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Zhao C, Jin H, Lei Y, Li Q, Zhang Y, Lu Q. The dual effects of Benzo(a)pyrene/Benzo(a)pyrene-7,8-dihydrodiol-9,10-epoxide on DNA Methylation. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 950:175042. [PMID: 39084379 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.175042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 07/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
Benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) is one of the most thoroughly studied polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons(PAHs) and a widespread organic pollutant in various areas of human life. Its teratogenic, immunotoxic and carcinogenic effects on organisms are well documented and widely recognized by researchers. In the body, BaP is enzymatically converted to form a more active benzo(a)pyrene-7,8-dihydrodiol-9,10-epoxide (BPDE). BaP/BPDE has the potential to trigger gene mutations, influence epigenetic modifications and cause damage to cellular structures, ultimately contributing to disease onset and progression. However, there are different points of view when studying epigenetics using BaP/BPDE. On the one hand, it is claimed in cancer research that BaP/BPDE contributes to gene hypermethylation and, in particular, induces the hypermethylation of tumor's suppressor gene promoters, leading to gene silencing and subsequent cancer development. Conversely, studies in human and animal populations suggest that exposure to BaP results in genome-wide DNA hypomethylation, potentially leading to adverse outcomes in inflammatory diseases. This apparent contradiction has not been summarized in research for almost four decades. This article presents a comprehensive review of the current literature on the influence of BaP/BPDE on DNA methylation regulation. It demonstrates that BaP/BPDE exerts a dual-phase regulatory effect on methylation, which is influenced by factors such as the concentration and duration of BaP/BPDE exposure, experimental models and detection methods used in various studies. Acute/high concentration exposure to BaP/BPDE often results in global demethylation of DNA, which is associated with inhibition of DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) after exposure. At certain specific gene loci (e.g., RAR-β), BPDE can form DNA adducts, recruiting DNMT3 and leading to hypermethylation at specific sites. By integrating these different mechanisms, our goal is to unravel the patterns and regulations of BaP/BPDE-induced DNA methylation changes and provide insights into future precision therapies targeting epigenetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Zhao
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Central South University Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics Changsha, China; Research Unit of Key Technologies of Immune-related Skin Diseases Diagnosis and Treatment, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Institute of Dermatology, Nanjing, China; Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research on Immune-Mediated Skin Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, Nanjing, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hui Jin
- Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research on Immune-Mediated Skin Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, Nanjing, China.
| | - Yu Lei
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Central South University Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics Changsha, China; Research Unit of Key Technologies of Immune-related Skin Diseases Diagnosis and Treatment, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Institute of Dermatology, Nanjing, China; Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research on Immune-Mediated Skin Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, Nanjing, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Qilin Li
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Central South University Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics Changsha, China; Research Unit of Key Technologies of Immune-related Skin Diseases Diagnosis and Treatment, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Institute of Dermatology, Nanjing, China; Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research on Immune-Mediated Skin Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, Nanjing, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research on Immune-Mediated Skin Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, Nanjing, China; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qianjin Lu
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Central South University Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics Changsha, China; Research Unit of Key Technologies of Immune-related Skin Diseases Diagnosis and Treatment, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Institute of Dermatology, Nanjing, China; Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research on Immune-Mediated Skin Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, Nanjing, China.
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Deng T, Wang Z, Geng Q, Wang Z, Jiao Y, Diao W, Xu J, Deng T, Luo J, Tao Q, Xiao C. Methylation of T and B Lymphocytes in Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol 2024; 66:401-422. [PMID: 39207646 DOI: 10.1007/s12016-024-09003-4] [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] [Accepted: 08/15/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
The role of abnormal epigenetic modifications, particularly DNA methylation, in the pathogenesis of autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARDs) has garnered increasing attention. Lymphocyte dysfunction is a significant contributor to the pathogenesis of ARDs. Methylation is crucial for maintaining normal immune system function, and aberrant methylation can hinder lymphocyte differentiation, resulting in functional abnormalities that disrupt immune tolerance, leading to the excessive expression of inflammatory cytokines, thereby exacerbating the onset and progression of ARDs. Recent studies suggest that methylation-related factors have the potential to serve as biomarkers for monitoring the activity of ARDs. This review summarizes the current state of research on the impact of DNA and RNA methylation on the development, differentiation, and function of T and B cells and examines the progress of these epigenetic modifications in studies of six specific ARDs: systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren's syndrome, systemic sclerosis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. Additionally, we propose that exploring the interplay between RNA methylation and DNA methylation may represent a novel direction for understanding the pathogenesis of ARDs and developing novel treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiantian Deng
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Zihan Wang
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Qishun Geng
- Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Zhaoran Wang
- Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Yi Jiao
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Wenya Diao
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Jiahe Xu
- China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Tingting Deng
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Jing Luo
- Department of TCM Rheumatology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, 100029, China.
| | - Qingwen Tao
- Department of TCM Rheumatology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, 100029, China.
| | - Cheng Xiao
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, 100029, China.
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3
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Zhang B, Mei X, Zhao M, Lu Q. The new era of immune skin diseases: Exploring advances in basic research and clinical translations. J Transl Autoimmun 2024; 8:100232. [PMID: 39022635 PMCID: PMC11252396 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtauto.2024.100232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Bo Zhang
- Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, 210042, China
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research on Immune-Mediated Skin Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China
- Department of Dermatology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Xiaole Mei
- Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, 210042, China
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research on Immune-Mediated Skin Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China
- Department of Dermatology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Ming Zhao
- Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, 210042, China
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research on Immune-Mediated Skin Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China
- Department of Dermatology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Qianjin Lu
- Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, 210042, China
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research on Immune-Mediated Skin Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China
- Department of Dermatology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China
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Singh AK, Duddempudi PK, Kenchappa DB, Srivastava N, Amdare NP. Immunological landscape of solid cancer: Interplay between tumor and autoimmunity. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 389:163-235. [PMID: 39396847 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2024.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2024]
Abstract
The immune system, a central player in maintaining homeostasis, emerges as a pivotal factor in the pathogenesis and progression of two seemingly disparate yet interconnected categories of diseases: autoimmunity and cancer. This chapter delves into the intricate and multifaceted role of the immune system, particularly T cells, in orchestrating responses that govern the delicate balance between immune surveillance and self-tolerance. T cells, pivotal immune system components, play a central role in both diseases. In autoimmunity, aberrant T cell activation drives damaging immune responses against normal tissues, while in cancer, T cells exhibit suppressed responses, allowing the growth of malignant tumors. Immune checkpoint receptors, example, initially explored in autoimmunity, now revolutionize cancer treatment via immune checkpoint blockade (ICB). Though effective in various tumors, ICB poses risks of immune-related adverse events (irAEs) akin to autoimmunity. This chapter underscores the importance of understanding tumor-associated antigens and their role in autoimmunity, immune checkpoint regulation, and their implications for both diseases. It also explores autoimmunity resulting from cancer immunotherapy and shared molecular pathways in solid tumors and autoimmune diseases, highlighting their interconnectedness at the molecular level. Additionally, it sheds light on common pathways and epigenetic features shared by autoimmunity and cancer, and the potential of repurposing drugs for therapeutic interventions. Delving deeper into these insights could unlock therapeutic strategies for both autoimmunity and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajay K Singh
- Department of Oncology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
| | | | | | - Nityanand Srivastava
- Department of Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Nitin P Amdare
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States.
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Zhang R, Zhu G, Li Z, Meng Z, Huang H, Ding C, Wang Y, Chen C, Li Y, Liu H, Chen J. ITGAL expression in non-small-cell lung cancer tissue and its association with immune infiltrates. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1382231. [PMID: 38646528 PMCID: PMC11027504 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1382231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Integrin subunit alpha L (ITGAL) encodes an integrin component of LFA-1 and is a membrane receptor molecule widely expressed on leukocytes. It plays a key role in the interaction between white blood cells and other cells. There was a significant correlation between the expression of ITGAL and the tumor microenvironment in a number of cancers. However, experimental studies targeting ITGAL and immune cell infiltration in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and the response to immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy are lacking. Methods Data were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), and Clinical Proteomic Tumor Analysis Consortium (CPTAC) databases to explore the relationship between ITGAL expression and prognosis, as well as the immune cell infiltration in patients with NSCLC. In addition, immunohistochemical staining for ITGAL and multiplex immunofluorescence (mIF) staining for ITGAL, CD20, CD68, CD4, and CD8 from tissue microarrays containing 118 tumor tissues and paired paracancerous tissues from patients with NSCLC were performed. The correlation between ITGAL expression and clinical factors, as well as the immunophenotypes of tumor-infiltrating immune cells, were also analyzed. Results In NSCLC tumor tissues, ITGAL was downregulated compared with matched paracancerous tissues, and low ITGAL expression was associated with a poor prognosis of NSCLC patients. Subsequently, immunohistochemistry results for tissue microarray showed that ITGAL expression was mainly elevated in tumor stroma and areas with highly infiltrated immune cells. ITGAL expression was higher in paracancerous tissues than tumor tissues. Furthermore, mIF results indicated that the patients with ITGAL-high expression tend had significantly higher CD8+ T cells, CD68+ macrophages, CD4+ T cells, and CD20+ B cells infiltration in their tumor tissues. Immunophenotypes were classified into three categories, that is deserted, excluded, and inflamed types, according to each kind of immune cell distribution in or around the cancer cell nest. MIF results showed that ITGAL expression level was correlated with the immunophenotypes. Furthermore, ITGAL expression was associated with the prognosis of NSCLC in patients with immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy and the patients with high ITGAL expression tends have better outcomes. Conclusions ITGAL may be used as a biomarker for assessing the immune microenvironment in patients with NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruihao Zhang
- Department of Lung Cancer Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Guangsheng Zhu
- Department of Lung Cancer Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Zaishan Li
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Linyi People’s Hospital, Linyi, China
| | - Zhenzhen Meng
- Department of Anesthesiology, Linyi People’s Hospital, Linyi, China
| | - Hua Huang
- Department of Lung Cancer Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Chen Ding
- Department of Lung Cancer Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yanan Wang
- Department of Lung Cancer Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Chen Chen
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Lung Cancer Metastasis and Tumor Microenvironment, Tianjin Lung Cancer Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yongwen Li
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Lung Cancer Metastasis and Tumor Microenvironment, Tianjin Lung Cancer Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Hongyu Liu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Lung Cancer Metastasis and Tumor Microenvironment, Tianjin Lung Cancer Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Jun Chen
- Department of Lung Cancer Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Lung Cancer Metastasis and Tumor Microenvironment, Tianjin Lung Cancer Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
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Yang ML, Lam TT, Kanyo J, Kang I, Zhou ZS, Clarke SG, Mamula MJ. Natural isoaspartyl protein modification of ZAP70 alters T cell responses in lupus. Autoimmunity 2023; 56:2282945. [PMID: 37994408 PMCID: PMC10897934 DOI: 10.1080/08916934.2023.2282945] [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: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Protein posttranslational modifications (PTMs) arise in a number of normal cellular biological pathways and in response to pathology caused by inflammation and/or infection. Indeed, a number of PTMs have been identified and linked to specific autoimmune responses and metabolic pathways. One particular PTM, termed isoaspartyl (isoAsp or isoD) modification, is among the most common spontaneous PTM occurring at physiological pH and temperature. Herein, we demonstrate that isoAsp modifications arise within the ZAP70 protein tyrosine kinase upon T-cell antigen receptor (TCR) engagement. The enzyme protein L-isoaspartate O-methyltransferase (PCMT1, or PIMT, EC 2.1.1.77) evolved to repair isoaspartyl modifications in cells. In this regard, we observe that increased levels of isoAsp modification that arise under oxidative stress are correlated with reduced PIMT activity in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). PIMT deficiency leads to T cell hyper-proliferation and hyper-phosphorylation through ZAP70 signaling. We demonstrate that inducing the overexpression of PIMT can correct the hyper-responsive phenotype in lupus T cells. Our studies reveal a phenotypic role of isoAsp modification and phosphorylation of ZAP70 in lupus T cell autoimmunity and provide a potential therapeutic target through the repair of isoAsp modification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei-Ling Yang
- Section of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - TuKiet T. Lam
- Keck MS & Proteomics Resource, WM Keck Foundation Biotechnology Resource Laboratory, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Jean Kanyo
- Keck MS & Proteomics Resource, WM Keck Foundation Biotechnology Resource Laboratory, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Insoo Kang
- Section of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Zhaohui Sunny Zhou
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Steven G. Clarke
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Molecular Biology Institute, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Mark J. Mamula
- Section of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
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Sun M, Wei Y, Zhang C, Nian H, Du B, Wei R. Integrated DNA Methylation and Transcriptomics Analyses of Lacrimal Glands Identify the Potential Genes Implicated in the Development of Sjögren's Syndrome-Related Dry Eye. J Inflamm Res 2023; 16:5697-5714. [PMID: 38050559 PMCID: PMC10693829 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s440263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Sjögren's syndrome-related dry eye (SS-related dry eye) is an intractable autoimmune disease characterized by chronic inflammation of lacrimal glands (LGs), where epigenetic factors are proven to play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of this disease. However, the alteration of DNA methylation in LGs and its role in the pathogenesis of SS-related dry eye is still unknown. Here, we performed an integrated analysis of DNA methylation and RNA-Seq data in LGs to identify novel DNA methylation-regulated differentially expressed genes (MeDEGs) in the pathogenesis of SS-related dry eye. Methods The DNA methylation and transcription profiles of LGs in NOD mice at different stages of SS-related dry eye (4-, 8-, 12- and 16 weeks old) were generated by reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS) and RNA-Seq. The differentially methylated genes (DMGs) and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were analyzed by MethylKit R package and edgeR. Correlation analysis between methylation level and mRNA expression was conducted with R software. The functional correlation of DMGs and DEGs was analyzed by Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). Finally, LG tissues from another litter of NOD mice were collected for methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (MSP) and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) to validate the methylation and expression levels of key genes. CD4+ cell infiltration of LGs was detected by immunofluorescence staining. Results Hypermethylation of LGs was identified in NOD mice with the progression of SS-related dry eye and the DMGs were mainly enriched in the GTPases activation and Ras signaling pathway. RNA-seq analysis revealed 1321, 2549, and 3712 DEGs in the 8-, 12- and 16-week-old NOD mice compared with 4-week-old normal control mice. For GO analysis, the DEGs were mainly enriched in T cell immune responses. Further, a total of 140 MeDEGs were obtained by integrated analysis of methylome and transcriptome, which were primarily enriched in T cell activation, proliferation and differentiation. Based on the main GO terms and KEGG pathways of MeDEGs, 8 genes were screened out. The expression levels of these key genes, especially Itgal, Vav1, Irf4 and Icosl, were verified to elevate after the onset of SS-related dry eye in NOD mice and positively correlated with the extent of inflammatory cell infiltration in LGs. Immunofluorescence assay revealed that CD4+ cell infiltration dramatically increased in LGs of SS-related dry eye mice compared with the control mice. And the expression levels of four genes showed significantly positive correlation with the extent of CD4+ cell infiltration in LGs. MSP showed the hypomethylation of the Irf4 and Itgal promoters in NOD mice with SS-related dry eye compared to control group. Conclusion Our study revealed the critical role of epigenetic regulation of T cell immunity-related genes in the progression of SS-related dry eye and reminded us that DNA methylation-regulated genes such as Itgal, Vav1, Irf4 and Icosl may be used as new targets for SS-related dry eye therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Sun
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Tianjin Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Disease, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yankai Wei
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Tianjin Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Disease, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chengyuan Zhang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Tianjin Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Disease, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hong Nian
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Tianjin Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Disease, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bei Du
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Tianjin Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Disease, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ruihua Wei
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Tianjin Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Disease, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin, People’s Republic of China
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Yang S, Du P, Cui H, Zheng M, He W, Gao X, Hu Z, Jia S, Lu Q, Zhao M. Regulatory factor X1 induces macrophage M1 polarization by promoting DNA demethylation in autoimmune inflammation. JCI Insight 2023; 8:e165546. [PMID: 37733446 PMCID: PMC10619507 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.165546] [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: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Abnormal macrophage polarization is generally present in autoimmune diseases. Overwhelming M1 macrophage activation promotes the continuous progression of inflammation, which is one of the reasons for the development of autoimmune diseases. However, the underlying mechanism is still unclear. Here we explore the function of Regulatory factor X1 (RFX1) in macrophage polarization by constructing colitis and lupus-like mouse models. Both in vivo and in vitro experiments confirmed that RFX1 can promote M1 and inhibit M2 macrophage polarization. Furthermore, we found that RFX1 promoted DNA demethylation of macrophage polarization-related genes by increasing APOBEC3A/Apobec3 expression. We identified a potential RFX1 inhibitor, adenosine diphosphate (ADP), providing a potential strategy for treating autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Yang
- Department of Dermatology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, Changsha, China
- Research Unit of Key Technologies of Diagnosis and Treatment for Immune-related Skin Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Pei Du
- Department of Dermatology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, Changsha, China
- Research Unit of Key Technologies of Diagnosis and Treatment for Immune-related Skin Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Haobo Cui
- Department of Pharmacy, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Meiling Zheng
- Department of Dermatology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, Changsha, China
- Research Unit of Key Technologies of Diagnosis and Treatment for Immune-related Skin Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wei He
- Department of Pharmacy, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaofei Gao
- Department of Dermatology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, Changsha, China
- Research Unit of Key Technologies of Diagnosis and Treatment for Immune-related Skin Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhi Hu
- Department of Dermatology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, Changsha, China
- Research Unit of Key Technologies of Diagnosis and Treatment for Immune-related Skin Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Sujie Jia
- Department of Pharmacy, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Qianjin Lu
- Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research on Immune-Mediated Skin Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | - Ming Zhao
- Department of Dermatology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, Changsha, China
- Research Unit of Key Technologies of Diagnosis and Treatment for Immune-related Skin Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research on Immune-Mediated Skin Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, China
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Du H, Tang Q, Yang J, Yan B, Yang L, Wang M. Genome-wide DNA methylation profiling of CD4 + T lymphocytes identifies differentially methylated loci associated with adult primary refractory immune thrombocytopenia. BMC Med Genomics 2023; 16:124. [PMID: 37291547 PMCID: PMC10251572 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-023-01557-0] [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: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND DNA methylation played a crucial role in the pathogenesis of immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). However, genome-wide DNA methylation analysis has not been applied thus far. The present study aimed to provide the first DNA methylation profiling for ITP. METHODS Peripheral blood CD4+ T lymphocytes samples were collected from 4 primary refractory ITP cases and 4 age-matched healthy controls, and DNA methylome profiling was performed using Infinium MethylationEPIC BeadChip. Differentially methylated CpG sites were further validated in another independent cohort of 10 ITP patients and 10 healthy controls using qRT-PCR. RESULTS The DNA methylome profiling identified a total of 260 differentially methylated CpG sites mapping to 72 hypermethylated and 64 hypomethylated genes. These genes were mainly enriched in the actin nucleation of the Arp2/3 complex, vesicle transport, histone H3-K36 demethylation, Th1 and Th2 cell differentiation, and Notch signaling pathway according to the GO and KEGG databases. The mRNA expression of CASP9, C1orf109, and AMD1 were significantly different. CONCLUSIONS Given the altered DNA methylation profiling of ITP, our study provides new insights into its genetic mechanism and suggests candidate biomarkers for the diagnosis and treatment of ITP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanzhi Du
- Department of Haematology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Qinghua Tang
- Department of Osteoporosis, Xi'an Jiaotong University Affiliated HongHui Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Jian Yang
- Department of Clinical Research Centre, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Bin Yan
- Department of Clinical Research Centre, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Lihong Yang
- Department of Clinical Research Centre, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Mengchang Wang
- Department of Haematology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.
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10
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Akhil A, Bansal R, Anupam K, Tandon A, Bhatnagar A. Systemic lupus erythematosus: latest insight into etiopathogenesis. Rheumatol Int 2023:10.1007/s00296-023-05346-x. [PMID: 37226016 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-023-05346-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disorder of unknown etiology. Multifactorial interaction among various susceptible factors such as environmental, hormonal, and genetic factors makes it more heterogeneous and complex. Genetic and epigenetic modifications have been realized to regulate the immunobiology of lupus through environmental modifications such as diet and nutrition. Although these interactions may vary from population to population, the understanding of these risk factors can enhance the perception of the mechanistic basis of lupus etiology. To recognize the recent advances in lupus, an electronic search was conducted among search engines such as Google Scholar and PubMed, where we found about 30.4% publications of total studies related to genetics and epigenetics, 33.5% publications related to immunobiology and 34% related to environmental factors. These outcomes suggested that management of diet and lifestyle have a direct relationship with the severity of lupus that influence via modulating the complex interaction among genetics and immunobiology. The present review emphasizes the knowledge about the multifactorial interactions between various susceptible factors based on recent advances that will further update the understanding of mechanisms involved in disease pathoetiology. Knowledge of these mechanisms will further assist in the creation of novel diagnostic and therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akhil Akhil
- Department of Biochemistry, BMS-Block II, South Campus, Panjab University, Chandigarh, 160014, India
| | - Rohit Bansal
- Department of Biochemistry, BMS-Block II, South Campus, Panjab University, Chandigarh, 160014, India
| | - Kumari Anupam
- Department of Pathology, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO, 63103, USA
| | - Ankit Tandon
- Department of Endocrinology, PGIMER, Chandigarh, 160012, India
| | - Archana Bhatnagar
- Department of Biochemistry, BMS-Block II, South Campus, Panjab University, Chandigarh, 160014, India.
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11
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Afrashteh Nour M, Ghorbaninezhad F, Asadzadeh Z, Baghbanzadeh A, Hassanian H, Leone P, Jafarlou M, Alizadeh N, Racanelli V, Baradaran B. The emerging role of noncoding RNAs in systemic lupus erythematosus: new insights into the master regulators of disease pathogenesis. Ther Adv Chronic Dis 2023; 14:20406223231153572. [PMID: 37035097 PMCID: PMC10074641 DOI: 10.1177/20406223231153572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Auto-immune diseases are a form of chronic disorders in which the immune system destroys the body's cells due to a loss of tolerance to self-antigens. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), identified by the production of autoantibodies in different body parts, is one of the most well-known examples of these diseases. Although the etiology of SLE is unclear, the disease's progression may be affected by genetic and environmental factors. As studies in twins provide adequate evidence for genetic involvement in the SLE, other phenomena such as metallization, histone modifications, and alterations in the expression of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) also indicate the involvement of epigenetic factors in this disease. Among all the epigenetic alterations, ncRNAs appear to have the most crucial contribution to the pathogenesis of SLE. The ncRNAs' length and size are divided into three main classes: micro RNAs, long noncoding RNAs (LncRNA), and circular RNAs (circRNAs). Accumulating evidence suggests that dysregulations in these ncRNAs contributed to the pathogenesis of SLE. Hence, clarifying the function of these groups of ncRNAs in the pathophysiology of SLE provides a deeper understanding of the disease. It also opens up new opportunities to develop targeted therapies for this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mina Afrashteh Nour
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University
of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Farid Ghorbaninezhad
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University
of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine,
Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Zahra Asadzadeh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University
of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Amir Baghbanzadeh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University
of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hamidreza Hassanian
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University
of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Patrizia Leone
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine,
University of Bari ‘Aldo Moro’, Bari, Italy
| | - Mahdi Jafarlou
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University
of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Nazila Alizadeh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University
of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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12
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Wang F, Miao HB, Pei ZH, Chen Z. Serological, fragmentomic, and epigenetic characteristics of cell-free DNA in patients with lupus nephritis. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1001690. [PMID: 36578480 PMCID: PMC9791112 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1001690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives The biological characteristics of plasma circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) are related to the pathogenesis of lupus nephritis (LN). The aim of this study was to explore the biological characteristics of cfDNA in patients with LN in terms of serology, fragment omics, and epigenetics, and to discuss the possibility of liquid biopsy for cfDNA as an alternative to conventional tissue biopsy. Methods cfDNA was extracted from plasma samples of 127 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (64 with LN, 63 without LN). The cfDNA concentration was determined using the Qubit method. Next-generation sequencing cfDNA methylation profiling was performed for three LN patients and six non-LN patients. The methylation panel was designed based on data from The Cancer Genome Atlas cohort. The fragmentation index, motif score, and DELFI score were calculated to explore the fragmentation profile of cfDNA in patients with LN. Statistical and machine learning methods were used to select features to calculate the methylation scores of the samples. Results Patients with LN had significantly lower cfDNA concentrations (P = 0.0347) than those without LN. This may be associated with the presence of anti-double-stranded DNA antibodies (r = -0.4189; P = 0.0296). The mean DELFI score (proportion of short fragments of cfDNA) in patients with LN was significantly higher than that in patients without LN (P = 0.0238). Based on the pan-cancer data, 73, 66, 8, and 10 features were selected and used to calculate the methylation scores. The mean methylation scores of these features in patients with LN differed significantly from those in patients without LN (P = 0.0238). Conclusions The specificity of cfDNA in patients with LN was identified using serological, fragmentomic, and epigenetic analyses. The findings may have implications for the development of new molecular markers of LN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian, China,Department of Immunology, Foresea Life Insurance Guangxi Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Hai-bing Miao
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Zhi-hua Pei
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural Bioinformatics, College of Informatics, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Zhen Chen
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian, China,*Correspondence: Zhen Chen,
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13
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Yin H, Xie Y, Gu P, Li W, Zhang Y, Yao Y, Chen W, Ma J. The emerging role of epigenetic regulation in the progression of silicosis. Clin Epigenetics 2022; 14:169. [PMID: 36494831 PMCID: PMC9737765 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-022-01391-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Silicosis is one of the most severe occupational diseases worldwide and is characterized by silicon nodules and diffuse pulmonary fibrosis. However, specific treatments for silicosis are still lacking at present. Therefore, elucidating the pathogenesis of silicosis plays a significant guiding role for its treatment and prevention. The occurrence and development of silicosis are accompanied by many regulatory mechanisms, including epigenetic regulation. The main epigenetic regulatory mechanisms of silicosis include DNA methylation, non-coding RNA (ncRNA), and histone modifications. In recent years, the expression and regulation of genes related to silicosis have been explored at epigenetic level to reveal its pathogenesis further, and the identification of aberrant epigenetic markers provides new biomarkers for prediction and diagnosis of silicosis. Here, we summarize the studies on the role of epigenetic changes in the pathogenesis of silicosis to give some clues for finding specific therapeutic targets for silicosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoyu Yin
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030 Hubei China ,grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030 Hubei China
| | - Yujia Xie
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030 Hubei China ,grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030 Hubei China
| | - Pei Gu
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030 Hubei China ,grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030 Hubei China
| | - Wei Li
- grid.417303.20000 0000 9927 0537Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004 Jiangsu China
| | - Yingdie Zhang
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030 Hubei China ,grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030 Hubei China
| | - Yuxin Yao
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030 Hubei China ,grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030 Hubei China
| | - Weihong Chen
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030 Hubei China ,grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030 Hubei China
| | - Jixuan Ma
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030 Hubei China ,grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030 Hubei China
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14
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Rasking L, Roelens C, Sprangers B, Thienpont B, Nawrot TS, De Vusser K. Lupus, DNA Methylation, and Air Pollution: A Malicious Triad. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:15050. [PMID: 36429769 PMCID: PMC9690025 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192215050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) remains elusive to this day; however, genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors have been implicated to be involved in disease pathogenesis. Recently, it was demonstrated that in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients, interferon-regulated genes are hypomethylated in naïve CD4+ T cells, CD19+ B lymphocytes, and CD14+ monocytes. This suggests that interferon-regulated genes may have been epigenetically poised in SLE patients for rapid expression upon stimulation by different environmental factors. Additionally, environmental studies have identified DNA (hypo)methylation changes as a potential mechanism of environmentally induced health effects in utero, during childhood and in adults. Finally, epidemiologic studies have firmly established air pollution as a crucial SLE risk factor, as studies showed an association between fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and traditional SLE biomarkers related to disease flare, hospital admissions, and an increased SLEDAI score. In this review, the relationship between aberrant epigenetic regulation, the environment, and the development of SLE will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leen Rasking
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Céline Roelens
- Depatment of Nephrology and Kidney Transplantation, University Hospital Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ben Sprangers
- Depatment of Nephrology and Kidney Transplantation, University Hospital Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Leuven University, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bernard Thienpont
- Department of Human Genetics, Leuven University, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tim S. Nawrot
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Environment and Health Unit, Leuven University, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Katrien De Vusser
- Depatment of Nephrology and Kidney Transplantation, University Hospital Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Leuven University, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
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15
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Nikolova-Ganeva K, Bradyanova S, Manoylov I, Boneva G, Tchorbanov A. Methyl- rich diet ameliorates lupus-like disease in MRL/lpr mice. Immunobiology 2022; 227:152282. [DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2022.152282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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16
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Epigenetic regulation of B cells and its role in autoimmune pathogenesis. Cell Mol Immunol 2022; 19:1215-1234. [PMID: 36220996 PMCID: PMC9622816 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-022-00933-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
B cells play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. Although previous studies have shown many genetic polymorphisms associated with B-cell activation in patients with various autoimmune disorders, progress in epigenetic research has revealed new mechanisms leading to B-cell hyperactivation. Epigenetic mechanisms, including those involving histone modifications, DNA methylation, and noncoding RNAs, regulate B-cell responses, and their dysregulation can contribute to the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. Patients with autoimmune diseases show epigenetic alterations that lead to the initiation and perpetuation of autoimmune inflammation. Moreover, many clinical and animal model studies have shown the promising potential of epigenetic therapies for patients. In this review, we present an up-to-date overview of epigenetic mechanisms with a focus on their roles in regulating functional B-cell subsets. Furthermore, we discuss epigenetic dysregulation in B cells and highlight its contribution to the development of autoimmune diseases. Based on clinical and preclinical evidence, we discuss novel epigenetic biomarkers and therapies for patients with autoimmune disorders.
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17
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Yang Y, Liu K, Liu M, Zhang H, Guo M. EZH2: Its regulation and roles in immune disturbance of SLE. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1002741. [DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1002741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is related to immune homeostasis imbalance. Epigenetic mechanisms have played a significant role in breaking immune tolerance. Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), the specific methylation transferase of lysine at position 27 of histone 3, is currently found to participate in the pathogenesis of SLE through affecting multiple components of the immune system. This review mainly expounds the mechanisms underlying EZH2-mediated disruption of immune homeostasis in SLE patients, hoping to provide new ideas in the pathogenesis of SLE and new targets for future treatment.
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18
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Choi JO, Ham JH, Hwang SS. RNA Metabolism in T Lymphocytes. Immune Netw 2022; 22:e39. [PMID: 36381959 PMCID: PMC9634142 DOI: 10.4110/in.2022.22.e39] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA metabolism plays a central role in regulating of T cell-mediated immunity. RNA processing, modifications, and regulations of RNA decay influence the tight and rapid regulation of gene expression during T cell phase transition. Thymic selection, quiescence maintenance, activation, differentiation, and effector functions of T cells are dependent on selective RNA modulations. Recent technical improvements have unveiled the complex crosstalk between RNAs and T cells. Moreover, resting T cells contain large amounts of untranslated mRNAs, implying that the regulation of RNA metabolism might be a key step in controlling gene expression. Considering the immunological significance of T cells for disease treatment, an understanding of RNA metabolism in T cells could provide new directions in harnessing T cells for therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Ouk Choi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Severance Biomedical Science Institute and Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Jeong Hyeon Ham
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Severance Biomedical Science Institute and Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Soo Seok Hwang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Severance Biomedical Science Institute and Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea.,Chronic Intractable Disease Systems Medicine Research Center, Institute of Genetic Science, Institute for Immunology and Immunological Diseases, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea
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19
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Scindia Y, Mehrad B, Morel L. Labile iron accumulation augments T follicular helper cell differentiation. J Clin Invest 2022; 132:159472. [PMID: 35499081 PMCID: PMC9057622 DOI: 10.1172/jci159472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
T follicular helper (Tfh) cells are a subset of CD4+ T cells that are essential in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Notably, iron is required for activated CD4+ T lymphocytes to sustain high proliferation and metabolism. In this issue of the JCI, Gao et al. showed that CD4+ T cells from patients with SLE accumulated iron, augmenting their differentiation into Tfh cells and correlating with disease activity. Using human cells and murine models, the authors demonstrated that miR-21 was overexpressed in lupus T cells and inhibited 3-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase-2 (BDH2). The subsequent loss of BDH2 drove labile iron to accumulate in the cytoplasm and promoted TET enzyme activity, BCL6 gene demethylation, and Tfh cell differentiation. This work identifies a role for iron in CD4+ T cell biology and the development of pathogenic effectors in SLE. We await future investigations that could determine whether modulating iron levels could regulate Tfh cells in human health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yogesh Scindia
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine and
- Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA
| | - Borna Mehrad
- Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA
| | - Laurence Morel
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine and
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20
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Budd RC, Scharer CD, Barrantes-Reynolds R, Legunn S, Fortner KA. T Cell Homeostatic Proliferation Promotes a Redox State That Drives Metabolic and Epigenetic Upregulation of Inflammatory Pathways in Lupus. Antioxid Redox Signal 2022; 36:410-422. [PMID: 34328790 PMCID: PMC8982120 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2021.0078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Significance: Numerous abnormalities in T cells have been described in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), including lymphopenia, DNA demethylation, expression of endogenous retroviruses (ERVs), increased cell death, enlarged mitochondria, production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and the appearance of unusual CD4-CD8- T cells. Our studies propose a model in which accelerated homeostatic proliferation of T cells promotes an epigenetic and metabolic program, leading to this cluster of abnormalities. Recent Advances: Growing knowledge of the innate immune disorders in SLE has included increased mitochondrial size and ROS production that induces oligomerization of the mitochondrial antiviral signaling (MAVS) protein and type I interferon production, as well as DNA demethylation, upregulation of inflammatory genes, and expression of certain ERVs in SLE peripheral blood mononuclear cells. All these events are part of the cellular program that occurs during homeostatic proliferation of T cells. Evidence from a murine model of SLE as well as in human SLE reveals that increased T cell homeostatic proliferation may be a driving factor in these processes. Critical Issues: Despite extensive knowledge of the myriad autoantibodies in SLE and other immune abnormalities, a cogent model has been lacking to link the numerous and seemingly disparate immune aberrations. This may partly explain the general lack of new drugs specifically for SLE in over 50 years. A more coherent model of SLE would not only unify the variety of immune abnormalities is SLE but would also suggest new therapies. Future Directions: The model of augmented homeostatic proliferation leading to increased mitochondrial mass, ROS, DNA demethylation, and upregulation of inflammatory genes suggests strategic new targets for SLE, including antioxidants and certain inhibitors of metabolism. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 36, 410-422.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralph C Budd
- Department of Medicine, Vermont Center for Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Larner College of Medicine, The University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, USA
| | - Christopher D Scharer
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Ramiro Barrantes-Reynolds
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Larner College of Medicine, The University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, USA
| | - Scott Legunn
- Department of Medicine, Vermont Center for Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Larner College of Medicine, The University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, USA
| | - Karen A Fortner
- Department of Medicine, Vermont Center for Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Larner College of Medicine, The University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, USA
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21
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Laborde CM, Larzabal L, González-Cantero Á, Castro-Santos P, Díaz-Peña R. Advances of Genomic Medicine in Psoriatic Arthritis. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12010035. [PMID: 35055350 PMCID: PMC8780979 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12010035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a common type of inflammatory arthritis found in up to 40% of patients with psoriasis. Although early diagnosis is important for reducing the risk of irreversible structural damage, there are no adequate screening tools for this purpose, and there are no clear markers of predisposition to the disease. Much evidence indicates that PsA disorder is complex and heterogeneous, where genetic and environmental factors converge to trigger inflammatory events and the development of the disease. Nevertheless, the etiologic events that underlie PsA are complex and not completely understood. In this review, we describe the existing data in PsA in order to highlight the need for further research in this disease to progress in the knowledge of its pathobiology and to obtain early diagnosis tools for these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Álvaro González-Cantero
- Department of Dermatology, Hospital Universitario Ramon y Cajal, 28034 Madrid, Spain;
- Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Ctra. Pozuelo-Majadahonda, 28223 Pozuelo de Alarcón, 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Patricia Castro-Santos
- Immunology, Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas (CINBIO), Universidad de Vigo, 36310 Vigo, Spain;
| | - Roberto Díaz-Peña
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Talca 3460000, Chile
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +34-981-955-073
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22
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Hamiruddin NA, Awang NA, Mohd Shahpudin SN, Zaidi NS, Said MAM, Chaplot B, Azamathulla HM. Effects of wastewater type on stability and operating conditions control strategy in relation to the formation of aerobic granular sludge - a review. WATER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY : A JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION ON WATER POLLUTION RESEARCH 2021; 84:2113-2130. [PMID: 34810301 DOI: 10.2166/wst.2021.415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Currently, research trends on aerobic granular sludge (AGS) have integrated the operating conditions of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) towards the stability of AGS systems in various types of wastewater with different physical and biochemical characteristics. More attention is given to the stability of the AGS system for real site applications. Although recent studies have reported comprehensively the mechanism of AGS formation and stability in relation to other intermolecular interactions such as microbial distribution, shock loading and toxicity, standard operating condition control strategies for different types of wastewater have not yet been discussed. Thus, the dimensional multi-layer structural model of AGS is discussed comprehensively in the first part of this review paper, focusing on diameter size, thickness variability of each layer and diffusion factor. This can assist in facilitating the interrelation between disposition and stability of AGS structure to correspond to the changes in wastewater types, which is the main objective and novelty of this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- N A Hamiruddin
- School of Civil Engineering, Engineering Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 14300 Nibong Tebal, Penang, Malaysia E-mail:
| | - N A Awang
- School of Civil Engineering, Engineering Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 14300 Nibong Tebal, Penang, Malaysia E-mail:
| | - S N Mohd Shahpudin
- Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 13200 Kepala Batas, Penang, Malaysia
| | - N S Zaidi
- School of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310 UTM Johor Bahru, Malaysia
| | - M A M Said
- School of Civil Engineering, Engineering Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 14300 Nibong Tebal, Penang, Malaysia E-mail:
| | - B Chaplot
- Department of Geography, M.J.K College, Bettiah, a constituent unit of B.R.A., Bihar University, Bettiah, Muzaffarpur, India
| | - H M Azamathulla
- Faculty of Engineering, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad
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23
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Gallucci S, Meka S, Gamero AM. Abnormalities of the type I interferon signaling pathway in lupus autoimmunity. Cytokine 2021; 146:155633. [PMID: 34340046 PMCID: PMC8475157 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2021.155633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Type I interferons (IFNs), mostly IFNα and IFNβ, and the type I IFN Signature are important in the pathogenesis of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), an autoimmune chronic condition linked to inflammation. Both IFNα and IFNβ trigger a signaling cascade that, through the activation of JAK1, TYK2, STAT1 and STAT2, initiates gene transcription of IFN stimulated genes (ISGs). Noteworthy, other STAT family members and IFN Responsive Factors (IRFs) can also contribute to the activation of the IFN response. Aberrant type I IFN signaling, therefore, can exacerbate SLE by deregulated homeostasis leading to unnecessary persistence of the biological effects of type I IFNs. The etiopathogenesis of SLE is partially known and considered multifactorial. Family-based and genome wide association studies (GWAS) have identified genetic and transcriptional abnormalities in key molecules directly involved in the type I IFN signaling pathway, namely TYK2, STAT1 and STAT4, and IRF5. Gain-of-function mutations that heighten IFNα/β production, which in turn maintains type I IFN signaling, are found in other pathologies like the interferonopathies. However, the distinctive characteristics have yet to be determined. Signaling molecules activated in response to type I IFNs are upregulated in immune cell subsets and affected tissues of SLE patients. Moreover, Type I IFNs induce chromatin remodeling leading to a state permissive to transcription, and SLE patients have increased global and gene-specific epigenetic modifications, such as hypomethylation of DNA and histone acetylation. Epigenome wide association studies (EWAS) highlight important differences between SLE patients and healthy controls in Interferon Stimulated Genes (ISGs). The combination of environmental and genetic factors may stimulate type I IFN signaling transiently and produce long-lasting detrimental effects through epigenetic alterations. Substantial evidence for the pathogenic role of type I IFNs in SLE advocates the clinical use of neutralizing anti-type I IFN receptor antibodies as a therapeutic strategy, with clinical studies already showing promising results. Current and future clinical trials will determine whether drugs targeting molecules of the type I IFN signaling pathway, like non-selective JAK inhibitors or specific TYK2 inhibitors, may benefit people living with lupus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Gallucci
- Laboratory of Dendritic Cell Biology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States.
| | - Sowmya Meka
- Laboratory of Dendritic Cell Biology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Ana M Gamero
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Biochemistry, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States; Fels Cancer Institute for Personalized Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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24
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Carvalho AL, Hedrich CM. The Molecular Pathophysiology of Psoriatic Arthritis-The Complex Interplay Between Genetic Predisposition, Epigenetics Factors, and the Microbiome. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:662047. [PMID: 33869291 PMCID: PMC8047476 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.662047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Psoriasis is a symmetric autoimmune/inflammatory disease that primarily affects the skin. In a significant proportion of cases, it is accompanied by arthritis that can affect any joint, the spine, and/or include enthesitis. Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis are multifactor disorders characterized by aberrant immune responses in genetically susceptible individuals in the presence of additional (environmental) factors, including changes in microbiota and/or epigenetic marks. Epigenetic changes can be heritable or acquired (e.g., through changes in diet/microbiota or as a response to therapeutics) and, together with genetic factors, contribute to disease expression. In psoriasis, epigenetic alterations are mainly related to cell proliferation, cytokine signaling and microbial tolerance. Understanding the complex interplay between heritable and acquired pathomechanistic factors contributing to the development and maintenance of psoriasis is crucial for the identification and validation of diagnostic and predictive biomarkers, and the introduction of individualized effective and tolerable new treatments. This review summarizes the current understanding of immune activation, genetic, and environmental factors that contribute to the pathogenesis of psoriatic arthritis. Particular focus is on the interactions between these factors to propose a multifactorial disease model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana L Carvalho
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Christian M Hedrich
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom.,Department of Paediatric Rheumatology, Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust Hospital, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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25
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Juvenile-onset systemic lupus erythematosus ((j)SLE) is an autoimmune/inflammatory disease that results in significant damage and disability. When compared to patients with disease onset in adulthood, jSLE patients exhibit increased disease activity, damage and require more aggressive treatments. This manuscript summarises age-specific pathogenic mechanisms and underscores the need for age group-specific research, classification and treatment. RECENT FINDINGS Genetic factors play a significant role in the pathophysiology of jSLE, as > 7% of patients develop disease as a result of single gene mutations. Remaining patients carry genetic variants that are necessary for disease development, but require additional factors. Increased 'genetic impact' likely contributes to earlier disease onset and more severe phenotypes. Epigenetic events have only recently started to be addressed in jSLE, and add to the list of pathogenic mechanisms that may serve as biomarkers and/or treatment targets. To allow meaningful and patient-oriented paediatric research, age-specific classification criteria and treatment targets require to be defined as currently available tools established for adult-onset SLE have limitations in the paediatric cohort. Significant progress has been made in understanding the pathophysiology of jSLE. Meaningful laboratory and clinical research can only be performed using age group-specific tools, classification criteria and treatment targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Charras
- Department of Women's & Children's Health, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - E Smith
- Department of Women's & Children's Health, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Department of Paediatric Rheumatology, Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust Hospital, Liverpool, UK
| | - C M Hedrich
- Department of Women's & Children's Health, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
- Department of Paediatric Rheumatology, Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust Hospital, Liverpool, UK.
- Institute in the Park, Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust Hospital, East Prescot Road, Liverpool, L14 5AB, UK.
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26
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Tsai CY, Shen CY, Liu CW, Hsieh SC, Liao HT, Li KJ, Lu CS, Lee HT, Lin CS, Wu CH, Kuo YM, Yu CL. Aberrant Non-Coding RNA Expression in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Consequences for Immune Dysfunctions and Tissue Damage. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10121641. [PMID: 33291347 PMCID: PMC7762297 DOI: 10.3390/biom10121641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex systemic autoimmune disease with heterogeneous clinical manifestations. A diverse innate and adaptive immune dysregulation is involved in the immunopathogenesis of SLE. The dysregulation of immune-related cells may derive from the intricate interactions among genetic, epigenetic, environmental, and immunological factors. Of these contributing factors, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs (miRNAs, miRs), and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play critical roles in the post-transcriptional mRNA expression of cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors, which are essential for immune modulation. In the present review, we emphasize the roles of ncRNA expression in the immune-related cells and cell-free plasma, urine, and tissues contributing to the immunopathogenesis and tissue damage in SLE. In addition, the circular RNAs (circRNA) and their post-translational regulation of protein synthesis in SLE are also briefly described. We wish these critical reviews would be useful in the search for biomarkers/biosignatures and novel therapeutic strategies for SLE patients in the future.
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MESH Headings
- Adaptive Immunity/genetics
- Autoimmunity/genetics
- Chemokines/genetics
- Chemokines/immunology
- Dendritic Cells/immunology
- Dendritic Cells/pathology
- Gene Expression Regulation
- Humans
- Immunity, Innate/genetics
- Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/genetics
- Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/immunology
- Killer Cells, Natural/immunology
- Killer Cells, Natural/pathology
- Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/blood
- Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/genetics
- Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/immunology
- Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/pathology
- MicroRNAs/genetics
- MicroRNAs/immunology
- Neutrophils/immunology
- Neutrophils/pathology
- RNA, Circular/genetics
- RNA, Circular/immunology
- RNA, Long Noncoding/genetics
- RNA, Long Noncoding/immunology
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes/pathology
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang-Youh Tsai
- Division of Allergy, Immunology & Rheumatology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital and National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 11217, Taiwan; (C.-W.L.); (H.-T.L.)
- Correspondence: (C.-Y.T.); (C.-L.Y.)
| | - Chieh-Yu Shen
- Division of Rheumatology, Immunology, & Allergy, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 10002, Taiwan; (C.-Y.S.); (S.-C.H.); (K.-J.L.); (C.-S.L.); (C.-H.W.); (Y.-M.K.)
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University School of Medicine, Taipei 10002, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Wei Liu
- Division of Allergy, Immunology & Rheumatology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital and National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 11217, Taiwan; (C.-W.L.); (H.-T.L.)
| | - Song-Chou Hsieh
- Division of Rheumatology, Immunology, & Allergy, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 10002, Taiwan; (C.-Y.S.); (S.-C.H.); (K.-J.L.); (C.-S.L.); (C.-H.W.); (Y.-M.K.)
| | - Hsien-Tzung Liao
- Division of Allergy, Immunology & Rheumatology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital and National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 11217, Taiwan; (C.-W.L.); (H.-T.L.)
| | - Ko-Jen Li
- Division of Rheumatology, Immunology, & Allergy, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 10002, Taiwan; (C.-Y.S.); (S.-C.H.); (K.-J.L.); (C.-S.L.); (C.-H.W.); (Y.-M.K.)
| | - Cheng-Shiun Lu
- Division of Rheumatology, Immunology, & Allergy, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 10002, Taiwan; (C.-Y.S.); (S.-C.H.); (K.-J.L.); (C.-S.L.); (C.-H.W.); (Y.-M.K.)
| | - Hui-Ting Lee
- Mackay Memorial Hospital and Mackay College of Medicine, Taipei 10449, Taiwan;
| | - Cheng-Sung Lin
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Ministry of Health and Welfare Taipei Hospital, New Taipei City 24213, Taiwan;
| | - Cheng-Han Wu
- Division of Rheumatology, Immunology, & Allergy, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 10002, Taiwan; (C.-Y.S.); (S.-C.H.); (K.-J.L.); (C.-S.L.); (C.-H.W.); (Y.-M.K.)
| | - Yu-Min Kuo
- Division of Rheumatology, Immunology, & Allergy, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 10002, Taiwan; (C.-Y.S.); (S.-C.H.); (K.-J.L.); (C.-S.L.); (C.-H.W.); (Y.-M.K.)
| | - Chia-Li Yu
- Division of Rheumatology, Immunology, & Allergy, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 10002, Taiwan; (C.-Y.S.); (S.-C.H.); (K.-J.L.); (C.-S.L.); (C.-H.W.); (Y.-M.K.)
- Correspondence: (C.-Y.T.); (C.-L.Y.)
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27
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Mesenchymal Stem Cells Activate the MEK/ERK Signaling Pathway and Enhance DNA Methylation via DNMT1 in PBMC from Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 2020:4174082. [PMID: 33282947 PMCID: PMC7685810 DOI: 10.1155/2020/4174082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 09/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The defective MEK/ERK signaling pathway and downstream hypomethylation pattern of lymphocytes are crucial for the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, the role that the mesenchymal stem cells play in the MEK/ERK signaling pathway and DNA methylation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from SLE patients remains unknown. In this study, we found that the MEK/ERK signaling pathway of PBMC from SLE patients was activated after the coculture with bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSC) compared with that from the control group. In addition, the expression level of DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) increased while the levels of CD70, integrin, alpha L (ITGAL), selectin-l, and IL-13 were reduced in PBMC from SLE patients. However, no obvious effect of BM-MSC on PBMC from healthy controls was observed. These findings revealed that BM-MSC might downregulate the expression of methylation-sensitive genes and then suppress the autoactivated PBMC via the MEK/ERK signaling pathway. And it may be one of the mechanisms that BM-MSC ameliorated SLE.
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28
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Scharer CD, Fortner KA, Dragon JA, Tighe S, Boss JM, Budd RC. Selective DNA Demethylation Accompanies T Cell Homeostatic Proliferation and Gene Regulation in Lupus-Prone lpr Mice. Immunohorizons 2020; 4:679-687. [PMID: 33097564 PMCID: PMC8141279 DOI: 10.4049/immunohorizons.2000078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is characterized by increased DNA demethylation in T cells, although it is unclear whether this occurs primarily in a subset of SLE T cells. The process driving the DNA demethylation and the consequences on overall gene expression are also poorly understood and whether this represents a secondary consequence of SLE or a primary contributing factor. Lupus-prone lpr mice accumulate large numbers of T cells with age because of a mutation in Fas (CD95). The accumulating T cells include an unusual population of CD4-CD8-TCR-αβ+ (DN) T cells that arise from CD8+ precursors and are also found in human SLE. We have previously observed that T cell accumulation in lpr mice is due to dysregulation of T cell homeostatic proliferation, which parallels an increased expression of numerous genes in the DN subset, including several proinflammatory molecules and checkpoint blockers. We thus determined the DNA methylome in lpr DN T cells compared with their CD8+ precursors. Our findings show that DN T cells manifest discrete sites of extensive demethylation throughout the genome, and these sites correspond to the location of a large proportion of the upregulated genes. Thus, dysregulated homeostatic proliferation in lpr mice and consequent epigenetic alterations may be a contributing factor to lupus pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher D Scharer
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322;
| | - Karen A Fortner
- Vermont Center for Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Burlington, VT 05405; and
| | - Julie A Dragon
- Vermont Integrative Genomics Resource, University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Burlington, VT 05405
| | - Scott Tighe
- Vermont Integrative Genomics Resource, University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Burlington, VT 05405
| | - Jeremy M Boss
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322
| | - Ralph C Budd
- Vermont Center for Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Burlington, VT 05405; and
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29
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Guo G, Shi X, Wang H, Ye L, Tong X, Yan K, Ding N, Chen C, Zhang H, Xue X. Epitranscriptomic N4-Acetylcytidine Profiling in CD4 + T Cells of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:842. [PMID: 32984334 PMCID: PMC7483482 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The emerging epitranscriptome plays an essential role in autoimmune disease. As a novel mRNA modification, N4-acetylcytidine (ac4C) could promote mRNA stability and translational efficiency. However, whether epigenetic mechanisms of RNA ac4C modification are involved in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) remains unclear. Herein, we detected eleven modifications in CD4+ T cells of SLE patients using mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Furthermore, using samples from four CD4+ T cell pools, we identified lower modification of ac4C mRNA in SLE patients as compared to that in healthy controls (HCs). Meanwhile, significantly lower mRNA acetyltransferase NAT10 expression was detected in lupus CD4+ T cells by RT-qPCR. We then illustrated the transcriptome-wide ac4C profile in CD4+ T cells of SLE patients by ac4C-RIP-Seq and found ac4C distribution in mRNA transcripts to be highly conserved and enriched in mRNA coding sequence regions. Using bioinformatics analysis, the 3879 and 4073 ac4C hyper-acetylated and hypoacetylated peaks found in SLE samples, respectively, were found to be significantly involved in SLE-related function enrichments, including multiple metabolic and transcription-related processes, ROS-induced cellular signaling, apoptosis signaling, and NF-κB signaling. Moreover, we demonstrated the ac4C-modified regulatory network of gene biological functions in lupus CD4+ T cells. Notably, we determined that the 26 upregulated genes with hyperacetylation played essential roles in autoimmune diseases and disease-related processes. Additionally, the unique ac4C-related transcripts, including USP18, GPX1, and RGL1, regulate mRNA catabolic processes and translational initiation. Our study identified novel dysregulated ac4C mRNAs associated with critical immune and inflammatory responses, that have translational potential in lupus CD4+ T cells. Hence, our findings reveal transcriptional significance and potential therapeutic targets of mRNA ac4C modifications in SLE pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gangqiang Guo
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xinyu Shi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Huijing Wang
- Kidney Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lele Ye
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xinya Tong
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Kejing Yan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Ning Ding
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Chaosheng Chen
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Huidi Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xiangyang Xue
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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30
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Wei H, Yin X, Tang H, Gao Y, Liu B, Wu Q, Tian Q, Hao Y, Bi H, Guo D. Hypomethylation of Notch1 DNA is associated with the occurrence of uveitis. Clin Exp Immunol 2020; 201:317-327. [PMID: 32479651 DOI: 10.1111/cei.13471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2020] [Revised: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Uveitis is a serious intra-ocular inflammatory disease that can lead to visual impairment even blindness worldwide. Notch signaling can regulate the differentiation of naive CD4+ T cells, influencing the development of uveitis. DNA methylation is closely related to the autoimmune diseases. In this study, we measured the Notch1 DNA methylation level, determined the Notch1 and related DNA methylases mRNA expression and evaluated the ratio of T helper type 17 regulatory T cell (Th17/Treg ) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from uveitis patients and normal control subjects; we also tested the levels of relevant inflammatory cytokines in serum from the participants. Results indicated that compared with those in normal control individuals, the expression of ten-eleven translocation 2 (TET2) and Notch1 mRNA is elevated in uveitis patients, whereas the methylation level in Notch1 DNA promotor region [-842 ~ -646 base pairs (bp)] is down-regulated, and is unrelated to anatomical location. Moreover, the Th17/Treg ratio is up-regulated in PBMCs from uveitis patients, accompanied by the elevated levels of proinflammatory cytokines [e.g. interleukin (IL)-2, IL-6, IL-17 and interferon (IFN)-γ] in serum from uveitis patients. These findings suggest that the over-expression of TET2 DNA demethylase may lead to hypomethylation of Notch1, activate the Notch1 signaling, induce naive CD4+ T cells to differentiate theTh17 subset and thus disturb the balance of the Th17/Treg ratio in uveitis patients. Overall, hypomethylation of Notch1 DNA is closely associated with the occurrence of uveitis. Our study preliminarily reveals the underlying mechanism for the occurrence of uveitis related to the hypomethylation of Notch1 DNA, providing a novel therapeutic strategy against uveitis in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Wei
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - X Yin
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - H Tang
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Y Gao
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Prevention and Therapy of Ocular Diseases, Shandong, Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Prevention and Therapy of Ocular Diseases in Universities, Shandong, Eye Institute of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - B Liu
- Department of Blood Transfusion, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi, China
| | - Q Wu
- Affiliated Eye Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Q Tian
- Affiliated Eye Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Y Hao
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - H Bi
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Prevention and Therapy of Ocular Diseases, Shandong, Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Prevention and Therapy of Ocular Diseases in Universities, Shandong, Eye Institute of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - D Guo
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Prevention and Therapy of Ocular Diseases, Shandong, Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Prevention and Therapy of Ocular Diseases in Universities, Shandong, Eye Institute of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
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31
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Guo G, Wang H, Shi X, Ye L, Yan K, Chen Z, Zhang H, Jin Z, Xue X. Disease Activity-Associated Alteration of mRNA m 5 C Methylation in CD4 + T Cells of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:430. [PMID: 32582707 PMCID: PMC7291606 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic processes including RNA methylation, post-translational modifications, and non-coding RNA expression have been associated with the heritable risks of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In this study, we aimed to explore the dysregulated expression of 5-methylcytosine (m5C) in CD4+ T cells from patients with SLE and the potential function of affected mRNAs in SLE pathogenesis. mRNA methylation profiles were ascertained through chromatography-coupled triple quadrupole mass spectrometry in CD4+ T cells from two pools of patients with SLE exhibiting stable activity, two pools with moderate-to-major activity, and two pools of healthy controls (HCs). Simultaneously, mRNA methylation profiles and expression profiling were performed using RNA-Bis-Seq and RNA-Seq, respectively. Integrated mRNA methylation and mRNA expression bioinformatics analysis was comprehensively performed. mRNA methyltransferase NSUN2 expression was validated in CD4+ T cells from 27 patients with SLE and 28 HCs using real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot analyses. Hypomethylated-mRNA profiles of NSUN2-knockdown HeLa cells and of CD4+ T cells of patients with SLE were jointly analyzed using bioinformatics. Eleven methylation modifications (including elevated Am, 3′OMeA, m1A, and m6A and decreased Ψ, m3C, m1G, m5U, and t6A levels) were detected in CD4+ T cells of patients with SLE. Additionally, decreased m5C levels, albeit increased number of m5C-containing mRNAs, were observed in CD4+ T cells of patients with SLE compared with that in CD4+ T cells of HCs. m5C site distribution in mRNA transcripts was highly conserved and enriched in mRNA translation initiation sites. In particular, hypermethylated m5C or/and significantly up-regulated genes in SLE were significantly involved in immune-related and inflammatory pathways, including immune system, cytokine signaling pathway, and interferon signaling. Compared to that in HCs, NSUN2 expression was significantly lower in SLE CD4+ T cells. Notably, hypomethylated m5C genes in SLE and in NSUN2-knockdown HeLa cells revealed linkage between eukaryotic translation elongation and termination, and mRNA metabolism. Our study identified novel aberrant m5C mRNAs relevant to critical immune pathways in CD4+ T cells from patients with SLE. These data provide valuable perspectives for future studies of the multifunctionality and post-transcriptional significance of mRNA m5C modification in SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gangqiang Guo
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Huijing Wang
- Kidney Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xinyu Shi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Lele Ye
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Wenzhou Central Hospital, Wenzhou, China
| | - Kejing Yan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Zhiyuan Chen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Huidi Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Zibing Jin
- Laboratory for Stem Cell and Retinal Regeneration, Institute of Stem Cell Research, Division of Ophthalmic Genetics, The Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xiangyang Xue
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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Abstract
Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a chronic cholestatic liver disease with non-suppurative destruction of the intrahepatic bile ducts. The interplay of genetics and environmental triggers contributes to the onset of the disease and subsequently results in cholestasis and progressive fibrosis. Recently, genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified multiple genes influencing the susceptibility to PBC in HLA and non-HLA loci. However, it is estimated that the known risk variants merely account for no more than 20% of the heritability of PBC and causes of the remaining heritability remain uncertain. Increasing evidence suggests that the presence of epigenetic abnormalities may explain the "missing heritability" that cannot be captured by GWAS. Among these epigenetic mechanisms, DNA methylation, histone modification, and noncoding RNAs (i.e. miRNA and lncRNA) are involved in the pathogenesis of PBC. Additionally, telomere dysregulation in biliary epithelial cells (BECs) may play a role in disease onset, whereas a deficiency in sex chromosome and skewed gene expression in the X chromosome may to some extent explain the female dominance in PBC.
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Zhang CX, Wang HY, Yin L, Mao YY, Zhou W. Immunometabolism in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus. J Transl Autoimmun 2020; 3:100046. [PMID: 32743527 PMCID: PMC7388408 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtauto.2020.100046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Revised: 03/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a typical autoimmune disease characterized by chronic inflammation and pathogenic auto-antibodies. Apart from B cells, dysregulation of other immune cells also plays an essential role in the pathogenesis and development of the disease including CD4+T cells, dendritic cells, macrophages and neutrophils. Since metabolic programs control immune cell fate and function, they are critical checkpoints in an effective immune response and are involved in the etiology of autoimmune disease. In addition, mitochondria and oxidative stress are both involved in cellular metabolism and is also essential in immune response. In this review, apart from the disturbed immune system, we will discuss mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, abnormal metabolism (including glucose, lipid and amino acid metabolism) of immune cells as well as epigenetic control of metabolism reprogramming to elucidate the underlying pathogenic mechanisms of systemic lupus erythematosus. Mitochondria plays a vital role in cellular metabolism and is involved in immune response. There are alterations in glucose, lipid and amino acid metabolism of various immune cells in SLE patients. Epigenetic status is influenced by the presence of metabolic intermediates and certain autoimmunity-related genes are hypomethylated in CD4+T cells, CD19+ B cells as well as CD14+ monocytes of SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen-Xing Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200127, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui-Yu Wang
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, University of Muenster, 48149, Muenster, Germany
| | - Lei Yin
- Department of Nephrology, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200127, Shanghai, China
| | - You-Ying Mao
- Department of Nephrology, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200127, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Zhou
- Department of Nephrology, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200127, Shanghai, China
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Yang YX, Shen HH, Cao F, Xie LY, Zhu GL, Sam NB, Wang DG, Pan HF. Therapeutic potential of enhancer of zeste homolog 2 in autoimmune diseases. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2019; 23:1015-1030. [PMID: 31747802 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2019.1696309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Autoimmune diseases (ADs) are idiopathic and heterogeneous disorders with contentious pathophysiology. Great strides have been made in epigenetics and its involvement in ADs. Zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) has sparked extensive interest because of its pleiotropic roles in distinct pathologic contexts.Areas covered: This review summarizes the epigenetic functions and the biological significance of EZH2 in the etiology of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), type 1 diabetes (T1D), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), multiple sclerosis (MS), and systemic sclerosis (SSc). A brief recapitulation of the therapeutic potential of EZH2 targeting is provided.Expert opinion: There are questions marks and controversies surrounding the feasibility and safety of EZH2 targeting; it is recommended in RA and SLE, but queried in T1D, IBD, MS, and SSc. Future work should focus on contrast studies, systematic analyses and preclinical studies with optimizing methodologies. Selective research studies conducted in a stage-dependent manner are necessary because of the relapsing-remitting clinical paradigms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue-Xin Yang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Hui-Hui Shen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, The second School of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Fan Cao
- Department of Clinical Medicine, The second School of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Liang-Yu Xie
- Department of Clinical Medicine, The second School of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Guang-Lin Zhu
- Department of Clinical Medicine, The second School of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Napoleon Bellua Sam
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - De-Guang Wang
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Hai-Feng Pan
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Hefei, Anhui, China
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Byrum SD, Washam CL, Patterson JD, Vyas KK, Gilbert KM, Blossom SJ. Continuous Developmental and Early Life Trichloroethylene Exposure Promoted DNA Methylation Alterations in Polycomb Protein Binding Sites in Effector/Memory CD4 + T Cells. Front Immunol 2019; 10:2016. [PMID: 31555266 PMCID: PMC6724578 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.02016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Trichloroethylene (TCE) is an industrial solvent and drinking water pollutant associated with CD4+ T cell-mediated autoimmunity. In our mouse model, discontinuation of TCE exposure during adulthood after developmental exposure did not prevent immunotoxicity. To determine whether persistent effects were linked to epigenetic changes we conducted whole genome reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS) to evaluate methylation of CpG sites in autosomal chromosomes in activated effector/memory CD4+ T cells. Female MRL+/+ mice were exposed to vehicle control or TCE in the drinking water from gestation until ~37 weeks of age [postnatal day (PND) 259]. In a subset of mice, TCE exposure was discontinued at ~22 weeks of age (PND 154). At PND 259, RRBS assessment revealed more global methylation changes in the continuous exposure group vs. the discontinuous exposure group. A majority of the differentially methylated CpG regions (DMRs) across promoters, islands, and regulatory elements were hypermethylated (~90%). However, continuous developmental TCE exposure altered the methylation of 274 CpG sites in promoters and CpG islands. In contrast, only 4 CpG island regions were differentially methylated (hypermethylated) in the discontinuous group. Interestingly, 2 of these 4 sites were also hypermethylated in the continuous exposure group, and both of these island regions are associated with lysine 27 on histone H3 (H3K27) involved in polycomb complex-dependent transcriptional repression via H3K27 tri-methylation. CpG sites were overlapped with the Open Regulatory Annotation database. Unlike the discontinuous group, continuous TCE treatment resulted in 129 DMRs including 12 unique transcription factors and regulatory elements; 80% of which were enriched for one or more polycomb group (PcG) protein binding regions (i.e., SUZ12, EZH2, JARID2, and MTF2). Pathway analysis of the DMRs indicated that TCE primarily altered the methylation of genes associated with regulation of cellular metabolism and cell signaling. The results demonstrated that continuous developmental exposure to TCE differentially methylated binding sites of PcG proteins in effector/memory CD4+ cells. There were minimal yet potentially biologically significant effects that occurred when exposure was discontinued. These results point toward a novel mechanism by which chronic developmental TCE exposure may alter terminally differentiated CD4+ T cell function in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie D Byrum
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Arkansas Children's Research Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Charity L Washam
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Arkansas Children's Research Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - John D Patterson
- College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Kanan K Vyas
- Department of Pediatrics, Arkansas Children's Research Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Kathleen M Gilbert
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Arkansas Children's Research Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Sarah J Blossom
- Department of Pediatrics, Arkansas Children's Research Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
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36
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Li CW, Chen BS. Investigating HIV-Human Interaction Networks to Unravel Pathogenic Mechanism for Drug Discovery: A Systems Biology Approach. Curr HIV Res 2019; 16:77-95. [PMID: 29468972 DOI: 10.2174/1570162x16666180219155324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2017] [Revised: 01/18/2018] [Accepted: 02/14/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Two big issues in the study of pathogens are determining how pathogens infect hosts and how the host defends itself against infection. Therefore, investigating host-pathogen interactions is important for understanding pathogenicity and host defensive mechanisms and treating infections. METHODS In this study, we used omics data, including time-course data from high-throughput sequencing, real-time polymerase chain reaction, and human microRNA (miRNA) and protein-protein interaction to construct an interspecies protein-protein and miRNA interaction (PPMI) network of human CD4+ T cells during HIV-1 infection through system modeling and identification. RESULTS By applying a functional annotation tool to the identified PPMI network at each stage of HIV infection, we found that repressions of three miRNAs, miR-140-5p, miR-320a, and miR-941, are involved in the development of autoimmune disorders, tumor proliferation, and the pathogenesis of T cells at the reverse transcription stage. Repressions of miR-331-3p and miR-320a are involved in HIV-1 replication, replicative spread, anti-apoptosis, cell proliferation, and dysregulation of cell cycle control at the integration/replication stage. Repression of miR-341-5p is involved in carcinogenesis at the late stage of HIV-1 infection. CONCLUSION By investigating the common core proteins and changes in specific proteins in the PPMI network between the stages of HIV-1 infection, we obtained pathogenic insights into the functional core modules and identified potential drug combinations for treating patients with HIV-1 infection, including thalidomide, oxaprozin, and metformin, at the reverse transcription stage; quercetin, nifedipine, and fenbendazole, at the integration/replication stage; and staurosporine, quercetin, prednisolone, and flufenamic acid, at the late stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Wei Li
- Laboratory of Control and Systems Biology, Department of Electrical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Bor-Sen Chen
- Laboratory of Control and Systems Biology, Department of Electrical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
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37
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Stefan-Lifshitz M, Karakose E, Cui L, Ettela A, Yi Z, Zhang W, Tomer Y. Epigenetic modulation of β cells by interferon-α via PNPT1/mir-26a/TET2 triggers autoimmune diabetes. JCI Insight 2019; 4:126663. [PMID: 30721151 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.126663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Accepted: 01/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is caused by autoimmune destruction of pancreatic β cells. Mounting evidence supports a central role for β cell alterations in triggering the activation of self-reactive T cells in T1D. However, the early deleterious events that occur in β cells, underpinning islet autoimmunity, are not known. We hypothesized that epigenetic modifications induced in β cells by inflammatory mediators play a key role in initiating the autoimmune response. We analyzed DNA methylation (DNAm) patterns and gene expression in human islets exposed to IFN-α, a cytokine associated with T1D development. We found that IFN-α triggers DNA demethylation and increases expression of genes controlling inflammatory and immune pathways. We then demonstrated that DNA demethylation was caused by upregulation of the exoribonuclease, PNPase old-35 (PNPT1), which caused degradation of miR-26a. This in turn promoted the upregulation of ten-eleven translocation 2 (TET2) enzyme and increased 5-hydroxymethylcytosine levels in human islets and pancreatic β cells. Moreover, we showed that specific IFN-α expression in the β cells of IFNα-INS1CreERT2 transgenic mice led to development of T1D that was preceded by increased islet DNA hydroxymethylation through a PNPT1/TET2-dependent mechanism. Our results suggest a new mechanism through which IFN-α regulates DNAm in β cells, leading to changes in expression of genes in inflammatory and immune pathways that can initiate islet autoimmunity in T1D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihaela Stefan-Lifshitz
- Division of Endocrinology and the Fleischer Institute for Diabetes and Metabolism, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Lingguang Cui
- Division of Endocrinology and the Fleischer Institute for Diabetes and Metabolism, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Abora Ettela
- Division of Endocrinology and the Fleischer Institute for Diabetes and Metabolism, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Zhengzi Yi
- Department of Medicine Bioinformatics Core, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Weijia Zhang
- Department of Medicine Bioinformatics Core, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Yaron Tomer
- Division of Endocrinology and the Fleischer Institute for Diabetes and Metabolism, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
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38
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Richardson B. Epigenetically Altered T Cells Contribute to Lupus Flares. Cells 2019; 8:cells8020127. [PMID: 30764520 PMCID: PMC6406295 DOI: 10.3390/cells8020127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2019] [Revised: 01/26/2019] [Accepted: 02/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Lupus flares when genetically predisposed people encounter exogenous agents such as infections and sun exposure and drugs such as procainamide and hydralazine, but the mechanisms by which these agents trigger the flares has been unclear. Current evidence indicates that procainamide and hydralazine, as well as inflammation caused by the environmental agents, can cause overexpression of genes normally silenced by DNA methylation in CD4⁺ T cells, converting them into autoreactive, proinflammatory cytotoxic cells that are sufficient to cause lupus in mice, and similar cells are found in patients with active lupus. More recent studies demonstrate that these cells comprise a distinct CD4⁺ T cell subset, making it a therapeutic target for the treatment of lupus flares. Transcriptional analyses of this subset reveal proteins uniquely expressed by this subset, which may serve as therapeutic to deplete these cells, treating lupus flares.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce Richardson
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48103-2200, USA.
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39
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Aberrant epigenetic changes in DNA methylation, histone marks, and noncoding RNA expression regulate the pathogenesis of many rheumatic diseases. The present article will review the recent advances in the epigenetic profile of inflammatory arthritis and discuss diagnostic biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets. RECENT FINDINGS Methylation signatures of fibroblast-like synoviocytes not only distinguish rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA), but also early RA from late RA or juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Methylation patterns are also specific to individual joint locations, which might explain the distribution of joint involvement in some rheumatic diseases. Hypomethylation in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) T cells is, in part, because of active demethylation and 5-hydroxymethylation. The methylation status of some genes in SLE is associated with disease severity and has potential as a diagnostic marker. An integrative analysis of OA methylome, transcriptome, and proteome in chondrocytes has identified multiple-evidence genes that might be evaluated for therapeutic potential. Class-specific histone deacetylase inhibitors are being evaluated for therapy in inflammatory arthritis. SUMMARY Disease pathogenesis is regulated by the interplay of genetics, environment, and epigenetics. Understanding how these mechanisms regulate cell function in health and disease has implications for individualized therapy.
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40
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Huang YH, Chen KD, Lo MH, Cai XY, Chang LS, Kuo YH, Huang WD, Kuo HC. Decreased DNA methyltransferases expression is associated with coronary artery lesion formation in Kawasaki disease. Int J Med Sci 2019; 16:576-582. [PMID: 31171909 PMCID: PMC6535659 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.32773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2019] [Accepted: 03/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Kawasaki disease (KD) is the most common acute coronary vasculitis to occur in children. Although we have uncovered global DNA hypomethylation in KD, its underlying cause remains uncertain. In this study, we performed a survey of transcript levels of DNA methyltransferases and demethylases in KD patients. Materials and Methods: We recruited 145 participants for this study. The chip studies consisted of 18 KD patients that were analyzed before undergoing intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment and at least 3 weeks after IVIG treatment, as well as 36 control subjects, using Affymetrix GeneChip® Human Transcriptome Array 2.0. An additional study of 91 subjects was performed in order to validate real-time quantitative PCR. Results: In our microarray study, the mRNA levels of DNMT1 and DNMT3A were significantly lower while TET2 was higher in acute-stage KD patients compared to the healthy controls. Through PCR validation, we observed that the expression of DNMT1 and TET2 are consistent with the Transcriptome Array 2.0 results. Furthermore, we observed significantly lower DMNT1 mRNA levels following IVIG treatment between those who developed CAL and those who did not. Conclusion: Our findings provide an evidence of DNA methyltransferases and demethylases changes and are among the first report that transient DNA hypomethylation is induced during acute inflammatory phase of Kawasaki disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Hsien Huang
- Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Kawasaki Disease Center, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Kuang-Den Chen
- Kawasaki Disease Center, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Institute for Translational Research in Biomedicine, Liver Transplantation Center and Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Mao-Hung Lo
- Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Kawasaki Disease Center, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Xin-Yuan Cai
- Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Kawasaki Disease Center, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ling-Sai Chang
- Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Kawasaki Disease Center, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Hsia Kuo
- Kawasaki Disease Center, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Dong Huang
- Baoan Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China. 518100
| | - Ho-Chang Kuo
- Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Kawasaki Disease Center, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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41
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Low-dose chidamide restores immune tolerance in ITP in mice and humans. Blood 2018; 133:730-742. [PMID: 30552097 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2018-05-847624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2018] [Accepted: 12/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Increased macrophage phagocytosis of antibody-coated platelets, as well as decreased numbers and/or impaired function of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T (Treg) cells, has been shown to participate in the pathogenesis of immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). Low-dose histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi's) are anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory agents that can enhance immunosuppression in graft-versus-host disease by increasing the number and function of Foxp3+ Treg cells, but it is unclear whether they have the potential to promote immune tolerance and platelet release in ITP. In this study, we performed in vitro and in vivo experiments and found that a low-dose HDACi (chidamide) alleviated thrombocytopenia in passive and active murine models of ITP. Further, low-dose HDACi's attenuated macrophage phagocytosis of antibody-coated platelets, stimulated the production of natural Foxp3+ Treg cells, promoted the peripheral conversion of T cells into Treg cells, and restored Treg cell suppression in vivo and in vitro. Finally, we confirmed that low-dose HDACi's could regulate CTLA4 expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells through modulation of histone H3K27 acetylation. Low-dose HDACi treatment in ITP could be offset by blocking the effect of CTLA4. Therefore, we propose that low-dose chidamide administration has potential as a novel treatment for ITP in the clinic.
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42
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Gaballa JM, Braga Neto MB, Ramos GP, Bamidele AO, Gonzalez MM, Sagstetter MR, Sarmento OF, Faubion WA. The Role of Histone Methyltransferases and Long Non-coding RNAs in the Regulation of T Cell Fate Decisions. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2955. [PMID: 30619315 PMCID: PMC6300512 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
T cell lineage decisions are critical for the development of proper immune responses to pathogens as well as important for the resolution of inflammatory responses. This differentiation process relies on a combination of intrinsic and extrinsic factors converging upon epigenetic regulation of transcriptional networks relevant to specific T cell lineages. As these biochemical modifications represent therapeutic opportunities in cancer biology and autoimmunity, implications of writers and readers of epigenetic marks to immune cell differentiation and function are highly relevant. Given the ready adoption of histone methyltransferase inhibitors in the clinic, we focus this review on the role of three histone modifying complexes: PRC-1, PRC-2, and G9A in modulating T cell fate decisions. Furthermore, we explore the role of long non-coding RNAs in regulating these processes, and discuss recent advances and challenges of implementing epigenetic therapies into clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph M Gaballa
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | | | | | - Adebowale O Bamidele
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Michelle M Gonzalez
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Mary R Sagstetter
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Olga F Sarmento
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - William A Faubion
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
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43
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Zeng L, Wu JL, Liu LM, Jiang JQ, Wu HJ, Zhao M, Lu QJ. Serum miRNA-371b-5p and miRNA-5100 act as biomarkers for systemic lupus erythematosus. Clin Immunol 2018; 196:103-109. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2018.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Revised: 09/11/2018] [Accepted: 10/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
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Hedrich CM. Mechanistic aspects of epigenetic dysregulation in SLE. Clin Immunol 2018; 196:3-11. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2018.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2018] [Revised: 02/05/2018] [Accepted: 02/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Wang Z, Long H, Chang C, Zhao M, Lu Q. Crosstalk between metabolism and epigenetic modifications in autoimmune diseases: a comprehensive overview. Cell Mol Life Sci 2018; 75:3353-3369. [PMID: 29974127 PMCID: PMC11105184 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-018-2864-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2017] [Revised: 06/20/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Little information is available regarding mechanistic links between epigenetic modifications and autoimmune diseases. It seems plausible to surmise that aberrant gene expression and energy metabolism would disrupt immune tolerance, which could ultimately result in autoimmune responses. Metaboloepigenetics is an emerging paradigm that defines the interrelationships between metabolism and epigenetics. Epigenetic modifications, such as the methylation/demethylation of DNA and histone proteins and histone acetylation/deacetylation can be dynamically produced and eliminated by a group of enzymes that consume several metabolites derived from various physiological pathways. Recent insights into cellular metabolism have demonstrated that environmental stimuli such as dietary exposure and nutritional status act through the variation in concentration of metabolites to affect epigenetic regulation and breakdown biochemical homeostasis. Metabolites, including S-adenosylmethionine, acetyl-CoA, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, α-ketoglutarate, and ATP serve as cofactors for chromatin-modifying enzymes, such as methyltransferases, deacetylases and kinases, which are responsible for chromatin remodelling. The concentration of crucial nutrients, such as glucose, glutamine, and oxygen, spatially and temporally modulate epigenetic modifications to regulate gene expression and the reaction to stressful microenvironments in disease pathology. In this review, we focus on the interaction between metabolic intermediates and epigenetic modifications, integrating environmental signals with programmes through modification of the epigenome-metabolome to speculate as to how this may influence autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zijun Wang
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, No. 139 Renmin Middle Rd, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Hai Long
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, No. 139 Renmin Middle Rd, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Christopher Chang
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California at Davis, Suite 6510, 451 Health Sciences Drive, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Ming Zhao
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, No. 139 Renmin Middle Rd, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China.
| | - Qianjin Lu
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, No. 139 Renmin Middle Rd, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China.
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Li H, Tsokos MG, Bickerton S, Sharabi A, Li Y, Moulton VR, Kong P, Fahmy TM, Tsokos GC. Precision DNA demethylation ameliorates disease in lupus-prone mice. JCI Insight 2018; 3:120880. [PMID: 30135300 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.120880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2018] [Accepted: 07/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Defective DNA methylation in T cells leads to a series of T cell abnormalities in lupus; however, the full effect of T cell lineage-specific DNA methylation on disease expression has not been explored. Here, we show that 5-azacytidine, a DNA methyltransferase inhibitor, targeted to either CD4 or CD8 T cells in mice with established disease using a nanolipogel delivery system dramatically ameliorates lupus-related pathology through distinct mechanisms. In vivo targeted delivery of 5-azacytidine into CD4 T cells favors the expansion and function of Foxp3+ Tregs, whereas targeted delivery to CD8 T cells enhances the cytotoxicity and restrains the expansion of pathogenic TCR-αβ+CD4-CD8- double-negative T cells. Our results signify the importance of cell-specific inhibition of DNA methylation in the treatment of established lupus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Li
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Maria G Tsokos
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Amir Sharabi
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Vaishali R Moulton
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Tarek M Fahmy
- Department of Biomedical Engineering.,Department of Immunobiology, and.,Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - George C Tsokos
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Abstract
Purpose of Review Systemic lupus erythematosus is a severe autoimmune/inflammatory condition of unknown pathophysiology. Though genetic predisposition is essential for disease expression, risk alleles in single genes are usually insufficient to confer disease. Epigenetic dysregulation has been suggested as the missing link between genetic risk and the development of clinically evident disease. Recent Findings Over the past decade, epigenetic events moved into the focus of research targeting the molecular pathophysiology of SLE. Epigenetic alteration can be the net result of preceding infections, medication, diet, and/or other environmental influences. While altered DNA methylation and histone modifications had already been established as pathomechanisms, DNA hydroxymethylation was more recently identified as an activating epigenetic mark. Summary Defective epigenetic control contributes to uncontrolled cytokine and co-receptor expression, resulting in immune activation and tissue damage in SLE. Epigenetic alterations promise potential as disease biomarkers and/or future therapeutic targets in SLE and other autoimmune/inflammatory conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Michael Hedrich
- Division of Paediatric Rheumatology and Immunology, Children's Hospital Dresden, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany. .,Department of Women᾿s & Children᾿s Health, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK. .,Department of Paediatric Rheumatology, Alder Hey Children᾿s NHS Foundation Trust Hospital, East Prescott Road, Liverpool, L14 5AB, UK.
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Zhang P, Lu Q. Genetic and epigenetic influences on the loss of tolerance in autoimmunity. Cell Mol Immunol 2018; 15:575-585. [PMID: 29503444 PMCID: PMC6079019 DOI: 10.1038/cmi.2017.137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2017] [Accepted: 10/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunological tolerance loss is fundamental to the development of autoimmunity; however, the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Immune tolerance consists of central and peripheral tolerance. Central tolerance, which occurs in the thymus for T cells and bone marrow for B cells, is the primary way that the immune system discriminates self from non-self. Peripheral tolerance, which occurs in tissues and lymph nodes after lymphocyte maturation, controls self-reactive immune cells and prevents over-reactive immune responses to various environment factors. Loss of tolerance results in autoimmune disorders, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), type 1 diabetes (T1D) and primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). The etiology and pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases are highly complicated. Both genetic predisposition and epigenetic modifications are implicated in the loss of tolerance and autoimmunity. In this review, we will discuss the genetic and epigenetic influences on tolerance breakdown in autoimmunity. Genetic and epigenetic influences on autoimmune diseases, such as SLE, RA, T1D and PBC, will also be briefly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, 410011, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Qianjin Lu
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, 410011, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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Milillo A, Molinario C, Costanzi S, Vischini G, La Carpia F, La Greca F, Rigante D, Gambaro G, Gurrieri F, Sangiorgi E. Defective activation of the MAPK/ERK pathway, leading to PARP1 and DNMT1 dysregulation, is a common defect in IgA nephropathy and Henoch-Schönlein purpura. J Nephrol 2018; 31:731-741. [PMID: 29497996 DOI: 10.1007/s40620-018-0482-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2017] [Accepted: 02/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Studies on IgA nephropathy (IgAN) have identified, through GWAS, linkage analysis, and pathway scanning, molecular defects in familial and sporadic IgAN patients. In our previous study, we identified a novel variant in the SPRY2 gene that segregates with the disease in one large family. The functional characterization of this variant led us to discover that the MAPK/ERK pathway was defective not only in this family, but also in two sporadic IgAN patients wild type for SPRY2. In the present study, we have deepened the molecular analysis of the MAPK/ERK pathway and extended our evaluation to a larger cohort of sporadic patients and to one additional family. We found that the ERK pathway is defective in IgAN patients and in patients affected by another IgA-mediated disorder, Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP). Furthermore, we found that two other proteins, PARP1 and DNMT1, respectively involved in DNA repair and in antibody class switching and methylation maintenance duties, were critically downregulated in IgAN and HSP patients. This study opens up the possibility that defective ERK activation, in some patients, leads to PARP1 and DNMT1 downregulation suggesting that IgAN could be the consequence of a dysregulated epigenetic maintenance leading to the upregulation of several genes. In particular, PARP1 could be used as a potential biomarker for the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annamaria Milillo
- Istituto di Medicina Genomica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168, Roma, Italy
| | - Clelia Molinario
- Istituto di Medicina Genomica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168, Roma, Italy
| | - Stefano Costanzi
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis Columbus Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli, 00168, Roma, Italy
| | - Gisella Vischini
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis Columbus Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli, 00168, Roma, Italy
| | - Francesca La Carpia
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center New York, New York, USA
| | - Francesco La Greca
- Istituto di Medicina Genomica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168, Roma, Italy
| | - Donato Rigante
- Division of Pediatrics, Gemelli University Hospital, 00168, Roma, Italy
| | - Giovanni Gambaro
- Istituto di Medicina Genomica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168, Roma, Italy
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis Columbus Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli, 00168, Roma, Italy
| | - Fiorella Gurrieri
- Istituto di Medicina Genomica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168, Roma, Italy.
| | - Eugenio Sangiorgi
- Istituto di Medicina Genomica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168, Roma, Italy.
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