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Bowes MM, Casares-Marfil D, Sawalha AH. Intestinal permeability correlates with disease activity and DNA methylation changes in lupus patients. Clin Immunol 2024; 262:110173. [PMID: 38460891 PMCID: PMC11009052 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2024.110173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or lupus) is a chronic autoimmune disease that can involve various organ systems. Several studies have suggested that increased intestinal permeability may play a role in the pathogenesis of lupus. The aim of this study was to elucidate the relationship between intestinal permeability, disease activity, and epigenetic changes in lupus patients. METHODS A total of 25 female lupus patients were included in this study. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) scores were used as indicator of disease activity. Plasma zonulin levels were measured, using an ELISA, as a marker of intestinal permeability. Genome-wide DNA methylation patterns were assessed in neutrophils for 19 of the lupus patients using the Infinium MethylationEPIC array. Linear regression and Pearson's correlation were used to evaluate the correlation between zonulin concentrations and SLEDAI scores. The relationship between DNA methylation levels and zonulin concentrations was assessed using beta regression, linear regression, and Pearson's correlation, adjusting for age and race. RESULTS Intestinal permeability positively correlated with disease activity in lupus patients (p-value = 7.60 × 10-3, r = 0.53). DNA methylation levels in 926 CpG sites significantly correlated with intestinal permeability. The highest correlation was identified in LRIG1 (cg14159396, FDR-adjusted p-value = 1.35 × 10-12, adjusted r2 = 0.92), which plays a role in intestinal homeostasis. Gene Ontologies related to cell-cell adhesion were enriched among the genes that were hypomethylated with increased intestinal permeability in lupus. CONCLUSION Our data suggest a correlation between increased intestinal permeability and disease activity in lupus patients. Further, increased intestinal permeability might be associated with epigenetic changes that could play a role in the pathogenesis of lupus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mckenna M Bowes
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Desiré Casares-Marfil
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - Amr H Sawalha
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Lupus Center of Excellence, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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Xu G, Yang Y, Lin Y, Bai Y. GEO dataset mining analysis reveals novel Staphylococcus aureus virulence gene regulatory networks and diagnostic targets in mice. Front Mol Biosci 2024; 11:1381334. [PMID: 38606287 PMCID: PMC11007229 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2024.1381334] [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: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus (S.) aureus infection is a serious, worldwide health concern, particularly in many communities and hospitals. Understanding the S. aureus pathogenetic regulatory network will provide significant insights into diagnostic target screening to improve clinical treatment of diseases caused by S. aureus. We screened differentially expressed genes between normal mice and S. aureus-infected mice. We used the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) DataSets database for functional analysis (GO-analysis) and the DAVID and KEGG databases for signaling pathway analyses. We next integrated the gene and pathway analyses with Transcriptional Regulatory Element Database (TRED) to build an antimicrobial resistance gene regulatory network of S. aureus. We performed association analysis of network genes and diseases using DAVID online annotation tools. We identified a total of 437 virulence genes and 15 transcription factors (TFs), as well as 444 corresponding target genes, in the S. aureus TF regulatory network. We screened seven key network nodes (Met, Mmp13, Il12b, Il4, Tnf, Ptgs2, and Ctsl), four key transcription factors (Jun, C3, Spil, and Il6) and an important signaling pathway (TNF). We hypothesized that the cytokine activity and growth factor activity of S. aureus are combinatorically cross-regulated by Met, Mmp13, Il12b, Il4, Tnf, Ptgs2, and Ctsl genes, the TFs Jun, C3, Spi1, and Il6, as well as the immune response, cellular response to lipopolysaccharide, and inflammatory response. Our study provides information and reference values for the molecular understanding of the S. aureus pathogenetic gene regulatory network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangyu Xu
- College of Pharmacy, Beihua University, Jilin, China
| | - Yue Yang
- College of Pharmacy, Beihua University, Jilin, China
| | - Yan Lin
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beihua University, Jilin, China
| | - Yu Bai
- College of Pharmacy, Jilin Medical University, Jilin, China
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Gravand A, Alesaeidi S, Khoshbakht S, Saghaei M, Kenarangi T, Mosallaei M, Soosanabadi M. Demethylation of CDKN2A in systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis: a blood biomarker for diagnosis and assessment of disease activity. Clin Rheumatol 2023; 42:3387-3395. [PMID: 37597101 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-023-06736-z] [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: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVES Considering the phenotypic and serological heterogeneity of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), significant challenges may intervene with the precise diagnosis. In this regard, numerous studies have shown that changes in DNA methylation levels can be used to distinguish between healthy individuals and those with SLE and RA, as well as to predict disease activity and prognosis. METHODS In the current study, we evaluated quantitative methylation level of CDKN2A promoter in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of SLE and RA patients, and healthy controls by methylation-quantification of endonuclease-resistant DNA (MethyQESD), a bisulfite conversion-independent method. RESULTS Our findings revealed an excessive hypomethylation of CDKN2A in SLE and RA patients compared to healthy individuals (P < 0.001). Besides, by determining efficient cutoff value, the specificity of CDKN2A for correct diagnosis of healthy subjects was measured to be 77.30% and the sensitivity for SLE and RA diagnosis were 81.33%, and 72%, respectively. Furthermore, CDKN2A methylation level was shown to be positively associated with C3 and C4 levels and negatively associated with anti‑dsDNA concentration (P < 0.001). Moreover, a statistically significant difference in the DNA methylation levels of CDKN2A promoter was identified between SLE cases with age of ≤ 18 and patients with > 18 years of age (P = 0.025). CONCLUSION Our findings demonstrated that CDKN2A methylation levels in PBMCs of SLE and RA patients could be used as a promising diagnostic biomarker. The significant association between hypomethylation of CDKN2A promoter and disease activity factors in SLE patients, is suggesting that CDKN2A hypomethylation could be used as an alternative biomarker for assessment of disease activity. Key Points • Several studies have reported increased expression of CDKN2A in SLE and RA suggesting that it may be involved in the pathogenesis of these disorders. • CDKN2A hypomethylation has been implicated in different autoimmune diseases. • Our findings demonstrated that CDKN2A methylation levels in PBMCs of SLE and RA patients could be used as a promising diagnostic and prognostic biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdollah Gravand
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Sciences, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Samira Alesaeidi
- Department of Internal Medicine and Rheumatology, Rheumatology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahrouz Khoshbakht
- Student Research Committee, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mozhdeh Saghaei
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Taiebe Kenarangi
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Statistics, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Meysam Mosallaei
- Personalized Medicine and Genometabolomics Research Center, Hope Generation Foundation, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohsen Soosanabadi
- Department of Medical Genetics, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran.
- Abnormal Uterine Bleeding Research Center, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran.
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Martínez-Enguita D, Dwivedi SK, Jörnsten R, Gustafsson M. NCAE: data-driven representations using a deep network-coherent DNA methylation autoencoder identify robust disease and risk factor signatures. Brief Bioinform 2023; 24:bbad293. [PMID: 37587790 PMCID: PMC10516364 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbad293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Precision medicine relies on the identification of robust disease and risk factor signatures from omics data. However, current knowledge-driven approaches may overlook novel or unexpected phenomena due to the inherent biases in biological knowledge. In this study, we present a data-driven signature discovery workflow for DNA methylation analysis utilizing network-coherent autoencoders (NCAEs) with biologically relevant latent embeddings. First, we explored the architecture space of autoencoders trained on a large-scale pan-tissue compendium (n = 75 272) of human epigenome-wide association studies. We observed the emergence of co-localized patterns in the deep autoencoder latent space representations that corresponded to biological network modules. We determined the NCAE configuration with the strongest co-localization and centrality signals in the human protein interactome. Leveraging the NCAE embeddings, we then trained interpretable deep neural networks for risk factor (aging, smoking) and disease (systemic lupus erythematosus) prediction and classification tasks. Remarkably, our NCAE embedding-based models outperformed existing predictors, revealing novel DNA methylation signatures enriched in gene sets and pathways associated with the studied condition in each case. Our data-driven biomarker discovery workflow provides a generally applicable pipeline to capture relevant risk factor and disease information. By surpassing the limitations of knowledge-driven methods, our approach enhances the understanding of complex epigenetic processes, facilitating the development of more effective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Martínez-Enguita
- Bioinformatics, Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology, Linköping University, Sweden
| | - Sanjiv K Dwivedi
- Bioinformatics, Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology, Linköping University, Sweden
| | - Rebecka Jörnsten
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden
| | - Mika Gustafsson
- Bioinformatics, Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology, Linköping University, Sweden
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Zhao Z, Zhang L, Ocansey DKW, Wang B, Mao F. The role of mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosome in epigenetic modifications in inflammatory diseases. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1166536. [PMID: 37261347 PMCID: PMC10227589 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1166536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic modification is a complex process of reversible and heritable alterations in gene function, and the combination of epigenetic and metabolic alterations is recognized as an important causative factor in diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), osteoarthritis (OA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and even tumors. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) and MSC-derived exosome (MSC-EXO) are widely studied in the treatment of inflammatory diseases, where they appear to be promising therapeutic agents, partly through the potent regulation of epigenetic modifications such as DNA methylation, acetylation, phosphorylation, and expression of regulatory non-coding RNAs, which affects the occurrence and development of inflammatory diseases. In this review, we summarize the current research on the role of MSC-EXO in inflammatory diseases through their modulation of epigenetic modifications and discuss its potential application in the treatment of inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zihan Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine of Jiangsu Province, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Nanjing Lishui People’s Hospital, Zhongda Hospital Lishui Branch, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Dickson Kofi Wiredu Ocansey
- Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine of Jiangsu Province, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
- Directorate of University Health Services, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Bo Wang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine of Jiangsu Province, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Fei Mao
- Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine of Jiangsu Province, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
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Nezhad Nezhad MT, Rajabi M, Nekooeizadeh P, Sanjari S, Pourvirdi B, Heidari MM, Veradi Esfahani P, Abdoli A, Bagheri S, Tobeiha M. Systemic lupus erythematosus: From non-coding RNAs to exosomal non-coding RNAs. Pathol Res Pract 2023; 247:154508. [PMID: 37224659 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), as an immunological illness, frequently impacts young females. Both vulnerabilities to SLE and the course of the illness's clinical symptoms have been demonstrated to be affected by individual differences in non-coding RNA expression. Many non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are out of whack in patients with SLE. Because of the dysregulation of several ncRNAs in peripheral blood of patients suffering from SLE, these ncRNAs to be showed valuable as biomarkers for medication response, diagnosis, and activity. NcRNAs have also been demonstrated to influence immune cell activity and apoptosis. Altogether, these facts highlight the need of investigating the roles of both families of ncRNAs in the progress of SLE. Being aware of the significance of these transcripts perhaps elucidates the molecular pathogenesis of SLE and could open up promising avenues to create tailored treatments during this condition. In this review we summarized various non-coding RNAs and Exosomal non-coding RNAs in SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mohammadreza Rajabi
- Student Research Committee، Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Pegah Nekooeizadeh
- Student Research Committee، Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Siavash Sanjari
- Student Research Committee, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran; School of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Bita Pourvirdi
- Student Research Committee, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran; School of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Mehdi Heidari
- School of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran; Department of Pediatric, Faculty of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Pegah Veradi Esfahani
- Student Research Committee, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran; School of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Abdoli
- Student Research Committee, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran; School of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Sahar Bagheri
- Diabetes Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Tobeiha
- School of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran; Department of Pediatric, Faculty of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran.
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Sung WY, Lin YZ, Hwang DY, Lin CH, Li RN, Tseng CC, Wu CC, Ou TT, Yen JH. Methylation of TET2 Promoter Is Associated with Global Hypomethylation and Hypohydroxymethylation in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12123006. [PMID: 36553013 PMCID: PMC9776498 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12123006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: It is widely accepted that aberrant methylation patterns contribute to the development of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Ten-eleven translocation (TET) methylcytosine dioxygenase is an essential enzyme of which there are three members, TET1, 2, and 3, involved in hydroxymethylation, a newly uncovered mechanism of active DNA methylation. The epigenomes of gene transcription are regulated by 5-hydroxymethylcytocine (5-hmC) and TETs, leading to dysregulation of the immune system in SLE. The purpose of this study was to investigate the global hydroxymethylation status in SLE peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and to explore the role of TETs in changing the patterns of methylation. (2) Methods: We collected PBMCs from 101 SLE patients and 100 healthy donors. TaqMan real-time polymerase chain-reaction assay was performed for the detection of 5-methylcytosine (5-mC), 5-hmC, and TET2 mRNA expression and single-nucleotide polymorphism genotyping. The methylation rates in different CpG sites of TET2 promoters were examined using next-generation sequencing-based deep bisulfite sequencing. Putative transcription factors were investigated using the UCSC Genome Browser on the Human Dec. 2013 (GRCh38/hg38) Assembly. (3) Results: 5-mC and 5-hmC were both decreased in SLE. The mRNA expression level of TET2 was notably high and found to be correlated with the levels of immunologic biomarkers that are indicative of SLE disease activity. The analysis of methylation rates in the TET2 promoter revealed that SLE patients had significantly higher and lower rates of methylation in TET2 105146072-154 and TET2 105146218-331, respectively. (4) Conclusions: TET2 may play an important role in 5-mC/5-hmC dynamics in the PBMCs of SLE patients. The epigenetic modification of TET2 promoters could contribute to the pathogenesis of SLE and the intensity of the immunologic reaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan-Yu Sung
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 80756, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (W.-Y.S.); (J.-H.Y.)
| | - Yuan-Zhao Lin
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 80756, Taiwan
| | - Daw-Yang Hwang
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, Tainan 350401, Taiwan
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 80756, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Hui Lin
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 80756, Taiwan
| | - Ruei-Nian Li
- Department of Biomedical Science and Environmental Biology, College of Life Science, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80756, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Chun Tseng
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 80756, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Chin Wu
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 80756, Taiwan
| | - Tsan-Teng Ou
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 80756, Taiwan
| | - Jeng-Hsien Yen
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 80756, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
- College of Biological Science and Technology, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 30010, Taiwan
- Institute of Medical Science and Technology, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung 80424, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (W.-Y.S.); (J.-H.Y.)
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Epigenetic Dysregulation in Autoimmune and Inflammatory Skin Diseases. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol 2022; 63:447-471. [DOI: 10.1007/s12016-022-08956-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Yang Y, Liu K, Liu M, Zhang H, Guo M. EZH2: Its regulation and roles in immune disturbance of SLE. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1002741. [DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1002741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is related to immune homeostasis imbalance. Epigenetic mechanisms have played a significant role in breaking immune tolerance. Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), the specific methylation transferase of lysine at position 27 of histone 3, is currently found to participate in the pathogenesis of SLE through affecting multiple components of the immune system. This review mainly expounds the mechanisms underlying EZH2-mediated disruption of immune homeostasis in SLE patients, hoping to provide new ideas in the pathogenesis of SLE and new targets for future treatment.
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Humoral and cellular response in convalescent COVID-19 lupus patients. Sci Rep 2022; 12:13787. [PMID: 35962159 PMCID: PMC9374301 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-17334-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
In SLE, underlying immune dysregulation and immunosuppression may increase the susceptibility to COVID-19 and impair the humoral and adaptive response. We aimed to characterize COVID-19 infection, identifying susceptibility and severity risk factors, assessing the presence of SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies and analyzing the cellular response. We established a prospective cohort of lupus patients to estimate the COVID-19 incidence compared to the reference general population. Data were collected via telephone interviews and medical record review. SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies were measured cross-sectionally as part of routine surveillance. Longitudinal changes in antibody titers and immunological profile from convalescent COVID-19 patients were evaluated at 6, 12 and 24 week after symptom onset. From immunological studies, PBMCs from convalescent patients were extracted and analyzed by flow cytometry and gene expression analysis. We included 725 patients, identifying 29 with PCR-confirmed COVID-19 infection and 16 with COVID-19-like symptoms without PCR-testing. Of the 29 confirmed cases, 7 had severe disease, 8 required hospital admission (27.6%), 4 intensive care, and 1 died. COVID-19 accumulated incidence was higher in lupus patients. Health care workers and anti-SSA/Ro52 antibody positivity were risk factors for COVID-19 susceptibility, and hypocomplementemia for severity. SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies were detected in 8.33% of patients. Three fourths of confirmed COVID-19 cases developed antibodies. High prednisone doses were associated with lack of antibody response. Antibody titers declined over time (39%). Convalescent patients at week 12 after symptom onset displayed a CD8+T cell reduction and predominant Th17 with a mild Th2 response, more pronounced in severe COVID-19 disease. Longitudinal immune response analysis showed a progressive sustained increase in CD8+ T and B memory cells with a decrease of Th17 signaling. Lupus patients are at higher risk of COVID-19 infection and new susceptibility and severity risk factors were identified. Lupus patients were able to mount humoral and cellular responses despite immunosuppressive therapy.
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Dias LNDS, Coêlho MDC, Persuhn DC, Ribeiro ILA, Freire EAM, de Oliveira NFP, de Aquino SG. DNMT3B (rs2424913) polymorphism is associated with systemic lupus erythematosus alone and with co-existing periodontitis in a Brazilian population. J Appl Oral Sci 2022; 30:e20210567. [PMID: 35507987 PMCID: PMC9064189 DOI: 10.1590/1678-7757-2021-0567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The association between Periodontitis and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) has been primarily based on their similar pathophysiology and both are associated with genetic polymorphisms. OBJECTIVES To investigate an association between the methylation-related gene polymorphisms DNMT3B (rs2424913) and MTHFR (rs1801133) to Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and Periodontitis. METHODOLOGY In total, 196 individuals of all genders aged 24 to 60 years old were allocated into four groups based on their systemic and periodontal status, namely: Healthy control (n=60), periodontitis (n=51), SLE (n=47), and SLE + periodontitis (n=38). Individuals with SLE were stratified according to disease activity (SLEDAI) in inactive or active. We performed polymorphism analysis using PCR-RFLP with genomic DNA from mouthwash. We analyzed data using Fisher's Exact, Chi-square test, and regression models. RESULTS Periodontal status were similar in subjects with periodontitis alone and combined with SLE. SLE patients with periodontitis had a longer SLE diagnosis than SLE only (p=0.001). For DNMT3 B polymorphism, the periodontitis, SLE, and Inactive SLE + periodontitis groups showed a higher frequency of T allele and TT genotypes compared to healthy controls (p<0.05). Regression analyses showed that the TT genotype is a strong risk factor for periodontitis (OR=4.53; CI95%=1.13-18.05) and also for SLE without periodontitis (OR=11.57; CI95%=3.12-42.84) and SLE with periodontitis (OR=5.27; CI95%=1.25-22.11) when compared to control. CONCLUSION SLE patients with periodontitis had a longer length of SLE diagnosis. The DNMT3B (rs2424913) polymorphism was associated with periodontitis and SLE alone or combined with periodontitis. Our study contributes to understanding the genetic mechanisms involved in periodontitis and SLE susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Nadine da Silva Dias
- Universidade Federal da ParaíbaCentro de Ciências da SaúdePrograma de Pós Graduação em OdontologiaJoão PessoaPBBrasilUniversidade Federal da Paraíba - UFPB, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Programa de Pós Graduação em Odontologia, João Pessoa, PB, Brasil.
| | - Marina de Castro Coêlho
- Universidade Federal da ParaíbaCentro de Ciências da SaúdePrograma de Pós Graduação em OdontologiaJoão PessoaPBBrasilUniversidade Federal da Paraíba - UFPB, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Programa de Pós Graduação em Odontologia, João Pessoa, PB, Brasil.
| | - Darlene Camati Persuhn
- Universidade Federal da ParaíbaCentro de Ciências Exatas e da NaturezaDepartamento de Biologia MolecularJoão PessoaPBBrasilUniversidade Federal da Paraíba - UFPB, Centro de Ciências Exatas e da Natureza, Departamento de Biologia Molecular, João Pessoa, PB, Brasil.
| | - Isabella Lima Arrais Ribeiro
- Universidade Federal da ParaíbaCentro de Ciências da SaúdePrograma de Pós Graduação em OdontologiaJoão PessoaPBBrasilUniversidade Federal da Paraíba - UFPB, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Programa de Pós Graduação em Odontologia, João Pessoa, PB, Brasil.
| | - Eutilia Andrade Medeiros Freire
- Universidade Federal da ParaíbaCentro de Ciências MédicasDepartamento de Medicina InternaJoão PessoaPBBrasilUniversidade Federal da Paraíba - UFPB, Centro de Ciências Médicas, Departamento de Medicina Interna, João Pessoa, PB-Brasil.
| | - Naila Francis Paulo de Oliveira
- Universidade Federal da ParaíbaCentro de Ciências da SaúdePrograma de Pós Graduação em OdontologiaJoão PessoaPBBrasilUniversidade Federal da Paraíba - UFPB, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Programa de Pós Graduação em Odontologia, João Pessoa, PB, Brasil.
- Universidade Federal da ParaíbaCentro de Ciências Exatas e da NaturezaDepartamento de Biologia MolecularJoão PessoaPBBrasilUniversidade Federal da Paraíba - UFPB, Centro de Ciências Exatas e da Natureza, Departamento de Biologia Molecular, João Pessoa, PB, Brasil.
| | - Sabrina Garcia de Aquino
- Universidade Federal da ParaíbaCentro de Ciências da SaúdeDepartamento de Odontologia Clínica e SocialJoão PessoaPBBrasilUniversidade Federal da Paraíba- UFPB, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Departamento de Odontologia Clínica e Social, João Pessoa, PB, Brasil.
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12
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Yang H, Lu Y, Yang H, Zhu Y, Tang Y, Li L, Liu C, Yuan J. Integrated weighted gene co-expression network analysis uncovers STAT1(signal transducer and activator of transcription 1) and IFI44L (interferon-induced protein 44-like) as key genes in pulmonary arterial hypertension. Bioengineered 2021; 12:6021-6034. [PMID: 34516357 PMCID: PMC8806536 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2021.1972200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the multiple diagnostic and therapeutic strategies implemented in clinical practice, the mortality rate of patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) remains high. Understanding the mechanisms and key genes involved could provide insight into the drivers of the pathogenesis of PAH. In this research, we aimed to examine the mechanisms underlying PAH and identify key genes with potential usefulness as clinical biomarkers of PAH and thereby establish therapeutic targets for PAH. The datasets GSE117261, GSE113439, and GSE53408 were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEOs) database. We used weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) to identify networks and the most relevant modules in PAH. Functional enrichment analysis was performed for the selected clinically relevant modules. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) was applied to identify key genes in lung samples from patients with PAH. The genes were validated in a monocrotaline-induced PAH rat model. Three clinically relevant modules were identified through average linkage hierarchical clustering. The genes in the clinically relevant modules were related to endothelial cell differentiation, inflammation, and autoimmunity. Seven genes were screened as key genes significantly associated with PAH. Interferon-induced protein 44-like (IFI44L) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) were expressed at higher levels in the lung tissues of the PAH rat model than in those of the controls. Our findings reveal the novel pathological mechanisms underlying PAH and indicate that STAT1 and IFI44L may represent potential therapeutic targets in PAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Yang
- Department of Cardiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yang Lu
- Department of Cardiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hongmin Yang
- Department of Cardiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yaoxi Zhu
- Department of Cardiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yaohan Tang
- Department of Cardiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Lixia Li
- Department of Cardiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Changhu Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jing Yuan
- Department of Cardiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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13
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Yavuz S, Lipsky PE. Current Status of the Evaluation and Management of Lupus Patients and Future Prospects. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:682544. [PMID: 34124113 PMCID: PMC8193052 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.682544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The vastly diverse nature of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) poses great challenges to clinicians and patients, as well as to research and drug development efforts. Precise management of lupus patients would be advanced by the ability to identify specific abnormalities operative in individual patients at the time of encounter with the clinician. Advances in new technologies and bioinformatics have greatly improved the understanding of the pathophysiology of SLE. Recent research has focused on the discovery and classification of sensitive and specific markers that could aid early accurate diagnosis, better monitoring of disease and identification of appropriate therapy choices based on specific dysregulated molecular pathways. Here, we summarize some of the advances and discuss the challenges in moving toward precise patient-centric management modalities in SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sule Yavuz
- Department of Medical Sciences, Rheumatology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Peter E Lipsky
- Ampel BioSolutions and Re-Imagine Lupus Investigation, Treatment and Education Research Institute, Charlottesville, VA, United States
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14
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Wu L, Jiang X, Qi C, Zhang C, Qu B, Shen N. EZH2 Inhibition Interferes With the Activation of Type I Interferon Signaling Pathway and Ameliorates Lupus Nephritis in NZB/NZW F1 Mice. Front Immunol 2021; 12:653989. [PMID: 33868295 PMCID: PMC8044841 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.653989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is a histone-lysine N-methyltransferase mediating trimethylation of H3K27, which represses gene expression and is critical to immune regulation. Inhibition of EZH2 is proved to have the potential of treating many diseases. However, whether inhibition of EZH2 affects type I interferon (IFN-I) signaling pathway, the abnormality of which is an important pathogenic mechanism for SLE, is still elusive. Here, we report, unexpectedly, a positive regulatory function of EZH2 in IFN-I signaling pathway, which contributes to the overactivation of IFN-I signaling pathway in SLE. We show that the expression of EZH2 was upregulated and positively correlated with the overexpression of interferon stimulated genes (ISGs) in both peripheral blood mononuclear cells and renal tissues of SLE patients. In vitro inhibition of EZH2 by either siRNAs or chemical inhibitors reduced the phosphorylation of STAT1 and the induction of ISGs stimulated by IFN-I. Additionally, inhibition of EZH2 interfered with the in vivo and ex vivo activation of IFN-I signaling pathway elicited by intravenous injection of adenovirus vector expressing mouse IFN-α5 and exogeneous stimulation with IFN-α, respectively. We evaluated the therapeutic effects of EZH2 inhibitor in NZB/NZW F1 mice which depend on IFN-I signaling pathway for the lupus-like disease development. Administration of EZH2 inhibitor prolonged the survival, reduced the levels of anti-dsDNA autoantibodies, and improved lupus nephritis of the mice. What’s more, EZH2 inhibitor attenuated the expression of ISGs in the kidneys of these mice. In summary, we show that excessive EZH2 contributes to the overactivation of IFN-I signaling pathway in SLE. EZH2 inhibitor has the potential to inhibit IFN-I signaling pathway and alleviate lupus nephritis. Additionally, diverse disease driving pathways exist among systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patient, and even in the same patients. Common regulators of different pathogenic pathways can be multivalent therapeutic targets. Together with previous studies showing EZH2 is involved in T-cell and B-cell mediated immune responses, EZH2 could be a potent multivalent therapeutic target for SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingling Wu
- Department of Rheumatology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoyue Jiang
- Department of Rheumatology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chaojun Qi
- Department of Nephrology, Molecular Cell Lab for Kidney Disease, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chunyan Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bo Qu
- Department of Rheumatology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shenzhen Futian Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, Shenzhen, China.,State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Nan Shen
- Department of Rheumatology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shenzhen Futian Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, Shenzhen, China.,State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Center for Autoimmune Genomics and Etiology (CAGE), Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
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15
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Li T, Yu C, Zhuang S. Histone Methyltransferase EZH2: A Potential Therapeutic Target for Kidney Diseases. Front Physiol 2021; 12:640700. [PMID: 33679454 PMCID: PMC7930071 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.640700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is a histone-lysine N-methyltransferase enzyme that catalyzes the addition of methyl groups to histone H3 at lysine 27, leading to gene silencing. Mutation or over-expression of EZH2 has been linked to many cancers including renal carcinoma. Recent studies have shown that EZH2 expression and activity are also increased in several animal models of kidney injury, such as acute kidney injury (AKI), renal fibrosis, diabetic nephropathy, lupus nephritis (LN), and renal transplantation rejection. The pharmacological and/or genetic inhibition of EZH2 can alleviate AKI, renal fibrosis, and LN, but potentiate podocyte injury in animal models, suggesting that the functional role of EZH2 varies with renal cell type and disease model. In this article, we summarize the role of EZH2 in the pathology of renal injury and relevant mechanisms and highlight EZH2 as a potential therapeutic target for kidney diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Li
- Department of Nephrology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chao Yu
- Department of Nephrology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shougang Zhuang
- Department of Nephrology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Department of Medicine, Alpert Medical School and Rhode Island Hospital, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
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16
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Dourmishev L, Guleva D, Pozharashka J, Drenovska K, Miteva L, Vassileva S. Autoimmune connective tissue diseases in the COVID-19 pandemic. Clin Dermatol 2021; 39:56-63. [PMID: 33972054 PMCID: PMC7833035 DOI: 10.1016/j.clindermatol.2020.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Autoimmune connective tissue diseases are a heterogeneous group of clinical entities sharing a common feature-an impairment of structural components like collagen and elastin, arising by autoimmune mechanisms. Because most patients are on a long-term immunosuppressive therapy, which renders them vulnerable to infections, a new challenge appears in front of physicians in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) era. Immune mechanisms are substantial for the control and ceasing of viral infections, and their impairment may cause serious complications; however, data from immunosuppressed transplant patients do not reveal a higher frequency or diseases' severity in those infected by COVID-19. Several immunotherapies used to treat autoimmune connective tissue diseases favorably modulate the immune response of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2)-infected patients. The present review highlights the problems of susceptibility, severity, and therapeutic options in patients with autoimmune connective tissue diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic. The relationship between autoimmune connective tissue diseases and COVID-19 infection is explained with antiviral protection genes expression, hypercytokinemia, and lymphohistiocytosis/macrophage activation mechanisms. Recommendations concerning therapy for prevention during the pandemic period or in case of concomitant COVID-19 infection are also presented. Clinical trials are ongoing regarding COVID-19 therapy blocking the cytokine response. © 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lyubomir Dourmishev
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Medical University, Sofia, Bulgaria.
| | - Dimitrina Guleva
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Medical University, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Joana Pozharashka
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Medical University, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Kossara Drenovska
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Medical University, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Lyubka Miteva
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Medical University, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Snejina Vassileva
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Medical University, Sofia, Bulgaria
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17
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Tsai CY, Shen CY, Liu CW, Hsieh SC, Liao HT, Li KJ, Lu CS, Lee HT, Lin CS, Wu CH, Kuo YM, Yu CL. Aberrant Non-Coding RNA Expression in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Consequences for Immune Dysfunctions and Tissue Damage. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10121641. [PMID: 33291347 PMCID: PMC7762297 DOI: 10.3390/biom10121641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex systemic autoimmune disease with heterogeneous clinical manifestations. A diverse innate and adaptive immune dysregulation is involved in the immunopathogenesis of SLE. The dysregulation of immune-related cells may derive from the intricate interactions among genetic, epigenetic, environmental, and immunological factors. Of these contributing factors, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs (miRNAs, miRs), and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play critical roles in the post-transcriptional mRNA expression of cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors, which are essential for immune modulation. In the present review, we emphasize the roles of ncRNA expression in the immune-related cells and cell-free plasma, urine, and tissues contributing to the immunopathogenesis and tissue damage in SLE. In addition, the circular RNAs (circRNA) and their post-translational regulation of protein synthesis in SLE are also briefly described. We wish these critical reviews would be useful in the search for biomarkers/biosignatures and novel therapeutic strategies for SLE patients in the future.
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MESH Headings
- Adaptive Immunity/genetics
- Autoimmunity/genetics
- Chemokines/genetics
- Chemokines/immunology
- Dendritic Cells/immunology
- Dendritic Cells/pathology
- Gene Expression Regulation
- Humans
- Immunity, Innate/genetics
- Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/genetics
- Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/immunology
- Killer Cells, Natural/immunology
- Killer Cells, Natural/pathology
- Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/blood
- Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/genetics
- Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/immunology
- Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/pathology
- MicroRNAs/genetics
- MicroRNAs/immunology
- Neutrophils/immunology
- Neutrophils/pathology
- RNA, Circular/genetics
- RNA, Circular/immunology
- RNA, Long Noncoding/genetics
- RNA, Long Noncoding/immunology
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes/pathology
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang-Youh Tsai
- Division of Allergy, Immunology & Rheumatology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital and National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 11217, Taiwan; (C.-W.L.); (H.-T.L.)
- Correspondence: (C.-Y.T.); (C.-L.Y.)
| | - Chieh-Yu Shen
- Division of Rheumatology, Immunology, & Allergy, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 10002, Taiwan; (C.-Y.S.); (S.-C.H.); (K.-J.L.); (C.-S.L.); (C.-H.W.); (Y.-M.K.)
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University School of Medicine, Taipei 10002, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Wei Liu
- Division of Allergy, Immunology & Rheumatology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital and National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 11217, Taiwan; (C.-W.L.); (H.-T.L.)
| | - Song-Chou Hsieh
- Division of Rheumatology, Immunology, & Allergy, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 10002, Taiwan; (C.-Y.S.); (S.-C.H.); (K.-J.L.); (C.-S.L.); (C.-H.W.); (Y.-M.K.)
| | - Hsien-Tzung Liao
- Division of Allergy, Immunology & Rheumatology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital and National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 11217, Taiwan; (C.-W.L.); (H.-T.L.)
| | - Ko-Jen Li
- Division of Rheumatology, Immunology, & Allergy, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 10002, Taiwan; (C.-Y.S.); (S.-C.H.); (K.-J.L.); (C.-S.L.); (C.-H.W.); (Y.-M.K.)
| | - Cheng-Shiun Lu
- Division of Rheumatology, Immunology, & Allergy, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 10002, Taiwan; (C.-Y.S.); (S.-C.H.); (K.-J.L.); (C.-S.L.); (C.-H.W.); (Y.-M.K.)
| | - Hui-Ting Lee
- Mackay Memorial Hospital and Mackay College of Medicine, Taipei 10449, Taiwan;
| | - Cheng-Sung Lin
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Ministry of Health and Welfare Taipei Hospital, New Taipei City 24213, Taiwan;
| | - Cheng-Han Wu
- Division of Rheumatology, Immunology, & Allergy, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 10002, Taiwan; (C.-Y.S.); (S.-C.H.); (K.-J.L.); (C.-S.L.); (C.-H.W.); (Y.-M.K.)
| | - Yu-Min Kuo
- Division of Rheumatology, Immunology, & Allergy, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 10002, Taiwan; (C.-Y.S.); (S.-C.H.); (K.-J.L.); (C.-S.L.); (C.-H.W.); (Y.-M.K.)
| | - Chia-Li Yu
- Division of Rheumatology, Immunology, & Allergy, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 10002, Taiwan; (C.-Y.S.); (S.-C.H.); (K.-J.L.); (C.-S.L.); (C.-H.W.); (Y.-M.K.)
- Correspondence: (C.-Y.T.); (C.-L.Y.)
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18
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Coit P, Ortiz-Fernandez L, Lewis EE, McCune WJ, Maksimowicz-McKinnon K, Sawalha AH. A longitudinal and transancestral analysis of DNA methylation patterns and disease activity in lupus patients. JCI Insight 2020; 5:143654. [PMID: 33108347 PMCID: PMC7710270 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.143654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic dysregulation is implicated in the pathogenesis of lupus. We performed a longitudinal analysis to assess changes in DNA methylation in lupus neutrophils over 4 years of follow-up and across disease activity levels using 229 patient samples. We demonstrate that DNA methylation profiles in lupus are partly determined by ancestry-associated genetic variations and are highly stable over time. DNA methylation levels in 2 CpG sites correlated significantly with changes in lupus disease activity. Progressive demethylation in SNX18 was observed with increasing disease activity in African American patients. Importantly, demethylation of a CpG site located within GALNT18 was associated with the development of active lupus nephritis. Differentially methylated genes between African American and European American lupus patients include type I IFN–response genes such as IRF7 and IFI44, and genes related to the NF-κB pathway. TREML4, which plays a vital role in TLR signaling, was hypomethylated in African American patients and demonstrated a strong cis–methylation quantitative trait loci (cis-meQTL) effect among 8855 cis-meQTL associations identified in our study. A genome-wide DNA methylation and genotyping approach in neutrophils from lupus patients identifies methylation changes that occur with time and as disease activity changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Coit
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Graduate Program in Immunology and
| | - Lourdes Ortiz-Fernandez
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Emily E Lewis
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - W Joseph McCune
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | | | - Amr H Sawalha
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Lupus Center of Excellence, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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19
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Mahajan A, Amelio J, Gairy K, Kaur G, Levy RA, Roth D, Bass D. Systemic lupus erythematosus, lupus nephritis and end-stage renal disease: a pragmatic review mapping disease severity and progression. Lupus 2020; 29:1011-1020. [PMID: 32571142 PMCID: PMC7425376 DOI: 10.1177/0961203320932219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Objective The understanding of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and lupus nephritis (LN) pathogenesis remains incomplete. This review assessed LN development in SLE, within-LN progression and progression to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Methods A keyword-based literature search was conducted, and 26 publications were included. Results Overall, 7–31% of patients had LN at SLE diagnosis; 31–48% developed LN after SLE diagnosis, most within 5 years. Class IV was the most commonly found LN class and had the worst prognosis. Histological transformation occurred in 40–76% of patients, more frequently from non-proliferative rather than proliferative lesions. Cumulative 5- and 10-year ESRD incidences in patients with SLE were 3% and 4%, respectively, and 3–11% and 6–19%, respectively, in patients with SLE and LN. Conclusions Elevated serum creatinine was identified as a predictor of worsening disease state, and progression within LN classes and from SLE/LN to ESRD. This review highlights the substantial risk for developing LN and progressing to ESRD amongst patients with SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Justyna Amelio
- GlaxoSmithKline, Real World Evidence and Epidemiology, Stevenage, UK
| | - Kerry Gairy
- GlaxoSmithKline, Value Evidence and Outcomes, Brentford, UK
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20
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Sawalha AH, Zhao M, Coit P, Lu Q. Epigenetic dysregulation of ACE2 and interferon-regulated genes might suggest increased COVID-19 susceptibility and severity in lupus patients. Clin Immunol 2020; 215:108410. [PMID: 32276140 PMCID: PMC7139239 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2020.108410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 180] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Revised: 04/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Infection caused by SARS-CoV-2 can result in severe respiratory complications and death. Patients with a compromised immune system are expected to be more susceptible to a severe disease course. In this report we suggest that patients with systemic lupus erythematous might be especially prone to severe COVID-19 independent of their immunosuppressed state from lupus treatment. Specifically, we provide evidence in lupus to suggest hypomethylation and overexpression of ACE2, which is located on the X chromosome and encodes a functional receptor for the SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein. Oxidative stress induced by viral infections exacerbates the DNA methylation defect in lupus, possibly resulting in further ACE2 hypomethylation and enhanced viremia. In addition, demethylation of interferon-regulated genes, NFκB, and key cytokine genes in lupus patients might exacerbate the immune response to SARS-CoV-2 and increase the likelihood of cytokine storm. These arguments suggest that inherent epigenetic dysregulation in lupus might facilitate viral entry, viremia, and an excessive immune response to SARS-CoV-2. Further, maintaining disease remission in lupus patients is critical to prevent a vicious cycle of demethylation and increased oxidative stress, which will exacerbate susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection during the current pandemic. Epigenetic control of the ACE2 gene might be a target for prevention and therapy in COVID-19.
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MESH Headings
- Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2
- Betacoronavirus/immunology
- Betacoronavirus/pathogenicity
- CD11a Antigen/genetics
- CD11a Antigen/immunology
- COVID-19
- Coronavirus Infections/complications
- Coronavirus Infections/epidemiology
- Coronavirus Infections/genetics
- Coronavirus Infections/immunology
- Cytokines/genetics
- Cytokines/immunology
- DNA Methylation
- Disease Progression
- Epigenesis, Genetic
- Genetic Predisposition to Disease
- Host-Pathogen Interactions/genetics
- Host-Pathogen Interactions/immunology
- Humans
- Interferon Regulatory Factors/genetics
- Interferon Regulatory Factors/immunology
- Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/complications
- Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/epidemiology
- Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/genetics
- Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/immunology
- NF-kappa B/genetics
- NF-kappa B/immunology
- Oxidative Stress/genetics
- Oxidative Stress/immunology
- Pandemics
- Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A/genetics
- Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A/immunology
- Pneumonia, Viral/complications
- Pneumonia, Viral/epidemiology
- Pneumonia, Viral/genetics
- Pneumonia, Viral/immunology
- Protein Binding
- Receptors, KIR/genetics
- Receptors, KIR/immunology
- SARS-CoV-2
- Signal Transduction
- Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/genetics
- Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/immunology
- Viremia/complications
- Viremia/epidemiology
- Viremia/genetics
- Viremia/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- Amr H Sawalha
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Lupus Center of Excellence, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - Ming Zhao
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Patrick Coit
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Graduate Immunology Program, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Qianjin Lu
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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21
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Echiburú B, Milagro F, Crisosto N, Pérez-Bravo F, Flores C, Arpón A, Salas-Pérez F, Recabarren SE, Sir-Petermann T, Maliqueo M. DNA methylation in promoter regions of genes involved in the reproductive and metabolic function of children born to women with PCOS. Epigenetics 2020; 15:1178-1194. [PMID: 32283997 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2020.1754674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical and experimental evidences indicate that epigenetic modifications induced by the prenatal environment are related to metabolic and reproductive derangements in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Alterations in the leptin and adiponectin systems, androgen signalling and antimüllerian hormone (AMH) levels have been observed in PCOS women and in their offspring. Using a targeted Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), we studied DNA methylation in promoter regions of the leptin (LEP), leptin receptor (LEPR), adiponectin (ADIPOQ), adiponectin receptor 1 and 2 (ADIPOR1 and ADIPOR2), AMH and androgen receptor (AR) genes in 24 sons and daughters of women with PCOS (12 treated with metformin during pregnancy) and 24 children born to non-PCOS women during early infancy (2-3 months of age). Genomic DNA was extracted from whole blood, bisulphite converted and sequenced by NGS. Girls showed differences between groups in 1 CpG site of LEPR, 2 of LEP, 1 of ADIPOR2 and 2 of AR. Boys showed differences in 5 CpG sites of LEP, 3 of AMH and 9 of AR. Maternal metformin treatment prevented some of these changes in LEP, ADIPOR2 and partially in AR in girls, and in LEP and AMH in boys. Maternal BMI at early pregnancy was inversely correlated with the methylation levels of the ChrX-67544981 site in the whole group of girls (r = -0.530, p = 0.008) and with the global Z-score in all boys (r = -0.539, p = 0.007). These data indicate that the intrauterine PCOS environment predisposes the offspring to acquire certain sex-dependent DNA methylation patterns in the promoter regions of metabolic and reproductive genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bárbara Echiburú
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Laboratory, West Division, School of Medicine, University of Chile , Santiago, Chile
| | - Fermín Milagro
- Department of Nutrition, Food Science and Physiology, Center for Nutrition Research, University of Navarra , Pamplona, Spain.,Centro De Investigación Biomédica En Red Fisiopatología De La Obesidad Y Nutrición (Ciberobn), Instituto De Salud Carlos III , Madrid, Spain
| | - Nicolás Crisosto
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Laboratory, West Division, School of Medicine, University of Chile , Santiago, Chile.,Unit of Endocrinology, Clínica Las , Santiago, Chile
| | - Francisco Pérez-Bravo
- Laboratory of Nutritional Genomics, Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile , Santiago, Chile
| | - Cristian Flores
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Laboratory, West Division, School of Medicine, University of Chile , Santiago, Chile
| | - Ana Arpón
- Department of Nutrition, Food Science and Physiology, Center for Nutrition Research, University of Navarra , Pamplona, Spain
| | - Francisca Salas-Pérez
- Department of Nutrition, Food Science and Physiology, Center for Nutrition Research, University of Navarra , Pamplona, Spain
| | - Sergio E Recabarren
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology and Endocrinology, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Concepcion , Chillán, Chile
| | - Teresa Sir-Petermann
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Laboratory, West Division, School of Medicine, University of Chile , Santiago, Chile
| | - Manuel Maliqueo
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Laboratory, West Division, School of Medicine, University of Chile , Santiago, Chile
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Abstract
Objective: EZH2 is overexpressed in CD4+ T cells from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Increased disease activity in SLE patients is associated with a proinflammatory epigenetic shift in naïve CD4+ T cells, likely mediated by EZH2. Here we aim to understand the upstream mechanisms underlying EZH2 overexpression in SLE CD4+ T cells. Methods: Naïve CD4+ T cells were isolated from SLE patients and then stimulated with anti-CD3/anti-CD28. qPCR and Western blotting were used to measure mRNA and protein expression levels, respectively. 2-Deoxy-d-glucose (2-DG) was used to inhibit glycolysis. mTORC1 signaling was inhibited using rapamycin. Oxidative stress was induced by H2O2. Results: Because glycolysis is increased in SLE CD4+ T cells and glycolysis regulates miR-26a and miR-101, which target EZH2, we examined the effect of inhibiting glycolysis on EZH2 expression. 2-DG significantly inhibited EZH2 expression in SLE CD4+ T cells. In addition, 2-DG restored the expression of miR-26a and miR-101, suggesting that suppression of EZH2 by 2-DG occurs at the post-transcriptional level. Because mTORC1 is activated in SLE CD4+ T cells in part due to increased oxidative stress, and mTORC1 activation increases glycolysis, we hypothesized that mTORC1 mediates increased EZH2 expression. Indeed, inhibiting mTORC1 increased miR-26a and miR-101 and suppressed EZH2 expression in SLE CD4+ T cells. Further, H2O2 treatment increased EZH2 expression, however, this effect appears to be independent of miR-26a and miR-101. Conclusion: Increased EZH2 is mediated by activation of mTORC1 and increased glycolysis in SLE CD4+ T cells. Therapeutic effects from inhibiting mTOR or glycolysis in SLE might be in part mediated by suppression of EZH2.
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Sawalha AH, Manzi S. Coronavirus Disease-2019: Implication for the care and management of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Eur J Rheumatol 2020; 7:S117-S120. [PMID: 32352359 DOI: 10.5152/eurjrheum.2020.20055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus is a chronic remitting-relapsing autoimmune disease that affects multiple organ systems. In this article we discuss aspects in the management of lupus patients that are particularly relevant during the current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. We speculate that lupus patients might be more susceptible for a more severe COVID-19 disease course and emphasize the importance of maintaining remission in lupus patients. We discuss the critical role hydroxychloroquine plays in the management of lupus patients and suggest considering the psychosocial implications of the current pandemic on lupus care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amr H Sawalha
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Lupus Center of Excellence, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Susan Manzi
- Autoimmunity Institute and Lupus Center of Excellence, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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Sawalha AH, Zhao M, Coit P, Lu Q. Epigenetic dysregulation of ACE2 and interferon-regulated genes might suggest increased COVID-19 susceptibility and severity in lupus patients. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2020:2020.03.30.20047852. [PMID: 32511654 PMCID: PMC7277010 DOI: 10.1101/2020.03.30.20047852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Infection caused by SARS-CoV-2 can result in severe respiratory complications and death. Patients with a compromised immune system are expected to be more susceptible to a severe disease course. In this report we suggest that patients with systemic lupus erythematous might be especially prone to severe COVID-19 independent of their immunosuppressed state from lupus treatment. Specially, we provide evidence in lupus to suggest hypomethylation and overexpression of ACE2, which is located on the X chromosome and encodes a functional receptor for the SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein. Oxidative stress induced by viral infections exacerbates the DNA methylation defect in lupus, possibly resulting in further ACE2 hypomethylation and enhanced viremia. In addition, demethylation of interferon-regulated genes, NFκB, and key cytokine genes in lupus patients might exacerbate the immune response to SARS-CoV-2 and increase the likelihood of cytokine storm. These arguments suggest that inherent epigenetic dysregulation in lupus might facilitate viral entry, viremia, and an excessive immune response to SARS-CoV-2. Further, maintaining disease remission in lupus patients is critical to prevent a vicious cycle of demethylation and increased oxidative stress, which will exacerbate susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection during the current pandemic. Epigenetic control of the ACE2 gene might be a target for prevention and therapy in COVID-19.
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25
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High interleukin-18 and low FOXP3 mRNAs in peripheral blood of women with severe systemic lupus erythematosus: a cross-sectional study. Rheumatol Int 2020; 40:727-735. [PMID: 32152765 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-020-04542-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Gene expression analysis of peripheral blood cells may provide valuable information about the triggered molecular processes in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The study aimed to quantify the mRNA in peripheral blood of seven target genes, including inflammatory cytokine genes (IL23A, IL12B, TNFA, IL18), and T regulatory-related genes (FOXP3, TGFB1, IL10) in patients with SLE and to correlate expression levels with disease activity and/or clinical manifestations. The relative quantification of target genes was performed using real-time polymerase chain reaction in peripheral blood obtained from 28 adult SLE females and 17 healthy women. The highest up-regulation in the blood of SLE patients was observed for IL23A with a median 9.54 (p < 0.0001), followed by TGFB1 (median: 2.07; p = 0.047) and IL10 (median: 1.84; p = 0.013). IL12B and TNFA were significantly down-regulated in patients compared to controls (median: 0.521; p = 0.0023, and median: 0.519; p = 0.0003, respectively). FOXP3 mRNA was lower among patients with higher degree of disease activity (median: 0.338; p = 0.029) and showed inverse correlation with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI). IL18 mRNA correlated positively with the SLEDAI and was highly expressed during severe flares (median: 1.216; p = 0.021). IL18 up-regulation was associated with anti-dsDNA antibody positivity, while FOXP3 down-regulation with lupus nephritis. Our study pointed out the relationship of SLE disease activity and particular clinical manifestations with IL18 and FOXP3 expression, and the significant contribution of IL23A in the SLE immunopathogenesis. Hence, the peripheral blood cytokine mRNAs should be exploited as novel prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers.
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Makrinou E, Drong AW, Christopoulos G, Lerner A, Chapa-Chorda I, Karaderi T, Lavery S, Hardy K, Lindgren CM, Franks S. Genome-wide methylation profiling in granulosa lutein cells of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Mol Cell Endocrinol 2020; 500:110611. [PMID: 31600550 PMCID: PMC7116598 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2019.110611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2019] [Revised: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 10/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder amongst women of reproductive age, whose aetiology remains unclear. To improve our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the disease, we conducted a genome-wide DNA methylation profiling in granulosa lutein cells collected from 16 women suffering from PCOS, in comparison to 16 healthy controls. Samples were collected by follicular aspiration during routine egg collection for IVF treatment. Study groups were matched for age and BMI, did not suffer from other disease and were not taking confounding medication. Comparing women with polycystic versus normal ovarian morphology, after correcting for multiple comparisons, we identified 106 differentially methylated CpG sites with p-values <5.8 × 10-8 that were associated with 88 genes, several of which are known to relate either to PCOS or to ovarian function. Replication and validation of the experiment was done using pyrosequencing to analyse six of the identified differentially methylated sites. Pathway analysis indicated potential disruption in canonical pathways and gene networks that are, amongst other, associated with cancer, cardiogenesis, Hedgehog signalling and immune response. In conclusion, these novel findings indicate that women with PCOS display epigenetic changes in ovarian granulosa cells that may be associated with the heterogeneity of the disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Makrinou
- Imperial College London, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, London, W12 0NN, UK.
| | - A W Drong
- Big Data Institute at the Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7LF, UK
| | - G Christopoulos
- IVF Unit, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Hammersmith Hospital, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - A Lerner
- Imperial College London, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - I Chapa-Chorda
- Imperial College London, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - T Karaderi
- Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, UK; Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Eastern Mediterranean University, Famagusta, Cyprus
| | - S Lavery
- IVF Unit, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Hammersmith Hospital, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - K Hardy
- Imperial College London, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - C M Lindgren
- Big Data Institute at the Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7LF, UK; Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, UK; Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - S Franks
- Imperial College London, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, London, W12 0NN, UK
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Yang YX, Shen HH, Cao F, Xie LY, Zhu GL, Sam NB, Wang DG, Pan HF. Therapeutic potential of enhancer of zeste homolog 2 in autoimmune diseases. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2019; 23:1015-1030. [PMID: 31747802 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2019.1696309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Autoimmune diseases (ADs) are idiopathic and heterogeneous disorders with contentious pathophysiology. Great strides have been made in epigenetics and its involvement in ADs. Zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) has sparked extensive interest because of its pleiotropic roles in distinct pathologic contexts.Areas covered: This review summarizes the epigenetic functions and the biological significance of EZH2 in the etiology of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), type 1 diabetes (T1D), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), multiple sclerosis (MS), and systemic sclerosis (SSc). A brief recapitulation of the therapeutic potential of EZH2 targeting is provided.Expert opinion: There are questions marks and controversies surrounding the feasibility and safety of EZH2 targeting; it is recommended in RA and SLE, but queried in T1D, IBD, MS, and SSc. Future work should focus on contrast studies, systematic analyses and preclinical studies with optimizing methodologies. Selective research studies conducted in a stage-dependent manner are necessary because of the relapsing-remitting clinical paradigms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue-Xin Yang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Hui-Hui Shen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, The second School of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Fan Cao
- Department of Clinical Medicine, The second School of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Liang-Yu Xie
- Department of Clinical Medicine, The second School of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Guang-Lin Zhu
- Department of Clinical Medicine, The second School of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Napoleon Bellua Sam
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - De-Guang Wang
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Hai-Feng Pan
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Hefei, Anhui, China
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Interferons ( IFN-A/-B/-G) Genetic Variants in Patients with Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD). J Clin Med 2019; 8:jcm8122046. [PMID: 31766529 PMCID: PMC6947393 DOI: 10.3390/jcm8122046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Revised: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) is a rare complex autoimmune disease in which autoantigens are recognized by endosomal TLRs. Their activation induces a higher secretion of the type I interferons, IFN-γ and the up-regulation of the INF-inducible genes. The present study aimed to investigate whether SNPs that are located in the IFN-A, IFN-B, and IFN-G genes are associated with MCTD. 145 MCTD patients and 281 healthy subjects were examined for IFN-A, IFN-B, and IFN-G genetic variants by TaqMan SNP genotyping assay. ELISA determined IFN-α/-β/-γ serum levels. Among the seven tested SNPs, four polymorphisms: IFN-A rs10757212, IFN-A rs3758236, IFN-G rs2069705, IFN-G rs2069718, as well as INF-G rs1861493A/rs2069705A/rs2069718G haplotype were significantly associated with a predisposition for MCTD. Raynaud's phenomenon, erosive arthritis, swollen hands and fingers, and sclerodactyly were significantly more frequently observed in MCTD patients with IFN-G rs2069718 G allele than in patients with IFN-G rs2069718 A allele. We also found that anti-U1-A autoantibodies most frequently occurred in MCTD patients with rs2069718 GA genotype, while the IFN-G rs2069705 AG and rs2069718 GA genotypes might be a marker of anti-Ro60 presence in MCTD patients. Our results indicate that IFN-G genetic variants may be potential genetic biomarkers for MCTD susceptibility and severity.
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29
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Epigenetic Mechanisms and Posttranslational Modifications in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20225679. [PMID: 31766160 PMCID: PMC6888206 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20225679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Revised: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The complex physiology of eukaryotic cells is regulated through numerous mechanisms, including epigenetic changes and posttranslational modifications. The wide-ranging diversity of these mechanisms constitutes a way of dynamic regulation of the functionality of proteins, their activity, and their subcellular localization as well as modulation of the differential expression of genes in response to external and internal stimuli that allow an organism to respond or adapt to accordingly. However, alterations in these mechanisms have been evidenced in several autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The present review aims to provide an approach to the current knowledge of the implications of these mechanisms in SLE pathophysiology.
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30
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Rohraff DM, He Y, Farkash EA, Schonfeld M, Tsou PS, Sawalha AH. Inhibition of EZH2 Ameliorates Lupus-Like Disease in MRL/lpr Mice. Arthritis Rheumatol 2019; 71:1681-1690. [PMID: 31106974 DOI: 10.1002/art.40931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We previously identified a role for EZH2, a transcriptional regulator in inducing proinflammatory epigenetic changes in lupus CD4+ T cells. This study was undertaken to investigate whether inhibiting EZH2 ameliorates lupus-like disease in MRL/lpr mice. METHODS EZH2 expression levels in multiple cell types in lupus patients were evaluated using flow cytometry and messenger RNA expression data. Inhibition of EZH2 in MRL/lpr mice was achieved by intraperitoneal 3'-deazaneplanocin (DZNep) administration using a preventative and a therapeutic treatment model. Effects of DZNep on animal survival, anti-double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) antibody production, proteinuria, renal histopathology, cytokine production, and T and B cell numbers and percentages were assessed. RESULTS EZH2 expression levels were increased in whole blood, neutrophils, monocytes, B cells, and CD4+ T cells in lupus patients. In MRL/lpr mice, inhibition of EZH2 by DZNep was confirmed by significant reduction of EZH2 and H3K27me3 in splenocytes. Inhibiting EZH2 with DZNep treatment before or after disease onset improved survival and significantly reduced anti-dsDNA antibody production. DZNep-treated mice displayed a significant reduction in renal involvement, splenomegaly, and lymphadenopathy. Lymphoproliferation and numbers of double-negative T cells were significantly reduced in DZNep-treated mice. Concentrations of circulating cytokines and chemokines, including tumor necrosis factor, interferon-γ, CCL2, RANTES/CCL5, interleukin-10 (IL-10), keratinocyte-derived chemokine/CXCL1, IL-12, IL-12p40, and CCL4/macrophage inflammatory protein 1β, were decreased in DZNep-treated mice. CONCLUSION EZH2 is up-regulated in multiple cell types in lupus patients. Therapeutic inhibition of EZH2 abrogates lupus-like disease in MRL/lpr mice, suggesting that EZH2 inhibitors may be repurposed as a novel therapeutic option for lupus patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ye He
- University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and the Second Xiangya Hospital and Central South University, Changsha, China
| | | | | | | | - Amr H Sawalha
- University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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Carnero-Montoro E, Barturen G, Povedano E, Kerick M, Martinez-Bueno M, Ballestar E, Martin J, Teruel M, Alarcón-Riquelme ME. Epigenome-Wide Comparative Study Reveals Key Differences Between Mixed Connective Tissue Disease and Related Systemic Autoimmune Diseases. Front Immunol 2019; 10:1880. [PMID: 31440254 PMCID: PMC6693476 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD) is a rare complex systemic autoimmune disease (SAD) characterized by the presence of increased levels of anti-U1 ribonucleoprotein autoantibodies and signs and symptoms that resemble other SADs such as systemic sclerosis (SSc), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Due to its low prevalence, this disease has been very poorly studied at the molecular level. We performed for the first time an epigenome-wide association study interrogating DNA methylation data obtained with the Infinium MethylationEPIC array from whole blood samples in 31 patients diagnosed with MCTD and 255 healthy subjects. We observed a pervasive hypomethylation involving 170 genes enriched for immune-related function such as those involved in type I interferon signaling pathways or in negative regulation of viral genome replication. We mostly identified epigenetic signals at genes previously implicated in other SADs, for example MX1, PARP9, DDX60, or IFI44L, for which we also observed that MCTD patients exhibit higher DNA methylation variability compared with controls, suggesting that these sites might be involved in plastic immune responses that are relevant to the disease. Through methylation quantitative trait locus (meQTL) analysis we identified widespread local genetic effects influencing DNA methylation variability at MCTD-associated sites. Interestingly, for IRF7, IFI44 genes, and the HLA region we have evidence that they could be exerting a genetic risk on MCTD mediated through DNA methylation changes. Comparison of MCTD-associated epigenome with patients diagnosed with SLE, or Sjögren's Syndrome, reveals a common interferon-related epigenetic signature, however we find substantial epigenetic differences when compared with patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and systemic sclerosis. Furthermore, we show that MCTD-associated CpGs are potential epigenetic biomarkers with high diagnostic value. Our study serves to reveal new genes and pathways involved in MCTD, to illustrate the important role of epigenetic modifications in MCTD pathology, in mediating the interaction between different genetic and environmental MCTD risk factors, and as potential biomarkers of SADs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Carnero-Montoro
- GENYO, Center for Genomics and Oncological Research: Pfizer, University of Granada, Andalusian Regional Government, Granada, Spain
| | - Guillermo Barturen
- GENYO, Center for Genomics and Oncological Research: Pfizer, University of Granada, Andalusian Regional Government, Granada, Spain
| | - Elena Povedano
- GENYO, Center for Genomics and Oncological Research: Pfizer, University of Granada, Andalusian Regional Government, Granada, Spain
| | - Martin Kerick
- CSIC-IBPLN, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina López-Neyra, Granada, Spain
| | - Manuel Martinez-Bueno
- GENYO, Center for Genomics and Oncological Research: Pfizer, University of Granada, Andalusian Regional Government, Granada, Spain
| | | | - Esteban Ballestar
- IDIBELL, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Javier Martin
- CSIC-IBPLN, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina López-Neyra, Granada, Spain
| | - María Teruel
- GENYO, Center for Genomics and Oncological Research: Pfizer, University of Granada, Andalusian Regional Government, Granada, Spain
| | - Marta E Alarcón-Riquelme
- GENYO, Center for Genomics and Oncological Research: Pfizer, University of Granada, Andalusian Regional Government, Granada, Spain.,Institute for Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
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Stefan-Lifshitz M, Karakose E, Cui L, Ettela A, Yi Z, Zhang W, Tomer Y. Epigenetic modulation of β cells by interferon-α via PNPT1/mir-26a/TET2 triggers autoimmune diabetes. JCI Insight 2019; 4:126663. [PMID: 30721151 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.126663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Accepted: 01/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is caused by autoimmune destruction of pancreatic β cells. Mounting evidence supports a central role for β cell alterations in triggering the activation of self-reactive T cells in T1D. However, the early deleterious events that occur in β cells, underpinning islet autoimmunity, are not known. We hypothesized that epigenetic modifications induced in β cells by inflammatory mediators play a key role in initiating the autoimmune response. We analyzed DNA methylation (DNAm) patterns and gene expression in human islets exposed to IFN-α, a cytokine associated with T1D development. We found that IFN-α triggers DNA demethylation and increases expression of genes controlling inflammatory and immune pathways. We then demonstrated that DNA demethylation was caused by upregulation of the exoribonuclease, PNPase old-35 (PNPT1), which caused degradation of miR-26a. This in turn promoted the upregulation of ten-eleven translocation 2 (TET2) enzyme and increased 5-hydroxymethylcytosine levels in human islets and pancreatic β cells. Moreover, we showed that specific IFN-α expression in the β cells of IFNα-INS1CreERT2 transgenic mice led to development of T1D that was preceded by increased islet DNA hydroxymethylation through a PNPT1/TET2-dependent mechanism. Our results suggest a new mechanism through which IFN-α regulates DNAm in β cells, leading to changes in expression of genes in inflammatory and immune pathways that can initiate islet autoimmunity in T1D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihaela Stefan-Lifshitz
- Division of Endocrinology and the Fleischer Institute for Diabetes and Metabolism, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Lingguang Cui
- Division of Endocrinology and the Fleischer Institute for Diabetes and Metabolism, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Abora Ettela
- Division of Endocrinology and the Fleischer Institute for Diabetes and Metabolism, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Zhengzi Yi
- Department of Medicine Bioinformatics Core, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Weijia Zhang
- Department of Medicine Bioinformatics Core, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Yaron Tomer
- Division of Endocrinology and the Fleischer Institute for Diabetes and Metabolism, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
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Miller S, Tsou PS, Coit P, Gensterblum-Miller E, Renauer P, Rohraff DM, Kilian NC, Schonfeld M, Sawalha AH. Hypomethylation of STAT1 and HLA-DRB1 is associated with type-I interferon-dependent HLA-DRB1 expression in lupus CD8+ T cells. Ann Rheum Dis 2019; 78:519-528. [PMID: 30674474 DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2018-214323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2018] [Revised: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We examined genome-wide DNA methylation changes in CD8+ T cells from patients with lupus and controls and investigated the functional relevance of some of these changes in lupus. METHODS Genome-wide DNA methylation of lupus and age, sex and ethnicity-matched control CD8+ T cells was measured using the Infinium MethylationEPIC arrays. Measurement of relevant cell subsets was performed via flow cytometry. Gene expression was quantified by qPCR. Inhibiting STAT1 and CIITA was performed using fludarabine and CIITA siRNA, respectively. RESULTS Lupus CD8+ T cells had 188 hypomethylated CpG sites compared with healthy matched controls. Among the most hypomethylated were sites associated with HLA-DRB1. Genes involved in the type-I interferon response, including STAT1, were also found to be hypomethylated. IFNα upregulated HLA-DRB1 expression on lupus but not control CD8+ T cells. Lupus and control CD8+ T cells significantly increased STAT1 mRNA levels after treatment with IFNα. The expression of CIITA, a key interferon/STAT1 dependent MHC-class II regulator, is induced by IFNα in lupus CD8+ T cells, but not healthy controls. CIITA knockdown and STAT1 inhibition experiments revealed that HLA-DRB1 expression in lupus CD8+ T cells is dependent on CIITA and STAT1 signalling. Coincubation of naïve CD4+ T cells with IFNα-treated CD8+ T cells led to CD4+ T cell activation, determined by increased expression of CD69 and cytokine production, in patients with lupus but not in healthy controls. This can be blocked by neutralising antibodies targeting HLA-DR. CONCLUSIONS Lupus CD8+ T cells are epigenetically primed to respond to type-I interferon. We describe an HLA-DRB1+ CD8+ T cell subset that can be induced by IFNα in patients with lupus. A possible pathogenic role for CD8+ T cells in lupus that is dependent on a high type-I interferon environment and epigenetic priming warrants further characterisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaylynn Miller
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Pei-Suen Tsou
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Patrick Coit
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | | | - Paul Renauer
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Dallas M Rohraff
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Nathan C Kilian
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Mark Schonfeld
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Amr H Sawalha
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA .,Center for Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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Affiliation(s)
- Amr H Sawalha
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.; Center for Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA..
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Joseph S, George NI, Green-Knox B, Treadwell EL, Word B, Yim S, Lyn-Cook B. Epigenome-wide association study of peripheral blood mononuclear cells in systemic lupus erythematosus: Identifying DNA methylation signatures associated with interferon-related genes based on ethnicity and SLEDAI. J Autoimmun 2018; 96:147-157. [PMID: 30301579 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2018.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Revised: 09/19/2018] [Accepted: 09/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or lupus) is a heterogeneous autoimmune disease characterized by the involvement of multiple organs and the production of antinuclear antibodies. DNA methylation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of lupus. We have performed an epigenome-wide DNA methylation study in lupus and healthy control (non-lupus) subjects to identify epigenetic patterns in lupus characterized ethnicity and SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI). A total of fifty-seven lupus patients (39 African American (AA) and 18 European American (EA)) and 33 healthy controls (17 AA and 16 EA) were studied. Differential DNA methylation between lupus patients and controls was assessed for approximately 485,000 CpG sites across the genome. We identified 41 differentially methylated sites (associated with 30 genes) between lupus and control s subjects, 85% of which were hypomethylated. Significant hypomethylation of differentially methylated sites was associated with several interferon-related genes, including MX1, IFI44L, PARP9, DT3XL, IFIT1, IFI44, RSAD2, PLSCR1, and IRF7. Several of these associated genes were also hypomethylated in comparisons between AA lupus and AA non-lupus subjects and between lupus patients with SLEDAI>6 and non-lupus subjects. Our analysis of gene expression data through RT-PCR confirmed these findings. Thus, the results indicate epigenetics susceptibility in lupus, which may be associated with SLEDAI score and ethnicity. In addition, our findings support the importance of the Type 1 interferon pathway in lupus pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stancy Joseph
- Division of Biochemical Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research, Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR, USA
| | - Nysia I George
- Division of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, National Center for Toxicological Research, Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR, USA
| | - Bridgett Green-Knox
- Division of Systems Biology, National Center for Toxicological Research, Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR, USA
| | | | - Beverly Word
- Division of Biochemical Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research, Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR, USA
| | - Sarah Yim
- Center for Drug Evaluation, White Oak, MD, USA
| | - Beverly Lyn-Cook
- Division of Biochemical Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research, Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR, USA.
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Moulton VR. Sex Hormones in Acquired Immunity and Autoimmune Disease. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2279. [PMID: 30337927 PMCID: PMC6180207 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 315] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Accepted: 09/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Women have stronger immune responses to infections and vaccination than men. Paradoxically, the stronger immune response comes at a steep price, which is the high incidence of autoimmune diseases in women. The reasons why women have stronger immunity and higher incidence of autoimmunity are not clear. Besides gender, sex hormones contribute to the development and activity of the immune system, accounting for differences in gender-related immune responses. Both innate and adaptive immune systems bear receptors for sex hormones and respond to hormonal cues. This review focuses on the role of sex hormones particularly estrogen, in the adaptive immune response, in health, and autoimmune disease with an emphasis on systemic lupus erythematosus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vaishali R Moulton
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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Li H, Tsokos MG, Bickerton S, Sharabi A, Li Y, Moulton VR, Kong P, Fahmy TM, Tsokos GC. Precision DNA demethylation ameliorates disease in lupus-prone mice. JCI Insight 2018; 3:120880. [PMID: 30135300 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.120880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2018] [Accepted: 07/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Defective DNA methylation in T cells leads to a series of T cell abnormalities in lupus; however, the full effect of T cell lineage-specific DNA methylation on disease expression has not been explored. Here, we show that 5-azacytidine, a DNA methyltransferase inhibitor, targeted to either CD4 or CD8 T cells in mice with established disease using a nanolipogel delivery system dramatically ameliorates lupus-related pathology through distinct mechanisms. In vivo targeted delivery of 5-azacytidine into CD4 T cells favors the expansion and function of Foxp3+ Tregs, whereas targeted delivery to CD8 T cells enhances the cytotoxicity and restrains the expansion of pathogenic TCR-αβ+CD4-CD8- double-negative T cells. Our results signify the importance of cell-specific inhibition of DNA methylation in the treatment of established lupus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Li
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Maria G Tsokos
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Amir Sharabi
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Vaishali R Moulton
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Tarek M Fahmy
- Department of Biomedical Engineering.,Department of Immunobiology, and.,Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - George C Tsokos
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Carnero-Montoro E, Alarcón-Riquelme ME. Epigenome-wide association studies for systemic autoimmune diseases: The road behind and the road ahead. Clin Immunol 2018; 196:21-33. [PMID: 29605707 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2018.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Accepted: 03/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetics is known to be an important mechanism in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. Epigenetic variations can act as integrators of environmental and genetic exposures and propagate activated states in immune cells. Studying epigenetic alterations by means of genome-wide approaches promises to unravel novel molecular mechanisms related to disease etiology, disease progression, clinical manifestations and treatment responses. This paper reviews what we have learned in the last five years from epigenome-wide studies for three systemic autoimmune diseases, namely systemic lupus erythematosus, primary Sjögren's syndrome, and rheumatoid arthritis. We examine the degree of epigenetic sharing between different diseases and the possible mediating role of epigenetic associations in genetic and environmental risks. Finally, we also shed light into the use of epigenetic markers towards a better precision medicine regarding disease prediction, prevention and personalized treatment in systemic autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Carnero-Montoro
- Pfizer - University of Granada - Andalusian Government Center for Genomics and Oncological Research (GENYO), Granada, Spain.
| | - Marta E Alarcón-Riquelme
- Pfizer - University of Granada - Andalusian Government Center for Genomics and Oncological Research (GENYO), Granada, Spain; Unit of Inflammatory Chronic Diseases, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden.
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Barcelona de Mendoza V, Huang Y, Crusto CA, Sun YV, Taylor JY. Perceived Racial Discrimination and DNA Methylation Among African American Women in the InterGEN Study. Biol Res Nurs 2018; 20:145-152. [PMID: 29258399 PMCID: PMC5741522 DOI: 10.1177/1099800417748759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Experiences of racial discrimination have been associated with poor health outcomes. Little is known, however, about how perceived racial discrimination influences DNA methylation (DNAm) among African Americans (AAs). We examined the association of experiences of discrimination with DNAm among AA women in the Intergenerational Impact of Genetic and Psychological Factors on Blood Pressure (InterGEN) study. METHODS The InterGEN study examines the effects of genetic and psychological factors on blood pressure among AA women and their children. Measures include the Major Life Discrimination (MLD) and the Race-Related Events (RES) scales. In the present analysis, we examined discrimination and DNAm at baseline in the InterGEN study. The 850K EPIC Illumina BeadChip was used for evaluating DNAm in this epigenome-wide association study (EWAS). RESULTS One hundred and fifty-two women contributed data for the RES-EWAS analysis and 147 for the MLD-EWAS analysis. Most were 30-39 years old, nonsmokers, had some college education, and had incomes CONCLUSION We observed significant epigenetic associations between disease-associated genes (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and asthma) and perceived discrimination as measured by the MLD Scale. Future health disparities research should include epigenetics in high-risk populations to elucidate functional consequences induced by the psychosocial environment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yunfeng Huang
- 2 Department of Epidemiology, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Cindy A Crusto
- 3 Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Yan V Sun
- 2 Department of Epidemiology, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Sawalha AH. Editorial: The Innate and Adaptive Immune Response Are Both Involved in Drug-Induced Autoimmunity. Arthritis Rheumatol 2018; 70:330-333. [DOI: 10.1002/art.40371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2017] [Accepted: 11/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Mahmoudi M, Hamzeh E, Aslani S, Ziaee V, Poursani S, Rezaei N. Single nucleotide polymorphism of Methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 gene associates with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Clin Rheumatol 2017; 37:375-381. [DOI: 10.1007/s10067-017-3968-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2017] [Revised: 12/12/2017] [Accepted: 12/21/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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CD4+CD28+KIR+CD11a hi T cells correlate with disease activity and are characterized by a pro-inflammatory epigenetic and transcriptional profile in lupus patients. J Autoimmun 2017; 86:19-28. [PMID: 29066026 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2017.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2017] [Revised: 09/21/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The goal of this study was to comprehensively characterize CD4+CD28+ T cells overexpressing CD11a and KIR genes, and examine the relationship between this T cell subset, genetic risk, and disease activity in lupus. METHODS The size of the CD4+CD28+KIR+CD11ahi T cell subset was determined by flow cytometry, and total genetic risk for lupus was calculated in 105 female patients using 43 confirmed genetic susceptibility loci. Primary CD4+CD28+KIR+CD11ahi T cells were isolated from lupus patients or were induced from healthy individuals using 5-azacytidine. Genome-wide DNA methylation was analyzed using an array-based approach, and the transcriptome was assessed by RNA sequencing. Transcripts in the CDR3 region were used to assess the TCR repertoire. Chromatin accessibility was determined using ATAC-seq. RESULTS A total of 31,019 differentially methylated sites were identified in induced KIR+CD11ahi T cells with >99% being hypomethylated. RNA sequencing revealed a clear pro-inflammatory transcriptional profile. TCR repertoire analysis suggests less clonotype diversity in KIR+CD11ahi compared to autologous KIR-CD11alow T cells. Similarly, primary KIR+CD11ahi T cells isolated from lupus patients were hypomethylated and characterized by a pro-inflammatory chromatin structure. We show that the genetic risk for lupus was significantly higher in African-American compared to European-American lupus patients. The demethylated CD4+CD28+KIR+CD11ahi T cell subset size was a better predictor of disease activity in young (age ≤ 40) European-American patients independent of genetic risk. CONCLUSION CD4+CD28+KIR+CD11ahi T cells are demethylated and characterized by pro-inflammatory epigenetic and transcriptional profiles in lupus. Eliminating these cells or blocking their pro-inflammatory characteristics might present a novel therapeutic approach for lupus.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Epigenetics is defined as mitotically heritable changes in gene expression that do not directly alter the DNA sequence. By implication, such epigenetic changes are non-genetically determined, although they can be affected by inherited genetic variation. Extensive evidence indicates that autoimmune diseases including type 1 diabetes are determined by the interaction of genetic and non-genetic factors. Much is known of the genetic causes of these diseases, but the non-genetic effects are less clear-cut. Further, it remains unclear how they interact to cause the destructive autoimmune process. This review identifies the key issues in the genetic/non-genetic interaction, examining the most recent evidence of the role of non-genetic effects in the disease process, including the impact of epigenetic effects on key pathways. RECENT FINDINGS Recent research indicates that these pathways likely involve immune effector cells both of the innate and adaptive immune response. Specifically, there is evidence of cell type-specific enrichment in altered DNA methylation, changes which were temporally stable and enriched at gene regulatory elements. Epigenomics remains in its infancy, and we anticipate further studies will define how the interaction of genetic and non-genetic effects induces tissue-specific destruction and enhances our ability to predict, and possibly even modify that process.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mary N. Dang
- Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Rd, London, E1 4NS UK
| | - R. David Leslie
- Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Rd, London, E1 4NS UK
- The Blizard Institute, London, UK
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