1
|
Ge X, Zheng M, Hu M, Fang X, Geng D, Liu S, Wang L, Zhang J, Guan L, Zheng P, Xie Y, Pan W, Zhou M, Zhou L, Tang R, Zheng K, Yu Y, Huang XF. Butyrate ameliorates quinolinic acid-induced cognitive decline in obesity models. J Clin Invest 2023; 133:154612. [PMID: 36787221 PMCID: PMC9927952 DOI: 10.1172/jci154612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Obesity is a risk factor for neurodegenerative disease associated with cognitive dysfunction, including Alzheimer's disease. Low-grade inflammation is common in obesity, but the mechanism between inflammation and cognitive impairment in obesity is unclear. Accumulative evidence shows that quinolinic acid (QA), a neuroinflammatory neurotoxin, is involved in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative processes. We investigated the role of QA in obesity-induced cognitive impairment and the beneficial effect of butyrate in counteracting impairments of cognition, neural morphology, and signaling. We show that in human obesity, there was a negative relationship between serum QA levels and cognitive function and decreased cortical gray matter. Diet-induced obese mice had increased QA levels in the cortex associated with cognitive impairment. At single-cell resolution, we confirmed that QA impaired neurons, altered the dendritic spine's intracellular signal, and reduced brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels. Using Caenorhabditis elegans models, QA induced dopaminergic and glutamatergic neuron lesions. Importantly, the gut microbiota metabolite butyrate was able to counteract those alterations, including cognitive impairment, neuronal spine loss, and BDNF reduction in both in vivo and in vitro studies. Finally, we show that butyrate prevented QA-induced BDNF reductions by epigenetic enhancement of H3K18ac at BDNF promoters. These findings suggest that increased QA is associated with cognitive decline in obesity and that butyrate alleviates neurodegeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xing Ge
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Jiangsu International Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Mingxuan Zheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Jiangsu International Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Minmin Hu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Jiangsu International Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaoli Fang
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Deqin Geng
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Sha Liu
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Li Wang
- Affiliated Hospital of Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Affiliated Hospital of Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Li Guan
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Peng Zheng
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI) and School of Medical, Indigenous, and Health, University of Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Yuanyi Xie
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI) and School of Medical, Indigenous, and Health, University of Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Wei Pan
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Jiangsu International Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Menglu Zhou
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Jiangsu International Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Limian Zhou
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Jiangsu International Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Renxian Tang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Jiangsu International Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Kuiyang Zheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Jiangsu International Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yinghua Yu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Jiangsu International Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xu-Feng Huang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Jiangsu International Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Jiangsu, China.,Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI) and School of Medical, Indigenous, and Health, University of Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Panariello F, Fanelli G, Fabbri C, Atti AR, De Ronchi D, Serretti A. Epigenetic Basis of Psychiatric Disorders: A Narrative Review. CNS & NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS DRUG TARGETS 2022; 21:302-315. [PMID: 34433406 DOI: 10.2174/1871527320666210825101915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychiatric disorders are complex, multifactorial illnesses with a demonstrated biological component in their etiopathogenesis. Epigenetic modifications, through the modulation of DNA methylation, histone modifications and RNA interference, tune tissue-specific gene expression patterns and play a relevant role in the etiology of psychiatric illnesses. OBJECTIVE This review aims to discuss the epigenetic mechanisms involved in psychiatric disorders, their modulation by environmental factors and their interactions with genetic variants, in order to provide a comprehensive picture of their mutual crosstalk. METHODS In accordance with the PRISMA guidelines, systematic searches of Medline, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library were conducted. RESULTS Exposure to environmental factors, such as poor socio-economic status, obstetric complications, migration, and early life stressors, may lead to stable changes in gene expression and neural circuit function, playing a role in the risk of psychiatric diseases. The most replicated genes involved by studies using different techniques are discussed. Increasing evidence indicates that these sustained abnormalities are maintained by epigenetic modifications in specific brain regions and they interact with genetic variants in determining the risk of psychiatric disorders. CONCLUSION An increasing amount of evidence suggests that epigenetics plays a pivotal role in the etiopathogenesis of psychiatric disorders. New therapeutic approaches may work by reversing detrimental epigenetic changes that occurred during the lifespan.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Panariello
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Fanelli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Chiara Fabbri
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Anna Rita Atti
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Diana De Ronchi
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessandro Serretti
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Okechukwu C. Deciphering and manipulating the epigenome for the treatment of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. MGM JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCES 2021. [DOI: 10.4103/mgmj.mgmj_90_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
|
4
|
Bakusic J, Ghosh M, Polli A, Bekaert B, Schaufeli W, Claes S, Godderis L. Epigenetic perspective on the role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in burnout. Transl Psychiatry 2020; 10:354. [PMID: 33077716 PMCID: PMC7573604 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-020-01037-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays a potential role in the neurobiology of burnout, but there are no studies investigating the underlying genetic and epigenetic mechanisms. Our aim is to further explore the role of BDNF in burnout, by focusing on the Val66Met polymorphism and methylation patterns of the BDNF gene and serum BDNF (sBDNF) protein expression. We conducted a cross-sectional study by recruiting 129 individuals (59 with burnout and 70 healthy controls). Participants underwent a clinical interview, psychological assessment and blood sample collection. Polymorphism and DNA methylation were measured on DNA from whole blood, using pyrosequencing and sBDNF levels were measured using ELISA. We found significantly increased methylation of promoter I and IV in the burnout group, which also correlated with burnout symptoms. In addition, DNA methylation of promoter I had a significant negative effect on sBDNF. For DNA methylation of exon IX, we did not find a significant difference between the groups, nor associations with sBDNF. The Val66Met polymorphism neither differed between groups, nor was it associated with sBDNF levels. Finally, we did not observe differences in sBDNF level between the groups. Interestingly, we observed a significant negative association between depressive symptoms and sBDNF levels. The current study is the first to show that BDNF DNA methylation changes might play an important role in downregulation of the BDNF protein levels in burnout. The presence of depressive symptoms might have an additional impact on these changes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jelena Bakusic
- Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Manosij Ghosh
- grid.5596.f0000 0001 0668 7884Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Andrea Polli
- grid.5596.f0000 0001 0668 7884Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium ,grid.8767.e0000 0001 2290 8069Pain in Motion research group (PAIN), Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Bram Bekaert
- grid.5596.f0000 0001 0668 7884Department of Forensic Medicine, Laboratory of Forensic Genetics and Molecular Archaeology; KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Wilmar Schaufeli
- grid.5596.f0000 0001 0668 7884Work, Organisational and Personnel Psychology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Stephan Claes
- grid.5596.f0000 0001 0668 7884Psychiatry Research Group, Department of Neuroscience, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lode Godderis
- grid.5596.f0000 0001 0668 7884Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium ,IDEWE, External Service for Prevention and Protection at Work, Heverlee, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Mizukoshi M, Nozawa A, Oomizo S, Ihara D, Shiota J, Kikuchi K, Kaito M, Ishibashi Y, Ishikawa M, Fukuchi M, Tsuda M, Takasaki I, Tabuchi A. Differential localization and roles of splice variants of rat suppressor of cancer cell invasion (SCAI) in neuronal cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2020; 529:615-621. [PMID: 32736682 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.06.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Suppressor of cancer cell invasion (SCAI) is a suppressor of myocardin-related transcription factor (MRTF)-mediated transcription and cancer cell invasion. However, roles of SCAI in the brain and neuronal cells are not fully resolved. In this study, we initially investigated the distribution of Scai mRNA in the developing rat brain and in neurons. We found that, although Scai mRNA levels decreased during brain development, it was highly expressed in several brain regions and in neurons but not astrocytes. Subsequently, in addition to Scai variant 1, we identified novel rat Scai variants 2 and 3 and characterized their functions in Neuro-2a cells. The novel Scai variants 2 and 3 contain unique exons that possess stop codons and therefore encode shorter proteins compared with the full-length Scai variant 1. SCAI variants 2 and 3 possess a nuclear localization signal, but do not have an MRTF-binding site. Immunostaining of green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged SCAI variants revealed a nuclear localization of variant 1, whereas localization of variants 2 and 3 was throughout the cytoplasm and nucleus, suggesting that other nuclear localization signals, which act in Neuro-2a cells, exist in SCAI. All three SCAI variants suppressed the neuron-like morphological change of Neuro-2a cells induced by a Rho effector, constitutively active mDia; however, the suppressive effects of variants 2 and 3 were weaker than that of full-length SCAI variant 1, indicating that the SCAI-mediated change toward a neuronal morphology appeared to be consistent with their nuclear localization. These findings indicate that generation of multiple SCAI splice variants fines-tune neuronal morphology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miho Mizukoshi
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, 2630 Sugitani, Toyama, 930-0194, Japan
| | - Ayaka Nozawa
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, 2630 Sugitani, Toyama, 930-0194, Japan
| | - Serina Oomizo
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, 2630 Sugitani, Toyama, 930-0194, Japan
| | - Daisuke Ihara
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, 2630 Sugitani, Toyama, 930-0194, Japan; Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, 2630 Sugitani, Toyama, 930-0194, Japan
| | - Jun Shiota
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, 2630 Sugitani, Toyama, 930-0194, Japan
| | - Keietsu Kikuchi
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, 2630 Sugitani, Toyama, 930-0194, Japan
| | - Maki Kaito
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, 2630 Sugitani, Toyama, 930-0194, Japan
| | - Yuta Ishibashi
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, 2630 Sugitani, Toyama, 930-0194, Japan
| | - Mitsuru Ishikawa
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, 2630 Sugitani, Toyama, 930-0194, Japan; Department of Physiology, Keio University, School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Mamoru Fukuchi
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, 2630 Sugitani, Toyama, 930-0194, Japan; Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Faculty of Pharmacy, Takasaki University of Health and Welfare, 60 Nakaorui-machi, Takasaki, Gunma, 370-0033, Japan
| | - Masaaki Tsuda
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, 2630 Sugitani, Toyama, 930-0194, Japan
| | - Ichiro Takasaki
- Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Graduate School of Innovative Life Sciences, University of Toyama, 3190 Gofuku, Toyama, 930-8555, Japan
| | - Akiko Tabuchi
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, 2630 Sugitani, Toyama, 930-0194, Japan; Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, 2630 Sugitani, Toyama, 930-0194, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Ni C, Qian M, Geng J, Qu Y, Tian Y, Yang N, Li S, Zheng H. DNA Methylation Manipulation of Memory Genes Is Involved in Sevoflurane Induced Cognitive Impairments in Aged Rats. Front Aging Neurosci 2020; 12:211. [PMID: 33013350 PMCID: PMC7461785 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2020.00211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation is an essential epigenetic mechanism involving in gene transcription modulation. An age-related increase in promoter methylation has been observed for neuronal activity and memory genes, and participates in neurological disorders. However, the position and precise mechanism of DNA methylation for memory gene modulation in anesthesia related cognitive impairment remained to be determined. Here, we studied the effects of sevoflurane anesthesia on the transcription of memory genes in the aged rat hippocampus. Then, we investigated changes in DNA methylation of involved genes and verified whether dysregulated DNA methylation would contribute to anesthesia induced cognitive impairment. The results indicated that sevoflurane anesthesia down-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of three memory genes, Arc, Bdnf, and Reln, which were accompanied with promoter hypermethylation and increased Dnmt1, Dnmt3a, and Mecp2 expression, and finally impaired hippocampus dependent memory. Furthermore, inhibition of DNA hypermethylation by 5-Aza rescued sevoflurane induced memory gene expression decrease and cognitive impairment. These findings provide an epigenetic understanding for the pathophysiology of cognitive impairment induced by general anesthesia in aged brain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Ni
- Department of Anesthesiology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Min Qian
- Department of Anesthesiology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jiao Geng
- Department of Anesthesiology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yinyin Qu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Tian
- Department of Anesthesiology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Ning Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Shuai Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Zheng
- Department of Anesthesiology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ishibashi Y, Shoji S, Ihara D, Kubo Y, Tanaka T, Tanabe H, Hakamata T, Miyata T, Satou N, Sakagami H, Mizuguchi M, Kikuchi K, Fukuchi M, Tsuda M, Takasaki I, Tabuchi A. Expression of SOLOIST/MRTFB i4, a novel neuronal isoform of the mouse serum response factor coactivator myocardin-related transcription factor-B, negatively regulates dendritic complexity in cortical neurons. J Neurochem 2020; 159:762-777. [PMID: 32639614 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Revised: 10/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Megakaryoblastic leukemia 2 (MKL2)/myocardin-related transcription factor-B (MRTFB), a serum response factor (SRF) coactivator, is an important regulator of gene expression and neuronal morphology. Here, we show that different mouse MRTFB splice isoforms, including a novel fourth MRTFB isoform named spliced neuronal long isoform of SRF transcriptional coactivator (SOLOIST)/MRTFB isoform 4 (MRTFB i4), play distinct roles in this process. SOLOIST/MRTFB i4 has a short exon that encodes 21 amino acid residues ahead of the first RPXXXEL (RPEL) motif in MRTFB isoform 3. Quantitative PCR revealed that SOLOIST/MRTFB i4 and isoform 1 were enriched in the forebrain and neurons, and up-regulated during brain development. Conversely, isoform 3 was detected in various tissues, including both neurons and astrocytes, and was down-regulated in the developing brain. Reporter assays supported the SRF-coactivator function of SOLOIST/MRTFB i4 as well as isoform 1. Acute expression of MRTFB isoform 1, but not isoform 3 or SOLOIST/MRTFB i4, in neuronal cells within 24 hr drastically increased endogenous immediate early gene [c-fos, egr1, and activity-regulated cytoskeleton-associated protein] expression, but not endogenous actinin α1, β-actin, gelsolin, or srf gene expression measured by qPCR. Over-expression of SOLOIST/MRTFB i4 reduced the dendritic complexity of cortical neurons, whereas over-expression of isoform 1 increased this complexity. Co-expression of isoform 1 and SOLOIST/MRTFB i4 in cortical neurons revealed that isoform 1 competitively counteracted down-regulation by SOLOIST/MRTFB i4. Our findings indicate that MRTFB isoforms have unique expression patterns and differential effects on gene expression and dendritic complexity, which contribute to shaping neuronal circuits, at least in part.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuta Ishibashi
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medicine & Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Shizuku Shoji
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medicine & Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Daisuke Ihara
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medicine & Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan.,Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Yukimi Kubo
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medicine & Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Takuro Tanaka
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medicine & Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Hiroki Tanabe
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medicine & Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Hakamata
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medicine & Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Tomoaki Miyata
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medicine & Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Natsumi Satou
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medicine & Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Sakagami
- Department of Anatomy, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Mineyuki Mizuguchi
- Laboratory of Structural Biology, Graduate School of Medicine & Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Keietsu Kikuchi
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medicine & Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Mamoru Fukuchi
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medicine & Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan.,Present affiliation: Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Faculty of Pharmacy, Takasaki University of Health and Welfare, Takasaki, Gunma, Japan
| | - Masaaki Tsuda
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medicine & Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Ichiro Takasaki
- Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Graduate School of Innovative Life Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Akiko Tabuchi
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medicine & Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan.,Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Wang T, Zhang J, Xu Y. Epigenetic Basis of Lead-Induced Neurological Disorders. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17134878. [PMID: 32645824 PMCID: PMC7370007 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17134878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Environmental lead (Pb) exposure is closely associated with pathogenesis of a range of neurological disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), etc. Epigenetic machinery modulates neural development and activities, while faulty epigenetic regulation contributes to the diverse forms of CNS (central nervous system) abnormalities and diseases. As a potent epigenetic modifier, lead is thought to cause neurological disorders through modulating epigenetic mechanisms. Specifically, increasing evidence linked aberrant DNA methylations, histone modifications as well as ncRNAs (non-coding RNAs) with AD cases, among which circRNA (circular RNA) stands out as a new and promising field for association studies. In 23-year-old primates with developmental lead treatment, Zawia group discovered a variety of epigenetic changes relating to AD pathogenesis. This is a direct evidence implicating epigenetic basis in lead-induced AD animals with an entire lifespan. Additionally, some epigenetic molecules associated with AD etiology were also known to respond to chronic lead exposure in comparable disease models, indicating potentially interlaced mechanisms with respect to the studied neurotoxic and pathological events. Of note, epigenetic molecules acted via globally or selectively influencing the expression of disease-related genes. Compared to AD, the association of lead exposure with other neurological disorders were primarily supported by epidemiological survey, with fewer reports connecting epigenetic regulators with lead-induced pathogenesis. Some pharmaceuticals, such as HDAC (histone deacetylase) inhibitors and DNA methylation inhibitors, were developed to deal with CNS disease by targeting epigenetic components. Still, understandings are insufficient regarding the cause–consequence relations of epigenetic factors and neurological illness. Therefore, clear evidence should be provided in future investigations to address detailed roles of novel epigenetic factors in lead-induced neurological disorders, and efforts of developing specific epigenetic therapeutics should be appraised.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yi Xu
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-183-2613-5046
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Fang YC, Chan L, Liou JP, Tu YK, Lai MJ, Chen CI, Vidyanti AN, Lee HY, Hu CJ. HDAC inhibitor protects chronic cerebral hypoperfusion and oxygen-glucose deprivation injuries via H3K14 and H4K5 acetylation-mediated BDNF expression. J Cell Mol Med 2020; 24:6966-6977. [PMID: 32374084 PMCID: PMC7299713 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.15358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular dementia (VaD) is the second most common cause of dementia, but the treatment is still lacking. Although many studies have reported that histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACis) confer protective effects against ischemic and hypoxic injuries, their role in VaD is still uncertain. Previous studies shown, one HDACi protected against cognitive decline in animals with chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH). However, the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. In this study, we tested several 10,11‐dihydro‐5H‐dibenzo[b,f]azepine hydroxamates, which act as HDACis in the CCH model (in vivo), and SH‐SY5Y (neuroblastoma cells) with oxygen‐glucose deprivation (OGD, in vitro). We identified a compound 13, which exhibited the best cell viability under OGD. The compound 13 could increase, in part, the protein levels of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). It increased acetylation status on lysine 14 residue of histone 3 (H3K14) and lysine 5 of histone 4 (H4K5). We further clarified which promoters (I, II, III, IV or IX) could be affected by histone acetylation altered by compound 13. The results of chromatin immunoprecipitation and Q‐PCR analysis indicate that an increase in H3K14 acetylation leads to an increase in the expression of BDNF promoter II, while an increase in H4K5 acetylation results in an increase in the activity of BDNF promoter II and III. Afterwards, these cause an increase in the expression of BDNF exon II, III and coding exon IX. In summary, the HDACi compound 13 may increase BDNF specific isoforms expression to rescue the ischemic and hypoxic injuries through changes of acetylation on histones.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yao-Ching Fang
- Taipei Neuroscience Institute, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Lung Chan
- Department of Neurology, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Jing-Ping Liou
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,TMU Biomedical Commercialization Center, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yong-Kwang Tu
- Taipei Neuroscience Institute, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Neurology, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Mei-Jung Lai
- TMU Biomedical Commercialization Center, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chin-I Chen
- Department of Neurology, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Amelia Nur Vidyanti
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia.,International Master/PhD Program in Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsueh-Yun Lee
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chaur-Jong Hu
- Taipei Neuroscience Institute, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Neurology, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Liu X, Jiao B, Shen L. The Epigenetics of Alzheimer's Disease: Factors and Therapeutic Implications. Front Genet 2018; 9:579. [PMID: 30555513 PMCID: PMC6283895 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2018.00579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2018] [Accepted: 11/08/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a well-known neurodegenerative disorder that imposes a great burden on the world. The mechanisms of AD are not yet fully understood. Current insight into the role of epigenetics in the mechanism of AD focuses on DNA methylation, remodeling of chromatin, histone modifications and non-coding RNA regulation. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge regarding the role of epigenetics in AD and the possibilities for epigenetically based therapeutics. The general conclusion is that epigenetic mechanisms play a variety of crucial roles in the development of AD, and there are a number of viable possibilities for treatments based on modulating these effects, but significant advances in knowledge and technology will be needed to move these treatments from the bench to the bedside.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolei Liu
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,The Center of Gerontology and Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Bin Jiao
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Hunan Province in Neurodegenerative Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lu Shen
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Hunan Province in Neurodegenerative Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Organ Injury, Aging and Regenerative Medicine of Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Gustafsson JR, Katsioudi G, Degn M, Ejlerskov P, Issazadeh-Navikas S, Kornum BR. DNMT1 regulates expression of MHC class I in post-mitotic neurons. Mol Brain 2018; 11:36. [PMID: 29970123 PMCID: PMC6029374 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-018-0380-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2017] [Accepted: 06/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Major Histocompability Complex I (MHC-I) molecules present cellularly derived peptides to the adaptive immune system. Generally MHC-I is not expressed on healthy post-mitotic neurons in the central nervous system, but it is known to increase upon immune activation such as viral infections and also during neurodegenerative processes. MHC-I expression is known to be regulated by the DNA methyltransferase DNMT1 in non-neuronal cells. Interestingly DNMT1 expression is high in neurons despite these being non-dividing. This suggests a role for DNMT1 in neurons beyond the classical re-methylation of DNA after cell division. We thus investigated whether DNMT1 regulates MHC-I in post-mitotic neurons. For this we used primary cultures of mouse cerebellar granule neurons (CGNs). Our results showed that knockdown of DNMT1 in CGNs caused upregulation of some, but not all subtypes of MHC-I genes. This effect was synergistically enhanced by subsequent IFNγ treatment. Overall MHC-I protein level was not affected by knockdown of DNMT1 in CGNs. Instead our results show that the relative MHC-I expression levels among the different MHC subtypes is regulated by DNMT1 activity. In conclusion, we show that while the mouse H2-D1/L alleles are suppressed in neurons by DNMT1 activity under normal circumstances, the H2-K1 allele is not. This finding is particularly important in two instances. One: in the context of CNS autoimmunity with epitope presentation by specific MHC-I subtypes where this allele specific regulation might become important; and two: in amyotropic lateral sclerosis (ALS) where H2-K but not H2-D protects motor neurons from ALS astrocyte-induced toxicity in a mouse model of ALS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julie Ry Gustafsson
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Molecular Sleep Laboratory, Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, Nordre Ringvej 57, 2600, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Georgia Katsioudi
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Molecular Sleep Laboratory, Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, Nordre Ringvej 57, 2600, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Matilda Degn
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Molecular Sleep Laboratory, Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, Nordre Ringvej 57, 2600, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Patrick Ejlerskov
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes Vej 5, 2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Shohreh Issazadeh-Navikas
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes Vej 5, 2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Birgitte Rahbek Kornum
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Molecular Sleep Laboratory, Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, Nordre Ringvej 57, 2600, Glostrup, Denmark. .,Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Danish Center for Sleep Medicine, Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, Denmark. .,Molecular Sleep Laboratory, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Kawahori K, Hashimoto K, Yuan X, Tsujimoto K, Hanzawa N, Hamaguchi M, Kase S, Fujita K, Tagawa K, Okazawa H, Nakajima Y, Shibusawa N, Yamada M, Ogawa Y. Mild Maternal Hypothyroxinemia During Pregnancy Induces Persistent DNA Hypermethylation in the Hippocampal Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Gene in Mouse Offspring. Thyroid 2018; 28:395-406. [PMID: 29415629 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2017.0331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thyroid hormones are essential for normal development of the central nervous system (CNS). Experimental rodents have shown that even a subtle thyroid hormone insufficiency in circulating maternal thyroid hormones during pregnancy may adversely affect neurodevelopment in offspring, resulting in irreversible cognitive deficits. This may be due to the persistent reduced expression of the hippocampal brain-derived neurotrophic factor gene Bdnf, which plays a crucial role in CNS development. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. METHODS Thiamazole (MMI; 0.025% [w/v]) was administered to dams from two weeks prior to conception until delivery, which succeeded in inducing mild maternal hypothyroxinemia during pregnancy. Serum thyroid hormone and thyrotropin levels of the offspring derived from dams with mild maternal hypothyroxinemia (M offspring) and the control offspring (C offspring) were measured. At 70 days after birth, several behavior tests were performed on the offspring. Gene expression and DNA methylation status were also evaluated in the promoter region of Bdnf exon IV, which is largely responsible for neural activity-dependent Bdnf gene expression, in the hippocampus of the offspring at day 28 and day 70. RESULTS No significant differences in serum thyroid hormone or thyrotropin levels were found between M and C offspring at day 28 and day 70. M offspring showed an impaired learning capacity in the behavior tests. Hippocampal steady-state Bdnf exon IV expression was significantly weaker in M offspring than it was in C offspring at day 28. At day 70, hippocampal Bdnf exon IV expression at the basal level was comparable between M and C offspring. However, it was significantly weaker in M offspring than in C offspring after the behavior tests. Persistent DNA hypermethylation was also found in the promoter region of Bdnf exon IV in the hippocampus of M offspring compared to that of C offspring, which may cause the attenuation of Bdnf exon IV expression in M offspring. CONCLUSIONS Mild maternal hypothyroxinemia induces persistent DNA hypermethylation in Bdnf exon IV in offspring as epigenetic memory, which may result in long-term cognitive disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kenichi Kawahori
- 1 Department of Molecular Endocrinology and Metabolism, Tokyo Medical and Dental University , Tokyo, Japan
| | - Koshi Hashimoto
- 2 Department of Preemptive Medicine and Metabolism, Tokyo Medical and Dental University , Tokyo, Japan
| | - Xunmei Yuan
- 3 Department of Molecular and Cellular Metabolism, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University , Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazutaka Tsujimoto
- 1 Department of Molecular Endocrinology and Metabolism, Tokyo Medical and Dental University , Tokyo, Japan
| | - Nozomi Hanzawa
- 1 Department of Molecular Endocrinology and Metabolism, Tokyo Medical and Dental University , Tokyo, Japan
| | - Miho Hamaguchi
- 3 Department of Molecular and Cellular Metabolism, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University , Tokyo, Japan
| | - Saori Kase
- 1 Department of Molecular Endocrinology and Metabolism, Tokyo Medical and Dental University , Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kyota Fujita
- 4 Department of Neuropathology, Medical Research Institute and Center for Brain Integration Research, Tokyo Medical and Dental University , Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Tagawa
- 4 Department of Neuropathology, Medical Research Institute and Center for Brain Integration Research, Tokyo Medical and Dental University , Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Okazawa
- 4 Department of Neuropathology, Medical Research Institute and Center for Brain Integration Research, Tokyo Medical and Dental University , Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasuyo Nakajima
- 5 Department of Medicine and Molecular Science, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine , Gunma, Japan
| | - Nobuyuki Shibusawa
- 5 Department of Medicine and Molecular Science, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine , Gunma, Japan
| | - Masanobu Yamada
- 5 Department of Medicine and Molecular Science, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine , Gunma, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Ogawa
- 3 Department of Molecular and Cellular Metabolism, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University , Tokyo, Japan
- 6 Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University , Fukuoka, Japan
- 7 Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development , CREST, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Konopko MA, Densmore AL, Krueger BK. Sexually Dimorphic Epigenetic Regulation of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Fetal Brain in the Valproic Acid Model of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Dev Neurosci 2017; 39:507-518. [PMID: 29073621 PMCID: PMC6020162 DOI: 10.1159/000481134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2017] [Accepted: 08/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Prenatal exposure to the antiepileptic, mood-stabilizing drug, valproic acid (VPA), increases the incidence of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs); in utero administration of VPA to pregnant rodents induces ASD-like behaviors such as repetitive, stereotyped activity, and decreased socialization. In both cases, males are more affected than females. We previously reported that VPA, administered to pregnant mice at gestational day 12.5, rapidly induces a transient, 6-fold increase in BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) protein and mRNA in the fetal brain. Here, we investigate sex differences in the induction of Bdnf expression by VPA as well as the underlying epigenetic mechanisms. We found no sex differences in the VPA stimulation of total brain Bdnf mRNA as indicated by probing for the BDNF protein coding sequence (exon 9); however, stimulation of individual transcripts containing two of the nine 5'-untranslated exons (5'UTEs) in Bdnf (exons 1 and 4) by VPA was greater in female fetal brains. These Bdnf transcripts have been associated with different cell types or subcellular compartments within neurons. Since VPA is a histone deacetylase inhibitor, covalent histone modifications at Bdnf 5'UTEs in the fetal brain were analyzed by chromatin immunoprecipitation. VPA increased the acetylation of multiple H3 and H4 lysine residues in the vicinity of exons 1, 2, 4, and 6; minimal differences between the sexes were observed. H3 lysine 4 trimethylation (H3K4me3) at those exons was also stimulated by VPA. Moreover, the VPA-induced increase in H3K4me3 at exons 1, 4, and 6 was significantly greater in females than in males, i.e., sexually dimorphic stimulation of H3K4me3 by VPA correlated with Bdnf transcripts containing exons 1 and 4, but not 6. Neither H3K27me3 nor cytosine methylation at any of the 117 CpGs in the vicinity of the transcription start sites of exons 1, 4, and 6 was affected by VPA. Thus, of the 6 epigenetic marks analyzed, only H3K4me3 can account for the sexually dimorphic expression of Bdnf transcripts induced by VPA in the fetal brain. Preferential expression of exon 1- and exon 4-Bdnf transcripts in females may contribute to sex differences in ASDs by protecting females from the adverse effects of genetic variants or environmental factors such as VPA on the developing brain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Melissa A Konopko
- Program in Neuroscience, University of Maryland Baltimore, 655 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore MD 21201
| | | | - Bruce K. Krueger
- Program in Neuroscience, University of Maryland Baltimore, 655 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore MD 21201
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
He CC, Wang ZY, Tian K, Liu W, Li YB, Hong Y, Yu LX, Pang W, Jiang YG, Liu YQ. DNA methylation mechanism of intracellular zinc deficiency-induced injury in primary hippocampal neurons in the rat brain. Nutr Neurosci 2017; 21:478-486. [DOI: 10.1080/1028415x.2017.1312090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Cong-cong He
- College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
- Department of Nutrition, Tianjin Institute of Health and Environmental Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Zi-yu Wang
- Department of Nutrition, Tianjin Institute of Health and Environmental Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Kun Tian
- College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Nutrition, Tianjin Institute of Health and Environmental Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Yi-bo Li
- Department of Nutrition, Tianjin Institute of Health and Environmental Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Yan Hong
- Department of Nutrition, Tianjin Institute of Health and Environmental Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Li-xia Yu
- Department of Nutrition, Tianjin Institute of Health and Environmental Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Wei Pang
- Department of Nutrition, Tianjin Institute of Health and Environmental Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Yu-gang Jiang
- Department of Nutrition, Tianjin Institute of Health and Environmental Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Yan-qiang Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Chen KW, Chen L. Epigenetic Regulation of BDNF Gene during Development and Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18030571. [PMID: 28272318 PMCID: PMC5372587 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18030571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2017] [Accepted: 03/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is required for the development of the nervous system, proper cognitive function and memory formation. While aberrant expression of BDNF has been implicated in neurological disorders, the transcriptional regulation of BDNF remains to be elucidated. In response to different stimuli, BDNF expression can be initiated from different promoters. Several studies have suggested that the expression of BDNF is regulated by promoter methylation. An emerging theme points to the possibility that histone modifications at the BDNF promoters may link to the neurological pathology. Thus, understanding the epigenetic regulation at the BDNF promoters will shed light on future therapies for neurological disorders. The present review summarizes the current knowledge of histone modifications of the BDNF gene in neuronal diseases, as well as the developmental regulation of the BDNF gene based on data from the Encyclopedia of DNA Elements (ENCODE).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kuan-Wei Chen
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Department of Medical Science, National Tsing Hua University, 101, Section 2, Kuang-Fu Road, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan.
| | - Linyi Chen
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Department of Medical Science, National Tsing Hua University, 101, Section 2, Kuang-Fu Road, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan.
- Department of Medical Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Epigenetics in Alzheimer's Disease: Perspective of DNA Methylation. Mol Neurobiol 2017; 55:1026-1044. [PMID: 28092081 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-016-0357-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2016] [Accepted: 12/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Research over the years has shown that causes of Alzheimer's disease are not well understood, but over the past years, the involvement of epigenetic mechanisms in the developing memory formation either under pathological or physiological conditions has become clear. The term epigenetics represents the heredity of changes in phenotype that are independent of altered DNA sequences. Different studies validated that cytosine methylation of genomic DNA decreases with age in different tissues of mammals, and therefore, the role of epigenetic factors in developing neurological disorders in aging has been under focus. In this review, we summarized and reviewed the involvement of different epigenetic mechanisms especially the DNA methylation in Alzheimer's disease (AD), late-onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD), familial Alzheimer's disease (FAD), and autosomal dominant Alzheimer's disease (ADAD). Down to the minutest of details, we tried to discuss the methylation patterns like mitochondrial DNA methylation and ribosomal DNA (rDNA) methylation. Additionally, we mentioned some therapeutic approaches related to epigenetics, which could provide a potential cure for AD. Moreover, we reviewed some recent studies that validate DNA methylation as a potential biomarker and its role in AD. We hope that this review will provide new insights into the understanding of AD pathogenesis from the epigenetic perspective especially from the perspective of DNA methylation.
Collapse
|
17
|
A genome-wide search for epigenetically [corrected] regulated genes in zebra finch using MethylCap-seq and RNA-seq. Sci Rep 2016; 6:20957. [PMID: 26864856 PMCID: PMC4750092 DOI: 10.1038/srep20957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2015] [Accepted: 01/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Learning and memory formation are known to require dynamic CpG (de)methylation and gene expression changes. Here, we aimed at establishing a genome-wide DNA methylation map of the zebra finch genome, a model organism in neuroscience, as well as identifying putatively epigenetically regulated genes. RNA- and MethylCap-seq experiments were performed on two zebra finch cell lines in presence or absence of 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine induced demethylation. First, the MethylCap-seq methodology was validated in zebra finch by comparison with RRBS-generated data. To assess the influence of (variable) methylation on gene expression, RNA-seq experiments were performed as well. Comparison of RNA-seq and MethylCap-seq results showed that at least 357 of the 3,457 AZA-upregulated genes are putatively regulated by methylation in the promoter region, for which a pathway analysis showed remarkable enrichment for neurological networks. A subset of genes was validated using Exon Arrays, quantitative RT-PCR and CpG pyrosequencing on bisulfite-treated samples. To our knowledge, this study provides the first genome-wide DNA methylation map of the zebra finch genome as well as a comprehensive set of genes of which transcription is under putative methylation control.
Collapse
|
18
|
Sharma S, Taliyan R. Epigenetic modifications by inhibiting histone deacetylases reverse memory impairment in insulin resistance induced cognitive deficit in mice. Neuropharmacology 2016; 105:285-297. [PMID: 26805421 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2016.01.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2015] [Revised: 01/12/2016] [Accepted: 01/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Insulin resistance has been reported as a strong risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. However the molecular mechanisms of association between these still remain elusive. Various studies have highlighted the involvement of histone deacetylases (HDACs) in insulin resistance and cognitive deficits. Thus, the present study was designed to investigate the possible neuroprotective role of HDAC inhibitor, suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA) in insulin resistance induced cognitive impairment in mice. Mice were subjected to either normal pellet diet (NPD) or high fat diet (HFD) for 8 weeks. HFD fed mice were treated with SAHA at 25 and 50 mg/kg i.p. once daily for 2 weeks. Serum insulin, glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol levels were measured. A battery of behavioral parameters was performed to assess cognitive functions. Level of tumour necrosis factor (TNF-α) was measured in hippocampus to assess neuroinflammation. To further explore the molecular mechanisms we measured the histone H3 acetylation and brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) level. HFD fed mice exhibit characteristic features of insulin resistance. These mice also showed a severe deficit in learning and memory along with reduced histone H3 acetylation and BDNF levels. In contrast, the mice treated with SAHA showed significant and dose dependent improvement in insulin resistant condition. These mice also showed improved learning and memory performance. SAHA treatment ameliorates the HFD induced reduction in histone H3 acetylation and BDNF levels. Based upon these results, it could be suggested that HDAC inhibitors exert neuroprotective effects by increasing H3 acetylation and subsequently BDNF level.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sorabh Sharma
- Neuropharmacology Division, Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani 333031, Rajasthan, India
| | - Rajeev Taliyan
- Neuropharmacology Division, Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani 333031, Rajasthan, India.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Cacabelos R, Torrellas C. Epigenetics of Aging and Alzheimer's Disease: Implications for Pharmacogenomics and Drug Response. Int J Mol Sci 2015; 16:30483-543. [PMID: 26703582 PMCID: PMC4691177 DOI: 10.3390/ijms161226236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2015] [Revised: 11/16/2015] [Accepted: 12/08/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic variability (DNA methylation/demethylation, histone modifications, microRNA regulation) is common in physiological and pathological conditions. Epigenetic alterations are present in different tissues along the aging process and in neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Epigenetics affect life span and longevity. AD-related genes exhibit epigenetic changes, indicating that epigenetics might exert a pathogenic role in dementia. Epigenetic modifications are reversible and can potentially be targeted by pharmacological intervention. Epigenetic drugs may be useful for the treatment of major problems of health (e.g., cancer, cardiovascular disorders, brain disorders). The efficacy and safety of these and other medications depend upon the efficiency of the pharmacogenetic process in which different clusters of genes (pathogenic, mechanistic, metabolic, transporter, pleiotropic) are involved. Most of these genes are also under the influence of the epigenetic machinery. The information available on the pharmacoepigenomics of most drugs is very limited; however, growing evidence indicates that epigenetic changes are determinant in the pathogenesis of many medical conditions and in drug response and drug resistance. Consequently, pharmacoepigenetic studies should be incorporated in drug development and personalized treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ramón Cacabelos
- EuroEspes Biomedical Research Center, Institute of Medical Science and Genomic Medicine, 15165-Bergondo, Corunna, Spain.
- Chair of Genomic Medicine, Camilo José Cela University, 28692-Madrid, Spain.
| | - Clara Torrellas
- EuroEspes Biomedical Research Center, Institute of Medical Science and Genomic Medicine, 15165-Bergondo, Corunna, Spain.
- Chair of Genomic Medicine, Camilo José Cela University, 28692-Madrid, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Lardenoije R, Iatrou A, Kenis G, Kompotis K, Steinbusch HWM, Mastroeni D, Coleman P, Lemere CA, Hof PR, van den Hove DLA, Rutten BPF. The epigenetics of aging and neurodegeneration. Prog Neurobiol 2015; 131:21-64. [PMID: 26072273 PMCID: PMC6477921 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2015.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 246] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2014] [Revised: 05/13/2015] [Accepted: 05/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetics is a quickly growing field encompassing mechanisms regulating gene expression that do not involve changes in the genotype. Epigenetics is of increasing relevance to neuroscience, with epigenetic mechanisms being implicated in brain development and neuronal differentiation, as well as in more dynamic processes related to cognition. Epigenetic regulation covers multiple levels of gene expression; from direct modifications of the DNA and histone tails, regulating the level of transcription, to interactions with messenger RNAs, regulating the level of translation. Importantly, epigenetic dysregulation currently garners much attention as a pivotal player in aging and age-related neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Huntington's disease, where it may mediate interactions between genetic and environmental risk factors, or directly interact with disease-specific pathological factors. We review current knowledge about the major epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation and DNA demethylation, chromatin remodeling and non-coding RNAs, as well as the involvement of these mechanisms in normal aging and in the pathophysiology of the most common neurodegenerative diseases. Additionally, we examine the current state of epigenetics-based therapeutic strategies for these diseases, which either aim to restore the epigenetic homeostasis or skew it to a favorable direction to counter disease pathology. Finally, methodological challenges of epigenetic investigations and future perspectives are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roy Lardenoije
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Artemis Iatrou
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Gunter Kenis
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Konstantinos Kompotis
- Center for Integrative Genomics, University of Lausanne, Genopode Building, 1015 Lausanne-Dorigny, Switzerland
| | - Harry W M Steinbusch
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Diego Mastroeni
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands; L.J. Roberts Alzheimer's Disease Center, Banner Sun Health Research Institute, 10515 W. Santa Fe Drive, Sun City, AZ 85351, USA
| | - Paul Coleman
- L.J. Roberts Alzheimer's Disease Center, Banner Sun Health Research Institute, 10515 W. Santa Fe Drive, Sun City, AZ 85351, USA
| | - Cynthia A Lemere
- Center for Neurologic Diseases, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Patrick R Hof
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Daniel L A van den Hove
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands; Laboratory of Translational Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University of Wuerzburg, Fuechsleinstrasse 15, 97080 Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Bart P F Rutten
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Abstract
Apolipoprotein E4 (ApoE4) is a major genetic risk factor for several neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Epigenetic dysregulation, including aberrations in histone acetylation, is also associated with AD. We show here for the first time that ApoE4 increases nuclear translocation of histone deacetylases (HDACs) in human neurons, thereby reducing BDNF expression, whereas ApoE3 increases histone 3 acetylation and upregulates BDNF expression. Amyloid-β (Aβ) oligomers, which have been implicated in AD, caused effects similar to ApoE4. Blocking low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP-1) receptor with receptor-associated protein (RAP) or LRP-1 siRNA abolished the ApoE effects. ApoE3 also induced expression of protein kinase C ε (PKCε) and PKCε retained HDACs in the cytosol. PKCε activation and ApoE3 supplementation prevented ApoE4-mediated BDNF downregulation. PKCε activation also reversed Aβ oligomer- and ApoE4-induced nuclear import of HDACs, preventing the loss in BDNF. ApoE4 induced HDAC6-BDNF promoter IV binding, which reduced BDNF exon IV expression. Nuclear HDAC4 and HDAC6 were more abundant in the hippocampus of ApoE4 transgenic mice than in ApoE3 transgenic mice or wild-type controls. Nuclear translocation of HDA6 was also elevated in the hippocampus of AD patients compared with age-matched controls. These results provide new insight into the cause of synaptic loss that is the most important pathologic correlate of cognitive deficits in AD.
Collapse
|
22
|
Cacabelos R. Epigenomic networking in drug development: from pathogenic mechanisms to pharmacogenomics. Drug Dev Res 2015; 75:348-65. [PMID: 25195579 DOI: 10.1002/ddr.21219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Different epigenetic alterations (DNA methylation, histone modifications, chromatin remodeling, noncoding RNA dysregulation) are associated with the phenotypic expression of complex disorders in which genomic, epigenomic, proteomic, and metabolomic changes, in conjunction with environmental factors, are involved. As epigenetic modifications are reversible and can be potentially targeted by pharmacological and dietary interventions, a series of epigenetic drugs have been developed, including DNA methyltransferase inhibitors (nucleoside analogs, small molecules, bioproducts, antisense oligonucleotides, miRNAs), histone deacetylase inhibitors (short-chain fatty acids, hydroxamic acids, cyclic peptides, benzamides, ketones, sirtuin inhibitors, sirtuin activators), histone acetyltransferase modulators, histone methyltransferase inhibitors, histone demethylase inhibitors, and noncoding RNAs (miRNAs), with potential effects against myelodysplastic syndromes, different types of cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders. Pharmacogenetic and pharmacoepigenetic studies are required for the proper evaluation of efficacy and safety issues in clinical trials with epigenetic drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ramón Cacabelos
- Genomic Medicine, Camilo José Cela University, Madrid, 28692, Spain; EuroEspes Biomedical Research Center, Institute of Medical Science and Genomic Medicine, Corunna, 15165, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Abstract
INTRODUCTION It is assumed that epigenetic modifications are reversible and could potentially be targeted by pharmacological and dietary interventions. Epigenetic drugs are gaining particular interest as potential candidates for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). AREAS COVERED This article covers relevant information from over 50 different epigenetic drugs including: DNA methyltransferase inhibitors; histone deacetylase inhibitors; histone acetyltransferase modulators; histone methyltransferase inhibitors; histone demethylase inhibitors; non-coding RNAs (microRNAs) and dietary regimes. The authors also review the pharmacoepigenomics and the pharmacogenomics of epigenetic drugs. The readers will gain insight into i) the classification of epigenetic drugs; ii) the mechanisms by which these drugs might be useful in AD; iii) the pharmacological properties of selected epigenetic drugs; iv) pharmacoepigenomics and the influence of epigenetic drugs on genes encoding CYP enzymes, transporters and nuclear receptors; and v) the genes associated with the pharmacogenomics of anti-dementia drugs. EXPERT OPINION Epigenetic drugs reverse epigenetic changes in gene expression and might open future avenues in AD therapeutics. Unfortunately, clinical trials with this category of drugs are lacking in AD. The authors highlight the need for pharmacogenetic and pharmacoepigenetic studies to properly evaluate any efficacy and safety issues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ramón Cacabelos
- Professor,Camilo José Cela University, Chair of Genomic Medicine , Madrid , Spain
| | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Liyanage VRB, Zachariah RM, Rastegar M. Decitabine alters the expression of Mecp2 isoforms via dynamic DNA methylation at the Mecp2 regulatory elements in neural stem cells. Mol Autism 2013; 4:46. [PMID: 24238559 PMCID: PMC3900258 DOI: 10.1186/2040-2392-4-46] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2013] [Accepted: 10/01/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Aberrant MeCP2 expression in brain is associated with neurodevelopmental disorders including autism. In the brain of stressed mouse and autistic human patients, reduced MeCP2 expression is correlated with Mecp2/MECP2 promoter hypermethylation. Altered expression of MeCP2 isoforms (MeCP2E1 and MeCP2E2) is associated with neurological disorders, highlighting the importance of proper regulation of both isoforms. While known regulatory elements (REs) within the MECP2/Mecp2 promoter and intron 1 are involved in MECP2/Mecp2 regulation, Mecp2 isoform-specific regulatory mechanisms are unknown. We hypothesized that DNA methylation at these REs may impact the expression of Mecp2 isoforms. Methods We used a previously characterized in vitro differentiating neural stem cell (NSC) system to investigate the interplay between Mecp2 isoform-specific expression and DNA methylation at the Mecp2 REs. We studied altered expression of Mecp2 isoforms, affected by global DNA demethylation and remethylation, induced by exposure and withdrawal of decitabine (5-Aza-2′-deoxycytidine). Further, we performed correlation analysis between DNA methylation at the Mecp2 REs and the expression of Mecp2 isoforms after decitabine exposure and withdrawal. Results At different stages of NSC differentiation, Mecp2 isoforms showed reciprocal expression patterns associated with minor, but significant changes in DNA methylation at the Mecp2 REs. Decitabine treatment induced Mecp2e1/MeCP2E1 (but not Mecp2e2) expression at day (D) 2, associated with DNA demethylation at the Mecp2 REs. In contrast, decitabine withdrawal downregulated both Mecp2 isoforms to different extents at D8, without affecting DNA methylation at the Mecp2 REs. NSC cell fate commitment was minimally affected by decitabine under tested conditions. Expression of both isoforms negatively correlated with methylation at specific regions of the Mecp2 promoter, both at D2 and D8. The correlation between intron 1 methylation and Mecp2e1 (but not Mecp2e2) varied depending on the stage of NSC differentiation (D2: negative; D8: positive). Conclusions Our results show the correlation between the expression of Mecp2 isoforms and DNA methylation in differentiating NSC, providing insights on the potential role of DNA methylation at the Mecp2 REs in Mecp2 isoform-specific expression. The ability of decitabine to induce Mecp2e1/MeCP2E1, but not Mecp2e2 suggests differential sensitivity of Mecp2 isoforms to decitabine and is important for future drug therapies for autism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mojgan Rastegar
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Rm, 627, Basic Medical Sciences Bldg,, 745 Bannatyne Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3E 0J9, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Wang J, Yu JT, Tan MS, Jiang T, Tan L. Epigenetic mechanisms in Alzheimer's disease: implications for pathogenesis and therapy. Ageing Res Rev 2013; 12:1024-41. [PMID: 23688931 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2013.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2013] [Accepted: 05/08/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The vast majority of Alzheimer's disease (AD) are late-onset forms (LOAD) likely due to the interplay of environmental influences and individual genetic susceptibility. Epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation, histone modifications and non-coding RNAs, constitute dynamic intracellular processes for translating environmental stimuli into modifications in gene expression. Over the past decade it has become increasingly clear that epigenetic mechanisms play a pivotal role in aging the pathogenesis of AD. Here, we provide a review of the major mechanisms for epigenetic modification and how they are reportedly altered in aging and AD. Moreover, we also consider how aberrant epigenetic modifications may lead to AD pathogenesis, and we review the therapeutic potential of epigenetic treatments for AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jun Wang
- Department of Neurology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, School of Medicine, Qingdao University, China
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Ikegame T, Bundo M, Sunaga F, Asai T, Nishimura F, Yoshikawa A, Kawamura Y, Hibino H, Tochigi M, Kakiuchi C, Sasaki T, Kato T, Kasai K, Iwamoto K. DNA methylation analysis of BDNF gene promoters in peripheral blood cells of schizophrenia patients. Neurosci Res 2013; 77:208-14. [PMID: 23973796 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2013.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2013] [Revised: 08/08/2013] [Accepted: 08/12/2013] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence suggests that epigenetic alterations in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) promoters are associated with the pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders. Epigenetic changes in BDNF were reported not only in brain tissues but also in other tissues, including peripheral blood cells (PBC) and saliva. We examined DNA methylation levels of BDNF promoters I and IV using genomic DNA derived from PBC of healthy controls (n=100), and patients with schizophrenia (n=100), all from the Japanese population, by pyrosequencing. The examined CpG sites were chosen based on previous epigenetic studies that reported altered DNA methylation. We found a significantly higher level of methylation at BDNF promoter I in patients with schizophrenia compared to controls, although the difference was small. Subsequent analysis revealed that in controls, the methylation level of BDNF promoters was associated with sex, and the methylation difference observed in promoter I was more prominent in male patients with schizophrenia. Epigenetic alteration of BDNF in the PBC might reflect the pathophysiology of schizophrenia, and could be a potential biomarker.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tempei Ikegame
- Department of Molecular Psychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan; Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Ikegame T, Bundo M, Murata Y, Kasai K, Kato T, Iwamoto K. DNA methylation of the BDNF gene and its relevance to psychiatric disorders. J Hum Genet 2013; 58:434-8. [PMID: 23739121 DOI: 10.1038/jhg.2013.65] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2013] [Revised: 05/07/2013] [Accepted: 05/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a neurotrophic factor, which is important for neuronal survival, development and synaptic plasticity. Accumulating evidence suggests that epigenetic modifications of BDNF are associated with the pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia and mood disorders. Patients with psychiatric disorders generally show decreased neural BDNF levels, which are often associated with increased DNA methylation at the specific BDNF promoters. Importantly, observed DNA methylation changes are consistent across tissues including brain and peripheral blood, which suggests potential usefulness of these findings as a biomarker of psychiatric disorders. Here we review DNA methylation characteristics of BDNF promoters of cellular, animal and clinical samples and discuss future perspectives.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tempei Ikegame
- Department of Molecular Psychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Walker MP, LaFerla FM, Oddo SS, Brewer GJ. Reversible epigenetic histone modifications and Bdnf expression in neurons with aging and from a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. AGE (DORDRECHT, NETHERLANDS) 2013; 35:519-31. [PMID: 22237558 PMCID: PMC3636384 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-011-9375-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2011] [Accepted: 12/18/2011] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
With aging and Alzheimer's disease (AD), there is an increased sensitivity to stress along with declines in the memory-associated neurotrophin brain-derived neurotrophic factor in AD. We have replicated this aging phenotype in cultured neurons from aged mice despite being grown in the same environmental conditions as young neurons. This led us to hypothesize that age-related differences in epigenetic acetylation and methylation of histones are associated with age-related gene regulation. We cultured hippocampal/cortical neurons from the 3xTg-AD mouse model and from non-transgenic mice to quantify single cell acetylation and methylation levels across the life span. In non-transgenic neurons, H3 acetylation was unchanged with age, while H4 acetylation decreased with age of the donor. Compared to non-transgenic neurons, 3xTg-AD neurons had higher levels of H3 and H4 acetylation beginning at 4 months of age. In contrast to non-transgenic neurons, 3xTg-AD neurons increased acetylation with age; 3xTg-AD neurons also responded differently to inhibition of histone deacetylases at an early age. Importantly, treatment of non-transgenic neurons with the AD peptide Aβ also elevated levels of acetylation. We also examined the repressive function of histone H3 lysine 9 (H3K9) methylation. H3K9 methylation increased with age in non-transgenic neurons, which was amplified further in 3xTg-AD neurons. The dominant effect of higher H3K9 methylation was supported by lower Bdnf gene expression in non-transgenic and 3xTg-AD mice. These data show that the epigenetic states of non-transgenic and 3xTg-AD brain neurons are profoundly different and reversible, beginning at 4 months of age when the first memory deficits are reported.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael P. Walker
- />Department of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Cell Biology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL 62794-9626 USA
| | - Frank M. LaFerla
- />Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697 USA
| | - Salvador S. Oddo
- />Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697 USA
| | - Gregory J. Brewer
- />Department of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Cell Biology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL 62794-9626 USA
- />Department of Neurology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL 62794-9626 USA
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Uchida H, Matsushita Y, Ueda H. Epigenetic regulation of BDNF expression in the primary sensory neurons after peripheral nerve injury: implications in the development of neuropathic pain. Neuroscience 2013; 240:147-54. [PMID: 23466809 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2013.02.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2012] [Revised: 02/19/2013] [Accepted: 02/20/2013] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is known to be up-regulated in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) after peripheral nerve injury, and to contribute to neuropathic pain. Here, we found that thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia at day 7 post-injury were inhibited only when anti-BDNF antibody was intrathecally administrated at day 2 post-injury. Consistent with behavioral results, Western blot analysis showed that the expression levels of BDNF protein in the spinal dorsal horn were markedly induced during early stage post-injury. Moreover, the maximal increase in BDNF mRNA expression in the DRG was observed at day 1 post-injury, and significantly elevated levels were sustained for at least 14 days. Four of five BDNF mRNA transcripts were up-regulated after nerve injury, and the most inducible transcript was exon I. Using a chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay, we found that nerve injury promotes histone H3 and H4 acetylation, transcriptionally active modifications, at BDNF promoter I at day 1 post-injury, and the levels of histone acetylation remain elevated for at least 7 days. Taken together, our findings suggest that an initial increase in BDNF exon I expression controlled by epigenetic mechanisms might have a crucial role in the development of neuropathic pain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H Uchida
- Division of Molecular Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
|
31
|
Abstract
Abnormal brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling seems to have a central role in the course and development of various neurological and psychiatric disorders. In addition, positive effects of psychotropic drugs are known to activate BDNF-mediated signaling. Although the BDNF gene has been associated with several diseases, molecular mechanisms other than functional genetic variations can impact on the regulation of BDNF gene expression and lead to disturbed BDNF signaling and associated pathology. Thus, epigenetic modifications, representing key mechanisms by which environmental factors induce enduring changes in gene expression, are suspected to participate in the onset of various psychiatric disorders. More specifically, various environmental factors, particularly when occurring during development, have been claimed to produce long-lasting epigenetic changes at the BDNF gene, thereby affecting availability and function of the BDNF protein. Such stabile imprints on the BDNF gene might explain, at least in part, the delayed efficacy of treatments as well as the high degree of relapses observed in psychiatric disorders. Moreover, BDNF gene has a complex structure displaying differential exon regulation and usage, suggesting a subcellular- and brain region-specific distribution. As such, developing drugs that modify epigenetic regulation at specific BDNF exons represents a promising strategy for the treatment of psychiatric disorders. Here, we present an overview of the current literature on epigenetic modifications at the BDNF locus in psychiatric disorders and related animal models.
Collapse
|
32
|
Lagali PS, Picketts DJ. Matters of life and death: the role of chromatin remodeling proteins in retinal neuron survival. J Ocul Biol Dis Infor 2012; 4:111-20. [PMID: 23289056 PMCID: PMC3382293 DOI: 10.1007/s12177-012-9080-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2012] [Accepted: 03/05/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal neurons are highly vulnerable to a diverse array of neurotoxic stimuli that leads to their degeneration, which is a major contributor to blindness. This review summarizes the role of epigenetic factors in mediating neuronal homeostasis and survival to protect against cell death and neurodegenerative conditions. Studies in human patients and mouse models implicate numerous chromatin modifications in neuroprotective processes including histone protein acetylation and methylation, DNA methylation, and ATP-dependent nucleosome remodeling. Recent research has begun to uncover specific epigenetic mechanisms invoked by neurotoxic stimuli. Continued investigation in this area will be the key to the generation of therapeutic strategies for the intervention of retinal neurodegenerative diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pamela S Lagali
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON Canada K1H 8L6 ; Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON Canada K1H 8M5
| | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Improvement of cardiac function in mouse myocardial infarction after transplantation of epigenetically-modified bone marrow progenitor cells. PLoS One 2011; 6:e22550. [PMID: 21799893 PMCID: PMC3142193 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0022550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2011] [Accepted: 06/23/2011] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To study usefulness of bone marrow progenitor cells (BPCs) epigenetically altered by chromatin modifying agents in mediating heart repair after myocardial infarction in mice. Methods and Results We tested the therapeutic efficacy of bone marrow progenitor cells treated with the clinically-used chromatin modifying agents Trichostatin A (TSA, histone deacetylase inhibitor) and 5Aza-2-deoxycytidine (Aza, DNA methylation inhibitor) in a mouse model of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Treatment of BPCs with Aza and TSA induced expression of pluripotent genes Oct4, Nanog, Sox2, and thereafter culturing these cells in defined cardiac myocyte-conditioned medium resulted in their differentiation into cardiomyocyte progenitors and subsequently into cardiac myocytes. Their transition was deduced by expression of repertoire of markers: Nkx2.5, GATA4, cardiotroponin T, cardiotroponin I, α-sarcomeric actinin, Mef2c and MHC-α. We observed that the modified BPCs had greater AceH3K9 expression and reduced histone deacetylase1 (HDAC1) and lysine-specific demethylase1 (LSD1) expression compared to untreated BPCs, characteristic of epigenetic changes. Intra-myocardial injection of modified BPCs after AMI in mice significantly improved left ventricular function. These changes were ascribed to differentiation of the injected cells into cardiomyocytes and endothelial cells. Conclusion Treatment of BPCs with Aza and TSA converts BPCs into multipotent cells, which can then be differentiated into myocyte progenitors. Transplantation of these modified progenitor cells into infarcted mouse hearts improved left ventricular function secondary to differentiation of cells in the niche into myocytes and endothelial cells.
Collapse
|