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Regmi S, Giha L, Ali A, Siebels-Lindquist C, Davis TL. Methylation is maintained specifically at imprinting control regions but not other DMRs associated with imprinted genes in mice bearing a mutation in the Dnmt1 intrinsically disordered domain. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1192789. [PMID: 37601113 PMCID: PMC10436486 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1192789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Differential methylation of imprinting control regions in mammals is essential for distinguishing the parental alleles from each other and regulating their expression accordingly. To ensure parent of origin-specific expression of imprinted genes and thereby normal developmental progression, the differentially methylated states that are inherited at fertilization must be stably maintained by DNA methyltransferase 1 throughout subsequent somatic cell division. Further epigenetic modifications, such as the acquisition of secondary regions of differential methylation, are dependent on the methylation status of imprinting control regions and are important for achieving the monoallelic expression of imprinted genes, but little is known about how imprinting control regions direct the acquisition and maintenance of methylation at these secondary sites. Recent analysis has identified mutations that reduce DNA methyltransferase 1 fidelity at some genomic sequences but not at others, suggesting that it may function differently at different loci. We examined the impact of the mutant DNA methyltransferase 1 P allele on methylation at imprinting control regions as well as at secondary differentially methylated regions and non-imprinted sequences. We found that while the P allele results in a major reduction in DNA methylation levels across the mouse genome, methylation is specifically maintained at imprinting control regions but not at their corresponding secondary DMRs. This result suggests that DNA methyltransferase 1 may work differently at imprinting control regions or that there is an alternate mechanism for maintaining methylation at these critical regulatory regions and that maintenance of methylation at secondary DMRs is not solely dependent on the methylation status of the ICR.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Tamara L. Davis
- Department of Biology, Bryn Mawr College, Bryn Mawr, PA, United States
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2
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Fertan E, Gendron WH, Wong AA, Hanson GM, Brown RE, Weaver ICG. Noncanonical regulation of imprinted gene Igf2 by amyloid-beta 1-42 in Alzheimer's disease. Sci Rep 2023; 13:2043. [PMID: 36739453 PMCID: PMC9899226 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-29248-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Reduced insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) levels in Alzheimer's disease (AD) may be the mechanism relating age-related metabolic disorders to dementia. Since Igf2 is an imprinted gene, we examined age and sex differences in the relationship between amyloid-beta 1-42 (Aβ42) accumulation and epigenetic regulation of the Igf2/H19 gene cluster in cerebrum, liver, and plasma of young and old male and female 5xFAD mice, in frontal cortex of male and female AD and non-AD patients, and in HEK293 cell cultures. We show IGF2 levels, Igf2 expression, histone acetylation, and H19 ICR methylation are lower in females than males. However, elevated Aβ42 levels are associated with Aβ42 binding to Igf2 DMR2, increased DNA and histone methylation, and a reduction in Igf2 expression and IGF2 levels in 5xFAD mice and AD patients, independent of H19 ICR methylation. Cell culture results confirmed the binding of Aβ42 to Igf2 DMR2 increased DNA and histone methylation, and reduced Igf2 expression. These results indicate an age- and sex-related causal relationship among Aβ42 levels, epigenomic state, and Igf2 expression in AD and provide a potential mechanism for Igf2 regulation in normal and pathological conditions, suggesting IGF2 levels may be a useful diagnostic biomarker for Aβ42 targeted AD therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emre Fertan
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - William H Gendron
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Aimée A Wong
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Gabrielle M Hanson
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Richard E Brown
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, B3H 4R2, Canada.,Brain Repair Centre, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Ian C G Weaver
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, B3H 4R2, Canada. .,Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, B3H 4R2, Canada. .,Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, B3H 4R2, Canada. .,Brain Repair Centre, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, B3H 4R2, Canada.
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3
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Buckels EJ, Hsu HL, Buchanan CM, Matthews BG, Lee KL. Genetic ablation of the preptin-coding portion of Igf2 impairs pancreatic function in female mice. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2022; 323:E467-E479. [PMID: 36459047 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00401.2021] [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] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Preptin is a 34-amino acid peptide derived from the E-peptide of pro-insulin-like growth factor 2 and is co-secreted with insulin from β-cells. Little is understood about the effects of endogenous preptin on whole body glucose metabolism. We developed a novel mouse model in which the preptin portion of Igf2 was genetically ablated in all tissues, hereafter referred to as preptin knockout (KO), and tested the hypothesis that the removal of preptin will lead to a decreased insulin response to a metabolic challenge. Preptin KO and wild-type (WT) mice underwent weekly fasting blood glucose measurements, intraperitoneal insulin tolerance tests (ITT) at 9, 29, and 44 wk of age, and an oral glucose tolerance test (GTT) at 45 wk of age. Preptin KO mice of both sexes had similar Igf2 exon 2-3 mRNA expression in the liver and kidney compared with WT mice, but Igf2 exon 3-4 (preptin) expression was not detectable. Western blot analysis of neonatal serum indicated that processing of pro-IGF2 translated from the KO allele may be altered. Preptin KO mice had similar body weight, body composition, β-cell area, and fasted glucose concentrations compared with WT mice in both sexes up to 47 wk of age. Female KO mice had a diminished ability to mount an insulin response following glucose stimulation in vivo. This effect was absent in male KO mice. Although preptin is not essential for glucose homeostasis, when combined with previous in vitro and ex vivo findings, these data show that preptin positively impacts β-cell function.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This is the first study to describe a model in which the preptin-coding portion of the Igf2 gene has been genetically ablated in mice. The mice do not show reduced size at birth associated with Igf2 knockout suggesting that IGF2 functionality is maintained, yet we demonstrate a change in the processing of mature Igf2. Female knockout mice have diminished glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, whereas the insulin response in males is not different to wild type.
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Affiliation(s)
- E J Buckels
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, University of Auckland, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - H-L Hsu
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - C M Buchanan
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, University of Auckland, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - B G Matthews
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, University of Auckland, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - K L Lee
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, University of Auckland, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, University of Auckland, New Zealand
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4
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Yin G, Xia L, Hou Y, Li Y, Cao D, Liu Y, Chen J, Liu J, Zhang L, Yang Q, Zhang Q, Tang N. Transgenerational male reproductive effect of prenatal arsenic exposure: abnormal spermatogenesis with Igf2/H19 epigenetic alteration in CD1 mouse. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2022; 32:1248-1260. [PMID: 33406855 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2020.1870668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Developmental exposure to environmental toxicants can induce transgenerational reproductive disease phenotypes through epigenetic mechanisms. We treated pregnant CD-1 (F0) mice with drinking water containing sodium arsenite (85 ppm) from days 8 to 18 of gestation. Male offspring were bred with untreated female mice until the F3 generation was produced. Our results revealed that F0 transient exposure to arsenic can cause decreased sperm quality and histological abnormalities in the F1 and F3. The overall methylation status of Igf2 DMR2 and H19 DMR was significantly lower in the arsenic-exposed group than that of the control group in both F1 and F3. The relative mRNA expression levels of Igf2 and H19 in arsenic-exposed males were significantly increased in both F1 and F3. This study indicates that ancestral exposure to arsenic may result in transgenerational inheritance of an impaired spermatogenesis phenotyping involving both epigenetic alterations and the abnormal expression of Igf2 and H19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoying Yin
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Liting Xia
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yaxing Hou
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yaoyan Li
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Deqing Cao
- Central Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yanan Liu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jingshan Chen
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Juan Liu
- Department of Biomedical Information and Library, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Liwen Zhang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environment, Nutrition and Public Health, Center for International Collaborative Research on Environment, Nutrition and Public Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Qiaoyun Yang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environment, Nutrition and Public Health, Center for International Collaborative Research on Environment, Nutrition and Public Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Qiang Zhang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environment, Nutrition and Public Health, Center for International Collaborative Research on Environment, Nutrition and Public Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Naijun Tang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environment, Nutrition and Public Health, Center for International Collaborative Research on Environment, Nutrition and Public Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
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5
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Liao J, Zeng TB, Pierce N, Tran DA, Singh P, Mann JR, Szabó PE. Prenatal correction of IGF2 to rescue the growth phenotypes in mouse models of Beckwith-Wiedemann and Silver-Russell syndromes. Cell Rep 2021; 34:108729. [PMID: 33567274 PMCID: PMC7968144 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.108729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) and Silver-Russell syndrome (SRS) are imprinting disorders manifesting as aberrant fetal growth and severe postnatal-growth-related complications. Based on the insulator model, one-third of BWS cases and two-thirds of SRS cases are consistent with misexpression of insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2), an important facilitator of fetal growth. We propose that the IGF2-dependent BWS and SRS cases can be identified by prenatal diagnosis and can be prevented by prenatal intervention targeting IGF2. We test this hypothesis using our mouse models of IGF2-dependent BWS and SRS. We find that genetically normalizing IGF2 levels in a double rescue experiment corrects the fetal overgrowth phenotype in the BWS model and the growth retardation in the SRS model. In addition, we pharmacologically rescue the BWS growth phenotype by reducing IGF2 signaling during late gestation. This animal study encourages clinical investigations to target IGF2 for prenatal diagnosis and prenatal prevention in human BWS and SRS. Liao et al. use mouse models to test a prenatal approach for correcting growth anomalies in two imprinting diseases, BWS and SRS. They find that cases where the fetal growth factor IGF2 is misregulated can be diagnosed, and growth can be corrected by prenatally adjusting IGF2 or its signaling output.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Liao
- Center for Epigenetics, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Tie-Bo Zeng
- Center for Epigenetics, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Nicholas Pierce
- Center for Epigenetics, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Diana A Tran
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Biology, City of Hope Cancer Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; Irell and Manella Graduate School, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Purnima Singh
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Biology, City of Hope Cancer Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Jeffrey R Mann
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Biology, City of Hope Cancer Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Piroska E Szabó
- Center for Epigenetics, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA.
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6
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Muhammad T, Li M, Wang J, Huang T, Zhao S, Zhao H, Liu H, Chen ZJ. Roles of insulin-like growth factor II in regulating female reproductive physiology. SCIENCE CHINA-LIFE SCIENCES 2020; 63:849-865. [PMID: 32291558 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-019-1646-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The number of growth factors involved in female fertility has been extensively studied, but reluctance to add essential growth factors in culture media has limited progress in optimizing embryonic growth and implantation outcomes, a situation that has ultimately led to reduced pregnancy outcomes. Insulin-like growth factor II (IGF-II) is the most intricately regulated of all known reproduction-related growth factors characterized to date, and is perhaps the predominant growth factor in human ovarian follicles. This review aims to concisely summarize what is known about the role of IGF-II in follicular development, oocyte maturation, embryonic development, implantation success, placentation, fetal growth, and in reducing placental cell apoptosis, as well as present strategies that use growth factors in culture systems to improve the developmental potential of oocytes and embryos in different species. Synthesizing the present knowledge about the physiological roles of IGF-II in follicular development, oocyte maturation, and early embryonic development should, on the one hand, deepen our overall understanding of the potential beneficial effects of growth factors in female reproduction and on the other hand support development (optimization) of improved outcomes for assisted reproductive technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahir Muhammad
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China.,National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China.,Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China.,Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Mengjing Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China.,National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China.,Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China.,Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Jianfeng Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China.,National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China.,Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China.,Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Tao Huang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China.,National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China.,Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China.,Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Shigang Zhao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China.,National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China.,Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China.,Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Han Zhao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China.,National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China.,Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China.,Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Hongbin Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China. .,National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China. .,Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China. .,Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China.
| | - Zi-Jiang Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China. .,National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China. .,Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China. .,Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China. .,Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, 200000, China. .,Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200000, China.
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7
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Renshall LJ, Cottrell EC, Cowley E, Sibley CP, Baker PN, Thorstensen EB, Greenwood SL, Wareing M, Dilworth MR. Antenatal sildenafil citrate treatment increases offspring blood pressure in the placental-specific Igf2 knockout mouse model of FGR. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2019; 318:H252-H263. [PMID: 31809211 PMCID: PMC7052623 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00568.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Fetal growth restriction (FGR), where a fetus fails to reach its genetic growth potential, affects up to 8% of pregnancies and is a major risk factor for stillbirth and adulthood morbidity. There are currently no treatments for FGR, but candidate therapies include the phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor sildenafil citrate (SC). Randomized clinical trials in women demonstrated no effect of SC on fetal growth in cases of severe early onset FGR; however, long-term health outcomes on the offspring are unknown. This study aimed to assess the effect of antenatal SC treatment on metabolic and cardiovascular health in offspring by assessing postnatal weight gain, glucose tolerance, systolic blood pressure, and resistance artery function in a mouse model of FGR, the placental-specific insulin-like growth factor 2 (PO) knockout mouse. SC was administered subcutaneously (10 mg/kg) daily from embryonic day (E)12.5. Antenatal SC treatment did not alter fetal weight or viability but increased postnatal weight gain in wild-type (WT) female offspring (P < 0.05) and reduced glucose sensitivity in both WT (P < 0.01) and P0 (P < 0.05) female offspring compared with controls. Antenatal SC treatment increased systolic blood pressure in both male (WT vs. WT-SC: 117 ± 2 vs. 140 ± 3 mmHg, P < 0.0001; P0 vs. P0-SC: 113 ± 3 vs. 140 ± 4 mmHg, P < 0.0001; means ± SE) and female (WT vs. WT-SC: 121 ± 2 vs. 140 ± 2 mmHg, P < 0.0001; P0 vs. P0-SC: 117 ± 2 vs. 144 ± 4 mmHg, P < 0.0001) offspring at 8 and 13 wk of age. Increased systolic blood pressure was not attributed to altered mesenteric artery function. In utero exposure to SC may result in metabolic dysfunction and elevated blood pressure in later life. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Sildenafil citrate (SC) is currently used to treat fetal growth restriction (FGR). We demonstrate that SC is ineffective at treating FGR, and leads to a substantial increase systolic blood pressure and alterations in glucose homeostasis in offspring. We therefore urge caution and suggest that further studies are required to assess the safety and efficacy of SC in utero, in addition to the implications on long-term health.
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Affiliation(s)
- L J Renshall
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - E C Cottrell
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - E Cowley
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - C P Sibley
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - P N Baker
- Liggins Institute, The University of Auckland, Grafton, Auckland, New Zealand.,College of Life Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - E B Thorstensen
- Liggins Institute, The University of Auckland, Grafton, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - S L Greenwood
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - M Wareing
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - M R Dilworth
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester, United Kingdom
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8
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Nechin J, Tunstall E, Raymond N, Hamagami N, Pathmanabhan C, Forestier S, Davis TL. Hemimethylation of CpG dyads is characteristic of secondary DMRs associated with imprinted loci and correlates with 5-hydroxymethylcytosine at paternally methylated sequences. Epigenetics Chromatin 2019; 12:64. [PMID: 31623686 PMCID: PMC6796366 DOI: 10.1186/s13072-019-0309-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In mammals, the regulation of imprinted genes is controlled by differential methylation at imprinting control regions which acquire parent of origin-specific methylation patterns during gametogenesis and retain differences in allelic methylation status throughout fertilization and subsequent somatic cell divisions. In addition, many imprinted genes acquire differential methylation during post-implantation development; these secondary differentially methylated regions appear necessary to maintain the imprinted expression state of individual genes. Despite the requirement for both types of differentially methylated sequence elements to achieve proper expression across imprinting clusters, methylation patterns are more labile at secondary differentially methylated regions. To understand the nature of this variability, we analyzed CpG dyad methylation patterns at both paternally and maternally methylated imprinted loci within multiple imprinting clusters. RESULTS We determined that both paternally and maternally methylated secondary differentially methylated regions associated with imprinted genes display high levels of hemimethylation, 29-49%, in comparison to imprinting control regions which exhibited 8-12% hemimethylation. To explore how hemimethylation could arise, we assessed the differentially methylated regions for the presence of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine which could cause methylation to be lost via either passive and/or active demethylation mechanisms. We found enrichment of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine at paternally methylated secondary differentially methylated regions, but not at the maternally methylated sites we analyzed in this study. CONCLUSIONS We found high levels of hemimethylation to be a generalizable characteristic of secondary differentially methylated regions associated with imprinted genes. We propose that 5-hydroxymethylcytosine enrichment may be responsible for the variability in methylation status at paternally methylated secondary differentially methylated regions associated with imprinted genes. We further suggest that the high incidence of hemimethylation at secondary differentially methylated regions must be counteracted by continuous methylation acquisition at these loci.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julianna Nechin
- Department of Biology, Bryn Mawr College, 101 N. Merion Avenue, Bryn Mawr, PA, 19010-2899, USA
| | - Emma Tunstall
- Department of Biology, Bryn Mawr College, 101 N. Merion Avenue, Bryn Mawr, PA, 19010-2899, USA
| | - Naideline Raymond
- Department of Biology, Bryn Mawr College, 101 N. Merion Avenue, Bryn Mawr, PA, 19010-2899, USA
| | - Nicole Hamagami
- Department of Biology, Bryn Mawr College, 101 N. Merion Avenue, Bryn Mawr, PA, 19010-2899, USA
| | - Chris Pathmanabhan
- Department of Biology, Bryn Mawr College, 101 N. Merion Avenue, Bryn Mawr, PA, 19010-2899, USA
| | - Samantha Forestier
- Department of Biology, Bryn Mawr College, 101 N. Merion Avenue, Bryn Mawr, PA, 19010-2899, USA
| | - Tamara L Davis
- Department of Biology, Bryn Mawr College, 101 N. Merion Avenue, Bryn Mawr, PA, 19010-2899, USA.
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9
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McIntyre KR, Hayward CE, Sibley CP, Greenwood SL, Dilworth MR. Evidence of adaptation of maternofetal transport of glutamine relative to placental size in normal mice, and in those with fetal growth restriction. J Physiol 2019; 597:4975-4990. [PMID: 31400764 PMCID: PMC6790568 DOI: 10.1113/jp278226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Key points Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a major risk factor for stillbirth and has significant impact upon lifelong health. A small, poorly functioning placenta, as evidenced by reduced transport of nutrients to the baby, underpins FGR. It remains unclear how a small but normal placenta differs from the small FGR placenta in terms of ability to transfer nutrients to the fetus. Placental transport of glutamine and glutamate, key amino acids for fetal growth, was assessed in normal mice and those with FGR. Glutamine and glutamate transport was greater in the lightest versus heaviest placenta in a litter of normally grown mice. Placentas of mice with FGR had increased transport capacity in mid‐pregnancy, but this adaptation was insufficient in late pregnancy. Placental adaptations, in terms of increased nutrient transport (per gram) to compensate for small size, appear to achieve appropriate fetal growth in normal pregnancy. Failure of this adaptation might contribute to FGR.
Abstract Fetal growth restriction (FGR), a major risk factor for stillbirth, and neonatal and adulthood morbidity, is associated with reduced placental size and decreased placental nutrient transport. In mice, a small, normal placenta increases its nutrient transport, thus compensating for its reduced size and maintaining normal fetal growth. Whether this adaptation occurs for glutamine and glutamate, two key amino acids for placental metabolism and fetal growth, is unknown. Additionally, an assessment of placental transport of glutamine and glutamate between FGR and normal pregnancy is currently lacking. We thus tested the hypothesis that the transport of glutamine and glutamate would be increased (per gram of tissue) in a small normal placenta [C57BL6/J (wild‐type, WT) mice], but that this adaptation fails in the small dysfunctional placenta in FGR [insulin‐like growth factor 2 knockout (P0) mouse model of FGR]. In WT mice, comparing the lightest versus heaviest placenta in a litter, unidirectional maternofetal clearance (Kmf) of 14C‐glutamine and 14C‐glutamate (glutamineKmf and glutamateKmf) was significantly higher at embryonic day (E) 18.5, in line with increased expression of LAT1, a glutamine transporter protein. In P0 mice, glutamineKmf and glutamateKmf were higher (P0 versus wild‐type littermates, WTL) at E15.5. At E18.5, glutamineKmf remained elevated whereas glutamateKmf was similar between groups. In summary, we provide evidence that glutamineKmf and glutamateKmf adapt according to placental size in WT mice. The placenta of the growth‐restricted P0 fetus also elevates transport capacity to compensate for size at E15.5, but this adaptation is insufficient at E18.5; this may contribute to decreased fetal growth. Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a major risk factor for stillbirth and has significant impact upon lifelong health. A small, poorly functioning placenta, as evidenced by reduced transport of nutrients to the baby, underpins FGR. It remains unclear how a small but normal placenta differs from the small FGR placenta in terms of ability to transfer nutrients to the fetus. Placental transport of glutamine and glutamate, key amino acids for fetal growth, was assessed in normal mice and those with FGR. Glutamine and glutamate transport was greater in the lightest versus heaviest placenta in a litter of normally grown mice. Placentas of mice with FGR had increased transport capacity in mid‐pregnancy, but this adaptation was insufficient in late pregnancy. Placental adaptations, in terms of increased nutrient transport (per gram) to compensate for small size, appear to achieve appropriate fetal growth in normal pregnancy. Failure of this adaptation might contribute to FGR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsty R McIntyre
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK.,School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Christina E Hayward
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Colin P Sibley
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Susan L Greenwood
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Mark R Dilworth
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
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10
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Wani AL, Shadab GHA. Brain, behavior and the journey towards neuroepigenetic therapeutics. Epigenomics 2019; 11:969-981. [PMID: 31144515 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2018-0014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetics has brought about a major shift in our understanding of biological mechanisms and their associated health effects. Strong epigenetic components have been found to be involved in the progression of many diseases. In several human diseases, including debilitating psychiatric disorders, altered epigenetic status has been found as one of the main causes. With continuous progress on drug development, researchers are enthusiastic toward epigenetic therapeutics which could possibly reverse epigenetic modifications. In this article certain developments in epigenetic therapeutics are highlighted, the indiscriminate use of which could also be associated with potential risk. These risks may partly be due to our limited knowledge on genes and the mechanisms underlying epigenetic involvement in different diseases. Epigenetic changes are fundamentally important for a large number of bodily functions; nonspecific usage of therapeutics could be potentially harmful therefore there is a need to harness epigenetics positively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ab Latif Wani
- Cytogenetics & Molecular Toxicology Laboratory, Section of Genetics, Department of Zoology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, 202002, India
| | - Gg Hammad Ahmad Shadab
- Cytogenetics & Molecular Toxicology Laboratory, Section of Genetics, Department of Zoology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, 202002, India
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11
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Wang KH, Kupa J, Duffy KA, Kalish JM. Diagnosis and Management of Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome. Front Pediatr 2019; 7:562. [PMID: 32039119 PMCID: PMC6990127 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2019.00562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) is a human genomic imprinting disorder that presents with a wide spectrum of clinical features including overgrowth, abdominal wall defects, macroglossia, neonatal hypoglycemia, and predisposition to embryonal tumors. It is associated with genetic and epigenetic changes on the chromosome 11p15 region, which includes two imprinting control regions. Here we review strategies for diagnosing and managing BWS and delineate commonly used genetic tests to establish a molecular diagnosis of BWS. Recommended first-line testing assesses DNA methylation and copy number variation of the BWS region. Tissue mosaicism can occur in patients with BWS, posing a challenge for genetic testing, and a negative test result does not exclude a diagnosis of BWS. Further testing should analyze additional tissue samples or employ techniques with higher diagnostic yield. Identifying the BWS molecular subtype is valuable for coordinating patient care because of the (epi)genotype-phenotype correlations, including different risks and types of embryonal tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen H Wang
- Division of Human Genetics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Jonida Kupa
- Division of Human Genetics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Kelly A Duffy
- Division of Human Genetics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Jennifer M Kalish
- Division of Human Genetics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States.,Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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12
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Renshall LJ, Morgan HL, Moens H, Cansfield D, Finn-Sell SL, Tropea T, Cottrell EC, Greenwood S, Sibley CP, Wareing M, Dilworth MR. Melatonin Increases Fetal Weight in Wild-Type Mice but Not in Mouse Models of Fetal Growth Restriction. Front Physiol 2018; 9:1141. [PMID: 30158878 PMCID: PMC6104307 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.01141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Fetal growth restriction (FGR) presents with an increased risk of stillbirth and childhood and adulthood morbidity. Melatonin, a neurohormone and antioxidant, has been suggested as having therapeutic benefit in FGR. We tested the hypothesis that melatonin would increase fetal growth in two mouse models of FGR which together represent a spectrum of the placental phenotypes in this complication: namely the endothelial nitric oxide synthase knockout mouse (eNOS-/-) which presents with abnormal uteroplacental blood flow, and the placental specific Igf2 knockout mouse (P0+/-) which demonstrates aberrant placental morphology akin to human FGR. Melatonin (5 μg/ml) was administered via drinking water from embryonic day (E)12.5 in C57Bl/6J wild-type (WT), eNOS-/-, and P0+/- mice. Melatonin supplementation significantly increased fetal weight in WT, but not eNOS-/- or P0+/- mice at E18.5. Melatonin did, however, significantly increase abdominal circumference in P0+/- mice. Melatonin had no effect on placental weight in any group. Uterine arteries from eNOS-/- mice demonstrated aberrant function compared with WT but melatonin treatment did not affect uterine artery vascular reactivity in either of these genotypes. Umbilical arteries from melatonin treated P0+/- mice demonstrated increased relaxation in response to the nitric oxide donor SNP compared with control. The increased fetal weight in WT mice and abdominal circumference in P0+/-, together with the lack of any effect in eNOS-/-, suggest that the presence of eNOS is required for the growth promoting effects of melatonin. This study supports further work on the possibility of melatonin as a treatment for FGR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lewis J Renshall
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Hannah L Morgan
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Hymke Moens
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - David Cansfield
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah L Finn-Sell
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Teresa Tropea
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Elizabeth C Cottrell
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Susan Greenwood
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Colin P Sibley
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Wareing
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Mark R Dilworth
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester, United Kingdom
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13
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Izadpanahi M, Seyedjafari E, Arefian E, Hamta A, Hosseinzadeh S, Kehtari M, Soleimani M. Nanotopographical cues of electrospun PLLA efficiently modulate non-coding RNA network to osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells during BMP signaling pathway. MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING. C, MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS 2018; 93:686-703. [PMID: 30274102 DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2018.08.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2017] [Revised: 06/03/2018] [Accepted: 08/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Application of stem cells in combination with nanofibrous substrates is an interesting biomimetic approach for enhanced regeneration of damaged tissues such as bone and cartilage. The investigation of the complex interplay between nanotopographical cues of niche and noncoding RNAs in stem cells fate is an effective tool to find a new strategy for enhancing the induction of osteogenesis. In this study, we investigated the effects of aligned and random orientations of nanofibers as a natural ECM-mimicking environment on the network of noncoding RNA in mesenchymal stem cells. Aligned and randomly oriented Ploy (L-lactide) PLLA scaffolds were fabricated via electrospinning. Human Adipose Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (hASCs) were isolated from adipose tissue and were cultured on surfaces of these scaffolds. Their capacity to support hMSCs proliferation was also investigated by MTT assay and the expression of c-Myc gene. Then, after 7, 14 and 21 days, the osteogenic commitment of hMSCs and the miRNA regulatory network in BMP signaling pathway were evaluated by measuring alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, extracellular calcium deposition, and bone-related gene activation by Real-Time PCR. Furthermore, osteogenic differentiation was evaluated with regard to their noncoding RNA network. Our results for the first time showed an interaction between nanotopographical cues and miRNA activity in hMSCs. We found that the nanotopographical cues could be used to influence the osteogenic differentiation process of hMSCs through the modulation of lncRNAs and miR-125b as negative regulators of osteogenesis as well as the H19 modulator BMP signaling pathway that acts as a miRNA sponge. Moreover, we also demonstrated for the first time that MEG3 as a long noncoding RNA is controlled by miR-125b and microRNA-triggered lncRNA decay mechanism. This strategy seems to be an important tool for controlling stem cell fate in engineered tissues and provide new insights into most biocompatible scaffolds for bone-graft substitutes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Izadpanahi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Arak University, Arak, Iran; Stem cell Technology Research Center, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ehsan Seyedjafari
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ehsan Arefian
- Department of Microbiology, School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Ahmad Hamta
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Arak University, Arak, Iran
| | - Simzar Hosseinzadeh
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Stem cell Technology Research Center, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mousa Kehtari
- Developmental Biology Laboratory School of Biology, College of Science University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran; Stem cell Technology Research Center, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoud Soleimani
- Hematology Department, Faculty of Medical Science, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran Iran.
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14
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Patel A, Yang P, Tinkham M, Pradhan M, Sun MA, Wang Y, Hoang D, Wolf G, Horton JR, Zhang X, Macfarlan T, Cheng X. DNA Conformation Induces Adaptable Binding by Tandem Zinc Finger Proteins. Cell 2018; 173:221-233.e12. [PMID: 29551271 PMCID: PMC5877318 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2018.02.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2017] [Revised: 10/24/2017] [Accepted: 02/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Tandem zinc finger (ZF) proteins are the largest and most rapidly diverging family of DNA-binding transcription regulators in mammals. ZFP568 represses a transcript of placental-specific insulin like growth factor 2 (Igf2-P0) in mice. ZFP568 binds a 24-base pair sequence-specific element upstream of Igf2-P0 via the eleven-ZF array. Both DNA and protein conformations deviate from the conventional one finger-three bases recognition, with individual ZFs contacting 2, 3, or 4 bases and recognizing thymine on the opposite strand. These interactions arise from a shortened minor groove caused by an AT-rich stretch, suggesting adaptability of ZF arrays to sequence variations. Despite conservation in mammals, mutations at Igf2 and ZFP568 reduce their binding affinity in chimpanzee and humans. Our studies provide important insights into the evolutionary and structural dynamics of ZF-DNA interactions that play a key role in mammalian development and evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anamika Patel
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, 1510 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Peng Yang
- The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institutes of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Matthew Tinkham
- The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institutes of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Mihika Pradhan
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, 1510 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Ming-An Sun
- The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institutes of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Yixuan Wang
- The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institutes of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Don Hoang
- The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institutes of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Gernot Wolf
- The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institutes of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - John R Horton
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Xing Zhang
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Todd Macfarlan
- The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institutes of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| | - Xiaodong Cheng
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, 1510 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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15
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Wan Y, Deng M, Zhang G, Ren C, Liu Z, Wang F. Analysis of H19/Igf2 Methylation Status in the Sperm of Cloned Goats and Their Offspring. Cell Reprogram 2018; 20:66-75. [DOI: 10.1089/cell.2017.0029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yongjie Wan
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Mingtian Deng
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Guomin Zhang
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Caifang Ren
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zifei Liu
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Feng Wang
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
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16
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Hayward CE, McIntyre KR, Sibley CP, Greenwood SL, Dilworth MR. Mechanisms Underpinning Adaptations in Placental Calcium Transport in Normal Mice and Those With Fetal Growth Restriction. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2018; 9:671. [PMID: 30515131 PMCID: PMC6255882 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Fetal delivery of calcium, via the placenta, is crucial for appropriate skeletal mineralization. We have previously demonstrated that maternofetal calcium transport, per gram placenta, is increased in the placental specific insulin-like growth factor 2 knockout mouse (P0) model of fetal growth restriction (FGR) compared to wild type littermates (WTL). This effect was mirrored in wild-type (WT) mice comparing lightest vs. heaviest (LvH) placentas in a litter. In both models increased placental calcium transport was associated with normalization of fetal calcium content. Despite this adaptation being observed in small normal (WT), and small dysfunctional (P0) placentas, mechanisms underpinning these changes remain unknown. Parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP), elevated in cord blood in FGR and known to stimulate plasma membrane calcium ATPase, might be important. We hypothesized that PTHrP expression would be increased in LvH WT placentas, and in P0 vs. WTL. We used calcium pathway-focused PCR arrays to assess whether mechanisms underpinning these adaptations in LvH WT placentas, and in P0 vs. WTL, were similar. PTHrP protein expression was not different between LvH WT placentas at E18.5 but trended toward increased expression (139%; P = 0.06) in P0 vs. WTL. PCR arrays demonstrated that four genes were differentially expressed in LvH WT placentas including increased expression of the calcium-binding protein calmodulin 1 (1.6-fold; P < 0.05). Twenty-four genes were differentially expressed in placentas of P0 vs. WTL; significant reductions were observed in expression of S100 calcium binding protein G (2-fold; P < 0.01), parathyroid hormone 1 receptor (1.7-fold; P < 0.01) and PTHrP (2-fold; P < 0.05), whilst serum/glucocorticoid-regulated kinase 1 (SGK1), a regulator of nutrient transporters, was increased (1.4 fold; P < 0.05). Tartrate resistant acid phosphatase 5 (TRAP5 encoded by Acp5) was reduced in placentas of both LvH WT and P0 vs. WTL (1.6- and 1.7-fold, respectively; P < 0.05). Signaling events underpinning adaptations in calcium transport are distinct between LvH placentas of WT mice and those in P0 vs. WTL. Calcium binding proteins appear important in functional adaptations in the former whilst PTHrP and SGK1 are also implicated in the latter. These data facilitate understanding of mechanisms underpinning placental calcium transport adaptation in normal and growth restricted fetuses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina E. Hayward
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, School of Medical Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Kirsty R. McIntyre
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, School of Medical Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Colin P. Sibley
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, School of Medical Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Susan L. Greenwood
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, School of Medical Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Mark R. Dilworth
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, School of Medical Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Mark R. Dilworth
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17
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A Tox21 Approach to Altered Epigenetic Landscapes: Assessing Epigenetic Toxicity Pathways Leading to Altered Gene Expression and Oncogenic Transformation In Vitro. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18061179. [PMID: 28587163 PMCID: PMC5486002 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18061179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2017] [Revised: 05/19/2017] [Accepted: 05/22/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
An emerging vision for toxicity testing in the 21st century foresees in vitro assays assuming the leading role in testing for chemical hazards, including testing for carcinogenicity. Toxicity will be determined by monitoring key steps in functionally validated molecular pathways, using tests designed to reveal chemically-induced perturbations that lead to adverse phenotypic endpoints in cultured human cells. Risk assessments would subsequently be derived from the causal in vitro endpoints and concentration vs. effect data extrapolated to human in vivo concentrations. Much direct experimental evidence now shows that disruption of epigenetic processes by chemicals is a carcinogenic mode of action that leads to altered gene functions playing causal roles in cancer initiation and progression. In assessing chemical safety, it would therefore be advantageous to consider an emerging class of carcinogens, the epigenotoxicants, with the ability to change chromatin and/or DNA marks by direct or indirect effects on the activities of enzymes (writers, erasers/editors, remodelers and readers) that convey the epigenetic information. Evidence is reviewed supporting a strategy for in vitro hazard identification of carcinogens that induce toxicity through disturbance of functional epigenetic pathways in human somatic cells, leading to inactivated tumour suppressor genes and carcinogenesis. In the context of human cell transformation models, these in vitro pathway measurements ensure high biological relevance to the apical endpoint of cancer. Four causal mechanisms participating in pathways to persistent epigenetic gene silencing were considered: covalent histone modification, nucleosome remodeling, non-coding RNA interaction and DNA methylation. Within these four interacting mechanisms, 25 epigenetic toxicity pathway components (SET1, MLL1, KDM5, G9A, SUV39H1, SETDB1, EZH2, JMJD3, CBX7, CBX8, BMI, SUZ12, HP1, MPP8, DNMT1, DNMT3A, DNMT3B, TET1, MeCP2, SETDB2, BAZ2A, UHRF1, CTCF, HOTAIR and ANRIL) were found to have experimental evidence showing that functional perturbations played “driver” roles in human cellular transformation. Measurement of epigenotoxicants presents challenges for short-term carcinogenicity testing, especially in the high-throughput modes emphasized in the Tox21 chemicals testing approach. There is need to develop and validate in vitro tests to detect both, locus-specific, and genome-wide, epigenetic alterations with causal links to oncogenic cellular phenotypes. Some recent examples of cell-based high throughput chemical screening assays are presented that have been applied or have shown potential for application to epigenetic endpoints.
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18
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Yang P, Wang Y, Hoang D, Tinkham M, Patel A, Sun MA, Wolf G, Baker M, Chien HC, Lai KYN, Cheng X, Shen CKJ, Macfarlan TS. A placental growth factor is silenced in mouse embryos by the zinc finger protein ZFP568. Science 2017; 356:757-759. [PMID: 28522536 PMCID: PMC6309218 DOI: 10.1126/science.aah6895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2016] [Accepted: 04/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) is the major fetal growth hormone in mammals. We identify zinc finger protein 568 (ZFP568), a member of the rapidly evolving Kruppel-associated box-zinc finger protein (KRAB-ZFP) family linked primarily to silencing of endogenous retroelements, as a direct repressor of a placental-specific Igf2 transcript (designated Igf2-P0) in mice. Loss of Zfp568, which causes gastrulation failure, or mutation of the ZFP568-binding site at the Igf2-P0 promoter causes inappropriate Igf2-P0 activation. Deletion of Igf2 can completely rescue Zfp568 gastrulation phenotypes through late gestation. Our data highlight the exquisite selectivity with which members of the KRAB-ZFP family repress their targets and identify an additional layer of transcriptional control of a key growth factor regulating fetal and placental development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Yang
- The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Yixuan Wang
- The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Don Hoang
- The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Matthew Tinkham
- The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Anamika Patel
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Ming-An Sun
- The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Gernot Wolf
- The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Mairead Baker
- The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Huan-Chieh Chien
- Department of Life Sciences and Institute of Genome Sciences, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Kuan-Yu Nick Lai
- Department of Life Sciences and Institute of Genome Sciences, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Xiaodong Cheng
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Che-Kun James Shen
- Department of Life Sciences and Institute of Genome Sciences, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China.
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Todd S Macfarlan
- The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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Perinatal high methyl donor alters gene expression in IGF system in male offspring without altering DNA methylation. Future Sci OA 2016; 3:FSO164. [PMID: 28344827 PMCID: PMC5351714 DOI: 10.4155/fsoa-2016-0077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2016] [Accepted: 11/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: To investigate the effect of a protein restriction and a supplementation with methyl donor nutrients during fetal and early postnatal life on the expression and epigenetic state of imprinted genes from the IGF system. Materials & methods: Pregnant female rats were fed a protein-restricted diet supplemented or not with methyl donor. Results: Gene expression of the Igf2, H19, Igf1, Igf2r and Plagl1 genes in the liver of male offspring at birth and weaning was strongly influenced by maternal diet. Whereas the methylation profiles of the Igf2, H19 and Igf2r genes were remarkably stable, DNA methylation of Plagl1 promoter was slightly modified. Conclusion: DNA methylation of most, but not all, imprinted gene regulatory regions was resistant to methyl group nutritional supply. Fetal environment influences fetal growth and may confer a risk to develop metabolic diseases, possibly through alterations in the epigenetic state of the genome. Imprinted genes constitute a special class of genes that are crucial for the control of fetal and postnatal growth and are closely associated with energy metabolism. In addition, these genes are finely regulated by epigenetic mechanisms that are themselves influenced by environmental factors. This study showed that methyl donor nutrients in maternal diet strongly influenced the expression level of imprinted genes in the liver of rat offspring, despite a mild effect on epigenetic regulation.
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Marášek P, Dzijak R, Studenyak I, Fišerová J, Uličná L, Novák P, Hozák P. Paxillin-dependent regulation of IGF2 and H19 gene cluster expression. J Cell Sci 2015; 128:3106-16. [PMID: 26116569 PMCID: PMC4541046 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.170985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2015] [Accepted: 05/31/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Paxillin (PXN) is a focal adhesion protein that has been implicated in signal transduction from the extracellular matrix. Recently, it has been shown to shuttle between the cytoplasm and the nucleus. When inside the nucleus, paxillin promotes cell proliferation. Here, we introduce paxillin as a transcriptional regulator of IGF2 and H19 genes. It does not affect the allelic expression of the two genes; rather, it regulates long-range chromosomal interactions between the IGF2 or H19 promoter and a shared distal enhancer on an active allele. Specifically, paxillin stimulates the interaction between the enhancer and the IGF2 promoter, thus activating IGF2 gene transcription, whereas it restrains the interaction between the enhancer and the H19 promoter, downregulating the H19 gene. We found that paxillin interacts with cohesin and the mediator complex, which have been shown to mediate long-range chromosomal looping. We propose that these interactions occur at the IGF2 and H19 gene cluster and are involved in the formation of loops between the IGF2 and H19 promoters and the enhancer, and thus the expression of the corresponding genes. These observations contribute to a mechanistic explanation of the role of paxillin in proliferation and fetal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavel Marášek
- Department of Biology of the Cell Nucleus, Institute of Molecular Genetics AS CR, Prague 142 20, Czech Republic Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Prague 128 43, Czech Republic
| | - Rastislav Dzijak
- Department of Biology of the Cell Nucleus, Institute of Molecular Genetics AS CR, Prague 142 20, Czech Republic Department of Genome Integrity, Institute of Molecular Genetics AS CR, Prague 142 20, Czech Republic
| | - Irina Studenyak
- Department of Biology of the Cell Nucleus, Institute of Molecular Genetics AS CR, Prague 142 20, Czech Republic
| | - Jindřiška Fišerová
- Department of Biology of the Cell Nucleus, Institute of Molecular Genetics AS CR, Prague 142 20, Czech Republic
| | - Lívia Uličná
- Department of Biology of the Cell Nucleus, Institute of Molecular Genetics AS CR, Prague 142 20, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Novák
- Laboratory of Structural Biology and Cell Signaling, Institute of Microbiology AS CR, Prague 142 00, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Hozák
- Department of Biology of the Cell Nucleus, Institute of Molecular Genetics AS CR, Prague 142 20, Czech Republic
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22
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MacDonald WA, Sachani SS, White CR, Mann MRW. A role for chromatin topology in imprinted domain regulation. Biochem Cell Biol 2015. [PMID: 26222733 DOI: 10.1139/bcb-2015-0032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently, many advancements in genome-wide chromatin topology and nuclear architecture have unveiled the complex and hidden world of the nucleus, where chromatin is organized into discrete neighbourhoods with coordinated gene expression. This includes the active and inactive X chromosomes. Using X chromosome inactivation as a working model, we utilized publicly available datasets together with a literature review to gain insight into topologically associated domains, lamin-associated domains, nucleolar-associating domains, scaffold/matrix attachment regions, and nucleoporin-associated chromatin and their role in regulating monoallelic expression. Furthermore, we comprehensively review for the first time the role of chromatin topology and nuclear architecture in the regulation of genomic imprinting. We propose that chromatin topology and nuclear architecture are important regulatory mechanisms for directing gene expression within imprinted domains. Furthermore, we predict that dynamic changes in chromatin topology and nuclear architecture play roles in tissue-specific imprint domain regulation during early development and differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- William A MacDonald
- a Departments of Obstetrics & Gynecology, and Biochemistry, University of Western Ontario, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, Ontario, Canada.,b Children's Health Research Institute, 4th Floor, Victoria Research Laboratories, A4-130a, 800 Commissioners Rd E, London, ON N6C 2V5, Canada
| | - Saqib S Sachani
- a Departments of Obstetrics & Gynecology, and Biochemistry, University of Western Ontario, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, Ontario, Canada.,b Children's Health Research Institute, 4th Floor, Victoria Research Laboratories, A4-130a, 800 Commissioners Rd E, London, ON N6C 2V5, Canada
| | - Carlee R White
- a Departments of Obstetrics & Gynecology, and Biochemistry, University of Western Ontario, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, Ontario, Canada.,b Children's Health Research Institute, 4th Floor, Victoria Research Laboratories, A4-130a, 800 Commissioners Rd E, London, ON N6C 2V5, Canada
| | - Mellissa R W Mann
- a Departments of Obstetrics & Gynecology, and Biochemistry, University of Western Ontario, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, Ontario, Canada.,b Children's Health Research Institute, 4th Floor, Victoria Research Laboratories, A4-130a, 800 Commissioners Rd E, London, ON N6C 2V5, Canada
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Angrand PO, Vennin C, Le Bourhis X, Adriaenssens E. The role of long non-coding RNAs in genome formatting and expression. Front Genet 2015; 6:165. [PMID: 25972893 PMCID: PMC4413816 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2015.00165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2015] [Accepted: 04/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are transcripts without protein-coding potential but having a pivotal role in numerous biological functions. Long non-coding RNAs act as regulators at different levels of gene expression including chromatin organization, transcriptional regulation, and post-transcriptional control. Misregulation of lncRNAs expression has been found to be associated to cancer and other human disorders. Here, we review the different types of lncRNAs, their mechanisms of action on genome formatting and expression and emphasized on the multifaceted action of the H19 lncRNA.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Constance Vennin
- Cell Plasticity and Cancer - Inserm U908, University of Lille Lille, France
| | - Xuefen Le Bourhis
- Cell Plasticity and Cancer - Inserm U908, University of Lille Lille, France
| | - Eric Adriaenssens
- Cell Plasticity and Cancer - Inserm U908, University of Lille Lille, France
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Kamimura S, Hatanaka Y, Hirasawa R, Matsumoto K, Oikawa M, Lee J, Matoba S, Mizutani E, Ogonuki N, Inoue K, Kohda T, Ishino F, Ogura A. Establishment of Paternal Genomic Imprinting in Mouse Prospermatogonia Analyzed by Nuclear Transfer1. Biol Reprod 2014; 91:120. [DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.114.120451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
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Cleaton MA, Edwards CA, Ferguson-Smith AC. Phenotypic Outcomes of Imprinted Gene Models in Mice: Elucidation of Pre- and Postnatal Functions of Imprinted Genes. Annu Rev Genomics Hum Genet 2014; 15:93-126. [DOI: 10.1146/annurev-genom-091212-153441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Carol A. Edwards
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, United Kingdom;
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Ideraabdullah FY, Thorvaldsen JL, Myers JA, Bartolomei MS. Tissue-specific insulator function at H19/Igf2 revealed by deletions at the imprinting control region. Hum Mol Genet 2014; 23:6246-59. [PMID: 24990148 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddu344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Parent-of-origin-specific expression at imprinted genes is regulated by allele-specific DNA methylation at imprinting control regions (ICRs). This mechanism of gene regulation, where one element controls allelic expression of multiple genes, is not fully understood. Furthermore, the mechanism of gene dysregulation through ICR epimutations, such as loss or gain of DNA methylation, remains a mystery. We have used genetic mouse models to dissect ICR-mediated genetic and epigenetic regulation of imprinted gene expression. The H19/insulin-like growth factor 2 (Igf2) ICR has a multifunctional role including insulation, activation and repression. Microdeletions at the human H19/IGF2 ICR (IC1) are proposed to be responsible for IC1 epimutations associated with imprinting disorders such as Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS). Here, we have generated and characterized a mouse model that mimics BWS microdeletions to define the role of the deleted sequence in establishing and maintaining epigenetic marks and imprinted expression at the H19/IGF2 locus. These mice carry a 1.3 kb deletion at the H19/Igf2 ICR [Δ2,3] removing two of four CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF) sites and the intervening sequence, ∼75% of the ICR. Surprisingly, the Δ2,3 deletion does not perturb DNA methylation at the ICR; however, it does disrupt imprinted expression. While repressive functions of the ICR are compromised by the deletion regardless of tissue type, insulator function is only disrupted in tissues of mesodermal origin where a significant amount of CTCF is poly(ADP-ribosyl)ated. These findings suggest that insulator activity of the H19/Igf2 ICR varies by cell type and may depend on cell-specific enhancers as well as posttranslational modifications of the insulator protein CTCF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Folami Y Ideraabdullah
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, 9-123 SCTR, 3400 Civic Center Boulevard, Philadelphia PA 19104, USA and Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 120 Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Joanne L Thorvaldsen
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, 9-123 SCTR, 3400 Civic Center Boulevard, Philadelphia PA 19104, USA and
| | - Jennifer A Myers
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, 9-123 SCTR, 3400 Civic Center Boulevard, Philadelphia PA 19104, USA and
| | - Marisa S Bartolomei
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, 9-123 SCTR, 3400 Civic Center Boulevard, Philadelphia PA 19104, USA and
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Abstract
Genomic imprinting affects a subset of genes in mammals and results in a monoallelic, parental-specific expression pattern. Most of these genes are located in clusters that are regulated through the use of insulators or long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs). To distinguish the parental alleles, imprinted genes are epigenetically marked in gametes at imprinting control elements through the use of DNA methylation at the very least. Imprinted gene expression is subsequently conferred through lncRNAs, histone modifications, insulators, and higher-order chromatin structure. Such imprints are maintained after fertilization through these mechanisms despite extensive reprogramming of the mammalian genome. Genomic imprinting is an excellent model for understanding mammalian epigenetic regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise P Barlow
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, CeMM, 1090 Vienna, Austria
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28
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Functional expression study of igf2 antisense transcript in mouse. Int J Genomics 2014; 2014:390296. [PMID: 24551836 PMCID: PMC3914337 DOI: 10.1155/2014/390296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2013] [Accepted: 12/13/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Insulin-like growth factor antisense gene (Igf2as) expression was investigated in different mouse tissues during development, in differentiating C2C12 cells and in a ΔDMR1-U2 knockout mouse model. The expression levels of Igf2as were high in fetal and newborn liver and muscle tissues compared to adults. The Igf2as gene was also expressed in placenta and in brain. The expression data suggests that the Igf2as gene plays a role in early development of the mouse and in placenta. There was no consistent evidence for an interaction between Igf2 and Igf2as transcripts. Furthermore, in knockout placentas lacking Igf2as transcription, Igf2 expression was comparable to that in wild type. These results indicate that Igf2as does not regulate Igf2 sense transcripts. In previous studies, it was suggested that the ΔDMR1-U2 knockout mouse showing intrauterine growth restriction was caused by the absence of placenta-specific Igf2 P0 transcription. We conclude that the ΔDMR1-U2 deletion phenotype should be reconsidered in the light of a functional Igf2as gene.
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H19 lncRNA controls gene expression of the Imprinted Gene Network by recruiting MBD1. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2013; 110:20693-8. [PMID: 24297921 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1310201110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 233] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The H19 gene controls the expression of several genes within the Imprinted Gene Network (IGN), involved in growth control of the embryo. However, the underlying mechanisms of this control remain elusive. Here, we identified the methyl-CpG-binding domain protein 1 MBD1 as a physical and functional partner of the H19 long noncoding RNA (lncRNA). The H19 lncRNA-MBD1 complex is required for the control of five genes of the IGN. For three of these genes--Igf2 (insulin-like growth factor 2), Slc38a4 (solute carrier family 38 member 4), and Peg1 (paternally expressed gene 1)--both MBD1 and H3K9me3 binding were detected on their differentially methylated regions. The H19 lncRNA-MBD1 complex, through its interaction with histone lysine methyltransferases, therefore acts by bringing repressive histone marks on the differentially methylated regions of these three direct targets of the H19 gene. Our data suggest that, besides the differential DNA methylation found on the differentially methylated regions of imprinted genes, an additional fine tuning of the expressed allele is achieved by a modulation of the H3K9me3 marks, mediated by the association of the H19 lncRNA with chromatin-modifying complexes, such as MBD1. This results in a precise control of the level of expression of growth factors in the embryo.
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Sildenafil citrate increases fetal weight in a mouse model of fetal growth restriction with a normal vascular phenotype. PLoS One 2013; 8:e77748. [PMID: 24204949 PMCID: PMC3813774 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0077748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2013] [Accepted: 09/06/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is defined as the inability of a fetus to achieve its genetic growth potential and is associated with a significantly increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Clinically, FGR is diagnosed as a fetus falling below the 5(th) centile of customised growth charts. Sildenafil citrate (SC, Viagra™), a potent and selective phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor, corrects ex vivo placental vascular dysfunction in FGR, demonstrating potential as a therapy for this condition. However, many FGR cases present without an abnormal vascular phenotype, as assessed by Doppler measures of uterine/umbilical artery blood flow velocity. Thus, we hypothesized that SC would not increase fetal growth in a mouse model of FGR, the placental-specific Igf2 knockout mouse, which has altered placental exchange capacity but normal placental blood flow. Fetal weights were increased (by 8%) in P0 mice following maternal SC treatment (0.4 mg/ml) via drinking water. There was also a trend towards increased placental weight in treated P0 mice (P = 0.056). Additionally, 75% of the P0 fetal weights were below the 5(th) centile, the criterion used to define human FGR, of the non-treated WT fetal weights; this was reduced to 51% when dams were treated with SC. Umbilical artery and vein blood flow velocity measures confirmed the lack of an abnormal vascular phenotype in the P0 mouse; and were unaffected by SC treatment. (14)C-methylaminoisobutyric acid transfer (measured to assess effects on placental nutrient transporter activity) per g placenta was unaffected by SC, versus untreated, though total transfer was increased, commensurate with the trend towards larger placentas in this group. These data suggest that SC may improve fetal growth even in the absence of an abnormal placental blood flow, potentially affording use in multiple sub-populations of individuals presenting with FGR.
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Intragenic DNA methylation status down-regulates bovine IGF2 gene expression in different developmental stages. Gene 2013; 534:356-61. [PMID: 24140490 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2013.09.111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2013] [Accepted: 09/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
DNA methylation is a key epigenetic modification in mammals and has an essential and important role in muscle development. Insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) is a fetal growth and differentiation factor that plays an important role in muscle growth and in myoblast proliferation and differentiation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of IGF2 and the methylation pattern on the differentially methylated region (DMR) of the last exon of IGF2 in six tissues with two different developmental stages. The DNA methylation pattern was compared using bisulfite sequencing polymerase chain reaction (BSP) and combined bisulfite restriction analysis (COBRA). The quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) analysis indicated that IGF2 has a broad tissue distribution and the adult bovine group showed significant lower mRNA expression levels than that in the fetal bovine group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Moreover, the DNA methylation level analysis showed that the adult bovine group exhibited a significantly higher DNA methylation levels than that in the fetal bovine group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). These results indicate that IGF2 expression levels were negatively associated with the methylation status of the IGF2 DMR during the two developmental stages. Our results suggest that the methylation pattern in this DMR may be a useful parameter to investigate as a marker-assisted selection for muscle developmental in beef cattle breeding program and as a model for studies in other species.
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Choufani S, Shuman C, Weksberg R. Molecular findings in Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS PART C-SEMINARS IN MEDICAL GENETICS 2013; 163C:131-40. [PMID: 23592339 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.c.31363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Our understanding of Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) has recently been enhanced by advances in its molecular characterization. These advances have further delineated intricate (epi)genetic regulation of the imprinted gene cluster on chromosome 11p15.5 and the role of these genes in normal growth and development. Studies of the molecular changes associated with the BWS phenotype have been instrumental in elucidating critical molecular elements in this imprinted region. This review will provide updated information on the multiple new regulatory elements that have been recently found to contribute to in cis or in trans control of imprinted gene expression in the chromosome 11p15.5 region and the clinical expression of the BWS phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanaa Choufani
- Research Institute of the Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Susiarjo M, Sasson I, Mesaros C, Bartolomei MS. Bisphenol a exposure disrupts genomic imprinting in the mouse. PLoS Genet 2013; 9:e1003401. [PMID: 23593014 PMCID: PMC3616904 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1003401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 195] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2012] [Accepted: 02/07/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Exposure to endocrine disruptors is associated with developmental defects. One compound of concern, to which humans are widely exposed, is bisphenol A (BPA). In model organisms, BPA exposure is linked to metabolic disorders, infertility, cancer, and behavior anomalies. Recently, BPA exposure has been linked to DNA methylation changes, indicating that epigenetic mechanisms may be relevant. We investigated effects of exposure on genomic imprinting in the mouse as imprinted genes are regulated by differential DNA methylation and aberrant imprinting disrupts fetal, placental, and postnatal development. Through allele-specific and quantitative real-time PCR analysis, we demonstrated that maternal BPA exposure during late stages of oocyte development and early stages of embryonic development significantly disrupted imprinted gene expression in embryonic day (E) 9.5 and 12.5 embryos and placentas. The affected genes included Snrpn, Ube3a, Igf2, Kcnq1ot1, Cdkn1c, and Ascl2; mutations and aberrant regulation of these genes are associated with imprinting disorders in humans. Furthermore, the majority of affected genes were expressed abnormally in the placenta. DNA methylation studies showed that BPA exposure significantly altered the methylation levels of differentially methylated regions (DMRs) including the Snrpn imprinting control region (ICR) and Igf2 DMR1. Moreover, exposure significantly reduced genome-wide methylation levels in the placenta, but not the embryo. Histological and immunohistochemical examinations revealed that these epigenetic defects were associated with abnormal placental development. In contrast to this early exposure paradigm, exposure outside of the epigenetic reprogramming window did not cause significant imprinting perturbations. Our data suggest that early exposure to common environmental compounds has the potential to disrupt fetal and postnatal health through epigenetic changes in the embryo and abnormal development of the placenta. BPA is a widely used compound to which humans are exposed, and recent studies have demonstrated the association between exposure and adverse developmental outcomes in both animal models and humans. Unfortunately, exact mechanisms of BPA–induced health abnormalities are unclear, and elucidation of these relevant biological pathways is critical for understanding the public health implication of exposure. Recently, increasing data have demonstrated the ability of BPA to induce changes in DNA methylation, suggesting that epigenetic mechanisms are relevant. In this work, we study effects of BPA exposure on expression and regulation of imprinted genes in the mouse. Imprinted genes are regulated by differential DNA methylation, and they play critical roles during fetal, placental, and postnatal development. We have found that fetal exposure to BPA at physiologically relevant doses alters expression and methylation status of imprinted genes in the mouse embryo and placenta, with the latter tissue exhibiting the more significant changes. Additionally, abnormal imprinting is associated with defective placental development. Our data demonstrate that BPA exposure may perturb fetal and postnatal health through epigenetic changes in the embryo as well as through alterations in placental development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martha Susiarjo
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Center of Excellence in Environmental Toxicology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Isaac Sasson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Clementina Mesaros
- Centers for Cancer Pharmacology and Excellence in Environmental Toxicology, Department of Pharmacology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Marisa S. Bartolomei
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Center of Excellence in Environmental Toxicology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Vennin C, Dahmani F, Spruyt N, Adriaenssens E. Role of long non-coding RNA in cells: Example of the <i>H</i>19/<i>IGF</i>2 locus. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [DOI: 10.4236/abb.2013.45a004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Kim MJ, Choi HW, Jang HJ, Chung HM, Arauzo-Bravo MJ, Schöler HR, Tae Do J. Conversion of genomic imprinting by reprogramming and redifferentiation. J Cell Sci 2013; 126:2516-24. [DOI: 10.1242/jcs.122754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), generated from somatic cells by overexpression of transcription factors, Oct4, Sox2, Klf4, and c-Myc, have the same characteristics as pluripotent embryonic stem cells (ESCs). iPSCs reprogrammed from differentiated cells undergo epigenetic modification during reprogramming, and ultimately acquire a similar epigenetic state to that of ESCs. In this study, these epigenetic changes were observed in reprogramming of uniparental parthenogenetic somatic cells. The parthenogenetic pattern of imprinted genes changes during the generation of parthenogenetic maternal iPSCs (miPSCs), a process referred to as pluripotent reprogramming. Here, we determined whether altered imprinted genes are maintained or reverted to the parthenogenetic state when the reprogrammed cells are redifferentiated into specialized cell types. To address this question, we redifferentiated miPSCs into neural stem cells (miPS-NSCs) and compared them with biparental female NSCs (fNSCs) and parthenogenetic NSCs (pNSCs). We found that pluripotent reprogramming of parthenogenetic somatic cells could reset parthenogenetic DNA methylation patterns in imprinted genes, and that alterations in DNA methylation were maintained even after miPSCs were redifferentiated into miPS-NSCs. Notably, maternally methylated imprinted genes (Peg1, Peg3, Igf2r, Snrpn, and Ndn) whose differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were fully methylated in pNSCs, were demethylated, and their expression levels were found to be close to the levels in normal biparental fNSCs after reprogramming and redifferentiation. Our findings suggest that pluripotent reprogramming of parthenogenetic somatic cells followed by redifferentiation leads to changes in DNA methylation of imprinted genes and the reestablishment of gene expression levels to those of normal biparental cells.
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Eun B, Sampley ML, Good AL, Gebert CM, Pfeifer K. Promoter cross-talk via a shared enhancer explains paternally biased expression of Nctc1 at the Igf2/H19/Nctc1 imprinted locus. Nucleic Acids Res 2012; 41:817-26. [PMID: 23221643 PMCID: PMC3553941 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gks1182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Developmentally regulated transcription often depends on physical interactions between distal enhancers and their cognate promoters. Recent genomic analyses suggest that promoter–promoter interactions might play a similarly critical role in organizing the genome and establishing cell-type-specific gene expression. The Igf2/H19 locus has been a valuable model for clarifying the role of long-range interactions between cis-regulatory elements. Imprinted expression of the linked, reciprocally imprinted genes is explained by parent-of-origin-specific chromosomal loop structures between the paternal Igf2 or maternal H19 promoters and their shared tissue-specific enhancer elements. Here, we further analyze these loop structures for their composition and their impact on expression of the linked long non-coding RNA, Nctc1. We show that Nctc1 is co-regulated with Igf2 and H19 and physically interacts with the shared muscle enhancer. In fact, all three co-regulated genes have the potential to interact not only with the shared enhancer but also with each other via their enhancer interactions. Furthermore, developmental and genetic analyses indicate functional significance for these promoter–promoter interactions. Altogether, we present a novel mechanism to explain developmental specific imprinting of Nctc1 and provide new information about enhancer mechanisms and about the role of chromatin domains in establishing gene expression patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bokkee Eun
- Program in Genomics of Differentiation, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, 9000 Rockville Pike, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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Dilworth M, Kusinski L, Baker B, Renshall L, Baker P, Greenwood S, Wareing M, Sibley C. Crossing mice deficient in eNOS with placental-specific Igf2 knockout mice: a new model of fetal growth restriction. Placenta 2012; 33:1052-4. [PMID: 23099110 PMCID: PMC3556783 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2012.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2012] [Revised: 09/10/2012] [Accepted: 09/24/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
We tested the hypothesis that crossing two mouse models of fetal growth restriction (FGR) of differing phenotype would induce more severe FGR than either model alone. Female endothelial nitric oxide synthase knockout mice (eNOS(-/-)) were mated with placental-specific Igf2 knockout males (P0). Resultant fetuses were no more growth restricted than those with P0 deletion alone. However, P0 deletion attenuated the reduced placental system A amino acid transporter activity previously observed in eNOS(-/-) mice. Manipulating maternal and fetal genotypes provides a means to compare maternal and fetal regulation of fetal growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- M.R. Dilworth
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - L.C. Kusinski
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - B.C. Baker
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - L.J. Renshall
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - P.N. Baker
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - S.L. Greenwood
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - M. Wareing
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - C.P. Sibley
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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Singh P, Lee DH, Szabó PE. More than insulator: multiple roles of CTCF at the H19-Igf2 imprinted domain. Front Genet 2012; 3:214. [PMID: 23087708 PMCID: PMC3471092 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2012.00214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2012] [Accepted: 09/27/2012] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
CTCF (CCCTC-binding factor)-mediated insulation at the H19-Insulin-like growth factor 2 (Igf2) imprinted domain is a classic example for imprinted gene regulation. DNA methylation difference in the imprinting control region (ICR) is inherited from the gametes and subsequently determines parental allele-specific enhancer blocking and imprinted expression in the soma. Recent genetic studies showed that proper monoallelic enhancer blocking at the H19-Igf2 ICR is critical for development. Strict biallelic insulation at this locus causes perinatal lethality, whereas leaky biallelic insulation results in smaller size but no lethality. Apart from enhancer blocking, CTCF is also the master organizer of chromatin composition in the maternal allele along this imprinted domain, affecting not only histone tail covalent modifications but also those in the histone core. Additionally, CTCF binding in the soma protects the maternal allele from de novo DNA methylation. CTCF binding is not involved in the establishment of the gametic marks at the ICR, but it slightly delays de novo methylation in the maternally inherited ICR allele in prospermatogonia. This review focuses on the developmental and epigenetic consequences of CTCF binding at the H19-Igf2 ICR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Purnima Singh
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Beckman Research Institute Duarte, CA, USA
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39
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Promoter-specific expression and imprint status of marsupial IGF2. PLoS One 2012; 7:e41690. [PMID: 22848567 PMCID: PMC3405008 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0041690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2012] [Accepted: 06/25/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In mice and humans, IGF2 has multiple promoters to maintain its complex tissue- and developmental stage-specific imprinting and expression. IGF2 is also imprinted in marsupials, but little is known about its promoter region. In this study, three IGF2 transcripts were isolated from placental and liver samples of the tammar wallaby, Macropus eugenii. Each transcript contained a unique 5' untranslated region, orthologous to the non-coding exons derived from promoters P1–P3 in the human and mouse IGF2 locus. The expression of tammar IGF2 was predominantly from the P2 promoter, similar to humans. Expression of IGF2 was higher in pouch young than in the adult and imprinting was highly tissue and developmental-stage specific. Interestingly, while IGF2 was expressed throughout the placenta, imprinting seemed to be restricted to the vascular, trilaminar region. In addition, IGF2 was monoallelically expressed in the adult mammary gland while in the liver it switched from monoalleleic expression in the pouch young to biallelic in the adult. These data suggest a complex mode of IGF2 regulation in marsupials as seen in eutherian mammals. The conservation of the IGF2 promoters suggests they originated before the divergence of marsupials and eutherians, and have been selectively maintained for at least 160 million years.
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Fedoriw A, Mugford J, Magnuson T. Genomic imprinting and epigenetic control of development. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2012; 4:a008136. [PMID: 22687277 PMCID: PMC3385953 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a008136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms are extensively utilized during mammalian development. Specific patterns of gene expression are established during cell fate decisions, maintained as differentiation progresses, and often augmented as more specialized cell types are required. Much of what is known about these mechanisms comes from the study of two distinct epigenetic phenomena: genomic imprinting and X-chromosome inactivation. In the case of genomic imprinting, alleles are expressed in a parent-of-origin-dependent manner, whereas X-chromosome inactivation in females requires that only one X chromosome is active in each somatic nucleus. As model systems for epigenetic regulation, genomic imprinting and X-chromosome inactivation have identified and elucidated the numerous regulatory mechanisms that function throughout the genome during development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Fedoriw
- The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Department of Genetics, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA
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41
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Transgenic epigenetics: using transgenic organisms to examine epigenetic phenomena. GENETICS RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2012; 2012:689819. [PMID: 22567397 PMCID: PMC3335706 DOI: 10.1155/2012/689819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2011] [Revised: 12/19/2011] [Accepted: 01/02/2012] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Non-model organisms are generally more difficult and/or time consuming to work with than model organisms. In addition, epigenetic analysis of model organisms is facilitated by well-established protocols, and commercially-available reagents and kits that may not be available for, or previously tested on, non-model organisms. Given the evolutionary conservation and widespread nature of many epigenetic mechanisms, a powerful method to analyze epigenetic phenomena from non-model organisms would be to use transgenic model organisms containing an epigenetic region of interest from the non-model. Interestingly, while transgenic Drosophila and mice have provided significant insight into the molecular mechanisms and evolutionary conservation of the epigenetic processes that target epigenetic control regions in other model organisms, this method has so far been under-exploited for non-model organism epigenetic analysis. This paper details several experiments that have examined the epigenetic processes of genomic imprinting and paramutation, by transferring an epigenetic control region from one model organism to another. These cross-species experiments demonstrate that valuable insight into both the molecular mechanisms and evolutionary conservation of epigenetic processes may be obtained via transgenic experiments, which can then be used to guide further investigations and experiments in the species of interest.
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42
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Guibert S, Zhao Z, Sjölinder M, Göndör A, Fernandez A, Pant V, Ohlsson R. CTCF-binding sites within the H19 ICR differentially regulate local chromatin structures and cis-acting functions. Epigenetics 2012; 7:361-9. [PMID: 22415163 DOI: 10.4161/epi.19487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
It is generally assumed that CTCF-binding sites are synonymous with the demarcation of expression domains by promoting the formation of chromatin loops. We have proposed earlier, however, that such features may be context-dependent. In support of this notion, we show here that chromatin loop structures, impinging on CTCF-binding sites 1/2 and 3/4 at the 5' and 3'-ends, respectively, within the maternal allele of the H19 imprinting control region (ICR), differ significantly. Although abrogation of CTCF binding to the maternal H19 ICR allele results in loss of chromatin loops in the 3'-region, there is a dramatic gain of long-range chromatin loops impinging on the 5'-region. As the degree of occupancy of its four CTCF-binding sites discriminates between the chromatin insulator and replication timing functions, we submit that the CTCF-binding sites within the H19 ICR are functionally diverse and organize context-dependent higher order chromatin conformations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvain Guibert
- Department of Development and Genetics, Evolution Biology Centre, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
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43
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Epigenetic mechanisms of genomic imprinting: common themes in the regulation of imprinted regions in mammals, plants, and insects. GENETICS RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2012; 2012:585024. [PMID: 22567394 PMCID: PMC3335465 DOI: 10.1155/2012/585024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2011] [Accepted: 09/26/2011] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Genomic imprinting is a form of epigenetic inheritance whereby the regulation of a gene or chromosomal region is dependent on the sex of the transmitting parent. During gametogenesis, imprinted regions of DNA are differentially marked in accordance to the sex of the parent, resulting in parent-specific expression. While mice are the primary research model used to study genomic imprinting, imprinted regions have been described in a broad variety of organisms, including other mammals, plants, and insects. Each of these organisms employs multiple, interrelated, epigenetic mechanisms to maintain parent-specific expression. While imprinted genes and imprint control regions are often species and locus-specific, the same suites of epigenetic mechanisms are often used to achieve imprinted expression. This review examines some examples of the epigenetic mechanisms responsible for genomic imprinting in mammals, plants, and insects.
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Dilworth MR, Kusinski LC, Baker BC, Renshall LJ, Greenwood SL, Sibley CP, Wareing M. Defining fetal growth restriction in mice: A standardized and clinically relevant approach. Placenta 2011; 32:914-6. [PMID: 21889207 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2011.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2011] [Revised: 08/02/2011] [Accepted: 08/14/2011] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The increasing number of mouse models of fetal growth restriction (FGR) make it crucial to standardize the way FGR is defined. By constructing growth curves in the placental-specific Igf2 knockout mouse (P0) it was demonstrated that 93% of P0 fetuses fell below the 5th centile of wild-type weights at E18.5, up from 44% at E16.5. This analysis, coupled with anthropomorphic measurements showing evidence of head sparing in P0 fetuses, allows clinical comparisons of FGR in mice through the use of clinically relevant growth curves. We suggest this as a standardized approach to defining FGR in mouse, and other animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- M R Dilworth
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, School of Biomedicine, University of Manchester, 5th Floor Research, St Mary's Hospital, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9WL, UK
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45
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Kusinski LC, Dilworth MR, Baker PN, Sibley CP, Wareing M, Glazier JD. System A activity and vascular function in the placental-specific Igf2 knockout mouse. Placenta 2011; 32:871-6. [PMID: 21851977 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2011.07.086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2011] [Revised: 07/26/2011] [Accepted: 07/27/2011] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Deletion of the placental-specific P0 transcript of the insulin-like growth factor gene (Igf2) reduces placental growth from early pregnancy onwards. In Igf2 P0 knockout fetuses (P0), maternofetal flux of (14)C-methylaminoisobutyric acid ((14)C-MeAIB) mediated by system A amino acid transporter activity is increased at embryonic day 16 (E16), but this stimulation is not sustained, and by E19, fetal growth restriction (FGR) ensues. Here, we investigated whether upregulated (14)C-MeAIB transfer does occur concomitantly with a change in System A amino acid transporter activity and whether altered uteroplacental vascular function contributes to the FGR. We tested the hypothesis that FGR in P0 mice is attributable to altered nutrient transport rather than aberrant uteroplacental vascular function. METHODS Plasma membrane vesicles were isolated from placentas of P0 and wild-type (WT) fetuses at E16 and E19. System A amino acid transporter activity was measured as sodium-dependent (14)C-MeAIB uptake over 60s. Wire myography was performed on uterine artery branches supplying P0 or WT implantation sites and agonist-induced constriction and dilation measured. RESULTS Sodium-dependent uptake of (14)C-MeAIB (at 60s) was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in P0 compared to WT vesicles at E16; at E19 (14)C-MeAIB uptake was similar between P0 and WT. Uterine artery branch vascular reactivity was comparable between groups. CONCLUSIONS System A activity in the maternal-facing plasma membrane of syncytiotrophoblast layer II underpins the adaptations observed in the transplacental MeAIB flux of P0 mice. Unaltered uterine artery vascular function suggests that the FGR phenotype of P0 fetuses is primarily due to deficient placental nutrient exchange capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- L C Kusinski
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, School of Biomedicine, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester M13 9WL, UK
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John RM, Lefebvre L. Developmental regulation of somatic imprints. Differentiation 2011; 81:270-80. [DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2011.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2010] [Revised: 12/16/2010] [Accepted: 01/11/2011] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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An extended domain of Kcnq1ot1 silencing revealed by an imprinted fluorescent reporter. Mol Cell Biol 2011; 31:2827-37. [PMID: 21576366 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.01435-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The distal region of mouse chromosome 7 contains two imprinted domains separated by a relatively gene-poor interval. We have previously described a transgenic mouse line called Tel7KI, which contains a green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter inserted 2.6 kb upstream of the Ins2 gene at the proximal end of this interval. The GFP reporter from Tel7KI is imprinted and maternally expressed in postimplantation embryos. Here, we present evidence that the distal imprinting center, KvDMR1 (IC2), is responsible for the paternal silencing of Tel7KI. First, we show that Tel7KI is silenced when the noncoding RNA Kcnq1ot1 is biallelically expressed due to absence of maternal DNA methylation at IC2. Second, we use an embryonic stem (ES) cell differentiation assay to examine the effect of an IC2 deletion in cis to Tel7KI and show that it impairs the ability of the paternal transmission Tel7KI ES cells to silence GFP. These results suggested that Kcnq1ot1 silencing extends nearly 300 kb further than previously reported and led us to examine other transcripts between IC1 and IC2. We found that splice variants of Th and Ins2 are imprinted, maternally expressed, and regulated by IC2, showing that the silencing domain uncovered by our transgenic line also affects endogenous transcripts.
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48
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Angiolini E, Coan PM, Sandovici I, Iwajomo OH, Peck G, Burton GJ, Sibley CP, Reik W, Fowden AL, Constância M. Developmental adaptations to increased fetal nutrient demand in mouse genetic models of Igf2-mediated overgrowth. FASEB J 2011; 25:1737-45. [PMID: 21282203 DOI: 10.1096/fj.10-175273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The healthy development of the fetus depends on an optimal balance between fetal genetic drive for growth and the maternal ability to provide nutrients through the placenta. Nothing is known about fetal-placental signaling in response to increased fetal demand in the situation of overgrowth. Here, we examined this question using the H19(Δ13) mouse model, shown previously to result in elevated levels of Igf2. Fetal and placental weights in H19(Δ13) were increased by 23% and 45%, respectively, at E19, when compared with wild-type mice. Unexpectedly, we found that disproportionately large H19(Δ13) placentas transport 20-35% less (per gram placenta) glucose and system A amino acids and have similar reductions in passive permeability, despite a significantly greater surface area for nutrient exchange and theoretical diffusion capacity compared with wild-type mice. Expression of key transporter genes Slc2a3 and Slc38a4 was reduced by ∼20%. Decreasing the overgrowth of the H19(Δ13) placenta by genetically reducing levels of Igf2P0 resulted in up-regulation of system A activity and maintenance of fetal overgrowth. Our results provide direct evidence that large placentas can modify their nutrient transfer capacity to regulate fetal nutrient acquisition. Our findings are indicative of fetal-placental signaling mechanisms that limit total demand for maternal nutrients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Angiolini
- Laboratory of Developmental Genetics and Imprinting, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, UK
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Court F, Baniol M, Hagege H, Petit JS, Lelay-Taha MN, Carbonell F, Weber M, Cathala G, Forne T. Long-range chromatin interactions at the mouse Igf2/H19 locus reveal a novel paternally expressed long non-coding RNA. Nucleic Acids Res 2011; 39:5893-906. [PMID: 21478171 PMCID: PMC3152352 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkr209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Parental genomic imprinting at the Igf2/H19 locus is controlled by a methylation-sensitive CTCF insulator that prevents the access of downstream enhancers to the Igf2 gene on the maternal chromosome. However, on the paternal chromosome, it remains unclear whether long-range interactions with the enhancers are restricted to the Igf2 promoters or whether they encompass the entire gene body. Here, using the quantitative chromosome conformation capture assay, we show that, in the mouse liver, the endodermal enhancers have low contact frequencies with the Igf2 promoters but display, on the paternal chromosome, strong interactions with the intragenic differentially methylated regions 1 and 2. Interestingly, we found that enhancers also interact with a so-far poorly characterized intergenic region of the locus that produces a novel imprinted long non-coding transcript that we named the paternally expressed Igf2/H19 intergenic transcript (PIHit) RNA. PIHit is expressed exclusively from the paternal chromosome, contains a novel discrete differentially methylated region in a highly conserved sequence and, surprisingly, does not require an intact ICR/H19 gene region for its imprinting. Altogether, our data reveal a novel imprinted domain in the Igf2/H19 locus and lead us to propose a model for chromatin folding of this locus on the paternal chromosome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franck Court
- Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier, UMR5535 CNRS Universités Montpellier I et Montpellier II, 1919 Route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier cedex 5, France
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50
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Chromosome-wide analysis of parental allele-specific chromatin and DNA methylation. Mol Cell Biol 2011; 31:1757-70. [PMID: 21321082 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.00961-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
To reveal the extent of domain-wide epigenetic features at imprinted gene clusters, we performed a high-resolution allele-specific chromatin analysis of over 100 megabases along the maternally or paternally duplicated distal chromosome 7 (Chr7) and Chr15 in mouse embryo fibroblasts (MEFs). We found that reciprocal allele-specific features are limited to imprinted genes and their differentially methylated regions (DMRs), whereas broad local enrichment of H3K27me3 (BLOC) is a domain-wide feature at imprinted clusters. We uncovered novel allele-specific features of BLOCs. A maternally biased BLOC was found along the H19-Igf2 domain. A paternal allele-specific gap was found along Kcnq1ot1, interrupting a biallelic BLOC in the Kcnq1-Cdkn1c domain. We report novel allele-specific chromatin marks at the Peg13 and Slc38a4 DMRs, Cdkn1c upstream region, and Inpp5f_v2 DMR and paternal allele-specific CTCF binding at the Peg13 DMR. Additionally, we derived an imprinted gene predictor algorithm based on our allele-specific chromatin mapping data. The binary predictor H3K9ac and CTCF or H3K4me3 in one allele and H3K9me3 in the reciprocal allele, using a sliding-window approach, recognized with precision the parental allele specificity of known imprinted genes, H19, Igf2, Igf2as, Cdkn1c, Kcnq1ot1, and Inpp5f_v2 on Chr7 and Peg13 and Slc38a4 on Chr15. Chromatin features, therefore, can unequivocally identify genes with imprinted expression.
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