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Faillace MP, Ortiz J, Rocco L, Bernabeu R. Histone Methyltransferase G9a Plays an Essential Role on Nicotine Preference in Zebrafish. Mol Neurobiol 2024; 61:6245-6263. [PMID: 38289455 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-03961-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/22/2024]
Abstract
Psychostimulants regulate behavioral responses in zebrafish via epigenetic mechanisms. We have previously shown that DNA methylation and histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibition abolish nicotine-induced conditioned place preference (CPP) but little is known about the role of histone methylation in addictive-like behaviors. To assess the influence of histone methylation on nicotine-CPP, zebrafish were treated with a histone (H3) lysine-9 (K9) dimethyltransferase G9a/GLP inhibitor, BIX-01294 (BIX), which was administered before conditioning sessions. We observed a dual effect of the inhibitor BIX: at high doses inhibited while at low doses potentiated nicotine reward. Transcriptional expression of α6 and α7 subunits of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor and of G9a, DNA methyl transferase-3, and HDAC-1 was upregulated in zebrafish with positive scores for nicotine-CPP. Changes in relative levels of these mRNA molecules reflected the effects of BIX on nicotine reward. BIX treatment per sé did not affect transcriptional levels of epigenetic enzymes that regulate trimethylation or demethylation of H3. BIX reduced H3K9me2 protein levels in a dose-dependent manner in key structures of the reward pathway. Thus, our findings indicated that different doses of BIX differentially affect nicotine CPP via strong or weak inhibition of G9a/GLP activity. Additionally, we found that the lysine demethylase inhibitor daminozide abolished nicotine-CPP and drug seeking. Our data demonstrate that H3 methylation catalyzed by G9a/GLP is involved in nicotine-CPP induction. Dimethylation of K9 at H3 is an important epigenetic modification that should be considered as a potential therapeutic target to treat nicotine reward and perhaps other drug addictions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Paula Faillace
- Department of Physiology and Institute of Physiology and Biophysics (IFIBIO-Houssay, UBA-CONICET), School of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Paraguay 2155 7th floor (C1121ABG), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Joaquin Ortiz
- Department of Physiology and Institute of Physiology and Biophysics (IFIBIO-Houssay, UBA-CONICET), School of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Paraguay 2155 7th floor (C1121ABG), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Leandro Rocco
- Department of Physiology and Institute of Physiology and Biophysics (IFIBIO-Houssay, UBA-CONICET), School of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Paraguay 2155 7th floor (C1121ABG), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ramon Bernabeu
- Department of Physiology and Institute of Physiology and Biophysics (IFIBIO-Houssay, UBA-CONICET), School of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Paraguay 2155 7th floor (C1121ABG), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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2
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Sakai M, Masuda Y, Tarumoto Y, Aihara N, Tsunoda Y, Iwata M, Kamiya Y, Komorizono R, Noda T, Yusa K, Tomonaga K, Makino A. Genome-scale CRISPR-Cas9 screen identifies host factors as potential therapeutic targets for SARS-CoV-2 infection. iScience 2024; 27:110475. [PMID: 39100693 PMCID: PMC11295705 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.110475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Although many host factors important for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection have been reported, the mechanisms by which the virus interacts with host cells remain elusive. Here, we identified tripartite motif containing (TRIM) 28, TRIM33, euchromatic histone lysine methyltransferase (EHMT) 1, and EHMT2 as proviral factors involved in SARS-CoV-2 infection by CRISPR-Cas9 screening. Our result suggested that TRIM28 may play a role in viral particle formation and that TRIM33, EHMT1, and EHMT2 may be involved in viral transcription and replication. UNC0642, a compound that specifically inhibits the methyltransferase activity of EHMT1/2, strikingly suppressed SARS-CoV-2 growth in cultured cells and reduced disease severity in a hamster infection model. This study suggests that EHMT1/2 may be a therapeutic target for SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madoka Sakai
- Laboratory of RNA Viruses, Department of Virus Research, Institute for Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto 6068507, Japan
| | - Yoshie Masuda
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Genetics, Department of Biosystems Science, Institute for Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto 6068507, Japan
| | - Yusuke Tarumoto
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Genetics, Department of Biosystems Science, Institute for Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto 6068507, Japan
| | - Naoyuki Aihara
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Azabu University, Kanagawa 2520206, Japan
| | - Yugo Tsunoda
- Laboratory of Ultrastructural Virology, Department of Virus Research, Institute for Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto 6068507, Japan
- Laboratory of Ultrastructural Virology, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto 6068507, Japan
- CREST, Japan Science and Technology Agency, Saitama 1020076, Japan
| | - Michiko Iwata
- Laboratory of RNA Viruses, Department of Virus Research, Institute for Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto 6068507, Japan
| | - Yumiko Kamiya
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Azabu University, Kanagawa 2520206, Japan
| | - Ryo Komorizono
- Laboratory of RNA Viruses, Department of Virus Research, Institute for Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto 6068507, Japan
| | - Takeshi Noda
- Laboratory of Ultrastructural Virology, Department of Virus Research, Institute for Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto 6068507, Japan
- Laboratory of Ultrastructural Virology, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto 6068507, Japan
- CREST, Japan Science and Technology Agency, Saitama 1020076, Japan
| | - Kosuke Yusa
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Genetics, Department of Biosystems Science, Institute for Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto 6068507, Japan
| | - Keizo Tomonaga
- Laboratory of RNA Viruses, Department of Virus Research, Institute for Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto 6068507, Japan
- Laboratory of RNA Viruses, Department of Mammalian Regulatory Network, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto 6068507, Japan
- Department of Molecular Virology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 6068507, Japan
| | - Akiko Makino
- Laboratory of RNA Viruses, Department of Virus Research, Institute for Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto 6068507, Japan
- Laboratory of RNA Viruses, Department of Mammalian Regulatory Network, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto 6068507, Japan
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3
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Rots D, Bouman A, Yamada A, Levy M, Dingemans AJM, de Vries BBA, Ruiterkamp-Versteeg M, de Leeuw N, Ockeloen CW, Pfundt R, de Boer E, Kummeling J, van Bon B, van Bokhoven H, Kasri NN, Venselaar H, Alders M, Kerkhof J, McConkey H, Kuechler A, Elffers B, van Beeck Calkoen R, Hofman S, Smith A, Valenzuela MI, Srivastava S, Frazier Z, Maystadt I, Piscopo C, Merla G, Balasubramanian M, Santen GWE, Metcalfe K, Park SM, Pasquier L, Banka S, Donnai D, Weisberg D, Strobl-Wildemann G, Wagemans A, Vreeburg M, Baralle D, Foulds N, Scurr I, Brunetti-Pierri N, van Hagen JM, Bijlsma EK, Hakonen AH, Courage C, Genevieve D, Pinson L, Forzano F, Deshpande C, Kluskens ML, Welling L, Plomp AS, Vanhoutte EK, Kalsner L, Hol JA, Putoux A, Lazier J, Vasudevan P, Ames E, O'Shea J, Lederer D, Fleischer J, O'Connor M, Pauly M, Vasileiou G, Reis A, Kiraly-Borri C, Bouman A, Barnett C, Nezarati M, Borch L, Beunders G, Özcan K, Miot S, Volker-Touw CML, van Gassen KLI, Cappuccio G, Janssens K, Mor N, Shomer I, Dominissini D, Tedder ML, Muir AM, Sadikovic B, Brunner HG, Vissers LELM, Shinkai Y, Kleefstra T. Comprehensive EHMT1 variants analysis broadens genotype-phenotype associations and molecular mechanisms in Kleefstra syndrome. Am J Hum Genet 2024; 111:1605-1625. [PMID: 39013458 PMCID: PMC11339614 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2024.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024] Open
Abstract
The shift to a genotype-first approach in genetic diagnostics has revolutionized our understanding of neurodevelopmental disorders, expanding both their molecular and phenotypic spectra. Kleefstra syndrome (KLEFS1) is caused by EHMT1 haploinsufficiency and exhibits broad clinical manifestations. EHMT1 encodes euchromatic histone methyltransferase-1-a pivotal component of the epigenetic machinery. We have recruited 209 individuals with a rare EHMT1 variant and performed comprehensive molecular in silico and in vitro testing alongside DNA methylation (DNAm) signature analysis for the identified variants. We (re)classified the variants as likely pathogenic/pathogenic (molecularly confirming Kleefstra syndrome) in 191 individuals. We provide an updated and broader clinical and molecular spectrum of Kleefstra syndrome, including individuals with normal intelligence and familial occurrence. Analysis of the EHMT1 variants reveals a broad range of molecular effects and their associated phenotypes, including distinct genotype-phenotype associations. Notably, we showed that disruption of the "reader" function of the ankyrin repeat domain by a protein altering variant (PAV) results in a KLEFS1-specific DNAm signature and milder phenotype, while disruption of only "writer" methyltransferase activity of the SET domain does not result in KLEFS1 DNAm signature or typical KLEFS1 phenotype. Similarly, N-terminal truncating variants result in a mild phenotype without the DNAm signature. We demonstrate how comprehensive variant analysis can provide insights into pathogenesis of the disorder and DNAm signature. In summary, this study presents a comprehensive overview of KLEFS1 and EHMT1, revealing its broader spectrum and deepening our understanding of its molecular mechanisms, thereby informing accurate variant interpretation, counseling, and clinical management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dmitrijs Rots
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Genetics Laboratory, Children's Clinical University Hospital, Riga, Latvia
| | - Arianne Bouman
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Ayumi Yamada
- Cellular Memory Laboratory, RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research, RIKEN, Wako, Saitama, Japan
| | - Michael Levy
- Verspeeten Clinical Genome Centre, London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON, Canada
| | | | - Bert B A de Vries
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | | | - Nicole de Leeuw
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Charlotte W Ockeloen
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Rolph Pfundt
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Elke de Boer
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Joost Kummeling
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Bregje van Bon
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Hans van Bokhoven
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Nael Nadif Kasri
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Hanka Venselaar
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Marielle Alders
- Department of Human Genetics, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Reproduction and Development research institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jennifer Kerkhof
- Verspeeten Clinical Genome Centre, London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON, Canada
| | - Haley McConkey
- Verspeeten Clinical Genome Centre, London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON, Canada; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Alma Kuechler
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Bart Elffers
- Cordaan, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Medical Care for Patients with Intellectual Disability, AMSTA, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | | | - Audrey Smith
- Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Health Innovation Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Maria Irene Valenzuela
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Genetics and Rare Disease Unit Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain; Medicine Genetics Group, Vall Hebron Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Zoe Frazier
- Rosamund Stone Zander Translational Neuroscience Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Isabelle Maystadt
- Institut de Pathologie et de Génétique Centre de Génétique Humaineavenue G. Lemaître, 256041 Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Carmelo Piscopo
- Medical and Laboratory Unit, Antonio cardarelli Hospital, via A.Cardarelli 9, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Merla
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples, Naples, Italy; Laboratory of Regulatory and Functional Genomics, fondazione IRCCS casa sollievo della sofferenza, san giovanni rotondo, Foggia, Italy
| | - Meena Balasubramanian
- Division of Clinical Medicine, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK; Sheffield Clinical Genetics Service, Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Gijs W E Santen
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Kay Metcalfe
- Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Health Innovation Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Soo-Mi Park
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Laurent Pasquier
- Reference Center for Rare Diseases, Hôpital Sud - CHU Rennes, Rennes, France
| | - Siddharth Banka
- Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Health Innovation Manchester, Manchester, UK; Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Dian Donnai
- Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Health Innovation Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Daniel Weisberg
- Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Health Innovation Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | | | - Annemieke Wagemans
- Maasveld, Koraal, Maastricht, the Netherlands; Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Science, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Maaike Vreeburg
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Diana Baralle
- Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Southampton, Southampton, Hampshire, UK
| | - Nicola Foulds
- Wessex Regional Genetics Services, UHS NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Ingrid Scurr
- Department of Clinical Genetics, University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK
| | - Nicola Brunetti-Pierri
- Department of Translational Medicine, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy; Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Pozzuoli, Italy; Scuola Superiore Meridionale (SSM, School of Advanced Studies), Genomics and Experimental Medicine Program, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Johanna M van Hagen
- Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Human Genetics, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Emilia K Bijlsma
- Department of Clinical Genetica, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Anna H Hakonen
- Department of Clinical Genetics, HUSLAB, HUS Diagnostic Center, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Carolina Courage
- Department of Clinical Genetics, HUSLAB, HUS Diagnostic Center, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - David Genevieve
- Université Montpellier, Unité INSERM U1183, Montpellier, France; Centre de reference Anomalies du développement, ERN ITHACA, Service de génétique Clinique, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Lucile Pinson
- Centre de reference Anomalies du développement, ERN ITHACA, Service de génétique Clinique, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Francesca Forzano
- Clinical Genetics Department 7th Floor Borough WingGuy's Hospital, Guy's & St Thomas' NHS Foundation TrustGreat Maze Pond, London, UK
| | - Charu Deshpande
- Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Health Innovation Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | | | | | - Astrid S Plomp
- Department of Human Genetics, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Reproduction and Development research institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Els K Vanhoutte
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Louisa Kalsner
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology, Connecticut Children's, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Janna A Hol
- Clinical Genetics Department, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Audrey Putoux
- Hospices Civils de Lyon, Service de Génétique - Centre de Référence Anomalies du Développement, Bron, France; Centre de Recherche en Neurosciences de Lyon, Équipe GENDEV, INSERM U1028 CNRS UMR5292, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Johanna Lazier
- Regional Genetics Program, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Pradeep Vasudevan
- Department of Clinical Genetics, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK
| | - Elizabeth Ames
- Division of Pediatric Genetics, Metabolism, and Genomic Medicine, C.S. Mott Children's Hospital, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jessica O'Shea
- Division of Pediatric Genetics, Metabolism, and Genomic Medicine, C.S. Mott Children's Hospital, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Damien Lederer
- Centre de Génétique Humaine, Institut de Pathologie et de Génétique, Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Julie Fleischer
- Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Springfield, IL, USA
| | - Mary O'Connor
- Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Springfield, IL, USA
| | - Melissa Pauly
- Institute of Human Genetics, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Georgia Vasileiou
- Institute of Human Genetics, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany; Centre for Rare Diseases Erlangen (ZSEER), Erlangen, Germany
| | - André Reis
- Institute of Human Genetics, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany; Centre for Rare Diseases Erlangen (ZSEER), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Catherine Kiraly-Borri
- Genetic Health Western Australia, Department of Health King Edward Memorial Hospital, Subiaco, WA 6008, Australia
| | - Arjan Bouman
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Chris Barnett
- Paediatric and Reproductive Genetics Unit 8th Floor, Clarence Rieger Building Women's and Children's Hospital, 72 King William Road North, Adelaide, SA 5006, Australia
| | - Marjan Nezarati
- Genetics, North York General Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada; University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Lauren Borch
- Department of Medical Genetics, North York General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Gea Beunders
- Department of Genetics, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Kübra Özcan
- Neurodevelopmental Treatment Association Çocuk Fizyoterapistleri Derneği Bobath Terapistleri Derneği, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Stéphanie Miot
- Geriatrics department, Montpellier University Hospital, MUSE University, Montpellier, France; INSERM U1298, INM, Montpellier, France
| | | | - Koen L I van Gassen
- Department of Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Gerarda Cappuccio
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Pediatrics, Federico II University, Via Pansini 5, Naples, Italy; TIGEM (Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine), Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli (NA), Italy
| | - Katrien Janssens
- Department of Medical Genetics, Antwerp University Hospital/University of Antwerp, Edegem, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Nofar Mor
- Sheba Cancer Research Center, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Inna Shomer
- Sheba Cancer Research Center, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Dan Dominissini
- Sheba Cancer Research Center, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Israel
| | | | | | - Bekim Sadikovic
- Verspeeten Clinical Genome Centre, London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON, Canada
| | - Han G Brunner
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Department of Clinical Genetics, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Lisenka E L M Vissers
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Research Institute for Medical Innovation, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Yoichi Shinkai
- Cellular Memory Laboratory, RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research, RIKEN, Wako, Saitama, Japan.
| | - Tjitske Kleefstra
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Center of Excellence for Neuropsychiatry, Vincent van Gogh Institute for Psychiatry, Venray, the Netherlands.
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Silva-Carvalho AÉ, Filiú-Braga LDC, Bogéa GMR, de Assis AJB, Pittella-Silva F, Saldanha-Araujo F. GLP and G9a histone methyltransferases as potential therapeutic targets for lymphoid neoplasms. Cancer Cell Int 2024; 24:243. [PMID: 38997742 PMCID: PMC11249034 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-024-03441-y] [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: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Histone methyltransferases (HMTs) are enzymes that regulate histone methylation and play an important role in controlling transcription by altering the chromatin structure. Aberrant activation of HMTs has been widely reported in certain types of neoplastic cells. Among them, G9a/EHMT2 and GLP/EHMT1 are crucial for H3K9 methylation, and their dysregulation has been associated with tumor initiation and progression in different types of cancer. More recently, it has been shown that G9a and GLP appear to play a critical role in several lymphoid hematologic malignancies. Importantly, the key roles played by both enzymes in various diseases made them attractive targets for drug development. In fact, in recent years, several groups have tried to develop small molecule inhibitors targeting their epigenetic activities as potential anticancer therapeutic tools. In this review, we discuss the physiological role of GLP and G9a, their oncogenic functions in hematologic malignancies of the lymphoid lineage, and the therapeutic potential of epigenetic drugs targeting G9a/GLP for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Alan Jhones Barbosa de Assis
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology of Cancer, Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, University of Brasilia, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Fábio Pittella-Silva
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology of Cancer, Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, University of Brasilia, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Felipe Saldanha-Araujo
- Hematology and Stem Cells Laboratory, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasilia, Brazil.
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5
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Haider S, Farrona S. Decoding histone 3 lysine methylation: Insights into seed germination and flowering. CURRENT OPINION IN PLANT BIOLOGY 2024; 81:102598. [PMID: 38986392 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbi.2024.102598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 06/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
Histone lysine methylation is a highly conserved epigenetic modification across eukaryotes that contributes to creating different dynamic chromatin states, which may result in transcriptional changes. Over the years, an accumulated set of evidence has shown that histone methylation allows plants to align their development with their surroundings, enabling them to respond and memorize past events due to changes in the environment. In this review, we discuss the molecular mechanisms of histone methylation in plants. Writers, readers, and erasers of Arabidopsis histone methylation marks are described with an emphasis on their role in two of the most important developmental transition phases in plants, seed germination and flowering. Further, the crosstalk between different methylation marks is also discussed. An overview of the mechanisms of histone methylation modifications and their biological outcomes will shed light on existing research gaps and may provide novel perspectives to increase crop yield and resistance in the era of global climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saqlain Haider
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, College of Science and Engineering, University of Galway, Galway H91 TK33, Ireland
| | - Sara Farrona
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, College of Science and Engineering, University of Galway, Galway H91 TK33, Ireland.
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6
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Ni Y, Shi M, Liu L, Lin D, Zeng H, Ong C, Wang Y. G9a in Cancer: Mechanisms, Therapeutic Advancements, and Clinical Implications. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2175. [PMID: 38927881 PMCID: PMC11201431 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16122175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
G9a, also named EHMT2, is a histone 3 lysine 9 (H3K9) methyltransferase responsible for catalyzing H3K9 mono- and dimethylation (H3K9me1 and H3K9me2). G9a contributes to various aspects of embryonic development and tissue differentiation through epigenetic regulation. Furthermore, the aberrant expression of G9a is frequently observed in various tumors, particularly in prostate cancer, where it contributes to cancer pathogenesis and progression. This review highlights the critical role of G9a in multiple cancer-related processes, such as epigenetic dysregulation, tumor suppressor gene silencing, cancer lineage plasticity, hypoxia adaption, and cancer progression. Despite the increased research on G9a in prostate cancer, there are still significant gaps, particularly in understanding its interactions within the tumor microenvironment and its broader epigenetic effects. Furthermore, this review discusses the recent advancements in G9a inhibitors, including the development of dual-target inhibitors that target G9a along with other epigenetic factors such as EZH2 and HDAC. It aims to bring together the existing knowledge, identify gaps in the current research, and suggest future directions for research and treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuchao Ni
- Department of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China;
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada; (M.S.); (L.L.); (D.L.); (Y.W.)
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada
| | - Mingchen Shi
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada; (M.S.); (L.L.); (D.L.); (Y.W.)
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada
| | - Liangliang Liu
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada; (M.S.); (L.L.); (D.L.); (Y.W.)
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada
| | - Dong Lin
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada; (M.S.); (L.L.); (D.L.); (Y.W.)
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada
| | - Hao Zeng
- Department of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China;
| | - Christopher Ong
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada; (M.S.); (L.L.); (D.L.); (Y.W.)
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada
| | - Yuzhuo Wang
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada; (M.S.); (L.L.); (D.L.); (Y.W.)
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada
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7
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Kawamura K, Fujiwara S. The transcription factor AP2 and downstream genes shared by asexual reproduction and zooidal regeneration in the tunicate, Polyandrocarpa misakiensis. Cells Dev 2024; 177:203885. [PMID: 38007002 DOI: 10.1016/j.cdev.2023.203885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial outpocketing, tunic softening, mesenchymal cell death, dedifferentiation/transdifferentiation, and resistance to environmental stress are major events that occur during asexual reproduction by budding in the tunicate, Polyandrocarpa misakiensis. To identify the molecules underlying these events and compare them with those operating in regeneration, differential gene expression profiles were developed in buds and zooids. Among approximately 40,000 contigs, 21 genes were identified as potentially being involved in asexual reproduction. Genes related to tunic softening, phagocytosis-stimulating opsonin, and stress resistance were activated in the very early stage of budding. At the later stage of budding when buds separated from the parent and entered the developmental stage, genes for cell adhesion, cell death, and differentiation were activated. The transcription factor AP2 was spatio-temporally expressed in a similar pattern to the tunic-softening gene endoglucanase (EndoG). AP2 mRNA activated EndoG when introduced into zooids by electroporation. Eight out of 21 budding-related genes were significantly activated by AP2 mRNA. Polyandrocarpa zooids possess regenerative potential other than budding. Zooidal regeneration accompanied cell death/phagocytosis, cell-cell adhesion/communication, and dedifferentiation/redifferentiation. Consistent with morphological features, eight related genes including SP8 transcription factor were activated during zooidal regeneration. Most of these genes were identical to those induced by AP2 mRNA, indicating that asexual reproduction in P. misakiensis shares AP2-regulated downstream genes with zooidal regeneration. The present results suggest that SP8 may be indispensable for both budding and regeneration and that the potential dedifferentiation-related gene SOXB1 plays a minor role in zooidal regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaz Kawamura
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Kochi University, Kochi 780, Japan.
| | - Shigeki Fujiwara
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Kochi University, Kochi 780, Japan; Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Kochi University, Kochi 780, Japan.
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8
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Knodel F, Pinter S, Kroll C, Rathert P. Fluorescent Reporter Systems to Investigate Chromatin Effector Proteins in Living Cells. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2842:225-252. [PMID: 39012599 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-4051-7_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
Epigenetic research faces the challenge of the high complexity and tight regulation in chromatin modification networks. Although many isolated mechanisms of chromatin-mediated gene regulation have been described, solid approaches for the comprehensive analysis of specific processes as parts of the bigger epigenome network are missing. In order to expand the toolbox of methods by a system that will help to capture and describe the complexity of transcriptional regulation, we describe here a robust protocol for the generation of stable reporter systems for transcriptional activity and summarize their applications. The system allows for the induced recruitment of a chromatin regulator to a fluorescent reporter gene, followed by the detection of transcriptional changes using flow cytometry. The reporter gene is integrated into an endogenous chromatin environment, thus enabling the detection of regulatory dependencies of the investigated chromatin regulator on endogenous cofactors. The system allows for an easy and dynamic readout at the single-cell level and the ability to compensate for cell-to-cell variances of transcription. The modular design of the system enables the simple adjustment of the method for the investigation of different chromatin regulators in a broad panel of cell lines. We also summarize applications of this technology to characterize the silencing velocity of different chromatin effectors, removal of activating histone modifications, analysis of stability and reversibility of epigenome modifications, the investigation of the effects of small molecule on chromatin effectors and of functional effector-coregulator relationships. The presented method allows to investigate the complexity of transcriptional regulation by epigenetic effector proteins in living cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Knodel
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biochemistry and Technical Biochemistry, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Sabine Pinter
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biochemistry and Technical Biochemistry, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Carolin Kroll
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biochemistry and Technical Biochemistry, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Philipp Rathert
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biochemistry and Technical Biochemistry, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany.
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9
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de Oliveira Filho RS, de Oliveira DA, Nisimoto MM, Marti LC. A Review of Advanced Cutaneous Melanoma Therapies and Their Mechanisms, from Immunotherapies to Lysine Histone Methyl Transferase Inhibitors. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5751. [PMID: 38136297 PMCID: PMC10741407 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15245751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Advanced cutaneous melanoma is considered to be the most aggressive type of skin cancer and has variable rates of treatment response. Currently, there are some classes of immunotherapy and target therapies for its treatment. Immunotherapy can inhibit tumor growth and its recurrence by triggering the host's immune system, whereas targeted therapy inhibits specific molecules or signaling pathways. However, melanoma responses to these treatments are highly heterogeneous, and patients can develop resistance. Epigenomics (DNA/histone modifications) contribute to cancer initiation and progression. Epigenetic alterations are divided into four levels of gene expression regulation: DNA methylation, histone modification, chromatin remodeling, and non-coding RNA regulation. Deregulation of lysine methyltransferase enzymes is associated with tumor initiation, invasion, development of metastases, changes in the immune microenvironment, and drug resistance. The study of lysine histone methyltransferase (KMT) and nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT) inhibitors is important for understanding cancer epigenetic mechanisms and biological processes. In addition to immunotherapy and target therapy, the research and development of KMT and NNMT inhibitors is ongoing. Many studies are exploring the therapeutic implications and possible side effects of these compounds, in addition to their adjuvant potential to the approved current therapies. Importantly, as with any drug development, safety, efficacy, and specificity are crucial considerations when developing methyltransferase inhibitors for clinical applications. Thus, this review article presents the recently available therapies and those in development for advanced cutaneous melanoma therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renato Santos de Oliveira Filho
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Escola Paulista de Medicina–Universidade Federal de São Paulo–EPM-UNIFESP, São Paulo 04023-062, SP, Brazil
| | - Daniel Arcuschin de Oliveira
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Universidade Federal de São Paulo–UNIFESP-Skin Cancer and Melanoma Fellow, São Paulo 04023-900, SP, Brazil;
| | | | - Luciana Cavalheiro Marti
- Experimental Research Department, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo 05652-900, SP, Brazil
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10
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Pethő G, Kántás B, Horváth Á, Pintér E. The Epigenetics of Neuropathic Pain: A Systematic Update. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17143. [PMID: 38138971 PMCID: PMC10743356 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetics deals with alterations to the gene expression that occur without change in the nucleotide sequence in the DNA. Various covalent modifications of the DNA and/or the surrounding histone proteins have been revealed, including DNA methylation, histone acetylation, and methylation, which can either stimulate or inhibit protein expression at the transcriptional level. In the past decade, an exponentially increasing amount of data has been published on the association between epigenetic changes and the pathomechanism of pain, including its most challenging form, neuropathic pain. Epigenetic regulation of the chromatin by writer, reader, and eraser proteins has been revealed for diverse protein targets involved in the pathomechanism of neuropathic pain. They include receptors, ion channels, transporters, enzymes, cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, inflammasome proteins, etc. Most work has been invested in clarifying the epigenetic downregulation of mu opioid receptors and various K+ channels, two types of structures mediating neuronal inhibition. Conversely, epigenetic upregulation has been revealed for glutamate receptors, growth factors, and lymphokines involved in neuronal excitation. All these data cannot only help better understand the development of neuropathic pain but outline epigenetic writers, readers, and erasers whose pharmacological inhibition may represent a novel option in the treatment of pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gábor Pethő
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti Str. 12., H-7624 Pécs, Hungary; (B.K.); (E.P.)
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Pécs, Rókus Str. 2., H-7624 Pécs, Hungary;
| | - Boglárka Kántás
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti Str. 12., H-7624 Pécs, Hungary; (B.K.); (E.P.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pécs, Édesanyák Str. 17., H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Ádám Horváth
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Pécs, Rókus Str. 2., H-7624 Pécs, Hungary;
| | - Erika Pintér
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti Str. 12., H-7624 Pécs, Hungary; (B.K.); (E.P.)
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11
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Ashokan M, Jayanthi KV, Elango K, Sneha K, Ramesha KP, Reshma RS, Saravanan KA, Naveen KGS. Biological methylation: redefining the link between genotype and phenotype. Anim Biotechnol 2023; 34:3174-3186. [PMID: 35468300 DOI: 10.1080/10495398.2022.2065999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
The central dogma of molecular biology is responsible for the crucial flow of genetic information from DNA to protein through the transcription and translation process. Although the sequence of DNA is constant in all organs, the difference in protein and variation in the phenotype is mainly due to the quality and quantity of tissue-specific gene expression and methylation pattern. The term methylation has been defined and redefined by various scientists in the last fifty years. There is always huge excitement around this field because the inheritance of something is beyond its DNA sequence. Advanced gene methylation studies have redefined molecular genetics and these tools are considered de novo in alleviating challenges of animal disease and production. Recent emerging evidence has shown that the impact of DNA, RNA, and protein methylation is crucial for embryonic development, cell proliferation, cell differentiation, and phenotype production. Currently, many researchers are focusing their work on methylation to understand its significant role in expression, disease-resistant traits, productivity, and longevity. The main aim of the present review is to provide an overview of DNA, RNA, and protein methylation, current research output from different sources, methodologies, factors responsible for methylation of genes, and future prospects in animal genetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Ashokan
- Animal Genetics and Breeding Division, Veterinary College, Hassan, KVAFSU, Karnataka, India
| | - K V Jayanthi
- Animal Genetics and Breeding Division, Veterinary College, Hassan, KVAFSU, Karnataka, India
| | - K Elango
- Southern Regional Station, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Bangalore, India
| | - Kadimetla Sneha
- Animal Genetics and Breeding Division, Veterinary College, Hassan, KVAFSU, Karnataka, India
| | - K P Ramesha
- Southern Regional Station, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Bangalore, India
| | - Raj S Reshma
- Southern Regional Station, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Bangalore, India
| | - K A Saravanan
- Division of Animal Genetics, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly, India
| | - Kumar G S Naveen
- Animal Genetics and Breeding Division, Veterinary College, Hassan, KVAFSU, Karnataka, India
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12
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Sun W, Lee KL, Poellinger L, Masai H, Kato H. Catalytic domain-dependent and -independent transcriptional activities of the tumour suppressor histone H3K27 demethylase UTX/KDM6A in specific cancer types. Epigenetics 2023; 18:2222245. [PMID: 37300822 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2023.2222245] [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: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The histone H3K27 demethylase, UTX/KDM6A, plays a critical role in the early development of vertebrates, and mutations are frequently found in various cancers. Several studies on developmental and cancer biology have focused on preferential transcriptional regulation by UTX independently of its H3K27 demethylase catalytic activity. Here, we analysed gene expression profiles of wild-type (WT) UTX and a catalytic activity-defective mutant in 786-O and HCT116 cells and confirmed that catalytic activity-dependent and -independent regulation contributes to the expression of most of the target genes. Indeed, the catalytic activity-defective mutant indeed suppressed colony formation similar to the WT in our assay system. However, the expression of several genes was significantly dependent on the catalytic activity of UTX in a cell type-specific manner, which could account for the inherent variation in the transcriptional landscape of various cancer types. The promoter/enhancer regions of the catalytic activity-dependent genes identified here were found to be preferentially modified with H3K4me1 and less with H3K27me3 than those of the independent genes. These findings, combined with previous reports, highlight not only the understanding of determinants for the catalytic activity dependency but also the development and application of pharmaceutical agents targeting the H3K27 or H3K4 modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendi Sun
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapoe, Republic of Singapore
| | - Kian Leong Lee
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapoe, Republic of Singapore
- Cancer & Stem Cell Biology Signature Research Programme, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Republic of Singapore
| | - Lorenz Poellinger
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapoe, Republic of Singapore
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Hisao Masai
- Genome Dynamics Project, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Kato
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapoe, Republic of Singapore
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13
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Dong L, Liao H, Zhao L, Wang J, Wang C, Wang B, Sun Y, Xu L, Xia Y, Ling S, Lou X, Qin J. A functional crosstalk between the H3K9 methylation writers and their reader HP1 in safeguarding embryonic stem cell identity. Stem Cell Reports 2023; 18:1775-1792. [PMID: 37703822 PMCID: PMC10545489 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2023.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Histone H3 lysine 9 (H3K9) methylation, as a hallmark of heterochromatin, has a central role in cell lineage and fate determination. Although evidence of a cooperation between H3K9 methylation writers and their readers has started to emerge, their actual interplay remains elusive. Here, we show that loss of H3K9 methylation readers, the Hp1 family, causes reduced expression of H3K9 methyltransferases, and that this subsequently leads to the exit of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) from pluripotency and a reciprocal gain of lineage-specific characteristics. Importantly, the phenotypes of Hp1-null ESCs can be rescued by ectopic expression of Setdb1, Nanog, and Oct4. Furthermore, Setdb1 ablation results in loss of ESC identity, which is accompanied by a reduction in the expression of Hp1 genes. Together, our data support a model in which the safeguarding of ESC identity involves the cooperation between the H3K9 methylation writers and their readers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lixia Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and MOE Key Laboratory of Model Animals for Disease Study, Model Animal Research Center, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Huaqi Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and MOE Key Laboratory of Model Animals for Disease Study, Model Animal Research Center, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Linchun Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and MOE Key Laboratory of Model Animals for Disease Study, Model Animal Research Center, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jingnan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and MOE Key Laboratory of Model Animals for Disease Study, Model Animal Research Center, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Congcong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and MOE Key Laboratory of Model Animals for Disease Study, Model Animal Research Center, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Bowen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and MOE Key Laboratory of Model Animals for Disease Study, Model Animal Research Center, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yanqi Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and MOE Key Laboratory of Model Animals for Disease Study, Model Animal Research Center, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lijun Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and MOE Key Laboratory of Model Animals for Disease Study, Model Animal Research Center, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yin Xia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Shizhang Ling
- The Translational Research Institute for Neurological Disorders, Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital (Yijishan Hospital) of Wannan Medical College, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China.
| | - Xin Lou
- Research Institute of Intelligent Computing, Zhejiang Lab, Hangzhou 311100, China.
| | - Jinzhong Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and MOE Key Laboratory of Model Animals for Disease Study, Model Animal Research Center, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China.
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14
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Sun X, Jin K, Ding X, Ruan Z, Xu P. DNA methylation cooperates with H3K9me2 at HCN4 promoter to regulate the differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells into pacemaker-like cells. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0289510. [PMID: 37643180 PMCID: PMC10464974 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Sick sinus syndrome (SSS) is a a life-threatening disease, and biological pacemakers derived from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) have practical clinical applications. Previous studies demonstrated that epigenetics plays an important role in the differentiation of BMSCs into pacemaker-like cells. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In the present study, we investigated the role of DNA methylation and histone methylation in pacemaker cells formation and found that changes in DNA and H3K9 methylation occur in the promoter region of the pacemaker cell-specific gene HCN4. In addition, the combined addition of methylation inhibitors was able to improve the efficiency of transduction of Tbx18 in inducing the differentiation of BMSCs into pacemaker-like cells. In vitro experiments have shown that inhibition of DNA methylation and H3K9 methylation can enhance the activity of the HCN4 promoter activity, and both can affect the binding of the transcription factor NKx2.5to the HCN4 promoter region. Further research on the interaction mechanism between DNA methylation and H3K9me2 in the HCN4 promoter region revealed that the two may be coupled, and that the methylesterase G9a and DNMT1 may directly interact to bind as a complex that affects DNA methylation and H3K9me2 regulation of HCN4 transcription. In conclusion, our studies suggest that the mutual coupling of DNA and H3K9 methylation plays a critical role in regulating the differentiation of BMSCs into pacemaker-like cells from the perspective of interactions between epigenetic modifications, and combined methylation is a promising strategy to optimise pacemaker-like cells for in vitro applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- XiaoLin Sun
- Department of Cardiology, The Affiliated Taizhou People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou, Jiangsu, The People’s Republic of China
| | - Kai Jin
- Department of Cardiology, The Affiliated Taizhou People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou, Jiangsu, The People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiangwei Ding
- Department of Cardiology, The Affiliated Taizhou People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou, Jiangsu, The People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhongbao Ruan
- Department of Cardiology, The Affiliated Taizhou People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou, Jiangsu, The People’s Republic of China
| | - Pei Xu
- Department of Haematology, The Affiliated Taizhou People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou, Jiangsu, The People’s Republic of China
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15
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Li L, Wu Y, Dai K, Wang Q, Ye S, Shi Q, Chen Z, Huang YC, Zhao W, Li L. The CHCHD2/Sirt1 corepressors involve in G9a-mediated regulation of RNase H1 expression to control R-loop. CELL INSIGHT 2023; 2:100112. [PMID: 37388553 PMCID: PMC10300302 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellin.2023.100112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
R-loops are regulators of many cellular processes and are threats to genome integrity. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms underlying the regulation of R-loops is important. Inspired by the findings on RNase H1-mediated R-loop degradation or accumulation, we focused our interest on the regulation of RNase H1 expression. In the present study, we report that G9a positively regulates RNase H1 expression to boost R-loop degradation. CHCHD2 acts as a repressive transcription factor that inhibits the expression of RNase H1 to promote R-loop accumulation. Sirt1 interacts with CHCHD2 and deacetylates it, which functions as a corepressor that suppresses the expression of downstream target gene RNase H1. We also found that G9a methylated the promoter of RNase H1, inhibiting the binding of CHCHD2 and Sirt1. In contrast, when G9a was knocked down, recruitment of CHCHD2 and Sirt1 to the RNase H1 promoter increased, which co-inhibited RNase H1 transcription. Furthermore, knockdown of Sirt1 led to binding of G9a to the RNase H1 promoter. In summary, we demonstrated that G9a regulates RNase H1 expression to maintain the steady-state balance of R-loops by suppressing the recruitment of CHCHD2/Sirt1 corepressors to the target gene promoter.
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16
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Maksimova V, Makus J, Popova V, Prus A, Usalka O, Trapeznikova E, Zhidkova E, Belitsky G, Yakubovskaya M, Kirsanov K. Histone Methyltransferases as a New Target for Epigenetic Action of Vorinostat. BIOCHEMISTRY. BIOKHIMIIA 2023; 88:968-978. [PMID: 37751867 DOI: 10.1134/s000629792307009x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetic genome regulation during malignant cell transformation is characterized by the aberrant methylation and acetylation of histones. Vorinostat (SAHA) is an epigenetic modulator actively used in clinical oncology. The antitumor activity of vorinostat is commonly believed to be associated with the inhibition of histone deacetylases, while the impact of this drug on histone methylation has been poorly studied. Using HeLa TI cells as a test system allowing evaluation of the effect of epigenetically active compounds from the expression of the GFP reporter gene and gene knockdown by small interfering RNAs, we showed that vorinostat not only suppressed HDAC1, but also reduced the activity of EZH2, SUV39H1, SUV39H2, and SUV420H1. The ability of vorinostat to suppress expression of EZH2, SUV39H1/2, SUV420H1 was confirmed by Western blotting. Vorinostat also downregulated expression of SUV420H2 and DOT1L enzymes. The data obtained expand our understanding of the epigenetic effects of vorinostat and demonstrate the need for a large-scale analysis of its activity toward other enzymes involved in the epigenetic genome regulation. Elucidation of the mechanism underlying the epigenetic action of vorinostat will contribute to its more proper use in the treatment of tumors with an aberrant epigenetic profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varvara Maksimova
- Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, Moscow, 115478, Russia
| | - Julia Makus
- Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, Moscow, 115478, Russia
- Peoples' Friendship University of Russia, Moscow, 117198, Russia
| | - Valeriia Popova
- Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, Moscow, 115478, Russia
- Dmitry Mendeleev University of Chemical Technology of Russia, Moscow, 125047, Russia
| | - Anzhelika Prus
- Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, Moscow, 115478, Russia
- MIREA, Russian Technological University, Moscow, 119571, Russia
| | - Olga Usalka
- Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, Moscow, 115478, Russia
- Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (Sechenov University), Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | - Ekaterina Trapeznikova
- Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (Sechenov University), Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | - Ekaterina Zhidkova
- Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, Moscow, 115478, Russia
| | - Gennady Belitsky
- Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, Moscow, 115478, Russia
| | | | - Kirill Kirsanov
- Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, Moscow, 115478, Russia.
- Peoples' Friendship University of Russia, Moscow, 117198, Russia
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17
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Yang Y, Zhou Z, Wang L, Gao P, Wu Z. G9a and DNMT1 inhibition modulates CDKN1A promoter methylation and the cell cycle leading to improvement in kidney fibrosis. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2023:130417. [PMID: 37356504 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2023.130417] [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: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epigenetic mechanisms, including histone and DNA methylation, play a key role in kidney fibrosis, but the precise mechanism remains unclear. Concerted action between histone and DNA-methyltransferases like G9a and DNMT1 is a common theme in gene expression regulation. We investigated the role of G9a and DNMT1 in kidney fibrosis pathogenesis and aimed to elucidate key G9a and DNMT1 targets contributing to kidney fibrosis maintenance. METHODS G9a and DNMT1 were detected in human fibrotic kidneys, UUO mouse kidneys, and TGFβ1-induced HK-2 cells. G9a and DNMT1 expression was knocked down by siRNA or inhibited with CM272 in HK-2 and UUO mouse, and transcriptomic responses to CM272 were examined. Antifibrogenic activity and safety of CM272 were studied in UUO mouse. Cell cycle were analyzed with flow cytometry. Gene expression regulation was analyzed by chromatin immunoprecipitation and methylation-specific PCR. RESULTS G9a and DNMT1 were overexpressed in human fibrotic kidneys, UUO mouse kidneys, and TGFβ1-induced HK-2 cells. G9a/DNMT1 inhibition potently alleviated fibrosis in vitro and vivo. G9a/DNMT1 inhibition reduced the expression of E2F targets and altered the methylation status of CDKN1A leading to the attenuated cell-cycle arrest. TGFβ1-induced overexpression of G9a or DNMT1 resulted in the enrichment of H3K9me2 and 5-methylcytosine at CDKN1A promoter. CONCLUSIONS Our data link G9a and DNMT1 to CDKN1A regulatory function and kidney fibrosis. Combined targeting G9a and DNMT1 could be a promising strategy for the treatment of kidney fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Yang
- Department of Urology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China; Institute of Urology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Zijian Zhou
- Department of Urology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China; Institute of Urology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Lujia Wang
- Department of Urology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China; Institute of Urology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China; Department of Urology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Peng Gao
- Department of Urology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China; Institute of Urology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Zhong Wu
- Department of Urology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China; Institute of Urology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China.
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18
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Burlibasa L, Nicu AT, Chifiriuc MC, Medar C, Petrescu A, Jinga V, Stoica I. H3 histone methylation landscape in male urogenital cancers: from molecular mechanisms to epigenetic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1181764. [PMID: 37228649 PMCID: PMC10203431 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1181764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
During the last decades, male urogenital cancers (including prostate, renal, bladder and testicular cancers) have become one of the most frequently encountered malignancies affecting all ages. While their great variety has promoted the development of various diagnosis, treatment and monitoring strategies, some aspects such as the common involvement of epigenetic mechanisms are still not elucidated. Epigenetic processes have come into the spotlight in the past years as important players in the initiation and progression of tumors, leading to a plethora of studies highlighting their potential as biomarkers for diagnosis, staging, prognosis, and even as therapeutic targets. Thus, fostering research on the various epigenetic mechanisms and their roles in cancer remains a priority for the scientific community. This review focuses on one of the main epigenetic mechanisms, namely, the methylation of the histone H3 at various sites and its involvement in male urogenital cancers. This histone modification presents a great interest due to its modulatory effect on gene expression, leading either to activation (e.g., H3K4me3, H3K36me3) or repression (e.g., H3K27me3, H3K9me3). In the last few years, growing evidence has demonstrated the aberrant expression of enzymes that methylate/demethylate histone H3 in cancer and inflammatory diseases, that might contribute to the initiation and progression of such disorders. We highlight how these particular epigenetic modifications are emerging as potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers or targets for the treatment of urogenital cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mariana Carmen Chifiriuc
- Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, Bucharest, Romania
- Romanian Academy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cosmin Medar
- University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, Bucharest, Romania
- Clinical Hospital “Prof. dr Theodor Burghele”, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Amelia Petrescu
- Clinical Hospital “Prof. dr Theodor Burghele”, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Viorel Jinga
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, Bucharest, Romania
- University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, Bucharest, Romania
- Clinical Hospital “Prof. dr Theodor Burghele”, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ileana Stoica
- Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
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19
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Able AA, Richard AJ, Stephens JM. TNFα Effects on Adipocytes Are Influenced by the Presence of Lysine Methyltransferases, G9a (EHMT2) and GLP (EHMT1). BIOLOGY 2023; 12:674. [PMID: 37237488 PMCID: PMC10215715 DOI: 10.3390/biology12050674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Impaired adipocyte function contributes to systemic metabolic dysregulation, and altered fat mass or function increases the risk of Type 2 diabetes. EHMTs 1 and 2 (euchromatic histone lysine methyltransferases 1 and 2), also known as the G9a-like protein (GLP) and G9a, respectively, catalyze the mono- and di-methylation of histone 3 lysine 9 (H3K9) and also methylate nonhistone substrates; in addition, they can act as transcriptional coactivators independent of their methyltransferase activity. These enzymes are known to contribute to adipocyte development and function, and in vivo data indicate a role for G9a and GLP in metabolic disease states; however, the mechanisms involved in the cell-autonomous functions of G9a and GLP in adipocytes are largely unknown. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) is a proinflammatory cytokine typically induced in adipose tissue in conditions of insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes. Using an siRNA approach, we have determined that the loss of G9a and GLP enhances TNFα-induced lipolysis and inflammatory gene expression in adipocytes. Furthermore, we show that G9a and GLP are present in a protein complex with nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) in TNFα-treated adipocytes. These novel observations provide mechanistic insights into the association between adipocyte G9a and GLP expression and systemic metabolic health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley A. Able
- Adipocyte Biology Laboratory, Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70808, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
| | - Allison J. Richard
- Adipocyte Biology Laboratory, Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70808, USA
| | - Jacqueline M. Stephens
- Adipocyte Biology Laboratory, Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70808, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
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20
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Nin DS, Deng LW. Biology of Cancer-Testis Antigens and Their Therapeutic Implications in Cancer. Cells 2023; 12:cells12060926. [PMID: 36980267 PMCID: PMC10047177 DOI: 10.3390/cells12060926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumour-specific antigens have been an area of interest in cancer therapy since their discovery in the middle of the 20th century. In the era of immune-based cancer therapeutics, redirecting our immune cells to target these tumour-specific antigens has become even more relevant. Cancer-testis antigens (CTAs) are a class of antigens with an expression specific to the testis and cancer cells. CTAs have also been demonstrated to be expressed in a wide variety of cancers. Due to their frequency and specificity of expression in a multitude of cancers, CTAs have been particularly attractive as cancer-specific therapeutic targets. There is now a rapid expansion of CTAs being identified and many studies have been conducted to correlate CTA expression with cancer and therapy-resistant phenotypes. Furthermore, there is an increasing number of clinical trials involving using some of these CTAs as molecular targets in pharmacological and immune-targeted therapeutics for various cancers. This review will summarise the current knowledge of the biology of known CTAs in tumorigenesis and the regulation of CTA genes. CTAs as molecular targets and the therapeutic implications of these CTA-targeted anticancer strategies will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawn Sijin Nin
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, MD 7, 8 Medical Drive, Singapore 117596, Singapore
- NUS Center for Cancer Research, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 14 Medical Drive, Singapore 117599, Singapore
| | - Lih-Wen Deng
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, MD 7, 8 Medical Drive, Singapore 117596, Singapore
- NUS Center for Cancer Research, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 14 Medical Drive, Singapore 117599, Singapore
- National University Cancer Institute, National University Health System, 5 Lower Kent Ridge Road, Singapore 119074, Singapore
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21
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Wu Y, Xu S, Cheng S, Yang J, Wang Y. Clinical application of PARP inhibitors in ovarian cancer: from molecular mechanisms to the current status. J Ovarian Res 2023; 16:6. [PMID: 36611214 PMCID: PMC9826575 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-023-01094-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
As a kind of gynecological tumor, ovarian cancer is not as common as cervical cancer and breast cancer, but its malignant degree is higher. Despite the increasingly mature treatment of ovarian cancer, the five-year survival rate of patients is still less than 50%. Based on the concept of synthetic lethality, poly (ADP- ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors target tumor cells with defects in homologous recombination repair(HRR), the most significant being the target gene Breast cancer susceptibility genes(BRCA). PARP inhibitors capture PARP-1 protein at the site of DNA damage to destroy the original reaction, causing the accumulation of PARP-DNA nucleoprotein complexes, resulting in DNA double-strand breaks(DSBs) and cell death. PARP inhibitors have been approved for the treatment of ovarian cancer for several years and achieved good results. However, with the widespread use of PARP inhibitors, more and more attention has been paid to drug resistance and side effects. Therefore, further research is needed to understand the mechanism of PARP inhibitors, to be familiar with the adverse reactions of the drug, to explore the markers of its efficacy and prognosis, and to deal with its drug resistance. This review elaborates the use of PARP inhibitors in ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongsong Wu
- grid.24516.340000000123704535Department of Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai200092, China ,grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shilin Xu
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shanshan Cheng
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiani Yang
- grid.24516.340000000123704535Department of Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai200092, China
| | - Yu Wang
- grid.24516.340000000123704535Department of Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai200092, China
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22
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Demond H, Hanna CW, Castillo-Fernandez J, Santos F, Papachristou EK, Segonds-Pichon A, Kishore K, Andrews S, D'Santos CS, Kelsey G. Multi-omics analyses demonstrate a critical role for EHMT1 methyltransferase in transcriptional repression during oogenesis. Genome Res 2023; 33:18-31. [PMID: 36690445 PMCID: PMC9977154 DOI: 10.1101/gr.277046.122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
EHMT1 (also known as GLP) is a multifunctional protein, best known for its role as an H3K9me1 and H3K9me2 methyltransferase through its reportedly obligatory dimerization with EHMT2 (also known as G9A). Here, we investigated the role of EHMT1 in the oocyte in comparison to EHMT2 using oocyte-specific conditional knockout mouse models (Ehmt2 cKO, Ehmt1 cKO, Ehmt1/2 cDKO), with ablation from the early phase of oocyte growth. Loss of EHMT1 in Ehmt1 cKO and Ehmt1/2 cDKO oocytes recapitulated meiotic defects observed in the Ehmt2 cKO; however, there was a significant impairment in oocyte maturation and developmental competence in Ehmt1 cKO and Ehmt1/2 cDKO oocytes beyond that observed in the Ehmt2 cKO. Consequently, loss of EHMT1 in oogenesis results, upon fertilization, in mid-gestation embryonic lethality. To identify H3K9 methylation and other meaningful biological changes in each mutant to explore the molecular functions of EHMT1 and EHMT2, we performed immunofluorescence imaging, multi-omics sequencing, and mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteome analyses in cKO oocytes. Although H3K9me1 was depleted only upon loss of EHMT1, H3K9me2 was decreased, and H3K9me2-enriched domains were eliminated equally upon loss of EHMT1 or EHMT2. Furthermore, there were more significant changes in the transcriptome, DNA methylome, and proteome in Ehmt1/2 cDKO than Ehmt2 cKO oocytes, with transcriptional derepression leading to increased protein abundance and local changes in genic DNA methylation in Ehmt1/2 cDKO oocytes. Together, our findings suggest that EHMT1 contributes to local transcriptional repression in the oocyte, partially independent of EHMT2, and is critical for oogenesis and oocyte developmental competence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Demond
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, United Kingdom;,Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Laboratory of Integrative Biology (LIBi), Centro de Excelencia en Medicina Traslacional (CEMT), Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus (BIOREN), Universidad de La Frontera, 4810296, Temuco, Chile
| | - Courtney W. Hanna
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, United Kingdom;,Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, United Kingdom;,Department of Physiology, Development, and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, United Kingdom
| | | | - Fátima Santos
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, United Kingdom;,Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, United Kingdom
| | - Evangelia K. Papachristou
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0RE, United Kingdom
| | - Anne Segonds-Pichon
- Bioinformatics Group, Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, United Kingdom
| | - Kamal Kishore
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0RE, United Kingdom
| | - Simon Andrews
- Bioinformatics Group, Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, United Kingdom
| | - Clive S. D'Santos
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0RE, United Kingdom
| | - Gavin Kelsey
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, United Kingdom;,Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, United Kingdom;,Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science–Metabolic Research Laboratories, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, United Kingdom
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23
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Vinson DA, Stephens KE, O’Meally RN, Bhat S, Dancy BCR, Cole RN, Yegnasubramanian S, Taverna SD. De novo methylation of histone H3K23 by the methyltransferases EHMT1/GLP and EHMT2/G9a. Epigenetics Chromatin 2022; 15:36. [PMID: 36411491 PMCID: PMC9677696 DOI: 10.1186/s13072-022-00468-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic modifications to histone proteins serve an important role in regulating permissive and repressive chromatin states, but despite the identification of many histone PTMs and their perceived role, the epigenetic writers responsible for generating these chromatin signatures are not fully characterized. Here, we report that the canonical histone H3K9 methyltransferases EHMT1/GLP and EHMT2/G9a are capable of catalyzing methylation of histone H3 lysine 23 (H3K23). Our data show that while both enzymes can mono- and di-methylate H3K23, only EHMT1/GLP can tri-methylate H3K23. We also show that pharmacologic inhibition or genetic ablation of EHMT1/GLP and/or EHMT2/G9a leads to decreased H3K23 methylation in mammalian cells. Taken together, this work identifies H3K23 as a new direct methylation target of EHMT1/GLP and EHMT2/G9a, and highlights the differential activity of these enzymes on H3K23 as a substrate.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A. Vinson
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA ,grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Center for Epigenetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
| | - Kimberly E. Stephens
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA ,grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Center for Epigenetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA ,grid.241054.60000 0004 4687 1637Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Arkansas Children’s Research Institute, Little Rock, AR 72202 USA
| | - Robert N. O’Meally
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Department of Biological Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
| | - Shri Bhat
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
| | - Blair C. R. Dancy
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA ,grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Center for Epigenetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA ,grid.507680.c0000 0001 2230 3166Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD 20910-7500 USA
| | - Robert N. Cole
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Department of Biological Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
| | - Srinivasan Yegnasubramanian
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
| | - Sean D. Taverna
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA ,grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Center for Epigenetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
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24
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Thudium S, Palozola K, L'Her É, Korb E. Identification of a transcriptional signature found in multiple models of ASD and related disorders. Genome Res 2022; 32:1642-1654. [PMID: 36104286 PMCID: PMC9528985 DOI: 10.1101/gr.276591.122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic regulation plays a critical role in many neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In particular, many such disorders are the result of mutations in genes that encode chromatin-modifying proteins. However, although these disorders share many features, it is unclear whether they also share gene expression disruptions resulting from the aberrant regulation of chromatin. We examined five chromatin modifiers that are all linked to ASD despite their different roles in regulating chromatin. Specifically, we depleted ASH1L, CHD8, CREBBP, EHMT1, and NSD1 in parallel in a highly controlled neuronal culture system. We then identified sets of shared genes, or transcriptional signatures, that are differentially expressed following loss of multiple ASD-linked chromatin modifiers. We examined the functions of genes within the transcriptional signatures and found an enrichment in many neurotransmitter transport genes and activity-dependent genes. In addition, these genes are enriched for specific chromatin features such as bivalent domains that allow for highly dynamic regulation of gene expression. The down-regulated transcriptional signature is also observed within multiple mouse models of NDDs that result in ASD, but not those only associated with intellectual disability. Finally, the down-regulated transcriptional signature can distinguish between control and idiopathic ASD patient iPSC-derived neurons as well as postmortem tissue, demonstrating that this gene set is relevant to the human disorder. This work identifies a transcriptional signature that is found within many neurodevelopmental syndromes, helping to elucidate the link between epigenetic regulation and the underlying cellular mechanisms that result in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Thudium
- Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
- Epigenetics Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | - Katherine Palozola
- Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
- Epigenetics Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | - Éloïse L'Her
- Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
- Epigenetics Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | - Erica Korb
- Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
- Epigenetics Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
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25
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PARP3 supervises G9a-mediated repression of adhesion and hypoxia-responsive genes in glioblastoma cells. Sci Rep 2022; 12:15534. [PMID: 36109561 PMCID: PMC9478127 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-19525-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractIn breast cancer, Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 3 (PARP3) has been identified as a key driver of tumor aggressiveness exemplifying its selective inhibition as a promising surrogate for clinical activity onto difficult-to-treat cancers. Here we explored the role of PARP3 in the oncogenicity of glioblastoma, the most aggressive type of brain cancer. The absence of PARP3 did not alter cell proliferation nor the in vivo tumorigenic potential of glioblastoma cells. We identified a physical and functional interaction of PARP3 with the histone H3 lysine 9 methyltransferase G9a. We show that PARP3 helps to adjust G9a-dependent repression of the adhesion genes Nfasc and Parvb and the hypoxia-responsive genes Hif-2α, Runx3, Mlh1, Ndrg1, Ndrg2 and Ndrg4. Specifically for Nfasc, Parvb and Ndrg4, PARP3/G9a cooperate for an adjusted establishment of the repressive mark H3K9me2. While examining the functional consequence in cell response to hypoxia, we discovered that PARP3 acts to maintain the cytoskeletal microtubule stability. As a result, the absence of PARP3 markedly increases the sensitivity of glioblastoma cells to microtubule-destabilizing agents providing a new therapeutic avenue for PARP3 inhibition in brain cancer therapy.
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26
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Chung KM, Chen YT, Hong CC, Chang IC, Lin SY, Liang LY, Chen YR, Yeh CT, Huang SF. CA10 is associated with HBV-related hepatocarcinogenesis. Biochem Biophys Rep 2022; 31:101303. [PMID: 35800619 PMCID: PMC9254355 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrep.2022.101303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the main threat for the patients infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV), but the oncogenic mechanism of HBV-related HCC is still controversial. Previously, we have found that several HBV surface gene (HBS) non-sense mutations are oncogenic. Among these mutations, sW182* was found to have the most potent oncogenicity. In this study, we found that Carbonic Anhydrase X (CA10) level was specifically increased in sW182* mutant-expressing cells. CA10 overexpression was also associated with HBS nonsense mutation in HBV-related HCC tumor tissues. Transformation and tumorigenesis assays revealed that CA10 had significant oncogenic activity. In addition, CA10 overexpression resulted in dysregulation of apoptosis-related proteins, including Mcl-1, Bcl-2, Bcl-xL and Bad. While searching for the regulatory mechanism of CA10, miR-27b was found to downregulate CA10 expression by regulating its mRNA degradation and its expression was decreased in sW182* mutant cells. Moreover, CA10 overexpression was associated with down-regulation of miR-27b in human HBV-related HCC tumor tissues with sW182* mutation. Therefore, induction of the expression of CA10 through repression of miR-27b by sW182* might be one mechanism involved in HBS mutation-related hepatocarcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuei-Min Chung
- Institute of Molecular and Genomic Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
- Liver Research Unit, Linko Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang-Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Ting Chen
- Institute of Molecular and Genomic Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Chen Hong
- Institute of Molecular and Genomic Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
- Liver Research Unit, Linko Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang-Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Il-Chi Chang
- Institute of Molecular and Genomic Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Si-Ying Lin
- Institute of Molecular and Genomic Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Li-Yu Liang
- Institute of Molecular and Genomic Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Rong Chen
- Institute of Molecular and Genomic Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Chau-Ting Yeh
- Liver Research Unit, Linko Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang-Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Shiu-Feng Huang
- Institute of Molecular and Genomic Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Linko Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang-Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Chung-Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
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27
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Inazumi H, Kuwahara K. NRSF/REST-Mediated Epigenomic Regulation in the Heart: Transcriptional Control of Natriuretic Peptides and Beyond. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:1197. [PMID: 36009824 PMCID: PMC9405064 DOI: 10.3390/biology11081197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Reactivation of fetal cardiac genes, including those encoding atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), is a key feature of pathological cardiac remodeling and heart failure. Intensive studies on the regulation of ANP and BNP have revealed the involvement of numerous transcriptional factors in the regulation of the fetal cardiac gene program. Among these, we identified that a transcriptional repressor, neuron-restrictive silencer factor (NRSF), also named repressor element-1-silencing transcription factor (REST), which was initially detected as a transcriptional repressor of neuron-specific genes in non-neuronal cells, plays a pivotal role in the transcriptional regulation of ANP, BNP and other fetal cardiac genes. Here we review the transcriptional regulation of ANP and BNP gene expression and the role of the NRSF repressor complex in the regulation of cardiac gene expression and the maintenance of cardiac homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideaki Inazumi
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, 54 Shogoin-kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Koichiro Kuwahara
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, School of Medicine, Shinshu University, 3-1-1 Asahi, Nagano 390-8621, Japan
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Germline Abnormalities in DNA Methylation and Histone Modification and Associated Cancer Risk. Curr Hematol Malig Rep 2022; 17:82-93. [PMID: 35653077 DOI: 10.1007/s11899-022-00665-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Somatic mutations in DNA methyltransferases and other DNA methylation associated genes have been found in a wide variety of cancers. Germline mutations in these genes have been associated with several rare hereditary disorders. Among the described germline/congenital disorders, neurological dysfunction and/or growth abnormalities appear to be a common phenotype. Here, we outline known germline abnormalities and examine the cancer risks associated with these mutations. RECENT FINDINGS The increased use and availability of sequencing techniques in the clinical setting has expanded the identification of germline abnormalities involving DNA methylation machinery. This has provided additional cases to study these rare hereditary disorders and their predisposition to cancer. Studying these syndromes may offer an opportunity to better understand the contribution of these genes in cancer development.
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29
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Meng TG, Lei WL, Lu X, Liu XY, Ma XS, Nie XQ, Zhao ZH, Li QN, Huang L, Hou Y, Ouyang YC, Li L, Tang TS, Schatten H, Xie W, Gao SR, Ou XH, Wang ZB, Sun QY. Maternal EHMT2 is essential for homologous chromosome segregation by regulating Cyclin B3 transcription in oocyte meiosis. Int J Biol Sci 2022; 18:4513-4531. [PMID: 35864958 PMCID: PMC9295060 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.75298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
During oocyte growth, various epigenetic modifications are gradually established, accompanied by accumulation of large amounts of mRNAs and proteins. However, little is known about the relationship between epigenetic modifications and meiotic progression. Here, by using Gdf9-Cre to achieve oocyte-specific ablation of Ehmt2 (Euchromatic-Histone-Lysine-Methyltransferase 2) from the primordial follicle stage, we found that female mutant mice were infertile. Oocyte-specific knockout of Ehmt2 caused failure of homologous chromosome separation independent of persistently activated SAC during the first meiosis. Further studies revealed that lacking maternal Ehmt2 affected the transcriptional level of Ccnb3, while microinjection of exogenous Ccnb3 mRNA could partly rescue the failure of homologous chromosome segregation. Of particular importance was that EHMT2 regulated ccnb3 transcriptions by regulating CTCF binding near ccnb3 gene body in genome in oocytes. In addition, the mRNA level of Ccnb3 significantly decreased in the follicles microinjected with Ctcf siRNA. Therefore, our findings highlight the novel function of maternal EHMT2 on the metaphase I-to-anaphase I transition in mouse oocytes: regulating the transcription of Ccnb3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tie-Gang Meng
- Fertility Preservation Lab, Guangdong-Hong Kong Metabolism & Reproduction Joint Laboratory, Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, 510317, China.,State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Wen-Long Lei
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Xukun Lu
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing 100084, China.,Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Xiao-Yu Liu
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200120, China
| | - Xue-Shan Ma
- The Affiliated Tai'an City Central Hospital of Qingdao University, Taian, Shandong, 271000, China
| | - Xiao-Qing Nie
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Zheng-Hui Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Qian-Nan Li
- Fertility Preservation Lab, Guangdong-Hong Kong Metabolism & Reproduction Joint Laboratory, Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, 510317, China.,State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Lin Huang
- Center for Clinical Medicine Research, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 6460000, China
| | - Yi Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Ying-Chun Ouyang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Lei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Tie-Shan Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Heide Schatten
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Wei Xie
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing 100084, China.,Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Shao-Rong Gao
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200120, China
| | - Xiang-Hong Ou
- Fertility Preservation Lab, Guangdong-Hong Kong Metabolism & Reproduction Joint Laboratory, Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, 510317, China
| | - Zhen-Bo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Qing-Yuan Sun
- Fertility Preservation Lab, Guangdong-Hong Kong Metabolism & Reproduction Joint Laboratory, Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, 510317, China.,State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
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Epigenetic genes and epilepsy - emerging mechanisms and clinical applications. Nat Rev Neurol 2022; 18:530-543. [PMID: 35859062 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-022-00693-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
An increasing number of epilepsies are being attributed to variants in genes with epigenetic functions. The products of these genes include factors that regulate the structure and function of chromatin and the placing, reading and removal of epigenetic marks, as well as other epigenetic processes. In this Review, we provide an overview of the various epigenetic processes, structuring our discussion around five function-based categories: DNA methylation, histone modifications, histone-DNA crosstalk, non-coding RNAs and chromatin remodelling. We provide background information on each category, describing the general mechanism by which each process leads to altered gene expression. We also highlight key clinical and mechanistic aspects, providing examples of genes that strongly associate with epilepsy within each class. We consider the practical applications of these findings, including tissue-based and biofluid-based diagnostics and precision medicine-based treatments. We conclude that variants in epigenetic genes are increasingly found to be causally involved in the epilepsies, with implications for disease mechanisms, treatments and diagnostics.
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31
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Meghani K, Folgosa Cooley L, Piunti A, Meeks JJ. Role of Chromatin Modifying Complexes and Therapeutic Opportunities in Bladder Cancer. Bladder Cancer 2022; 8:101-112. [PMID: 35898580 PMCID: PMC9278011 DOI: 10.3233/blc-211609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chromatin modifying enzymes, mainly through post translational modifications, regulate chromatin architecture and by extension the underlying transcriptional kinetics in normal and malignant cells. Muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) has a high frequency of alterations in chromatin modifiers, with 76% of tumors exhibiting mutation in at least one chromatin modifying enzyme [1]. Additionally, clonal expansion of cells with inactivating mutations in chromatin modifiers has been identified in the normal urothelium, pointing to a currently unknown role of these proteins in normal bladder homeostasis. OBJECTIVE To review current knowledge of chromatin modifications and enzymes regulating these processes in Bladder cancer (BCa). METHODS By reviewing current literature, we summarize our present knowledge of external stimuli that trigger loss of equilibrium in the chromatin accessibility landscape and emerging therapeutic interventions for targeting these processes. RESULTS Genetic lesions in BCa lead to altered function of chromatin modifying enzymes, resulting in coordinated dysregulation of epigenetic processes with disease progression. CONCLUSION Mutations in chromatin modifying enzymes are wide-spread in BCa and several promising therapeutic targets for modulating activity of these genes are currently in clinical trials. Further research into understanding how the epigenetic landscape evolves as the disease progresses, could help identify patients who might benefit the most from these targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khyati Meghani
- Department of Urology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Lauren Folgosa Cooley
- Department of Urology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Andrea Piunti
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Joshua J. Meeks
- Department of Urology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago IL, USA
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32
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G9a inhibition by CM-272: Developing a novel anti-tumoral strategy for castration-resistant prostate cancer using 2D and 3D in vitro models. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 150:113031. [PMID: 35483199 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) is an incurable form of prostate cancer (PCa), with DNMT1 and G9a being reported as overexpressed, rendering them highly attractive targets for precision medicine. CM-272 is a dual inhibitor of both methyltransferases' activity. Herein, we assessed the response of different PCa cell lines to CM-272, in both 2D and 3D models, and explored the molecular mechanisms underlying CM-272 inhibitory effects. CRPC tissues displayed significantly higher DNMT1, G9a and H3K9me2 expression than localized PCa. In vitro, CM-272 caused a significant decrease in PCa cell viability and proliferation alongside with increased apoptotic levels. We disclose that, under the evaluated dose, CM-272 led to G9a activity inhibition, while not significantly affecting DNMT1 activity. Upon G9a knockdown, DU145 and PC3 showed decreased cell viability. Remarkably, DU145 cells treated with CM-272 or with G9a knockdown displayed no differences in viability, suggesting a SET-dependent mechanism. Contrarily, PC3 cell viability impact was higher in G9a knockdown, compared with CM-272 treatment, suggesting an additional G9a function. Moreover, DU145 cells overexpressing catalytically functional G9a disclosed higher resistance to CM-272 treatment, reinforcing that the drug mechanism of action is dependent on G9a catalytic function. Importantly, we successfully assembled spheroids from several prostate cell lines. Our results showed that CM-272 retained its anti-tumoral effects in 3D PCa models, leading to a clear reduction in cancer cell survival. We concluded that inhibition of G9a methyltransferase activity by CM-272 has anti-tumor effect in PCa cells, holding therapeutic potential against CRPC.
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33
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Jiang S, Jia Y, Gao Z. LncRNA KCNQ1OT1 promotes apoptosis and oxidative stress of human lens epithelial cells through epigenetic regulation of WRN. Curr Eye Res 2022; 47:I-X. [PMID: 35179402 DOI: 10.1080/02713683.2022.2026975] [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: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Long non-coding RNA KCNQ1OT1 is fundamental to age-related cataract (ARC), whereas the underlying mechanism is still unknown. Here, we explored the possible mechanism of KCNQ1OT1 in ARC. METHODS The expression of KCNQ1OT1 in ARC patients and H2O2-treated human lens epithelial cell line SRA01/04 was detected. Gene and protein expression were examined by quantitative real-time PCR and western blot. Cell viability and apoptosis were detected by CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry. The content of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was assessed by fluorescent probe DCFH-DA. The relationship among KCNQ1OT1, G9a, H3K9me1/2 and WRN was verified by RNA pull down and Chromatin immunoprecipitation. RESULTS KCNQ1OT1 was up-regulated in the anterior lens capsule tissues of ARC patients and H2O2-treated SRA01/04 cells. KCNQ1OT1 overexpression suppressed cell viability and facilitated apoptosis in H2O2-treated SRA01/04 cells. KCNQ1OT1 up-regulation enhanced the levels of ROS and malondialdehyde (MDA), and reduced the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in H2O2-treated SRA01/04 cells. WRN up-regulation led to a result opposite to KCNQ1OT1 overexpression. The influence of WRN up-regulation on cell viability, apoptosis and oxidative stress of SRA01/04 cells was rescued by KCNQ1OT1 overexpression. Additionally, KCNQ1OT1 interacted with G9a. Both G9a and H3K9me1/2 interacted with WRN promoter. G9a deficiency significantly enhanced WRN expression and repressed H3K9me1/2 expression in SRA01/04 cells, which was abrogated by KCNQ1OT1 up-regulation. CONCLUSION This study demonstrated that KCNQ1OT1 promoted apoptosis and oxidative stress of human LECs through G9a-driven epigenetic regulation of WRN. This work highlights a novel lncRNA involving key regulators of ARC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengqun Jiang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, No.287 Changhuai Road, Bengbu 233004, Anhui Province, China
| | - Yanwen Jia
- Eye Institute, The Affiliated Changzhou No. 2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, No 29 Xianglong Lane, Changzhou 211166, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Ziqing Gao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, No.287 Changhuai Road, Bengbu 233004, Anhui Province, China
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34
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Guerra MV, Cáceres MI, Herrera-Soto A, Arredondo SB, Varas-Godoy M, van Zundert B, Varela-Nallar L. H3K9 Methyltransferases Suv39h1 and Suv39h2 Control the Differentiation of Neural Progenitor Cells in the Adult Hippocampus. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 9:778345. [PMID: 35096813 PMCID: PMC8791356 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.778345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In the dentate gyrus of the adult hippocampus new neurons are generated from neural precursor cells through different stages including proliferation and differentiation of neural progenitor cells and maturation of newborn neurons. These stages are controlled by the expression of specific transcription factors and epigenetic mechanisms, which together orchestrate the progression of the neurogenic process. However, little is known about the involvement of histone posttranslational modifications, a crucial epigenetic mechanism in embryonic neurogenesis that regulates fate commitment and neuronal differentiation. During embryonic development, the repressive modification trimethylation of histone H3 on lysine 9 (H3K9me3) contributes to the cellular identity of different cell-types. However, the role of this modification and its H3K9 methyltransferases has not been elucidated in adult hippocampal neurogenesis. We determined that during the stages of neurogenesis in the adult mouse dentate gyrus and in cultured adult hippocampal progenitors (AHPs), there was a dynamic change in the expression and distribution of H3K9me3, being enriched at early stages of the neurogenic process. A similar pattern was observed in the hippocampus for the dimethylation of histone H3 on lysine 9 (H3K9me2), another repressive modification. Among H3K9 methyltransferases, the enzymes Suv39h1 and Suv39h2 exhibited high levels of expression at early stages of neurogenesis and their expression decreased upon differentiation. Pharmacological inhibition of these enzymes by chaetocin in AHPs reduced H3K9me3 and concomitantly decreased neuronal differentiation while increasing proliferation. Moreover, Suv39h1 and Suv39h2 knockdown in newborn cells of the adult mouse dentate gyrus by retrovirus-mediated RNA interference impaired neuronal differentiation of progenitor cells. Our results indicate that H3K9me3 and H3K9 methyltransferases Suv39h1 and Suv39h2 are critically involved in the regulation of adult hippocampal neurogenesis by controlling the differentiation of neural progenitor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel V Guerra
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Life Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Matías I Cáceres
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Life Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Andrea Herrera-Soto
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Life Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Sebastián B Arredondo
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Life Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Manuel Varas-Godoy
- Cancer Cell Biology Lab, Centro de Biología Celular y Biomedicina (CEBICEM), Facultad de Medicina y Ciencia, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago, Chile
| | - Brigitte van Zundert
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Life Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile.,Centro de Envejecimiento y Regeneración (CARE-UC), Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, P. Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Lorena Varela-Nallar
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Life Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
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35
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SETDB1-like MET-2 promotes transcriptional silencing and development independently of its H3K9me-associated catalytic activity. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2022; 29:85-96. [PMID: 35102319 PMCID: PMC8850192 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-021-00712-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Transcriptionally silenced heterochromatin bearing methylation of histone H3 on lysine 9 (H3K9me) is critical for maintaining organismal viability and tissue integrity. Here we show that in addition to ensuring H3K9me, MET-2, the Caenorhabditis elegans homolog of the SETDB1 histone methyltransferase, has a noncatalytic function that contributes to gene repression. Subnuclear foci of MET-2 coincide with H3K9me deposition, yet these foci also form when MET-2 is catalytically deficient and H3K9me is compromised. Whereas met-2 deletion triggers a loss of silencing and increased histone acetylation, foci of catalytically deficient MET-2 maintain silencing of a subset of genes, blocking acetylation on H3K9 and H3K27. In normal development, this noncatalytic MET-2 activity helps to maintain fertility. Under heat stress MET-2 foci disperse, coinciding with increased acetylation and transcriptional derepression. Our study suggests that the noncatalytic, focus-forming function of this SETDB1-like protein and its intrinsically disordered cofactor LIN-65 is physiologically relevant. Genetic and genome-wide analysis of a catalytically deficient SETDB1-like enzyme, MET-2, in Caenorhabditiselegans reveals that MET-2 promotes transcriptional silencing and fertility through both H3K9 methylation and focus formation, which blocks histone acetylation.
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36
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Malbeteau L, Pham HT, Eve L, Stallcup MR, Poulard C, Le Romancer M. How Protein Methylation Regulates Steroid Receptor Function. Endocr Rev 2022; 43:160-197. [PMID: 33955470 PMCID: PMC8755998 DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnab014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Steroid receptors (SRs) are members of the nuclear hormonal receptor family, many of which are transcription factors regulated by ligand binding. SRs regulate various human physiological functions essential for maintenance of vital biological pathways, including development, reproduction, and metabolic homeostasis. In addition, aberrant expression of SRs or dysregulation of their signaling has been observed in a wide variety of pathologies. SR activity is tightly and finely controlled by post-translational modifications (PTMs) targeting the receptors and/or their coregulators. Whereas major attention has been focused on phosphorylation, growing evidence shows that methylation is also an important regulator of SRs. Interestingly, the protein methyltransferases depositing methyl marks are involved in many functions, from development to adult life. They have also been associated with pathologies such as inflammation, as well as cardiovascular and neuronal disorders, and cancer. This article provides an overview of SR methylation/demethylation events, along with their functional effects and biological consequences. An in-depth understanding of the landscape of these methylation events could provide new information on SR regulation in physiology, as well as promising perspectives for the development of new therapeutic strategies, illustrated by the specific inhibitors of protein methyltransferases that are currently available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucie Malbeteau
- Université de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France.,Inserm U1052, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France.,CNRS UMR5286, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France
| | - Ha Thuy Pham
- Université de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France.,Inserm U1052, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France.,CNRS UMR5286, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France
| | - Louisane Eve
- Université de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France.,Inserm U1052, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France.,CNRS UMR5286, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France
| | - Michael R Stallcup
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Norris Comprehensive Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Coralie Poulard
- Université de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France.,Inserm U1052, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France.,CNRS UMR5286, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France
| | - Muriel Le Romancer
- Université de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France.,Inserm U1052, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France.,CNRS UMR5286, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France
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37
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White DS, Mongeluzi D, Curry AM, Donu D, Cen Y. Facile synthesis of photoactivatable adenosine analogs. RSC Adv 2022; 12:2219-2226. [PMID: 35425235 PMCID: PMC8979134 DOI: 10.1039/d1ra08794k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Adenosine and its derivatives are important building blocks of the biological system. They serve as the universal energy currency, amplify intracellular signals for various signal transduction pathways, and can also be used as the co-substrates for enzymatic transformations. The synthesis and regulation of adenosine and its analogs rely on the adenosine binding proteins (ABPs). Dysregulated ABP activity contributes to numerous diseases such as cancer, metabolic disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases. Presently, there is intense interest in targeting ABPs for therapeutic purposes. A large fraction of the human ABP family remains poorly characterized. The need for innovative chemical probes to investigate ABP function in the native biological matrix is apparent. In this study, an adenosine analog, probe 1, with a photoaffinity group and biotin tag was synthesized using concise synthetic strategies. This probe was able to label and capture individual recombinant ABPs with good target selectivity. Probe 1 was also evaluated for its ability to label spiked ABP in complex cell lysates. This chemical probe, together with the labeling and enrichment assay, is of great value to interrogate the biological functions of ABPs and to elucidate their diversity under different physiological conditions. Photoactivatable adenosine analog-enabled capture and enrichment of adenosine binding protein (ABP).![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawanna S White
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond VA 23219 USA +1-804-828-7405
| | - Daniel Mongeluzi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond VA 23219 USA +1-804-828-7405
| | - Alyson M Curry
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond VA 23219 USA +1-804-828-7405
| | - Dickson Donu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond VA 23219 USA +1-804-828-7405
| | - Yana Cen
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond VA 23219 USA +1-804-828-7405.,Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond VA 23219 USA
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Zeng TB, Pierce N, Liao J, Singh P, Lau K, Zhou W, Szabó PE. EHMT2 suppresses the variation of transcriptional switches in the mouse embryo. PLoS Genet 2021; 17:e1009908. [PMID: 34793451 PMCID: PMC8601470 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1009908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
EHMT2 is the main euchromatic H3K9 methyltransferase. Embryos with zygotic, or maternal mutation in the Ehmt2 gene exhibit variable developmental delay. To understand how EHMT2 prevents variable developmental delay we performed RNA sequencing of mutant and somite stage-matched normal embryos at 8.5–9.5 days of gestation. Using four-way comparisons between delayed and normal embryos we clarified what it takes to be normal and what it takes to develop. We identified differentially expressed genes, for example Hox genes that simply reflected the difference in developmental progression of wild type and the delayed mutant uterus-mate embryos. By comparing wild type and zygotic mutant embryos along the same developmental window we detected a role of EHMT2 in suppressing variation in the transcriptional switches. We identified transcription changes where precise switching during development occurred only in the normal but not in the mutant embryo. At the 6-somite stage, gastrulation-specific genes were not precisely switched off in the Ehmt2−/− zygotic mutant embryos, while genes involved in organ growth, connective tissue development, striated muscle development, muscle differentiation, and cartilage development were not precisely switched on. The Ehmt2mat−/+ maternal mutant embryos displayed high transcriptional variation consistent with their variable survival. Variable derepression of transcripts occurred dominantly in the maternally inherited allele. Transcription was normal in the parental haploinsufficient wild type embryos despite their delay, consistent with their good prospects. Global profiling of transposable elements revealed EHMT2 targeted DNA methylation and suppression at LTR repeats, mostly ERVKs. In Ehmt2−/− embryos, transcription over very long distances initiated from such misregulated ‘driver’ ERVK repeats, encompassing a multitude of misexpressed ‘passenger’ repeats. In summary, EHMT2 reduced transcriptional variation of developmental switch genes and developmentally switching repeat elements at the six-somite stage embryos. These findings establish EHMT2 as a suppressor of transcriptional and developmental variation at the transition between gastrulation and organ specification. Developmental variation is the property of normal development, and its regulation is poorly understood. Variable developmental delay is found in embryos that carry mutations of epigenetic modifiers, suggesting a role of chromatin in controlling developmental delay and its variable nature. We analyzed a genetic series of mutations and found that EHMT2 suppresses variation of developmental delay and also suppresses the variation of transcriptional switches at the transition between gastrulation and organ specification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tie-Bo Zeng
- Department of Epigenetics, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Nicholas Pierce
- Department of Epigenetics, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Ji Liao
- Department of Epigenetics, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Purnima Singh
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Biology, City of Hope Cancer Center, Duarte, California, United States of America
| | - Kin Lau
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Core, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Wanding Zhou
- Department of Epigenetics, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Piroska E. Szabó
- Department of Epigenetics, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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39
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He L, Lomberk G. Collateral Victim or Rescue Worker?-The Role of Histone Methyltransferases in DNA Damage Repair and Their Targeting for Therapeutic Opportunities in Cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:735107. [PMID: 34869318 PMCID: PMC8636273 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.735107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Disrupted DNA damage signaling greatly threatens cell integrity and plays significant roles in cancer. With recent advances in understanding the human genome and gene regulation in the context of DNA damage, chromatin biology, specifically biology of histone post-translational modifications (PTMs), has emerged as a popular field of study with great promise for cancer therapeutics. Here, we discuss how key histone methylation pathways contribute to DNA damage repair and impact tumorigenesis within this context, as well as the potential for their targeting as part of therapeutic strategies in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lishu He
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States,Division of Research, Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States,Genomic Sciences and Precision Medicine Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Gwen Lomberk
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States,Division of Research, Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States,Genomic Sciences and Precision Medicine Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States,LaBahn Pancreatic Cancer Program, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States,*Correspondence: Gwen Lomberk,
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40
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Sanchez NA, Kallweit LM, Trnka MJ, Clemmer CL, Al-Sady B. Heterodimerization of H3K9 histone methyltransferases G9a and GLP activates methyl reading and writing capabilities. J Biol Chem 2021; 297:101276. [PMID: 34619147 PMCID: PMC8564726 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.101276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Unique among metazoan repressive histone methyltransferases, G9a and GLP, which chiefly target histone 3 lysine 9 (H3K9), require dimerization for productive H3K9 mono (me1)- and dimethylation (me2) in vivo. Intriguingly, even though each enzyme can independently methylate H3K9, the predominant active form in vivo is a heterodimer of G9a and GLP. How dimerization influences the central H3K9 methyl binding ("reading") and deposition ("writing") activity of G9a and GLP and why heterodimerization is essential in vivo remains opaque. Here, we examine the H3K9me "reading" and "writing" activities of defined, recombinantly produced homo- and heterodimers of G9a and GLP. We find that both reading and writing are significantly enhanced in the heterodimer. Compared with the homodimers, the heterodimer has higher recognition of H3K9me2, and a striking ∼10-fold increased turnover rate for nucleosomal substrates under multiple turnover conditions, which is not evident on histone tail peptide substrates. Cross-linking Mass Spectrometry suggests that differences between the homodimers and the unique activity of the heterodimer may be encoded in altered ground state conformations, as each dimer displays different domain contacts. Our results indicate that heterodimerization may be required to relieve autoinhibition of H3K9me reading and chromatin methylation evident in G9a and GLP homodimers. Relieving this inhibition may be particularly important in early differentiation when large tracts of H3K9me2 are typically deposited by G9a-GLP, which may require a more active form of the enzyme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas A Sanchez
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, George Williams Hooper Foundation, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA; TETRAD Graduate Program, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Lena M Kallweit
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, George Williams Hooper Foundation, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Michael J Trnka
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Charles L Clemmer
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, George Williams Hooper Foundation, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Bassem Al-Sady
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, George Williams Hooper Foundation, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA.
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EHMT2/G9a as an Epigenetic Target in Pediatric and Adult Brain Tumors. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222011292. [PMID: 34681949 PMCID: PMC8539543 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222011292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms, including post-translational modifications of DNA and histones that influence chromatin structure, regulate gene expression during normal development and are also involved in carcinogenesis and cancer progression. The histone methyltransferase G9a (euchromatic histone lysine methyltransferase 2, EHMT2), which mostly mediates mono- and dimethylation by histone H3 lysine 9 (H3K9), influences gene expression involved in embryonic development and tissue differentiation. Overexpression of G9a has been observed in several cancer types, and different classes of G9a inhibitors have been developed as potential anticancer agents. Here, we review the emerging evidence suggesting the involvement of changes in G9a activity in brain tumors, namely glioblastoma (GBM), the main type of primary malignant brain cancer in adults, and medulloblastoma (MB), the most common type of malignant brain cancer in children. We also discuss the role of G9a in neuroblastoma (NB) and the drug development of G9a inhibitors.
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42
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Poulard C, Noureddine LM, Pruvost L, Le Romancer M. Structure, Activity, and Function of the Protein Lysine Methyltransferase G9a. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11101082. [PMID: 34685453 PMCID: PMC8541646 DOI: 10.3390/life11101082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
G9a is a lysine methyltransferase catalyzing the majority of histone H3 mono- and dimethylation at Lys-9 (H3K9), responsible for transcriptional repression events in euchromatin. G9a has been shown to methylate various lysine residues of non-histone proteins and acts as a coactivator for several transcription factors. This review will provide an overview of the structural features of G9a and its paralog called G9a-like protein (GLP), explore the biochemical features of G9a, and describe its post-translational modifications and the specific inhibitors available to target its catalytic activity. Aside from its role on histone substrates, the review will highlight some non-histone targets of G9a, in order gain insight into their role in specific cellular mechanisms. Indeed, G9a was largely described to be involved in embryonic development, hypoxia, and DNA repair. Finally, the involvement of G9a in cancer biology will be presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Coralie Poulard
- Cancer Research Cancer of Lyon, Université de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France; (L.M.N.); (L.P.); (M.L.R.)
- Inserm U1052, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France
- CNRS UMR5286, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France
- Correspondence:
| | - Lara M. Noureddine
- Cancer Research Cancer of Lyon, Université de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France; (L.M.N.); (L.P.); (M.L.R.)
- Inserm U1052, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France
- CNRS UMR5286, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Molecular Immunology, Faculty of Sciences, Lebanese University, Hadat-Beirut 90565, Lebanon
| | - Ludivine Pruvost
- Cancer Research Cancer of Lyon, Université de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France; (L.M.N.); (L.P.); (M.L.R.)
- Inserm U1052, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France
- CNRS UMR5286, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France
| | - Muriel Le Romancer
- Cancer Research Cancer of Lyon, Université de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France; (L.M.N.); (L.P.); (M.L.R.)
- Inserm U1052, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France
- CNRS UMR5286, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France
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43
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Okashita N, Tachibana M. Transcriptional Regulation of the Y-Linked Mammalian Testis-Determining Gene SRY. Sex Dev 2021; 15:351-359. [PMID: 34583357 DOI: 10.1159/000519217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian male sex differentiation is triggered during embryogenesis by the activation of the Y-linked testis-determining gene SRY. Since insufficient or delayed expression of SRY results in XY gonadal sex reversal, accurate regulation of SRY is critical for male development in XY animals. In humans, dysregulation of SRY may cause disorders of sex development. Mouse Sry is the most intensively studied mammalian model of sex determination. Sry expression is controlled in a spatially and temporally stringent manner. Several transcription factors play a key role in sex determination as trans-acting factors for Sry expression. In addition, recent studies have shown that several epigenetic modifications of Sry are involved in sex determination as cis-acting factors for Sry expression. Herein, we review the current understanding of transcription factor- and epigenetic modifier-mediated regulation of SRY/Sry expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoki Okashita
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Makoto Tachibana
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
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44
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SPOP mutation induces DNA methylation via stabilizing GLP/G9a. Nat Commun 2021; 12:5716. [PMID: 34588438 PMCID: PMC8481544 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-25951-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in SPOP E3 ligase gene are reportedly associated with genome-wide DNA hypermethylation in prostate cancer (PCa) although the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Here, we demonstrate that SPOP binds and promotes polyubiquitination and degradation of histone methyltransferase and DNMT interactor GLP. SPOP mutation induces stabilization of GLP and its partner protein G9a and aberrant upregulation of global DNA hypermethylation in cultured PCa cells and primary PCa specimens. Genome-wide DNA methylome analysis shows that a subset of tumor suppressor genes (TSGs) including FOXO3, GATA5, and NDRG1, are hypermethylated and downregulated in SPOP-mutated PCa cells. DNA methylation inhibitor 5-azacytidine effectively reverses expression of the TSGs examined, inhibits SPOP-mutated PCa cell growth in vitro and in mice, and enhances docetaxel anti-cancer efficacy. Our findings reveal the GLP/G9a-DNMT module as a mediator of DNA hypermethylation in SPOP-mutated PCa. They suggest that SPOP mutation could be a biomarker for effective treatment of PCa with DNA methylation inhibitor alone or in combination with taxane chemotherapeutics. The molecular mechanism underlying the DNA hypermethylation phenotype observed in the SPOP-mutant prostate cancers is unclear. Here, the authors show that mutant SPOP induces global aberrant DNA methylation patterns through GLP/G9a and renders prostate cancer cells susceptible to DNA demethylating agents.
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45
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Zeng TB, Pierce N, Liao J, Szabó PE. H3K9 methyltransferase EHMT2/G9a controls ERVK-driven noncanonical imprinted genes. Epigenomics 2021; 13:1299-1314. [PMID: 34519223 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2021-0168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: Paternal allele-specific expression of noncanonical imprinted genes in the extraembryonic lineages depends on an H3K27me3-based imprint in the oocyte, which is not a lasting mark. We hypothesized that EHMT2, the main euchromatic H3K9 dimethyltransferase, also has a role in controlling noncanonical imprinting. Methods: We carried out allele-specific total RNA-seq analysis in the ectoplacental cone of somite-matched 8.5 days post coitum embryos using reciprocal mouse crosses. Results: We found that the maternal allele of noncanonical imprinted genes was derepressed from its ERVK promoter in the Ehmt2-/- ectoplacental cone. In Ehmt2-/- embryos, loss of DNA methylation accompanied biallelic derepression of the ERVK promoters. Canonical imprinting and imprinted X chromosome inactivation were generally undisturbed. Conclusion: EHMT2 is essential for repressing the maternal allele in noncanonical imprinting.
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Affiliation(s)
- 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
| | - Ji Liao
- Center for Epigenetics, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Piroska E Szabó
- Center for Epigenetics, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
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46
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Lee J, Kim K, Ryu TY, Jung CR, Lee MS, Lim JH, Park K, Kim DS, Son MY, Hamamoto R, Cho HS. EHMT1 knockdown induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in lung cancer cells by increasing CDKN1A expression. Mol Oncol 2021; 15:2989-3002. [PMID: 34214254 PMCID: PMC8564652 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Dozens of histone methyltransferases have been identified and biochemically characterized, but the pathological roles of their dysfunction in human diseases such as cancer remain largely unclear. Here, we demonstrate the involvement of EHMT1, a histone lysine methyltransferase, in lung cancer. Immunohistochemical analysis indicated that the expression levels of EHMT1 are significantly elevated in human lung carcinomas compared with non‐neoplastic lung tissues. Through gene ontology analysis of RNA‐seq results, we showed that EHMT1 is clearly associated with apoptosis and the cell cycle process. Moreover, FACS analysis and cell growth assays showed that knockdown of EHMT1 induced apoptosis and G1 cell cycle arrest via upregulation of CDKN1A in A549 and H1299 cell lines. Finally, in 3D spheroid culture, compared to control cells, EHMT1 knockdown cells exhibited reduced aggregation of 3D spheroids and clear upregulation of CDKN1A and downregulation of E‐cadherin. Therefore, the results of the present study suggest that EHMT1 plays a critical role in the regulation of cancer cell apoptosis and the cell cycle by modulating CDKN1A expression. Further functional analyses of EHMT1 in the context of human tumorigenesis may aid in the development of novel therapeutic strategies for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinkwon Lee
- Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, Korea.,Department of Functional Genomics, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Kwangho Kim
- Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Tae Young Ryu
- Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Cho-Rok Jung
- Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, Korea.,Department of Functional Genomics, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Moo-Seung Lee
- Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Jung Hwa Lim
- Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Kunhyang Park
- Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Dae-Soo Kim
- Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, Korea.,Department of Functional Genomics, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Mi-Young Son
- Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, Korea.,Department of Functional Genomics, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Ryuji Hamamoto
- Division of Molecular Modification and Cancer Biology, National Cancer Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hyun-Soo Cho
- Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, Korea.,Department of Functional Genomics, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Korea
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47
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Szanto A, Aguilar R, Kesner B, Blum R, Wang D, Cifuentes-Rojas C, Del Rosario BC, Kis-Toth K, Lee JT. A disproportionate impact of G9a methyltransferase deficiency on the X chromosome. Genes Dev 2021; 35:1035-1054. [PMID: 34168040 PMCID: PMC8247598 DOI: 10.1101/gad.337592.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
In this study from Szanto et al., the authors investigated the role of G9a, a histone methyltransferase responsible for the dimethylation of histone H3 at lysine 9 (H3K9me2) that plays key roles in transcriptional silencing of developmentally regulated genes, in X-chromosome inactivation (XCI). They found a female-specific function of G9a and demonstrate that deleting G9a has a disproportionate impact on the X chromosome relative to the rest of the genome, and show RNA tethers G9a for allele-specific targeting of the H3K9me2 modification and the G9a–RNA interaction is essential for XCI. G9a is a histone methyltransferase responsible for the dimethylation of histone H3 at lysine 9 (H3K9me2). G9a plays key roles in transcriptional silencing of developmentally regulated genes, but its role in X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) has been under debate. Here, we uncover a female-specific function of G9a and demonstrate that deleting G9a has a disproportionate impact on the X chromosome relative to the rest of the genome. G9a deficiency causes a failure of XCI and female-specific hypersensitivity to drug inhibition of H3K9me2. We show that G9a interacts with Tsix and Xist RNAs, and that competitive inhibition of the G9a-RNA interaction recapitulates the XCI defect. During XCI, Xist recruits G9a to silence X-linked genes on the future inactive X. In parallel on the future Xa, Tsix recruits G9a to silence Xist in cis. Thus, RNA tethers G9a for allele-specific targeting of the H3K9me2 modification and the G9a-RNA interaction is essential for XCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Attila Szanto
- Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA.,Department of Genetics, The Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Rodrigo Aguilar
- Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA.,Department of Genetics, The Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Barry Kesner
- Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA.,Department of Genetics, The Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Roy Blum
- Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA.,Department of Genetics, The Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Danni Wang
- Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA.,Department of Genetics, The Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Catherine Cifuentes-Rojas
- Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA.,Department of Genetics, The Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Brian C Del Rosario
- Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA.,Department of Genetics, The Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Katalin Kis-Toth
- Department of Rheumatology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Jeannie T Lee
- Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA.,Department of Genetics, The Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
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48
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Onishi-Seebacher M, Erikson G, Sawitzki Z, Ryan D, Greve G, Lübbert M, Jenuwein T. Repeat to gene expression ratios in leukemic blast cells can stratify risk prediction in acute myeloid leukemia. BMC Med Genomics 2021; 14:166. [PMID: 34174884 PMCID: PMC8234671 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-021-01003-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Repeat elements constitute a large proportion of the human genome and recent evidence indicates that repeat element expression has functional roles in both physiological and pathological states. Specifically for cancer, transcription of endogenous retrotransposons is often suppressed to attenuate an anti-tumor immune response, whereas aberrant expression of heterochromatin-derived satellite RNA has been identified as a tumor driver. These insights demonstrate separate functions for the dysregulation of distinct repeat subclasses in either the attenuation or progression of human solid tumors. For hematopoietic malignancies, such as Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), only very few studies on the expression/dysregulation of repeat elements were done. METHODS To study the expression of repeat elements in AML, we performed total-RNA sequencing of healthy CD34 + cells and of leukemic blast cells from primary AML patient material. We also developed an integrative bioinformatic approach that can quantify the expression of repeat transcripts from all repeat subclasses (SINE/ALU, LINE, ERV and satellites) in relation to the expression of gene and other non-repeat transcripts (i.e. R/G ratio). This novel approach can be used as an instructive signature for repeat element expression and has been extended to the analysis of poly(A)-RNA sequencing datasets from Blueprint and TCGA consortia that together comprise 120 AML patient samples. RESULTS We identified that repeat element expression is generally down-regulated during hematopoietic differentiation and that relative changes in repeat to gene expression can stratify risk prediction of AML patients and correlate with overall survival probabilities. A high R/G ratio identifies AML patient subgroups with a favorable prognosis, whereas a low R/G ratio is prevalent in AML patient subgroups with a poor prognosis. CONCLUSIONS We developed an integrative bioinformatic approach that defines a general model for the analysis of repeat element dysregulation in physiological and pathological development. We find that changes in repeat to gene expression (i.e. R/G ratios) correlate with hematopoietic differentiation and can sub-stratify AML patients into low-risk and high-risk subgroups. Thus, the definition of a R/G ratio can serve as a valuable biomarker for AML and could also provide insights into differential patient response to epigenetic drug treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Onishi-Seebacher
- Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Freiburg, Germany
- Novartis Institute for Biomedical Research (NIBR), Basel, Switzerland
| | - G Erikson
- Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Z Sawitzki
- Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Biology, International Max Planck Research School for Molecular and Cellular Biology (IMPRS-MCB) and University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - D Ryan
- Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Freiburg, Germany
| | - G Greve
- Department of Medicine I, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - M Lübbert
- Department of Medicine I, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Freiburg, Germany
| | - T Jenuwein
- Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Freiburg, Germany.
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49
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Bukova I, Szczerkowska KI, Prochazkova M, Beck IM, Prochazka J, Sedlacek R. Loss of Wiz Function Affects Methylation Pattern in Palate Development and Leads to Cleft Palate. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:620692. [PMID: 34150743 PMCID: PMC8206640 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.620692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
WIZ (Widely Interspaced Zinc Finger) is associated with the G9a-GLP protein complex, a key H3K9 methyltransferase suggesting a role in transcriptional repression. However, its role in embryonic development is poorly described. In order to assess the loss of function of WIZ, we generated CRISPR/Cas9 WIZ knockout mouse model with 32 nucleotide deletion. Observing the lethality status, we identified the WIZ knockouts to be subviable during embryonic development and non-viable after birth. Morphology of developing embryo was analyzed at E14.5 and E18.5 and our findings were supported by microCT scans. Wiz KO showed improper development in multiple aspects, specifically in the craniofacial area. In particular, shorter snout, cleft palate, and cleft eyelids were present in mutant embryos. Palatal shelves were hypomorphic and though elevated to a horizontal position on top of the tongue, they failed to make contact and fuse. By comparison of proliferation pattern and histone methylation in developing palatal shelves we brought new evidence of importance WIZ dependent G9a-GLP methylation complex in craniofacial development, especially in palate shelf fusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Bukova
- Laboratory of Transgenic Models of Diseases and the Czech Centre of Phenogenomics, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Katarzyna Izabela Szczerkowska
- Laboratory of Transgenic Models of Diseases and the Czech Centre of Phenogenomics, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Michaela Prochazkova
- Laboratory of Transgenic Models of Diseases and the Czech Centre of Phenogenomics, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Inken M. Beck
- Laboratory of Transgenic Models of Diseases and the Czech Centre of Phenogenomics, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
- Animal Research Centre, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Jan Prochazka
- Laboratory of Transgenic Models of Diseases and the Czech Centre of Phenogenomics, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Radislav Sedlacek
- Laboratory of Transgenic Models of Diseases and the Czech Centre of Phenogenomics, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
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Zhang J, Matsumura Y, Kano Y, Yoshida A, Kawamura T, Hirakawa H, Inagaki T, Tanaka T, Kimura H, Yanagi S, Fukami K, Doi T, Osborne TF, Kodama T, Aburatani H, Sakai J. Ubiquitination-dependent and -independent repression of target genes by SETDB1 reveal a context-dependent role for its methyltransferase activity during adipogenesis. Genes Cells 2021; 26:513-529. [PMID: 33971063 DOI: 10.1111/gtc.12868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The lysine methyltransferase SETDB1, an enzyme responsible for methylation of histone H3 at lysine 9, plays a key role in H3K9 tri-methylation-dependent silencing of endogenous retroviruses and developmental genes. Recent studies have shown that ubiquitination of human SETDB1 complements its catalytic activity and the silencing of endogenous retroviruses in human embryonic stem cells. However, it is not known whether SETDB1 ubiquitination is essential for its other major role in epigenetic silencing of developmental gene programs. We previously showed that SETDB1 contributes to the formation of H3K4/H3K9me3 bivalent chromatin domains that keep adipogenic Cebpa and Pparg genes in a poised state for activation and restricts the differentiation potential of pre-adipocytes. Here, we show that ubiquitin-resistant K885A mutant of SETDB1 represses adipogenic genes and inhibits pre-adipocyte differentiation similar to wild-type SETDB1. We show this was due to a compensation mechanism for H3K9me3 chromatin modifications on the Cebpa locus by other H3K9 methyltransferases Suv39H1 and Suv39H2. In contrast, the K885A mutant did not repress other SETDB1 target genes such as Tril and Gas6 suggesting SETDB1 represses its target genes by two mechanisms; one that requires its ubiquitination and another that still requires SETDB1 but not its enzyme activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Zhang
- Division of Metabolic Medicine, Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.,Division of Molecular Physiology and Metabolism, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Matsumura
- Division of Metabolic Medicine, Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuka Kano
- Division of Metabolic Medicine, Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.,Laboratory of Molecular Biochemistry, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Hachioji, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ayano Yoshida
- Division of Metabolic Medicine, Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.,Laboratory of Genome and Biosignal, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Hachioji, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takeshi Kawamura
- Laboratory of Systems Biology and Medicine, Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.,Proteomics Laboratory, Isotope Science Center, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Hirakawa
- Division of Metabolic Medicine, Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Graduate School, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takeshi Inagaki
- Division of Metabolic Medicine, Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toshiya Tanaka
- Laboratory of Systems Biology and Medicine, Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kimura
- Cell Biology Center, Institute of Innovative Research, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Shigeru Yanagi
- Laboratory of Molecular Biochemistry, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Hachioji, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kiyoko Fukami
- Laboratory of Genome and Biosignal, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Hachioji, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takefumi Doi
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Timothy F Osborne
- Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, and Medicine in the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, St. Petersburg, FL, USA
| | - Tatsuhiko Kodama
- Laboratory of Systems Biology and Medicine, Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Aburatani
- Genome Science Division, Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Juro Sakai
- Division of Metabolic Medicine, Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.,Division of Molecular Physiology and Metabolism, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
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