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Robertson CC, Elgamal RM, Henry-Kanarek BA, Arvan P, Chen S, Dhawan S, Eizirik DL, Kaddis JS, Vahedi G, Parker SCJ, Gaulton KJ, Soleimanpour SA. Untangling the genetics of beta cell dysfunction and death in type 1 diabetes. Mol Metab 2024; 86:101973. [PMID: 38914291 PMCID: PMC11283044 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2024.101973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a complex multi-system disease which arises from both environmental and genetic factors, resulting in the destruction of insulin-producing pancreatic beta cells. Over the past two decades, human genetic studies have provided new insight into the etiology of T1D, including an appreciation for the role of beta cells in their own demise. SCOPE OF REVIEW Here, we outline models supported by human genetic data for the role of beta cell dysfunction and death in T1D. We highlight the importance of strong evidence linking T1D genetic associations to bona fide candidate genes for mechanistic and therapeutic consideration. To guide rigorous interpretation of genetic associations, we describe molecular profiling approaches, genomic resources, and disease models that may be used to construct variant-to-gene links and to investigate candidate genes and their role in T1D. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS We profile advances in understanding the genetic causes of beta cell dysfunction and death at individual T1D risk loci. We discuss how genetic risk prediction models can be used to address disease heterogeneity. Further, we present areas where investment will be critical for the future use of genetics to address open questions in the development of new treatment and prevention strategies for T1D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine C Robertson
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Center for Precision Health Research, National Human Genome Research Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Ruth M Elgamal
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Belle A Henry-Kanarek
- Department of Internal Medicine and Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Peter Arvan
- Department of Internal Medicine and Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Shuibing Chen
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Center for Genomic Health, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sangeeta Dhawan
- Department of Translational Research and Cellular Therapeutics, Arthur Riggs Diabetes and Metabolism Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Decio L Eizirik
- ULB Center for Diabetes Research, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - John S Kaddis
- Department of Diabetes and Cancer Discovery Science, Arthur Riggs Diabetes and Metabolism Research Institute, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Golnaz Vahedi
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Stephen C J Parker
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Kyle J Gaulton
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
| | - Scott A Soleimanpour
- Department of Internal Medicine and Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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Song Z, Li S, Shang Z, Lv W, Cheng X, Meng X, Chen R, Zhang S, Zhang R. Integrating multi-omics data to analyze the potential pathogenic mechanism of CTSH gene involved in type 1 diabetes in the exocrine pancreas. Brief Funct Genomics 2024; 23:406-417. [PMID: 38050341 DOI: 10.1093/bfgp/elad052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease caused by the destruction of insulin-producing pancreatic islet beta cells. Despite significant advancements, the precise pathogenesis of the disease remains unknown. This work integrated data from expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) studies with Genome wide association study (GWAS) summary data of T1D and single-cell transcriptome data to investigate the potential pathogenic mechanisms of the CTSH gene involved in T1D in exocrine pancreas. Using the summary data-based Mendelian randomization (SMR) approach, we obtained four potential causative genes associated with T1D: BTN3A2, PGAP3, SMARCE1 and CTSH. To further investigate these genes'roles in T1D development, we validated them using a scRNA-seq dataset from pancreatic tissues of both T1D patients and healthy controls. The analysis showed a significantly high expression of the CTSH gene in T1D acinar cells, whereas the other three genes showed no significant changes in the scRNA-seq data. Moreover, single-cell WGCNA analysis revealed the strongest positive correlation between the module containing CTSH and T1D. In addition, we found cellular ligand-receptor interactions between the acinar cells and different cell types, especially ductal cells. Finally, based on functional enrichment analysis, we hypothesized that the CTSH gene in the exocrine pancreas enhances the antiviral response, leading to the overexpression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the development of an inflammatory microenvironment. This process promotes β cells injury and ultimately the development of T1D. Our findings offer insights into the underlying pathogenic mechanisms of T1D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zerun Song
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, 157 Baojian Road, Nangang District, Harbin City, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Shuai Li
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, 157 Baojian Road, Nangang District, Harbin City, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Zhenwei Shang
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, 157 Baojian Road, Nangang District, Harbin City, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Wenhua Lv
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, 157 Baojian Road, Nangang District, Harbin City, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Xiangshu Cheng
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, 157 Baojian Road, Nangang District, Harbin City, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Xin Meng
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, 157 Baojian Road, Nangang District, Harbin City, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Rui Chen
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, 157 Baojian Road, Nangang District, Harbin City, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Shuhao Zhang
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, 157 Baojian Road, Nangang District, Harbin City, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Ruijie Zhang
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, 157 Baojian Road, Nangang District, Harbin City, Heilongjiang Province, China
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Jin Y, Huang Y, Zeng G, Hu J, Li M, Tian M, Lei T, Huang R. Advanced glycation end products regulate macrophage apoptosis and influence the healing of diabetic foot wound through miR-361-3p/CSF1R and PI3K/AKT pathway. Heliyon 2024; 10:e24598. [PMID: 38312602 PMCID: PMC10835292 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24598] [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: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a severe complication of diabetes. Persistent inflammation and impaired vascularization present considerable challenges in tissue wound healing. The aim of this study was to identify the crucial regulators of DFU wound healing and investigate their specific mechanisms in DFU. Methods DFU RNA sequencing data were obtained to identify crucial feature genes. The expression levels of the feature genes and their corresponding microRNAs (miRNAs) were verified in clinical samples. Subsequently, the expression of CD68 was determined in DFU and non-diabetic foot skin samples. RAW 264.7 cells were treated with advanced glycation end products (AGEs) to determine their viability and apoptosis. Finally, the roles of the selected crucial genes and their corresponding miRNAs were investigated using in vitro experiments and a mouse model of diabetes. Results Bioinformatic analysis showed that five crucial feature genes (CORO1A, CSF1R, CTSH, NFE2L3, and SLC16A10) were associated with DFU wound healing. The expression validation showed that miR-361-3p-CSF1R had a significant negative correlation and was thus selected for further experiments. AGEs significantly inhibited the viability of RAW 264.7 cells and enhanced their apoptosis; furthermore, the AGEs significantly downregulated CSF1R and increased miR-361-3p levels compared with the control cells. Additionally, inhibition of miR-361-3p decreased the cell apoptosis caused by AGEs and increased the levels of p-AKT/AKT and p-PI3K/PI3K, whereas CSF1R knockdown reversed the effects of miR-361-3p. In vivo experiments showed that miR-361-3p inhibition promoted wound healing in diabetic mice and regulated PI3K/AKT levels. Conclusions AGEs may regulate macrophage apoptosis via the miR-361-3p/CSF1R axis and PI3K/AKT pathway, thereby influencing DFU wound healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongzhi Jin
- Department of General Surgery, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200062, China
| | - Yi Huang
- Department of General Surgery, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200062, China
| | - Guang Zeng
- Department of General Surgery, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200062, China
| | - Junsheng Hu
- Department of General Surgery, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200062, China
| | - Mengfan Li
- Department of General Surgery, LiQun Hospital, Shanghai, 200333, China
| | - Ming Tian
- Shanghai Burn Institute, Department of Burn, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Tao Lei
- Department of Endocrinology, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200062, China
| | - Rong Huang
- Department of General Surgery, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200062, China
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Mittal R, Camick N, Lemos JRN, Hirani K. Gene-environment interaction in the pathophysiology of type 1 diabetes. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1335435. [PMID: 38344660 PMCID: PMC10858453 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1335435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a complex metabolic autoimmune disorder that affects millions of individuals worldwide and often leads to significant comorbidities. However, the precise trigger of autoimmunity and disease onset remain incompletely elucidated. This integrative perspective article synthesizes the cumulative role of gene-environment interaction in the pathophysiology of T1D. Genetics plays a significant role in T1D susceptibility, particularly at the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) locus and cathepsin H (CTSH) locus. In addition to genetics, environmental factors such as viral infections, pesticide exposure, and changes in the gut microbiome have been associated with the development of T1D. Alterations in the gut microbiome impact mucosal integrity and immune tolerance, increasing gut permeability through molecular mimicry and modulation of the gut immune system, thereby increasing the risk of T1D potentially through the induction of autoimmunity. HLA class II haplotypes with known effects on T1D incidence may directly correlate to changes in the gut microbiome, but precisely how the genes influence changes in the gut microbiome, and how these changes provoke T1D, requires further investigations. These gene-environment interactions are hypothesized to increase susceptibility to T1D through epigenetic changes such as DNA methylation and histone modification, which in turn modify gene expression. There is a need to determine the efficacy of new interventions that target these epigenetic modifications such as "epidrugs", which will provide novel avenues for the effective management of T1D leading to improved quality of life of affected individuals and their families/caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul Mittal
- Diabetes Research Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Nathanael Camick
- Diabetes Research Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
- Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Joana R. N. Lemos
- Diabetes Research Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Khemraj Hirani
- Diabetes Research Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
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Katsanou A, Kostoulas CA, Liberopoulos E, Tsatsoulis A, Georgiou I, Tigas S. Alu Methylation Patterns in Type 1 Diabetes: A Case-Control Study. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:2149. [PMID: 38136971 PMCID: PMC10742409 DOI: 10.3390/genes14122149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Evidence suggests that genome-wide hypomethylation may promote genomic instability and cellular senescence, leading to chronic complications in people with diabetes mellitus. Limited data are however available on the Alu methylation status in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Methods: We investigated DNA methylation levels and patterns of Alu methylation in the peripheral blood of 36 patients with T1D and 29 healthy controls, matched for age and sex, by using the COmbined Bisulfite Restriction Analysis method (COBRA). Results: Total Alu methylation rate (mC) was similar between patients with T1D and controls (67.3% (64.4-70.9%) vs. 68.0% (62.0-71.1%), p = 0.874). However, patients with T1D had significantly higher levels of the partial Alu methylation pattern (mCuC + uCmC) (41.9% (35.8-45.8%) vs. 36.0% (31.7-40.55%), p = 0.004) compared to healthy controls. In addition, a positive correlation between levels of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and the partially methylated loci (mCuC + uCmC) was observed (Spearman's rho = 0.293, p = 0.018). Furthermore, significant differences were observed between patients with T1D diagnosed before and after the age of 15 years regarding the total methylation mC, the methylated pattern mCmC and the unmethylated pattern uCuC (p = 0.040, p = 0.044 and p = 0.040, respectively). Conclusions: In conclusion, total Alu methylation rates were similar, but the partial Alu methylation pattern (mCuC + uCmC) was significantly higher in patients with T1D compared to healthy controls. Furthermore, this pattern was associated positively with the levels of HbA1c and negatively with the age at diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andromachi Katsanou
- Department of Endocrinology, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; (A.K.); (A.T.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hatzikosta General Hospital, 45445 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Charilaos A. Kostoulas
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; (C.A.K.); (I.A.G.)
| | - Evangelos Liberopoulos
- First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laiko General Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Agathocles Tsatsoulis
- Department of Endocrinology, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; (A.K.); (A.T.)
| | - Ioannis Georgiou
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; (C.A.K.); (I.A.G.)
| | - Stelios Tigas
- Department of Endocrinology, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; (A.K.); (A.T.)
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6
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Berlanga-Acosta J, Garcia-Ojalvo A, Guillen-Nieto G, Ayala-Avila M. Endogenous Biological Drivers in Diabetic Lower Limb Wounds Recurrence: Hypothetical Reflections. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10170. [PMID: 37373317 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241210170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
An impaired healing response underlies diabetic foot wound chronicity, frequently translating to amputation, disability, and mortality. Diabetics suffer from underappreciated episodes of post-epithelization ulcer recurrence. Recurrence epidemiological data are alarmingly high, so the ulcer is considered in "remission" and not healed from the time it remains epithelialized. Recurrence may result from the combined effects of behavioral and endogenous biological factors. Although the damaging role of behavioral, clinical predisposing factors is undebatable, it still remains elusive in the identification of endogenous biological culprits that may prime the residual scar tissue for recurrence. Furthermore, the event of ulcer recurrence still waits for the identification of a molecular predictor. We propose that ulcer recurrence is deeply impinged by chronic hyperglycemia and its downstream biological effectors, which originate epigenetic drivers that enforce abnormal pathologic phenotypes to dermal fibroblasts and keratinocytes as memory cells. Hyperglycemia-derived cytotoxic reactants accumulate and modify dermal proteins, reduce scar tissue mechanical tolerance, and disrupt fibroblast-secretory activity. Accordingly, the combination of epigenetic and local and systemic cytotoxic signalers induce the onset of "at-risk phenotypes" such as premature skin cell aging, dysmetabolism, inflammatory, pro-degradative, and oxidative programs that may ultimately converge to scar cell demise. Post-epithelialization recurrence rate data are missing in clinical studies of reputed ulcer healing therapies during follow-up periods. Intra-ulcer infiltration of epidermal growth factor exhibits the most consistent remission data with the lowest recurrences during 12-month follow-up. Recurrence data should be regarded as a valuable clinical endpoint during the investigational period for each emergent healing candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Berlanga-Acosta
- Tissue Repair, Wound Healing and Cytoprotection Research Group, Biomedical Research Direction, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Playa, Havana 10600, Cuba
| | - Ariana Garcia-Ojalvo
- Tissue Repair, Wound Healing and Cytoprotection Research Group, Biomedical Research Direction, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Playa, Havana 10600, Cuba
| | - Gerardo Guillen-Nieto
- Tissue Repair, Wound Healing and Cytoprotection Research Group, Biomedical Research Direction, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Playa, Havana 10600, Cuba
| | - Marta Ayala-Avila
- Tissue Repair, Wound Healing and Cytoprotection Research Group, Biomedical Research Direction, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Playa, Havana 10600, Cuba
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7
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Wang Y, Zhao J, Gu Y, Wang H, Jiang M, Zhao S, Qing H, Ni J. Cathepsin H: molecular characteristics and clues to function and mechanism. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 212:115585. [PMID: 37148981 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Cathepsin H (CatH) is a lysosomal cysteine protease with a unique aminopeptidase activity that is extensively expressed in the lung, pancreas, thymus, kidney, liver, skin, and brain. Owing to its specific enzymatic activity, CatH has critical effects on the regulation of biological behaviours of cancer cells and pathological processes in brain diseases. Moreover, a neutral pH level is optimal for CatH activity, so it is expected to be active in the extra-lysosomal and extracellular space. In the present review, we describe the expression, maturation, and enzymatic properties of CatH, and summarize the available experimental evidence that mechanistically links CatH to various physiological and pathological processes. Finally, we discuss the challenges and potentials of CatH inhibitors in CatH-induced disease therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanfeng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Department of Biology, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Juan Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Department of Biology, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China; Aerospace Medical Center, Aerospace Center Hospital, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Yebo Gu
- Department of Stomatology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Haiping Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, China
| | - Muzhou Jiang
- Department of Periodontics, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110002, China
| | - Shuxuan Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Department of Biology, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Hong Qing
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Department of Biology, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China.
| | - Junjun Ni
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Department of Biology, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China.
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Yano N, Fedulov AV. Targeted DNA Demethylation: Vectors, Effectors and Perspectives. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11051334. [PMID: 37239005 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11051334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Aberrant DNA hypermethylation at regulatory cis-elements of particular genes is seen in a plethora of pathological conditions including cardiovascular, neurological, immunological, gastrointestinal and renal diseases, as well as in cancer, diabetes and others. Thus, approaches for experimental and therapeutic DNA demethylation have a great potential to demonstrate mechanistic importance, and even causality of epigenetic alterations, and may open novel avenues to epigenetic cures. However, existing methods based on DNA methyltransferase inhibitors that elicit genome-wide demethylation are not suitable for treatment of diseases with specific epimutations and provide a limited experimental value. Therefore, gene-specific epigenetic editing is a critical approach for epigenetic re-activation of silenced genes. Site-specific demethylation can be achieved by utilizing sequence-dependent DNA-binding molecules such as zinc finger protein array (ZFA), transcription activator-like effector (TALE) and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat-associated dead Cas9 (CRISPR/dCas9). Synthetic proteins, where these DNA-binding domains are fused with the DNA demethylases such as ten-eleven translocation (Tet) and thymine DNA glycosylase (TDG) enzymes, successfully induced or enhanced transcriptional responsiveness at targeted loci. However, a number of challenges, including the dependence on transgenesis for delivery of the fusion constructs, remain issues to be solved. In this review, we detail current and potential approaches to gene-specific DNA demethylation as a novel epigenetic editing-based therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naohiro Yano
- Department of Surgery, Rhode Island Hospital, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, 593 Eddy Street, Providence, RI 02903, USA
| | - Alexey V Fedulov
- Department of Surgery, Rhode Island Hospital, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, 593 Eddy Street, Providence, RI 02903, USA
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He J, Zhao F, Chen B, Cui N, Li Z, Qin J, Luo L, Zhao C, Li L. Alterations in immune cell heterogeneities in the brain of aged zebrafish using single-cell resolution. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2023:10.1007/s11427-021-2223-4. [PMID: 36607494 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-021-2223-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Immunocytes, including the microglia, are crucial in the neurodegenerative process in old people. However, the understanding of regarding microglia heterogeneity and other involved immunocytes remains elusive. We analyzed 26,456 immunocytes from 12-and 26-month-old zebrafish brains at single-cell resolution. Microglia and T lymphocytes were detected in the brain at both time points. Two types of microglia were annotated, namely, ac+ microglia and xr+ microglia, which were clustered into subsets 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and subsets 6, 7, 8, 9, respectively. Diversified microglia predominated the adult brains and cooperated with T cells to perform the functions of immune response and neuronal nutrition. We validated the specific microglia markers. The novel transgenic lines, Tg(lgals3bpb:eGFP) and Tg(apoc1:eGFP), were created, which faithfully labeled ac+ microglia and served as valuable labeling tools. However, the microglia population reduced while T cells of six subtypes intriguingly increased to serve as the primary immune cells in aged brains. Unlike in 12-month-old brains, T cells, together with microglia, exhibited a coordinated signature of inflammation in the 26-month-old brains. Our findings revealed the immunocytes atlas in aged zebrafish brains. It implied the involvement of microglia and T cells in the progression of neurodegeneration in aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangyong He
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development, Ministry of Education, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.,Research Center of Stem cells and Aging, Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, 400714, China
| | - Fangying Zhao
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development, Ministry of Education, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Bingyue Chen
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development, Ministry of Education, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Nianfei Cui
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development, Ministry of Education, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Zhifan Li
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development, Ministry of Education, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Jie Qin
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development, Ministry of Education, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Lingfei Luo
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development, Ministry of Education, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Congjian Zhao
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center of Medical Electronics and Information Technology, School of Bioinformatics, Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Chongqing, 400065, China.
| | - Li Li
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development, Ministry of Education, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China. .,Research Center of Stem cells and Aging, Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, 400714, China.
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Epigenetic Changes Induced by Maternal Factors during Fetal Life: Implication for Type 1 Diabetes. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12060887. [PMID: 34201206 PMCID: PMC8227197 DOI: 10.3390/genes12060887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 06/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Organ-specific autoimmune diseases, such as type 1 diabetes, are believed to result from T-cell-mediated damage of the target tissue. The immune-mediated tissue injury, in turn, is known to depend on complex interactions between genetic and environmental factors. Nevertheless, the mechanisms whereby environmental factors contribute to the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases remain elusive and represent a major untapped target to develop novel strategies for disease prevention. Given the impact of the early environment on the developing immune system, epigenetic changes induced by maternal factors during fetal life have been linked to a likelihood of developing an autoimmune disease later in life. In humans, DNA methylation is the epigenetic mechanism most extensively investigated. This review provides an overview of the critical role of DNA methylation changes induced by prenatal maternal conditions contributing to the increased risk of immune-mediated diseases on the offspring, with a particular focus on T1D. A deeper understanding of epigenetic alterations induced by environmental stressors during fetal life may be pivotal for developing targeted prevention strategies of type 1 diabetes by modifying the maternal environment.
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