1
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Xie J, Zhang Z. Recent Advances and Therapeutic Implications of 2-Oxoglutarate-Dependent Dioxygenases in Ischemic Stroke. Mol Neurobiol 2024; 61:3949-3975. [PMID: 38041714 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03790-1] [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: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
Ischemic stroke is a common disease with a high disability rate and mortality, which brings heavy pressure on families and medical insurance. Nowadays, the golden treatments for ischemic stroke in the acute phase mainly include endovascular therapy and intravenous thrombolysis. Some drugs are used to alleviate brain injury in patients with ischemic stroke, such as edaravone and 3-n-butylphthalide. However, no effective neuroprotective drug for ischemic stroke has been acknowledged. 2-Oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenases (2OGDDs) are conserved and common dioxygenases whose activities depend on O2, Fe2+, and 2OG. Most 2OGDDs are expressed in the brain and are essential for the development and functions of the brain. Therefore, 2OGDDs likely play essential roles in ischemic brain injury. In this review, we briefly elucidate the functions of most 2OGDDs, particularly the effects of regulations of 2OGDDs on various cells in different phases after ischemic stroke. It would also provide promising potential therapeutic targets and directions of drug development for protecting the brain against ischemic injury and improving outcomes of ischemic stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Xie
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Zhongda Hospital, Research Institution of Neuropsychiatry, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhijun Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Zhongda Hospital, Research Institution of Neuropsychiatry, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China.
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Depression, Department of Mental Health and Public Health, Faculty of Life and Health Sciences, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China.
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2
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Pottmeier P, Nikolantonaki D, Lanner F, Peuckert C, Jazin E. Sex-biased gene expression during neural differentiation of human embryonic stem cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1341373. [PMID: 38764741 PMCID: PMC11101176 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1341373] [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: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Sex differences in the developing human brain are primarily attributed to hormonal influence. Recently however, genetic differences and their impact on the developing nervous system have attracted increased attention. To understand genetically driven sexual dimorphisms in neurodevelopment, we investigated genome-wide gene expression in an in vitro differentiation model of male and female human embryonic stem cell lines (hESC), independent of the effects of human sex hormones. Four male and four female-derived hESC lines were differentiated into a population of mixed neurons over 37 days. Differential gene expression and gene set enrichment analyses were conducted on bulk RNA sequencing data. While similar differentiation tendencies in all cell lines demonstrated the robustness and reproducibility of our differentiation protocol, we found sex-biased gene expression already in undifferentiated ESCs at day 0, but most profoundly after 37 days of differentiation. Male and female cell lines exhibited sex-biased expression of genes involved in neurodevelopment, suggesting that sex influences the differentiation trajectory. Interestingly, the highest contribution to sex differences was found to arise from the male transcriptome, involving both Y chromosome and autosomal genes. We propose 13 sex-biased candidate genes (10 upregulated in male cell lines and 3 in female lines) that are likely to affect neuronal development. Additionally, we confirmed gene dosage compensation of X/Y homologs escaping X chromosome inactivation through their Y homologs and identified a significant overexpression of the Y-linked demethylase UTY and KDM5D in male hESC during neuron development, confirming previous results in neural stem cells. Our results suggest that genetic sex differences affect neuronal differentiation trajectories, which could ultimately contribute to sex biases during human brain development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Pottmeier
- Department of Organismal Biology, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Danai Nikolantonaki
- Department of Organismal Biology, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Fredrik Lanner
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institute and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Christiane Peuckert
- Department of Organismal Biology, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- The Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Elena Jazin
- Department of Organismal Biology, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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3
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Ciceri G, Studer L. Epigenetic control and manipulation of neuronal maturation timing. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2024; 85:102164. [PMID: 38412562 PMCID: PMC11175593 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2024.102164] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
During brain development, the sequence of developmental steps and the underlying transcriptional regulatory logic are largely conserved across species. However, the temporal unfolding of developmental programs varies dramatically across species and within a given species varies across brain regions and cell identities. The maturation of neurons in the human cerebral cortex is particularly slow and lasts for many years compared with only a few weeks for the corresponding mouse neurons. The mechanisms setting the 'schedule' of neuronal maturation remain unclear but appear to be linked to a cell-intrinsic 'clock'. Here, we discuss recent findings that highlight a role for epigenetic factors in the timing of neuronal maturation. Manipulations of those factors in stem cell-based models can override the intrinsic pace of neuronal maturation, including its protracted nature in human cortical neurons. We then contextualize the epigenetic regulation of maturation programs with findings from other model systems and propose potential interactions between epigenetic pathways and other drivers of developmental rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Ciceri
- The Center for Stem Cell Biology and Developmental Biology program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Lorenz Studer
- The Center for Stem Cell Biology and Developmental Biology program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
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4
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Sánchez-Ramírez E, Ung TPL, Stringari C, Aguilar-Arnal L. Emerging Functional Connections Between Metabolism and Epigenetic Remodeling in Neural Differentiation. Mol Neurobiol 2024:10.1007/s12035-024-04006-w. [PMID: 38340204 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-04006-w] [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: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Stem cells possess extraordinary capacities for self-renewal and differentiation, making them highly valuable in regenerative medicine. Among these, neural stem cells (NSCs) play a fundamental role in neural development and repair processes. NSC characteristics and fate are intricately regulated by the microenvironment and intracellular signaling. Interestingly, metabolism plays a pivotal role in orchestrating the epigenome dynamics during neural differentiation, facilitating the transition from undifferentiated NSC to specialized neuronal and glial cell types. This intricate interplay between metabolism and the epigenome is essential for precisely regulating gene expression patterns and ensuring proper neural development. This review highlights the mechanisms behind metabolic regulation of NSC fate and their connections with epigenetic regulation to shape transcriptional programs of stemness and neural differentiation. A comprehensive understanding of these molecular gears appears fundamental for translational applications in regenerative medicine and personalized therapies for neurological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edgar Sánchez-Ramírez
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Fisiología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Thi Phuong Lien Ung
- Laboratory for Optics and Biosciences, Ecole Polytechnique, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, Palaiseau, France
| | - Chiara Stringari
- Laboratory for Optics and Biosciences, Ecole Polytechnique, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, Palaiseau, France
| | - Lorena Aguilar-Arnal
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Fisiología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico.
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5
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Garcia-Segura LM, Méndez P, Arevalo MA, Azcoitia I. Neuroestradiol and neuronal development: Not an exclusive male tale anymore. Front Neuroendocrinol 2023; 71:101102. [PMID: 37689249 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2023.101102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
The brain synthesizes a variety of neurosteroids, including neuroestradiol. Inhibition of neuroestradiol synthesis results in alterations in basic neurodevelopmental processes, such as neurogenesis, neuroblast migration, neuritogenesis and synaptogenesis. Although the neurodevelopmental actions of neuroestradiol are exerted in both sexes, some of them are sex-specific, such as the well characterized effects of neuroestradiol derived from the metabolism of testicular testosterone during critical periods of male brain development. In addition, recent findings have shown sex-specific actions of neuroestradiol on neuroblast migration, neuritic growth and synaptogenesis in females. Among other factors, the epigenetic regulation exerted by X linked genes, such as Kdm6a/Utx, may determine sex-specific actions of neuroestradiol in the female brain. This review evidences the impact of neuroestradiol on brain formation in both sexes and highlights the interaction of neural steriodogenesis, hormones and sex chromosomes in sex-specific brain development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis M Garcia-Segura
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Avenida Doctor Arce 37, 28002 Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Instituto Nacional de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Pablo Méndez
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Avenida Doctor Arce 37, 28002 Madrid, Spain
| | - M Angeles Arevalo
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Avenida Doctor Arce 37, 28002 Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Instituto Nacional de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Iñigo Azcoitia
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Instituto Nacional de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Department of Cell Biology, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, C José Antonio Nováis 12, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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6
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Lin J, Zhang J, Ma L, Fang H, Ma R, Groneck C, Filippova GN, Deng X, Ma W, Disteche CM, Berletch JB. KDM6A facilitates Xist upregulation at the onset of X inactivation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.16.553617. [PMID: 37645756 PMCID: PMC10462084 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.16.553617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
X chromosome inactivation (XCI) is a female-specific process in which one X chromosome is silenced to balance X-linked gene expression between the sexes. XCI is initiated in early development by upregulation of the lncRNA Xist on the future inactive X (Xi). A subset of X-linked genes escape silencing and thus have higher expression in females, suggesting female-specific functions. One of these genes is the highly conserved gene Kdm6a , which encodes a histone demethylase that removes methyl groups at H3K27 to facilitate gene expression. Here, we investigate the role of KDM6A in the regulation of Xist . We observed impaired upregulation of Xist during early stages of differentiation in hybrid mouse ES cells following CRISPR/Cas9 knockout of Kdm6a . This is associated with reduced Xist RNA coating of the Xi, suggesting diminished XCI potency. Indeed, Kdm6a knockout results in aberrant overexpression of genes from the Xi after differentiation. KDM6A binds to the Xist promoter and knockout cells show an increase in H3K27me3 at Xist . These results indicate that KDM6A plays a role in the initiation of XCI through histone demethylase-dependent activation of Xist during early differentiation.
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7
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Basta MD, Petruk S, Summer R, Rosenbloom J, Wermuth PJ, Macarak E, Levin AV, Mazo A, Walker JL. Changes in nascent chromatin structure regulate activation of the pro-fibrotic transcriptome and myofibroblast emergence in organ fibrosis. iScience 2023; 26:106570. [PMID: 37250334 PMCID: PMC10214303 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106570] [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: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell reprogramming to a myofibroblast responsible for the pathological accumulation of extracellular matrix is fundamental to the onset of fibrosis. Here, we explored how condensed chromatin structure marked by H3K72me3 becomes modified to allow for activation of repressed genes to drive emergence of myofibroblasts. In the early stages of myofibroblast precursor cell differentiation, we discovered that H3K27me3 demethylase enzymes UTX/KDM6B creates a delay in the accumulation of H3K27me3 on nascent DNA revealing a period of decondensed chromatin structure. This period of decondensed nascent chromatin structure allows for binding of pro-fibrotic transcription factor, Myocardin-related transcription factor A (MRTF-A) to nascent DNA. Inhibition of UTX/KDM6B enzymatic activity condenses chromatin structure, prevents MRTF-A binding, blocks activation of the pro-fibrotic transcriptome, and results in an inhibition of fibrosis in lens and lung fibrosis models. Our work reveals UTX/KDM6B as central coordinators of fibrosis, highlighting the potential to target its demethylase activity to prevent organ fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan D. Basta
- Department of Pathology and Genomic Medicine, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Svetlana Petruk
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Ross Summer
- Center for Translational Medicine, The Jane and Leonard Korman Respiratory Institute at the Sidney Kimmel Medial College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Joel Rosenbloom
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology, The Joan and Joel Rosenbloom Research Center for Fibrotic Diseases, Sidney Kimmel Medical College Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Peter J. Wermuth
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology, The Joan and Joel Rosenbloom Research Center for Fibrotic Diseases, Sidney Kimmel Medical College Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Edward Macarak
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology, The Joan and Joel Rosenbloom Research Center for Fibrotic Diseases, Sidney Kimmel Medical College Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | | | - Alexander Mazo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Janice L. Walker
- Department of Pathology and Genomic Medicine, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
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8
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Xu YJ, Liu PP, Yan ZZ, Mi TW, Wang YY, Li Q, Teng ZQ, Liu CM. KW-2449 and VPA exert therapeutic effects on human neurons and cerebral organoids derived from MECP2-null hESCs. Stem Cell Res Ther 2022; 13:534. [PMID: 36575558 PMCID: PMC9795779 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-022-03216-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rett syndrome (RTT), mainly caused by mutations in methyl-CpG binding protein 2 (MECP2), is one of the most prevalent neurodevelopmental disorders in girls. However, the underlying mechanism of MECP2 remains largely unknown and currently there is no effective treatment available for RTT. METHODS We generated MECP2-KO human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), and differentiated them into neurons and cerebral organoids to investigate phenotypes of MECP2 loss-of-function, potential therapeutic agents, and the underlying mechanism by transcriptome sequencing. RESULTS We found that MECP2 deletion caused reduced number of hESCs-derived neurons and simplified dendritic morphology. Moreover, MECP2-KO cortical organoids exhibited fewer neural progenitor cells and neurons at day 60. Electrophysiological recordings showed that MECP2 deletion altered synaptic activity in organoids. Transcriptome analysis of organoids identified many genes in the PI3K-AKT pathway downregulated following MECP2 deletion. Treatment with either KW-2449 or VPA, small molecules for the activation of PI3K-AKT signaling pathway, alleviated neuronal deficits and transcriptome changes in MECP2-KO human neuronal models. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that KW-2449 and VPA might be promising drugs for RTT treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Jie Xu
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China ,grid.410726.60000 0004 1797 8419Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049 China ,grid.9227.e0000000119573309Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China ,grid.512959.3Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, 100101 China
| | - Pei-Pei Liu
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China ,grid.410726.60000 0004 1797 8419Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049 China ,grid.9227.e0000000119573309Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China ,grid.512959.3Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, 100101 China
| | - Zhong-Ze Yan
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China ,grid.410726.60000 0004 1797 8419Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049 China ,grid.9227.e0000000119573309Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China ,grid.512959.3Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, 100101 China
| | - Ting-Wei Mi
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China
| | - Ying-Ying Wang
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China ,grid.410726.60000 0004 1797 8419Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049 China ,grid.9227.e0000000119573309Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China ,grid.512959.3Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, 100101 China
| | - Qian Li
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China ,grid.410726.60000 0004 1797 8419Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049 China ,grid.9227.e0000000119573309Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China ,grid.512959.3Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, 100101 China
| | - Zhao-Qian Teng
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China ,grid.410726.60000 0004 1797 8419Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049 China ,grid.9227.e0000000119573309Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China ,grid.512959.3Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, 100101 China
| | - Chang-Mei Liu
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China ,grid.410726.60000 0004 1797 8419Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049 China ,grid.9227.e0000000119573309Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China ,grid.512959.3Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, 100101 China
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Koizumi M, Eto H, Saeki M, Seki M, Fukushima T, Mukai S, Ide H, Sera Y, Iwasaki M, Suzuki Y, Tohei A, Kishi Y, Honda H. UTX deficiency in neural stem/progenitor cells results in impaired neural development, fetal ventriculomegaly, and postnatal death. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22662. [PMID: 36412518 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202201002rr] [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: 07/02/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies have demonstrated that epigenetic modifications are deeply involved in neurogenesis; however, the precise mechanisms remain largely unknown. To determine the role of UTX (also known as KDM6A), a demethylase of histone H3K27, in neural development, we generated Utx-deficient mice in neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs). Since Utx is an X chromosome-specific gene, the genotypes are sex-dependent; female mice lose both Utx alleles (UtxΔ/Δ ), and male mice lose one Utx allele yet retain one Uty allele, the counterpart of Utx on the Y chromosome (UtxΔ/Uty ). We found that UtxΔ/Δ mice exhibited fetal ventriculomegaly and died soon after birth. Immunofluorescence staining and EdU labeling revealed a significant increase in NSPCs and a significant decrease in intermediate-progenitor and differentiated neural cells. Molecular analyses revealed the downregulation of pathways related to DNA replication and increased H3K27me3 levels around the transcription start sites in UtxΔ/Δ NSPCs. These results indicate that UTX globally regulates the expression of genes required for proper neural development in NSPCs, and UTX deficiency leads to impaired cell cycle exit, reduced differentiation, and neonatal death. Interestingly, although UtxΔ/Uty mice survived the postnatal period, most died of hydrocephalus, a clinical feature of Kabuki syndrome, a congenital anomaly involving UTX mutations. Our findings provide novel insights into the role of histone modifiers in neural development and suggest that UtxΔ/Uty mice are a potential disease model for Kabuki syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miho Koizumi
- Field of Human Disease Models, Major in Advanced Life Sciences and Medicine, Institute of Laboratory Animals, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hikaru Eto
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mai Saeki
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.,Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masahide Seki
- Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Chiba, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Fukushima
- Section of Oncopathology and Regenerative Biology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Shoichiro Mukai
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Hisamitsu Ide
- Department of Urology, Dokkyo Medical University, Saitama Medical Center, Saitama, Japan
| | - Yasuyuki Sera
- Field of Human Disease Models, Major in Advanced Life Sciences and Medicine, Institute of Laboratory Animals, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masayuki Iwasaki
- Field of Human Disease Models, Major in Advanced Life Sciences and Medicine, Institute of Laboratory Animals, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yutaka Suzuki
- Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Chiba, Japan
| | - Atsushi Tohei
- Laboratory of Experimental Animal Science, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yusuke Kishi
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.,Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Honda
- Field of Human Disease Models, Major in Advanced Life Sciences and Medicine, Institute of Laboratory Animals, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
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10
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Cabrera Zapata LE, Garcia-Segura LM, Cambiasso MJ, Arevalo MA. Genetics and Epigenetics of the X and Y Chromosomes in the Sexual Differentiation of the Brain. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012288. [PMID: 36293143 PMCID: PMC9603441 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
For many decades to date, neuroendocrinologists have delved into the key contribution of gonadal hormones to the generation of sex differences in the developing brain and the expression of sex-specific physiological and behavioral phenotypes in adulthood. However, it was not until recent years that the role of sex chromosomes in the matter started to be seriously explored and unveiled beyond gonadal determination. Now we know that the divergent evolutionary process suffered by X and Y chromosomes has determined that they now encode mostly dissimilar genetic information and are subject to different epigenetic regulations, characteristics that together contribute to generate sex differences between XX and XY cells/individuals from the zygote throughout life. Here we will review and discuss relevant data showing how particular X- and Y-linked genes and epigenetic mechanisms controlling their expression and inheritance are involved, along with or independently of gonadal hormones, in the generation of sex differences in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas E. Cabrera Zapata
- Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra (INIMEC), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba 5016, Argentina
- Instituto Cajal (IC), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 28002 Madrid, Spain
| | | | - María Julia Cambiasso
- Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra (INIMEC), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba 5016, Argentina
- Cátedra de Biología Celular, Facultad de Odontología, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba 5000, Argentina
- Correspondence: (M.J.C.); (M.A.A.)
| | - Maria Angeles Arevalo
- Instituto Cajal (IC), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 28002 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (M.J.C.); (M.A.A.)
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11
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Roles of Chromatin Remodelling and Molecular Heterogeneity in Therapy Resistance in Glioblastoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14194942. [PMID: 36230865 PMCID: PMC9563350 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14194942] [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: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary We review the role of chromatin and epigenetic dysregulation in therapy resistance in glioblastoma. We discuss how epigenetic and genetic forces may cooperate to programme functional cell states that are inherently resistant to therapy. Targeting epigenetic factors that are dysregulated in this malignancy could, therefore, improve clinical outcomes for patients. We highlight some preclinical and clinical compounds that were tested or are currently being explored for glioblastoma. Lastly, we present our thoughts on the requirements for the development of next-generation epigenetic therapies. Abstract Cancer stem cells (CSCs) represent a therapy-resistant reservoir in glioblastoma (GBM). It is now becoming clear that epigenetic and chromatin remodelling programs link the stemlike behaviour of CSCs to their treatment resistance. New evidence indicates that the epigenome of GBM cells is shaped by intrinsic and extrinsic factors, including their genetic makeup, their interactions and communication with other neoplastic and non-neoplastic cells, including immune cells, and their metabolic niche. In this review, we explore how all these factors contribute to epigenomic heterogeneity in a tumour and the selection of therapy-resistant cells. Lastly, we discuss current and emerging experimental platforms aimed at precisely understanding the epigenetic mechanisms of therapy resistance that ultimately lead to tumour relapse. Given the growing arsenal of drugs that target epigenetic enzymes, our review addresses promising preclinical and clinical applications of epidrugs to treat GBM, and possible mechanisms of resistance that need to be overcome.
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Cabrera Zapata LE, Cambiasso MJ, Arevalo MA. Epigenetic modifier Kdm6a/Utx controls the specification of hypothalamic neuronal subtypes in a sex-dependent manner. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:937875. [PMID: 36268511 PMCID: PMC9577230 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.937875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Kdm6a is an X-chromosome-linked H3K27me2/3 demethylase that promotes chromatin accessibility and gene transcription and is critical for tissue/cell-specific differentiation. Previous results showed higher Kdm6a levels in XX than in XY hypothalamic neurons and a female-specific requirement for Kdm6a in mediating increased axogenesis before brain masculinization. Here, we explored the sex-specific role of Kdm6a in the specification of neuronal subtypes in the developing hypothalamus. Hypothalamic neuronal cultures were established from sex-segregated E14 mouse embryos and transfected with siRNAs to knockdown Kdm6a expression (Kdm6a-KD). We evaluated the effect of Kdm6a-KD on Ngn3 expression, a bHLH transcription factor regulating neuronal sub-specification in hypothalamus. Kdm6a-KD decreased Ngn3 expression in females but not in males, abolishing basal sex differences. Then, we analyzed Kdm6a-KD effect on Ascl1, Pomc, Npy, Sf1, Gad1, and Th expression by RT-qPCR. While Kdm6a-KD downregulated Ascl1 in both sexes equally, we found sex-specific effects for Pomc, Npy, and Th. Pomc and Th expressed higher in female than in male neurons, and Kdm6a-KD reduced their levels only in females, while Npy expressed higher in male than in female neurons, and Kdm6a-KD upregulated its expression only in females. Identical results were found by immunofluorescence for Pomc and Npy neuropeptides. Finally, using ChIP-qPCR, we found higher H3K27me3 levels at Ngn3, Pomc, and Npy promoters in male neurons, in line with Kdm6a higher expression and demethylase activity in females. At all three promoters, Kdm6a-KD induced an enrichment of H3K27me3 only in females. These results indicate that Kdm6a plays a sex-specific role in controlling the expression of transcription factors and neuropeptides critical for the differentiation of hypothalamic neuronal populations regulating food intake and energy homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - María Julia Cambiasso
- Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra, INIMEC-CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
- Facultad de Odontología, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
- *Correspondence: María Julia Cambiasso, , Maria Angeles Arevalo,
| | - Maria Angeles Arevalo
- Instituto Cajal (IC), CSIC, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- *Correspondence: María Julia Cambiasso, , Maria Angeles Arevalo,
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Enkhmandakh B, Robson P, Joshi P, Vijaykumar A, Shin DG, Mina M, Bayarsaihan D. Single-Cell Transcriptome Analysis Defines Expression of Kabuki Syndrome-Associated KMT2D Targets and Interacting Partners. Stem Cells Int 2022; 2022:4969441. [PMID: 35992033 PMCID: PMC9391158 DOI: 10.1155/2022/4969441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives. Kabuki syndrome (KS) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by developmental delay, retarded growth, and cardiac, gastrointestinal, neurocognitive, renal, craniofacial, dental, and skeletal defects. KS is caused by mutations in the genes encoding histone H3 lysine 4 methyltransferase (KMT2D) and histone H3 lysine 27 demethylase (KDM6A), which are core components of the complex of proteins associated with histone H3 lysine 4 methyltransferase SET1 (SET1/COMPASS). Using single-cell RNA data, we examined the expression profiles of Kmt2d and Kdm6a in the mouse dental pulp. In the incisor pulp, Kmt2d and Kdm6a colocalize with other genes of the SET1/COMPASS complex comprised of the WD-repeat protein 5 gene (Wdr5), the retinoblastoma-binding protein 5 gene (Rbbp5), absent, small, and homeotic 2-like protein-encoding gene (Ash2l), nuclear receptor cofactor 6 gene (Ncoa6), and Pax-interacting protein 1 gene (Ptip1). In addition, we found that Kmt2d and Kdm6a coexpress with the downstream target genes of the Wingless and Integrated (WNT) and sonic hedgehog signaling pathways in mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) at different stages of osteogenic differentiation. Taken together, our results suggest an essential role of KMT2D and KDK6A in directing lineage-specific gene expression during differentiation of MSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Badam Enkhmandakh
- Center for Regenerative Medicine and Skeletal Development, Department of Reconstructive Sciences, University of Connecticut Health Center, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
| | - Paul Robson
- The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
| | - Pujan Joshi
- Computer Science and Engineering Department, University of Connecticut, 371 Fairfield Way, Unit 4155, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - Anushree Vijaykumar
- Department of Craniofacial Sciences, University of Connecticut Health Center, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
| | - Dong-Guk Shin
- Computer Science and Engineering Department, University of Connecticut, 371 Fairfield Way, Unit 4155, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - Mina Mina
- Department of Craniofacial Sciences, University of Connecticut Health Center, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
| | - Dashzeveg Bayarsaihan
- Center for Regenerative Medicine and Skeletal Development, Department of Reconstructive Sciences, University of Connecticut Health Center, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
- Institute for System Genomics, University of Connecticut, Engineering Science Building Rm. 305, 67 North Eagleville Road, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
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Yaghmaeian Salmani B, Balderson B, Bauer S, Ekman H, Starkenberg A, Perlmann T, Piper M, Bodén M, Thor S. Selective requirement for polycomb repressor complex 2 in the generation of specific hypothalamic neuronal subtypes. Development 2022; 149:274592. [PMID: 35245348 PMCID: PMC8959139 DOI: 10.1242/dev.200076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The hypothalamus displays staggering cellular diversity, chiefly established during embryogenesis by the interplay of several signalling pathways and a battery of transcription factors. However, the contribution of epigenetic cues to hypothalamus development remains unclear. We mutated the polycomb repressor complex 2 gene Eed in the developing mouse hypothalamus, which resulted in the loss of H3K27me3, a fundamental epigenetic repressor mark. This triggered ectopic expression of posteriorly expressed regulators (e.g. Hox homeotic genes), upregulation of cell cycle inhibitors and reduced proliferation. Surprisingly, despite these effects, single cell transcriptomic analysis revealed that most neuronal subtypes were still generated in Eed mutants. However, we observed an increase in glutamatergic/GABAergic double-positive cells, as well as loss/reduction of dopamine, hypocretin and Tac2-Pax6 neurons. These findings indicate that many aspects of the hypothalamic gene regulatory flow can proceed without the key H3K27me3 epigenetic repressor mark, but points to a unique sensitivity of particular neuronal subtypes to a disrupted epigenomic landscape. Summary: Polycomb repressor complex 2 inactivation results in selective effects on mouse hypothalamic development, increasing glutamatergic/GABA cells, while reducing dopamine, Hcrt and Tac2-Pax6 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Behzad Yaghmaeian Salmani
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linkoping University, SE-58185 Linkoping, Sweden
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institute, SE-17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Brad Balderson
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Susanne Bauer
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linkoping University, SE-58185 Linkoping, Sweden
| | - Helen Ekman
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linkoping University, SE-58185 Linkoping, Sweden
| | - Annika Starkenberg
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linkoping University, SE-58185 Linkoping, Sweden
| | - Thomas Perlmann
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institute, SE-17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Michael Piper
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Mikael Bodén
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Stefan Thor
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linkoping University, SE-58185 Linkoping, Sweden
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
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Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) affect about 1% of the population and can be caused by mutations in genes that affect the epigenetic code. There is limited functional understanding of most of these epigenetic modifiers, and we suggest that associated NDDs are caused, in part, by deficits in epigenetic priming, a prepatterning step that alters the genome in preparation to make cells competent to signaling cues. We provide evidence from high-resolution epigenetic and transcriptomic mapping studies to demonstrate how a failure to adequately prime the genome for neural induction could lead to impairment of terminally differentiated cells. This idea provides a framework for NDD pathogenesis and treatment.
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X-linked histone H3K27 demethylase Kdm6a regulates sexually dimorphic differentiation of hypothalamic neurons. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:7043-7060. [PMID: 34633482 PMCID: PMC8558156 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-03945-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Several X-linked genes are involved in neuronal differentiation and may contribute to the generation of sex dimorphisms in the brain. Previous results showed that XX hypothalamic neurons grow faster, have longer axons, and exhibit higher expression of the neuritogenic gene neurogenin 3 (Ngn3) than XY before perinatal masculinization. Here we evaluated the participation of candidate X-linked genes in the development of these sex differences, focusing mainly on Kdm6a, a gene encoding for an H3K27 demethylase with functions controlling gene expression genome-wide. We established hypothalamic neuronal cultures from wild-type or transgenic Four Core Genotypes mice, a model that allows evaluating the effect of sex chromosomes independently of gonadal type. X-linked genes Kdm6a, Eif2s3x and Ddx3x showed higher expression in XX compared to XY neurons, regardless of gonadal sex. Moreover, Kdm6a expression pattern with higher mRNA levels in XX than XY did not change with age at E14, P0, and P60 in hypothalamus or under 17β-estradiol treatment in culture. Kdm6a pharmacological blockade by GSK-J4 reduced axonal length only in female neurons and decreased the expression of neuritogenic genes Neurod1, Neurod2 and Cdk5r1 in both sexes equally, while a sex-specific effect was observed in Ngn3. Finally, Kdm6a downregulation using siRNA reduced axonal length and Ngn3 expression only in female neurons, abolishing the sex differences observed in control conditions. Altogether, these results point to Kdm6a as a key mediator of the higher axogenesis and Ngn3 expression observed in XX neurons before the critical period of brain masculinization.
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Meng Y, Zhang T, Zheng R, Ding S, Yang J, Liu R, Jiang Y, Jiang W. Depletion of Demethylase KDM6 Enhances Early Neuroectoderm Commitment of Human PSCs. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:702462. [PMID: 34568320 PMCID: PMC8455897 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.702462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic modifications play a crucial role in neurogenesis, learning, and memory, but the study of their role in early neuroectoderm commitment from pluripotent inner cell mass is relatively lacking. Here we utilized the system of directed neuroectoderm differentiation from human embryonic stem cells and identified that KDM6B, an enzyme responsible to erase H3K27me3, was the most upregulated enzyme of histone methylation during neuroectoderm differentiation by transcriptome analysis. We then constructed KDM6B-null embryonic stem cells and found strikingly that the pluripotent stem cells with KDM6B knockout exhibited much higher neuroectoderm induction efficiency. Furthermore, we constructed a series of embryonic stem cell lines knocking out the other H3K27 demethylase KDM6A, and depleting both KDM6A and KDM6B, respectively. These cell lines together confirmed that KDM6 impeded early neuroectoderm commitment. By RNA-seq, we found that the expression levels of a panel of WNT genes were significantly affected upon depletion of KDM6. Importantly, the result that WNT agonist and antagonist could abolish the differential neuroectoderm induction due to manipulating KDM6 further demonstrated that WNT was the major downstream of KDM6 during early neural induction. Moreover, we found that the chemical GSK-J1, an inhibitor of KDM6, could enhance neuroectoderm induction from both embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells. Taken together, our findings not only illustrated the important role of the histone methylation modifier KDM6 in early neurogenesis, providing insights into the precise epigenetic regulation in cell fate determination, but also showed that the inhibitor of KDM6 could facilitate neuroectoderm differentiation from human pluripotent stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yajing Meng
- Department of Biological Repositories, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Tianzhe Zhang
- Department of Biological Repositories, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ran Zheng
- Department of Biological Repositories, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Song Ding
- Department of Biological Repositories, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jie Yang
- Department of Biological Repositories, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ran Liu
- Department of Biological Repositories, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yingan Jiang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei Jiang
- Department of Biological Repositories, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Human Genetics Resource Preservation Center of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan, China
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Pribadi C, Camp E, Cakouros D, Anderson P, Glackin C, Gronthos S. Pharmacological targeting of KDM6A and KDM6B, as a novel therapeutic strategy for treating craniosynostosis in Saethre-Chotzen syndrome. Stem Cell Res Ther 2020; 11:529. [PMID: 33298158 PMCID: PMC7726873 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-020-02051-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During development, excessive osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal progenitor cells (MPC) within the cranial sutures can lead to premature suture fusion or craniosynostosis, leading to craniofacial and cognitive issues. Saethre-Chotzen syndrome (SCS) is a common form of craniosynostosis, caused by TWIST-1 gene mutations. Currently, the only treatment option for craniosynostosis involves multiple invasive cranial surgeries, which can lead to serious complications. METHODS The present study utilized Twist-1 haploinsufficient (Twist-1del/+) mice as SCS mouse model to investigate the inhibition of Kdm6a and Kdm6b activity using the pharmacological inhibitor, GSK-J4, on calvarial cell osteogenic potential. RESULTS This study showed that the histone methyltransferase EZH2, an osteogenesis inhibitor, is downregulated in calvarial cells derived from Twist-1del/+ mice, whereas the counter histone demethylases, Kdm6a and Kdm6b, known promoters of osteogenesis, were upregulated. In vitro studies confirmed that siRNA-mediated inhibition of Kdm6a and Kdm6b expression suppressed osteogenic differentiation of Twist-1del/+ calvarial cells. Moreover, pharmacological targeting of Kdm6a and Kdm6b activity, with the inhibitor, GSK-J4, caused a dose-dependent suppression of osteogenic differentiation by Twist-1del/+ calvarial cells in vitro and reduced mineralized bone formation in Twist-1del/+ calvarial explant cultures. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and Western blot analyses found that GSK-J4 treatment elevated the levels of the Kdm6a and Kdm6b epigenetic target, the repressive mark of tri-methylated lysine 27 on histone 3, on osteogenic genes leading to repression of Runx2 and Alkaline Phosphatase expression. Pre-clinical in vivo studies showed that local administration of GSK-J4 to the calvaria of Twist-1del/+ mice prevented premature suture fusion and kept the sutures open up to postnatal day 20. CONCLUSION The inhibition of Kdm6a and Kdm6b activity by GSK-J4 could be used as a potential non-invasive therapeutic strategy for preventing craniosynostosis in children with SCS. Pharmacological targeting of Kdm6a/b activity can alleviate craniosynostosis in Saethre-Chotzen syndrome. Aberrant osteogenesis by Twist-1 mutant cranial suture mesenchymal progenitor cells occurs via deregulation of epigenetic modifiers Ezh2 and Kdm6a/Kdm6b. Suppression of Kdm6a- and Kdm6b-mediated osteogenesis with GSK-J4 inhibitor can prevent prefusion of cranial sutures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Pribadi
- Mesenchymal Stem Cell Laboratory, Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Precision Medicine Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Esther Camp
- Mesenchymal Stem Cell Laboratory, Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Precision Medicine Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Dimitrios Cakouros
- Mesenchymal Stem Cell Laboratory, Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Precision Medicine Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Peter Anderson
- Precision Medicine Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Adelaide Craniofacial Unit, Women and Children Hospital, North Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Carlotta Glackin
- Molecular Medicine and Neurosciences, City of Hope National Medical Center and Beckman Research Institute, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Stan Gronthos
- Mesenchymal Stem Cell Laboratory, Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia. .,Precision Medicine Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
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