partially controlled by the epigenetic modifications of DNA and histones. Additionally, during embryonal development in primordial germ cells, global epigenetic reprogramming of DNA occurs. In this review, we summarized the most important epigenetic modifications in the particular stages of germ cell development, in DNA and histone proteins, starting from primordial germ cells, during embryonal development, and ending with histone-to-protamine transition during spermiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amadeusz Odroniec
- grid.413454.30000 0001 1958 0162Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Strzeszynska 32, 60–479 Poznan, Poland
| | - Marta Olszewska
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Strzeszynska 32, 60-479, Poznan, Poland.
| | - Maciej Kurpisz
- grid.413454.30000 0001 1958 0162Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Strzeszynska 32, 60–479 Poznan, Poland
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Bekdash RA. Methyl Donors, Epigenetic Alterations, and Brain Health: Understanding the Connection. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032346. [PMID: 36768667 PMCID: PMC9917111 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Methyl donors such as choline, betaine, folic acid, methionine, and vitamins B6 and B12 are critical players in the one-carbon metabolism and have neuroprotective functions. The one-carbon metabolism comprises a series of interconnected chemical pathways that are important for normal cellular functions. Among these pathways are those of the methionine and folate cycles, which contribute to the formation of S-adenosylmethionine (SAM). SAM is the universal methyl donor of methylation reactions such as histone and DNA methylation, two epigenetic mechanisms that regulate gene expression and play roles in human health and disease. Epigenetic mechanisms have been considered a bridge between the effects of environmental factors, such as nutrition, and phenotype. Studies in human and animal models have indicated the importance of the optimal levels of methyl donors on brain health and behavior across the lifespan. Imbalances in the levels of these micronutrients during critical periods of brain development have been linked to epigenetic alterations in the expression of genes that regulate normal brain function. We present studies that support the link between imbalances in the levels of methyl donors, epigenetic alterations, and stress-related disorders. Appropriate levels of these micronutrients should then be monitored at all stages of development for a healthier brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rola A Bekdash
- Department of Biological Sciences, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ 07102, USA
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Human Sperm Morphology as a Marker of Its Nuclear Quality and Epigenetic Pattern. Cells 2022; 11:cells11111788. [PMID: 35681482 PMCID: PMC9180039 DOI: 10.3390/cells11111788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Human sperm chromatin condensation is a sum of epigenetic events that allows for the near-complete replacement of histones with protamines. Under high-magnification microscopy, nuclear vacuoles have been described as thumbprints with poor chromatin condensation. The objective of this study is to examine whether vacuolated spermatozoa carry specific epigenetic marks, which may influence embryo development. Methods: The presence and three-dimensional distribution of ten epigenetic marks (protamine-P2, histone-H3, H3K4me1/me2/me3, H3K9me1/me2/me3, H3K27me3, H4k20me2) were evaluated and compared in morphometrically normal spermatozoa according to the presence or absence of a large vacuole occupying more than 15% of the head surface (n = 4193). Results: Vacuolated spermatozoa were significantly more frequently labelled with H3 and H3K4me3 than normal spermatozoa (88.1% ± 2.7 and 78.5% ± 5.2 vs. 74.8% ± 4.8 and 49.1% ± 7.4, respectively; p = 0.009 and p < 0.001) and significantly less marked by P2 and H3K27me3 (50.2% ± 6.2 and 63.9% ± 6.3 vs. 82.1% ± 4.4 and 73.6% ± 5.1, respectively; p < 0.001 and p = 0.028). In three dimensions, vacuoles are nuclear concavities filled with DNA carrying the H3K4me3 marker. Conclusion: High-magnification microscopy is a simple tool to estimate in real time the sperm epigenetic profile. The selection of normal spermatozoa without vacuoles and the deselection of spermatozoa with vacuoles appear to be epigenetically favorable to embryo development and safe offspring.
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Braz CU, Taylor T, Namous H, Townsend J, Crenshaw T, Khatib H. Paternal diet induces transgenerational epigenetic inheritance of DNA methylation signatures and phenotypes in sheep model. PNAS NEXUS 2022; 1:pgac040. [PMID: 36713326 PMCID: PMC9802161 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgac040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Transgenerational epigenetic inheritance (TEI) requires transmission of environmentally induced epigenetic changes and associated phenotypes to subsequent generations without continued exposure to the environmental factor that originated the change. TEI is well-established in plants and Caenorhabditis elegans; however, occurrence in mammals is debated and poorly understood. Here, we examined whether paternal diet from weaning to puberty-induced changes in sperm DNA methylation that were transmitted to subsequent generations. Over 100 methylated cytosines, environmentally altered in the F0 generation, were inherited by the F1 and F2 generations. Furthermore, the F0 paternal diet was associated with growth and male fertility phenotypes in subsequent generations. Differentially methylated cytosines were correlated with gene expression. Our results demonstrate that some sperm methylation sites may escape DNA methylation erasure and are transmitted to subsequent generations despite the 2 waves of epigenetic programming: in primordial germ cells and in embryos after fertilization. These results advance our understanding of the complex relationships between nature and nurture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila U Braz
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Todd Taylor
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Hadjer Namous
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Jessica Townsend
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Thomas Crenshaw
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
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9
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Bekdash RA. Early Life Nutrition and Mental Health: The Role of DNA Methylation. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13093111. [PMID: 34578987 PMCID: PMC8469584 DOI: 10.3390/nu13093111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Does the quality of our diet during early life impact our long-term mental health? Accumulating evidence suggests that nutrition interacts with our genes and that there is a strong association between the quality of diet and mental health throughout life. Environmental influences such as maternal diet during pregnancy or offspring diet have been shown to cause epigenetic changes during critical periods of development, such as chemical modifications of DNA or histones by methylation for the regulation of gene expression. One-carbon metabolism, which consists of the folate and methionine cycles, is influenced by the diet and generates S-Adenosylmethinoine (SAM), the main methyl donor for methylation reactions such as DNA and histone methylation. This review provides current knowledge on how the levels of one-carbon metabolism associated micronutrients such as choline, betaine, folate, methionine and B vitamins that play a role in brain function can impact our well-being and mental health across the lifespan. Micronutrients that act as methyl donors for SAM formation could affect global or gene methylation, altering gene expression and phenotype. Strategies should then be adopted to better understand how these nutrients work and their impact at different stages of development to provide individualized dietary recommendations for better mental health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rola A Bekdash
- Department of Biological Sciences, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ 07102, USA
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10
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Rotondo JC, Lanzillotti C, Mazziotta C, Tognon M, Martini F. Epigenetics of Male Infertility: The Role of DNA Methylation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:689624. [PMID: 34368137 PMCID: PMC8339558 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.689624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, a number of studies focused on the role of epigenetics, including DNA methylation, in spermatogenesis and male infertility. We aimed to provide an overview of the knowledge concerning the gene and genome methylation and its regulation during spermatogenesis, specifically in the context of male infertility etiopathogenesis. Overall, the findings support the hypothesis that sperm DNA methylation is associated with sperm alterations and infertility. Several genes have been found to be differentially methylated in relation to impaired spermatogenesis and/or reproductive dysfunction. Particularly, DNA methylation defects of MEST and H19 within imprinted genes and MTHFR within non-imprinted genes have been repeatedly linked with male infertility. A deep knowledge of sperm DNA methylation status in association with reduced reproductive potential could improve the development of novel diagnostic tools for this disease. Further studies are needed to better elucidate the mechanisms affecting methylation in sperm and their impact on male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Charles Rotondo
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Carmen Lanzillotti
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Chiara Mazziotta
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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11
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Sperm Methylome Profiling Can Discern Fertility Levels in the Porcine Biomedical Model. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22052679. [PMID: 33800945 PMCID: PMC7961483 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
A combined Genotyping By Sequencing (GBS) and methylated DNA immunoprecipitation (MeDIP) protocol was used to identify—in parallel—genetic variation (Genomic-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) and epigenetic differences of Differentially Methylated Regions (DMR) in the genome of spermatozoa from the porcine animal model. Breeding boars with good semen quality (n = 11) and specific and well-documented differences in fertility (farrowing rate, FR) and prolificacy (litter size, LS) (n = 7) in artificial insemination programs, using combined FR and LS, were categorized as High Fertile (HF, n = 4) or Low Fertile (LF, n = 3), and boars with Unknown Fertility (UF, n = 4) were tested for eventual epigenetical similarity with those fertility-proven. We identified 165,944 Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) that explained 14–15% of variance among selection lines. Between HF and LF individuals (n = 7, 4 HF and 3 LF), we identified 169 SNPs with p ≤ 0.00015, which explained 58% of the variance. For the epigenetic analyses, we considered fertility and period of ejaculate collection (late-summer and mid-autumn). Approximately three times more DMRs were observed in HF than in LF boars across these periods. Interestingly, UF boars were clearly clustered with one of the other HF or LF groups. The highest differences in DMRs between HF and LF experimental groups across the pig genome were located in the chr 3, 9, 13, and 16, with most DMRs being hypermethylated in LF boars. In both HF and LF boars, DMRs were mostly hypermethylated in late-summer compared to mid-autumn. Three overlaps were detected between SNPs (p ≤ 0.0005, n = 1318) and CpG sites within DMRs. In conclusion, fertility levels in breeding males including FR and LS can be discerned using methylome analyses. The findings in this biomedical animal model ought to be applied besides sire selection for andrological diagnosis of idiopathic sub/infertility.
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Salmanzadeh H, Ahmadi-Soleimani SM, Azadi M, Halliwell RF, Azizi H. Adolescent Substance Abuse, Transgenerational Consequences and Epigenetics. Curr Neuropharmacol 2021; 19:1560-1569. [PMID: 33655865 PMCID: PMC8762180 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x19666210303121519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Adolescence is the transitional period between childhood and adulthood and a critical period in brain development. Adolescence in humans is also associated with increased expression of risk-taking behaviors. Epidemiological and clinical studies, for example, show a surge of drug abuse and raise the hypothesis that the adolescent brain undergoes critical changes resulting in diminished control. Determining how substance abuse during this critical period might cause longterm neurobiological changes in cognition and behavior is therefore critically important. The present work aims to provide an evaluation of the transgenerational and multi-generational phenotypes derived from parent animals exposed to drugs of abuse only during their adolescence. Specifically, we will consider changes found following the administration of cannabinoids, nicotine, alcohol and opiates. In addition, epigenetic modifications of the genome following drug exposure will be discussed as emerging evidence of the underlying adverse transgenerational effects. Notwithstanding, much of the new data discussed here is from animal models, indicating that future clinical studies are much needed to better understand the neurobiological consequences and mechanisms of drug actions on the human brains' development and maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Robert F. Halliwell
- Address correspondence to this author at the TJ Long School of Pharmacy, University of the Pacific, Stockton, California, USA; Tel: +1 (209) 946 2074; E-mail: and Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran; Tel: +98-21-82884587; Fax: +98-21-82884528; E-mail:
| | - Hossein Azizi
- Address correspondence to this author at the TJ Long School of Pharmacy, University of the Pacific, Stockton, California, USA; Tel: +1 (209) 946 2074; E-mail: and Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran; Tel: +98-21-82884587; Fax: +98-21-82884528; E-mail:
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Torres-Flores U, Hernández-Hernández A. The Interplay Between Replacement and Retention of Histones in the Sperm Genome. Front Genet 2020; 11:780. [PMID: 32765595 PMCID: PMC7378789 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.00780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The genome of eukaryotes is highly organized within the cell nucleus, this organization per se elicits gene regulation and favors other mechanisms like cell memory throughout histones and their post-translational modifications. In highly specialized cells, like sperm, the genome is mostly organized by protamines, yet a significant portion of it remains organized by histones. This protamine-histone-DNA organization, known as sperm epigenome, is established during spermiogenesis. Specific histones and their post-translational modifications are retained at specific genomic sites and during embryo development these sites recapitulate their histone profile that harbored in the sperm nucleus. It is known that histones are the conduit of epigenetic memory from cell to cell, hence histones in the sperm epigenome may have a role in transmitting epigenetic memory from the sperm to the embryo. However, the exact function and mechanism of histone retention remains elusive. During spermatogenesis, most of the histones that organize the genome are replaced by protamines and their retention at specific regions may be deeply intertwined with the eviction and replacement mechanism. In this review we will cover some relevant aspects of histone replacement that in turn may help us to contextualize histone retention. In the end, we focus on the architectonical protein CTCF that is, so far, the only factor that has been directly linked to the histone retention process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulises Torres-Flores
- Biología de Células Individuales (BIOCELIN), Laboratorio de Investigación en Patología Experimental, Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Abrahan Hernández-Hernández
- Biología de Células Individuales (BIOCELIN), Laboratorio de Investigación en Patología Experimental, Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, Mexico City, Mexico
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Nutri-Epigenetics and Gut Microbiota: How Birth Care, Bonding and Breastfeeding Can Influence and Be Influenced? Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21145032. [PMID: 32708742 PMCID: PMC7404045 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21145032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Maternal lifestyle is an important factor in the programming of an infant's epigenome, in particular when considered alongside the mode of birth and choice of feeding method (i.e., breastfeeding or formula feeding). Beginning in utero, and during the first two years of an infant's life, cells acquire an epigenetic memory of the neonatal exposome which can be influential across the entire lifespan. Parental lifestyle (e.g., malnutrition, alcohol intake, smoke, stress, exposure to xenobiotics and/or drugs) can modify both the maternal and paternal epigenome, leading to epigenetic inheritance in their offspring. This review aims to outline the origin of early life modulation of the epigenome, and to share this fundamental concept with all the health care professionals involved in the development and provision of care during childbirth in order to inform future parents and clinicians of the importance of the this process and the key role it plays in the programming of a child's health.
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Gomez-Verjan JC, Barrera-Vázquez OS, García-Velázquez L, Samper-Ternent R, Arroyo P. Epigenetic variations due to nutritional status in early-life and its later impact on aging and disease. Clin Genet 2020; 98:313-321. [PMID: 32246454 DOI: 10.1111/cge.13748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Revised: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetics refers to changes in gene function, not resulting from the primary DNA sequence, influenced by the environment. It provides a link between the molecular regulation of the genome and the environmental signals exposed during the life of individuals (including lifestyle, social behavior, development, and nutrition). Notably, early development (intrauterine or postnatal) is highly influenced by the adverse socioeconomic status that leads to malnutrition or obesity; these conditions induce changes over the fetal epigenetic programming and can be transferred by transgenerational inheritance, inducing alterations of the transcription of genes related to several metabolic and neurological processes. Moreover, obesity during pregnancy, and excessive gestational weight gain are associated with an increased risk of fatal pregnancy complications, and adverse cardio-metabolic, respiratory and cognitive-related outcomes of the future child. However, most of our knowledge in this field comes from experimental animal models, that partially resemble the nutritional effects of humans. In this context, nutritional effects implicated in historical famines represent valuable information about the transgenerational effects of undernutrition and stress. In the present review, we attempt to describe the most outstanding results from the most studied famines about the impact of malnutrition on the epigenome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan C Gomez-Verjan
- División de Ciencias Básicas, Instituto Nacional de Geriatría (INGER), Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Lizbeth García-Velázquez
- Departamento de Medicina Genómica y Toxicología Ambiental, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Rafael Samper-Ternent
- Geriatric/Sealy Center on Aging, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Pedro Arroyo
- División de Epidemiología, Instituto Nacional de Geriatría (INGER), Mexico City, Mexico
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