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Fan J, Liu Q, Liu X, Gong M, Leong II, Tsang Y, Xu X, Lei S, Duan L, Zhang Y, Liao M, Zhuang L. The effect of epigenetic aging on neurodegenerative diseases: a Mendelian randomization study. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1372518. [PMID: 38800486 PMCID: PMC11116635 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1372518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Aging has always been considered as a risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases, but there are individual differences and its mechanism is not yet clear. Epigenetics may unveil the relationship between aging and neurodegenerative diseases. Methods Our study employed a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) design to assess the potential causal association between epigenetic aging and neurodegenerative diseases. We utilized publicly available summary datasets from several genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Our investigation focused on multiple measures of epigenetic age as potential exposures and outcomes, while the occurrence of neurodegenerative diseases served as potential exposures and outcomes. Sensitivity analyses confirmed the accuracy of the results. Results The results show a significant decrease in risk of Parkinson's disease with GrimAge (OR = 0.8862, 95% CI 0.7914-0.9924, p = 0.03638). Additionally, we identified that HannumAge was linked to an increased risk of Multiple Sclerosis (OR = 1.0707, 95% CI 1.0056-1.1401, p = 0.03295). Furthermore, we also found that estimated plasminogen activator inhibitor-1(PAI-1) levels demonstrated an increased risk for Alzheimer's disease (OR = 1.0001, 95% CI 1.0000-1.0002, p = 0.04425). Beyond that, we did not observe any causal associations between epigenetic age and neurodegenerative diseases risk. Conclusion The findings firstly provide evidence for causal association of epigenetic aging and neurodegenerative diseases. Exploring neurodegenerative diseases from an epigenetic perspective may contribute to diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingqi Fan
- Institute of Neurology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qing Liu
- Institute of Neurology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xin Liu
- Institute of Neurology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mengjiao Gong
- Institute of Neurology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ian I. Leong
- Institute of Neurology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - YauKeung Tsang
- Institute of Neurology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyan Xu
- Institute of Neurology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Suying Lei
- Institute of Neurology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lining Duan
- Institute of Neurology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yifan Zhang
- Institute of Neurology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Muxi Liao
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lixing Zhuang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
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Słowikowski B, Owecki W, Jeske J, Jezierski M, Draguła M, Goutor U, Jagodziński PP, Kozubski W, Dorszewska J. Epigenetics and the neurodegenerative process. Epigenomics 2024; 16:473-491. [PMID: 38511224 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2023-0416] [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] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurological diseases are multifactorial, genetic and environmental. Environmental factors such as diet, physical activity and emotional state are epigenetic factors. Environmental markers are responsible for epigenetic modifications. The effect of epigenetic changes is increased inflammation of the nervous system and neuronal damage. In recent years, it has been shown that epigenetic changes may cause an increased risk of neurological disorders but, currently, the relationship between epigenetic modifications and neurodegeneration remains unclear. This review summarizes current knowledge about neurological disorders caused by epigenetic changes in diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, stroke and epilepsy. Advances in epigenetic techniques may be key to understanding the epigenetics of central changes in neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bartosz Słowikowski
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, 61-701, Poland
| | - Wojciech Owecki
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Neurology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, 61-701, Poland
| | - Jan Jeske
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Neurology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, 61-701, Poland
| | - Michał Jezierski
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Neurology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, 61-701, Poland
| | - Michał Draguła
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Neurology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, 61-701, Poland
| | - Ulyana Goutor
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Neurology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, 61-701, Poland
| | - Paweł P Jagodziński
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, 61-701, Poland
| | - Wojciech Kozubski
- Chair & Department of Neurology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, 61-701, Poland
| | - Jolanta Dorszewska
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Neurology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, 61-701, Poland
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3
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The role of DNA methylation in progression of neurological disorders and neurodegenerative diseases as well as the prospect of using DNA methylation inhibitors as therapeutic agents for such disorders. IBRO Neurosci Rep 2022; 14:28-37. [PMID: 36590248 PMCID: PMC9794904 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibneur.2022.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Genome-wide studies related to neurological disorders and neurodegenerative diseases have pointed to the role of epigenetic changes such as DNA methylation, histone modification, and noncoding RNAs. DNA methylation machinery controls the dynamic regulation of methylation patterns in discrete brain regions. Objective This review aims to describe the role of DNA methylation in inhibiting and progressing neurological and neurodegenerative disorders and therapeutic approaches. Methods A Systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library was conducted for all qualified studies from 2000 to 2022. Results For the current need of time, we have focused on the DNA methylation role in neurological and neurodegenerative diseases and the expression of genes involved in neurodegeneration such as Alzheimer's, Depression, and Rett Syndrome. Finally, it appears that the various epigenetic changes do not occur separately and that DNA methylation and histone modification changes occur side by side and affect each other. We focused on the role of modification of DNA methylation in several genes associated with depression (NR3C1, NR3C2, CRHR1, SLC6A4, BDNF, and FKBP5), Rett syndrome (MECP2), Alzheimer's, depression (APP, BACE1, BIN1 or ANK1) and Parkinson's disease (SNCA), as well as the co-occurring modifications to histones and expression of non-coding RNAs. Understanding these epigenetic changes and their interactions will lead to better treatment strategies. Conclusion This review captures the state of understanding of the epigenetics of neurological and neurodegenerative diseases. With new epigenetic mechanisms and targets undoubtedly on the horizon, pharmacological modulation and regulation of epigenetic processes in the brain holds great promise for therapy.
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4
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Petrozziello T, Mills AN, Vaine CA, Penney EB, Fernandez-Cerado C, Legarda GPA, Velasco-Andrada MS, Acuña PJ, Ang MA, Muñoz EL, Diesta CCE, Macalintal-Canlas R, Acuña-Sunshine G, Ozelius LJ, Sharma N, Bragg DC, Sadri-Vakili G. Neuroinflammation and histone H3 citrullination are increased in X-linked Dystonia Parkinsonism post-mortem prefrontal cortex. Neurobiol Dis 2020; 144:105032. [PMID: 32739252 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2020.105032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroinflammation plays a pathogenic role in neurodegenerative diseases and recent findings suggest that it may also be involved in X-linked Dystonia-Parkinsonism (XDP) pathogenesis. Previously, fibroblasts and neuronal stem cells derived from XDP patients demonstrated hypersensitivity to TNF-α, dysregulation in NFκB signaling, and an increase in several pro-inflammatory markers. However, the role of inflammatory processes in XDP patient brain remains unknown. Here we demonstrate that there is a significant increase in astrogliosis and microgliosis in human post-mortem XDP prefrontal cortex (PFC) compared to control. Furthermore, there is a significant increase in histone H3 citrullination (H3R2R8R17cit3) with a concomitant increase in peptidylarginine deaminase 2 (PAD2) and 4 (PAD4), the enzymes catalyzing citrullination, in XDP post-mortem PFC. While there is a significant increase in myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels in XDP PFC, neutrophil elastase (NE) levels are not altered, suggesting that MPO may be released by activated microglia or reactive astrocytes in the brain. Similarly, there was an increase in H3R2R8R17cit3, PAD2 and PAD4 levels in XDP-derived fibroblasts. Importantly, treatment of fibroblasts with Cl-amidine, a pan inhibitor of PAD enzymes, reduced histone H3 citrullination and pro-inflammatory chemokine expression, without affecting cell survival. Taken together, our results demonstrate that inflammation is increased in XDP post-mortem brain and fibroblasts and unveil a new epigenetic potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana Petrozziello
- NeuroEpigenetics Laboratory, Healey Center for ALS at Mass General, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02129, United States of America
| | - Alexandra N Mills
- NeuroEpigenetics Laboratory, Healey Center for ALS at Mass General, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02129, United States of America
| | - Christine A Vaine
- The Collaborative Center for X-linked Dystonia-Parkinsonism, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02129, United States of America
| | - Ellen B Penney
- The Collaborative Center for X-linked Dystonia-Parkinsonism, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02129, United States of America
| | | | | | | | - Patrick J Acuña
- The Collaborative Center for X-linked Dystonia-Parkinsonism, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02129, United States of America; Sunshine Care Foundation, Roxas City, 5800, Capiz, Philippines
| | - Mark A Ang
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines
| | - Edwin L Muñoz
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines
| | | | | | - Geraldine Acuña-Sunshine
- The Collaborative Center for X-linked Dystonia-Parkinsonism, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02129, United States of America; Sunshine Care Foundation, Roxas City, 5800, Capiz, Philippines
| | - Laurie J Ozelius
- The Collaborative Center for X-linked Dystonia-Parkinsonism, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02129, United States of America
| | - Nutan Sharma
- The Collaborative Center for X-linked Dystonia-Parkinsonism, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02129, United States of America
| | - D Cristopher Bragg
- The Collaborative Center for X-linked Dystonia-Parkinsonism, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02129, United States of America
| | - Ghazaleh Sadri-Vakili
- NeuroEpigenetics Laboratory, Healey Center for ALS at Mass General, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02129, United States of America.
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Jamebozorgi K, Rostami D, Pormasoumi H, Taghizadeh E, Barreto GE, Sahebkar A. Epigenetic aspects of multiple sclerosis and future therapeutic options. Int J Neurosci 2020; 131:56-64. [PMID: 32075477 DOI: 10.1080/00207454.2020.1732974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory and neurodegenerative disease accompanied by demyelination of neurons in the central nervous system that mostly affects young adults, especially women. This disease has two phases including relapsing-remitting form (RR-MS) by episodes of relapse and periods of clinical remission and secondary-progressive form (SP-MS), which causes more disability. The inheritance pattern of MS is not exactly identified and there is an agreement that it has a complex pattern with an interplay among environmental, genetic and epigenetic alternations. Epigenetic mechanisms that are identified for MS pathogenesis are DNA methylation, histone modification and some microRNAs' alternations. Several cellular processes including apoptosis, differentiation and evolution can be modified along with epigenetic changes. Some alternations are associated with epigenetic mechanisms in MS patients and these changes can become key points for MS therapy. Therefore, the aim of this review was to discuss epigenetic mechanisms that are associated with MS pathogenesis and future therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daryoush Rostami
- School of Allied Medical Sciences, Zabol University of Medical Sciences, Zabol, Iran
| | - Hosein Pormasoumi
- Faculty of Medicine, Zabol University of Medical Sciences, Zabol, Iran
| | - Eskandar Taghizadeh
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran.,Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - George E Barreto
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.,Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Halal Research Center of IRI, FDA, Tehran, Iran.,Neurogenic Inflammation Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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6
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Modrak M, Talukder MAH, Gurgenashvili K, Noble M, Elfar JC. Peripheral nerve injury and myelination: Potential therapeutic strategies. J Neurosci Res 2019; 98:780-795. [PMID: 31608497 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Revised: 08/30/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Traumatic peripheral nerve injury represents a major clinical and public health problem that often leads to significant functional impairment and permanent disability. Despite modern diagnostic procedures and advanced microsurgical techniques, functional recovery after peripheral nerve repair is often unsatisfactory. Therefore, there is an unmet need for new therapeutic or adjunctive strategies to promote the functional recovery in nerve injury patients. In contrast to the central nervous system, Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system play a pivotal role in several aspects of nerve repair such as degeneration, remyelination, and axonal growth. Several non-surgical approaches, including pharmacological, electrical, cell-based, and laser therapies, have been employed to promote myelination and enhance functional recovery after peripheral nerve injury. This review will succinctly discuss the potential therapeutic strategies in the context of myelination following peripheral neurotrauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max Modrak
- School of Medicine & Dentistry, The University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - M A Hassan Talukder
- Department of Orthopaedics & Rehabilitation, Penn State Hershey College of Medicine, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Khatuna Gurgenashvili
- Department of Neurology, Penn State Hershey College of Medicine, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Mark Noble
- Department of Biomedical Genetics, The University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - John C Elfar
- Department of Orthopaedics & Rehabilitation, Penn State Hershey College of Medicine, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
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Trained Innate Immunity Not Always Amicable. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20102565. [PMID: 31137759 PMCID: PMC6567865 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20102565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Revised: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The concept of „trained innate immunity" is understood as the ability of innate immune cells to remember invading agents and to respond nonspecifically to reinfection with increased strength. Trained immunity is orchestrated by epigenetic modifications leading to changes in gene expression and cell physiology. Although this phenomenon was originally seen mainly as a beneficial effect, since it confers broad immunological protection, enhanced immune response of reprogrammed innate immune cells might result in the development or persistence of chronic metabolic, autoimmune or neuroinfalmmatory disorders. This paper overviews several examples where the induction of trained immunity may be essential in the development of diseases characterized by flawed innate immune response.
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8
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Rivas Alonso V, Flores Rivera JDJ, Rito García Y, Corona T. The genetics of multiple sclerosis in Latin America. Mult Scler J Exp Transl Clin 2017; 3:2055217317727295. [PMID: 28979796 PMCID: PMC5617105 DOI: 10.1177/2055217317727295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2017] [Accepted: 07/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In today’s globalised world, the heterogeneity of diseases such as multiple sclerosis has been studied since it has been suggested that ethnic differences, in conjunction with geographical and environmental factors, influence its incidence and prevalence. Aim Based on this, an attempt has been made to identify the genetic factors that may confer risk or protection, not only for developing multiple sclerosis but also for determining the course of its evolution. Results In Latin America we have some data about this, which have been replicated in different populations in the entire region, with very different results compared with other regions, which could explain not only the different frequencies in some populations, such as Caucasians, but also the course of the disease and the response to actual treatments. However, in addition to these findings, other associated epigenetic mechanisms have also been found in our populations, such as levels of vitamin D, parasitic diseases, and indigenous populations. Therefore, the study of epigenetics plays a crucial role in understanding the physiopathology of multiple sclerosis. It must be studied in each population, especially in Latin America, due to its broad heterogeneity. Conclusion It is very important to understand not only the genetic and external factors with these very specific effects in multiple sclerosis patients, but also the way they interact and are able to explain the frequency and some specific phenotypes of the disease in our populations besides the posibility to be a very specific treatment target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verónica Rivas Alonso
- Clinical Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery "Dr Manuel Velasco Suárez", México
| | - José de Jesús Flores Rivera
- Clinical Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery "Dr Manuel Velasco Suárez", México
| | - Yamel Rito García
- Clinical Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery "Dr Manuel Velasco Suárez", México
| | - Teresa Corona
- Clinical Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery "Dr Manuel Velasco Suárez", México
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Ayuso T, Aznar P, Soriano L, Olaskoaga A, Roldán M, Otano M, Ajuria I, Soriano G, Lacruz F, Mendioroz M. Vitamin D receptor gene is epigenetically altered and transcriptionally up-regulated in multiple sclerosis. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0174726. [PMID: 28355272 PMCID: PMC5371344 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0174726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2016] [Accepted: 03/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to increased risk of multiple sclerosis (MS) and poor outcome. However, the specific role that vitamin D plays in MS still remains unknown. In order to identify potential mechanisms underlying vitamin D effects in MS, we profiled epigenetic changes in vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene to identify genomic regulatory elements relevant to MS pathogenesis. METHODS Human T cells derived from whole blood by negative selection were isolated in a set of 23 relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) patients and 12 controls matched by age and gender. DNA methylation levels were assessed by bisulfite cloning sequencing in two regulatory elements of VDR. mRNA levels were measured by RT-qPCR to assess changes in VDR expression between patients and controls. RESULTS An alternative VDR promoter placed at exon 1c showed increased DNA methylation levels in RRMS patients (median 30.08%, interquartile range 19.2%) compared to controls (18.75%, 9.5%), p-value<0.05. Moreover, a 6.5-fold increase in VDR mRNA levels was found in RRMS patients compared to controls (p-value<0.001). CONCLUSIONS An alternative promoter of the VDR gene shows altered DNA methylation levels in patients with multiple sclerosis, and it is associated with VDR mRNA upregulation. This locus may represent a candidate regulatory element in the genome relevant to MS pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Ayuso
- Multiple Sclerosis Unit, Department of Neurology, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, Pamplona, Navarra, Spain
| | - Patricia Aznar
- Department of Neurology, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, Pamplona, Navarra, Spain
| | - Luis Soriano
- Neuroepigenetics Laboratory, Navarrabiomed- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Navarra, Spain
| | - Ander Olaskoaga
- Department of Neurology, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, Pamplona, Navarra, Spain
| | - Miren Roldán
- Neuroepigenetics Laboratory, Navarrabiomed- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Navarra, Spain
| | - María Otano
- Multiple Sclerosis Unit, Department of Neurology, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, Pamplona, Navarra, Spain
| | - Iratxe Ajuria
- Multiple Sclerosis Unit, Department of Neurology, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, Pamplona, Navarra, Spain
| | - Gerardo Soriano
- Multiple Sclerosis Unit, Department of Neurology, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, Pamplona, Navarra, Spain
| | - Francisco Lacruz
- Multiple Sclerosis Unit, Department of Neurology, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, Pamplona, Navarra, Spain
| | - Maite Mendioroz
- Department of Neurology, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, Pamplona, Navarra, Spain
- Neuroepigenetics Laboratory, Navarrabiomed- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Navarra, Spain
- * E-mail:
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10
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Computational Modelling Approaches on Epigenetic Factors in Neurodegenerative and Autoimmune Diseases and Their Mechanistic Analysis. J Immunol Res 2015; 2015:737168. [PMID: 26636108 PMCID: PMC4655260 DOI: 10.1155/2015/737168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2015] [Revised: 10/19/2015] [Accepted: 10/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative as well as autoimmune diseases have unclear aetiologies, but an increasing number of evidences report for a combination of genetic and epigenetic alterations that predispose for the development of disease. This review examines the major milestones in epigenetics research in the context of diseases and various computational approaches developed in the last decades to unravel new epigenetic modifications. However, there are limited studies that systematically link genetic and epigenetic alterations of DNA to the aetiology of diseases. In this work, we demonstrate how disease-related epigenetic knowledge can be systematically captured and integrated with heterogeneous information into a functional context using Biological Expression Language (BEL). This novel methodology, based on BEL, enables us to integrate epigenetic modifications such as DNA methylation or acetylation of histones into a specific disease network. As an example, we depict the integration of epigenetic and genetic factors in a functional context specific to Parkinson's disease (PD) and Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
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