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Dhanasiri AK, Siciliani D, Kortner TM, Krogdahl Å. Epigenetic changes in pyloric caeca of Atlantic salmon fed diets containing increasing levels of lipids and choline. Epigenetics 2024; 19:2305079. [PMID: 38281164 PMCID: PMC10824149 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2024.2305079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
An earlier study of ours investigating the effect of dietary lipid levels on the choline requirement of Atlantic salmon showed increasing severity of intestinal steatosis with increasing lipid levels. As choline is involved in epigenetic regulation by being the key methyl donor, pyloric caeca samples from the study were analysed for epigenetic effects of dietary lipid and choline levels. The diets varied in lipid levels between 16% and 28%, and choline levels between 1.9 and 2.3 g/kg. The diets were fed for 8 weeks to Atlantic salmon of 25 g of initial weight. Using reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS), this study revealed that increasing dietary lipid levels induced methylation differences in genes involved in membrane transport and signalling pathways, and in microRNAs important for the regulation of lipid homoeostasis. Increasing choline levels also affected genes involved in fatty acid biosynthesis and transport, lipolysis, and lipogenesis, as well as important immune genes. Our observations confirmed that choline is involved in epigenetic regulation in Atlantic salmon, as has been reported for higher vertebrates. This study showed the need for the inclusion of biomarkers of epigenetic processes in studies that must be conducted to define optimal choline levels in diets for Atlantic salmon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anusha K.S. Dhanasiri
- Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Ås, Norway
| | - Daphne Siciliani
- Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Ås, Norway
| | - Trond M. Kortner
- Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Ås, Norway
| | - Åshild Krogdahl
- Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Ås, Norway
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2
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Jia G, Liu J, Hou X, Jiang Y, Li X. Biological function and small molecule inhibitors of histone deacetylase 11. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 276:116634. [PMID: 38972077 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116634] [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: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 06/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
HDAC11, as a rising star in the histone deacetylase (HDAC) family, has attracted widespread interest in the biomedical field in recent years specially owing to its high defatty-acylase activity compared its innate deacetylase activity. Numerous studies have provided evidence indicating the crucial involvement of HDAC11 in cancers, immune responses, and metabolic processes. Several potent and selective HDAC11 inhibitors have been discovered and identified, which is crucial for exploring the function of HDAC11 and its potential therapeutic applications. Herein, we present a critical overview of the current advances in the biological function of HDAC11 and its inhibitors. We initially discuss the physiological functions of HDAC11 and its pathological roles in relevant diseases. Subsequently, our main focus centers on the design strategy and development process of HDAC11 inhibitors. Additionally, we address significant challenges and outline future directions in this field. This perspective may provide guidance for the further development of HDAC11 inhibitors and their prospects in disease treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geng Jia
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Jinyu Liu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Xinlu Hou
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Yuqi Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China.
| | - Xiaoyang Li
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China.
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3
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Soltan OM, Abdelrahman KS, Bass AKA, Takizawa K, Narumi A, Konno H. Design of Multi-Target drugs of HDACs and other Anti-Alzheimer related Targets: Current strategies and future prospects in Alzheimer's diseases therapy. Bioorg Chem 2024; 151:107651. [PMID: 39029320 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2024.107651] [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: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 07/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer disease (AD) is the most prevalent form of dementia that develops spontaneously in the elderly. It's worth mentioning that as people age, the epigenetic profile of the central nervous system cells changes, which may speed up the development of various neurodegenerative disorders including AD. Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are a class of epigenetic enzymes that can control gene expression without altering the gene sequence. Moreover, a promising strategy for multi-target hybrid design was proposed to potentially improve drug efficacy and reduce side effects. These hybrids are monocular drugs that contain various pharmacophore components and have the ability to bind to different targets at the same time. The HDACs ability to synergistically boost the performance of other anti-AD drugs, as well as the ease with which HDACs inhibitor cap group, can be modified. This has prompted numerous medicinal chemists to design a novel generation of HDACs multi-target inhibitors. Different HDACs inhibitors and other ones such as acetylcholinesterase, butyryl-cholinesterase, phosphodiesterase 9, phosphodiesterase 5 or glycogen synthase kinase 3β inhibitors were merged into hybrids for treatment of AD. This review goes over the scientific rationale for targeting HDACs along with several other crucial targets in AD therapy. This review presents the latest hybrids of HDACs and other AD target pharmacophores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osama M Soltan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Assiut 71524, Egypt.
| | - Kamal S Abdelrahman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Assiut 71524, Egypt
| | - Amr K A Bass
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Menoufia University, Menoufia 6131567, Egypt
| | - Kazuki Takizawa
- Department of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Yamagata University, Yonezawa, Yamagata 992-8510, Japan
| | - Atsushi Narumi
- Department of Organic Materials Science, Graduate School of Organic Materials Science, Yamagata University, Jonan 4-3-16, Yonezawa, Yamagata 992-8510, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Konno
- Department of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Yamagata University, Yonezawa, Yamagata 992-8510, Japan.
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Maleszka R. Reminiscences on the honeybee genome project and the rise of epigenetic concepts in insect science. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 33:444-456. [PMID: 38196200 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
The sequencing of the honeybee genome in 2006 was an important technological and logistic achievement experience. But what benefits have flown from the honeybee genome project? What does the annotated genomic assembly mean for the study of behavioural complexity and organismal function in honeybees? Here, I discuss several lines of research that have arisen from this project and highlight the rapidly expanding studies on insect epigenomics, emergent properties of royal jelly, the mechanism of nutritional control of development and the contribution of epigenomic regulation to the evolution of sociality. I also argue that the term 'insect epigenetics' needs to be carefully redefined to reflect the diversity of epigenomic toolkits in insects and the impact of lineage-specific innovations on organismal outcomes. The honeybee genome project helped pioneer advances in social insect molecular biology, and fuelled breakthrough research into the role of flexible epigenomic control systems in linking genotype to phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryszard Maleszka
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
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Huang Z, Li L, Cheng B, Li D. Small molecules targeting HDAC6 for cancer treatment: Current progress and novel strategies. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 178:117218. [PMID: 39084081 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.117218] [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: 05/25/2024] [Revised: 07/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) plays a crucial role in the initiation and progression of various cancers, as its overexpression is linked to tumor growth, invasion, migration, survival, apoptosis, and angiogenesis. Therefore, HDAC6 has emerged as an attractive target for anticancer drug discovery in the past decade. However, the development of conventional HDAC6 inhibitors has been hampered by their limited clinical efficacy, acquired resistance, and inability to inhibit non-enzymatic functions of HDAC6. To overcome these challenges, new strategies, such as dual-acting inhibitors, targeted protein degradation (TPD) technologies (including PROTACs, HyT), are essential to enhance the anticancer activity of HDAC6 inhibitors. In this review, we focus on the recent advances in the design and development of HDAC6 modulators, including isoform-selective HDAC6 inhibitors, HDAC6-based dual-target inhibitors, and targeted protein degraders (PROTACs, HyT), from the perspectives of rational design, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, and clinical status. Finally, we discuss the challenges and future directions for HDAC6-based drug discovery for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziqian Huang
- Department of Pharmacy, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, PR China
| | - Ling Li
- The Eighth Affiliated Hospital Sun Yat-sen University, 3025 Shennan Middle Road, Shenzhen 518000, China.
| | - Binbin Cheng
- School of Medicine, Hubei Polytechnic University, Huangshi 435003, China.
| | - Deping Li
- Department of Pharmacy, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, PR China.
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Bagheri-Hosseinabadi Z, Eshkevari SMS, Khalighfard S, Alizadeh AM, Khori V, Amiriani T, Poorkhani A, Sadani S, Esmati E, Lashgari M, Mahmoodi M, Hajizadeh MR. A systematic approach introduced some immune system targets in rectal cancer by considering cell-free DNA methylation in response to radiochemotherapy. Cytokine 2024; 181:156666. [PMID: 38906038 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2024.156666] [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: 03/03/2024] [Revised: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aims to investigate cell-free DNA (cfDNA) methylation of genes involved in some immune system targets as biomarkers of radioresistance in patients with non-metastatic rectal cancer. METHODS Gene expression (GSE68204, GPL6480, and GSE15781) and DNA methylation profiles (GSE75548 and GSE139404) of rectal cancer patients were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. GEO2R and FunRich software were first used to identify genes with significant expression differences. Enricher softwer was then used to analyze Gene Ontology and detect pathway enrichment of hub genes. Blood samples were then taken from 43 rectal cancer patients. After cfDNA extraction from samples, it was treated with bisulfite and analyzed by methylation-specific PCR. RESULTS 1088 genes with high and 629 with low expression were identified by GEO2R and FunRich software. A total of five high-expression hub genes, including CDH24, FGF18, CCND1, IFITM1, UBE2V1, and three low-expression hub genes, including CBLN2, VIPR2, and IRF4, were identified from UALCAN and DNMIVD databases. Methylation-specific PCR indicated a significant difference in hub gene methylation between cancerous and non-cancerous individuals. Radiochemotherapy significantly affected hub gene methylation. There was a considerable difference in the methylation rate of hub genes between patients who responded to radiochemotherapy and those who did not. CONCLUSIONS Evaluating gene methylation patterns might be an appropriate diagnostic tool to predict radiochemotherapy response and develop targeted therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Bagheri-Hosseinabadi
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Research Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran; Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | | | | | - Ali Mohammad Alizadeh
- Radiation Oncology Research Center, Cancer Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Cancer Research Center, Cancer Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Vahid Khori
- Ischemic Disorders Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Taghi Amiriani
- Ischemic Disorders Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Amirhoushang Poorkhani
- Ischemic Disorders Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Somayeh Sadani
- Ischemic Disorders Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Ebrahim Esmati
- Radiation Oncology Research Center, Cancer Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Marzih Lashgari
- Radiation Oncology Research Center, Cancer Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Mahmoodi
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Research Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran; Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Afzalipour School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Hajizadeh
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Research Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran; Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
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Chen Z, Malek V, Natarajan R. Update: the role of epigenetics in the metabolic memory of diabetic complications. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2024; 327:F327-F339. [PMID: 38961840 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00115.2024] [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: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Diabetes, a chronic disease characterized by hyperglycemia, is associated with significantly accelerated complications, including diabetic kidney disease (DKD), which increases morbidity and mortality. Hyperglycemia and other diabetes-related environmental factors such as overnutrition, sedentary lifestyles, and hyperlipidemia can induce epigenetic changes. Working alone or with genetic factors, these epigenetic changes that occur without alterations in the underlying DNA sequence, can alter the expression of pathophysiological genes and impair functions of associated target cells/organs, leading to diabetic complications like DKD. Notably, some hyperglycemia-induced epigenetic changes persist in target cells/tissues even after glucose normalization, leading to sustained complications despite glycemic control, so-called metabolic memory. Emerging evidence from in vitro and in vivo animal models and clinical trials with subjects with diabetes identified clear associations between metabolic memory and epigenetic changes including DNA methylation, histone modifications, chromatin structure, and noncoding RNAs at key loci. Targeting such persistent epigenetic changes and/or molecules regulated by them can serve as valuable opportunities to attenuate, or erase metabolic memory, which is crucial to prevent complication progression. Here, we review these cell/tissue-specific epigenetic changes identified to-date as related to diabetic complications, especially DKD, and the current status on targeting epigenetics to tackle metabolic memory. We also discuss limitations in current studies, including the need for more (epi)genome-wide studies, integrative analysis using multiple epigenetic marks and Omics datasets, and mechanistic evaluation of metabolic memory. Considering the tremendous technological advances in epigenomics, genetics, sequencing, and availability of genomic datasets from clinical cohorts, this field is likely to see considerable progress in the upcoming years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuo Chen
- Department of Diabetes Complications and Metabolism, Arthur Riggs Diabetes and Metabolism Research Institute, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, California
| | - Vajir Malek
- Department of Diabetes Complications and Metabolism, Arthur Riggs Diabetes and Metabolism Research Institute, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, California
| | - Rama Natarajan
- Department of Diabetes Complications and Metabolism, Arthur Riggs Diabetes and Metabolism Research Institute, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, California
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Martins-Ferreira R, Calafell-Segura J, Chaves J, Ciudad L, Martins da Silva A, Pinho e Costa P, Leal B, Ballestar E. Purinergic exposure induces epigenomic and transcriptomic-mediated preconditioning resembling epilepsy-associated microglial states. iScience 2024; 27:110546. [PMID: 39184445 PMCID: PMC11342283 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.110546] [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: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Microglia play a crucial role in a range of neuropathologies through exacerbated activation. Microglial inflammatory responses can be influenced by prior exposures to noxious stimuli, like increased levels of extracellular adenosine and ATP. These are characteristic of brain insults like epileptic seizures and could potentially shape subsequent responses through epigenetic regulation. We investigated DNA methylation and expression changes in human microglia-like cells differentiated from monocytes following ATP-mediated preconditioning. We demonstrate that microglia-like cells display homeostatic microglial features, shown by surface markers, transcriptome, and DNA methylome. After exposure to ATP, TLR-mediated activation leads to an exacerbated pro-inflammatory response. These changes are accompanied by methylation and transcriptional reprogramming associated with enhanced immune-related functions. The reprogramming associated with ATP-mediated preconditioning leads to profiles found in microglial subsets linked to epilepsy. Purine-driven microglia immune preconditioning drives epigenetic and transcriptional changes that could contribute to altered functions of microglia during seizure development and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Martins-Ferreira
- Epigenetics and Immune Disease Group, Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), 08916 Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
- Immunogenetics Laboratory, Molecular Pathology and Immunology Department, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar – Universidade do Porto (ICBAS-UPorto), 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Autoimmunity and Neuroscience Group. Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, ICBAS - School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- ITR - Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, Porto, Portugal
| | - Josep Calafell-Segura
- Epigenetics and Immune Disease Group, Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), 08916 Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - João Chaves
- Autoimmunity and Neuroscience Group. Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, ICBAS - School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- ITR - Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, Porto, Portugal
- Neurology Service, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Santo António (CHUdSA), 4099-001 Porto, Portugal
| | - Laura Ciudad
- Epigenetics and Immune Disease Group, Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), 08916 Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - António Martins da Silva
- Autoimmunity and Neuroscience Group. Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, ICBAS - School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- ITR - Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, Porto, Portugal
- Neurophysiology Service, CHUdSA 4099-001 Porto, Portugal
| | - Paulo Pinho e Costa
- Immunogenetics Laboratory, Molecular Pathology and Immunology Department, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar – Universidade do Porto (ICBAS-UPorto), 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Autoimmunity and Neuroscience Group. Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, ICBAS - School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- ITR - Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Human Genetics, Instituto Nacional de Saúde Dr. Ricardo Jorge 4000-055 Porto, Portugal
| | - Bárbara Leal
- Immunogenetics Laboratory, Molecular Pathology and Immunology Department, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar – Universidade do Porto (ICBAS-UPorto), 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Autoimmunity and Neuroscience Group. Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, ICBAS - School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- ITR - Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, Porto, Portugal
| | - Esteban Ballestar
- Epigenetics and Immune Disease Group, Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), 08916 Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
- Epigenetics in Inflammatory and Metabolic Diseases Laboratory, Health Science Center (HSC), East China Normal University (ECNU), Shanghai 200241, China
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Maimaiti A, Ma J, Hao C, Han D, Wang Y, Wang Z, Abudusalamu R. DNA methylation-estimated phenotypes, telomere length and risk of ischemic stroke: epigenetic age acceleration of screening and a Mendelian randomization study. Aging (Albany NY) 2024; 16:206072. [PMID: 39159130 DOI: 10.18632/aging.206072] [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: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 08/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aging is a complex biological process that may be accelerated in certain pathological conditions. DNA methylation age (DNAmAge) has emerged as a biomarker for biological age, which can differ from chronological age. This research peels back the layers of the relationship between fast-forward aging and ischemic stroke, poking and prodding the potential two-way causal influences between stroke and biological aging indicators. METHODS We analyzed a cohort of ischemic stroke patients, comparing DNAmAge with chronological age to measure age acceleration. We assessed variations in age acceleration among stroke subtypes and between sexes. Using Mendelian randomization, we examined the causal links between stroke, aging biomarkers like telomere length, and age acceleration's effect on stroke risk. RESULTS Our investigation reveals a pronounced association between ischemic stroke and age acceleration, most notably in patients with cardioembolic strokes, who exhibited a striking median difference of 9 years between DNAmAge and chronological age. Furthermore, age acceleration differed significantly across stroke subtypes and was higher in women than in men. In terms of causality, MR analysis indicated a modest negative effect of stroke on telomere length, but no causal effect of age phenotypes on stroke or its subtypes. However, some indication of a potential causal effect of ischemic stroke on PhenoAge acceleration was observed. CONCLUSION The study provides insight into the relationship between DNAmAge and ischemic stroke, particularly cardioembolic stroke, and suggests possible gender differences. These insights carry profound clinical significance and set stage for future investigations into the entwined pathways of stroke and accelerated aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aierpati Maimaiti
- Department of Neurosurgery, Neurosurgery Centre, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830054, China
| | - Jianhua Ma
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830054, China
| | - Chenguang Hao
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830054, China
| | - Dengfeng Han
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830054, China
| | - Yongxin Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Neurosurgery Centre, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830054, China
| | - Zengliang Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Neurosurgery Centre, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830054, China
| | - Rena Abudusalamu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830054, China
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Jia J, Yu C. The Role of the MCM2-7 Helicase Subunit MCM2 in Epigenetic Inheritance. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:572. [PMID: 39194510 DOI: 10.3390/biology13080572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2024] [Revised: 07/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/27/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024]
Abstract
Recycling histone proteins from parental chromatin, a process known as parental histone transfer, is an important component in chromosome replication and is essential for epigenetic inheritance. We review recent advances in our understanding of the recycling mechanism of parental histone H3-H4 tetramers (parH3:H4tet), emphasizing the pivotal role of the DNA replisome. In particular, we highlight the function of the MCM2-7 helicase subunit Mcm2 as a histone H3-H4 tetramer chaperone. Disruption of this histone chaperone's functions affects mouse embryonic stem cell differentiation and can lead to embryonic lethality in mice, underscoring the crucial role of the replisome in maintaining epigenomic stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Jia
- Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN 55912, USA
| | - Chuanhe Yu
- Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN 55912, USA
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11
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Lu W, Tang Y, Liu Y, Lin S, Shuai Q, Liang B, Zhang R, Cheng Y, Fang D. CatLearning: highly accurate gene expression prediction from histone mark. Brief Bioinform 2024; 25:bbae373. [PMID: 39073831 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbae373] [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: 04/25/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Histone modifications, known as histone marks, are pivotal in regulating gene expression within cells. The vast array of potential combinations of histone marks presents a considerable challenge in decoding the regulatory mechanisms solely through biological experimental approaches. To overcome this challenge, we have developed a method called CatLearning. It utilizes a modified convolutional neural network architecture with a specialized adaptation Residual Network to quantitatively interpret histone marks and predict gene expression. This architecture integrates long-range histone information up to 500Kb and learns chromatin interaction features without 3D information. By using only one histone mark, CatLearning achieves a high level of accuracy. Furthermore, CatLearning predicts gene expression by simulating changes in histone modifications at enhancers and throughout the genome. These findings help comprehend the architecture of histone marks and develop diagnostic and therapeutic targets for diseases with epigenetic changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weining Lu
- Beijing National Research Center for Information Science and Technology, Tsinghua University, FIT Building, Haidian District, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yin Tang
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, 1369 Wenyixi Road, Yuhang District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311121, China
| | - Yu Liu
- Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Xihu District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Shiyi Lin
- Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Xihu District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Qifan Shuai
- School of Electron and Computer, Southeast University Chengxian College, 371 Heyan Road, Qixia District, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210088, China
| | - Bin Liang
- Department of Automation, Tsinghua University, 1 Tsinghua Garden, Haidian District, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Rongqing Zhang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Enzymology, Yangtze Delta Region Institute of Tsinghua University, 705 Yatai Road, Jiaxing 314006, China
| | - Yu Cheng
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Dong Fang
- Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Xihu District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education, 88 Jiefang Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310009, China
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Bontempo P, Capasso L, De Masi L, Nebbioso A, Rigano D. Therapeutic Potential of Natural Compounds Acting through Epigenetic Mechanisms in Cardiovascular Diseases: Current Findings and Future Directions. Nutrients 2024; 16:2399. [PMID: 39125279 PMCID: PMC11314203 DOI: 10.3390/nu16152399] [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: 06/28/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/20/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain a leading global cause of morbidity and mortality. These diseases have a multifaceted nature being influenced by a multitude of biochemical, genetic, environmental, and behavioral factors. Epigenetic modifications have a crucial role in the onset and progression of CVD. Epigenetics, which regulates gene activity without altering the DNA's primary structure, can modulate cardiovascular homeostasis through DNA methylation, histone modification, and non-coding RNA regulation. The effects of environmental stimuli on CVD are mediated by epigenetic changes, which can be reversible and, hence, are susceptible to pharmacological interventions. This represents an opportunity to prevent diseases by targeting harmful epigenetic modifications. Factors such as high-fat diets or nutrient deficiencies can influence epigenetic enzymes, affecting fetal growth, metabolism, oxidative stress, inflammation, and atherosclerosis. Recent studies have shown that plant-derived bioactive compounds can modulate epigenetic regulators and inflammatory responses, contributing to the cardioprotective effects of diets. Understanding these nutriepigenetic effects and their reversibility is crucial for developing effective interventions to combat CVD. This review delves into the general mechanisms of epigenetics, its regulatory roles in CVD, and the potential of epigenetics as a CVD therapeutic strategy. It also examines the role of epigenetic natural compounds (ENCs) in CVD and their potential as intervention tools for prevention and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Bontempo
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Via L. De Crecchio 7, 80138 Naples, Italy; (L.C.); (A.N.)
| | - Lucia Capasso
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Via L. De Crecchio 7, 80138 Naples, Italy; (L.C.); (A.N.)
| | - Luigi De Masi
- National Research Council (CNR), Institute of Biosciences and BioResources (IBBR), Via Università 133, 80055 Portici, Italy
| | - Angela Nebbioso
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Via L. De Crecchio 7, 80138 Naples, Italy; (L.C.); (A.N.)
| | - Daniela Rigano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy;
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Chen GY, Liu C, Xia Y, Wang PX, Zhao ZY, Li AY, Zhou CQ, Xiang C, Zhang JL, Zeng Y, Gu P, Li H. Effects of walking on epigenetic age acceleration: a Mendelian randomization study. Clin Epigenetics 2024; 16:94. [PMID: 39026267 PMCID: PMC11256679 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-024-01707-w] [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: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Walking stands as the most prevalent physical activity in the daily lives of individuals and is closely associated with physical functioning and the aging process. Nonetheless, the precise cause-and-effect connection between walking and aging remains unexplored. The epigenetic clock emerges as the most promising biological indicator of aging, capable of mirroring the biological age of the human body and facilitating an investigation into the association between walking and aging. Our primary objective is to investigate the causal impact of walking with epigenetic age acceleration (EAA). METHODS We conducted a two-sample two-way Mendelian randomization (MR) study to investigate the causal relationship between walking and EAA. Walking and Leisure sedentary behavior data were sourced from UK Biobank, while EAA data were gathered from a total of 28 cohorts. The MR analysis was carried out using several methods, including the inverse variance weighted (IVW), weighted median, MR-Egger, and robust adjusted profile score (RAPS). To ensure the robustness of our findings, we conducted sensitivity analyses, which involved the MR-Egger intercept test, Cochran's Q test, and MR-PRESSO, to account for and mitigate potential pleiotropy. RESULTS The IVW MR results indicate a significant impact of usual walking pace on GrimAge (BETA = - 1.84, 95% CI (- 2.94, - 0.75)), PhenoAge (BETA = - 1.57, 95% CI (- 3.05, - 0.08)), Horvath (BETA = - 1.09 (- 2.14, - 0.04)), and Hannum (BETA = - 1.63, 95% CI (- 2.70, - 0.56)). Usual walking pace is significantly associated with a delay in epigenetic aging acceleration (EAA) (P < 0.05). Moreover, the direction of effect predicted by the gene remained consistent across RAPS outcomes and sensitivity MR analyses. There is a lack of robust causal relationships between other walking conditions, such as walking duration and walking frequency, on EAA (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION Our evidence demonstrates that a higher usual walking pace is associated with a deceleration of the acceleration of all four classical epigenetic clocks acceleration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guan-Yi Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Engineering Laboratory for Orthopedic Biomaterials, Changsha, China
| | - Chao Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Engineering Laboratory for Orthopedic Biomaterials, Changsha, China
| | - Yu Xia
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Engineering Laboratory for Orthopedic Biomaterials, Changsha, China
| | - Ping-Xiao Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Engineering Laboratory for Orthopedic Biomaterials, Changsha, China
| | - Zi-Yue Zhao
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Engineering Laboratory for Orthopedic Biomaterials, Changsha, China
| | - Ao-Yu Li
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Engineering Laboratory for Orthopedic Biomaterials, Changsha, China
| | - Chu-Qiao Zhou
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Engineering Laboratory for Orthopedic Biomaterials, Changsha, China
| | - Cheng Xiang
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Engineering Laboratory for Orthopedic Biomaterials, Changsha, China
| | - Jia-Lin Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Engineering Laboratory for Orthopedic Biomaterials, Changsha, China
| | - Yi Zeng
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Engineering Laboratory for Orthopedic Biomaterials, Changsha, China
| | - Peng Gu
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Engineering Laboratory for Orthopedic Biomaterials, Changsha, China
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.
- Hunan Engineering Laboratory for Orthopedic Biomaterials, Changsha, China.
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Riyahi S, Liebermann-Lilie ND, Jacobs A, Korsten P, Mayer U, Schmoll T. Transcriptomic changes in the posterior pallium of male zebra finches associated with social niche conformance. BMC Genomics 2024; 25:694. [PMID: 39009985 PMCID: PMC11251365 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-10573-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Animals plastically adjust their physiological and behavioural phenotypes to conform to their social environment-social niche conformance. The degree of sexual competition is a critical part of the social environment to which animals adjust their phenotypes, but the underlying genetic mechanisms are poorly understood. We conducted a study to investigate how differences in sperm competition risk affect the gene expression profiles of the testes and two brain areas (posterior pallium and optic tectum) in breeding male zebra finches (Taeniopygia castanotis). In this pre-registered study, we investigated a large sample of 59 individual transcriptomes. We compared two experimental groups: males held in single breeding pairs (low sexual competition) versus those held in two pairs (elevated sexual competition) per breeding cage. Using weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), we observed significant effects of the social treatment in all three tissues. However, only the treatment effects found in the pallium were confirmed by an additional randomisation test for statistical robustness. Likewise, the differential gene expression analysis revealed treatment effects only in the posterior pallium (ten genes) and optic tectum (six genes). No treatment effects were found in the testis at the single gene level. Thus, our experiments do not provide strong evidence for transcriptomic adjustment specific to manipulated sperm competition risk. However, we did observe transcriptomic adjustments to the manipulated social environment in the posterior pallium. These effects were polygenic rather than based on few individual genes with strong effects. Our findings are discussed in relation to an accompanying paper using the same animals, which reports behavioural results consistent with the results presented here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sepand Riyahi
- Evolutionary Biology, Bielefeld University, Konsequenz 45, Bielefeld, 33615, Germany.
- Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, University of Vienna, Djerassiplatz 1, Vienna, 1030, Austria.
| | - Navina D Liebermann-Lilie
- Evolutionary Biology, Bielefeld University, Konsequenz 45, Bielefeld, 33615, Germany
- Department of Animal Behaviour, Bielefeld University, Konsequenz 45, Bielefeld, 33615, Germany
| | - Arne Jacobs
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Peter Korsten
- Department of Animal Behaviour, Bielefeld University, Konsequenz 45, Bielefeld, 33615, Germany
- Department of Life Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, UK
| | - Uwe Mayer
- Center for Mind/Brain Science, University of Trento, Piazza Manifattura 1, Rovereto, TN, 38068, Italy.
| | - Tim Schmoll
- Evolutionary Biology, Bielefeld University, Konsequenz 45, Bielefeld, 33615, Germany.
- Joint Institute for Individualisation in a Changing Environment (JICE), University of Münster and Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany.
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Chen H, Peng L, Wang Z, He Y, Zhang X. Influence of METTL3 knockdown on PDLSC osteogenesis in E. coli LPS-induced inflammation. Oral Dis 2024; 30:3225-3238. [PMID: 37807890 DOI: 10.1111/odi.14763] [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: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the effect of METTL3 knockdown on osteogenic differentiation of human periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) in the weak inflammation microenvironments, as well as the underlying mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS PDLSCs were stimulated by lipopolysaccharide from Escherichia coli (E. coli LPS), followed by quantification of METTL3. METTL3 expression was assessed using RT-qPCR and Western blot analysis in periodontitis. METTL3 knockdown PDLSCs were stimulated with or without E. coli LPS. The evaluation included proinflammatory cytokines, osteogenic markers, ALP activity, and mineralized nodules. Bioinformatics analysis and Western blot determined the association between METTL3 and the PI3K/Akt pathway. RESULTS METTL3 was overexpressed in periodontitis. METTL3 knockdown in PDLSCs reduced proinflammatory cytokines, osteogenic markers, ALP activity, and mineralized nodules in both environments. Bioinformatics analysis suggested a link between METTL3 and the PI3K/Akt pathway. METTL3 knockdown inhibited PI3K/Akt signaling pathway activation. CONCLUSION METTL3 knockdown might inhibit osteogenesis in PDLSCs through the inactivation of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Concomitant findings might shed novel light on the roles and potential mechanisms of METTL3 in the LPS-stimulated inflammatory microenvironments of PDLSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hang Chen
- College of Stomatology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Limin Peng
- College of Stomatology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhenxiang Wang
- College of Stomatology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yujuan He
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Key Laboratory of Diagnostic Medicine (Ministry of Education), Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaonan Zhang
- College of Stomatology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Baduel P, Sammarco I, Barrett R, Coronado‐Zamora M, Crespel A, Díez‐Rodríguez B, Fox J, Galanti D, González J, Jueterbock A, Wootton E, Harney E. The evolutionary consequences of interactions between the epigenome, the genome and the environment. Evol Appl 2024; 17:e13730. [PMID: 39050763 PMCID: PMC11266121 DOI: 10.1111/eva.13730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The epigenome is the suite of interacting chemical marks and molecules that helps to shape patterns of development, phenotypic plasticity and gene regulation, in part due to its responsiveness to environmental stimuli. There is increasing interest in understanding the functional and evolutionary importance of this sensitivity under ecologically realistic conditions. Observations that epigenetic variation abounds in natural populations have prompted speculation that it may facilitate evolutionary responses to rapid environmental perturbations, such as those occurring under climate change. A frequent point of contention is whether epigenetic variants reflect genetic variation or are independent of it. The genome and epigenome often appear tightly linked and interdependent. While many epigenetic changes are genetically determined, the converse is also true, with DNA sequence changes influenced by the presence of epigenetic marks. Understanding how the epigenome, genome and environment interact with one another is therefore an essential step in explaining the broader evolutionary consequences of epigenomic variation. Drawing on results from experimental and comparative studies carried out in diverse plant and animal species, we synthesize our current understanding of how these factors interact to shape phenotypic variation in natural populations, with a focus on identifying similarities and differences between taxonomic groups. We describe the main components of the epigenome and how they vary within and between taxa. We review how variation in the epigenome interacts with genetic features and environmental determinants, with a focus on the role of transposable elements (TEs) in integrating the epigenome, genome and environment. And we look at recent studies investigating the functional and evolutionary consequences of these interactions. Although epigenetic differentiation in nature is likely often a result of drift or selection on stochastic epimutations, there is growing evidence that a significant fraction of it can be stably inherited and could therefore contribute to evolution independently of genetic change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Baduel
- Institut de Biologie de l'Ecole Normale SupérieurePSL University, CNRSParisFrance
| | - Iris Sammarco
- Institute of Botany of the Czech Academy of SciencesPrůhoniceCzechia
| | - Rowan Barrett
- Redpath Museum and Department of BiologyMcGill UniversityMontrealCanada
| | | | | | | | - Janay Fox
- Redpath Museum and Department of BiologyMcGill UniversityMontrealCanada
| | - Dario Galanti
- Institute of Evolution and Ecology (EvE)University of TuebingenTübingenGermany
| | | | - Alexander Jueterbock
- Algal and Microbial Biotechnology Division, Faculty of Biosciences and AquacultureNord UniversityBodøNorway
| | - Eric Wootton
- Redpath Museum and Department of BiologyMcGill UniversityMontrealCanada
| | - Ewan Harney
- Institute of Evolutionary BiologyCSIC, UPFBarcelonaSpain
- School of BiosciencesUniversity of SheffieldSheffieldUK
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Aitken KJ, Schröder A, Haddad A, Sidler M, Penna F, Fernandez N, Ahmed T, Marino V, Bechbache M, Jiang JX, Tolg C, Bägli DJ. Epigenetic insights to pediatric uropathology: Celebrating the fundamental biology vision of Tony Khoury. J Pediatr Urol 2024; 20 Suppl 1:S43-S57. [PMID: 38944627 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpurol.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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/01/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Many pediatric urology conditions affect putatively normal tissues or appear too commonly to be based solely on specific DNA mutations. Understanding epigenetic mechanisms in pediatric urology, therefore, has many implications that can impact cell and tissue responses to settings, such as environmental and hormonal influences on urethral development, uropathogenic infections, obstructive stimuli, all of which originate externally or extracellularly. Indeed, the cell's response to external stimuli is often mediated epigenetically. In this commentary, we highlight work on the critical role that epigenetic machinery, such as DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs), Enhancer of Zeste Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 Subunit (EZH2), and others play in regulating gene expression and cellular functions in three urological contexts. DESIGN Animal and cellular constructs were used to model clinical pediatric uropathology. The hypertrophy, trabeculation, and fibrosis of the chronically obstructed bladder was explored using smooth muscle cell models employing disorganised vs. normal extracellular matrix (ECM), as well as a new animal model of chronic obstructive bladder disease (COBD) which retains its pathologic features even after bladder de-obstruction. Cell models from human and murine hypospadias or genital tubercles (GT) were used to illustrate developmental responses and epigenetic dependency of key developmental genes. Finally, using bladder urothelial and organoid culture systems, we examined activity of epigenetic machinery in response to non uropathogenic vs. uropathogenic E.coli (UPEC). DNMT and EZH2 expression and function were interrogated in these model systems. RESULTS Disordered ECM exerted a principal mitogenic and epigenetic role for on bladder smooth muscle both in vitro and in CODB in vivo. Key genes, e.g., BDNF and KCNB2 were under epigenetic regulation in actively evolving obstruction and COBD, though each condition showed distinct epigenetic responses. In models of hypospadias, estrogen strongly dysregulated WNT and Hox expression, which was normalized by epigenetic inhibition. Finally, DNA methylation machinery in the urothelium showed specific activation when challenged by uropathogenic E.coli. Similarly, UPEC induces hypermethylation and downregulation of the growth suppressor p16INK4A. Moreover, host cells exposed to UPEC produced secreted factors inducing epigenetic responses transmissible from one affected cell to another without ongoing bacterial presence. DISCUSSION Microenvironmental influences altered epigenetic activity in the three described urologic contexts. Considering that many obstructed bladders continue to display abnormal architecture and dysfunction despite relief of obstruction similar to after resection of posterior valves or BPH, the epigenetic mechanisms described highlight novel approaches for understanding the underlying smooth muscle myopathy of this crucial clinical problem. Similarly, there is evidence for an epigenetic basis of xenoestrogen on development of hypospadias, and UTI-induced pan-urothelial alteration of epigenetic marks and propensity for subsequent (recurrent) UTI. The impact of mechanical, hormonal, infectious triggers on genitourinary epigenetic machinery activity invite novel avenues for targeting epigenetic modifications associated with these non-cancer diseases in urology. This includes the use of deactivated CRISPR-based technologies for precise epigenome targeting and editing. Overall, we underscore the importance of understanding epigenetic regulation in pediatric urology for the development of innovative therapeutic and management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- K J Aitken
- Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Research Institute, Hospital for Sick Children, 686 Bay St., Toronto, Ontario, Canada; DIYbio Toronto, 1677 St. Clair West, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Annette Schröder
- Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Research Institute, Hospital for Sick Children, 686 Bay St., Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology of the University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany
| | - Ahmed Haddad
- Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Research Institute, Hospital for Sick Children, 686 Bay St., Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Martin Sidler
- Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Research Institute, Hospital for Sick Children, 686 Bay St., Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Frank Penna
- Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Research Institute, Hospital for Sick Children, 686 Bay St., Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nicolas Fernandez
- Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Research Institute, Hospital for Sick Children, 686 Bay St., Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tabina Ahmed
- Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Research Institute, Hospital for Sick Children, 686 Bay St., Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Human Biology Programme, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Vincent Marino
- DIYbio Toronto, 1677 St. Clair West, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Matthew Bechbache
- Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Research Institute, Hospital for Sick Children, 686 Bay St., Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jia-Xin Jiang
- Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Research Institute, Hospital for Sick Children, 686 Bay St., Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Human Biology Programme, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Physiology, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Cornelia Tolg
- Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Research Institute, Hospital for Sick Children, 686 Bay St., Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Darius J Bägli
- Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Research Institute, Hospital for Sick Children, 686 Bay St., Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Physiology, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Basak S, Mallick R, Navya Sree B, Duttaroy AK. Placental Epigenome Impacts Fetal Development: Effects of Maternal Nutrients and Gut Microbiota. Nutrients 2024; 16:1860. [PMID: 38931215 PMCID: PMC11206482 DOI: 10.3390/nu16121860] [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: 05/02/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Evidence is emerging on the role of maternal diet, gut microbiota, and other lifestyle factors in establishing lifelong health and disease, which are determined by transgenerationally inherited epigenetic modifications. Understanding epigenetic mechanisms may help identify novel biomarkers for gestation-related exposure, burden, or disease risk. Such biomarkers are essential for developing tools for the early detection of risk factors and exposure levels. It is necessary to establish an exposure threshold due to nutrient deficiencies or other environmental factors that can result in clinically relevant epigenetic alterations that modulate disease risks in the fetus. This narrative review summarizes the latest updates on the roles of maternal nutrients (n-3 fatty acids, polyphenols, vitamins) and gut microbiota on the placental epigenome and its impacts on fetal brain development. This review unravels the potential roles of the functional epigenome for targeted intervention to ensure optimal fetal brain development and its performance in later life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjay Basak
- Molecular Biology Division, ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition, Indian Council of Medical Research, Hyderabad 500007, India; (S.B.); (B.N.S.)
| | - Rahul Mallick
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland;
| | - Boga Navya Sree
- Molecular Biology Division, ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition, Indian Council of Medical Research, Hyderabad 500007, India; (S.B.); (B.N.S.)
| | - Asim K. Duttaroy
- Department of Nutrition, Institute of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, 0317 Oslo, Norway
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Tecik M, Adan A. Emerging DNA Methylome Targets in FLT3-ITD-Positive Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Combination Therapy with Clinically Approved FLT3 Inhibitors. Curr Treat Options Oncol 2024; 25:719-751. [PMID: 38696033 PMCID: PMC11222205 DOI: 10.1007/s11864-024-01202-7] [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] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
OPINION STATEMENT The internal tandem duplication (ITD) mutation of the FMS-like receptor tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3-ITD) is the most common mutation observed in approximately 30% of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients. It represents poor prognosis due to continuous activation of downstream growth-promoting signaling pathways such as STAT5 and PI3K/AKT. Hence, FLT3 is considered an attractive druggable target; selective small FLT3 inhibitors (FLT3Is), such as midostaurin and quizartinib, have been clinically approved. However, patients possess generally poor remission rates and acquired resistance when FLT3I used alone. Various factors in patients could cause these adverse effects including altered epigenetic regulation, causing mainly abnormal gene expression patterns. Epigenetic modifications are required for hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) self-renewal and differentiation; however, critical driver mutations have been identified in genes controlling DNA methylation (such as DNMT3A, TET2, IDH1/2). These regulators cause leukemia pathogenesis and affect disease diagnosis and prognosis when they co-occur with FLT3-ITD mutation. Therefore, understanding the role of different epigenetic alterations in FLT3-ITD AML pathogenesis and how they modulate FLT3I's activity is important to rationalize combinational treatment approaches including FLT3Is and modulators of methylation regulators or pathways. Data from ongoing pre-clinical and clinical studies will further precisely define the potential use of epigenetic therapy together with FLT3Is especially after characterized patients' mutational status in terms of FLT3 and DNA methlome regulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melisa Tecik
- Bioengineering Program, Graduate School of Engineering and Science, Abdullah Gul University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Aysun Adan
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Life and Natural Sciences, Abdullah Gul University, Kayseri, Turkey.
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de Cavanagh EMV, Inserra F, Ferder L. Renin-angiotensin system inhibitors positively impact on multiple aging regulatory pathways: Could they be used to protect against human aging? Physiol Rep 2024; 12:e16094. [PMID: 38924381 PMCID: PMC11200104 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.16094] [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: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 05/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The renin-angiotensin system (RAS)-a classical blood pressure regulator-largely contributes to healthy organ development and function. Besides, RAS activation promotes age-related changes and age-associated diseases, which are attenuated/abolished by RAS-blockade in several mammalian species. RAS-blockers also increase rodent lifespan. In previous work, we discussed how RAS-blockade downregulates mTOR and growth hormone/IGF-1 signaling, and stimulates AMPK activity (together with klotho, sirtuin, and vitamin D-receptor upregulation), and proposed that at least some of RAS-blockade's aging benefits are mediated through regulation of these intermediaries and their signaling to mitochondria. Here, we included RAS-blockade's impact on other aging regulatory pathways, that is, TGF-ß, NF-kB, PI3K, MAPK, PKC, Notch, and Wnt, all of which affect mitochondria. No direct evidence is available on RAS/RAS-blockade-aging regulatory pathway-mitochondria interactions. However, existing results allow to conjecture that RAS-blockers neutralize mitochondrial dysfunction by acting on the discussed pathways. The reviewed evidence led us to propose that the foundation is laid for conducting clinical trials aimed at testing whether angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB)-even at subclinical doses-offer the possibility to live longer and in better health. As ACEi and ARB are low cost and well-tolerated anti-hypertension therapies in use for over 35 years, investigating their administration to attenuate/prevent aging effects seems simple to implement.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Felipe Inserra
- Department of MedicineMaimonides UniversityBuenos AiresArgentina
- Master of Vascular Mechanics and Arterial Hypertension, Postgraduate DepartmentAustral UniversityPilarArgentina
| | - León Ferder
- Department of MedicineMaimonides UniversityBuenos AiresArgentina
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Zhong Y, Zhou X, Pan Z, Zhang J, Pan J. Role of epigenetic regulatory mechanisms in age-related bone homeostasis imbalance. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23642. [PMID: 38690719 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202302665r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Alterations to the human organism that are brought about by aging are comprehensive and detrimental. Of these, an imbalance in bone homeostasis is a major outward manifestation of aging. In older adults, the decreased osteogenic activity of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and the inhibition of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell differentiation lead to decreased bone mass, increased risk of fracture, and impaired bone injury healing. In the past decades, numerous studies have reported the epigenetic alterations that occur during aging, such as decreased core histones, altered DNA methylation patterns, and abnormalities in noncoding RNAs, which ultimately lead to genomic abnormalities and affect the expression of downstream signaling osteoporosis treatment and promoter of fracture healing in older adults. The current review summarizes the impact of epigenetic regulation mechanisms on age-related bone homeostasis imbalance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunyu Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xueer Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Zijian Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jiankang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jian Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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Mishra S, Duarte GT, Horemans N, Ruytinx J, Gudkov D, Danchenko M. Complexity of responses to ionizing radiation in plants, and the impact on interacting biotic factors. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 924:171567. [PMID: 38460702 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
In nature, plants are simultaneously exposed to different abiotic (e.g., heat, drought, and salinity) and biotic (e.g., bacteria, fungi, and insects) stresses. Climate change and anthropogenic pressure are expected to intensify the frequency of stress factors. Although plants are well equipped with unique and common defense systems protecting against stressors, they may compromise their growth and development for survival in such challenging environments. Ionizing radiation is a peculiar stress factor capable of causing clustered damage. Radionuclides are both naturally present on the planet and produced by human activities. Natural and artificial radioactivity affects plants on molecular, biochemical, cellular, physiological, populational, and transgenerational levels. Moreover, the fitness of pests, pathogens, and symbionts is concomitantly challenged in radiologically contaminated areas. Plant responses to artificial acute ionizing radiation exposure and laboratory-simulated or field chronic exposure are often discordant. Acute or chronic ionizing radiation exposure may occasionally prime the defense system of plants to better tolerate the biotic stress or could often exhaust their metabolic reserves, making plants more susceptible to pests and pathogens. Currently, these alternatives are only marginally explored. Our review summarizes the available literature on the responses of host plants, biotic factors, and their interaction to ionizing radiation exposure. Such systematic analysis contributes to improved risk assessment in radiologically contaminated areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shubhi Mishra
- Institute of Plant Genetics and Biotechnology, Plant Science and Biodiversity Centre, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 950 07 Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Gustavo Turqueto Duarte
- Unit for Biosphere Impact Studies, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre SCK CEN, 2400 Mol, Belgium
| | - Nele Horemans
- Unit for Biosphere Impact Studies, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre SCK CEN, 2400 Mol, Belgium; Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Joske Ruytinx
- Department of Bio-engineering Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Dmitri Gudkov
- Institute of Hydrobiology, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 04210 Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Maksym Danchenko
- Institute of Plant Genetics and Biotechnology, Plant Science and Biodiversity Centre, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 950 07 Nitra, Slovakia.
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de Oliveira Melo NC, Cuevas-Sierra A, Souto VF, Martínez JA. Biological Rhythms, Chrono-Nutrition, and Gut Microbiota: Epigenomics Insights for Precision Nutrition and Metabolic Health. Biomolecules 2024; 14:559. [PMID: 38785965 PMCID: PMC11117887 DOI: 10.3390/biom14050559] [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: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Circadian rhythms integrate a finely tuned network of biological processes recurring every 24 h, intricately coordinating the machinery of all cells. This self-regulating system plays a pivotal role in synchronizing physiological and behavioral responses, ensuring an adaptive metabolism within the environmental milieu, including dietary and physical activity habits. The systemic integration of circadian homeostasis involves a balance of biological rhythms, each synchronically linked to the central circadian clock. Central to this orchestration is the temporal dimension of nutrient and food intake, an aspect closely interwoven with the neuroendocrine circuit, gut physiology, and resident microbiota. Indeed, the timing of meals exerts a profound influence on cell cycle regulation through genomic and epigenetic processes, particularly those involving gene expression, DNA methylation and repair, and non-coding RNA activity. These (epi)genomic interactions involve a dynamic interface between circadian rhythms, nutrition, and the gut microbiota, shaping the metabolic and immune landscape of the host. This research endeavors to illustrate the intricate (epi)genetic interplay that modulates the synchronization of circadian rhythms, nutritional signaling, and the gut microbiota, unravelling the repercussions on metabolic health while suggesting the potential benefits of feed circadian realignment as a non-invasive therapeutic strategy for systemic metabolic modulation via gut microbiota. This exploration delves into the interconnections that underscore the significance of temporal eating patterns, offering insights regarding circadian rhythms, gut microbiota, and chrono-nutrition interactions with (epi)genomic phenomena, thereby influencing diverse aspects of metabolic, well-being, and quality of life outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amanda Cuevas-Sierra
- Precision Nutrition Program, Research Institute on Food and Health Sciences IMDEA Food, CSIC-UAM, 28049 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Vitória Felício Souto
- Department of Nutrition at the Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife 50670-901, PE, Brazil; (N.C.d.O.M.); (V.F.S.)
| | - J. Alfredo Martínez
- Precision Nutrition Program, Research Institute on Food and Health Sciences IMDEA Food, CSIC-UAM, 28049 Madrid, Spain;
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y la Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Centre of Medicine and Endocrinology, University of Valladolid, 47002 Valladolid, Spain
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Zhao X, Du M, Wu S, Du Z, Liu S, Yang L, Ma H, Zhang L, Song L, Bai C, Su G, Li G. High histone crotonylation modification in bovine fibroblasts promotes cell proliferation and the developmental efficiency of preimplantation nuclear transfer embryos. Sci Rep 2024; 14:10295. [PMID: 38704415 PMCID: PMC11069573 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-61148-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Lysine crotonylation (Kcr) is a recently discovered histone acylation modification that is closely associated with gene expression, cell proliferation, and the maintenance of stem cell pluripotency and indicates the transcriptional activity of genes and the regulation of various biological processes. During cell culture, the introduction of exogenous croconic acid disodium salt (Nacr) has been shown to modulate intracellular Kcr levels. Although research on Kcr has increased, its role in cell growth and proliferation and its potential regulatory mechanisms remain unclear compared to those of histone methylation and acetylation. Our investigation demonstrated that the addition of 5 mM Nacr to cultured bovine fibroblasts increased the expression of genes associated with Kcr modification, ultimately promoting cell growth and stimulating cell proliferation. Somatic cell nuclear transfer of donor cells cultured in 5 mM Nacr resulted in 38.1% blastocyst development, which was significantly greater than that in the control group (25.2%). This research is important for elucidating the crotonylation modification mechanism in fibroblast proliferation to promote the efficacy of somatic cell nuclear transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock (R2BGL), Inner Mongolia University, 24 Zhaojun Rd., Hohhot, 010070, China
- College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, 24 Zhaojun Rd., Hohhot, 010070, China
| | - Mengxin Du
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock (R2BGL), Inner Mongolia University, 24 Zhaojun Rd., Hohhot, 010070, China
- College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, 24 Zhaojun Rd., Hohhot, 010070, China
| | - Shanshan Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock (R2BGL), Inner Mongolia University, 24 Zhaojun Rd., Hohhot, 010070, China
- Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, 518000, China
| | - Zhiwen Du
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock (R2BGL), Inner Mongolia University, 24 Zhaojun Rd., Hohhot, 010070, China
- College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, 24 Zhaojun Rd., Hohhot, 010070, China
| | - Shuqin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock (R2BGL), Inner Mongolia University, 24 Zhaojun Rd., Hohhot, 010070, China
- College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, 24 Zhaojun Rd., Hohhot, 010070, China
| | - Lei Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock (R2BGL), Inner Mongolia University, 24 Zhaojun Rd., Hohhot, 010070, China
- College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, 24 Zhaojun Rd., Hohhot, 010070, China
| | - Haoran Ma
- Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Liguo Zhang
- Ulanqab Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Bureau, Ulanqab Animal Husbandry Workstation, Ulanqab, 012000, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Lishuang Song
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock (R2BGL), Inner Mongolia University, 24 Zhaojun Rd., Hohhot, 010070, China
- College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, 24 Zhaojun Rd., Hohhot, 010070, China
| | - Chunling Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock (R2BGL), Inner Mongolia University, 24 Zhaojun Rd., Hohhot, 010070, China
- College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, 24 Zhaojun Rd., Hohhot, 010070, China
| | - Guanghua Su
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock (R2BGL), Inner Mongolia University, 24 Zhaojun Rd., Hohhot, 010070, China.
- College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, 24 Zhaojun Rd., Hohhot, 010070, China.
| | - Guangpeng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock (R2BGL), Inner Mongolia University, 24 Zhaojun Rd., Hohhot, 010070, China.
- College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, 24 Zhaojun Rd., Hohhot, 010070, China.
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Davyson E, Shen X, Huider F, Adams M, Borges K, McCartney D, Barker L, Van Dongen J, Boomsma D, Weihs A, Grabe H, Kühn L, Teumer A, Völzke H, Zhu T, Kaprio J, Ollikainen M, David FS, Meinert S, Stein F, Forstner AJ, Dannlowski U, Kircher T, Tapuc A, Czamara D, Binder EB, Brückl T, Kwong A, Yousefi P, Wong C, Arseneault L, Fisher HL, Mill J, Cox S, Redmond P, Russ TC, van den Oord E, Aberg KA, Penninx B, Marioni RE, Wray NR, McIntosh AM. Antidepressant Exposure and DNA Methylation: Insights from a Methylome-Wide Association Study. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.05.01.24306640. [PMID: 38746357 PMCID: PMC11092700 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.01.24306640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Importance Understanding antidepressant mechanisms could help design more effective and tolerated treatments. Objective Identify DNA methylation (DNAm) changes associated with antidepressant exposure. Design Case-control methylome-wide association studies (MWAS) of antidepressant exposure were performed from blood samples collected between 2006-2011 in Generation Scotland (GS). The summary statistics were tested for enrichment in specific tissues, gene ontologies and an independent MWAS in the Netherlands Study of Depression and Anxiety (NESDA). A methylation profile score (MPS) was derived and tested for its association with antidepressant exposure in eight independent cohorts, alongside prospective data from GS. Setting Cohorts; GS, NESDA, FTC, SHIP-Trend, FOR2107, LBC1936, MARS-UniDep, ALSPAC, E-Risk, and NTR. Participants Participants with DNAm data and self-report/prescription derived antidepressant exposure. Main Outcomes and Measures Whole-blood DNAm levels were assayed by the EPIC/450K Illumina array (9 studies, N exposed = 661, N unexposed = 9,575) alongside MBD-Seq in NESDA (N exposed = 398, N unexposed = 414). Antidepressant exposure was measured by self- report and/or antidepressant prescriptions. Results The self-report MWAS (N = 16,536, N exposed = 1,508, mean age = 48, 59% female) and the prescription-derived MWAS (N = 7,951, N exposed = 861, mean age = 47, 59% female), found hypermethylation at seven and four DNAm sites (p < 9.42x10 -8 ), respectively. The top locus was cg26277237 ( KANK1, p self-report = 9.3x10 -13 , p prescription = 6.1x10 -3 ). The self-report MWAS found a differentially methylated region, mapping to DGUOK-AS1 ( p adj = 5.0x10 -3 ) alongside significant enrichment for genes expressed in the amygdala, the "synaptic vesicle membrane" gene ontology and the top 1% of CpGs from the NESDA MWAS (OR = 1.39, p < 0.042). The MPS was associated with antidepressant exposure in meta-analysed data from external cohorts (N studies = 9, N = 10,236, N exposed = 661, f3 = 0.196, p < 1x10 -4 ). Conclusions and Relevance Antidepressant exposure is associated with changes in DNAm across different cohorts. Further investigation into these changes could inform on new targets for antidepressant treatments. 3 Key Points Question: Is antidepressant exposure associated with differential whole blood DNA methylation?Findings: In this methylome-wide association study of 16,536 adults across Scotland, antidepressant exposure was significantly associated with hypermethylation at CpGs mapping to KANK1 and DGUOK-AS1. A methylation profile score trained on this sample was significantly associated with antidepressant exposure (pooled f3 [95%CI]=0.196 [0.105, 0.288], p < 1x10 -4 ) in a meta-analysis of external datasets. Meaning: Antidepressant exposure is associated with hypermethylation at KANK1 and DGUOK-AS1 , which have roles in mitochondrial metabolism and neurite outgrowth. If replicated in future studies, targeting these genes could inform the design of more effective and better tolerated treatments for depression.
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Shen H, Chen Y, Xu M, Zhou J, Huang C, Wang Z, Shao Y, Zhang H, Lu Y, Li S, Fu Z. Cellular senescence gene TACC3 associated with colorectal cancer risk via genetic and DNA methylated alteration. Arch Toxicol 2024; 98:1499-1513. [PMID: 38480537 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-024-03702-9] [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: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
Cell senescence genes play a vital role in the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer, a process that may involve the triggering of genetic variations and reversible phenotypes caused by epigenetic modifications. However, the specific regulatory mechanisms remain unclear. Using CellAge and The Cancer Genome Atlas databases and in-house RNA-seq data, DNA methylation-modified cellular senescence genes (DMCSGs) were validated by Support Vector Machine and correlation analyses. In 1150 cases and 1342 controls, we identified colorectal cancer risk variants in DMCSGs. The regulatory effects of gene, variant, and DNA methylation were explored through dual-luciferase and 5-azacytidine treatment experiments, complemented by multiple database analyses. Biological functions of key gene were evaluated via cell proliferation assays, SA-β-gal staining, senescence marker detection, and immune infiltration analyses. The genetic variant rs4558926 in the downstream of TACC3 was significantly associated with colorectal cancer risk (OR = 1.35, P = 3.22 × 10-4). TACC3 mRNA expression increased due to rs4558926 C > G and decreased DNA methylation levels. The CpG sites in the TACC3 promoter region were regulated by rs4558926. TACC3 knockdown decreased proliferation and senescence in colorectal cancer cells. In addition, subjects with high-TACC3 expression presented an immunosuppressive microenvironment. These findings provide insights into the involvement of genetic variants of cellular senescence genes in the development and progression of colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hengyang Shen
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yang Chen
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Menghuan Xu
- Department of Genetic Toxicology, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Environmental Genomics, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jieyu Zhou
- Department of Genetic Toxicology, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Environmental Genomics, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Changzhi Huang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhenling Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yu Shao
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hongqiang Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yunfei Lu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shuwei Li
- Department of Genetic Toxicology, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
- Department of Environmental Genomics, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Zan Fu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
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Abolghasemi Fard A, Mahmoodzadeh A. Unraveling the Progression of Colon Cancer Pathogenesis Through Epigenetic Alterations and Genetic Pathways. Cureus 2024; 16:e59503. [PMID: 38826873 PMCID: PMC11143495 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.59503] [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] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Abstract
In the modern age, colon cancer has attained a widespread status, affecting a considerable number of people. It develops due to the progressive accumulation of genetic and epigenetic alterations. While genetic mutations have been extensively studied in the context of colon cancer, emerging evidence highlights the pivotal role of epigenetic alterations in its pathogenesis. These alterations ultimately result in the transformation of normal colonic epithelium into colon adenocarcinoma. Key mechanisms of epigenetic modifications include DNA methylation, histone modification, and nucleosome positioning. Research findings have linked these modifications to the development, progression, or metastasis of tumors. Through the assessment of the colon cancer epigenome, it has been discovered that practically all colorectal cancers (CRCs) display gene methylation abnormalities and changes in miRNA expression. Advancements in this area indicate that epigenetic modifications will likely be commonly used in the near future to direct the prevention and treatment of CRC. The maintenance of genome stability is essential for preserving cellular integrity. The development of CRC is primarily influenced by the loss of genomic stability, which allows for the emergence of new mutations contributing to tumor characteristics. Although genetic mutations have been extensively researched in the realm of colon cancer, recent evidence underscores the pivotal role of epigenetic changes in its pathogenesis. The following types of genomic instability will be discussed: chromosomal instability, microsatellite instability, CpG island methylation phenotype, and aberrant DNA methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asal Abolghasemi Fard
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Modern Science and Technologies, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, IRN
| | - Afshin Mahmoodzadeh
- Department of Biology, Roudehen Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, IRN
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Sanwald S, Montag C, Kiefer M. Group differences in OXT methylation between patients with Major Depressive Disorder and healthy controls: A pre-registered replication study. Psychiatry Res 2024; 335:115855. [PMID: 38522151 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2024.115855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
Depression is linked to stress which leaves traces in the epigenetic signature of genes. The oxytocin system is implicated in allostatic processes promoting adaption to environmental stressors. Interactions of the oxytocin system with the environment, e.g., methylation of the gene coding for oxytocin (OXT), are candidates for the investigation of the biological underpinnings of depression. Recently, we found hypomethylation of OXT in patients with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) compared to healthy controls (HC). Since the replicability of findings is a key point of criticism in (epi‑)genetic research, we aimed to confirm our previous findings in a pre-registered study (data was stored in a database prior to pre-registration) within a new sample of n = 85 patients with MDD and n = 85 HC. We investigated OXT DNA-methylation in peripheral blood samples, stressful life events and depression severity. In accordance with our previous study, we found hypomethylation of OXT in patients with MDD compared to HC. Methylation was not associated with stressful life events. Patients reported significantly more stressful life events compared to HC. Our study revealed that hypomethylation of OXT can be demonstrated in a reproducible fashion and provides further evidence for the involvement of the oxytocin system in depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Sanwald
- Ulm University, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy III, Germany.
| | - Christian Montag
- Ulm University, Department of Molecular Psychology, Institute of Psychology and Education, Germany
| | - Markus Kiefer
- Ulm University, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy III, Germany
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Aburawi EH, Östlundh L, Aburawi HE, Al Rifai RH, Bhagavathula A, Bellou A. Epigenetics of conotruncal congenital heart disease: Protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0302642. [PMID: 38687747 PMCID: PMC11060528 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302642] [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: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Conotruncal congenital heart defects (CTD) are a subset of congenital heart diseases (CHD) that involve structural anomalies of the right, left, or both cardiac outflow tracts. CHD is caused by multifactorial inheritance and changes in the genes or chromosomes. Recently, CHD was found to be due to epigenetic alterations, which are a combination of genetic and other environmental factors. Epigenetics is the study of how a gene's function changes as a result of environmental and behavioral influences. These causative factors can indirectly cause CHD by altering the DNA through epigenetic modifications. This is a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis that aims to explore whether the strength of association between various epigenetic changes and CTD types varies by race. Furthermore, to determine and compare the changes in gene expression of each mutation. METHODS Our protocol follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocol (PRISMA-P) guidelines. A comprehensive pre-search has been developed in PubMed and PubMed's Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). The final search will be performed in June 2023 in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CIANHL, and PsycInfo, without restrictions on publication years. The Covidence systematic review software will be used for blinded screening and selection. Conflicts will be resolved by a third, independent reviewer. The risk of bias in selected studies will be assessed using the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies. The data to be extracted will cover basic information on the included studies, study sample size, number of patients with various types of epigenetic changes, number of patients with various CTD types, measures of association and their 95% confidence interval between each epigenetic change and each CTD. The protocol has been registered with the International Prospero Register of Systematic Review (PROSPERO) [CRD42023377597]. DISCUSSION To the best of our knowledge, this protocol outlines the first systematic review and meta-analysis of the epigenetics of CTD. There is a growing body of evidence on epigenetics and its indirect involvement in disease by altering the DNA through epigenetic modifications in the genes associated with the causative factors for CHD. We will conduct a comprehensive and systematic search for literature in the above-mentioned seven core biomedical databases. It is very important to identify population-specific risk factors for CHD, which will have significant creative, custom-made, and effective prevention programs for the future generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elhadi H. Aburawi
- Department of Pediatrics, UAE University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Linda Östlundh
- Örebro University Library, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Hanan E. Aburawi
- Department of Biology, College of Sciences, UAE University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Rami H. Al Rifai
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, UAE University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Akshaya Bhagavathula
- Department of Public Health, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, United States of America
| | - Abdelouahab Bellou
- Department of Pediatrics, UAE University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Institute of Sciences in Emergency Medicine, Guangdong Provincial People ‘s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States of America
- Global Network on Emergency Medicine, Brookline, MA, United States of America
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Ocaña-Paredes B, Rivera-Orellana S, Ramírez-Sánchez D, Montalvo-Guerrero J, Freire MP, Espinoza-Ferrao S, Altamirano-Colina A, Echeverría-Espinoza P, Ramos-Medina MJ, Echeverría-Garcés G, Granda-Moncayo D, Jácome-Alvarado A, Andrade MG, López-Cortés A. The pharmacoepigenetic paradigm in cancer treatment. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1381168. [PMID: 38720770 PMCID: PMC11076712 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1381168] [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: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic modifications, characterized by changes in gene expression without altering the DNA sequence, play a crucial role in the development and progression of cancer by significantly influencing gene activity and cellular function. This insight has led to the development of a novel class of therapeutic agents, known as epigenetic drugs. These drugs, including histone deacetylase inhibitors, histone acetyltransferase inhibitors, histone methyltransferase inhibitors, and DNA methyltransferase inhibitors, aim to modulate gene expression to curb cancer growth by uniquely altering the epigenetic landscape of cancer cells. Ongoing research and clinical trials are rigorously evaluating the efficacy of these drugs, particularly their ability to improve therapeutic outcomes when used in combination with other treatments. Such combination therapies may more effectively target cancer and potentially overcome the challenge of drug resistance, a significant hurdle in cancer therapy. Additionally, the importance of nutrition, inflammation control, and circadian rhythm regulation in modulating drug responses has been increasingly recognized, highlighting their role as critical modifiers of the epigenetic landscape and thereby influencing the effectiveness of pharmacological interventions and patient outcomes. Epigenetic drugs represent a paradigm shift in cancer treatment, offering targeted therapies that promise a more precise approach to treating a wide spectrum of tumors, potentially with fewer side effects compared to traditional chemotherapy. This progress marks a step towards more personalized and precise interventions, leveraging the unique epigenetic profiles of individual tumors to optimize treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belén Ocaña-Paredes
- Cancer Research Group (CRG), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
| | | | - David Ramírez-Sánchez
- Cancer Research Group (CRG), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
| | | | - María Paula Freire
- Cancer Research Group (CRG), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
| | | | | | | | - María José Ramos-Medina
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Gabriela Echeverría-Garcés
- Centro de Referencia Nacional de Genómica, Secuenciación y Bioinformática, Instituto Nacional de Investigación en Salud Pública “Leopoldo Izquieta Pérez”, Quito, Ecuador
- Latin American Network for the Implementation and Validation of Clinical Pharmacogenomics Guidelines (RELIVAF-CYTED), Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Andrea Jácome-Alvarado
- Cancer Research Group (CRG), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
| | - María Gabriela Andrade
- Cancer Research Group (CRG), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Andrés López-Cortés
- Cancer Research Group (CRG), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
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Xu YF, Dang Y, Kong WB, Wang HL, Chen X, Yao L, Zhao Y, Zhang RQ. Regulation of TMEM100 expression by epigenetic modification, effects on proliferation and invasion of esophageal squamous carcinoma. World J Clin Oncol 2024; 15:554-565. [PMID: 38689624 PMCID: PMC11056859 DOI: 10.5306/wjco.v15.i4.554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a prevalent malignancy with a high morbidity and mortality rate. TMEM100 has been shown to be suppressor gene in a variety of tumors, but there are no reports on the role of TMEM100 in esophageal cancer (EC). AIM To investigate epigenetic regulation of TMEM100 expression in ESCC and the effect of TMEM100 on ESCC proliferation and invasion. METHODS Firstly, we found the expression of TMEM100 in EC through The Cancer Genome Atlas database. The correlation between TMEM100 gene expression and the survival of patients with EC was further confirmed through Kaplan-Meier analysis. We then added the demethylating agent 5-AZA to ESCC cell lines to explore the regulation of TMEM100 expression by epigenetic modification. To observe the effect of TMEM100 expression on tumor proliferation and invasion by overexpressing TMEM100. Finally, we performed gene set enrichment analysis using the Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes Orthology-Based Annotation System database to look for pathways that might be affected by TMEM100 and verified the effect of TMEM100 expression on the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) pathway. RESULTS In the present study, by bioinformatic analysis we found that TMEM100 was lowly expressed in EC patients compared to normal subjects. Kaplan-meier survival analysis showed that low expression of TMEM100 was associated with poor prognosis in patients with EC. Then, we found that the demethylating agent 5-AZA resulted in increased expression of TMEM100 in ESCC cells [quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and western blotting]. Subsequently, we confirmed that overexpression of TMEM100 leads to its increased expression in ESCC cells (qRT-PCR and western blotting). Overexpression of TMEM100 also inhibited proliferation, invasion and migration of ESCC cells (cell counting kit-8 and clone formation assays). Next, by enrichment analysis, we found that the gene set was significantly enriched in the MAPK signaling pathway. The involvement of TMEM100 in the regulation of MAPK signaling pathway in ESCC cell was subsequently verified by western blotting. CONCLUSION TMEM100 is a suppressor gene in ESCC, and its low expression may lead to aberrant activation of the MAPK pathway. Promoter methylation may play a key role in regulating TMEM100 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue-Feng Xu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230000, Anhui Province, China
| | - Yan Dang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230000, Anhui Province, China
| | - Wei-Bo Kong
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230000, Anhui Province, China
| | - Han-Lin Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230000, Anhui Province, China
| | - Xiu Chen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230000, Anhui Province, China
| | - Long Yao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230000, Anhui Province, China
| | - Yuan Zhao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230000, Anhui Province, China
| | - Ren-Quan Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230000, Anhui Province, China
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Zhang X, Liu J, Gao J, Sun W, Chen X, Wang X, Qin W, Jin Z. N6-methyladenosine promotes osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs from periodontitis patients. Oral Dis 2024; 30:1322-1336. [PMID: 36516331 DOI: 10.1111/odi.14467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to investigate the mechanism of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) in the osteogenic differentiation of periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) from periodontitis patients. METHODS Differentially m6A-methylated lncRNA/mRNA profiles were detected by a m6A epitranscriptomic microarray. Bioinformatics analysis was performed by Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis. The transfection efficiency of the lentivirus was detected. The osteogenic activity of PDLSCs from periodontitis patients (PPDLSCs) was assessed. RESULTS The microarray results showed that 275 lncRNAs and 1292 mRNAs were significantly differentially methylated between PPDLSCs and PDLSCs from healthy people. Among those lncRNAs, lncRNA4114 (transcript_ID: ENST00000444114) showed both reduced m6A methylation levels and expression levels in PPDLSCs. Further bioinformatics analysis predicted that the differentially methylated mRNAs were mainly involved in cell interaction, stem cell pluripotency, and osteogenic differentiation signals. Then, overexpression of methyltransferase like 3 (METTL3) promoted the osteogenic differentiation of PPDLSCs, while knocking down METTL3 showed an inhibitory effect. Furthermore, METTL3 overexpression promotes the stability of lncRNA4114 to upregulate the expression level. Moreover, lncRNA4114 overexpression promoted the osteogenic differentiation of PPDLSCs. CONCLUSION METTL3 promotes the osteogenic differentiation of PPDLSCs by regulating the stability of lncRNA4114.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaochen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Military Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Shaanxi Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Orthodontics, School of Stomatology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jia Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Military Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Shaanxi Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Orthodontics, School of Stomatology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jie Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Military Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Shaanxi Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Orthodontics, School of Stomatology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Weifu Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Military Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Shaanxi Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Orthodontics, School of Stomatology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Military Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Shaanxi Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Orthodontics, School of Stomatology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Military Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Shaanxi Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Orthodontics, School of Stomatology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Wen Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Military Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Shaanxi Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Orthodontics, School of Stomatology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zuolin Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Military Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Shaanxi Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Orthodontics, School of Stomatology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
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Su K, Vázquez O. Enlightening epigenetics: optochemical tools illuminate the path. Trends Biochem Sci 2024; 49:290-304. [PMID: 38350805 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2024.01.003] [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: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
Optochemical tools have become potent instruments for understanding biological processes at the molecular level, and the past decade has witnessed their use in epigenetics and epitranscriptomics (also known as RNA epigenetics) for deciphering gene expression regulation. By using photoresponsive molecules such as photoswitches and photocages, researchers can achieve precise control over when and where specific events occur. Therefore, these are invaluable for studying both histone and nucleotide modifications and exploring disease-related mechanisms. We systematically report and assess current examples in the field, and identify open challenges and future directions. These outstanding proof-of-concept investigations will inspire other chemical biologists to participate in these emerging fields given the potential of photochromic molecules in research and biomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaijun Su
- Department of Chemistry, University of Marburg, Marburg D-35043, Germany
| | - Olalla Vázquez
- Department of Chemistry, University of Marburg, Marburg D-35043, Germany; Center for Synthetic Microbiology (SYNMIKRO), University of Marburg, Marburg D-35043, Germany.
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Ahmed IA, Liu M, Gomez D. Nuclear Control of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Plasticity during Vascular Remodeling. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2024; 194:525-538. [PMID: 37820925 PMCID: PMC10988766 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2023.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Control of vascular smooth muscle cell (SMC) gene expression is an essential process for establishing and maintaining lineage identity, contractility, and plasticity. Most mechanisms (epigenetic, transcriptional, and post-transcriptional) implicated in gene regulation occur in the nucleus. Still, intranuclear pathways are directly impacted by modifications in the extracellular environment in conditions of adaptive or maladaptive remodeling. Integration of extracellular, cellular, and genomic information into the nucleus through epigenetic and transcriptional control of genome organization plays a major role in regulating SMC functions and phenotypic transitions during vascular remodeling and diseases. This review aims to provide a comprehensive update on nuclear mechanisms, their interactions, and their integration in controlling SMC homeostasis and dysfunction. It summarizes and discusses the main nuclear mechanisms preponderant in SMCs in the context of vascular disease, such as atherosclerosis, with an emphasis on studies employing in vivo cell-specific loss-of-function and single-cell omics approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim A Ahmed
- Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, and Blood Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Mingjun Liu
- Department of Pathology, New York University, New York, New York
| | - Delphine Gomez
- Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, and Blood Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
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Lossi L, Castagna C, Merighi A. An Overview of the Epigenetic Modifications in the Brain under Normal and Pathological Conditions. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3881. [PMID: 38612690 PMCID: PMC11011998 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073881] [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: 03/10/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic changes are changes in gene expression that do not involve alterations to the DNA sequence. These changes lead to establishing a so-called epigenetic code that dictates which and when genes are activated, thus orchestrating gene regulation and playing a central role in development, health, and disease. The brain, being mostly formed by cells that do not undergo a renewal process throughout life, is highly prone to the risk of alterations leading to neuronal death and neurodegenerative disorders, mainly at a late age. Here, we review the main epigenetic modifications that have been described in the brain, with particular attention on those related to the onset of developmental anomalies or neurodegenerative conditions and/or occurring in old age. DNA methylation and several types of histone modifications (acetylation, methylation, phosphorylation, ubiquitination, sumoylation, lactylation, and crotonylation) are major players in these processes. They are directly or indirectly involved in the onset of neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease. Therefore, this review briefly describes the roles of these epigenetic changes in the mechanisms of brain development, maturation, and aging and some of the most important factors dynamically regulating or contributing to these changes, such as oxidative stress, inflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Adalberto Merighi
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy; (L.L.); (C.C.)
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Caldwell BA, Wu Y, Wang J, Li L. Altered DNA methylation underlies monocyte dysregulation and immune exhaustion memory in sepsis. Cell Rep 2024; 43:113894. [PMID: 38442017 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.113894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Monocytes can develop an exhausted memory state characterized by reduced differentiation, pathogenic inflammation, and immune suppression that drives immune dysregulation during sepsis. Chromatin alterations, notably via histone modifications, underlie innate immune memory, but the contribution of DNA methylation remains poorly understood. Using an ex vivo sepsis model, we show altered DNA methylation throughout the genome of exhausted monocytes, including genes implicated in immune dysregulation during sepsis and COVID-19 infection (e.g., Plac8). These changes are recapitulated in septic mice induced by cecal slurry injection. Methylation profiles developed in septic mice are maintained during ex vivo culture, supporting the involvement of DNA methylation in stable monocyte exhaustion memory. Methylome reprogramming is driven in part by Wnt signaling inhibition in exhausted monocytes and can be reversed with DNA methyltransferase inhibitors, Wnt agonists, or immune training molecules. Our study demonstrates the significance of altered DNA methylation in the maintenance of stable monocyte exhaustion memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blake A Caldwell
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061-0910, USA
| | - Yajun Wu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061-0910, USA
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061-0910, USA
| | - Liwu Li
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061-0910, USA.
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Rice RC, Gil DV, Baratta AM, Frawley RR, Hill SY, Farris SP, Homanics GE. Inter- and transgenerational heritability of preconception chronic stress or alcohol exposure: Translational outcomes in brain and behavior. Neurobiol Stress 2024; 29:100603. [PMID: 38234394 PMCID: PMC10792982 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2023.100603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic stress and alcohol (ethanol) use are highly interrelated and can change an individual's behavior through molecular adaptations that do not change the DNA sequence, but instead change gene expression. A recent wealth of research has found that these nongenomic changes can be transmitted across generations, which could partially account for the "missing heritability" observed in genome-wide association studies of alcohol use disorder and other stress-related neuropsychiatric disorders. In this review, we summarize the molecular and behavioral outcomes of nongenomic inheritance of chronic stress and ethanol exposure and the germline mechanisms that could give rise to this heritability. In doing so, we outline the need for further research to: (1) Investigate individual germline mechanisms of paternal, maternal, and biparental nongenomic chronic stress- and ethanol-related inheritance; (2) Synthesize and dissect cross-generational chronic stress and ethanol exposure; (3) Determine cross-generational molecular outcomes of preconception ethanol exposure that contribute to alcohol-related disease risk, using cancer as an example. A detailed understanding of the cross-generational nongenomic effects of stress and/or ethanol will yield novel insight into the impact of ancestral perturbations on disease risk across generations and uncover actionable targets to improve human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel C. Rice
- Center for Neuroscience at the University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Daniela V. Gil
- Center for Neuroscience at the University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Annalisa M. Baratta
- Center for Neuroscience at the University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Remy R. Frawley
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Shirley Y. Hill
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Human Genetics, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Sean P. Farris
- Center for Neuroscience at the University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Gregg E. Homanics
- Center for Neuroscience at the University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Miltiadous A, Callahan DL, Dujon AM, Buchanan KL, Rollins LA. Maternally derived avian corticosterone affects offspring genome-wide DNA methylation in a passerine species. Mol Ecol 2024; 33:e17283. [PMID: 38288572 DOI: 10.1111/mec.17283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Avian embryos develop in an egg composition which reflects both maternal condition and the recent environment of their mother. In birds, yolk corticosterone (CORT) influences development by impacting pre- and postnatal growth, as well as nestling stress responses and development. One possible mechanism through which maternal CORT may affect offspring development is via changes to offspring DNA methylation. We sought to investigate this, for the first time in birds, by quantifying the impact of manipulations to maternal CORT on offspring DNA methylation. We non-invasively manipulated plasma CORT concentrations of egg-laying female zebra finches (Taeniopygia castanotis) with an acute dose of CORT administered around the time of ovulation and collected their eggs. We then assessed DNA methylation in the resulting embryonic tissue and in their associated vitelline membrane blood vessels, during early development (5 days after lay), using two established methods - liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and methylation-sensitive amplification fragment length polymorphism (MS-AFLP). LC-MS analysis showed that global DNA methylation was lower in embryos from CORT-treated mothers, compared to control embryos. In contrast, blood vessel DNA from eggs from CORT-treated mothers showed global methylation increases, compared to control samples. There was a higher proportion of global DNA methylation in the embryonic DNA of second clutches, compared to first clutches. Locus-specific analyses using MS-AFLP did not reveal a treatment effect. Our results indicate that an acute elevation of maternal CORT around ovulation impacts DNA methylation patterns in their offspring. This could provide a mechanistic understanding of how a mother's experience can affect her offspring's phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Miltiadous
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Damien L Callahan
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
| | - Antoine M Dujon
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
- CREEC/CANECEV (CREES), MIVEGEC, IRD 224-CNRS 5290-Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Katherine L Buchanan
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lee A Rollins
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
- Evolution & Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Shirai T, Okazaki S, Tanifuji T, Otsuka I, Horai T, Mouri K, Takemura Y, Aso K, Yamamoto N, Hishimoto A. Epigenome-wide association study on methamphetamine dependence. Addict Biol 2024; 29:e13383. [PMID: 38488760 PMCID: PMC11061849 DOI: 10.1111/adb.13383] [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: 07/16/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Repeated abuse of methamphetamine (METH) can cause dependence, repeated relapse of psychotic symptoms, compulsive drug-seeking behaviour, and various neurological symptoms. These long-term biological changes may be associated with epigenetic mechanisms; however, the association between METH use and epigenetic mechanisms has been poorly investigated. Thus, we performed an epigenome-wide association study of METH dependence using genomic DNA extracted from the blood samples of 24 patients with METH dependence and 24 normal controls. All participants were of Japanese descent. We tested the association between METH dependence and DNA methylation using linear regression analysis. We found epigenome-wide significant associations at four CpG sites, one of which occurred in the CNOT1 gene and another in the PUM1 gene. We especially noted the CNOT1 and PUM1 genes as well as several other genes that indicated some degree of association with METH dependence. Among the relatively enriched Gene Ontology terms, we were interested in terms of mRNA metabolism, respirasome, and excitatory extracellular ligand-gated ion channel activity. Among the relatively enriched Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genome pathways, we noted pathways of several neurological diseases. Our results indicate that genetic changes akin to those in other psychiatric or neurodegenerative disorders may also occur via epigenetic mechanisms in patients with METH dependence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshiyuki Shirai
- Department of PsychiatryKobe University Graduate School of MedicineKobeJapan
| | - Satoshi Okazaki
- Department of PsychiatryKobe University Graduate School of MedicineKobeJapan
| | - Takaki Tanifuji
- Department of PsychiatryKobe University Graduate School of MedicineKobeJapan
| | - Ikuo Otsuka
- Department of PsychiatryKobe University Graduate School of MedicineKobeJapan
| | - Tadasu Horai
- Department of PsychiatryKobe University Graduate School of MedicineKobeJapan
| | - Kentaro Mouri
- Department of PsychiatryKobe University Graduate School of MedicineKobeJapan
| | | | - Katsuro Aso
- Department of PsychiatryFukko‐kai Tarumi HospitalKobeJapan
| | | | - Akitoyo Hishimoto
- Department of PsychiatryKobe University Graduate School of MedicineKobeJapan
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Nayak R, Franěk R, Laurent A, Pšenička M. Genome-wide comparative methylation analysis reveals the fate of germ stem cells after surrogate production in teleost. BMC Biol 2024; 22:39. [PMID: 38360607 PMCID: PMC10870548 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-024-01842-z] [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: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Surrogate production by germline stem cell transplantation is a powerful method to produce donor-derived gametes via a host, a practice known as surrogacy. The gametes produced by surrogates are often analysed on the basis of their morphology and species-specific genotyping, which enables conclusion to be drawn about the donor's characteristics. However, in-depth information, such as data on epigenetic changes, is rarely acquired. Germ cells develop in close contact with supporting somatic cells during gametogenesis in vertebrates, and we hypothesize that the recipient's gonadal environment may cause epigenetic changes in produced gametes and progeny. Here, we extensively characterize the DNA methylome of donor-derived sperm and their intergenerational effects in both inter- and intraspecific surrogates. RESULTS We found more than 3000 differentially methylated regions in both the sperm and progeny derived from inter- and intraspecific surrogates. Hypermethylation in the promoter regions of the protocadherin gamma gene in the intraspecific surrogates was found to be associated with germline transmission. On the contrary, gene expression level and the embryonic development of the offspring remained unaffected. We also discovered MAPK/p53 pathway disruption in interspecific surrogates due to promoter hypermethylation and identified that the inefficient removal of meiotic-arrested endogenous germ cells in hybrid gonads led to the production of infertile spermatozoa. CONCLUSIONS Donor-derived sperm and progeny from inter- and intraspecific surrogates were more globally hypermethylated than those of the donors. The observed changes in DNA methylation marks in the surrogates had no significant phenotypic effects in the offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rigolin Nayak
- The University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Zatisi 728/II, 389 25, Vodnany, Czech Republic.
| | - Roman Franěk
- The University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Zatisi 728/II, 389 25, Vodnany, Czech Republic
- Department of Genetics, The Silberman Institute, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Audrey Laurent
- Fish Physiology and Genomics Laboratory, INRAE, Campus de Beaulieu, 35000, Rennes, France
| | - Martin Pšenička
- The University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Zatisi 728/II, 389 25, Vodnany, Czech Republic
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Zheng H, Liu Y, Deng Y, Li Y, Liu S, Yang Y, Qiu Y, Li B, Sheng W, Liu J, Peng C, Wang W, Yu H. Recent advances of NFATc1 in rheumatoid arthritis-related bone destruction: mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets. Mol Med 2024; 30:20. [PMID: 38310228 PMCID: PMC10838448 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-024-00788-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease characterized by inflammation of the synovial tissue and joint bone destruction, often leading to significant disability. The main pathological manifestation of joint deformity in RA patients is bone destruction, which occurs due to the differentiation and proliferation of osteoclasts. The transcription factor nuclear factor-activated T cell 1 (NFATc1) plays a crucial role in this process. The regulation of NFATc1 in osteoclast differentiation is influenced by three main factors. Firstly, NFATc1 is activated through the upstream nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL)/RANK signaling pathway. Secondly, the Ca2+-related co-stimulatory signaling pathway amplifies NFATc1 activity. Finally, negative regulation of NFATc1 occurs through the action of cytokines such as B-cell Lymphoma 6 (Bcl-6), interferon regulatory factor 8 (IRF8), MAF basic leucine zipper transcription factor B (MafB), and LIM homeobox 2 (Lhx2). These three phases collectively govern NFATc1 transcription and subsequently affect the expression of downstream target genes including TRAF6 and NF-κB. Ultimately, this intricate regulatory network mediates osteoclast differentiation, fusion, and the degradation of both organic and inorganic components of the bone matrix. This review provides a comprehensive summary of recent advances in understanding the mechanism of NFATc1 in the context of RA-related bone destruction and discusses potential therapeutic agents that target NFATc1, with the aim of offering valuable insights for future research in the field of RA. To assess their potential as therapeutic agents for RA, we conducted a drug-like analysis of potential drugs with precise structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Zheng
- TCM and Ethnomedicine Innovation & Development International Laboratory, School of Pharmacy, Innovative Materia Medica Research Institute, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, China
| | - Yuexuan Liu
- TCM and Ethnomedicine Innovation & Development International Laboratory, School of Pharmacy, Innovative Materia Medica Research Institute, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, China
| | - Yasi Deng
- TCM and Ethnomedicine Innovation & Development International Laboratory, School of Pharmacy, Innovative Materia Medica Research Institute, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, China
| | - Yunzhe Li
- TCM and Ethnomedicine Innovation & Development International Laboratory, School of Pharmacy, Innovative Materia Medica Research Institute, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, China
| | - Shiqi Liu
- TCM and Ethnomedicine Innovation & Development International Laboratory, School of Pharmacy, Innovative Materia Medica Research Institute, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, China
| | - Yong Yang
- TCM and Ethnomedicine Innovation & Development International Laboratory, School of Pharmacy, Innovative Materia Medica Research Institute, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, China
| | - Yun Qiu
- TCM and Ethnomedicine Innovation & Development International Laboratory, School of Pharmacy, Innovative Materia Medica Research Institute, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, China
| | - Bin Li
- TCM and Ethnomedicine Innovation & Development International Laboratory, School of Pharmacy, Innovative Materia Medica Research Institute, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, China
| | - Wenbing Sheng
- TCM and Ethnomedicine Innovation & Development International Laboratory, School of Pharmacy, Innovative Materia Medica Research Institute, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, China
| | - Jinzhi Liu
- TCM and Ethnomedicine Innovation & Development International Laboratory, School of Pharmacy, Innovative Materia Medica Research Institute, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, China
| | - Caiyun Peng
- TCM and Ethnomedicine Innovation & Development International Laboratory, School of Pharmacy, Innovative Materia Medica Research Institute, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, China
| | - Wei Wang
- TCM and Ethnomedicine Innovation & Development International Laboratory, School of Pharmacy, Innovative Materia Medica Research Institute, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, China.
| | - Huanghe Yu
- TCM and Ethnomedicine Innovation & Development International Laboratory, School of Pharmacy, Innovative Materia Medica Research Institute, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, China.
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Sichani AS, Khoddam S, Shakeri S, Tavakkoli Z, Jafroodi AR, Dabbaghipour R, Sisakht M, Fallahi J. Partial Reprogramming as a Method for Regenerating Neural Tissues in Aged Organisms. Cell Reprogram 2024; 26:10-23. [PMID: 38381402 DOI: 10.1089/cell.2023.0123] [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: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Aging causes numerous age-related diseases, leading the human species to death. Nevertheless, rejuvenating strategies based on cell epigenetic modifications are a possible approach to counteract disease progression while getting old. Cell reprogramming of adult somatic cells toward pluripotency ought to be a promising tool for age-related diseases. However, researchers do not have control over this process as cells lose their fate, and cause potential cancerous cells or unexpected cell phenotypes. Direct and partial reprogramming were introduced in recent years with distinctive applications. Although direct reprogramming makes cells lose their identity, it has various applications in regeneration medicine. Temporary and regulated in vivo overexpression of Yamanaka factors has been shown in several experimental contexts to be achievable and is used to rejuvenate mice models. This regeneration can be accomplished by altering the epigenetic adult cell signature to the signature of a younger cell. The greatest advantage of partial reprogramming is that this method does not allow cells to lose their identity when they are resetting their epigenetic clock. It is a regimen of short-term Oct3/4, Sox2, Klf4, and c-Myc expression in vivo that prevents full reprogramming to the pluripotent state and avoids both tumorigenesis and the presence of unwanted undifferentiated cells. We know that many neurological age-related diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, stroke, dementia, and Parkinson's disease, are the main cause of death in the last decades of life. Therefore, scientists have a special tendency regarding neuroregeneration methods to increase human life expectancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Saber Sichani
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Somayeh Khoddam
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Shayan Shakeri
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Zahra Tavakkoli
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Arad Ranji Jafroodi
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Reza Dabbaghipour
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohsen Sisakht
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Jafar Fallahi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Wang Y, Zeng Q, Tian Y, Deng Q, Xiao R, Luo X, Zeng T, Zhang F, Zhang L, Jiang B, Liu Q. The histone deacetylase SRT2 enhances the tolerance of chrysanthemum to low temperatures through the ROS scavenging system. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2024; 207:108405. [PMID: 38354529 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2024.108405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Low temperatures can severely affect plant growth and reduce their ornamental value. A family of plant histone deacetylases allows plants to cope with both biotic and abiotic stresses. In this study, we screened and cloned the cDNA of DgSRT2 obtained from transcriptome sequencing of chrysanthemum leaves under low-temperature stress. Sequence analysis showed that DgSRT2 belongs to the sirtuin family of histone deacetylases. We obtained the stable transgenic chrysanthemum lines OE-2 and OE-12. DgSRT2 showed tissue specificity in wild-type chrysanthemum and was most highly expressed in leaves. Under low-temperature stress, the OE lines showed higher survival rates, proline content, solute content, and antioxidant enzyme activities, and lower relative electrolyte leakage, malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide, and superoxide ion accumulation than the wild-type lines. This work suggests that DgSRT2 can serve as an essential gene for enhancing cold resistance in plants. In addition, a series of cold-responsive genes in the OE line were compared with WT. The results showed that DgSRT2 exerted a positive regulatory effect by up-regulating the transcript levels of cold-responsive genes. The above genes help to increase antioxidant activity, maintain membrane stability and improve osmoregulation, thereby enhancing survival under cold stress. It can be concluded from the above work that DgSRT2 enhances chrysanthemum tolerance to low temperatures by scavenging the ROS system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongyan Wang
- Department of Ornamental Horticulture, Sichuan Agricultural University, 211 Huimin Road, Wenjiang District, Chengdu, Sichuan, 611130, China.
| | - Qinhan Zeng
- Department of Ornamental Horticulture, Sichuan Agricultural University, 211 Huimin Road, Wenjiang District, Chengdu, Sichuan, 611130, China.
| | - Yuchen Tian
- Department of Ornamental Horticulture, Sichuan Agricultural University, 211 Huimin Road, Wenjiang District, Chengdu, Sichuan, 611130, China.
| | - Qingwu Deng
- Department of Ornamental Horticulture, Sichuan Agricultural University, 211 Huimin Road, Wenjiang District, Chengdu, Sichuan, 611130, China.
| | - Runsi Xiao
- Department of Ornamental Horticulture, Sichuan Agricultural University, 211 Huimin Road, Wenjiang District, Chengdu, Sichuan, 611130, China.
| | - Xuanling Luo
- Department of Ornamental Horticulture, Sichuan Agricultural University, 211 Huimin Road, Wenjiang District, Chengdu, Sichuan, 611130, China.
| | - Tao Zeng
- Department of Ornamental Horticulture, Sichuan Agricultural University, 211 Huimin Road, Wenjiang District, Chengdu, Sichuan, 611130, China.
| | - Fan Zhang
- Department of Ornamental Horticulture, Sichuan Agricultural University, 211 Huimin Road, Wenjiang District, Chengdu, Sichuan, 611130, China.
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Ornamental Horticulture, Sichuan Agricultural University, 211 Huimin Road, Wenjiang District, Chengdu, Sichuan, 611130, China.
| | - Beibei Jiang
- Department of Ornamental Horticulture, Sichuan Agricultural University, 211 Huimin Road, Wenjiang District, Chengdu, Sichuan, 611130, China.
| | - Qinglin Liu
- Department of Ornamental Horticulture, Sichuan Agricultural University, 211 Huimin Road, Wenjiang District, Chengdu, Sichuan, 611130, China.
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Carlberg C, Velleuer E. Vitamin D and Aging: Central Role of Immunocompetence. Nutrients 2024; 16:398. [PMID: 38337682 PMCID: PMC10857325 DOI: 10.3390/nu16030398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The pro-hormone vitamin D3 is an important modulator of both innate and adaptive immunity since its biologically active metabolite 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) regulates via the transcription factor VDR (vitamin D receptor) the epigenome and transcriptome of human immune cells and controls in this way the expression of hundreds of vitamin D target genes. Since the myeloid linage of hematopoiesis is epigenetically programmed by VDR in concert with the pioneer factors PU.1 (purine-rich box 1) and CEBPα (CCAAT/enhancer binding protein α), monocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells are the most vitamin D-sensitive immune cell types. The central role of the immune system in various aging-related diseases suggests that immunocompetence describes not only the ability of an individual to resist pathogens and parasites but also to contest non-communicative diseases and the process of aging itself. In this review, we argue that the individual-specific responsiveness to vitamin D relates to a person's immunocompetence via the epigenetic programming function of VDR and its ligand 1,25(OH)2D3 during hematopoiesis as well as in the periphery. This may provide a mechanism explaining how vitamin D protects against major common diseases and, in parallel, promotes healthy aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carsten Carlberg
- Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, PL-10-748 Olsztyn, Poland
- School of Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Eunike Velleuer
- Department for Cytopathology, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany;
- Department for Pediatric Hemato-Oncology, Helios Children’s Hospital, D-47805 Krefeld, Germany
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Banerjee S, Paradkar MU, Ponde CK, Rajani RM, Pillai S, Ashavaid TF. Does epigenetic markers of HLA gene show association with coronary artery disease in Indian subjects? Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:173. [PMID: 38252175 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-08974-5] [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: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND DNA methylation, one of the most stable forms of epigenetic modification is associated with the development and progression of coronary artery disease (CAD). Our previously reported study on epigenome-wide microarray analysis showed significantly methylated CpG sites. Top 5 significant CpGs from HLA gene were selected and analysed by Pyrosequencing (PSQ) to determine their association with severity of CAD. METHODS Blood samples of 50-age matched angiographically CAD positive male cases with 50 angiographically CAD negative male controls were subjected to lipid profile estimation and PSQ for methylation level analysis. Findings and subgroup analysis were evaluated by Mann-Whitney U; Kruskal-Wallis' rank test and two-way ANOVA by MedCalc (v19.6). RESULTS Methylation levels in HLA-DQA1 for cg10217052 was 78.5 (37-85) and 76.5 (24-84); cg09411910 was 81 (72.0 to 93.0) and 81.5 (50.0 to 89.0) in cases and controls respectively. Levels in HLA-DQB1-cg03344051, were 28.88 + 9.41 for cases and 30.36 + 9.37 in controls. For HLA-DRB1-cg07889003, levels in cases and controls were 15.5 (5.00-39.00) and 10.5 (5.00-29.0); while in cg08269402 were 52 (16-65) and 42.5 (17-61) respectively. No association was observed between methylation levels and lipid profile. cg03344051, cg07889003 and cg08269402 were significantly differentiated in double or triple vessel disease (DVD or TVD) as compared to single vessel disease (SVD) suggesting an increase in the extent of methylation with the increase in CAD severity. CONCLUSION The present study shows significant increase in the extent of methylation in 3 CpG sites in DVD/TVD cases as compared to SVD cases. Additionally, a novel site, cg07889003 identified in our discovery phase has shown association with the severity of CAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shyamashree Banerjee
- Research Laboratories, P.D Hinduja Hospital & Medical Research Centre, Mumbai, India
| | - Minal U Paradkar
- Research Laboratories, P.D Hinduja Hospital & Medical Research Centre, Mumbai, India
- Department of Biochemistry, P.D Hinduja Hospital & Medical Research Centre, Mumbai, India
| | | | - Rajesh M Rajani
- Department of Cardiology, P.D Hinduja Hospital & Medical Research Centre, Mumbai, India
| | - Sudhir Pillai
- Department of Cardiology, P.D Hinduja Hospital & Medical Research Centre, Mumbai, India
| | - Tester F Ashavaid
- Research Laboratories, P.D Hinduja Hospital & Medical Research Centre, Mumbai, India.
- Department of Biochemistry, P.D Hinduja Hospital & Medical Research Centre, Mumbai, India.
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Li J, Liu Y, Huang H, Jin L. Cardiovascular health of offspring conceived by assisted reproduction technology: a comprehensive review. Front Cardiovasc Med 2024; 11:1287060. [PMID: 38292241 PMCID: PMC10824981 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2024.1287060] [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: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Recently, the use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) has rapidly increased. As a result, an increasing number of people are concerned about the safety of offspring produced through ART. Moreover, emerging evidence suggests an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in offspring conceived using ART. In this review, we discuss the epigenetic mechanisms involved in altered DNA methylation, histone modification, and microRNA expression, as well as imprinting disorders. We also summarize studies on cardiovascular changes and other risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as adverse intrauterine environments, perinatal complications, and altered metabolism following assisted reproductive technology (ART). Finally, we emphasize the epigenetic mechanisms underlying the increased risk of CVD in offspring conceived through ART, which could contribute to the early diagnosis and prevention of CVD in the ART population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Hefeng Huang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Jin
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Chiapperino L. Enacting biosocial complexity: Stress, epigenetic biomarkers and the tools of postgenomics. SOCIAL STUDIES OF SCIENCE 2024:3063127231222613. [PMID: 38214449 DOI: 10.1177/03063127231222613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
This article analyses attempts to enact complexity in postgenomic experimentations using the case of epigenetic research on biomarkers of psychosocial stress. Enacting complexity in this research means dissecting multiple so-called biosocial processes of health differentiation in the face of stressful experiences. To characterize enactments of biosocial complexity, the article develops the concepts of complexity work and complexification. The former emphasizes the social, technical, and material work that goes into the production of mixed biological and social representations of stress in epigenetics. The latter underlines how complexity can be assembled differently across distinct configurations of experimental work. Specifically, complexification can be defined as producing, stabilizing, and normalizing novel experimental systems that are supposed to improve techno-scientific enactments of complexity. In the case of epigenetics, complexification entails a reconfiguration of postgenomic experimental systems in ways that some actors deem 'better' at enacting health as a biosocial process. This study of complexity work and complexification shows that biosocial complexity is hardly a univocal enterprise in epigenetics. Consequently, the article calls for abandoning analysis of these research practices using clear-cut dichotomies of reductionism vs. holism, as well as simplicity vs. complexity. More broadly, the article suggests the relevance of a sociology of complexification for STS approaches to complexity in scientific practices. Complementing the existing focus on complexity as instrumental rhetoric in contemporary sciences, complexification directs analytical attention to the pragmatic opportunities that alternative (biosocial) complexities offer to collective, societal, and political thinking about science in society.
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Watanabe K, Seki N. Biology and Development of DNA-Targeted Drugs, Focusing on Synthetic Lethality, DNA Repair, and Epigenetic Modifications for Cancer: A Review. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:752. [PMID: 38255825 PMCID: PMC10815806 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25020752] [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: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
DNA-targeted drugs constitute a specialized category of pharmaceuticals developed for cancer treatment, directly influencing various cellular processes involving DNA. These drugs aim to enhance treatment efficacy and minimize side effects by specifically targeting molecules or pathways crucial to cancer growth. Unlike conventional chemotherapeutic drugs, recent discoveries have yielded DNA-targeted agents with improved effectiveness, and a new generation is anticipated to be even more specific and potent. The sequencing of the human genome in 2001 marked a transformative milestone, contributing significantly to the advancement of targeted therapy and precision medicine. Anticipated progress in precision medicine is closely tied to the continuous development in the exploration of synthetic lethality, DNA repair, and expression regulatory mechanisms, including epigenetic modifications. The integration of technologies like circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) analysis further enhances our ability to elucidate crucial regulatory factors, promising a more effective era of precision medicine. The combination of genomic knowledge and technological progress has led to a surge in clinical trials focusing on precision medicine. These trials utilize biomarkers for identifying genetic alterations, molecular profiling for potential therapeutic targets, and tailored cancer treatments addressing multiple genetic changes. The evolving landscape of genomics has prompted a paradigm shift from tumor-centric to individualized, genome-directed treatments based on biomarker analysis for each patient. The current treatment strategy involves identifying target genes or pathways, exploring drugs affecting these targets, and predicting adverse events. This review highlights strategies incorporating DNA-targeted drugs, such as PARP inhibitors, SLFN11, methylguanine methyltransferase (MGMT), and ATR kinase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiyotaka Watanabe
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Teikyo University, 2-11-1 Kaga, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo 173-8605, Japan
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Zhao X, Wang Y, Yuan B, Zhao H, Wang Y, Tan Z, Wang Z, Wu H, Li G, Song W, Gupta R, Tsuda K, Ma Z, Gao X, Gu Q. Temporally-coordinated bivalent histone modifications of BCG1 enable fungal invasion and immune evasion. Nat Commun 2024; 15:231. [PMID: 38182582 PMCID: PMC10770383 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44491-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Bivalent histone modifications, including functionally opposite H3K4me3 and H3K27me3 marks simultaneously on the same nucleosome, control various cellular processes by fine-tuning the gene expression in eukaryotes. However, the role of bivalent histone modifications in fungal virulence remains elusive. By mapping the genome-wide landscape of H3K4me3 and H3K27me3 dynamic modifications in Fusarium graminearum (Fg) during invasion, we identify the infection-related bivalent chromatin-marked genes (BCGs). BCG1 gene, which encodes a secreted Fusarium-specific xylanase containing a G/Q-rich motif, displays the highest increase of bivalent modification during Fg infection. We report that the G/Q-rich motif of BCG1 is a stimulator of its xylanase activity and is essential for the full virulence of Fg. Intriguingly, this G/Q-rich motif is recognized by pattern-recognition receptors to trigger plant immunity. We discover that Fg employs H3K4me3 modification to induce BCG1 expression required for host cell wall degradation. After breaching the cell wall barrier, this active chromatin state is reset to bivalency by co-modifying with H3K27me3, which enables epigenetic silencing of BCG1 to escape from host immune surveillance. Collectively, our study highlights how fungal pathogens deploy bivalent epigenetic modification to achieve temporally-coordinated activation and suppression of a critical fungal gene, thereby facilitating successful infection and host immune evasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaozhen Zhao
- Department of Plant Pathology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Monitoring and Management of Crop Diseases and Pest Insects, Ministry of Education, Nanjing, China
| | - Yiming Wang
- Department of Plant Pathology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Monitoring and Management of Crop Diseases and Pest Insects, Ministry of Education, Nanjing, China
| | - Bingqin Yuan
- Department of Plant Pathology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Monitoring and Management of Crop Diseases and Pest Insects, Ministry of Education, Nanjing, China
| | - Hanxi Zhao
- Department of Plant Pathology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Monitoring and Management of Crop Diseases and Pest Insects, Ministry of Education, Nanjing, China
| | - Yujie Wang
- Department of Plant Pathology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Monitoring and Management of Crop Diseases and Pest Insects, Ministry of Education, Nanjing, China
| | - Zheng Tan
- Department of Plant Pathology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Monitoring and Management of Crop Diseases and Pest Insects, Ministry of Education, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhiyuan Wang
- Department of Plant Pathology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Monitoring and Management of Crop Diseases and Pest Insects, Ministry of Education, Nanjing, China
| | - Huijun Wu
- Department of Plant Pathology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Monitoring and Management of Crop Diseases and Pest Insects, Ministry of Education, Nanjing, China
| | - Gang Li
- Department of Plant Pathology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Monitoring and Management of Crop Diseases and Pest Insects, Ministry of Education, Nanjing, China
| | - Wei Song
- Department of Plant Pathology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Monitoring and Management of Crop Diseases and Pest Insects, Ministry of Education, Nanjing, China
| | - Ravi Gupta
- College of General Education, Kookmin University, Seoul, 02707, South Korea
| | - Kenichi Tsuda
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Hubei Key Lab of Plant Pathology, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Zhonghua Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, the Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xuewen Gao
- Department of Plant Pathology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Monitoring and Management of Crop Diseases and Pest Insects, Ministry of Education, Nanjing, China
| | - Qin Gu
- Department of Plant Pathology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Monitoring and Management of Crop Diseases and Pest Insects, Ministry of Education, Nanjing, China.
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Castro-Alonso JC, Hidalgo AA, Sweller J. Biological evolution and human cognition are analogous information processing systems. Front Psychol 2024; 14:1330345. [PMID: 38250110 PMCID: PMC10796771 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1330345] [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: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms that govern biological evolution and human cognition are analogous, as both follow the same principles of natural information processing systems. In this article, we describe the following five principles that provide an analogy between biological evolution and human cognition: (a) Randomness as Genesis Principle and (b) Borrowing and Reorganizing Principle, which indicate how natural information processing systems obtain information; (c) Narrow Limits of Change Principle and (d) Information Store Principle, which indicate how information is processed and stored; and (e) Environmental Organizing and Linking Principle, which indicate how stored information is used to generate actions appropriate to an environment. In human cognition, these analogs only apply to cognitive processes associated with biologically secondary knowledge, the knowledge typically taught in educational institutions. Based on these five principles, cognitive load theory researchers have provided diverse prescriptions to optimize instructional activities and materials. We conclude by discussing general instructional implications and future research directions based on this analogy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - John Sweller
- School of Education, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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