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Motawi TK, Shaker OG, Amr G, Senousy MA. RNA methylation machinery and m 6A target genes as circulating biomarkers of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease: Correlation with disease activity, location, and inflammatory cytokines. Clin Chim Acta 2024; 561:119831. [PMID: 38925436 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2024.119831] [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: 05/19/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Accurate diagnosis of ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD), the main subtypes of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), has been challenging due to the constraints of the current techniques. N6-methyl adenosine (m6A) regulators have evolved as key players in IBD pathogenesis; however, their relation to its clinical setting is largely unexplored. This study investigated the potential of selected RNA methylation machinery and m6A target genes as serum biomarkers of UC and CD, their predictive and discriminating capabilities, and their correlations with laboratory data, interleukin (IL)-6, interferon-γ, disease activity scores, and pathological features. Fifty UC and 45 CD patients, along with 30 healthy volunteers were enlisted. The mRNA expression levels of the m6A writers methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) and Wilms-tumor associated protein (WTAP), and the reader YTH domain family, member 1 (YTHDF1), along with the m6A candidate genes sex determining region Y-box 2 (SOX2), hexokinase 2 (HK2), and ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2 L3 (UBE2L3) were upregulated in UC patients, whereas only METTL3, HK2, and UBE2L3 were upregulated in CD patients versus controls. Serum WTAP (AUC = 0.94, 95 %CI = 0.874-1.006) and HK2 (AUC = 0.911, 95 %CI = 0.843-0.980) expression levels showed excellent diagnostic accuracy for UC, METTL3 showed excellent diagnostic accuracy for CD (AUC = 0.91, 95 %CI = 0.828-0.992), meanwhile, WTAP showed excellent discriminative power between the two diseases (AUC = 0.91, 95 %CI = 0.849-0.979). Multivariate logistic analysis unveiled the association of METTL3 and UBE2L3 expression with the risk of CD and UC diagnosis, respectively, controlled by age and sex as confounders. Remarkable correlations were recorded between the gene expression of studied m6A regulators and targets in both diseases. Among UC patients, serum METTL3 and WTAP were correlated with UC extent/type, while WTAP was correlated with IL-6. Among CD patients, serum METTL3 and HK2 were correlated with CD activity index (CDAI) and CD location. In conclusion, m6A regulators and target genes are distinctly expressed in UC and CD clinical samples, correlate with disease activity and extent/location, and could serve as a novel approach to empower the diagnosis and stratification of IBD subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarek K Motawi
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo 11562, Egypt.
| | - Olfat G Shaker
- Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ghada Amr
- General Administration of Blood Banks, Ministry of Health and Population, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud A Senousy
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo 11562, Egypt; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Drug Technology, Egyptian Chinese University, Cairo 11786, Egypt
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Xiao D, Zhang M, Qu Y, Su X. Functions of methyltransferase-like 3 in breast cancer: pathogenesis, drug resistance, and therapeutic target. Breast Cancer Res 2024; 26:110. [PMID: 38961497 PMCID: PMC11223289 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-024-01869-8] [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: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is a highly prevalent malignancy worldwide, with complex pathogenesis and treatment challenges. Research reveals that methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) is widely involved in the pathogenesis of several tumors through methylation of its target RNAs, and its role and mechanisms in BC are also extensively studied. In this review, we aim to provide a comprehensive interpretation of available studies and elucidate the relationship between METTL3 and BC. This review suggests that high levels of METTL3 are associated with the pathogenesis, poor prognosis, and drug resistance of BC, suggesting METTL3 as a potential diagnostic or prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target. Collectively, this review provides a comprehensive understanding of how METTL3 functions through RNA methylation, which provides a valuable reference for future fundamental studies and clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongqiong Xiao
- Department of Pediatrics/Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Ministry of Education), West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Chronobiology (Sichuan University), Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Mingfu Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics/Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Ministry of Education), West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Chronobiology (Sichuan University), Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yi Qu
- Department of Pediatrics/Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Ministry of Education), West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Chronobiology (Sichuan University), Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xiaojuan Su
- Department of Pediatrics/Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Ministry of Education), West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
- NHC Key Laboratory of Chronobiology (Sichuan University), Chengdu, 610041, China.
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Gholap AD, Kapare HS, Pagar S, Kamandar P, Bhowmik D, Vishwakarma N, Raikwar S, Garkal A, Mehta TA, Rojekar S, Hatvate N, Mohanto S. Exploring modified chitosan-based gene delivery technologies for therapeutic advancements. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 260:129581. [PMID: 38266848 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.129581] [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: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
One of the critical steps in gene therapy is the successful delivery of the genes. Immunogenicity and toxicity are major issues for viral gene delivery systems. Thus, non-viral vectors are explored. A cationic polysaccharide like chitosan could be used as a nonviral gene delivery vector owing to its significant interaction with negatively charged nucleic acid and biomembrane, providing effective cellular uptake. However, the native chitosan has issues of targetability, unpacking ability, and solubility along with poor buffer capability, hence requiring modifications for effective use in gene delivery. Modified chitosan has shown that the "proton sponge effect" involved in buffering the endosomal pH results in osmotic swelling owing to the accumulation of a greater amount of proton and chloride along with water. The major challenges include limited exploration of chitosan as a gene carrier, the availability of high-purity chitosan for toxicity reduction, and its immunogenicity. The genetic drugs are in their infancy phase and require further exploration for effective delivery of nucleic acid molecules as FDA-approved marketed formulations soon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amol D Gholap
- Department of Pharmaceutics, St. John Institute of Pharmacy and Research, Palghar 401404, Maharashtra, India
| | - Harshad S Kapare
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Dr. D. Y. Patil Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, Pune 411018, Maharashtra, India
| | - Sakshi Pagar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai 400019, India
| | - Pallavi Kamandar
- Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, Marathwada Campus, Jalna 431203, India
| | - Deblina Bhowmik
- Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, Marathwada Campus, Jalna 431203, India
| | - Nikhar Vishwakarma
- Department of Pharmacy, Gyan Ganga Institute of Technology and Sciences, Jabalpur 482003, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Sarjana Raikwar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dr. Harisingh Gour Central University, Sagar 470003, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Atul Garkal
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Institute of Pharmacy, Nirma University, Ahmedabad 382481, Gujrat, India
| | - Tejal A Mehta
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Institute of Pharmacy, Nirma University, Ahmedabad 382481, Gujrat, India
| | - Satish Rojekar
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA.
| | - Navnath Hatvate
- Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, Marathwada Campus, Jalna 431203, India.
| | - Sourav Mohanto
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Yenepoya Pharmacy College & Research Centre, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru, Karnataka 575018, India
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Valente A, Vieira L, Silva MJ, Ventura C. The Effect of Nanomaterials on DNA Methylation: A Review. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 13:1880. [PMID: 37368308 DOI: 10.3390/nano13121880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
DNA methylation is an epigenetic mechanism that involves the addition of a methyl group to a cytosine residue in CpG dinucleotides, which are particularly abundant in gene promoter regions. Several studies have highlighted the role that modifications of DNA methylation may have on the adverse health effects caused by exposure to environmental toxicants. One group of xenobiotics that is increasingly present in our daily lives are nanomaterials, whose unique physicochemical properties make them interesting for a large number of industrial and biomedical applications. Their widespread use has raised concerns about human exposure, and several toxicological studies have been performed, although the studies focusing on nanomaterials' effect on DNA methylation are still limited. The aim of this review is to investigate the possible impact of nanomaterials on DNA methylation. From the 70 studies found eligible for data analysis, the majority were in vitro, with about half using cell models related to the lungs. Among the in vivo studies, several animal models were used, but most were mice models. Only two studies were performed on human exposed populations. Global DNA methylation analyses was the most frequently applied approach. Although no trend towards hypo- or hyper-methylation could be observed, the importance of this epigenetic mechanism in the molecular response to nanomaterials is evident. Furthermore, methylation analysis of target genes and, particularly, the application of comprehensive DNA methylation analysis techniques, such as genome-wide sequencing, allowed identifying differentially methylated genes after nanomaterial exposure and affected molecular pathways, contributing to the understanding of their possible adverse health effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Valente
- Department of Human Genetics, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, I.P. (INSA), Av. Padre Cruz, 1649-016 Lisbon, Portugal
- Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Luís Vieira
- Department of Human Genetics, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, I.P. (INSA), Av. Padre Cruz, 1649-016 Lisbon, Portugal
- Centre for Toxicogenomics and Human Health (ToxOmics), NOVA Medical School, NOVA University of Lisbon, 1169-056 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Maria João Silva
- Department of Human Genetics, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, I.P. (INSA), Av. Padre Cruz, 1649-016 Lisbon, Portugal
- Centre for Toxicogenomics and Human Health (ToxOmics), NOVA Medical School, NOVA University of Lisbon, 1169-056 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Célia Ventura
- Department of Human Genetics, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, I.P. (INSA), Av. Padre Cruz, 1649-016 Lisbon, Portugal
- Centre for Toxicogenomics and Human Health (ToxOmics), NOVA Medical School, NOVA University of Lisbon, 1169-056 Lisbon, Portugal
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Taha M, Eldemerdash OM, Elshaffei IM, Yousef EM, Soliman AS, Senousy MA. Apigenin Attenuates Hippocampal Microglial Activation and Restores Cognitive Function in Methotrexate-Treated Rats: Targeting the miR-15a/ROCK-1/ERK1/2 Pathway. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:3770-3787. [PMID: 36943623 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03299-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
Microglial activation underpins the methotrexate (MTX)-induced neurotoxicity; however, the precise mechanism remains unclear. This study appraised the potential impact of apigenin (Api), a neuroprotective flavonoid, in MTX-induced neurotoxicity in rats in terms of microglial activation through targeting the miR-15a/Rho-associated protein kinase-1 (ROCK-1)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) pathway. Male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: Normal control (saline i.p. daily and i.v. on days 8 and 15); Api control (20 mg/kg, p.o.) daily for 30 days; MTX-alone (75 mg/kg, i.v.) on days 8 and 15, then four i.p. injections of leucovorin (LCV): 6 mg/kg after 18 h, then three doses (3 mg/kg) every 8 h post-MTX; and Api co-treated (20 mg/kg/day, p.o.) throughout the model for 30 days, with administration of MTX and LCV as in group 3. MTX administration elevated hippocampal ionized calcium-binding adaptor protein-1 (Iba-1) immunostaining, indicating microglial activation. This was accompanied by neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and enhanced apoptosis manifested by elevated hippocampal interleukin-1β, malondialdehyde, and caspase-3, and decreased reduced glutathione levels. Concurrently, abated miR-15a expression, overexpression of its target ROCK-1, diminished downstream ERK1/2 and cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) phosphorylation, and decreased hippocampal brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels were observed. Api mitigated the MTX-induced neurotoxicity by reversing the biochemical, histopathological, and behavioral derangements tested by novel object recognition and Morris water maze tests. Conclusively, Api lessens MTX-induced neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis and boosts cognitive function through inhibiting microglial activation via modulating the miR-15a/ROCK-1/ERK1/2/CREB/BDNF pathway. Graphical abstract showing the effects of methotrexate and apigenin co-treatment in MTX-induced neurotoxicity model. On the left, methotrexate (MTX) administration to rats resulted in hippocampal miR-15a downregulation, which triggered an enhanced expression of its target ROCK-1, consequently inhibiting the downstream ERK1/2/CREB/BDNF pathway, instigating a state of microglial activation, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. On the other hand, apigenin (Api) co-treatment restored miR-15a, inhibited ROCK-1 expression, and activated the ERK1/2/CREB/BDNF pathway, leading to diminished hippocampal microglial activation, neuroinflammation, and apoptosis, and restoration of the redox balance, along with improvement in memory and cognitive function of the MTX-treated rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Taha
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Kasr El Ainy st., Cairo, 11562, Egypt.
| | - Omar Mohsen Eldemerdash
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Misr International University (MIU), KM 28 Cairo, Ismailia Road, Cairo, 44971, Egypt
| | - Ismail Mohamed Elshaffei
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Misr International University (MIU), KM 28 Cairo, Ismailia Road, Cairo, 44971, Egypt
| | - Einas Mohamed Yousef
- Department of Histology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Shibin El Kom, Egypt
| | - Ayman S Soliman
- Medical Physiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud Ahmed Senousy
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Kasr El Ainy st., Cairo, 11562, Egypt
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Drug Technology, Egyptian Chinese University, Cairo, 11786, Egypt
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