1
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Martinez-Feduchi P, Jin P, Yao B. Epigenetic modifications of DNA and RNA in Alzheimer's disease. Front Mol Neurosci 2024; 17:1398026. [PMID: 38726308 PMCID: PMC11079283 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2024.1398026] [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: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a complex neurodegenerative disorder and the most common form of dementia. There are two main types of AD: familial and sporadic. Familial AD is linked to mutations in amyloid precursor protein (APP), presenilin-1 (PSEN1), and presenilin-2 (PSEN2). On the other hand, sporadic AD is the more common form of the disease and has genetic, epigenetic, and environmental components that influence disease onset and progression. Investigating the epigenetic mechanisms associated with AD is essential for increasing understanding of pathology and identifying biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment. Chemical covalent modifications on DNA and RNA can epigenetically regulate gene expression at transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels and play protective or pathological roles in AD and other neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Bing Yao
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
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2
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Kigar SL, Cuarenta A, Zuniga CL, Chang L, Auger AP, Bakshi VP. Brain, behavior, and physiological changes associated with predator stress-An animal model for trauma exposure in adult and neonatal rats. Front Mol Neurosci 2024; 17:1322273. [PMID: 38486962 PMCID: PMC10938396 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2024.1322273] [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: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
The use of predators and predator odor as stressors is an important and ecologically relevant model for studying the impact of behavioral responses to threat. Here we summarize neural substrates and behavioral changes in rats resulting from predator exposure. We briefly define the impact predator exposure has on neural targets throughout development (neonatal, juvenile, and adulthood). These findings allow us to conceptualize the impact of predator exposure in the brain, which in turn may have broader implications for human disorders such as PTSD. Importantly, inclusion of sex as a biological variable yields distinct results that may indicate neural substrates impacted by predator exposure differ based on sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacey L. Kigar
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Amelia Cuarenta
- Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Carla L. Zuniga
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Liza Chang
- College of Agricultural and Life Sciences Academic Affairs, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Anthony P. Auger
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Vaishali P. Bakshi
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, United States
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3
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Cuarenta A, Kigar SL, Keese AP, Guagliardo SE, Chang L, Bakshi VP, Auger AP. DNA topoisomerase Top3β is impacted by early life stress in the developing female and male rat brain. Brain Res 2023; 1809:148339. [PMID: 36966960 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2023.148339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2023]
Abstract
DNA topoisomerases are essential for preserving genomic integrity. DNA topoisomerases induce breakage of DNA to facilitate replication and transcription by relaxing DNA and relieving supercoiling. Aberrant expression and deletions of topoisomerases are associated with psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and autism. Our study investigated the effects of early life stress (ELS) on three topoisomerases, Top1, Top3α, and Top3β in the developing rat brain. Newborn rats were exposed to a predator odor stress on postnatal days 1, 2, and 3; brain tissue was collected either 30 min after the last stressor on postnatal day 3 or during the juvenile period. We found that exposure to predator odor resulted in a decrease in Top3β expression levels in the neonatal male amygdala and in the juvenile prefrontal cortex of males and females. These data suggest that developing males and females respond differently to predator odor-induced stress. As ELS results in lower Top3β levels, these data suggest that ELS experienced during development may have consequences for genomic structural integrity and increased mental health risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelia Cuarenta
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, United States.
| | - Stacey L Kigar
- Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, United States
| | - Ashley P Keese
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, United States
| | - Sarah E Guagliardo
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, United States
| | - Liza Chang
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, United States
| | - Vaishali P Bakshi
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, United States; Neuroscience Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, United States
| | - Anthony P Auger
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, United States; Neuroscience Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, United States.
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4
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Broche J, Köhler AR, Kühnel F, Osteresch B, Chandrasekaran TT, Adam S, Brockmeyer J, Jeltsch A. Genome-wide deposition of 6-methyladenine in human DNA reduces the viability of HEK293 cells and directly influences gene expression. Commun Biol 2023; 6:138. [PMID: 36732350 PMCID: PMC9895073 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04466-1] [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: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
While cytosine-C5 methylation of DNA is an essential regulatory system in higher eukaryotes, the presence and relevance of 6-methyladenine (m6dA) in human cells is controversial. To study the role of m6dA in human DNA, we introduced it in human cells at a genome-wide scale at GANTC and GATC sites by expression of bacterial DNA methyltransferases and observed concomitant reductions in cell viability, in particular after global GANTC methylation. We identified several genes that are directly regulated by m6dA in a GANTC context. Upregulated genes showed m6dA-dependent reduction of H3K27me3 suggesting that the PRC2 complex is inhibited by m6dA. Genes downregulated by m6dA showed enrichment of JUN family transcription factor binding sites. JUN binds m6dA containing DNA with reduced affinity suggesting that m6dA can reduce the recruitment of JUN transcription factors to target genes. Our study documents that global introduction of m6dA in human DNA has physiological effects. Furthermore, we identified a set of target genes which are directly regulated by m6dA in human cells, and we defined two molecular pathways with opposing effects by which artificially introduced m6dA in GANTC motifs can directly control gene expression and phenotypes of human cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Broche
- grid.5719.a0000 0004 1936 9713Institute of Biochemistry and Technical Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany ,grid.10392.390000 0001 2190 1447Present Address: Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, Calwerstr. 7, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Anja R. Köhler
- grid.5719.a0000 0004 1936 9713Institute of Biochemistry and Technical Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Fiona Kühnel
- grid.5719.a0000 0004 1936 9713Institute of Biochemistry and Technical Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Bernd Osteresch
- grid.5719.a0000 0004 1936 9713Institute of Biochemistry and Technical Biochemistry, Department of Food Chemistry, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 5b, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Thyagarajan T. Chandrasekaran
- grid.5719.a0000 0004 1936 9713Institute of Biochemistry and Technical Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Sabrina Adam
- grid.5719.a0000 0004 1936 9713Institute of Biochemistry and Technical Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Jens Brockmeyer
- grid.5719.a0000 0004 1936 9713Institute of Biochemistry and Technical Biochemistry, Department of Food Chemistry, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 5b, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Albert Jeltsch
- Institute of Biochemistry and Technical Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany.
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5
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Li H, Zhang N, Wang Y, Xia S, Zhu Y, Xing C, Tian X, Du Y. DNA N6-Methyladenine Modification in Eukaryotic Genome. Front Genet 2022; 13:914404. [PMID: 35812743 PMCID: PMC9263368 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.914404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation is treated as an important epigenetic mark in various biological activities. In the past, a large number of articles focused on 5 mC while lacking attention to N6-methyladenine (6 mA). The presence of 6 mA modification was previously discovered only in prokaryotes. Recently, with the development of detection technologies, 6 mA has been found in several eukaryotes, including protozoans, metazoans, plants, and fungi. The importance of 6 mA in prokaryotes and single-celled eukaryotes has been widely accepted. However, due to the incredibly low density of 6 mA and restrictions on detection technologies, the prevalence of 6 mA and its role in biological processes in eukaryotic organisms are highly debated. In this review, we first summarize the advantages and disadvantages of 6 mA detection methods. Then, we conclude existing reports on the prevalence of 6 mA in eukaryotic organisms. Next, we highlight possible methyltransferases, demethylases, and the recognition proteins of 6 mA. In addition, we summarize the functions of 6 mA in eukaryotes. Last but not least, we summarize our point of view and put forward the problems that need further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- First School of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Ning Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- First School of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yuechen Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Second School of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Siyuan Xia
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Second School of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yating Zhu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Chen Xing
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Xuefeng Tian
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- First School of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yinan Du
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- *Correspondence: Yinan Du,
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6
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Boulias K, Greer EL. Means, mechanisms and consequences of adenine methylation in DNA. Nat Rev Genet 2022; 23:411-428. [PMID: 35256817 PMCID: PMC9354840 DOI: 10.1038/s41576-022-00456-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
N6-methyl-2'-deoxyadenosine (6mA or m6dA) has been reported in the DNA of prokaryotes and eukaryotes ranging from unicellular protozoa and algae to multicellular plants and mammals. It has been proposed to modulate DNA structure and transcription, transmit information across generations and have a role in disease, among other functions. However, its existence in more recently evolved eukaryotes remains a topic of debate. Recent technological advancements have facilitated the identification and quantification of 6mA even when the modification is exceptionally rare, but each approach has limitations. Critical assessment of existing data, rigorous design of future studies and further development of methods will be required to confirm the presence and biological functions of 6mA in multicellular eukaryotes.
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7
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Maternal Metabolic State and Fetal Sex and Genotype Modulate Methylation of the Serotonin Receptor Type 2A Gene (HTR2A) in the Human Placenta. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10020467. [PMID: 35203678 PMCID: PMC8962258 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10020467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The serotonin receptor 2A gene (HTR2A) is a strong candidate for the fetal programming of future behavior and metabolism. Maternal obesity and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) have been associated with an increased risk of metabolic and psychological problems in offspring. We tested the hypothesis that maternal metabolic status affects methylation of HTR2A in the placenta. The prospective study included 199 pairs of mothers and healthy full-term newborns. Genomic DNA was extracted from feto-placental samples and analyzed for genotypes of two polymorphisms (rs6311, rs6306) and methylation of four cytosine residues (−1665, −1439, −1421, −1224) in the HTR2A promoter region. Placental HTR2A promoter methylation was higher in male than female placentas and depended on both rs6311 and rs6306 genotypes. A higher maternal pre-gestational body mass index (pBMI) and, to a lesser extent, diagnosis of GDM were associated with reduced HTR2A promoter methylation in female but not male placentas. Higher pBMI was associated with reduced methylation both directly and indirectly through increased GDM incidence. Tobacco use during pregnancy was associated with reduced HTR2A promoter methylation in male but not female placentas. The obtained results suggest that HTR2A is a sexually dimorphic epigenetic target of intrauterine exposures. The findings may contribute to a better understanding of the early developmental origins of neurobehavioral and metabolic disorders associated with altered HTR2A function.
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8
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Fernandes SB, Grova N, Roth S, Duca RC, Godderis L, Guebels P, Mériaux SB, Lumley AI, Bouillaud-Kremarik P, Ernens I, Devaux Y, Schroeder H, Turner JD. N 6-Methyladenine in Eukaryotic DNA: Tissue Distribution, Early Embryo Development, and Neuronal Toxicity. Front Genet 2021; 12:657171. [PMID: 34108991 PMCID: PMC8181416 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.657171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation is one of the most important epigenetic modifications and is closely related with several biological processes such as regulation of gene transcription and the development of non-malignant diseases. The prevailing dogma states that DNA methylation in eukaryotes occurs essentially through 5-methylcytosine (5mC) but recently adenine methylation was also found to be present in eukaryotes. In mouse embryonic stem cells, 6-methyladenine (6mA) was associated with the repression and silencing of genes, particularly in the X-chromosome, known to play an important role in cell fate determination. Here, we have demonstrated that 6mA is a ubiquitous eukaryotic epigenetic modification that is put in place during epigenetically sensitive periods such as embryogenesis and fetal development. In somatic cells there are clear tissue specificity in 6mA levels, with the highest 6mA levels being observed in the brain. In zebrafish, during the first 120 h of embryo development, from a single pluripotent cell to an almost fully formed individual, 6mA levels steadily increase. An identical pattern was observed over embryonic days 7–21 in the mouse. Furthermore, exposure to a neurotoxic environmental pollutant during the same early life period may led to a decrease in the levels of this modification in female rats. The identification of the periods during which 6mA epigenetic marks are put in place increases our understanding of this mammalian epigenetic modification, and raises the possibility that it may be associated with developmental processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara B Fernandes
- Immune Endocrine Epigenetics Research Group, Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg.,Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Belval, Luxembourg
| | - Nathalie Grova
- Immune Endocrine Epigenetics Research Group, Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg.,Calbinotox, EA7488, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Lorraine, Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Sarah Roth
- Immune Endocrine Epigenetics Research Group, Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Radu Corneliu Duca
- Unit Environmental Hygiene and Human Biological Monitoring, Department of Health Protection, National Health Laboratory (LNS), Dudelange, Luxembourg.,Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lode Godderis
- Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,IDEWE, External Service for Prevention and Protection at Work, Heverlee, Belgium
| | - Pauline Guebels
- Immune Endocrine Epigenetics Research Group, Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Sophie B Mériaux
- Immune Endocrine Epigenetics Research Group, Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Andrew I Lumley
- Cardiovascular Research Unit, Department of Public Health, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Strassen, Luxembourg
| | | | - Isabelle Ernens
- Cardiovascular Research Unit, Department of Public Health, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Strassen, Luxembourg
| | - Yvan Devaux
- Cardiovascular Research Unit, Department of Public Health, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Strassen, Luxembourg
| | - Henri Schroeder
- Calbinotox, EA7488, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Lorraine, Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Jonathan D Turner
- Immune Endocrine Epigenetics Research Group, Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
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9
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Masuo Y, Satou T, Takemoto H, Koike K. Smell and Stress Response in the Brain: Review of the Connection between Chemistry and Neuropharmacology. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26092571. [PMID: 33924992 PMCID: PMC8124235 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26092571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The stress response in the brain is not fully understood, although stress is one of the risk factors for developing mental disorders. On the other hand, the stimulation of the olfactory system can influence stress levels, and a certain smell has been empirically known to have a stress-suppressing effect, indeed. In this review, we first outline what stress is and previous studies on stress-responsive biomarkers (stress markers) in the brain. Subsequently, we confirm the olfactory system and review previous studies on the relationship between smell and stress response by species, such as humans, rats, and mice. Numerous studies demonstrated the stress-suppressing effects of aroma. There are also investigations showing the effects of odor that induce stress in experimental animals. In addition, we introduce recent studies on the effects of aroma of coffee beans and essential oils, such as lavender, cypress, α-pinene, and thyme linalool on the behavior and the expression of stress marker candidates in the brain. The transfer of volatile components into the brain is also discussed while using the results of thyme linalool as an example. These studies may provide a good opportunity to connect chemical research at the molecular level with neuropharmacological approaches in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshinori Masuo
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Toho University, 2-2-1 Miyama, Funabashi, Chiba 274-8510, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-47-472-5257
| | - Tadaaki Satou
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, International University of Health and Welfare, 2600-1 Kitakanemaru, Ohtawara, Tochigi 324-8501, Japan;
| | - Hiroaki Takemoto
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Toho University, 2-2-1 Miyama, Funabashi, Chiba 274-8510, Japan; (H.T.); (K.K.)
| | - Kazuo Koike
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Toho University, 2-2-1 Miyama, Funabashi, Chiba 274-8510, Japan; (H.T.); (K.K.)
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10
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Diddens J, Coussement L, Frankl-Vilches C, Majumdar G, Steyaert S, Ter Haar SM, Galle J, De Meester E, De Keulenaer S, Van Criekinge W, Cornil CA, Balthazart J, Van Der Linden A, De Meyer T, Vanden Berghe W. DNA Methylation Regulates Transcription Factor-Specific Neurodevelopmental but Not Sexually Dimorphic Gene Expression Dynamics in Zebra Finch Telencephalon. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:583555. [PMID: 33816458 PMCID: PMC8017237 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.583555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Song learning in zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) is a prototypical example of a complex learned behavior, yet knowledge of the underlying molecular processes is limited. Therefore, we characterized transcriptomic (RNA-sequencing) and epigenomic (RRBS, reduced representation bisulfite sequencing; immunofluorescence) dynamics in matched zebra finch telencephalon samples of both sexes from 1 day post hatching (1 dph) to adulthood, spanning the critical period for song learning (20 and 65 dph). We identified extensive transcriptional neurodevelopmental changes during postnatal telencephalon development. DNA methylation was very low, yet increased over time, particularly in song control nuclei. Only a small fraction of the massive differential expression in the developing zebra finch telencephalon could be explained by differential CpG and CpH DNA methylation. However, a strong association between DNA methylation and age-dependent gene expression was found for various transcription factors (i.e., OTX2, AR, and FOS) involved in neurodevelopment. Incomplete dosage compensation, independent of DNA methylation, was found to be largely responsible for sexually dimorphic gene expression, with dosage compensation increasing throughout life. In conclusion, our results indicate that DNA methylation regulates neurodevelopmental gene expression dynamics through steering transcription factor activity, but does not explain sexually dimorphic gene expression patterns in zebra finch telencephalon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jolien Diddens
- Laboratory of Protein Chemistry, Proteomics and Epigenetic Signaling (PPES), Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Louis Coussement
- Biobix: Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Computational Genomics, Department of Data Analysis and Mathematical Modeling, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Carolina Frankl-Vilches
- Department of Behavioral Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, Seewiesen, Germany
| | - Gaurav Majumdar
- Bio-Imaging Lab, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Sandra Steyaert
- Biobix: Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Computational Genomics, Department of Data Analysis and Mathematical Modeling, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sita M Ter Haar
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroendocrinology, GIGA Neuroscience, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Jeroen Galle
- Biobix: Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Computational Genomics, Department of Data Analysis and Mathematical Modeling, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ellen De Meester
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sarah De Keulenaer
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Wim Van Criekinge
- Biobix: Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Computational Genomics, Department of Data Analysis and Mathematical Modeling, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Charlotte A Cornil
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroendocrinology, GIGA Neuroscience, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Jacques Balthazart
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroendocrinology, GIGA Neuroscience, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Annemie Van Der Linden
- Bio-Imaging Lab, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Tim De Meyer
- Biobix: Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Computational Genomics, Department of Data Analysis and Mathematical Modeling, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Wim Vanden Berghe
- Laboratory of Protein Chemistry, Proteomics and Epigenetic Signaling (PPES), Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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11
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Cuarenta A, Kigar SL, Henion IC, Chang L, Bakshi VP, Auger AP. Early life stress during the neonatal period alters social play and Line1 during the juvenile stage of development. Sci Rep 2021; 11:3549. [PMID: 33574362 PMCID: PMC7878767 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-82953-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Early life stress (ELS) has been shown to have a significant impact on typical brain development and the manifestation of psychological disorders through epigenetic modifications that alter gene expression. Line1, a retrotransposon associated with genetic diversity, has been linked with various psychological disorders that are associated with ELS. Our previous work demonstrated altered Line1 DNA copy number in the neonatal period following stressful experiences; we therefore chose to investigate whether early life stress altered Line1 retrotransposition persists into the juvenile period of development. Our study uses a neonatal predator odor exposure (POE) paradigm to model ELS in rats. We examined Line1 using qPCR to assess Line1 expression levels and DNA copy number in the male and female juvenile amygdala, hippocampus and prefrontal cortex-areas chosen for their association with affective disorders and stress. We report a sex difference in Line1 levels within the juvenile amygdala. We also find that ELS significantly increases Line1 DNA copy number within the juvenile amygdala which correlates with reduced juvenile social play levels, suggesting the possibility that Line1 may influence juvenile social development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelia Cuarenta
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, USA
| | - Stacey L Kigar
- Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, USA
| | - Ian C Henion
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, USA
| | - Liza Chang
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, USA
| | - Vaishali P Bakshi
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, USA
| | - Anthony P Auger
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, USA. .,Neuroscience Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, USA.
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12
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Cao X, Lintelmann J, Padoan S, Bauer S, Huber A, Mudan A, Oeder S, Adam T, Di Bucchianico S, Zimmermann R. Adenine derivatization for LC-MS/MS epigenetic DNA modifications studies on monocytic THP-1 cells exposed to reference particulate matter. Anal Biochem 2021; 618:114127. [PMID: 33571488 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2021.114127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to explore the impact of three different standard reference particulate matter (ERM-CZ100, SRM-1649, and SRM-2975) on epigenetic DNA modifications including cytosine methylation, cytosine hydroxymethylation, and adenine methylation. For the determination of low levels of adenine methylation, we developed and applied a novel DNA nucleobase chemical derivatization and combined it with liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. The developed method was applied for the analysis of epigenetic modifications in monocytic THP-1 cells exposed to the three different reference particulate matter for 24 h and 48 h. The mass fraction of epigenetic active elements As, Cd, and Cr was analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The exposure to fine dust ERM-CZ100 and urban dust SRM-1649 decreased cytosine methylation after 24 h exposure, whereas all 3 p.m. increased cytosine hydoxymethylation following 24 h exposure, and the epigenetic effects induced by SRM-1649 and diesel SRM-2975 were persistent up to 48 h exposure. The road tunnel dust ERM-CZ100 significantly increased adenine methylation following the shorter exposure time. Two-dimensional scatters analysis between different epigenetic DNA modifications were used to depict a significantly negative correlation between cytosine methylation and cytosine hydroxymethylation supporting their possible functional relationship. Metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons differently shapes epigenetic DNA modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Cao
- Joint Mass Spectrometry Center (JMSC) at Comprehensive Molecular Analytics (CMA), Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany; Joint Mass Spectrometry Center (JMSC) at Analytical Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Jutta Lintelmann
- Research Unit of Molecular Endocrinology and Metabolism, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany.
| | - Sara Padoan
- Joint Mass Spectrometry Center (JMSC) at Comprehensive Molecular Analytics (CMA), Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany; University of the Bundeswehr Munich, Institute for Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Neubiberg, Germany
| | - Stefanie Bauer
- Joint Mass Spectrometry Center (JMSC) at Comprehensive Molecular Analytics (CMA), Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Anja Huber
- Joint Mass Spectrometry Center (JMSC) at Comprehensive Molecular Analytics (CMA), Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Ajit Mudan
- University of the Bundeswehr Munich, Institute for Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Neubiberg, Germany
| | - Sebastian Oeder
- Joint Mass Spectrometry Center (JMSC) at Comprehensive Molecular Analytics (CMA), Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Adam
- Joint Mass Spectrometry Center (JMSC) at Comprehensive Molecular Analytics (CMA), Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany; University of the Bundeswehr Munich, Institute for Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Neubiberg, Germany
| | - Sebastiano Di Bucchianico
- Joint Mass Spectrometry Center (JMSC) at Comprehensive Molecular Analytics (CMA), Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany.
| | - Ralf Zimmermann
- Joint Mass Spectrometry Center (JMSC) at Comprehensive Molecular Analytics (CMA), Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany; Joint Mass Spectrometry Center (JMSC) at Analytical Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
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13
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Cuarenta A, Kigar SL, Henion IC, Karls KE, Chang L, Bakshi VP, Auger AP. Early life stress increases Line1 within the developing brain in a sex-dependent manner. Brain Res 2020; 1748:147123. [PMID: 32931818 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2020.147123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Long-interspersing element 1 (Line1)-a retrotransposon that comprises ~17% of the human genome and ~24% of the rat genome -is aberrantly expressed in psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and Rett syndrome, suggesting it may play an important role in neurodevelopment. Retrotransposons such as Line1 have the ability to self-replicate via reverse transcription and can subsequently be reinserted throughout the genome, potentially increasing genetic diversity. We sought to understand whether early life stress (ELS), a known risk factor for the development of later psychiatric disorders in humans, would affect Line1 expression and DNA copy number. Our study uses a neonatal predator odor exposure (POE) paradigm to model ELS in rats. We found sex- and region-specific increases in both Line1 Open Reading Frame 1 (ORF1) and ORF2 mRNA following POE-induced stress. Interestingly, ELS increased Line1 DNA copy number within the male hippocampus. These data suggest the possibility that early life stress can mobilize Line1 in a sex- and region-specific manner, resulting in genomic heterogeneity between cells in the brain suggesting that some cells may have a different genetic makeup than others resulting in genomic heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelia Cuarenta
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, United States.
| | - Stacey L Kigar
- Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, United States
| | - Ian C Henion
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, United States
| | - Kaitlyn E Karls
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, United States
| | - Liza Chang
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, United States
| | - Vaishali P Bakshi
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, United States
| | - Anthony P Auger
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, United States; Neuroscience Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, United States.
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14
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Scaletti ER, Vallin KS, Bräutigam L, Sarno A, Warpman Berglund U, Helleday T, Stenmark P, Jemth AS. MutT homologue 1 (MTH1) removes N6-methyl-dATP from the dNTP pool. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:4761-4772. [PMID: 32144205 PMCID: PMC7152754 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra120.012636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
MutT homologue 1 (MTH1) removes oxidized nucleotides from the nucleotide pool and thereby prevents their incorporation into the genome and thereby reduces genotoxicity. We previously reported that MTH1 is an efficient catalyst of O6-methyl-dGTP hydrolysis suggesting that MTH1 may also sanitize the nucleotide pool from other methylated nucleotides. We here show that MTH1 efficiently catalyzes the hydrolysis of N6-methyl-dATP to N6-methyl-dAMP and further report that N6-methylation of dATP drastically increases the MTH1 activity. We also observed MTH1 activity with N6-methyl-ATP, albeit at a lower level. We show that N6-methyl-dATP is incorporated into DNA in vivo, as indicated by increased N6-methyl-dA DNA levels in embryos developed from MTH1 knock-out zebrafish eggs microinjected with N6-methyl-dATP compared with noninjected embryos. N6-methyl-dATP activity is present in MTH1 homologues from distantly related vertebrates, suggesting evolutionary conservation and indicating that this activity is important. Of note, N6-methyl-dATP activity is unique to MTH1 among related NUDIX hydrolases. Moreover, we present the structure of N6-methyl-dAMP-bound human MTH1, revealing that the N6-methyl group is accommodated within a hydrophobic active-site subpocket explaining why N6-methyl-dATP is a good MTH1 substrate. N6-methylation of DNA and RNA has been reported to have epigenetic roles and to affect mRNA metabolism. We propose that MTH1 acts in concert with adenosine deaminase-like protein isoform 1 (ADAL1) to prevent incorporation of N6-methyl-(d)ATP into DNA and RNA. This would hinder potential dysregulation of epigenetic control and RNA metabolism via conversion of N6-methyl-(d)ATP to N6-methyl-(d)AMP, followed by ADAL1-catalyzed deamination producing (d)IMP that can enter the nucleotide salvage pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Rose Scaletti
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University S-106 91, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund 221 00, Sweden
| | - Karl S Vallin
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, S-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lars Bräutigam
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, S-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Antonio Sarno
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491 Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Pathology, St. Olavs Hospital, 7006 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Ulrika Warpman Berglund
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, S-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Thomas Helleday
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, S-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
- Weston Park Cancer Centre, Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2RX, United Kingdom
| | - Pål Stenmark
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University S-106 91, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund 221 00, Sweden
| | - Ann-Sofie Jemth
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, S-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
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15
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Mammalian ALKBH1 serves as an N 6-mA demethylase of unpairing DNA. Cell Res 2020; 30:197-210. [PMID: 32051560 PMCID: PMC7054317 DOI: 10.1038/s41422-019-0237-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 08/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenine (N6-mA) of DNA is an emerging epigenetic mark in mammalian genome. Levels of N6-mA undergo drastic fluctuation during early embryogenesis, indicative of active regulation. Here we show that the 2-oxoglutarate-dependent oxygenase ALKBH1 functions as a nuclear eraser of N6-mA in unpairing regions (e.g., SIDD, Stress-Induced DNA Double Helix Destabilization regions) of mammalian genomes. Enzymatic profiling studies revealed that ALKBH1 prefers bubbled or bulged DNAs as substrate, instead of single-stranded (ss-) or double-stranded (ds-) DNAs. Structural studies of ALKBH1 revealed an unexpected "stretch-out" conformation of its "Flip1" motif, a conserved element that usually bends over catalytic center to facilitate substrate base flipping in other DNA demethylases. Thus, lack of a bending "Flip1" explains the observed preference of ALKBH1 for unpairing substrates, in which the flipped N6-mA is primed for catalysis. Co-crystal structural studies of ALKBH1 bound to a 21-mer bulged DNA explained the need of both flanking duplexes and a flipped base for recognition and catalysis. Key elements (e.g., an ALKBH1-specific α1 helix) as well as residues contributing to structural integrity and catalytic activity were validated by structure-based mutagenesis studies. Furthermore, ssDNA-seq and DIP-seq analyses revealed significant co-occurrence of base unpairing regions with N6-mA in mouse genome. Collectively, our biochemical, structural and genomic studies suggest that ALKBH1 is an important DNA demethylase that regulates genome N6-mA turnover of unpairing regions associated with dynamic chromosome regulation.
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16
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Armstrong MJ, Jin Y, Allen EG, Jin P. Diverse and dynamic DNA modifications in brain and diseases. Hum Mol Genet 2019; 28:R241-R253. [PMID: 31348493 PMCID: PMC6872432 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddz179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Revised: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation is a class of epigenetic modification essential for coordinating gene expression timing and magnitude throughout normal brain development and for proper brain function following development. Aberrant methylation changes are associated with changes in chromatin architecture, transcriptional alterations and a host of neurological disorders and diseases. This review highlights recent advances in our understanding of the methylome's functionality and covers potential new roles for DNA methylation, their readers, writers, and erasers. Additionally, we examine novel insights into the relationship between the methylome, DNA-protein interactions, and their contribution to neurodegenerative diseases. Lastly, we outline the gaps in our knowledge that will likely be filled through the widespread use of newer technologies that provide greater resolution into how individual cell types are affected by disease and the contribution of each individual modification site to disease pathogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Armstrong
- Department of Human Genetics, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Yulin Jin
- Department of Human Genetics, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Emily G Allen
- Department of Human Genetics, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Peng Jin
- Department of Human Genetics, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
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17
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Jiang S, Postovit L, Cattaneo A, Binder EB, Aitchison KJ. Epigenetic Modifications in Stress Response Genes Associated With Childhood Trauma. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:808. [PMID: 31780969 PMCID: PMC6857662 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) may be referred to by other terms (e.g., early life adversity or stress and childhood trauma) and have a lifelong impact on mental and physical health. For example, childhood trauma has been associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. The heritability of ACE-related phenotypes such as PTSD, depression, and resilience is low to moderate, and, moreover, is very variable for a given phenotype, which implies that gene by environment interactions (such as through epigenetic modifications) may be involved in the onset of these phenotypes. Currently, there is increasing interest in the investigation of epigenetic contributions to ACE-induced differential health outcomes. Although there are a number of studies in this field, there are still research gaps. In this review, the basic concepts of epigenetic modifications (such as methylation) and the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in the stress response are outlined. Examples of specific genes undergoing methylation in association with ACE-induced differential health outcomes are provided. Limitations in this field, e.g., uncertain clinical diagnosis, conceptual inconsistencies, and technical drawbacks, are reviewed, with suggestions for advances using new technologies and novel research directions. We thereby provide a platform on which the field of ACE-induced phenotypes in mental health may build.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shui Jiang
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Lynne Postovit
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Annamaria Cattaneo
- Biological Psychiatric Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Elisabeth B. Binder
- Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Katherine J. Aitchison
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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18
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Abstract
DNA modifications are a major form of epigenetic regulation that eukaryotic cells utilize in concert with histone modifications. While much work has been done elucidating the role of 5-methylcytosine over the past several decades, only recently has it been recognized that N(6)-methyladenine (N6-mA) is present in quantifiable and biologically active levels in the DNA of eukaryotic cells. Unlike prokaryotes which utilize N6-mA to recognize "self" from "foreign" DNA, eukaryotes have been found to use N6-mA in varying ways, from regulating transposable elements to gene regulation in response to hypoxia and stress. In this review, we examine the current state of the N6-mA in research field, and the current understanding of the biochemical mechanisms which deposit and remove N6-mA from the eukaryotic genome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myles H Alderman
- Department of Genetics, Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Andrew Z Xiao
- Department of Genetics, Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
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19
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Wang SY, Mao H, Shibuya H, Uzawa S, O’Brown ZK, Wesenberg S, Shin N, Saito TT, Gao J, Meyer BJ, Colaiácovo MP, Greer EL. The demethylase NMAD-1 regulates DNA replication and repair in the Caenorhabditis elegans germline. PLoS Genet 2019; 15:e1008252. [PMID: 31283754 PMCID: PMC6638966 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1008252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2019] [Revised: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The biological roles of nucleic acid methylation, other than at the C5-position of cytosines in CpG dinucleotides, are still not well understood. Here, we report genetic evidence for a critical role for the putative DNA demethylase NMAD-1 in regulating meiosis in C. elegans. nmad-1 mutants have reduced fertility. They show defects in prophase I of meiosis, which leads to reduced embryo production and an increased incidence of males due to defective chromosomal segregation. In nmad-1 mutant worms, nuclear staging beginning at the leptotene and zygotene stages is disorganized, the cohesin complex is mislocalized at the diplotene and diakinesis stages, and chromosomes are improperly condensed, fused, or lost by the end of diakinesis. RNA sequencing of the nmad-1 germline revealed reduced induction of DNA replication and DNA damage response genes during meiosis, which was coupled with delayed DNA replication, impaired DNA repair and increased apoptosis of maturing oocytes. To begin to understand how NMAD-1 regulates DNA replication and repair, we used immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry to identify NMAD-1 binding proteins. NMAD-1 binds to multiple proteins that regulate DNA repair and replication, including topoisomerase TOP-2 and co-localizes with TOP-2 on chromatin. Moreover, the majority of TOP-2 binding to chromatin depends on NMAD-1. These results suggest that NMAD-1 functions at DNA replication sites to regulate DNA replication and repair during meiosis. Errors in meiosis are the leading cause of miscarriages, as well as developmental and intellectual disabilities. We have identified that NMAD-1, an enzyme which removes methyl moieties from nucleic acids, is essential for appropriate DNA damage response, DNA replication and meiosis in the nematode C. elegans. We have cytologically and genetically characterized the defects which occur due to deletion of NMAD-1 in the C. elegans germline. Additionally, we have begun to determine molecularly how NMAD-1 can regulate DNA replication, by demonstrating that NMAD-1 binds to components of the DNA replication machinery and is required for their appropriate localization to DNA. Characterizing how epigenetic modifications and the corresponding enzymes that add or remove epigenetic modifications can control the fundamental process of meiosis will have broad implications for understanding and eventually correcting errors in meiosis that disrupt normal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Yuan Wang
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Children’s Hospital Boston, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Hui Mao
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Children’s Hospital Boston, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Hiroki Shibuya
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Children’s Hospital Boston, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Satoru Uzawa
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, United States of America
| | - Zach Klapholz O’Brown
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Children’s Hospital Boston, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Sage Wesenberg
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Children’s Hospital Boston, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Nara Shin
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Takamune T. Saito
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Jinmin Gao
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Barbara J. Meyer
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, United States of America
| | - Monica P. Colaiácovo
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Eric Lieberman Greer
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Children’s Hospital Boston, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston Massachusetts, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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20
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O'Brown ZK, Boulias K, Wang J, Wang SY, O'Brown NM, Hao Z, Shibuya H, Fady PE, Shi Y, He C, Megason SG, Liu T, Greer EL. Sources of artifact in measurements of 6mA and 4mC abundance in eukaryotic genomic DNA. BMC Genomics 2019; 20:445. [PMID: 31159718 PMCID: PMC6547475 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-019-5754-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Directed DNA methylation on N6-adenine (6mA), N4-cytosine (4mC), and C5-cytosine (5mC) can potentially increase DNA coding capacity and regulate a variety of biological functions. These modifications are relatively abundant in bacteria, occurring in about a percent of all bases of most bacteria. Until recently, 5mC and its oxidized derivatives were thought to be the only directed DNA methylation events in metazoa. New and more sensitive detection techniques (ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (UHPLC-ms/ms) and single molecule real-time sequencing (SMRTseq)) have suggested that 6mA and 4mC modifications could be present in a variety of metazoa. RESULTS Here, we find that both of these techniques are prone to inaccuracies, which overestimate DNA methylation concentrations in metazoan genomic DNA. Artifacts can arise from methylated bacterial DNA contamination of enzyme preparations used to digest DNA and contaminating bacterial DNA in eukaryotic DNA preparations. Moreover, DNA sonication introduces a novel modified base from 5mC that has a retention time near 4mC that can be confused with 4mC. Our analyses also suggest that SMRTseq systematically overestimates 4mC in prokaryotic and eukaryotic DNA and 6mA in DNA samples in which it is rare. Using UHPLC-ms/ms designed to minimize and subtract artifacts, we find low to undetectable levels of 4mC and 6mA in genomes of representative worms, insects, amphibians, birds, rodents and primates under normal growth conditions. We also find that mammalian cells incorporate exogenous methylated nucleosides into their genome, suggesting that a portion of 6mA modifications could derive from incorporation of nucleosides from bacteria in food or microbiota. However, gDNA samples from gnotobiotic mouse tissues found rare (0.9-3.7 ppm) 6mA modifications above background. CONCLUSIONS Altogether these data demonstrate that 6mA and 4mC are rarer in metazoa than previously reported, and highlight the importance of careful sample preparation and measurement, and need for more accurate sequencing techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zach K O'Brown
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Konstantinos Boulias
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Jie Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Biostatistics, University at Buffalo Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics & Life Sciences, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA
| | - Simon Yuan Wang
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Natasha M O'Brown
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Ziyang Hao
- Department of Chemistry and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Hiroki Shibuya
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Present address: Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, SE-40530, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Paul-Enguerrand Fady
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Yang Shi
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Chuan He
- Department of Chemistry and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Sean G Megason
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Tao Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Biostatistics, University at Buffalo Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics & Life Sciences, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA
| | - Eric L Greer
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
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21
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Rodiño-Janeiro BK, Pardo-Camacho C, Santos J, Martínez C. Mucosal RNA and protein expression as the next frontier in IBS: abnormal function despite morphologically intact small intestinal mucosa. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2019; 316:G701-G719. [PMID: 30767681 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00186.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the commonest gastrointestinal disorders. Although long-time considered a pure functional disorder, intense research in past years has rendered a very complex and varied array of observations indicating the presence of structural and molecular abnormalities underlying characteristic motor and sensitive changes and clinical manifestations. Analysis of gene and protein expression in the intestinal mucosa has shed light on the molecular mechanisms implicated in IBS physiopathology. This analysis uncovers constitutive and inductive genetic and epigenetic marks in the small and large intestine that highlight the role of epithelial barrier, immune activation, and mucosal processing of foods and toxins and several new molecular pathways in the origin of IBS. The incorporation of innovative high-throughput techniques into IBS research is beginning to provide new insights into highly structured and interconnected molecular mechanisms modulating gene and protein expression at tissue level. Integration and correlation of these molecular mechanisms with clinical and environmental data applying systems biology/medicine and data mining tools emerge as crucial steps that will allow us to get meaningful and more definitive comprehension of IBS-detailed development and show the real mechanisms and causality of the disease and the way to identify more specific diagnostic biomarkers and effective treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Kotska Rodiño-Janeiro
- Laboratory of Neuro-Immuno-Gastroenterology, Digestive System Research Unit, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca , Barcelona , Spain.,Department of Gastroenterology, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (Facultat de Medicina) , Barcelona , Spain
| | - Cristina Pardo-Camacho
- Laboratory of Neuro-Immuno-Gastroenterology, Digestive System Research Unit, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca , Barcelona , Spain.,Department of Gastroenterology, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (Facultat de Medicina) , Barcelona , Spain
| | - Javier Santos
- Laboratory of Neuro-Immuno-Gastroenterology, Digestive System Research Unit, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca , Barcelona , Spain.,Department of Gastroenterology, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (Facultat de Medicina) , Barcelona , Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas , Madrid , Spain
| | - Cristina Martínez
- Laboratory of Neuro-Immuno-Gastroenterology, Digestive System Research Unit, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca , Barcelona , Spain.,Department of Gastroenterology, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (Facultat de Medicina) , Barcelona , Spain
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The DNA modification N6-methyl-2'-deoxyadenosine (m6dA) drives activity-induced gene expression and is required for fear extinction. Nat Neurosci 2019; 22:534-544. [PMID: 30778148 PMCID: PMC6462436 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-019-0339-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
DNA modification is known to regulate experience-dependent gene expression. However, beyond cytosine methylation and its oxidated derivatives, very little is known about the functional importance of chemical modifications on other nucleobases in the brain. Here we report that in adult mice trained in fear extinction the DNA modification N6-methyl-2’-deoxyadenosine (m6dA) accumulates along promoters and coding sequences in activated prefrontal cortical neurons. The deposition of m6dA is associated with increased genome-wide occupancy of the mammalian m6dA methyltransferase, N6amt1, and this correlates with extinction-induced gene expression. The accumulation of m6dA is associated with transcriptional activation at the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (Bdnf) P4 promoter, which is required for Bdnf exon IV mRNA expression and for the extinction of conditioned fear. These results expand the scope of DNA modifications in the adult brain and highlight changes in m6dA as an epigenetic mechanism associated with activity-induced gene expression and the formation of fear extinction memory.
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Chang L, Kigar SL, Ho JH, Cuarenta A, Gunderson HC, Baldo BA, Bakshi VP, Auger AP. Early life stress alters opioid receptor mRNA levels within the nucleus accumbens in a sex-dependent manner. Brain Res 2018; 1710:102-108. [PMID: 30594547 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2018.12.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2018] [Revised: 09/10/2018] [Accepted: 12/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Early life stress (ELS) strongly impacts mental health, but little is known about its interaction with biological sex and postnatal development to influence risk and resilience to psychopathologies. A number of psychiatric disorders, such as social anhedonia and drug addiction, involve dysfunctional opioid signaling; moreover, there is evidence for differential central opioid function in males vs. females. The present study examined opioid receptor gene expression in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) and amygdala of male and female rats subjected to a neonatal predator odor exposure (POE) paradigm to model ELS. Brain tissue was collected at two developmental time points: neonatal and juvenile. Results showed that, following the neonatal POE experience, opioid receptor mRNA levels in the NAc were differentially regulated at the neonatal and juvenile time points. POE downregulated neonatal mu- and kappa-opioid receptor mRNA levels in neonatal females, but upregulated mu- and delta-opioid receptor mRNA levels in juvenile females. Intriguingly, POE had no significant effect on NAc opioid receptor mRNA levels in males at either time point, indicating that the impact of POE on opioid system development is sex-dependent. Finally, POE failed to alter amygdalar opioid receptor gene expression in either sex at either time-point. The spatiotemporally- and sex-specific impact of ELS within the developing brain may confer differential risk or resilience for males and females to develop atypical opioid-regulated behaviors associated with conditions such as depression and addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liza Chang
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, United States.
| | - Stacey L Kigar
- Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, United States
| | - Jasmine H Ho
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, United States
| | - Amelia Cuarenta
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, United States
| | - Haley C Gunderson
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, United States
| | - Brian A Baldo
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, United States; Neuroscience Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, United States
| | - Vaishali P Bakshi
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, United States; Neuroscience Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, United States
| | - Anthony P Auger
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, United States; Neuroscience Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, United States.
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Kumar S, Chinnusamy V, Mohapatra T. Epigenetics of Modified DNA Bases: 5-Methylcytosine and Beyond. Front Genet 2018; 9:640. [PMID: 30619465 PMCID: PMC6305559 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2018.00640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Modification of DNA bases plays vital roles in the epigenetic control of gene expression in both animals and plants. Though much attention is given to the conventional epigenetic signature 5-methylcytosine (5-mC), the field of epigenetics is attracting increased scientific interest through the discovery of additional modifications of DNA bases and their roles in controlling gene expression. Theoretically, each of the DNA bases can be modified; however, modifications of cytosine and adenine only are known so far. This review focuses on the recent findings of the well-studied cytosine modifications and yet poorly characterized adenine modification which serve as an additional layer of epigenetic regulation in animals and discuss their potential roles in plants. Cytosine modification at symmetric (CG, CHG) and asymmetric (CHH) contexts is a key epigenetic feature. In addition to the ROS1 family mediated demethylation, Ten-Eleven Translocation family proteins-mediated hydroxylation of 5-mC to 5-hydroxymethylcytosine as additional active demethylation pathway are also discussed. The epigenetic marks are known to be associated with the regulation of several cellular and developmental processes, pluripotency of stem cells, neuron cell development, and tumor development in animals. Therefore, the most recently discovered N6-methyladenine, an additional epigenetic mark with regulatory potential, is also described. Interestingly, these newly discovered modifications are also found in the genomes which lack canonical 5-mC, signifying their independent epigenetic functions. These modified DNA bases are considered to be important players in epigenomics. The potential for combinatorial interaction among the known modified DNA bases suggests that epigenetic codon is likely to be substantially more complicated than it is thought today.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suresh Kumar
- Division of Biochemistry, Indian Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR), New Delhi, India
| | - Viswanathan Chinnusamy
- Division of Plant Physiology, Indian Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR), New Delhi, India
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Baulch JE. Radiation-induced genomic instability, epigenetic mechanisms and the mitochondria: a dysfunctional ménage a trois? Int J Radiat Biol 2018; 95:516-525. [DOI: 10.1080/09553002.2018.1549757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Janet E. Baulch
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
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