Mutation in folate metabolism causes epigenetic instability and transgenerational effects on development

Future in the past: paternal reprogramming of offspring phenotype and the epigenetic mechanisms

That certain preconceptual paternal exposures reprogram the developmental phenotypic plasticity in future generation(s) has conceptualized the "paternal programming of offspring health" hypothesis. This transgenerational effect is transmitted primarily through sperm epigenetic mechanisms-DNA methylation, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) and associated RNA modifications, and histone modifications-and potentially through non-sperm-specific mechanisms-seminal plasma and circulating factors-that create 'imprinted' memory of ancestral information. The epigenetic landscape in sperm is highly responsive to environmental cues, due to, in part, the soma-to-germline communication mediated by epididymosomes. While human epidemiological studies and experimental animal studies have provided solid evidences in support of transgenerational epigenetic inheritance, how ancestral information is memorized as epigenetic codes for germline transmission is poorly understood. Particular elusive is what the downstream effector pathways that decode those epigenetic codes into persistent phenotypes. In this review, we discuss the paternal reprogramming of offspring phenotype and the possible underlying epigenetic mechanisms. Cracking these epigenetic mechanisms will lead to a better appreciation of "Paternal Origins of Health and Disease" and guide innovation of intervention algorithms to achieve 'healthier' outcomes in future generations. All this will revolutionize our understanding of human disease etiology.

Khdc3 Regulates Metabolism Across Generations in a DNA-Independent Manner

Genetic variants can alter the profile of heritable molecules such as small RNAs in sperm and oocytes, and in this manner ancestral genetic variants can have a significant effect on offspring phenotypes even if they are not themselves inherited. Here we show that wild type female mice descended from ancestors with a mutation in the mammalian germ cell gene Khdc3 have hepatic metabolic defects that persist over multiple generations. We find that genetically wild type females descended from Khdc3 mutants have transcriptional dysregulation of critical hepatic metabolic genes, which persist over multiple generations and pass through both female and male lineages. This was associated with dysregulation of hepatically-metabolized molecules in the blood of these wild type mice with mutational ancestry. The oocytes of Khdc3-null females, as well as their wild type descendants, had dysregulation of multiple small RNAs, suggesting that these epigenetic changes in the gametes transmit the phenotype between generations. Our results demonstrate that ancestral mutation in Khdc3 can produce transgenerational inherited phenotypes, potentially indefinitely.

Heat Stress-Induced Fetal Intrauterine Growth Restriction Is Associated with Elevated LPS Levels Along the Maternal Intestine-Placenta-Fetus Axis in Pregnant Mice

The exacerbation of the greenhouse effect has made heat stress (HS) an important risk factor for the occurrence of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). The experiment aims to uncover the effects of maternal HS on IUGR and its mechanisms. The results showed that HS leads to decreased maternal and fetal birth weights, accompanied by increased serum oxidative stress and cortisol levels. Moreover, HS inflicted significant damage to both the intestinal and placental barriers, altering maternal gut microbiota and increasing intestinal LPS levels. As a result, LPS levels increased in maternal serum, placenta, and fetus. Furthermore, HS damaged the intestinal structure, intensifying inflammation and disrupting the redox balance. The placenta exposed to HS exhibited changes in the placental structure along with disrupted angiogenesis and decreased levels of nutritional transporters. Additionally, the leakage of LPS triggered placental JNK and ERK phosphorylation, ultimately inducing severe placental inflammation and oxidative stress. This study suggests that LPS translocation from the maternal intestine to the fetus, due to a disrupted gut microbiota balance and compromised intestinal and placental barrier integrity, may be the primary cause of HS-induced IUGR. Furthermore, increased LPS leakage leads to placental inflammation, redox imbalance, and impaired nutrient transport, further restricting fetal growth.

Inheritance of environment-induced phenotypic changes through epigenetic mechanisms

Growing evidence suggests that epigenetic changes through various parental environmental factors alter the phenotypes of descendants in various organisms. Environmental factors, including exposure to chemicals, stress and abnormal nutrition, affect the epigenome in parental germ cells by different epigenetic mechanisms, such as DNA methylation, histone modification as well as small RNAs via metabolites. Some current remaining questions are the causal relationship between environment-induced epigenetic changes in germ cells and altered phenotypes of descendants, and the molecular basis of how the abnormal epigenetic changes escape reprogramming in germ cells. In this review, we introduce representative examples of intergenerational and transgenerational inheritance of phenotypic changes through parental environmental factors and the accompanied epigenetic and metabolic changes, with a focus on animal species. We also discuss the molecular mechanisms of epigenomic inheritance and their possible biological significance.

MacroH2A1.1 as a crossroad between epigenetics, inflammation and metabolism of mesenchymal stromal cells in myelodysplastic syndromes

Ineffective hematopoiesis is a hallmark of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Hematopoietic alterations in MDS patients strictly correlate with microenvironment dysfunctions, eventually affecting also the mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) compartment. Stromal cells are indeed epigenetically reprogrammed to cooperate with leukemic cells and propagate the disease as "tumor unit"; therefore, changes in MSC epigenetic profile might contribute to the hematopoietic perturbations typical of MDS. Here, we unveil that the histone variant macroH2A1 (mH2A1) regulates the crosstalk between epigenetics and inflammation in MDS-MSCs, potentially affecting their hematopoietic support ability. We show that the mH2A1 splicing isoform mH2A1.1 accumulates in MDS-MSCs, correlating with the expression of the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), an important pro-tumor activator of MSC phenotype associated to a pro-inflammatory behavior. MH2A1.1-TLR4 axis was further investigated in HS-5 stromal cells after ectopic mH2A1.1 overexpression (mH2A1.1-OE). Proteomic data confirmed the activation of a pro-inflammatory signature associated to TLR4 and nuclear factor kappa B (NFkB) activation. Moreover, mH2A1.1-OE proteomic profile identified several upregulated proteins associated to DNA and histones hypermethylation, including S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase, a strong inhibitor of DNA methyltransferase and of the methyl donor S-adenosyl-methionine (SAM). HPLC analysis confirmed higher SAM/SAH ratio along with a metabolic reprogramming. Interestingly, an increased LDHA nuclear localization was detected both in mH2A1.1-OE cells and MDS-MSCs, probably depending on MSC inflammatory phenotype. Finally, coculturing healthy mH2A1.1-OE MSCs with CD34+ cells, we found a significant reduction in the number of CD34+ cells, which was reflected in a decreased number of colony forming units (CFU-Cs). These results suggest a key role of mH2A1.1 in driving the crosstalk between epigenetic signaling, inflammation, and cell metabolism networks in MDS-MSCs.

One-carbon metabolism is required for epigenetic stability in the mouse placenta

One-carbon metabolism, including the folate cycle, has a crucial role in fetal development though its molecular function is complex and unclear. The hypomorphic Mtrr ^gt allele is known to disrupt one-carbon metabolism, and thus methyl group availability, leading to several developmental phenotypes (e.g., neural tube closure defects, fetal growth anomalies). Remarkably, previous studies showed that some of the phenotypes were transgenerationally inherited. Here, we explored the genome-wide epigenetic impact of one-carbon metabolism in placentas associated with fetal growth phenotypes and determined whether specific DNA methylation changes were inherited. Firstly, methylome analysis of Mtrr ^gt/gt homozygous placentas revealed genome-wide epigenetic instability. Several differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were identified including at the Cxcl1 gene promoter and at the En2 gene locus, which may have phenotypic implications. Importantly, we discovered hypomethylation and ectopic expression of a subset of ERV elements throughout the genome of Mtrr ^gt/gt placentas with broad implications for genomic stability. Next, we determined that known spermatozoan DMRs in Mtrr ^gt/gt males were reprogrammed in the placenta with little evidence of direct or transgenerational germline DMR inheritance. However, some spermatozoan DMRs were associated with placental gene misexpression despite normalisation of DNA methylation, suggesting the inheritance of an alternative epigenetic mechanism. Integration of published wildtype histone ChIP-seq datasets with Mtrr ^gt/gt spermatozoan methylome and placental transcriptome datasets point towards H3K4me3 deposition at key loci. These data suggest that histone modifications might play a role in epigenetic inheritance in this context. Overall, this study sheds light on the mechanistic complexities of one-carbon metabolism in development and epigenetic inheritance.

Mechanisms of transgenerational epigenetic inheritance: lessons from animal model organisms

Epigenetic inheritance is a phenomenon whereby stochastic or signal-induced changes to parental germline epigenome modulate phenotypic output in one or more subsequent generations, independently of mutations in the genomic DNA. While the number of reported epigenetic inheritance phenomena across phyla is exponentially growing, much remains to be elucidated about their mechanistic underpinnings, and their significance for organismal homeostasis and adaptation. Here, we review the most recent epigenetic inheritance examples in animal models, outlining molecular details behind environmental sensing by the germline, and the functional relationships connecting epigenetic mechanisms and phenotypic traits after fertilization. We touch upon the experimental challenges associated with studying the scope of environmental input on phenotypic outcomes between generations. Finally, we discuss the implications of mechanistic findings from model organisms for the emergent examples of parental effects in human populations.

The epigenetic basis of evolution

An increasing body of data are revealing key roles of epigenetics in evolutionary processes. The scope of this manuscript is to assemble in a coherent frame experimental evidence supporting a role of epigenetic factors and networks, active during embryogenesis, in orchestrating variation-inducing phenomena underlying evolution, seen as a global process. This process unfolds over two crucial levels: i) a flow of RNA-based information - predominantly small regulatory RNAs released from somatic cells exposed to environmental stimuli - taken up by spermatozoa and delivered to oocytes at fertilization and ii) the highly permissive and variation-prone environments offered by zygotes and totipotent early embryos. Totipotent embryos provide a variety of biological tools favouring the emergence of evolutionarily significant phenotypic novelties driven by RNA information. Under this light, neither random genomic mutations, nor the sieving role of natural selection are required, as the sperm-delivered RNA cargo conveys specific information and acts as "phenotypic-inducer" of defined environmentally acquired traits.

Folate in maternal rheumatoid arthritis-filial autism spectrum disorder continuum

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory autoimmune disease that affects women three times more than men. Epidemiological studies found that the incidence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), a neurological and developmental disorder, in children born to mothers suffering from RA is higher compared with the control population. Considering that the pathogenesis of ASD could be traced back to pregnancy and in uterine conditions, and the evidence of reduced folate levels in the brain of ASD-affected children, we aimed to study the role of folate, as an important nutritional factor during pregnancy, in associating maternal RA to ASD development in the offspring. Folate balance during RA could be influenced twice, initially during the immune activation associated with disease onset, and later during the treatment with anti-folate drugs, with a potential consequence of folate deficiency. Maternal folate deficiency during pregnancy could increase homocysteine levels, oxidative stress, and global DNA hypomethylation, all known risk factors in ASD pathogenesis. These effects could be intensified by genetic polymorphisms in the folate system, which were also found as genetic risk factors for both RA and ASD. The available evidence suggests that folate level as an important factor during RA, pregnancy and ASD could have pathological and therapeutical significance and should be carefully monitored and investigated in the RA-pregnancy-ASD axis.

Hypoxia induces transgenerational epigenetic inheritance of small RNAs

Animals sense and adapt to decreased oxygen availability, but whether and how hypoxia exposure in ancestors can elicit phenotypic consequences in normoxia-reared descendants are unclear. We show that hypoxia educes an intergenerational reduction in lipids and a transgenerational reduction in fertility in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. The transmission of these epigenetic phenotypes is dependent on repressive histone-modifying enzymes and the argonaute HRDE-1. Feeding naive C. elegans small RNAs extracted from hypoxia-treated worms is sufficient to induce a fertility defect. Furthermore, the endogenous small interfering RNA F44E5.4/5 is upregulated intergenerationally in response to hypoxia, and soaking naive normoxia-reared C. elegans with F44E5.4/5 double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) is sufficient to induce an intergenerational fertility defect. Finally, we demonstrate that labeled F44E5.4/5 dsRNA is itself transmitted from parents to children. Our results suggest that small RNAs respond to the environment and are sufficient to transmit non-genetic information from parents to their naive children.

Association between maternal MTHFR C677T/A1298C combination polymorphisms and IVF/ICSI outcomes: a retrospective cohort study

STUDY QUESTION

What are the roles of maternal 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T/A1298C combination polymorphisms on the embryological and clinical outcomes of IVF/ICSI?

SUMMARY ANSWER

Our study reveals for the first time that the oocyte maturation potential gradually decreases with a reduction of maternal MTHFR activity determined by combined C677T/A1298C polymorphisms, while embryo quality was worse in women with intermediate MTHFR activity.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

Although many previous studies have explored the association between MTHFR polymorphisms and IVF/ICSI outcomes, the results remain contradictory due to inadequate samples, no adjustment for potential confounders and/or the study of C677T and A1298C separately. Few studies have systematically investigated the exact role of MTHFR activity determined by combined C677T/A1298C polymorphisms on the embryological and clinical outcomes of IVF/ICSI.

STUDY DESIGN SIZE DURATION

This is a retrospective cohort study investigating 1160 women who were referred for MTHFR genotyping and IVF/ICSI treatment at Peking University Third Hospital from May 2017 to May 2020.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS SETTING METHODS

Women who were referred for MTHFR genotyping and their first IVF/ICSI treatment at our hospital were included and those undergoing preimplantation genetic testing cycles were excluded. The included women were divided into different cohorts according to their C677T, A1298C and combined C677T/A1298C genotypes. The embryological outcomes, including oocytes retrieved, metaphase II oocytes, oocyte maturation rate, normal fertilization rate and transplantable embryo rate, were evaluated by generalized linear regression models. The clinical outcomes, including biochemical pregnancy rate, clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate, were evaluated by log-binomial regression models. All outcomes were adjusted for potential confounders.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

Women with the combined 677TT/1298AA genotype (hereafter abbreviated as TT/AA, as with other combined genotypes), whose enzyme activity was the lowest, had a lower oocyte maturation rate compared with those with the wild-type genotype (P = 0.007). Moreover, the oocyte maturation rate decreased linearly with the decline in MTHFR enzyme activity determined by combined C677T/A1298C genotypes (P-trend = 0.001). The combined CC/AC, CC/CC&CT/AA and CT/AC genotypes with intermediate enzyme activity were associated with a lower transplantable embryo rate (P = 0.013, 0.030 and 0.039, respectively). The differences in clinical outcomes between women with wild-type genotype and combined C677T/A1298C variant genotypes were not significant.

LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION

Our study population had comparable embryological outcomes but worse clinical outcomes than other women undergoing IVF/ICSI treatment at our hospital. Therefore, the results related to the clinical outcomes should be generalized with caution. In addition, we did not detect the folate concentration of each patient during pregnancy. However, this might not have much influence on our results because almost all of our study participants took sufficient folic acid around pregnancy.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

We provide a holistic view of the effect of MTHFR C677T and A1298C polymorphisms on the IVF/ICSI outcomes, which can contribute to providing reasonable folic acid supplementation suggestions for women with different MTHFR genotypes, especially for those with a low oocyte maturation rate and/or low embryo quality.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS

This work was funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (31871447, and 82101677), the National Key Research and Development Program (2019YFA0801400) and the Natural Science Foundation of Beijing Municipality (7202226). The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

N/A.

Stage specific gene expression of folate mediated one-carbon metabolism enzymes and transporters in buffalo oocytes and pre-implantation embryos

DNA synthesis and methylations are crucial during pre-implantation embryonic development, and are mediated by one-carbon metabolism of folates. Folates, transported into the cells via folate receptors (FOLR1 and FOLR2) and carriers (SLC19A1), are metabolized by various enzymes involved in folate-methionine cycle. However, the variations in temporal expression of folate transporters and folate-methionine cycle enzymes during pre-implantation embryo development is obscure. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the differential expression of the genes for folate transporters and folate-methionine cycle enzymes. We also examined the expression of folate transport proteins in different pre-implantation development stages. Immature buffalo oocytes were matured in maturation medium followed by in vitro fertilization and culture at standard culture conditions. The temporal pattern of gene expression in buffalo, when compared to previous studies, indicated an inter-specific variation. The transcripts of some enzymes and folate transporters were significantly upregulated after zygotic genome activation. The transcripts as well as proteins for FOLR1, FOLR2 and SLC19A1 were present in oocytes and all the pre-implantation embryo stages. FOLR1 was present in the nuclei of different stages of developing embryos but not in the metaphase (MII) oocytes. As a result, the present study advocates the existence of active folate transport in buffalo oocytes and pre-implantation embryos. The data provided by the analysis of differential gene expression of folate transporters and metabolic enzymes would likely contribute to a better understanding of the role of folates in embryo development as well as advancements in assisted reproductive technologies.

Different effects of maternal homocysteine concentration, MTHFR and MTRR genetic polymorphisms on the occurrence of fetal aneuploidy

RESEARCH QUESTION

Do maternal homocysteine (Hcy) concentrations, MTHFR and MTRR genes have effects on the occurrence of fetal aneuploidy?

DESIGN

A total of 619 aneuploidy mothers and 192 control mothers were recruited in this study. Differences in distributions of maternal MTHFR 677C>T, MTHFR 1298A>C and MTRR 66A>G genetic polymorphisms and maternal Hcy concentrations between aneuploidy mothers and control mothers were analysed.

RESULTS

The maternal MTHFR 677C>T polymorphism was found to be a risk factor for the occurrence of many fetal non-mosaic aneuploidies studied here, including trisomies 13, 15, 16, 18, 21, 22, TRA and TS. The maternal MTHFR 1298A>C polymorphism was found to be a risk factor specifically associated with the occurrence of fetal trisomy 15 and fetal TS. The maternal MTRR 66A>G polymorphism was found to be a risk factor only specifically associated with the occurrence of fetal trisomy 21. The Hcy concentrations of mothers of trisomies 22, 21, 18, 16, 15 and TS fetuses were significantly higher than the Hcy concentrations of control mothers.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, data suggested an association between these maternal polymorphisms and the susceptibility of fetal non-mosaic trisomy and Turner syndrome. However, these three maternal polymorphisms had different associations with the susceptibility of different fetal aneuploidies, and the elevated maternal Hcy concentration appeared to be a likely risk factor for fetal Turner syndrome and fetal trisomies.

Transgenerational inheritance and its modulation by environmental cues

The epigenome plays an important role in shaping phenotypes. However, whether the environment can alter an organism's phenotype across several generations through epigenetic remodeling in the germline is still a highly debated topic. In this chapter, we briefly review the mechanisms of epigenetic inheritance and their connection with germline development before highlighting specific developmental windows of susceptibility to environmental cues. We further discuss the evidence of transgenerational inheritance to a range of different environmental cues, both epidemiological in humans and experimental in rodent models. Doing so, we pinpoint the current challenges in demonstrating transgenerational inheritance to environmental cues and offer insight in how recent technological advances may help deciphering the epigenetic mechanisms at play. Together, we draw a detailed picture of how our environment can influence our epigenomes, ultimately reshaping our phenotypes, in an extended theory of inheritance.

Simultaneous Detection of Three Genotypes of Gene Methylene Tetrahydrofolate Reductase and Methionine Synthase Reductase Based on Multiplex Asymmetric Real-Time PCR-HRM Biosensing

Genotyping of folate metabolism genes is of great importance in disease diagnosis and prevention. However, most current detection methods used for folate metabolism gene genotyping are based on sequencing and chips, which suffer from a high cost and laborious and time-consuming procedures. Herein, we reported a multiplex asymmetric PCR-HRM strategy for identifying genotypes of folate metabolism genes in a single tube. The proposed multiplex PCR-HRM assay has been successfully applied to identify the genotypes of folate metabolism genes, methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase (C677T, A1298C) and methionine synthase reductase A66G, on 1 μL of genomic DNA (gDNA) samples directly released from blood specimens, and the genotyping results were 100% consistent with the results of sequencing. The assay allows us to accurately detect the genotypes of gDNA with the detection limit down to 1 ng, which meets the clinical requirement. What is more, the capacity of resistance to aerosol pollution of the multiplex asymmetric PCR-HRM biosensing was first addressed and has been evaluated as it can withstand contamination of roughly 12.5-25% interfering nucleic acids. Because of the advantages of multiplex detection, high accuracy, and resistance to aerosol pollution and having no open tube procedure, this approach would pave the way for establishing a fast and cost-effective platform for folate metabolism gene genotyping and other SNP genotyping in clinical diagnostics.

Elevated homocysteine activates unfolded protein responses and causes aberrant trophoblast differentiation and mouse blastocyst development

Hyperhomocysteinemia may arise from folate/vitamin B12 deficiency, genetic polymorphisms, kidney disease, or hypothyroidism. It is associated with an increased risk of early pregnancy loss and placenta-related complications of pregnancy, including pre-eclampsia and fetal growth restriction. While the majority of studies of hyperhomocysteinemia focus on epigenetic changes secondary to metabolic disruption, the effects of homocysteine toxicity on placental development remain unexplored. Here, we investigated the influence of hyperhomocysteinemia on early blastocyst development and trophoblast differentiation. Exposure of cultured blastocysts to high homocysteine levels reduces cell number in the trophectoderm layer, most likely through increased apoptosis. Homocysteine also promotes differentiation of a trophoblast stem cell line. Both effects diminish the stem cell pool, and are mediated in an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) unfolded protein response (UPRER )-dependent manner. Targeted alleviation of UPRER may therefore provide a new therapeutic intervention to improve pregnancy outcome in women with hyperhomocysteinemia.

Pathogenesis of neural tube defects: The regulation and disruption of cellular processes underlying neural tube closure

Neural tube closure (NTC) is crucial for proper development of the brain and spinal cord and requires precise morphogenesis from a sheet of cells to an intact three-dimensional structure. NTC is dependent on successful regulation of hundreds of genes, a myriad of signaling pathways, concentration gradients, and is influenced by epigenetic and environmental cues. Failure of NTC is termed a neural tube defect (NTD) and is a leading class of congenital defects in the United States and worldwide. Though NTDs are all defined as incomplete closure of the neural tube, the pathogenesis of an NTD determines the type, severity, positioning, and accompanying phenotypes. In this review, we survey pathogenesis of NTDs relating to disruption of cellular processes arising from genetic mutations, altered epigenetic regulation, and environmental influences by micronutrients and maternal condition. This article is categorized under: Congenital Diseases > Genetics/Genomics/Epigenetics Neurological Diseases > Genetics/Genomics/Epigenetics Neurological Diseases > Stem Cells and Development.

Paternal transgenerational nutritional epigenetic effect: A new insight into nutritional manipulation to reduce the use of antibiotics in animal feeding

The use of antibiotics in animal feeding has been banned in many countries because of increasing concerns about the development of bacterial resistance to antibiotics and potential issues on food safety. Searching for antibiotic substitutes is essential. Applying transgenerational epigenetic technology to animal production could be an alternative. Some environmental changes can be transferred to memory-like responses in the offspring through epigenetic mechanisms without changing the DNA sequence. In this paper, we reviewed those nutrients and non-nutritional additives that have transgenerational epigenetic effects, including some amino acids, vitamins, and polysaccharides. The paternal transgenerational nutritional epigenetic regulation was particularly focused on mechanism of the substantial contribution of male stud animals to the animal industries. We illustrated the effects of paternal transgenerational epigenetics on the metabolism and immunity in farming animals and proposed strategies to modulate male breeding livestock or poultry.

Abnormal growth and morphogenesis of placenta at term is linked to adverse fetal development after perigestational alcohol consumption up to early gestation in mouse

BACKGROUND

Gestation alcohol consumption produces fetal growth restriction and malformations by affecting the embryo-fetal development. Recently a relationship between abnormal placentation and fetal malformation and intrauterine growth retardation has been suggested. However, the effects of perigestational alcohol ingestion up to early pregnancy on the placenta at term and its association with fetal abnormalities are little known.

METHODS

In female mice, ethanol 10% in water was administered for 15 days previous and up to days 4 (D4), 8 (D8), or 10 (D10) of gestation (TF), and gestation continues without ethanol exposure. Control females (CF) received ethanol-free water. At day 18, feto-placental units and implantation sites were studied.

RESULTS

TF had increased resorptions and only fetuses from D8-TF and D10-TF had significantly increased weights versus CF. D4 and D10-TF-placentas had significantly reduced weights. All TF had increased junctional zone (JZ) and reduced labyrinth (Lab) areas (PAS-histology and morphometry) compared with CF. Fetuses with mainly with craniofacial abnormalities and skeletal defects (Alizarin red staining), significantly increase; while the fetal bone density (alizarin color intensity, ImageJ) was reduced in D4, D8 and D10-TF versus CF. Although all TF-placentas were histo-structural affected, TF-abnormal fetuses had the most severe placental anomalies, with junctional abundant glycogenic cells into the labyrinth, disorganized labyrinthine vascularization with signs of leukocyte infiltrates and feto-maternal blood mix.

CONCLUSIONS

Perigestational alcohol consumption up to early gestation induces at term fetal growth alterations, dysmorphology and defective skeleton, linked to deficient growth and abnormal morphogenesis of placenta, highlighting insight into the prenatal etiology of FASD.

Epigenetics and Congenital Heart Diseases

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is a frequent occurrence, with a prevalence rate of almost 1% in the general population. However, the pathophysiology of the anomalous heart development is still unclear in most patients screened. A definitive genetic origin, be it single-point mutation or larger chromosomal disruptions, only explains about 35% of identified cases. The precisely choreographed embryology of the heart relies on timed activation of developmental molecular cascades, spatially and temporally regulated through epigenetic regulation: chromatin conformation, DNA priming through methylation patterns, and spatial accessibility to transcription factors. This multi-level regulatory network is eminently susceptible to outside disruption, resulting in faulty cardiac development. Similarly, the heart is unique in its dynamic development: growth is intrinsically related to mechanical stimulation, and disruption of the intrauterine environment will have a direct impact on fetal embryology. These two converging axes offer new areas of research to characterize the cardiac epigenetic regulation and identify points of fragility in order to counteract its teratogenic consequences.

Associations of variants of folate cycle genes with features of the clinical course of severe intraventricular hemorrhages in premature infants

BACKGROUND

Summary data indicate that it has increased attention to the study of the role of the folate cycle and the genes encoding its key components in the complicated course of the neonatal period in premature infants. Therefore, the aim of our study was to investigate the relationship of folate cycle gene variants with the features of the neonatal course in premature infants with severe intraventricular hemorrhages (IVH).

METHODS

The study included 24 preterm infants with with IVHs of 3d and 4th degree that received standard clinical, laboratory and instrumental examination.

RESULTS

Apgar scores at 1 and 5 minutes were significantly lower in patients with AA genotype according to variant A1298C of the MTHFR gene. The concentration of total protein on 6th day after birth was negatively correlated with the A66G variant of the MTRR gene. The mean concentration of ionized calcium in the first day after birth was higher in the subgroup of patients with the AA genotype (according to variant A1298C of the MTHFR gene). In the subgroup of patients requiring mechanical ventilation, the frequency of AA genotype according to variant A2756G of the MTR gene was significantly increased. The presence of respiratory disorders and oxygen dependence was negatively correlated with variant A1298C MTHFR. The day of surfactant administration was positively correlated with variant A1298C of the MTHFR gene.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study indicate that gene variants MTHFR (C677T, A1298C), MTRR (A66G), MTR (A2756G), RFC1 (G80A) may affect the neonatal course in premature infants with severe IVH.

Sperm Histone H3 Lysine 4 tri-methylation serves as a metabolic sensor of paternal obesity and is associated with the inheritance of metabolic dysfunction

Objective

Parental environmental exposures can strongly influence descendant risks for adult disease. How paternal obesity changes the sperm chromatin leading to the acquisition of metabolic disease in offspring remains controversial and ill-defined. The objective of this study was to assess (1) whether obesity induced by a high-fat diet alters sperm histone methylation; (2) whether paternal obesity can induce metabolic disturbances across generations; (3) whether there could be cumulative damage to the sperm epigenome leading to enhanced metabolic dysfunction in descendants; and (4) whether obesity-sensitive regions associate with embryonic epigenetic and transcriptomic profiles. Using a genetic mouse model of epigenetic inheritance, we investigated the role of histone H3 lysine 4 methylation (H3K4me3) in the paternal transmission of metabolic dysfunction. This transgenic mouse overexpresses the histone demethylase enzyme KDM1A in the developing germline and has an altered sperm epigenome at the level of histone H3K4 methylation. We hypothesized that challenging transgenic sires with a high-fat diet would further erode the sperm epigenome and lead to enhanced metabolic disturbances in the next generations.

Methods

To assess whether paternal obesity can have inter- or transgenerational impacts, and if so to identify potential mechanisms of this non-genetic inheritance, we used wild-type C57BL/6NCrl and transgenic males with a pre-existing altered sperm epigenome. To induce obesity, sires were fed either a control or high-fat diet (10% or 60% kcal fat, respectively) for 10–12 weeks, then bred to wild-type C57BL/6NCrl females fed a regular diet. F₁ and F₂ descendants were characterized for metabolic phenotypes by examining the effects of paternal obesity by sex, on body weight, fat mass distribution, the liver transcriptome, intraperitoneal glucose, and insulin tolerance tests. To determine whether obesity altered the F₀ sperm chromatin, native chromatin immunoprecipitation-sequencing targeting H3K4me3 was performed. To gain insight into mechanisms of paternal transmission, we compared our sperm H3K4me3 profiles with embryonic and placental chromatin states, histone modification, and gene expression profiles.

Results

Obesity-induced alterations in H3K4me3 occurred in genes implicated in metabolic, inflammatory, and developmental processes. These processes were associated with offspring metabolic dysfunction and corresponded to genes enriched for H3K4me3 in embryos and overlapped embryonic and placenta gene expression profiles. Transgenerational susceptibility to metabolic disease was only observed when obese F₀ had a pre-existing modified sperm epigenome. This coincided with increased H3K4me3 alterations in sperm and more severe phenotypes affecting their offspring.

Conclusions

Our data suggest sperm H3K4me3 might serve as a metabolic sensor that connects paternal diet with offspring phenotypes via the placenta. This non-DNA-based knowledge of inheritance has the potential to improve our understanding of how environment shapes heritability and may lead to novel routes for the prevention of disease. This study highlights the need to further study the connection between the sperm epigenome, placental development, and children's health.

Summary sentence

Paternal obesity impacts sperm H3K4me3 and is associated with placenta, embryonic and metabolic outcomes in descendants.

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Sperm H3K4me3 serves as a metabolic sensor of HFD-induced obesity.

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Obesity-altered sperm H3K4me3 corresponds to embryonic transcription and chromatin profiles.

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HFD- and KDM1A-induced cumulative sperm epimutations enhanced F₁ metabolic dysfunction.

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Sperm epimutations may influence placenta function inducing F₁ metabolic phenotypes.

Epigenetic Mechanisms Responsible for the Transgenerational Inheritance of Intrauterine Growth Restriction Phenotypes

A poorly functioning placenta results in impaired exchanges of oxygen, nutrition, wastes and hormones between the mother and her fetus. This can lead to restriction of fetal growth. These growth restricted babies are at increased risk of developing chronic diseases, such as type-2 diabetes, hypertension, and kidney disease, later in life. Animal studies have shown that growth restricted phenotypes are sex-dependent and can be transmitted to subsequent generations through both the paternal and maternal lineages. Altered epigenetic mechanisms, specifically changes in DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs that regulate expression of genes that are important for fetal development have been shown to be associated with the transmission pattern of growth restricted phenotypes. This review will discuss the subsequent health outcomes in the offspring after growth restriction and the transmission patterns of these diseases. Evidence of altered epigenetic mechanisms in association with fetal growth restriction will also be reviewed.

Disruption of Folate Metabolism Causes Poor Alignment and Spacing of Mouse Conceptuses for Multiple Generations

Abnormal uptake or metabolism of folate increases risk of human pregnancy complications, though the mechanism is unclear. Here, we explore how defective folate metabolism influences early development by analysing mice with the hypomorphic Mtrr^gt mutation. MTRR is necessary for methyl group utilisation from folate metabolism, and the Mtrr^gt allele disrupts this process. We show that the spectrum of phenotypes previously observed in Mtrr^gt/gt conceptuses at embryonic day (E) 10.5 is apparent from E8.5 including developmental delay, congenital malformations, and placental phenotypes. Notably, we report misalignment of some Mtrr^gt conceptuses within their implantation sites from E6.5. The degree of misorientation occurs across a continuum, with the most severe form visible upon gross dissection. Additionally, some Mtrr^gt/gt conceptuses display twinning. Therefore, we implicate folate metabolism in blastocyst orientation and spacing at implantation. Skewed growth likely influences embryo development since developmental delay and heart malformations (but not defects in neural tube closure or trophoblast differentiation) associate with severe misalignment of Mtrr^gt/gt conceptuses. Typically, the uterus is thought to guide conceptus orientation. To investigate a uterine effect of the Mtrr^gt allele, we manipulate the maternal Mtrr genotype. Misaligned conceptuses were observed in litters of Mtrr^+/+, Mtrr^+/gt, and Mtrr^gt/gt mothers. While progesterone and/or BMP2 signalling might be disrupted, normal decidual morphology, patterning, and blood perfusion are evident at E6.5 regardless of conceptus orientation. These observations argue against a post-implantation uterine defect as a cause of conceptus misalignment. Since litters of Mtrr^+/+ mothers display conceptus misalignment, a grandparental effect is explored. Multigenerational phenotype inheritance is characteristic of the Mtrr^gt model, though the mechanism remains unclear. Genetic pedigree analysis reveals that severe conceptus skewing associates with the Mtrr genotype of either maternal grandparent. Moreover, the presence of conceptus skewing after embryo transfer into a control uterus indicates that misalignment is independent of the peri- and/or post-implantation uterus and instead is likely attributed to an embryonic mechanism that is epigenetically inherited. Overall, our data indicates that abnormal folate metabolism influences conceptus orientation over multiple generations with implications for subsequent development. This study casts light on the complex role of folate metabolism during development beyond a direct maternal effect.

Amino Acid Transport and Metabolism Regulate Early Embryo Development: Species Differences, Clinical Significance, and Evolutionary Implications

In this review we discuss the beneficial effects of amino acid transport and metabolism on pre- and peri-implantation embryo development, and we consider how disturbances in these processes lead to undesirable health outcomes in adults. Proline, glutamine, glycine, and methionine transport each foster cleavage-stage development, whereas leucine uptake by blastocysts via transport system B^0,+ promotes the development of trophoblast motility and the penetration of the uterine epithelium in mammalian species exhibiting invasive implantation. (Amino acid transport systems and transporters, such as B^0,+, are often oddly named. The reader is urged to focus on the transporters’ functions, not their names.) B^0,+ also accumulates leucine and other amino acids in oocytes of species with noninvasive implantation, thus helping them to produce proteins to support later development. This difference in the timing of the expression of system B^0,+ is termed heterochrony—a process employed in evolution. Disturbances in leucine uptake via system B^0,+ in blastocysts appear to alter the subsequent development of embryos, fetuses, and placentae, with undesirable consequences for offspring. These consequences may include greater adiposity, cardiovascular dysfunction, hypertension, neural abnormalities, and altered bone growth in adults. Similarly, alterations in amino acid transport and metabolism in pluripotent cells in the blastocyst inner cell mass likely lead to epigenetic DNA and histone modifications that produce unwanted transgenerational health outcomes. Such outcomes might be avoided if we learn more about the mechanisms of these effects.

Causes and consequences of impaired methionine synthase activity in acquired and inherited disorders of vitamin B12 metabolism

Methyl-Cobalamin (Cbl) derives from dietary vitamin B₁₂ and acts as a cofactor of methionine synthase (MS) in mammals. MS encoded by MTR catalyzes the remethylation of homocysteine to generate methionine and tetrahydrofolate, which fuel methionine and cytoplasmic folate cycles, respectively. Methionine is the precursor of S-adenosyl methionine (SAM), the universal methyl donor of transmethylation reactions. Impaired MS activity results from inadequate dietary intake or malabsorption of B₁₂ and inborn errors of Cbl metabolism (IECM). The mechanisms at the origin of the high variability of clinical presentation of impaired MS activity are classically considered as the consequence of the disruption of the folate cycle and related synthesis of purines and pyrimidines and the decreased synthesis of endogenous methionine and SAM. For one decade, data on cellular and animal models of B₁₂ deficiency and IECM have highlighted other key pathomechanisms, including altered interactome of MS with methionine synthase reductase, MMACHC, and MMADHC, endoplasmic reticulum stress, altered cell signaling, and genomic/epigenomic dysregulations. Decreased MS activity increases catalytic protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) and produces imbalanced phosphorylation/methylation of nucleocytoplasmic RNA binding proteins, including ELAVL1/HuR protein, with subsequent nuclear sequestration of mRNAs and dramatic alteration of gene expression, including SIRT1. Decreased SAM and SIRT1 activity induce ER stress through impaired SIRT1-deacetylation of HSF1 and hypomethylation/hyperacetylation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α (PGC1α), which deactivate nuclear receptors and lead to impaired energy metabolism and neuroplasticity. The reversibility of these pathomechanisms by SIRT1 agonists opens promising perspectives in the treatment of IECM outcomes resistant to conventional supplementation therapies.

Soma-to-germline RNA communication

More than a century ago, August Weissman defined a distinction between the germline (responsible for propagating heritable information from generation to generation) and the perishable soma. A central motivation for this distinction was to argue against the inheritance of acquired characters, as the germline was partly defined by its protection from external conditions. However, recent decades have seen an explosion of studies documenting the intergenerational and transgenerational effects of environmental conditions, forcing a re-evaluation of how external signals are sensed by, or communicated to, the germline epigenome. Here, motivated by the centrality of small RNAs in paradigms of epigenetic inheritance, we review across species the myriad examples of intercellular RNA trafficking from nurse cells or somatic tissues to developing gametes.

Multigenerational epigenetic inheritance: Transmitting information across generations

Inherited epigenetic information has been observed to regulate a variety of complex organismal phenotypes across diverse taxa of life. This continually expanding body of literature suggests that epigenetic inheritance plays a significant, and potentially fundamental, role in inheritance. Despite the important role these types of effects play in biology, the molecular mediators of this non-genetic transmission of information are just now beginning to be deciphered. Here we provide an intellectual framework for interpreting these findings and how they can interact with each other. We also define the different types of mechanisms that have been found to mediate epigenetic inheritance and to regulate whether epigenetic information persists for one or many generations. The field of epigenetic inheritance is entering an exciting phase, in which we are beginning to understand the mechanisms by which non-genetic information is transmitted to, and deciphered by, subsequent generations to maintain essential environmental information without permanently altering the genetic code. A more complete understanding of how and when epigenetic inheritance occurs will advance our understanding of numerous different aspects of biology ranging from how organisms cope with changing environments to human pathologies influenced by a parent's environment.

Epigenetic Alterations in Prescription Opioid Misuse: New Strategies for Precision Pain Management

Prescription opioids are used for some chronic pain conditions. However, generally, long-term therapy has unwanted side effects which may trigger addiction, overdose, and eventually cause deaths. Opioid addiction and chronic pain conditions have both been associated with evidence of genetic and epigenetic alterations. Despite intense research interest, many questions about the contribution of epigenetic changes to this typology of addiction vulnerability and development remain unanswered. The aim of this review was to summarize the epigenetic modifications detected in specific tissues or brain areas and associated with opioid prescription and misuse in patients who have initiated prescribed opioid management for chronic non-cancer pain. The review considers the effects of opioid exposure on the epigenome in central and peripheral tissues in animal models and human subjects and highlights the mechanisms in which opioid epigenetics may be involved. This will improve our current understanding, provide the basis for targeted, personalized pain management, and thus balance opioid risks and benefits in managing chronic pain.

Variably methylated retrotransposons are refractory to a range of environmental perturbations

The agouti viable yellow (Avy) allele is an insertional mutation in the mouse genome caused by a variably methylated intracisternal A particle (VM-IAP) retrotransposon. Avy expressivity is sensitive to a range of early-life chemical exposures and nutritional interventions, suggesting that environmental perturbations can have long-lasting effects on the methylome. However, the extent to which VM-IAP elements are environmentally labile with phenotypic implications is unknown. Using a recently identified repertoire of VM-IAPs, we assessed the epigenetic effects of different environmental contexts. A longitudinal aging analysis indicated that VM-IAPs are stable across the murine lifespan, with only small increases in DNA methylation detected for a subset of loci. No significant effects were observed after maternal exposure to the endocrine disruptor bisphenol A, an obesogenic diet or methyl donor supplementation. A genetic mouse model of abnormal folate metabolism exhibited shifted VM-IAP methylation levels and altered VM-IAP-associated gene expression, yet these effects are likely largely driven by differential targeting by polymorphic KRAB zinc finger proteins. We conclude that epigenetic variability at retrotransposons is not predictive of environmental susceptibility.

Effects of non-inherited ancestral genotypes on offspring phenotypes

It is well established that environmental exposures can modify the profile of heritable factors in an individual's germ cells, ultimately affecting the inheritance of phenotypes in descendants. Similar to exposures, an ancestor's genotype can also affect the inheritance of phenotypes across generations, sometimes in offspring who do not inherit the genetic aberration. This can occur via a variety of prenatal, in utero, or postnatal mechanisms. In this review, we discuss the evidence for this process in mammals, with a focus on examples that are potentially mediated through the germline, while also considering alternate routes of inheritance. Non-inherited ancestral genotypes may influence descendant's disease risk to a much greater extent than currently appreciated, and focused evaluation of this phenomenon may reveal novel mechanisms of inheritance.

Defective folate metabolism causes germline epigenetic instability and distinguishes Hira as a phenotype inheritance biomarker

The mechanism behind transgenerational epigenetic inheritance is unclear, particularly through the maternal grandparental line. We previously showed that disruption of folate metabolism in mice by the Mtrr hypomorphic mutation results in transgenerational epigenetic inheritance of congenital malformations. Either maternal grandparent can initiate this phenomenon, which persists for at least four wildtype generations. Here, we use genome-wide approaches to reveal genetic stability in the Mtrr model and genome-wide differential DNA methylation in the germline of Mtrr mutant maternal grandfathers. We observe that, while epigenetic reprogramming occurs, wildtype grandprogeny and great grandprogeny exhibit transcriptional changes that correlate with germline methylation defects. One region encompasses the Hira gene, which is misexpressed in embryos for at least three wildtype generations in a manner that distinguishes Hira transcript expression as a biomarker of maternal phenotypic inheritance.

Interaction between Metformin, Folate and Vitamin B12 and the Potential Impact on Fetal Growth and Long-Term Metabolic Health in Diabetic Pregnancies

Metformin is the first-line treatment for many people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) to maintain glycaemic control. Recent evidence suggests metformin can cross the placenta during pregnancy, thereby exposing the fetus to high concentrations of metformin and potentially restricting placental and fetal growth. Offspring exposed to metformin during gestation are at increased risk of being born small for gestational age (SGA) and show signs of ‘catch up’ growth and obesity during childhood which increases their risk of future cardiometabolic diseases. The mechanisms by which metformin impacts on the fetal growth and long-term health of the offspring remain to be established. Metformin is associated with maternal vitamin B₁₂ deficiency and antifolate like activity. Vitamin B₁₂ and folate balance is vital for one carbon metabolism, which is essential for DNA methylation and purine/pyrimidine synthesis of nucleic acids. Folate:vitamin B₁₂ imbalance induced by metformin may lead to genomic instability and aberrant gene expression, thus promoting fetal programming. Mitochondrial aerobic respiration may also be affected, thereby inhibiting placental and fetal growth, and suppressing mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) activity for cellular nutrient transport. Vitamin supplementation, before or during metformin treatment in pregnancy, could be a promising strategy to improve maternal vitamin B₁₂ and folate levels and reduce the incidence of SGA births and childhood obesity. Heterogeneous diagnostic and screening criteria for GDM and the transient nature of nutrient biomarkers have led to inconsistencies in clinical study designs to investigate the effects of metformin on folate:vitamin B₁₂ balance and child development. As rates of diabetes in pregnancy continue to escalate, more women are likely to be prescribed metformin; thus, it is of paramount importance to improve our understanding of metformin’s transgenerational effects to develop prophylactic strategies for the prevention of adverse fetal outcomes.

The remodel of the "central dogma": a metabolomics interaction perspective

BACKGROUND

In 1957, Francis Crick drew a linear diagram on a blackboard. This diagram is often called the "central dogma." Subsequently, the relationships between different steps of the "central dogma" have been shown to be considerably complex, mostly because of the emerging world of small molecules. It is noteworthy that metabolites can be generated from the diet through gut microbiome metabolism, serve as substrates for epigenetic modifications, destabilize DNA quadruplexes, and follow Lamarckian inheritance. Small molecules were once considered the missing link in the "central dogma"; however, recently they have acquired a central role, and their general perception as downstream products has become reductionist. Metabolomics is a large-scale analysis of metabolites, and this emerging field has been shown to be the closest omics associated with the phenotype and concomitantly, the basis for all omics.

AIM OF REVIEW

Herein, we propose a broad updated perspective for the flux of information diagram centered in metabolomics, including the influence of other factors, such as epigenomics, diet, nutrition, and the gut- microbiome.

KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW

Metabolites are the beginning and the end of the flux of information.

Genetic variants modify the associations of concentrations of methylmalonic acid, vitamin B-12, vitamin B-6, and folate with bone mineral density

BACKGROUND

Elevated plasma homocysteine has been found to be associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis, especially hip and vertebral fractures. The plasma concentration of homocysteine is dependent on the activities of several B vitamin-dependent enzymes, such as methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), methionine synthase (MTR), methionine synthase reductase (MTRR), and cystathionine β-synthase (CBS).

OBJECTIVES

We investigated whether genetic variants in some of the genes involved in 1 carbon metabolism modify the association of B vitamin-related measures with bone mineral density (BMD) and strength.

METHODS

We measured several B vitamins and biomarkers in participants of the Framingham Offspring Study, and performed analyses of methylmalonic acid (MMA) continuously and <210 nmol/L; pyridoxal-5'-phosphate; vitamin B-12 continuously and ≥258 pmol/L; and folate. The outcomes of interest included areal and volumetric BMD, measured by DXA and quantitative computed tomography (QCT), respectively. We evaluated associations between the bone measures and interactions of single nucleotide polymorphism with a B vitamin or biomarker in Framingham participants (n = 4310 for DXA and n = 3127 for QCT). For analysis of DXA, we validated the association results in the B-PROOF cohort (n = 1072). Bonferroni-corrected locus-wide significant thresholds were defined to account for multiple testing.

RESULTS

The interactions between rs2274976 and vitamin B-12 and rs34671784 and MMA <210 nmol/L were associated with lumbar spine BMD, and the interaction between rs6586281 and vitamin B-12 ≥258 pmol/L was associated with femoral neck BMD. For QCT-derived traits, 62 interactions between genetic variants and B vitamins and biomarkers were identified.

CONCLUSIONS

Some genetic variants in the 1-carbon methylation pathway modify the association of B vitamin and biomarker concentrations with bone density and strength.  These interactions require further replication and functional validation for a mechanistic understanding of the role of the 1-carbon metabolism pathway on BMD and risks of fracture.

Glucocorticoid Receptor Activation Restores Learning Memory by Modulating Hippocampal Plasticity in a Mouse Model of Brain Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Cobalamin (Cbl, vitamin B12) deficiency or inborn errors of Cbl metabolism can produce neurologic disorders resistant to therapies, including cognitive dysfunction, mild mental retardation, memory impairment, and confusion. We used Cd320 KO mouse as a model for studying the pathological mechanisms of these disorders. Cd320 encodes the receptor (TCblR) needed for the cellular uptake of Cbl in the brain. The Cd320-/- mouse model presented an impaired learning memory that could be alleviated by a moderate stress, which produced also a greater increase of plasma corticosterone, compared to wild type animals. The present study investigated such a putative rescue mechanism in Cbl-deficient mice. At the molecular level in the brain of Cd320-/- mouse, the decreased methylation status led to a downregulation of glucocorticoid nuclear receptor (GR)/PPAR-gamma co-activator-1 alpha (PGC-1α) pathway. This was evidenced by the decreased expression of GR, decreased methylation of GR and PGC1α, and decreased dimerization and interaction of GR with PGC1α. This led to altered synaptic activity evidenced by decreased interaction between the NMDA glutamatergic receptor and the PSD95 post-synaptic protein and a lower expression of Egr-1 and synapsin 1, in Cd320-/- mice compared to the wild type animals. Intraperitoneal injection of hydrocortisone rescued these molecular changes and normalized the learning memory tests. Our study suggests adaptive influences of moderate stress on loss of memory and cognition due to brain Cbl deficiency. The GR pathway could be a potential target for innovative therapy of cognitive manifestations in patients with poor response to conventional Cbl treatment.

Histone H3 lysine 4 trimethylation in sperm is transmitted to the embryo and associated with diet-induced phenotypes in the offspring

A father's lifestyle impacts offspring health; yet, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain elusive. We hypothesized that a diet that changes methyl donor availability will alter the sperm and embryo epigenomes to impact embryonic gene expression and development. Here, we demonstrate that a folate-deficient (FD) diet alters histone H3 lysine 4 trimethylation (H3K4me3) in sperm at developmental genes and putative enhancers. A subset of H3K4me3 alterations in sperm are retained in the pre-implantation embryo and associated with deregulated embryonic gene expression. Using a genetic mouse model in which sires have pre-existing altered H3K4me2/3 in sperm, we show that a FD diet exacerbates alterations in sperm H3K4me3 and embryonic gene expression, leading to an increase in developmental defect severity. These findings imply that paternal H3K4me3 is transmitted to the embryo and influences gene expression and development. It further suggests that epigenetic errors can accumulate in sperm to worsen offspring developmental outcomes.

Dppa2/4 as a trigger of signaling pathways to promote zygote genome activation by binding to CG-rich region

Developmental pluripotency-associated 2 (Dppa2) and developmental pluripotency-associated 4 (Dppa4) as positive drivers were helpful for transcriptional regulation of zygotic genome activation (ZGA). Here, we systematically assessed the cooperative interplay of Dppa2 and Dppa4 in regulating cell pluripotency and found that simultaneous overexpression of Dppa2/4 can make induced pluripotent stem cells closer to embryonic stem cells (ESCs). Compared with other pluripotency transcription factors, Dppa2/4 can regulate majorities of signaling pathways by binding on CG-rich region of proximal promoter (0-500 bp), of which 85% and 77% signaling pathways were significantly activated by Dppa2 and Dppa4, respectively. Notably, Dppa2/4 also can dramatically trigger the decisive signaling pathways for facilitating ZGA, including Hippo, MAPK and TGF-beta signaling pathways and so on. At last, we found alkaline phosphatase, placental-like 2 (Alppl2) was completely silenced when Dppa2 and 4 single- or double-knockout in ESC, which is consistent with Dux. Moreover, Alppl2 was significantly activated in mouse 2-cell embryos and 4-8 cells stage of human embryos, further predicted that Alppl2 was directly regulated by Dppa2/4 as a ZGA candidate driver to facilitate pre-embryonic development.

Network medicine in Cardiovascular Research

The ability to generate multi-omics data coupled with deeply characterizing the clinical phenotype of individual patients promises to improve understanding of complex cardiovascular pathobiology. There remains an important disconnection between the magnitude and granularity of these data and our ability to improve phenotype-genotype correlations for complex cardiovascular diseases. This shortcoming may be due to limitations associated with traditional reductionist analytical methods, which tend to emphasize a single molecular event in the pathogenesis of diseases more aptly characterized by crosstalk between overlapping molecular pathways. Network medicine is a rapidly growing discipline that considers diseases as the consequences of perturbed interactions between multiple interconnected biological components. This powerful integrative approach has enabled a number of important discoveries in complex disease mechanisms. In this review, we introduce the basic concepts of network medicine and highlight specific examples by which this approach has accelerated cardiovascular research. We also review how network medicine is well-positioned to promote rational drug design for patients with cardiovascular diseases, with particular emphasis on advancing precision medicine.

Variants c.677 C>T, c.1298 A>C in MTHFR, and c.66 A>G in MTRR Affect the Occurrence of Recurrent Pregnancy Loss in Chinese Women

Objective: Although genetic variants of key enzymes in the folic acid-methionine metabolic circulation, including methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) and methionine synthase reductase (MTRR) were thought to be related to the risk of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), the results of recent studies have been inconsistent. Therefore, the present retrospective case-control study was designed to explore whether the variants c.66A>G in MTRR and c.677C>T and c.1298A>C in MTHFR are associated with the susceptibility of RPL in Southeast Chinese women. Materials and Methods: In total, samples from 237 RPL patients and 618 healthy controls were collected and genotyped by fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The frequencies of the variants were calculated and compared between the two groups. The relative risk of the various genotypes was further determined by calculating the odds ratio (OR) at a 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: A significant positive correlation was observed between the variants MTHFR c.677C>T, MTHFR c.1298A>C, MTRR c.66A>G, and RPL susceptibility (MTHFR c.677C>T, OR = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.58-0.95, p = 0.02; MTHFR c.1298A>C, OR = 1.39, 95% CI = 1.09-1.77, p = 0.008; MTRR c.66A>G, OR = 1.38, 95% CI = 1.10-1.73, p = 0.006). Further analysis of the genotypic distributions of the three variants between the two groups showed that the MTHFR c.677C>T heterozygote was associated with lower RPL risk, while the MTHFR c.1298A>C variant and MTRR c.66A>G heterozygote were correlated with higher RPL risk (dominant model, MTHFR c.677C>T, OR = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.52-0.95, p = 0.02; MTHFR c.1298A>C, OR = 1.39, 95% CI = 1.03-1.88, p = 0.032; MTRR c.66A>G, OR = 1.62, 95% CI = 1.20-2.19, p = 0.002). Conclusion: MTHFR c.677C>T and c.1298A>C and MTRR c.66A>G were associated with RPL in Southeast Chinese women.

Effect of Maternal Folate Deficiency on Growth Performance, Slaughter Performance, and Serum Parameters of Broiler Offspring

In this study, we aimed to investigate the influence of maternal folate deficiency on the production performance and serum parameters of broiler offspring. The 120 healthy female broilers (30-week-old) were randomly allotted into two groups. The groups were either fed a basal diet supplemented with 2.0 mg/kg folate (NF) or basal diet (FD). The experiment lasted 12 weeks, and 120 fertilized eggs were collected from each group for hatching. In total, 80 chicks were selected from each group and fed under the same conditions. No significant difference was observed in the average daily feed intake, average daily gain, and feed to gain ratio of 21- and 42-day-old broilers between NF and FD groups (P>0.05). Moreover, slaughter performance of 21- and 42-day-old broiler offspring were not affected by the maternal FD. The subcutaneous fat thickness at the age of 21 days increased significantly by maternal FD (P<0.01); however, there was no significant difference between the two groups at 42 days of age (P>0.05). Similarly, no significant differences were detected in the intermuscular fat width, lipid percentage in the liver, breast muscle, and thigh muscle between the NF and FD groups at 21- and 42-days of age (P>0.05). Serum concentrations of MTHFR, DHFR, LEP, IGF2, LPL and HCY in the 21-day-old broilers were not affected by maternal FD (P>0.05), but those of HSL at 21 days of age was enhanced by maternal FD (P<0.05). These findings indicated that maternal folate deficiency had no influence on production performance, slaughter performance, most fat traits of 21- and 42-day-old broiler offspring, and serum parameters of 21-day-old broiler offspring except HSL.

Role of epigenetics and miRNAs in orofacial clefts

Orofacial clefts (OFCs) have multiple etiologies and likely result from an interplay between genetic and environmental factors. Within the last decade, studies have implicated specific epigenetic modifications and noncoding RNAs as additional facets of OFC etiology. Altered gene expression through DNA methylation and histone modification offer novel insights into how specific genes contribute to distinct OFC subtypes. Epigenetics research has also provided further evidence that cleft lip only (CLO) is a cleft subtype with distinct etiology. Polymorphisms or misexpression of genes encoding microRNAs, as well as their targets, contribute to OFC risk. The ability to experimentally manipulate epigenetic changes and noncoding RNAs in animal models, such as zebrafish, Xenopus, mice, and rats, has offered novel insights into the mechanisms of various OFC subtypes. Although much remains to be understood, recent advancements in our understanding of OFC etiology may advise future strategies of research and preventive care.

Analysis of spermatogenesis and fertility in adult mice with a hypomorphic mutation in the Mtrr gene

Recent research has focussed on the significance of folate metabolism in male fertility. Knocking down the mouse gene Mtrr impedes the progression of folate and methionine metabolism and results in hyperhomocysteinaemia, dysregulation of DNA methylation and developmental phenotypes (e.g. neural tube, heart and placenta defects). The Mtrrgt mouse line is a model of transgenerational epigenetic inheritance (TEI), the hypothesised cause of which is the inheritance of a yet-to-be determined epigenetic factor via the germline. We investigated Mtrrgt/gt testes and sperm function compared with control C57Bl/6J testes to explore potential defects that might confound our understanding of TEI in the Mtrrgt model. Histological analysis revealed that adult Mtrrgt/gt testes are more spherical in shape than C57Bl/6J testes, though serum testosterone levels were normal and spermatogenesis progressed in a typical manner. Spermatozoa collected from the cauda epididymis showed normal morphology, counts, and viability in Mtrrgt/gt males. Correspondingly, Mtrrgt spermatozoa contributed to normal pregnancy rates. Similar parameters were assessed in Mtrr+/+ and Mtrr+/gt males, which were normal compared with controls. Overall, our data showed that the Mtrrgt allele is unlikely to alter spermatogenesis or male fertility. Therefore, it is improbable that these factors confound the mechanistic study of TEI in Mtrrgt mice.

De Novo Transcriptome Assembly and Gene Expression Profiling of the Copepod Calanus helgolandicus Feeding on the PUA-Producing Diatom Skeletonema marinoi

Diatoms are the dominant component of the marine phytoplankton. Several diatoms produce secondary metabolites, namely oxylipins, with teratogenic effects on their main predators, crustacean copepods. Our study reports the de novo assembled transcriptome of the calanoid copepod Calanus helgolandicus feeding on the oxylipin-producing diatom Skeletonema marinoi. Differential expression analysis was also performed between copepod females exposed to the diatom and the control flagellate Prorocentrum minimum, which does not produce oxylipins. Our results showed that transcripts involved in carbohydrate, amino acid, folate and methionine metabolism, embryogenesis, and response to stimulus were differentially expressed in the two conditions. Expression of 27 selected genes belonging to these functional categories was also analyzed by RT-qPCR in C. helgolandicus females exposed to a mixed solution of the oxylipins heptadienal and octadienal at the concentration of 10 µM, 15 µM, and 20 µM. The results confirmed differential expression analysis, with up-regulation of genes involved in stress response and down-regulation of genes associated with folate and methionine metabolism, embryogenesis, and signaling. Overall, we offer new insights on the mechanism of action of oxylipins on maternally-induced embryo abnormality. Our results may also help identify biomarker genes associated with diatom-related reproductive failure in the natural copepod population at sea.

Epigenetic Transgenerational Inheritance of Obesity Susceptibility

The prevalence of obesity and associated diseases has reached pandemic levels. Obesity is often associated with overnutrition and a sedentary lifestyle, but clearly other factors also increase the susceptibility of metabolic disease states. Ancestral and direct exposures to environmental toxicants and altered nutrition have been shown to increase susceptibility for obesity and metabolic dysregulation. Environmental insults can reprogram the epigenome of the germline (sperm and eggs), which transmits the susceptibility for disease to future generations through epigenetic transgenerational inheritance. In this review, we discuss current evidence and molecular mechanisms for epigenetic transgenerational inheritance of obesity susceptibility. Understanding ancestral environmental insults and epigenetic transgenerational impacts on future generations will be critical to fully understand the etiology of obesity and to develop preventative therapy options.

Mtrr hypomorphic mutation alters liver morphology, metabolism and fuel storage in mice

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with dietary folate deficiency and mutations in genes required for one‑carbon metabolism. However, the mechanism through which this occurs is unclear. To improve our understanding of this link, we investigated liver morphology, metabolism and fuel storage in adult mice with a hypomorphic mutation in the gene methionine synthase reductase (Mtrr gt ). MTRR enzyme is a key regulator of the methionine and folate cycles. The Mtrr gt mutation in mice was previously shown to disrupt one‑carbon metabolism and cause a wide-spectrum of developmental phenotypes and late adult-onset macrocytic anaemia. Here, we showed that livers of Mtrr gt/gt female mice were enlarged compared to control C57Bl/6J livers. Histological analysis of these livers revealed eosinophilic hepatocytes with decreased glycogen content, which was associated with down-regulation of genes involved in glycogen synthesis (e.g., Ugp2 and Gsk3a genes). While female Mtrr gt/gt livers showed evidence of reduced β-oxidation of fatty acids, there were no other associated changes in the lipidome in female or male Mtrr gt/gt livers compared with controls. Defects in glycogen storage and lipid metabolism often associate with disruption of mitochondrial electron transfer system activity. However, defects in mitochondrial function were not detected in Mtrr gt/gt livers as determined by high-resolution respirometry analysis. Overall, we demonstrated that adult Mtrr gt/gt female mice showed abnormal liver morphology that differed from the NAFLD phenotype and that was accompanied by subtle changes in their hepatic metabolism and fuel storage.

Dihydrofolate Reductase (DHFR) del19bp Polymorphism and Down Syndrome Offspring

Down syndrome (DS) is the most common form of mental disability of genetic etiology. Nondisjunction of chromosome 21 is the leading cause of the syndrome. In general, free trisomy 21 cases originate from missegregation in maternal meiosis. Several reports have suggested an association between genetic variants in genes encoding folate metabolizing enzymes and the predisposition to chromosome missegregation. We have conducted a case-control study of 109 DS case mothers (MDS) and 248 control mothers (CM) to assess the association between DHFR del19bp polymorphism and an increased risk of bearing a DS child. Genomic DNA was extracted from buccal cells, and molecular analysis of DHFR del19pb polymorphism was performed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Both MDS and CM allelic and genotypic distributions were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The frequency of DHFR del19pb-mutated allele was 0.54 in MDS and 0.46 in CM. Overall analysis showed that the mutant allele was borderline associated with DS risk (OR 1.38; 95% CI 1.00-1.89; P = 0.05) and a weak positive association for del/del and/or wt/del genotypes of DHFR del19pb polymorphism compared to homozygous wt/wt genotype was identified (OR = 1.75; 95% CI 1.01-3.03; P = 0.05). When we have analyzed data stratified by age, there is an increased risk of bearing a DS child associated with the polymorphic allele (OR = 1.49; 95% CI 1.03-2.16; P = 0.03), suggesting that DHFR del 19-bp polymorphism could be an independent risk factor for DS in women aged < 40 years old.

Autophagy regulates abnormal placentation induced by folate deficiency in mice

Folate deficiency has been linked to a wide range of pregnancy disorders. Most research about folate-deficiency has focused on the embryo itself, little attention has been paid to possible effects on the placenta. According to our results, the morphology of the placenta, endocrine function, and the expression of genes involved in placental differentiation were all abnormal in folate-deficient mice on days 10, 12, and 14 of pregnancy. Similar results were found in human placenta explants cultured in folate-deficient medium. Autophagy is an inducible catabolic process activated by external nutrients starvation. Here we explored further, whether autophagy was involved in the abnormal placentation caused by folate-deficiency. The aberrant number of autophagosomes measured by transmission electron microscopy and the deviant expression of autophagy-related markers showed a disordered autophagy in placentas under conditions of folate-deficiency in vivo and in vitro dual-fluorescence mRFP-eGFP-LC3 analysis indicated enhanced autophagy was detected in HTR8/SVneo cells incubated in folate-deficient medium. Importantly, the placentation impairment in mice and human placenta explants could be recovered by inhibiting placental autophagy using 3-MA. In addition, the apoptosis and invasive capability of HTR8/SVneo cells were obviously suppressed by folate deficiency but notably elevated by 3-MA. These data suggest that folate deficiency can impair placentation and autophagy is a key factor in this. However, the signal pathway by which folate deficiency causes aberrant autophagy needs to be explored further.