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Zwingelberg SB, Lautwein B, Baar T, Heinzel-Gutenbrunner M, von Brandenstein M, Nobacht S, Matthaei M, Bachmann BO. The influence of obesity, diabetes mellitus and smoking on fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD). Sci Rep 2024; 14:11596. [PMID: 38773227 PMCID: PMC11109267 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-61948-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: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
To detect environmental factors, which may be possible risk factors in the disease course of Fuchs' endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD). Evaluation of patients with FECD registered in the FECD genetics database of the Center for Ophthalmology, University Hospital Cologne. For the evaluation, disease onset, central corneal thickness, best spectacle corrected visual acuity (BSCVA, logMAR), and modified Krachmer grading (grades 1-6) were correlated with the presence of diabetes mellitus (DM), body mass index (BMI), and smoking behavior. To put the age-related increase in Krachmer grading into perspective, a correction of grading were formed. Depending on the variables studied, differences between groups were examined by Mann-Whitney U test and chi-square test. The significance level was 5%. 403 patients with FECD were included in the analysis. The mean age of the patients was 70.0 ± 10.32 (range 28-96) years. The mean age at diagnosis of those patients was 63.1 ± 13.2 years. The female-to-male ratio was 1.46:1. Patients with a BMI > 30.0 kg/m2 developed FECD significantly earlier than patients with a BMI < 30 kg/m2, p = 0.001. Patients with DM showed significantly more often an Krachmer grade of 5, p = 0.015. Smoking had a negative effect on Krachmer grading (p = 0.024). Using the mediation analysis, the presence of DM correlated Krachmer Grade 5 (p = 0.015), and the presence of DM correlated with BMI > 30.0 kg/m2 (p = 0.012). In addition to smoking and DM our study shows for the first time that obesity may have a negative impact on the development of FECD. Whether dietary interventions and hormones can influence the development or progression of the disease needs to be investigated in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- S B Zwingelberg
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpener Street 62, 50937, Cologne, Germany.
| | - B Lautwein
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - T Baar
- Institute for Medical Statistics and Bioinformatics of the University of Cologne, Bachemer Straße 86, 50931, Cologne, Germany
| | | | - M von Brandenstein
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - S Nobacht
- Department of Ophthalmology, Radboud-Universität Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - M Matthaei
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpener Street 62, 50937, Cologne, Germany
| | - B O Bachmann
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpener Street 62, 50937, Cologne, Germany
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2
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Xia Y, Chen K, Yang Q, Chen Z, Jin L, Zhang L, Yu X, Wang L, Xie C, Zhao Y, Shen Y, Tong J. Methylation in cornea and corneal diseases: a systematic review. Cell Death Discov 2024; 10:169. [PMID: 38589350 PMCID: PMC11002037 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-024-01935-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Corneal diseases are among the primary causes of blindness and vision loss worldwide. However, the pathogenesis of corneal diseases remains elusive, and diagnostic and therapeutic tools are limited. Thus, identifying new targets for the diagnosis and treatment of corneal diseases has gained great interest. Methylation, a type of epigenetic modification, modulates various cellular processes at both nucleic acid and protein levels. Growing evidence shows that methylation is a key regulator in the pathogenesis of corneal diseases, including inflammation, fibrosis, and neovascularization, making it an attractive potential therapeutic target. In this review, we discuss the major alterations of methylation and demethylation at the DNA, RNA, and protein levels in corneal diseases and how these dynamics contribute to the pathogenesis of corneal diseases. Also, we provide insights into identifying potential biomarkers of methylation that may improve the diagnosis and treatment of corneal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutong Xia
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Kuangqi Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Qianjie Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Zhitong Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Le Jin
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Liyue Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Xin Yu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Liyin Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Chen Xie
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Yuan Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Ye Shen
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, China.
| | - Jianping Tong
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, China.
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3
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Murugan S, de Campos VS, Ghag SA, Ng M, Shyam R. Characterization of a Novel Mouse Model for Fuchs Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2024; 65:18. [PMID: 38587441 PMCID: PMC11005065 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.65.4.18] [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: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) is a progressive blinding disorder, characterized by increased corneal endothelial excrescences (guttae), corneal endothelial cell loss, and edema. These symptoms are hypothesized to be caused by changes in the extracellular matrix (ECM) and mitochondrial dysfunction in the corneal endothelium. Despite this clinical and biological relevance, a comprehensive animal model that recapitulates all the major disease characteristics is currently unavailable. In this study, we develop such a model to improve our understanding of the signaling pathways involved in the FECD progression and develop strategies for early intervention. Method To generate a comprehensive FECD model, we generated a double mutant mouse bearing tamoxifen-inducible knockdown of Slc4a11 and the Col8a2 (Q455K) mutation. We performed optical coherence tomography (OCT) and in vivo confocal microscopy using the Heidelberg Retinal Tomography 3 - Rostock Cornea module (HRT3-RCM) on the mice at 5 weeks of age before tamoxifen feeding to establish baseline values for corneal thickness, endothelial cell density, and test for the presence of guttae. We measured these parameters again post-tamoxifen treatment at 16 weeks of age. We collected corneas at 16 weeks to perform histopathology, immunofluorescence staining for tight junctions, adherens junctions, and oxidative stress. We evaluated endothelial pump function using a lactate assay. Results The double mutant tamoxifen-fed animals showed the presence of guttae, and displayed increased corneal thickness and decreased endothelial cell density. Endothelial cells showed altered morphology with disrupted adherens junctions and elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS). Finally, we found that stromal lactate concentrations were elevated in the double mutant mice, indicative of compromised endothelial pump function. Conclusions Overall, this mouse model recapitulates all the important phenotypic features associated with FECD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subashree Murugan
- Vision Science Program, School of Optometry, Indiana University Bloomington, Indiana, United States
| | - Viviane Souza de Campos
- Vision Science Program, School of Optometry, Indiana University Bloomington, Indiana, United States
| | - Sachin Anil Ghag
- Vision Science Program, School of Optometry, Indiana University Bloomington, Indiana, United States
| | - Matthew Ng
- Department of Biology, Indiana University Bloomington, Indiana, United States
| | - Rajalekshmy Shyam
- Vision Science Program, School of Optometry, Indiana University Bloomington, Indiana, United States
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4
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Lamas M. Epigenetic mechanisms of non-retinal components of the aging eye and novel therapeutic strategies. Exp Eye Res 2023; 236:109673. [PMID: 37802281 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2023.109673] [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: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
The eye is a complex organ composed of various cell types, each serving a unique purpose. However, aging brings about structural and functional changes in these cells, leading to discomfort and potential pathology. Alterations in gene expression, influenced by aging and environmental factors, significantly affect cell structure and function. Epigenetics, a field focused on understanding the correlation between changes in gene expression, cell function, and environmental factors, plays a crucial role in unraveling the molecular events responsible for age-related eye changes. This prompts the possibility of developing epigenetic strategies to intervene in these changes or reinstate proper molecular activities. Indeed, research has demonstrated that epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation, histone modification, and non-coding RNAs, are closely associated with age-related alterations in gene expression and cell function. This review aims to compile and synthesize the most recent body of evidence supporting the role of epigenetics in age-related alterations observed in various components of the eye. Specifically, it focuses on the impact of epigenetic changes in the ocular surface, tear film, aqueous humor, vitreous humor, and lens. Furthermore, it highlights the significant advancements that have been made in the field of epigenetic-based experimental therapies, specifically focusing on their potential for treating pathological conditions in the aging eye.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Lamas
- Departamento de Farmacobiología, CINVESTAV-Sede Sur, Centro de Investigación sobre el Envejecimiento, CINVESTAV Sede Sur, Calzada de los Tenorios 235, CDMX, Mexico.
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Chan MF, Pan P, Wolfreys FD. Novel Mechanisms Guide Innovative Molecular-Based Therapeutic Strategies for Fuchs Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy. Cornea 2023; 42:929-933. [PMID: 37318135 PMCID: PMC10313750 DOI: 10.1097/ico.0000000000003292] [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: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Major advances in genomics have dramatically increased our understanding of Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) and identified diverse genetic causes and associations. Biomarkers derived from these studies have the potential to inform both clinical treatment and yield novel therapeutics for this corneal dystrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matilda F. Chan
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
- Francis I. Proctor Foundation, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Peipei Pan
- Center for Cerebrovascular Research, Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Care, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Finn D. Wolfreys
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
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6
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DNA methylation changes and increased mRNA expression of coagulation proteins, factor V and thrombomodulin in Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:62. [PMID: 36773096 PMCID: PMC9922242 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04714-x] [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: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
Late-onset Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) is a disease affecting the corneal endothelium (CE), associated with a cytosine-thymine-guanine repeat expansion at the CTG18.1 locus in the transcription factor 4 (TCF4) gene. It is unknown whether CTG18.1 expansions affect global methylation including TCF4 gene in CE or whether global CE methylation changes at advanced age. Using genome-wide DNA methylation array, we investigated methylation in CE from FECD patients with CTG18.1 expansions and studied the methylation in healthy CE at different ages. The most revealing DNA methylation findings were analyzed by gene expression and protein analysis. 3488 CpGs had significantly altered methylation pattern in FECD though no substantial changes were found in TCF4. The most hypermethylated site was in a predicted promoter of aquaporin 1 (AQP1) gene, and the most hypomethylated site was in a predicted promoter of coagulation factor V (F5 for gene, FV for protein). In FECD, AQP1 mRNA expression was variable, while F5 gene expression showed a ~ 23-fold increase. FV protein was present in both healthy and affected CE. Further gene expression analysis of coagulation factors interacting with FV revealed a ~ 34-fold increase of thrombomodulin (THBD). THBD protein was detected only in CE from FECD patients. Additionally, we observed an age-dependent hypomethylation in elderly healthy CE.Thus, tissue-specific genome-wide and gene-specific methylation changes associated with altered gene expression were discovered in FECD. TCF4 pathological methylation in FECD because of CTG18.1 expansion was ruled out.
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7
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Qiu JN, Shan K, Xiang J, Gu JY, Zhou RM, Zhang XL, Zhang CR, Xu JJ. Comprehensive Analysis of circRNA-Associated-ceRNA Networks in Human Corneal Endothelial Dysfunction. Cornea 2022; 41:1545-1552. [PMID: 35965398 DOI: 10.1097/ico.0000000000003065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a novel class of endogenous noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression through the competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) mechanism. CircRNA-associated-ceRNA networks are closely related to oxidative stress-related diseases. Oxidative stress-induced dysfunction of the corneal endothelium (CE) is a major pathological feature in many corneal diseases. This study was aimed to analyze circRNA-associated-ceRNA networks in oxidative stress-induced CE dysfunction. METHODS A CE dysfunction model was established using human corneal endothelial cells (HCECs) treated with H2O2 at a concentration of 250 μM for 4 hours at 37°C. High-throughput sequencing was conducted to determine the expression profiles of circRNA, miRNA, and mRNA. Bioinformatic analyses, including Gene Ontology (GO) analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis, were conducted to identify the potential biological modules and pathologic pathways of dysregulated circRNAs. CircRNA-associated-ceRNA networks were established based on the data of sequencing and bioinformatic analyses. RESULTS We obtained 108 differentially expressed circRNAs, including 77 upregulated and 31 downregulated circRNAs. GO analysis suggested that dysregulated circRNAs were mainly targeted to protein quality control for misfolded or incompletely synthesized proteins (biologic process), nuclear chromatin (cellular component), and ubiquitin protein ligase binding (molecular function). GO terms related to CE functions responding to oxidative stress were also identified. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis indicated that dysregulated circRNAs were mostly enriched in the adherens junction pathway. Network analysis identified several potential therapeutic targets for CE dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS CircRNAs are significantly dysregulated in HCECs under oxidative stress. The circRNA-associated-ceRNA networks are closely related to HCEC functions. Targeting these networks might provide novel therapies for CE dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Ni Qiu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute, Eye & ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; and.,Department of Ophthalmology, NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University), Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Kun Shan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute, Eye & ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; and.,Department of Ophthalmology, NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University), Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Xiang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute, Eye & ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; and.,Department of Ophthalmology, NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University), Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Jia-Yu Gu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute, Eye & ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; and
| | - Rong-Mei Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute, Eye & ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; and.,Department of Ophthalmology, NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University), Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Xue-Ling Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute, Eye & ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; and.,Department of Ophthalmology, NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University), Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Chao-Ran Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute, Eye & ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; and.,Department of Ophthalmology, NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University), Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian-Jiang Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute, Eye & ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; and.,Department of Ophthalmology, NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University), Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
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8
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Shan K, Qiu J, Zhou R, Gu J, Zhang X, Zhang C, Xiang J, Xu J. RNA-seq identifies long non-coding RNAs as potential therapeutic targets for human corneal endothelial dysfunction under oxidative stress. Exp Eye Res 2021; 213:108820. [PMID: 34728181 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2021.108820] [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: 09/12/2021] [Revised: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Human corneal endothelial cells (CECs) have limited ability to regenerate in vivo. Oxidative stress has been proposed as one potential reason. Understanding the mechanism of oxidative stress-induced CEC dysfunction might provide novel targets for improving CEC regenerative capacity, and help develop non-surgical therapeutic strategies for CEC dysfunction. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are non-coding transcripts with multiple biological functions. The roles of lncRNAs in ocular cells under oxidative stress have been widely studied, such as lens epithelial cells, trabecular meshwork cells, and retinal ganglion cells. In the current study, we established oxidative stress-induced CEC dysfunction model in vitro. By RNA sequencing technology, we identified 824 differentially expressed lncRNAs in CEC dysfunction group, including 667 upregulated lncRNAs and 157 downregulated lncRNAs. We finally demonstrated that CEC functions under oxidative stress, including cellular proliferation, apoptosis, and anti-oxidative stress ability, could be regulated by different lncRNAs, including lncRNA-Z93241.1, lncRNA-XLOC_000818, and lncRNA-AC007952.4. Targeting these lncRNAs might be useful to further elucidate the pathology of CEC dysfunction and develop novel therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Shan
- Eye Institute, Eye & ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University), Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, China
| | - Jini Qiu
- Eye Institute, Eye & ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University), Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, China
| | - Rongmei Zhou
- Eye Institute, Eye & ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University), Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, China
| | - Jiayu Gu
- Eye Institute, Eye & ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xueling Zhang
- Eye Institute, Eye & ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University), Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, China
| | - Chaoran Zhang
- Eye Institute, Eye & ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University), Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, China
| | - Jun Xiang
- Eye Institute, Eye & ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University), Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, China.
| | - Jianjiang Xu
- Eye Institute, Eye & ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University), Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, China.
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9
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Viberg A, Westin IM, Golovleva I, Byström B. TCF4 trinucleotide repeat expansion in Swedish cases with Fuchs' endothelial corneal dystrophy. Acta Ophthalmol 2021; 100:541-548. [PMID: 34644448 DOI: 10.1111/aos.15032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Fuchs' endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) has been considered a genetically heterogeneous disease but is increasingly associated with the transcription factor 4 (TCF4) gene. This study investigates the prevalence of the cytosine-thymine-guanine (CTG)n repeat expansion in TCF4 among FECD patients in northern Sweden coupled to the phenotype. METHODS Blood samples were collected from 85 FECD cases at different stages. Short tandem repeat PCR and triplet repeat-primed PCR were applied in order to determine TCF4 (CTG)n genotype. RESULTS A (CTG)n repeat expansion (n > 50) in TCF4 was identified in 76 of 85 FECD cases (89.4%) and in four of 102 controls (3.9%). The median (CTG)n repeat length was 81 (IQR 39.3) in mild FECD and 87 (IQR 13.0) in severe FECD (p = 0.01). A higher number of (CTG)n repeats in an expanded TCF4 allele increased the probability of severe FECD. Other ocular surgery was overrepresented in FECD cases without a (CTG)n repeat expansion (44.4%, n = 4) compared with 3.9% (n = 3) in FECD cases with an (CTG)n repeat expansion (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION In northern Sweden, the FECD phenotype is associated with (CTG)n expansion in the TCF4 gene, with nearly 90% of patients being hetero- or homozygous for (CTG)n expansion over 50 repeats. Furthermore, the severity of FECD was associated with the repeat length in the TCF4 gene. Ocular surgery might act as an environmental factor explaining the clinical disease in FECD without a repeat expansion in TCF4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Viberg
- Department of Clinical Sciences/Ophthalmology Umeå University Umeå Sweden
| | - Ida Maria Westin
- Department of Medical Biosciences/Medical and Clinical Genetics Umeå University Umeå Sweden
| | - Irina Golovleva
- Department of Medical Biosciences/Medical and Clinical Genetics Umeå University Umeå Sweden
| | - Berit Byström
- Department of Clinical Sciences/Ophthalmology Umeå University Umeå Sweden
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10
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Nilsson E, Vavakova M, Perfilyev A, Säll J, Jansson PA, Poulsen P, Esguerra JLS, Eliasson L, Vaag A, Göransson O, Ling C. Differential DNA Methylation and Expression of miRNAs in Adipose Tissue From Twin Pairs Discordant for Type 2 Diabetes. Diabetes 2021; 70:2402-2418. [PMID: 34315727 DOI: 10.2337/db20-0324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
The prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) is increasing worldwide, but current treatments have limitations. miRNAs may play a key role in the development of T2D and can be targets for novel therapies. Here, we examined whether T2D is associated with altered expression and DNA methylation of miRNAs using adipose tissue from 14 monozygotic twin pairs discordant for T2D. Four members each of the miR-30 and let-7-families were downregulated in adipose tissue of subjects with T2D versus control subjects, which was confirmed in an independent T2D case-control cohort. Further, DNA methylation of five CpG sites annotated to gene promoters of differentially expressed miRNAs, including miR-30a and let-7a-3, was increased in T2D versus control subjects. Luciferase experiments showed that increased DNA methylation of the miR-30a promoter reduced its transcription in vitro. Silencing of miR-30 in adipocytes resulted in reduced glucose uptake and TBC1D4 phosphorylation; downregulation of genes involved in demethylation and carbohydrate/lipid/amino acid metabolism; and upregulation of immune system genes. In conclusion, T2D is associated with differential DNA methylation and expression of miRNAs in adipose tissue. Downregulation of the miR-30 family may lead to reduced glucose uptake and altered expression of key genes associated with T2D.
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MESH Headings
- 3T3-L1 Cells
- Adipose Tissue/metabolism
- Adipose Tissue/pathology
- Aged
- Animals
- Arrhythmias, Cardiac/genetics
- Arrhythmias, Cardiac/pathology
- Case-Control Studies
- Cells, Cultured
- Cohort Studies
- DNA Methylation
- Denmark
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/genetics
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/metabolism
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/pathology
- Diseases in Twins/genetics
- Female
- Gene Expression
- Genetic Diseases, X-Linked/genetics
- Genetic Diseases, X-Linked/pathology
- Gigantism/genetics
- Gigantism/pathology
- Heart Defects, Congenital/genetics
- Heart Defects, Congenital/pathology
- Humans
- Intellectual Disability/genetics
- Intellectual Disability/pathology
- Male
- Mice
- MicroRNAs/genetics
- MicroRNAs/metabolism
- Middle Aged
- Sweden
- Twins, Monozygotic/genetics
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Nilsson
- Epigenetics and Diabetes Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University Diabetes Centre, Lund University, Scania University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Magdalena Vavakova
- Epigenetics and Diabetes Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University Diabetes Centre, Lund University, Scania University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
- Diabetes, Metabolism and Endocrinology, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Alexander Perfilyev
- Epigenetics and Diabetes Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University Diabetes Centre, Lund University, Scania University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Johanna Säll
- Epigenetics and Diabetes Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University Diabetes Centre, Lund University, Scania University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Per-Anders Jansson
- Wallenberg Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | | - Jonathan Lou S Esguerra
- Islet Cell Exocytosis Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University Diabetes Centre, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Lena Eliasson
- Islet Cell Exocytosis Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University Diabetes Centre, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Allan Vaag
- Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, Gentofte, Denmark
| | - Olga Göransson
- Diabetes, Metabolism and Endocrinology, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Charlotte Ling
- Epigenetics and Diabetes Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University Diabetes Centre, Lund University, Scania University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
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11
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Expression and Function of ZEB1 in the Cornea. Cells 2021; 10:cells10040925. [PMID: 33923743 PMCID: PMC8074155 DOI: 10.3390/cells10040925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
ZEB1 is an important transcription factor for epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and in the regulation of cell differentiation and transformation. In the cornea, ZEB1 presents in all three layers: the epithelium, the stroma and the endothelium. Mutations of ZEB1 have been linked to multiple corneal genetic defects, particularly to the corneal dystrophies including keratoconus (KD), Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD), and posterior polymorphous corneal dystrophy (PPCD). Accumulating evidence indicates that dysfunction of ZEB1 may affect corneal stem cell homeostasis, and cause corneal cell apoptosis, stromal fibrosis, angiogenesis, squamous metaplasia. Understanding how ZEB1 regulates the initiation and progression of these disorders will help us in targeting ZEB1 for potential avenues to generate therapeutics to treat various ZEB1-related disorders.
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Stempor PA, Avni D, Leibowitz R, Sidi Y, Stępień M, Dzieciątkowski T, Dobosz P. Comprehensive Analysis of Correlations in the Expression of miRNA Genes and Immune Checkpoint Genes in Bladder Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:2553. [PMID: 33806327 PMCID: PMC7961343 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Personalised medicine is the future and hope for many patients, including those with cancers. Early detection, as well as rapid, well-selected treatment, are key factors leading to a good prognosis. MicroRNA mediated gene regulation is a promising area of development for new diagnostic and therapeutic methods, crucial for better prospects for patients. Bladder cancer is a frequent neoplasm, with high lethality and lacking modern, advanced therapeutic modalities, such as immunotherapy. MicroRNAs are involved in bladder cancer pathogenesis, proliferation, control and response to treatment, which we summarise in this perspective in response to lack of recent review publications in this field. We further performed a correlation-based analysis of microRNA and gene expression data in bladder cancer (BLCA) TCGA dataset. We identified 27 microRNAs hits with opposite expression profiles to genes involved in immune response in bladder cancer, and 24 microRNAs hits with similar expression profiles. We discuss previous studies linking the functions of these microRNAs to bladder cancer and assess if they are good candidates for personalised medicine therapeutics and diagnostics. The discussed functions include regulation of gene expression, interplay with transcription factors, response to treatment, apoptosis, cell proliferation and angiogenesis, initiation and development of cancer, genome instability and tumour-associated inflammatory reaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Przemysław A. Stempor
- SmartImmune Ltd, Accelerate Cambridge, University of Cambridge Judge Business School, Cambridge CB4 1EE, UK;
| | - Dror Avni
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research and Department of Medicine C, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashome 52621, Israel;
| | - Raya Leibowitz
- Oncology Institute, Shamir Medical Center, Be’er Yaakov, Tel Hashome 52621, Israel;
- Faculty of Medicine, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv-Yafo 6997801, Israel;
| | - Yechezkel Sidi
- Faculty of Medicine, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv-Yafo 6997801, Israel;
| | - Maria Stępień
- Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, 20-059 Lublin, Poland;
| | | | - Paula Dobosz
- Department of Hematology, Transplantationand Internal Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
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Diseases of the corneal endothelium. Exp Eye Res 2021; 205:108495. [PMID: 33596440 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2021.108495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The corneal endothelial monolayer and associated Descemet's membrane (DM) complex is a unique structure that plays an essential role in corneal function. Endothelial cells are neural crest derived cells that rest on a special extracellular matrix and play a major role in maintaining stromal hydration within a narrow physiologic range necessary for clear vision. A number of diseases affect the endothelial cells and DM complex and can impair corneal function and vision. This review addresses different human corneal endothelial diseases characterized by loss of endothelial function including: Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD), posterior polymorphous corneal dystrophy (PPCD), congenital hereditary endothelial dystrophy (CHED), bullous keratopathy, iridocorneal endothelial (ICE) syndrome, post-traumatic fibrous downgrowth, glaucoma and diabetes mellitus.
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DNA methyltransferase mediates the hypermethylation of the microRNA 34a promoter and enhances the resistance of patient-derived pancreatic cancer cells to molecular targeting agents. Pharmacol Res 2020; 160:105071. [PMID: 32659427 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.105071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) participates in the transformation or progression of human cancers by mediating the hypermethylation of cancer suppressors. However, the regulatory role of DNMT in pancreatic cancer cells remains poorly understood. In the present study, we demonstrated that DNMT1 repressed the expression of microRNA 34a (miR-34a) and enhanced the activation of the Notch pathway by mediating the hypermethylation of the miR-34a promoter. In patients with pancreatic cancer, the expression levels of DNMT1 were negatively related with those of miR-34a. Mechanistically, knockdown of DNMT1 decreased the methylation of the miR-34a promoter and enhanced the expression of miR-34a to inhibit the activation of the Notch pathway. Downregulation of the Notch pathway via the DNMT1/miR-34a axis significantly enhanced the sensitivity of pancreatic cells to molecular targeting agents. Therefore, the results of our study suggest that downregulation of DNMT enhances the expression of miR-34a and may be a potential therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer.
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