1
|
Yang T, Li C, Wei Q, Pang D, Cheng Y, Huang J, Lin J, Xiao Y, Jiang Q, Wang S, Shang H. Genome-wide DNA methylation analysis related to ALS patient progression and survival. J Neurol 2024; 271:2672-2683. [PMID: 38372747 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-024-12222-6] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epigenetics contributes to the pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We aimed to characterize the DNA methylation profiles associated with clinical heterogeneity in disease progression and survival among patients. METHODS We included a cohort of 41 patients with sporadic ALS, with a median follow-up of 86.9 months, and 27 rigorously matched healthy controls. Blood-based genome-wide DNA methylation analysis was conducted. RESULTS A total of 948 progression rate-associated differentially methylated positions, 298 progression rate-associated differentially methylated regions (R-DMRs), 590 survival time-associated DMPs, and 197 survival time-associated DMRs (S-DMRs) were identified, using complementary grouping strategies. Enrichment analysis of differentially methylated genes highlighted the involvement of synapses and axons in ALS progression and survival. Clinical analysis revealed a positive correlation between the average methylation levels of the R-DMR in PRDM8 and disease progression rate (r = 0.479, p = 0.002). Conversely, there was an inverse correlation between the average methylation levels of the R-DMR in ANKRD33 and disease progression rate (r = - 0.476, p = 0.002). In addition, patients with higher methylation levels within the S-DMR of ZNF696 experienced longer survival (p = 0.016), while those with elevated methylation levels in the S-DMR of RAI1 had shorter survival (p = 0.006). CONCLUSION DNA methylation holds promise as a potential biomarker for tracking disease progression and predicting survival outcome and also offers targets for precision medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tianmi Yang
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Rare Diseases Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Chunyu Li
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Rare Diseases Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Qianqian Wei
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Rare Diseases Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Dejiang Pang
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Rare Diseases Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Yangfan Cheng
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Rare Diseases Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Jingxuan Huang
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Rare Diseases Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Junyu Lin
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Rare Diseases Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Yi Xiao
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Rare Diseases Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Qirui Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Rare Diseases Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Shichan Wang
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Rare Diseases Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Huifang Shang
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Rare Diseases Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Stoccoro A, Smith AR, Mosca L, Marocchi A, Gerardi F, Lunetta C, Lunnon K, Migliore L, Coppedè F. Mitochondrial D-loop methylation levels inversely correlate with disease duration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Epigenomics 2024; 16:203-214. [PMID: 38312023 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2023-0265] [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] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Aim: To correlate mitochondrial D-loop region methylation levels and mtDNA copy number with disease duration in familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients. Patients & methods: The study population included 12 ALS patients with a mutation in SOD1 and 13 ALS patients with the C9orf72 hexanucleotide repeat expansion. Methylation levels of the D-loop region and mtDNA copy number were quantified using pyrosequencing and quantitative PCR, respectively. Results: We observed that D-loop methylation levels inversely correlated while mtDNA copy number positively correlated with disease duration. Conclusion: Considering the central role played by mitochondria in ALS, this preliminary study provides new knowledge for future studies aimed at identifying biomarkers of disease progression and new targets for therapeutic interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Stoccoro
- Department of Translational Research & of New Surgical & Medical Technologies, Laboratory of Medical Genetics, University of Pisa, Medical School, Via Roma 55, Pisa, 56126, Italy
| | - Adam R Smith
- Department of Clinical & Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health & Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, EX2 5DW, UK
| | - Lorena Mosca
- Medical Genetics Unit, Department of Medical Services, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, 20162, Italy
| | - Alessandro Marocchi
- Medical Genetics Unit, Department of Medical Services, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, 20162, Italy
| | | | - Christian Lunetta
- Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Neurorehabilitation Unit of Milan Institute, Milan, 20138, Italy
| | - Katie Lunnon
- Department of Clinical & Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health & Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, EX2 5DW, UK
| | - Lucia Migliore
- Department of Translational Research & of New Surgical & Medical Technologies, Laboratory of Medical Genetics, University of Pisa, Medical School, Via Roma 55, Pisa, 56126, Italy
| | - Fabio Coppedè
- Department of Translational Research & of New Surgical & Medical Technologies, Laboratory of Medical Genetics, University of Pisa, Medical School, Via Roma 55, Pisa, 56126, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Center of Biology & Pathology of Aging, University of Pisa, Pisa, 56126, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Feró O, Varga D, Nagy É, Karányi Z, Sipos É, Engelhardt J, Török N, Balogh I, Vető B, Likó I, Fóthi Á, Szabó Z, Halmos G, Vécsei L, Arányi T, Székvölgyi L. DNA methylome, R-loop and clinical exome profiling of patients with sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Sci Data 2024; 11:123. [PMID: 38267456 PMCID: PMC10808109 DOI: 10.1038/s41597-024-02985-y] [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: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the death of motor neurons, the aetiology of which is essentially unknown. Here, we present an integrative epigenomic study in blood samples from seven clinically characterised sporadic ALS patients to elucidate molecular factors associated with the disease. We used clinical exome sequencing (CES) to study DNA variants, DNA-RNA hybrid immunoprecipitation sequencing (DRIP-seq) to assess R-loop distribution, and reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS) to examine DNA methylation changes. The above datasets were combined to create a comprehensive repository of genetic and epigenetic changes associated with the ALS cases studied. This repository is well-suited to unveil new correlations within individual patients and across the entire patient cohort. The molecular attributes described here are expected to guide further mechanistic studies on ALS, shedding light on the underlying genetic causes and facilitating the development of new epigenetic therapies to combat this life-threatening disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Orsolya Feró
- MTA-DE Momentum, Genome Architecture and Recombination Research Group, Department of Molecular and Nanopharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Debrecen, H-4032, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Dóra Varga
- MTA-DE Momentum, Genome Architecture and Recombination Research Group, Department of Molecular and Nanopharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Debrecen, H-4032, Debrecen, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Debrecen, H-4032, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Éva Nagy
- MTA-DE Momentum, Genome Architecture and Recombination Research Group, Department of Molecular and Nanopharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Debrecen, H-4032, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Zsolt Karányi
- MTA-DE Momentum, Genome Architecture and Recombination Research Group, Department of Molecular and Nanopharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Debrecen, H-4032, Debrecen, Hungary
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, H-4032, Hungary
| | - Éva Sipos
- MTA-DE Momentum, Genome Architecture and Recombination Research Group, Department of Molecular and Nanopharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Debrecen, H-4032, Debrecen, Hungary
- Department of Biopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Debrecen, H-4032, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - József Engelhardt
- Department of Neurology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Nóra Török
- Department of Neurology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - István Balogh
- Division of Clinical Genetics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, H-4032, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Borbála Vető
- Division of Clinical Genetics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, H-4032, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - István Likó
- Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ábel Fóthi
- Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Szabó
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, H-4032, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Gábor Halmos
- Department of Biopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Debrecen, H-4032, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - László Vécsei
- Department of Neurology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Tamás Arányi
- Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, Hungary.
- Department of Molecular Biology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Lóránt Székvölgyi
- MTA-DE Momentum, Genome Architecture and Recombination Research Group, Department of Molecular and Nanopharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Debrecen, H-4032, Debrecen, Hungary.
- Doctoral School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Debrecen, H-4032, Debrecen, Hungary.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, H-4032, Hungary.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Goutman SA, Savelieff MG, Jang DG, Hur J, Feldman EL. The amyotrophic lateral sclerosis exposome: recent advances and future directions. Nat Rev Neurol 2023; 19:617-634. [PMID: 37709948 PMCID: PMC11027963 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-023-00867-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal disease of motor neuron degeneration with typical survival of only 2-5 years from diagnosis. The causes of ALS are multifactorial: known genetic mutations account for only around 70% of cases of familial ALS and 15% of sporadic cases, and heritability estimates range from 8% to 61%, indicating additional causes beyond genetics. Consequently, interest has grown in environmental contributions to ALS risk and progression. The gene-time-environment hypothesis posits that ALS onset occurs through an interaction of genes with environmental exposures during ageing. An alternative hypothesis, the multistep model of ALS, suggests that several hits, at least some of which could be environmental, are required to trigger disease onset, even in the presence of highly penetrant ALS-associated mutations. Studies have sought to characterize the ALS exposome - the lifetime accumulation of environmental exposures that increase disease risk and affect progression. Identifying the full scope of environmental toxicants that enhance ALS risk raises the prospect of preventing disease by eliminating or mitigating exposures. In this Review, we summarize the evidence for an ALS exposome, discussing the strengths and limitations of epidemiological studies that have identified contributions from various sources. We also consider potential mechanisms of exposure-mediated toxicity and suggest future directions for ALS exposome research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephen A Goutman
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- NeuroNetwork for Emerging Therapies, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Masha G Savelieff
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, USA
| | - Dae-Gyu Jang
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- NeuroNetwork for Emerging Therapies, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Junguk Hur
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, USA
| | - Eva L Feldman
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
- NeuroNetwork for Emerging Therapies, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Yazar V, Ruf WP, Knehr A, Günther K, Ammerpohl O, Danzer KM, Ludolph AC. DNA Methylation Analysis in Monozygotic Twins Discordant for ALS in Blood Cells. Epigenet Insights 2023; 16:25168657231172159. [PMID: 37152709 PMCID: PMC10161312 DOI: 10.1177/25168657231172159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
ALS is a fatal motor neuron disease that displays a broad variety of phenotypes ranging from early fatal courses to slowly progressing and rather benign courses. Such divergence can also be seen in genetic ALS cases with varying phenotypes bearing specific mutations, suggesting epigenetic mechanisms like DNA methylation act as disease modifiers. However, the epigenotype dictated by, in addition to other mechanisms, DNA methylation is also strongly influenced by the individual's genotype. Hence, we performed a DNA methylation study using EPIC arrays on 7 monozygotic (MZ) twin pairs discordant for ALS in whole blood, which serves as an ideal model for eliminating the effects of the genetic-epigenetic interplay to a large extent. We found one CpG site showing intra-pair hypermethylation in the affected co-twins, which maps to the Glutamate Ionotropic Receptor Kainate Type Subunit 1 gene (GRIK1). Additionally, we found 4 DMPs which were subsequently confirmed using 2 different statistical approaches. Differentially methylated regions or blocks could not be detected within the scope of this work. In conclusion, we revealed that despite a low sample size, monozygotic twin studies discordant for the disease can bring new insights into epigenetic processes in ALS, pointing to new target loci for further investigations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Volkan Yazar
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE), German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Ulm, Germany
| | - Wolfgang P Ruf
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Ulm, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
| | - Antje Knehr
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Ulm, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
| | - Kornelia Günther
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Ulm, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
| | - Ole Ammerpohl
- Institute of Human Genetics, Ulm University & Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Karin M Danzer
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE), German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Ulm, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Ulm, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
| | - Albert C Ludolph
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE), German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Ulm, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Ulm, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Differential effects of invasive anodal trans-spinal direct current stimulation on monosynaptic EPSPs, Ia afferents excitability, and motoneuron intrinsic properties between SOD1 G93A and WT mice. Neuroscience 2022; 498:125-143. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2022.06.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
|