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Yang Z, Tian C, He Z, Zhu X, He J, Pan H, Li Y, Ruan G, Wu X, Pan X. Mesenchymal stem cells reverse thymus aging by reprogramming the DNA methylation of thymic epithelial cells. Regen Ther 2024; 27:126-169. [PMID: 38571892 PMCID: PMC10988135 DOI: 10.1016/j.reth.2024.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Background A decrease in the number and activity of thymic epithelial cells (TECs) is an important factor in thymic degeneration. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) treating thymic ageing is a promising strategy, but the DNA methylation modification mechanism in TECs remains unclear. Methods Aged rhesus monkeys were treated with MSCs to establish a thymic senescence model, and hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, immunofluorescence staining, and ELISA were performed to observe the structure and function of the thymus. TEC aging model and MSCs co-culture system were established to detect DNA methylation modification and transcriptomic changes, correlation analysis between transcription factor methylation and mRNA expression, and q-PCR, immunofluorescence staining, and Western blot were used to identified key genes. Results MSCs improved the structure and function of thymus in elderly macaque monkeys; reduced the expression levels of β-Gal, P16, and P21; and increased the activity of aging TECs. There were 501 genes with increased methylation in the promoter region in the treated group compared with the untreated group, among which 23 genes were involved in the negative regulation of cell growth, proliferation and apoptosis, while 591 genes had decreased methylation, among which 37 genes were associated with promoting cell growth and proliferation and inhibiting apoptosis. Furthermore, 66 genes showed a negative correlation between promoter methylation levels and gene transcription; specifically, PDE5A, DUOX2, LAMP1 and SVIL were downregulated with increased methylation, inhibiting growth and development, while POLR3G, PGF, CHTF18, KRT17, FOXJ1, NGF, DYRK3, LRP8, CDT1, PRELID1, F2R, KNTC1 and TRIM3 were upregulated with decreased methylation, promoting cell growth. Conclusion MSCs improve the structure and function of aged thymus, which involves the regulation of DNA methylation profiles and a decrease in the methylation level of the transcription factor NGF to specifically upregulate KRT17 and FOXJ1 to promote the proliferation of TECs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zailing Yang
- The Basic Medical Laboratory of the 920th Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force of PLA, The Transfer Medicine Key Laboratory of Cell Therapy Technology of Yunan Province, The Integrated Engineering Laboratory of Cell Biological Medicine of State and Regions, Kunming 650032, Yunnan Province, China
- The Second Peoples Hospital of Guiyang, Medical Laboratory, Guiyang 550023, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Chuan Tian
- The Basic Medical Laboratory of the 920th Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force of PLA, The Transfer Medicine Key Laboratory of Cell Therapy Technology of Yunan Province, The Integrated Engineering Laboratory of Cell Biological Medicine of State and Regions, Kunming 650032, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Zhixu He
- Department of Pediatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Xiangqing Zhu
- The Basic Medical Laboratory of the 920th Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force of PLA, The Transfer Medicine Key Laboratory of Cell Therapy Technology of Yunan Province, The Integrated Engineering Laboratory of Cell Biological Medicine of State and Regions, Kunming 650032, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Jie He
- The Basic Medical Laboratory of the 920th Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force of PLA, The Transfer Medicine Key Laboratory of Cell Therapy Technology of Yunan Province, The Integrated Engineering Laboratory of Cell Biological Medicine of State and Regions, Kunming 650032, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Hang Pan
- The Basic Medical Laboratory of the 920th Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force of PLA, The Transfer Medicine Key Laboratory of Cell Therapy Technology of Yunan Province, The Integrated Engineering Laboratory of Cell Biological Medicine of State and Regions, Kunming 650032, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Ye Li
- The Basic Medical Laboratory of the 920th Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force of PLA, The Transfer Medicine Key Laboratory of Cell Therapy Technology of Yunan Province, The Integrated Engineering Laboratory of Cell Biological Medicine of State and Regions, Kunming 650032, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Guangping Ruan
- The Basic Medical Laboratory of the 920th Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force of PLA, The Transfer Medicine Key Laboratory of Cell Therapy Technology of Yunan Province, The Integrated Engineering Laboratory of Cell Biological Medicine of State and Regions, Kunming 650032, Yunnan Province, China
| | - XiJun Wu
- The Second Peoples Hospital of Guiyang, Medical Laboratory, Guiyang 550023, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Xinghua Pan
- The Basic Medical Laboratory of the 920th Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force of PLA, The Transfer Medicine Key Laboratory of Cell Therapy Technology of Yunan Province, The Integrated Engineering Laboratory of Cell Biological Medicine of State and Regions, Kunming 650032, Yunnan Province, China
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Liu Y, Yi J, Wu P, Zhang J, Li X, Li J, Zhou L, Liu Y, Xu H, Chen E, Zhang H, Liang M, Liu P, Pan X, Lu Y. Wemics: A Single-Base Resolution Methylation Quantification Method for Enhanced Prediction of Epigenetic Regulation. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2308884. [PMID: 38544480 PMCID: PMC11151077 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202308884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
DNA methylation, an epigenetic mechanism that alters gene expression without changing DNA sequence, is essential for organism development and key biological processes like genomic imprinting and X-chromosome inactivation. Despite tremendous efforts in DNA methylation research, accurate quantification of cytosine methylation remains a challenge. Here, a single-base methylation quantification approach is introduced by weighting methylation of consecutive CpG sites (Wemics) in genomic regions. Wemics quantification of DNA methylation better predicts its regulatory impact on gene transcription and identifies differentially methylated regions (DMRs) with more biological relevance. Most Wemics-quantified DMRs in lung cancer are epigenetically conserved and recurrently occurred in other primary cancers from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), and their aberrant alterations can serve as promising pan-cancer diagnostic markers. It is further revealed that these detected DMRs are enriched in transcription factor (TF) binding motifs, and methylation of these TF binding motifs and TF expression synergistically regulate target gene expression. Using Wemics on epigenomic-transcriptomic data from the large lung cancer cohort, a dozen novel genes with oncogenic potential are discovered that are upregulated by hypomethylation but overlooked by other quantification methods. These findings increase the understanding of the epigenetic mechanism by which DNA methylation regulates gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Liu
- Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine in Diagnosis and Monitoring Research of Zhejiang ProvinceDepartment of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Clinical LaboratorySir Run Run Shaw Hospital and Institute of Translational MedicineZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiang310016China
- Institute of BioinformaticsZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310058China
| | - Jiani Yi
- Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine in Diagnosis and Monitoring Research of Zhejiang ProvinceDepartment of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Clinical LaboratorySir Run Run Shaw Hospital and Institute of Translational MedicineZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiang310016China
| | - Pin Wu
- Department of Thoracic SurgeryThe Second Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310009China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine in Diagnosis and Monitoring Research of Zhejiang ProvinceDepartment of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Clinical LaboratorySir Run Run Shaw Hospital and Institute of Translational MedicineZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiang310016China
| | - Xufan Li
- Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine in Diagnosis and Monitoring Research of Zhejiang ProvinceDepartment of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Clinical LaboratorySir Run Run Shaw Hospital and Institute of Translational MedicineZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiang310016China
| | - Jia Li
- Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine in Diagnosis and Monitoring Research of Zhejiang ProvinceDepartment of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Clinical LaboratorySir Run Run Shaw Hospital and Institute of Translational MedicineZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiang310016China
| | - Liyuan Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine in Diagnosis and Monitoring Research of Zhejiang ProvinceDepartment of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Clinical LaboratorySir Run Run Shaw Hospital and Institute of Translational MedicineZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiang310016China
- Institute of BioinformaticsZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310058China
| | - Yong Liu
- Department of PhysiologyThe University of ArizonaTucsonAZ85721USA
| | - Haiming Xu
- Institute of BioinformaticsZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310058China
| | - Enguo Chen
- Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine in Diagnosis and Monitoring Research of Zhejiang ProvinceDepartment of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Clinical LaboratorySir Run Run Shaw Hospital and Institute of Translational MedicineZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiang310016China
| | - Honghe Zhang
- Department of PathologyResearch Unit of Intelligence Classification of Tumor Pathology and Precision TherapyChinese Academy of Medical SciencesZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhou310058China
| | - Mingyu Liang
- Department of PhysiologyThe University of ArizonaTucsonAZ85721USA
| | - Pengyuan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine in Diagnosis and Monitoring Research of Zhejiang ProvinceDepartment of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Clinical LaboratorySir Run Run Shaw Hospital and Institute of Translational MedicineZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiang310016China
- Department of PhysiologyThe University of ArizonaTucsonAZ85721USA
- Cancer centerZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310058China
| | - Xiaoqing Pan
- Department of MathematicsShanghai Normal UniversityShanghai200233China
| | - Yan Lu
- Cancer centerZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310058China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Therapy for Major Gynecological DiseasesDepartment of Gynecologic OncologyWomen's Hospital and Institute of Translational MedicineZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiang310029China
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Dong J, Zhao X, Song X, Wang S, Zhao X, Liang B, Long Y, Xing Z. Identification of Eleutherococcus senticosus NAC transcription factors and their mechanisms in mediating DNA methylation of EsFPS, EsSS, and EsSE promoters to regulate saponin synthesis. BMC Genomics 2024; 25:536. [PMID: 38816704 PMCID: PMC11140872 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-10442-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The formation of pharmacologically active components in medicinal plants is significantly impacted by DNA methylation. However, the exact mechanisms through which DNA methylation regulates secondary metabolism remain incompletely understood. Research in model species has demonstrated that DNA methylation at the transcription factor binding site within functional gene promoters can impact the binding of transcription factors to target DNA, subsequently influencing gene expression. These findings suggest that the interaction between transcription factors and target DNA could be a significant mechanism through which DNA methylation regulates secondary metabolism in medicinal plants. RESULTS This research conducted a comprehensive analysis of the NAC family in E. senticosus, encompassing genome-wide characterization and functional analysis. A total of 117 EsNAC genes were identified and phylogenetically divided into 15 subfamilies. Tandem duplications and chromosome segment duplications were found to be the primary replication modes of these genes. Motif 2 was identified as the core conserved motif of the genes, and the cis-acting elements, gene structures, and expression patterns of each EsNAC gene were different. EsJUB1, EsNAC047, EsNAC098, and EsNAC005 were significantly associated with the DNA methylation ratio in E. senticosus. These four genes were located in the nucleus or cytoplasm and exhibited transcriptional self-activation activity. DNA methylation in EsFPS, EsSS, and EsSE promoters significantly reduced their activity. The methyl groups added to cytosine directly hindered the binding of the promoters to EsJUB1, EsNAC047, EsNAC098, and EsNAC005 and altered the expression of EsFPS, EsSS, and EsSE genes, eventually leading to changes in saponin synthesis in E. senticosus. CONCLUSIONS NAC transcription factors that are hindered from binding by methylated DNA are found in E. senticosus. The incapacity of these NACs to bind to the promoter of the methylated saponin synthase gene leads to subsequent alterations in gene expression and saponin synthesis. This research is the initial evidence showcasing the involvement of EsNAC in governing the impact of DNA methylation on saponin production in E. senticosus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Dong
- College of Life Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, 063210, Hebei, China
| | - Xuelei Zhao
- College of Life Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, 063210, Hebei, China
| | - Xin Song
- College of Life Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, 063210, Hebei, China
| | - Shuo Wang
- College of Life Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, 063210, Hebei, China
| | - Xueying Zhao
- College of Life Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, 063210, Hebei, China
| | - Baoxiang Liang
- College of Life Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, 063210, Hebei, China
| | - Yuehong Long
- College of Life Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, 063210, Hebei, China.
| | - Zhaobin Xing
- College of Life Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, 063210, Hebei, China.
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Perycz M, Dabrowski MJ, Jardanowska-Kotuniak M, Roura AJ, Gielniewski B, Stepniak K, Dramiński M, Ciechomska IA, Kaminska B, Wojtas B. Comprehensive analysis of the REST transcription factor regulatory networks in IDH mutant and IDH wild-type glioma cell lines and tumors. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2024; 12:72. [PMID: 38711090 PMCID: PMC11071216 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-024-01779-y] [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: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
The RE1-silencing transcription factor (REST) acts either as a repressor or activator of transcription depending on the genomic and cellular context. REST is a key player in brain cell differentiation by inducing chromatin modifications, including DNA methylation, in a proximity of its binding sites. Its dysfunction may contribute to oncogenesis. Mutations in IDH1/2 significantly change the epigenome contributing to blockade of cell differentiation and glioma development. We aimed at defining how REST modulates gene activation and repression in the context of the IDH mutation-related phenotype in gliomas. We studied the effects of REST knockdown, genome wide occurrence of REST binding sites, and DNA methylation of REST motifs in IDH wild type and IDH mutant gliomas. We found that REST target genes, REST binding patterns, and TF motif occurrence proximal to REST binding sites differed in IDH wild-type and mutant gliomas. Among differentially expressed REST targets were genes involved in glial cell differentiation and extracellular matrix organization, some of which were differentially methylated at promoters or gene bodies. REST knockdown differently impacted invasion of the parental or IDH1 mutant glioma cells. The canonical REST-repressed gene targets showed significant correlation with the GBM NPC-like cellular state. Interestingly, results of REST or KAISO silencing suggested the interplay between these TFs in regulation of REST-activated and repressed targets. The identified gene regulatory networks and putative REST cooperativity with other TFs, such as KAISO, show distinct REST target regulatory networks in IDH-WT and IDH-MUT gliomas, without concomitant DNA methylation changes. We conclude that REST could be an important therapeutic target in gliomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malgorzata Perycz
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
- Computational Biology Group, Institute of Computer Science of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Michal J Dabrowski
- Computational Biology Group, Institute of Computer Science of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marta Jardanowska-Kotuniak
- Computational Biology Group, Institute of Computer Science of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
- Doctoral School of Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Adria-Jaume Roura
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Bartlomiej Gielniewski
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Karolina Stepniak
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Michał Dramiński
- Computational Biology Group, Institute of Computer Science of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Iwona A Ciechomska
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Bozena Kaminska
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Bartosz Wojtas
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland.
- Laboratory of Sequencing, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland.
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Su X, Liu J, Tu Z, Ji Q, Li J, Liu F. DNMT3A promotes glioma growth and malignancy via TNF-α/NF-κB signaling pathway. Transl Cancer Res 2024; 13:1786-1806. [PMID: 38737693 PMCID: PMC11082822 DOI: 10.21037/tcr-23-1943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Background DNMT3A is the main molecule responsible for DNA methylation in cells. DNMT3A affects the progression of inflammation, degenerative diseases, and malignant tumors, and exhibits significant aberrantly expression in tumor tissues. Methods Transcriptome data and relevant clinical information were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA), and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets. Differential expression analysis and prognostic analysis were conducted based on above statistics. We constructed a clinical prognostic model and identified DNMT3A as an independent prognostic factor to accurately predict patient prognosis. Differential gene enrichment analysis revealed that DNMT3A affects the progression of glioma through multiple pathways, among which the tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)/nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway shows a strong correlation. Immunological analysis also revealed a certain correlation between DNMT3A and tumor immunity. We demonstrated through gene editing that DNMT3A can affect the release of TNF-α in cells, thereby affecting the progression of glioma. Functional experiments have also demonstrated that DNMT3A plays a crucial role in tumors. Results RNA-sequencing and survival analyses of lower-grade glioma (LGG) patients in TCGA, CGGA, and GEO cohorts showed that high DNMT3A expression correlated with poor prognosis of LGG patients. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses showed that DNMT3A expression was an independent prognostic indicator in LGG. The prognosis prediction nomogram with age, World Health Organization (WHO) grading, and DNMT3A expression showed reliable performance in predicting the 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival (OS) of LGG patients. Functional enrichment analysis, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), and ESTIMATE algorithm analyses showed that DNMT3A expression was associated with the tumor infiltration of immune cells and predicted response to immunotherapy in two immunotherapy cohorts of pan-cancer patients. Furthermore, short hairpin RNA (shRNA)-mediated knockdown of DNMT3A in the LGG cell lines suppressed proliferation, migration, and invasion of LGG cells by downregulating the TNF-α/NF-κB signaling pathway. Conclusions Our data showed that DNMT3A was a potential prognostic biomarker in glioma. DNMT3A promoted proliferation and malignancy of LGG cells through the TNF-α/NF-κB signaling pathway. DNMT3A is a promising therapeutic target for treating patients with LGG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Su
- Department of Pathology, the 2nd Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Junzhe Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, the 2nd Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Neurological Tumors and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Nanchang, China
- Institute of Neuroscience, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Neurological Medicine, Nanchang, China
| | - Zewei Tu
- Department of Neurosurgery, the 2nd Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Neurological Tumors and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Nanchang, China
- Institute of Neuroscience, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Neurological Medicine, Nanchang, China
| | - Qiankun Ji
- Department of Neurosurgery, Zhoukou Central Hospital, Zhoukou, China
| | - Jingying Li
- Department of Comprehensive Intensive Care Unit, the 2nd Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Fanrong Liu
- Department of Pathology, the 2nd Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
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Zhang J, Chen J, Zhang Y, Chen L, Mo W, Yang Q, Zhang M, Liu H. Exploring TSPAN4 promoter methylation as a diagnostic biomarker for tuberculosis. Front Genet 2024; 15:1380828. [PMID: 38680421 PMCID: PMC11048481 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2024.1380828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Tuberculosis (TB), caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), is a persistent infectious disease threatening human health. The existing diagnostic methods still have significant shortcomings, including a low positivity rate in pathogen-based diagnoses and the inability of immunological diagnostics to detect active TB. Hence, it is urgent to develop new techniques to detect TB more accurate and earlier. This research aims to scrutinize and authenticate DNA methylation markers suitable for tuberculosis diagnosis. Concurrently, Providing a new approach for tuberculosis diagnosis. Methods Blood samples from patients with newly diagnosed tuberculosis and healthy controls (HC) were utilized in this study. Examining methylation microarray data from 40 whole blood samples (22TB + 18HC), we employed two procedures: signature gene methylated position analysis and signature region methylated position analysis to pinpoint distinctive methylated positions. Based on the screening results, diagnostic classifiers are constructed through machine learning, and validation was conducted through pyrosequencing in a separate queue (22TB + 18HC). Culminating in the development of a new tuberculosis diagnostic method via quantitative real-time methylation specific PCR (qMSP). Results The combination of the two procedures revealed a total of 10 methylated positions, all of which were located in the promoter region. These 10 signature methylated positions facilitated the construction of a diagnostic classifier, exhibiting robust diagnostic accuracy in both cross-validation and external test sets. The LDA model demonstrated the best classification performance, achieving an AUC of 0.83, specificity of 0.8, and sensitivity of 0.86 on the external test set. Furthermore, the validation of signature methylated positions through pyrosequencing demonstrated high agreement with screening outcomes. Additionally, qMSP detection of 2 potential hypomethylated positions (cg04552852 and cg12464638) exhibited promising results, yielding an AUC of 0.794, specificity of 0.720, and sensitivity of 0.816. Conclusion Our study demonstrates that the validated signature methylated positions through pyrosequencing emerge as plausible biomarkers for tuberculosis diagnosis. The specific methylation markers in the TSPAN4 gene, identified in whole blood samples, hold promise for improving tuberculosis diagnosis. This approach could significantly enhance diagnostic accuracy and speed, offering a new avenue for early detection and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahao Zhang
- National Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity, NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, National Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- National Institute of Pathogen Biology and Center for Tuberculosis Research, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jilong Chen
- National Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity, NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, National Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- National Institute of Pathogen Biology and Center for Tuberculosis Research, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- National Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity, NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, National Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- National Institute of Pathogen Biology and Center for Tuberculosis Research, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Liuchi Chen
- National Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity, NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, National Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- National Institute of Pathogen Biology and Center for Tuberculosis Research, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Weiwei Mo
- National Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity, NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, National Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- National Institute of Pathogen Biology and Center for Tuberculosis Research, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Qianting Yang
- Shenzhen Clinical Research Center for Tuberculosis, Shenzhen, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Disease, Shenzhen Third People’s Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Institute for Hepatology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Mingxia Zhang
- Shenzhen Clinical Research Center for Tuberculosis, Shenzhen, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Disease, Shenzhen Third People’s Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Institute for Hepatology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Haiying Liu
- National Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity, NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, National Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- National Institute of Pathogen Biology and Center for Tuberculosis Research, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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Bell CG. Epigenomic insights into common human disease pathology. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:178. [PMID: 38602535 PMCID: PMC11008083 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05206-2] [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: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
The epigenome-the chemical modifications and chromatin-related packaging of the genome-enables the same genetic template to be activated or repressed in different cellular settings. This multi-layered mechanism facilitates cell-type specific function by setting the local sequence and 3D interactive activity level. Gene transcription is further modulated through the interplay with transcription factors and co-regulators. The human body requires this epigenomic apparatus to be precisely installed throughout development and then adequately maintained during the lifespan. The causal role of the epigenome in human pathology, beyond imprinting disorders and specific tumour suppressor genes, was further brought into the spotlight by large-scale sequencing projects identifying that mutations in epigenomic machinery genes could be critical drivers in both cancer and developmental disorders. Abrogation of this cellular mechanism is providing new molecular insights into pathogenesis. However, deciphering the full breadth and implications of these epigenomic changes remains challenging. Knowledge is accruing regarding disease mechanisms and clinical biomarkers, through pathogenically relevant and surrogate tissue analyses, respectively. Advances include consortia generated cell-type specific reference epigenomes, high-throughput DNA methylome association studies, as well as insights into ageing-related diseases from biological 'clocks' constructed by machine learning algorithms. Also, 3rd-generation sequencing is beginning to disentangle the complexity of genetic and DNA modification haplotypes. Cell-free DNA methylation as a cancer biomarker has clear clinical utility and further potential to assess organ damage across many disorders. Finally, molecular understanding of disease aetiology brings with it the opportunity for exact therapeutic alteration of the epigenome through CRISPR-activation or inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher G Bell
- William Harvey Research Institute, Barts & The London Faculty of Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK.
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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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9
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McNamara ME, Jain SS, Oza K, Muralidaran V, Kiliti AJ, McDeed AP, Patil D, Cui Y, Schmidt MO, Riegel AT, Kroemer AH, Wellstein A. Circulating, cell-free methylated DNA indicates cellular sources of allograft injury after liver transplant. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.04.588176. [PMID: 38617373 PMCID: PMC11014558 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.04.588176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Post-transplant complications reduce allograft and recipient survival. Current approaches for detecting allograft injury non-invasively are limited and do not differentiate between cellular mechanisms. Here, we monitor cellular damages after liver transplants from cell-free DNA (cfDNA) fragments released from dying cells into the circulation. We analyzed 130 blood samples collected from 44 patients at different time points after transplant. Sequence-based methylation of cfDNA fragments were mapped to patterns established to identify cell types in different organs. For liver cell types DNA methylation patterns and multi-omic data integration show distinct enrichment in open chromatin and regulatory regions functionally important for the respective cell types. We find that multi-tissue cellular damages post-transplant recover in patients without allograft injury during the first post-operative week. However, sustained elevation of hepatocyte and biliary epithelial cfDNA beyond the first week indicates early-onset allograft injury. Further, cfDNA composition differentiates amongst causes of allograft injury indicating the potential for non-invasive monitoring and timely intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan E. McNamara
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Sidharth S. Jain
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Kesha Oza
- MedStar Georgetown Transplant Institute, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital and Center for Translational Transplant Medicine, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
- Department of General Surgery, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Vinona Muralidaran
- MedStar Georgetown Transplant Institute, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital and Center for Translational Transplant Medicine, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Amber J. Kiliti
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - A. Patrick McDeed
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Digvijay Patil
- MedStar Georgetown Transplant Institute, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital and Center for Translational Transplant Medicine, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Yuki Cui
- MedStar Georgetown Transplant Institute, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital and Center for Translational Transplant Medicine, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Marcel O. Schmidt
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Anna T. Riegel
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Alexander H.K. Kroemer
- MedStar Georgetown Transplant Institute, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital and Center for Translational Transplant Medicine, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Anton Wellstein
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
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10
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Roberts JB, Boldvig OLG, Aubourg G, Kanchenapally ST, Deehan DJ, Rice SJ, Loughlin J. Specific isoforms of the ubiquitin ligase gene WWP2 are targets of osteoarthritis genetic risk via a differentially methylated DNA sequence. Arthritis Res Ther 2024; 26:78. [PMID: 38570801 PMCID: PMC10988806 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-024-03315-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transitioning from a genetic association signal to an effector gene and a targetable molecular mechanism requires the application of functional fine-mapping tools such as reporter assays and genome editing. In this report, we undertook such studies on the osteoarthritis (OA) risk that is marked by single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs34195470 (A > G). The OA risk-conferring G allele of this SNP associates with increased DNA methylation (DNAm) at two CpG dinucleotides within WWP2. This gene encodes a ubiquitin ligase and is the host gene of microRNA-140 (miR-140). WWP2 and miR-140 are both regulators of TGFβ signaling. METHODS Nucleic acids were extracted from adult OA (arthroplasty) and foetal cartilage. Samples were genotyped and DNAm quantified by pyrosequencing at the two CpGs plus 14 flanking CpGs. CpGs were tested for transcriptional regulatory effects using a chondrocyte cell line and reporter gene assay. DNAm was altered using epigenetic editing, with the impact on gene expression determined using RT-qPCR. In silico analysis complemented laboratory experiments. RESULTS rs34195470 genotype associates with differential methylation at 14 of the 16 CpGs in OA cartilage, forming a methylation quantitative trait locus (mQTL). The mQTL is less pronounced in foetal cartilage (5/16 CpGs). The reporter assay revealed that the CpGs reside within a transcriptional regulator. Epigenetic editing to increase their DNAm resulted in altered expression of the full-length and N-terminal transcript isoforms of WWP2. No changes in expression were observed for the C-terminal isoform of WWP2 or for miR-140. CONCLUSIONS As far as we are aware, this is the first experimental demonstration of an OA association signal targeting specific transcript isoforms of a gene. The WWP2 isoforms encode proteins with varying substrate specificities for the components of the TGFβ signaling pathway. Future analysis should focus on the substrates regulated by the two WWP2 isoforms that are the targets of this genetic risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack B Roberts
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, International Centre for Life, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 3BZ, UK.
| | - Olivia L G Boldvig
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, International Centre for Life, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 3BZ, UK
| | - Guillaume Aubourg
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, International Centre for Life, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 3BZ, UK
| | - S Tanishq Kanchenapally
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, International Centre for Life, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 3BZ, UK
| | - David J Deehan
- Freeman Hospital, Newcastle University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Sarah J Rice
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, International Centre for Life, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 3BZ, UK
| | - John Loughlin
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, International Centre for Life, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 3BZ, UK.
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11
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Bittel AJ, Chen YW. DNA Methylation in the Adaptive Response to Exercise. Sports Med 2024:10.1007/s40279-024-02011-6. [PMID: 38561436 DOI: 10.1007/s40279-024-02011-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Emerging evidence published over the past decade has highlighted the role of DNA methylation in skeletal muscle function and health, including as an epigenetic transducer of the adaptive response to exercise. In this review, we aim to synthesize the latest findings in this field to highlight: (1) the shifting understanding of the genomic localization of altered DNA methylation in response to acute and chronic aerobic and resistance exercise in skeletal muscle (e.g., promoter, gene bodies, enhancers, intergenic regions, un-annotated regions, and genome-wide methylation); (2) how these global/regional methylation changes relate to transcriptional activity following exercise; and (3) the factors (e.g., individual demographic or genetic features, dietary, training history, exercise parameters, local epigenetic characteristics, circulating hormones) demonstrated to alter both the pattern of DNA methylation after exercise, and the relationship between DNA methylation and gene expression. Finally, we discuss the changes in non-CpG methylation and 5-hydroxymethylation after exercise, as well as the importance of emerging single-cell analyses to future studies-areas of increasing focus in the field of epigenetics. We anticipate that this review will help generate a framework for clinicians and researchers to begin developing and testing exercise interventions designed to generate targeted changes in DNA methylation as part of a personalized exercise regimen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam J Bittel
- Research Center for Genetic Medicine, Children's National Hospital, 111 Michigan Ave NW, Washington, DC, 20010, USA.
| | - Yi-Wen Chen
- Research Center for Genetic Medicine, Children's National Hospital, 111 Michigan Ave NW, Washington, DC, 20010, USA
- Department of Genomics and Precision Medicine, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Science, 111 Michigan Ave NW, Washington, DC, 20010, USA
- Department of Integrative Systems Biology, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, The George Washington University, 2121 I St NW, Washington, DC, 20052, USA
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12
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Banazadeh M, Abiri A, Poortaheri MM, Asnaashari L, Langarizadeh MA, Forootanfar H. Unexplored power of CRISPR-Cas9 in neuroscience, a multi-OMICs review. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 263:130413. [PMID: 38408576 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.130413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
The neuroscience and neurobiology of gene editing to enhance learning and memory is of paramount interest to the scientific community. The advancements of CRISPR system have created avenues to treat neurological disorders by means of versatile modalities varying from expression to suppression of genes and proteins. Neurodegenerative disorders have also been attributed to non-canonical DNA secondary structures by affecting neuron activity through controlling gene expression, nucleosome shape, transcription, translation, replication, and recombination. Changing DNA regulatory elements which could contribute to the fate and function of neurons are thoroughly discussed in this review. This study presents the ability of CRISPR system to boost learning power and memory, treat or cure genetically-based neurological disorders, and alleviate psychiatric diseases by altering the activity and the irritability of the neurons at the synaptic cleft through DNA manipulation, and also, epigenetic modifications using Cas9. We explore and examine how each different OMIC techniques can come useful when altering DNA sequences. Such insight into the underlying relationship between OMICs and cellular behaviors leads us to better neurological and psychiatric therapeutics by intelligently designing and utilizing the CRISPR/Cas9 technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Banazadeh
- Pharmaceutical Sciences and Cosmetic Products Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Ardavan Abiri
- Program in Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; Integrated Graduate Program in Physical and Engineering Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | | | - Lida Asnaashari
- Student Research Committee, Kerman Universiy of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mohammad Amin Langarizadeh
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Hamid Forootanfar
- Pharmaceutical Sciences and Cosmetic Products Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
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13
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Zhang R, Qin C, Zhang J, HonghongRen, Wang Y, Wu Y, Zhao L, Wang J, Zhang J, Liu F. DNA hypomethylation of Syk induces oxidative stress and apoptosis via the PKCβ/P66shc signaling pathway in diabetic kidney disease. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23564. [PMID: 38522019 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202301579r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
Epigenetic alterations, especially DNA methylation, have been shown to play a role in the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus (DM) and its complications, including diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) is known to be involved in immune and inflammatory disorders. We, therefore, investigated the possible involvement of Syk promoter methylation in DKD, and the mechanisms underlying this process. Kidney tissues were obtained from renal biopsies of patients with early and advanced DKD. A diabetic mouse model (ApoE-/- DM) was generated from ApoE knockout (ApoE-/-) mice using a high-fat and high-glucose diet combined with low-dose streptozocin intraperitoneal injection. We also established an in vitro model using HK2 cells. A marked elevation in the expression levels of Syk, PKCβ, and P66shc in renal tubules was observed in patients with DKD. In ApoE-/- DM mice, Syk expression and the binding of Sp1 to the Syk gene promoter were both increased in the kidney. In addition, the promoter region of the Syk gene exhibited hypomethylation. Syk inhibitor (R788) intervention improved renal function and alleviated pathologic changes in ApoE-/- DM mice. Moreover, R788 intervention alleviated oxidative stress and apoptosis and downregulated the expression of PKCβ/P66shc signaling pathway proteins. In HK2 cells, oxLDL combined with high-glucose stimulation upregulated Sp1 expression in the nucleus (compared with control and oxLDL groups), and this was accompanied by an increase in the binding of Sp1 to the Syk gene promoter. SP1 silencing downregulated the expression of Syk and inhibited the production of reactive oxygen species and cell apoptosis. Finally, PKC agonist intervention reversed the oxidative stress and apoptosis induced by Syk inhibitor (R406). In DKD, hypomethylation at the Syk gene promoter was accompanied by an increase in Sp1 binding at the promoter. As a consequence of this enhanced Sp1 binding, Syk gene expression was upregulated. Syk inhibitors could attenuate DKD-associated oxidative stress and apoptosis via downregulation of PKCβ/P66shc signaling pathway proteins. Together, our results identify Syk as a promising target for intervention in DKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Zhang
- Division of Nephrology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Chunmei Qin
- Division of Nephrology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Department of Nephrology, Luzhou People's Hospital, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Junlin Zhang
- Division of Nephrology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - HonghongRen
- Division of Nephrology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yiting Wang
- Division of Nephrology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yucheng Wu
- Division of Nephrology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Lijun Zhao
- Division of Nephrology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jiali Wang
- Division of Nephrology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Transplant Engineering and Immunology, Ministry of Health, Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Fang Liu
- Division of Nephrology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Laboratory of Diabetic Kidney Disease, Centre of Diabetes and Metabolism Research, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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14
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Xiong X, Chen H, Zhang Q, Liu Y, Xu C. Uncovering the roles of DNA hemi-methylation in transcriptional regulation using MspJI-assisted hemi-methylation sequencing. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:e24. [PMID: 38261991 PMCID: PMC10954476 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Hemi-methylated cytosine dyads widely occur on mammalian genomic DNA, and can be stably inherited across cell divisions, serving as potential epigenetic marks. Previous identification of hemi-methylation relied on harsh bisulfite treatment, leading to extensive DNA degradation and loss of methylation information. Here we introduce Mhemi-seq, a bisulfite-free strategy, to efficiently resolve methylation status of cytosine dyads into unmethylation, strand-specific hemi-methylation, or full-methylation. Mhemi-seq reproduces methylomes from bisulfite-based sequencing (BS-seq & hpBS-seq), including the asymmetric hemi-methylation enrichment flanking CTCF motifs. By avoiding base conversion, Mhemi-seq resolves allele-specific methylation and associated imprinted gene expression more efficiently than BS-seq. Furthermore, we reveal an inhibitory role of hemi-methylation in gene expression and transcription factor (TF)-DNA binding, and some displays a similar extent of inhibition as full-methylation. Finally, we uncover new hemi-methylation patterns within Alu retrotransposon elements. Collectively, Mhemi-seq can accelerate the identification of DNA hemi-methylation and facilitate its integration into the chromatin environment for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiong Xiong
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genome Sciences and Information, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Hengye Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genome Sciences and Information, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Qifan Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genome Sciences and Information, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yangying Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genome Sciences and Information, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Chenhuan Xu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genome Sciences and Information, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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15
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Layman CE, Ward S, Davis BA, Nevonen KA, Okhovat M, Rincon M, Valent A, Carbone L, Thornburg KL. High-throughput methylome analysis reveals differential methylation for early and late onset preeclampsia for mothers and their children. Physiol Genomics 2024; 56:276-282. [PMID: 38189116 DOI: 10.1152/physiolgenomics.00058.2023] [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: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia is a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy that affects ∼2%-5% of all pregnancies, contributes to 4 of the top 10 causes of pregnancy-related deaths, and remains a long-term risk factor for cardiometabolic diseases. Yet, little is still known about the molecular mechanisms that lead to this disease. There is evidence that some cases have a genetic cause. However, it is well appreciated that harmful factors in the environment, such as poor nutrition, stress, and toxins, may lead to epigenetics changes that can contribute to this disease. DNA methylation is one of the epigenetic modifications known to be fairly stable and impact gene expression. Using DNA from buccal swabs, we analyzed global DNA methylation among three groups of individuals: mothers who experienced 1) early-stage preeclampsia (<32 wk), 2) late-stage preeclampsia (>37 wk), or 3) no complications during their pregnancies, as well as the children from these three groups. We found significant differentially methylated regions (DMRs) between mothers who experienced preeclampsia compared with those with no complications adjacent or within genes that are important for placentation, embryonic development, cell adhesion, and inflammation (e.g., the cadherin pathway). A significant portion of DMR genes showed expression in tissues relevant to preeclampsia (i.e., the brain, heart, kidney, uterus, ovaries, and placenta). As this study was performed on DNA extracted from cheek swabs, this opens the way to future studies in different tissues, aimed at identifying possible biomarkers of risk and early detection, developing targeted interventions, and reducing the progression of this life-threatening disease.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Preeclampsia is a life-threatening hypertensive disorder, affecting 2%-5% of pregnancies, that remains poorly understood. This study analyzed DNA methylation from buccal swabs from mothers who experienced early and late-stage preeclampsia and those with uncomplicated pregnancies, along with their children. Differentially methylated regions were found near and within genes crucial for placental function, embryonic development, and inflammation. Many of these genes are expressed in preeclampsia-related tissues, offering hope for future biomarker development for this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cora E Layman
- Department of Medicine, Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States
| | - Samantha Ward
- Department of Medicine, Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States
| | - Brett A Davis
- Department of Medicine, Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States
| | - Kimberly A Nevonen
- Department of Medicine, Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States
| | - Mariam Okhovat
- Department of Medicine, Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States
| | - Monica Rincon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States
| | - Amy Valent
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States
| | - Lucia Carbone
- Department of Medicine, Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States
- Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States
- Department of Medical Informatics and Clinical Epidemiology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States
- Division of Genetics, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, Oregon, United States
| | - Kent L Thornburg
- Department of Medicine, Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States
- Department of Chemical Physiology and Biochemistry, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States
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16
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Sagy N, Meyrom N, Beckerman P, Pleniceanu O, Bar DZ. Kidney-specific methylation patterns correlate with kidney function and are lost upon kidney disease progression. Clin Epigenetics 2024; 16:27. [PMID: 38347603 PMCID: PMC10863297 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-024-01642-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronological and biological age correlate with DNA methylation levels at specific sites in the genome. Linear combinations of multiple methylation sites, termed epigenetic clocks, can inform us the chronological age and predict multiple health-related outcomes. However, why some sites correlating with lifespan, healthspan, or specific medical conditions remain poorly understood. Kidney fibrosis is the common pathway for chronic kidney disease, which affects 10% of European and US populations. RESULTS Here we identify epigenetic clocks and methylation sites that correlate with kidney function. Moreover, we identify methylation sites that have a unique methylation signature in the kidney. Methylation levels in majority of these sites correlate with kidney state and function. When kidney function deteriorates, all of these sites regress toward the common methylation pattern observed in other tissues. Interestingly, while the majority of sites are less methylated in the kidney and become more methylated with loss of function, a fraction of the sites are highly methylated in the kidney and become less methylated when kidney function declines. These methylation sites are enriched for specific transcription-factor binding sites. In a large subset of sites, changes in methylation patterns are accompanied by changes in gene expression in kidneys of chronic kidney disease patients. CONCLUSIONS These results support the information theory of aging, and the hypothesis that the unique tissue identity, as captured by methylation patterns, is lost as tissue function declines. However, this information loss is not random, but guided toward a baseline that is dependent on the genomic loci. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT DNA methylation at specific sites accurately reflects chronological and biological age. We identify sites that have a unique methylation pattern in the kidney. Methylation levels in the majority of these sites correlate with kidney state and function. Moreover, when kidney function deteriorates, all of these sites regress toward the common methylation pattern observed in other tissues. Thus, the unique methylation signature of the kidney is degraded, and epigenetic information is lost, when kidney disease progresses. These methylation sites are enriched for specific and methylation-sensitive transcription-factor binding sites, and associated genes show disease-dependent changes in expression. These results support the information theory of aging, and the hypothesis that the unique tissue identity, as captured by methylation patterns, is lost as tissue function declines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naor Sagy
- Department of Oral Biology, Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, The Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Tel Aviv University, 69978, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Noa Meyrom
- Department of Oral Biology, Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, The Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Tel Aviv University, 69978, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Pazit Beckerman
- Kidney Research Lab, The Institute of Nephrology and Hypertension, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer and The Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Oren Pleniceanu
- Kidney Research Lab, The Institute of Nephrology and Hypertension, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer and The Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Daniel Z Bar
- Department of Oral Biology, Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, The Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Tel Aviv University, 69978, Tel Aviv, Israel.
- The AI and Data Science Center (TAD), Tel Aviv University, 69978, Tel Aviv, Israel.
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17
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Noel ES, Chen A, Peña YA, Honeycutt JA. Early life adversity drives sex-dependent changes in 5-mC DNA methylation of parvalbumin cells in the prefrontal cortex in rats. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.31.578313. [PMID: 38352518 PMCID: PMC10862911 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.31.578313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Early life adversity (ELA) can result in increased risk for developing affective disorders, such as anxiety or depression, later in life, with women showing increased risk. Interactions between an individual's genes and their environment play key roles in producing, as well as mitigating, later life neuropathology. Our current understanding of the underlying epigenomic drivers of ELA associated anxiety and depression are limited, and this stems in part from the complexity of underlying biochemical processes associated with how early experiences shapes later life behavior. Epigenetic alterations, or experience-driven modifications to DNA, can be leveraged to understand the interplay between genes and the environment. The present study characterized DNA methylation patterning, assessed via evaluation of 5-methylcytosine (5-mC), following ELA in a Sprague Dawley rat model of ELA induced by early caregiver deprivation. This study utilized maternal separation to investigate sex- and age-specific outcomes of ELA on epigenetic patterning in parvalbumin (PV)-containing interneurons in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), a subpopulation of inhibitory neurons which are associated with ELA and affective dysfunction. While global analysis of 5-mC methylation and CpG site specific pyrosequencing of the PV promoter, Pvalb, showed no obvious effects of ELA, when analyses were restricted to assessing 5-mC intensity in colocalized PV cells, there were significant sex and age dependent effects. We found that ELA leads sex-specific changes in PV cell counts, and that cell counts can be predicted by 5-mC intensity, with males and females showing distinct patterns of methylation and PV outcomes. ELA also produced sex-specific effects in corticosterone reactivity, with juvenile females showing a blunted stress hormone response compared to controls. Overall, ELA led to a sex-specific developmental shift in PV profile, which is comparable to profiles that are seen at a later developmental timepoint, and this shift may be mediated in part by epigenomic alterations driven by altered DNA methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma S Noel
- Program in Biochemistry, Brunswick, ME 04011 USA
| | - Alissa Chen
- Program in Neuroscience, Brunswick, ME 04011 USA
| | | | - Jennifer A Honeycutt
- Program in Neuroscience, Brunswick, ME 04011 USA
- Department of Psychology Bowdoin College, Brunswick, ME 04011 USA
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18
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Wu K, Bu F, Wu Y, Zhang G, Wang X, He S, Liu MF, Chen R, Yuan H. Exploring noncoding variants in genetic diseases: from detection to functional insights. J Genet Genomics 2024; 51:111-132. [PMID: 38181897 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2024.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
Previous studies on genetic diseases predominantly focused on protein-coding variations, overlooking the vast noncoding regions in the human genome. The development of high-throughput sequencing technologies and functional genomics tools has enabled the systematic identification of functional noncoding variants. These variants can impact gene expression, regulation, and chromatin conformation, thereby contributing to disease pathogenesis. Understanding the mechanisms that underlie the impact of noncoding variants on genetic diseases is indispensable for the development of precisely targeted therapies and the implementation of personalized medicine strategies. The intricacies of noncoding regions introduce a multitude of challenges and research opportunities. In this review, we introduce a spectrum of noncoding variants involved in genetic diseases, along with research strategies and advanced technologies for their precise identification and in-depth understanding of the complexity of the noncoding genome. We will delve into the research challenges and propose potential solutions for unraveling the genetic basis of rare and complex diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Wu
- Institute of Rare Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Fengxiao Bu
- Institute of Rare Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Yang Wu
- Institute of Rare Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Gen Zhang
- Institute of Rare Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Systems Health Science of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310024, China
| | - Shunmin He
- Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, Center for Big Data Research in Health, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Mo-Fang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Systems Health Science of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310024, China; State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China.
| | - Runsheng Chen
- Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, Center for Big Data Research in Health, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
| | - Huijun Yuan
- Institute of Rare Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China.
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19
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Akram F, Tanveer R, Andleeb S, Shah FI, Ahmad T, Shehzadi S, Akhtar AM, Syed G. Deciphering the Epigenetic Symphony of Cancer: Insights and Epigenetic Therapies Implications. Technol Cancer Res Treat 2024; 23:15330338241250317. [PMID: 38780251 PMCID: PMC11119348 DOI: 10.1177/15330338241250317] [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: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic machinery is a cornerstone in normal cell development, orchestrating tissue-specific gene expression in mammalian cells. Aberrations in this intricate landscape drive substantial changes in gene function, emerging as a linchpin in cancer etiology and progression. While cancer was conventionally perceived as solely a genetic disorder, its contemporary definition encompasses genetic alterations intertwined with disruptive epigenetic abnormalities. This review explores the profound impact of DNA methylation, histone modifications, and noncoding RNAs on fundamental cellular processes. When these pivotal epigenetic mechanisms undergo disruption, they intricately guide the acquisition of the 6 hallmark characteristics of cancer within seemingly normal cells. Leveraging the latest advancements in decoding these epigenetic intricacies holds immense promise, heralding a new era in developing targeted and more efficacious treatment modalities against cancers driven by aberrant epigenetic modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatima Akram
- Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Government College University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Rida Tanveer
- School of Biological Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Sahar Andleeb
- School of Biological Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Fatima Iftikhar Shah
- Department of Medical Lab Technology, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Tayyab Ahmad
- Department of Medicine, Fatima Memorial Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Somia Shehzadi
- Department of Medical Lab Technology, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
| | | | - Ghania Syed
- Centre for Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
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20
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Stols-Gonçalves D, Mak AL, Madsen MS, van der Vossen EWJ, Bruinstroop E, Henneman P, Mol F, Scheithauer TPM, Smits L, Witjes J, Meijnikman AS, Verheij J, Nieuwdorp M, Holleboom AG, Levin E. Faecal Microbiota transplantation affects liver DNA methylation in Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a multi-omics approach. Gut Microbes 2023; 15:2223330. [PMID: 37317027 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2023.2223330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Individuals with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) have an altered gut microbiota composition. Moreover, hepatic DNA methylation may be altered in the state of NAFLD. Using a fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) intervention, we aimed to investigate whether a change in gut microbiota composition relates to altered liver DNA methylation in NAFLD. Moreover, we assessed whether plasma metabolite profiles altered by FMT relate to changes in liver DNA methylation. Twenty-one individuals with NAFLD underwent three 8-weekly vegan allogenic donor (n = 10) or autologous (n = 11) FMTs. We obtained hepatic DNA methylation profiles from paired liver biopsies of study participants before and after FMTs. We applied a multi-omics machine learning approach to identify changes in the gut microbiome, peripheral blood metabolome and liver DNA methylome, and analyzed cross-omics correlations. Vegan allogenic donor FMT compared to autologous FMT induced distinct differential changes in I) gut microbiota profiles, including increased abundance of Eubacterium siraeum and potential probiotic Blautia wexlerae; II) plasma metabolites, including altered levels of phenylacetylcarnitine (PAC) and phenylacetylglutamine (PAG) both from gut-derived phenylacetic acid, and of several choline-derived long-chain acylcholines; and III) hepatic DNA methylation profiles, most importantly in Threonyl-TRNA Synthetase 1 (TARS) and Zinc finger protein 57 (ZFP57). Multi-omics analysis showed that Gemmiger formicillis and Firmicutes bacterium_CAG_170 positively correlated with both PAC and PAG. E siraeum negatively correlated with DNA methylation of cg16885113 in ZFP57. Alterations in gut microbiota composition by FMT caused widespread changes in plasma metabolites (e.g. PAC, PAG, and choline-derived metabolites) and liver DNA methylation profiles in individuals with NAFLD. These results indicate that FMTs might induce metaorganismal pathway changes, from the gut bacteria to the liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Stols-Gonçalves
- Department of Vascular Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Anne Linde Mak
- Department of Vascular Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism (AGEM) Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mette S Madsen
- Gubra, Hørsholm, Denmark
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | | | - Eveline Bruinstroop
- Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism (AGEM) Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Endocrinology, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Henneman
- Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism (AGEM) Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Human Genetics, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Femke Mol
- Department of Vascular Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Torsten P M Scheithauer
- Department of Vascular Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism (AGEM) Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Internal Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centre (UMC), Vrije Universiteit (VU) University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Loek Smits
- Department of Vascular Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Julia Witjes
- Department of Vascular Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism (AGEM) Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Abraham Stijn Meijnikman
- Department of Vascular Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism (AGEM) Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Joanne Verheij
- Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism (AGEM) Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Pathology, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Max Nieuwdorp
- Department of Vascular Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism (AGEM) Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Adriaan G Holleboom
- Department of Vascular Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism (AGEM) Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Evgeni Levin
- Department of Vascular Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism (AGEM) Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Horaizon BV, Delft, The Netherlands
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21
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Chatterjee K, Mal S, Ghosh M, Chattopadhyay NR, Roy SD, Chakraborty K, Mukherjee S, Aier M, Choudhuri T. Blood-based DNA methylation in advanced Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma exhibited distinct CpG methylation signature. Sci Rep 2023; 13:22086. [PMID: 38086861 PMCID: PMC10716134 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-45001-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The TNM staging system is currently used to detect cancer stages. Regardless, a small proportion of cancer patients recur even after therapy, suggesting more specific molecular tools are required to justify the stage-specific detection and prompt cancer diagnosis. Thus, we aimed to explore the blood-based DNA methylation signature of metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) to establish a holistic methylation biomarker panel. For the identification of methylation signature, the EPIC BeadChip-based array was performed. Comparative analysis for identifying unique probes, validation, and functional studies was investigated by analyzing GEO and TCGA datasets. We observed 4093 differentially methylated probes (DMPs), 1232 hydroxymethylated probes, and 25 CpG islands. Gene expression study revealed both upregulated and downregulated genes. Correlation analysis suggested a positive (with a positive r, p ≤ 0.05) and negative (with a negative r, p ≤ 0.05) association with different cancers. TFBS analysis exhibited the binding site for many TFs. Furthermore, gene enrichment analysis indicated the involvement of those identified genes in biological pathways. However, blood-based DNA methylation data uncovered a distinct DNA methylation pattern, which might have an additive role in NPC progression by altering the TFs binding. Moreover, based on tissue-specificity, a variation of correlation between methylation and gene expression was noted in different cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koustav Chatterjee
- Department of Biotechnology, Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan, Birbhum, West Bengal, India, 731235
| | - Sudipa Mal
- Department of Biotechnology, Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan, Birbhum, West Bengal, India, 731235
| | - Monalisha Ghosh
- Department of Biotechnology, Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan, Birbhum, West Bengal, India, 731235
| | | | - Sankar Deb Roy
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Eden Medical Center, Dimapur, Nagaland, India
| | - Koushik Chakraborty
- Department of Biotechnology, Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan, Birbhum, West Bengal, India, 731235
| | - Syamantak Mukherjee
- Department of Biotechnology, Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan, Birbhum, West Bengal, India, 731235
| | - Moatoshi Aier
- Department of Pathology, Eden Medical Center, Dimapur, Nagaland, India
| | - Tathagata Choudhuri
- Department of Biotechnology, Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan, Birbhum, West Bengal, India, 731235.
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22
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Pierron F, Daramy F, Heroin D, Daffe G, Barré A, Bouchez O, Nikolski M. Sex-specific DNA methylation and transcription of zbtb38 and effects of gene-environment interactions on its natural antisense transcript in zebrafish. Epigenetics 2023; 18:2260963. [PMID: 37782752 PMCID: PMC10547075 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2023.2260963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
There is increasing evidence for the involvement of epigenetics in sex determination, maintenance, and plasticity, from plants to humans. In our previous work, we reported a transgenerational feminization of a zebrafish population for which the first generation was exposed to cadmium, a metal with endocrine disrupting effects. In this study, starting from the previously performed whole methylome analysis, we focused on the zbtb38 gene and hypothesized that it could be involved in sex differentiation and Cd-induced offspring feminization. We observed sex-specific patterns of both DNA methylation and RNA transcription levels of zbtb38. We also discovered that the non-coding exon 3 of zbtb38 encodes for a natural antisense transcript (NAT). The activity of this NAT was found to be influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Furthermore, increasing transcription levels of this NAT in parental gametes was highly correlated with offspring sex ratios. Since zbtb38 itself encodes for a transcription factor that binds methylated DNA, our results support a non-negligible role of zbtb38 not only in orchestrating the sex-specific transcriptome (i.e., sex differentiation) but also, via its NAT, offspring sex ratios.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Flore Daramy
- Univ Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, Pessac, France
| | | | | | - Aurélien Barré
- Univ Bordeaux, Bordeaux Bioinformatics Center, Bordeaux, France
| | - Olivier Bouchez
- INRAE, US 1426, GeT-PlaGe, Genotoul, Castanet-Tolosan, France
| | - Macha Nikolski
- Univ Bordeaux, Bordeaux Bioinformatics Center, Bordeaux, France
- Univ Bordeaux, CNRS, IBGC, Bordeaux, France
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23
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Sun Y, Wiese M, Hmadi R, Karayol R, Seyfferth J, Martinez Greene JA, Erdogdu NU, Deboutte W, Arrigoni L, Holz H, Renschler G, Hirsch N, Foertsch A, Basilicata MF, Stehle T, Shvedunova M, Bella C, Pessoa Rodrigues C, Schwalb B, Cramer P, Manke T, Akhtar A. MSL2 ensures biallelic gene expression in mammals. Nature 2023; 624:173-181. [PMID: 38030723 PMCID: PMC10700137 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06781-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
In diploid organisms, biallelic gene expression enables the production of adequate levels of mRNA1,2. This is essential for haploinsufficient genes, which require biallelic expression for optimal function to prevent the onset of developmental disorders1,3. Whether and how a biallelic or monoallelic state is determined in a cell-type-specific manner at individual loci remains unclear. MSL2 is known for dosage compensation of the male X chromosome in flies. Here we identify a role of MSL2 in regulating allelic expression in mammals. Allele-specific bulk and single-cell analyses in mouse neural progenitor cells revealed that, in addition to the targets showing biallelic downregulation, a class of genes transitions from biallelic to monoallelic expression after MSL2 loss. Many of these genes are haploinsufficient. In the absence of MSL2, one allele remains active, retaining active histone modifications and transcription factor binding, whereas the other allele is silenced, exhibiting loss of promoter-enhancer contacts and the acquisition of DNA methylation. Msl2-knockout mice show perinatal lethality and heterogeneous phenotypes during embryonic development, supporting a role for MSL2 in regulating gene dosage. The role of MSL2 in preserving biallelic expression of specific dosage-sensitive genes sets the stage for further investigation of other factors that are involved in allelic dosage compensation in mammalian cells, with considerable implications for human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yidan Sun
- Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Meike Wiese
- Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Raed Hmadi
- Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Remzi Karayol
- Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Janine Seyfferth
- Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Juan Alfonso Martinez Greene
- Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Niyazi Umut Erdogdu
- Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ward Deboutte
- Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Laura Arrigoni
- Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Herbert Holz
- Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Gina Renschler
- Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Naama Hirsch
- Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Arion Foertsch
- Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - Thomas Stehle
- Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Maria Shvedunova
- Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Chiara Bella
- Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - Bjoern Schwalb
- Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Patrick Cramer
- Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Thomas Manke
- Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Asifa Akhtar
- Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Freiburg, Germany.
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24
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Otálora-Otálora BA, López-Rivera JJ, Aristizábal-Guzmán C, Isaza-Ruget MA, Álvarez-Moreno CA. Host Transcriptional Regulatory Genes and Microbiome Networks Crosstalk through Immune Receptors Establishing Normal and Tumor Multiomics Metafirm of the Oral-Gut-Lung Axis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16638. [PMID: 38068961 PMCID: PMC10706695 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The microbiome has shown a correlation with the diet and lifestyle of each population in health and disease, the ability to communicate at the cellular level with the host through innate and adaptative immune receptors, and therefore an important role in modulating inflammatory process related to the establishment and progression of cancer. The oral cavity is one of the most important interaction windows between the human body and the environment, allowing the entry of an important number of microorganisms and their passage across the gastrointestinal tract and lungs. In this review, the contribution of the microbiome network to the establishment of systemic diseases like cancer is analyzed through their synergistic interactions and bidirectional crosstalk in the oral-gut-lung axis as well as its communication with the host cells. Moreover, the impact of the characteristic microbiota of each population in the formation of the multiomics molecular metafirm of the oral-gut-lung axis is also analyzed through state-of-the-art sequencing techniques, which allow a global study of the molecular processes involved of the flow of the microbiota environmental signals through cancer-related cells and its relationship with the establishment of the transcription factor network responsible for the control of regulatory processes involved with tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Juan Javier López-Rivera
- Grupo de Investigación INPAC, Specialized Laboratory, Clinica Universitaria Colombia, Clínica Colsanitas S.A., Bogotá 111321, Colombia;
| | - Claudia Aristizábal-Guzmán
- Grupo de Investigación INPAC, Unidad de Investigación, Fundación Universitaria Sanitas, Bogotá 110131, Colombia;
| | - Mario Arturo Isaza-Ruget
- Keralty, Sanitas International Organization, Grupo de Investigación INPAC, Fundación Universitaria Sanitas, Bogotá 110131, Colombia;
| | - Carlos Arturo Álvarez-Moreno
- Infectious Diseases Department, Clinica Universitaria Colombia, Clínica Colsanitas S.A., Bogotá 111321, Colombia;
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25
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Bruce KD, Eckel RH. Can DNA Methylation Predict the Lipid Response to Dietary Intervention? There's a Fat Chance. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2023; 108:e1747-e1748. [PMID: 37191137 PMCID: PMC10655505 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgad274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Kimberley D Bruce
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Robert H Eckel
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
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26
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Abrahams Y, Willmer T, Patel O, Samodien E, Muller CJF, Windvogel S, Johnson R, Pheiffer C. A high fat, high sugar diet induces hepatic Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha promoter hypermethylation in male Wistar rats. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 680:25-33. [PMID: 37713959 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.09.004] [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: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
Previously we reported that a high fat, high sugar (HFHS) diet induced adiposity, hyperinsulinaemia, hyperleptinaemia, hypertriglyceridaemia and increased liver mass in male Wistar rats. In the present study, the mechanisms underlying the increased liver mass were further elucidated by assessing hepatic lipid accumulation and the expression and methylation status of key metabolic genes using histology, quantitative real-time PCR and pyrosequencing, respectively. The HFHS diet induced hepatic steatosis, increased hepatic triglycerides (1.8-fold, p < 0.001), and increased the expression of sterol regulatory element-binding transcription factor 1 (Srebf1) (2.0-fold, p < 0.001) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (Pparg) (1.7-fold, p = 0.017) in the liver. The expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1 alpha (Pgc1a) was decreased (2.6-fold, p < 0.010), which was accompanied by hypermethylation (p = 0.018) of a conserved CpG site in the promoter of Pgc1a in HFHS fed rats compared to controls. In silico analysis identified putative binding sites for CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein beta (C/EBPß) and hepatocyte nuclear factor 1 (HNF1) within proximity to the hypermethylated CpG. As Pgc1a is a co-activator of several transcription factors regulating multiple metabolic pathways, hypermethylation of this conserved CpG site in the promoter of Pgc1a may be one possible mechanism contributing to the development of hepatic steatosis in response to a HFHS diet. However, further work is required to confirm the role of Pgc1a in steatosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoonus Abrahams
- Biomedical Research and Innovation Platform, South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg, South Africa; Centre for Cardio-Metabolic Research in Africa (CARMA), Division of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa
| | - Tarryn Willmer
- Biomedical Research and Innovation Platform, South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg, South Africa; Centre for Cardio-Metabolic Research in Africa (CARMA), Division of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa; Division of Cell Biology, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Oelfah Patel
- Biomedical Research and Innovation Platform, South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg, South Africa; Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Tygerberg, South Africa
| | - Ebrahim Samodien
- Biomedical Research and Innovation Platform, South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg, South Africa
| | - Christo J F Muller
- Biomedical Research and Innovation Platform, South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg, South Africa; Centre for Cardio-Metabolic Research in Africa (CARMA), Division of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa; Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Zululand, Kwadlangezwa, South Africa
| | - Shantal Windvogel
- Centre for Cardio-Metabolic Research in Africa (CARMA), Division of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa
| | - Rabia Johnson
- Biomedical Research and Innovation Platform, South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg, South Africa; Centre for Cardio-Metabolic Research in Africa (CARMA), Division of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa
| | - Carmen Pheiffer
- Biomedical Research and Innovation Platform, South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg, South Africa; Centre for Cardio-Metabolic Research in Africa (CARMA), Division of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.
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27
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Grau J, Schmidt F, Schulz MH. Widespread effects of DNA methylation and intra-motif dependencies revealed by novel transcription factor binding models. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:e95. [PMID: 37650641 PMCID: PMC10570048 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Several studies suggested that transcription factor (TF) binding to DNA may be impaired or enhanced by DNA methylation. We present MeDeMo, a toolbox for TF motif analysis that combines information about DNA methylation with models capturing intra-motif dependencies. In a large-scale study using ChIP-seq data for 335 TFs, we identify novel TFs that show a binding behaviour associated with DNA methylation. Overall, we find that the presence of CpG methylation decreases the likelihood of binding for the majority of methylation-associated TFs. For a considerable subset of TFs, we show that intra-motif dependencies are pivotal for accurately modelling the impact of DNA methylation on TF binding. We illustrate that the novel methylation-aware TF binding models allow to predict differential ChIP-seq peaks and improve the genome-wide analysis of TF binding. Our work indicates that simplistic models that neglect the effect of DNA methylation on DNA binding may lead to systematic underperformance for methylation-associated TFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Grau
- Institute of Computer Science, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle 06120, Germany
| | - Florian Schmidt
- Goethe-University Frankfurt, Institute for Cardiovascular Regeneration, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Informatics, Saarland Informatics Campus, Saarbrücken 66123, Germany
- Systems Biology and Data Analytics, Genome Institute of Singapore, Singapore 13862, Singapore
- ImmunoScape Pte Ltd, Singapore 228208, Singapore
| | - Marcel H Schulz
- Goethe-University Frankfurt, Institute for Cardiovascular Regeneration, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Informatics, Saarland Informatics Campus, Saarbrücken 66123, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research, Partner site Rhein-Main, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Cardio-Pulmonary Institute, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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28
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Heuts BMH, Martens JHA. Understanding blood development and leukemia using sequencing-based technologies and human cell systems. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1266697. [PMID: 37886034 PMCID: PMC10598665 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1266697] [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: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Our current understanding of human hematopoiesis has undergone significant transformation throughout the years, challenging conventional views. The evolution of high-throughput technologies has enabled the accumulation of diverse data types, offering new avenues for investigating key regulatory processes in blood cell production and disease. In this review, we will explore the opportunities presented by these advancements for unraveling the molecular mechanisms underlying normal and abnormal hematopoiesis. Specifically, we will focus on the importance of enhancer-associated regulatory networks and highlight the crucial role of enhancer-derived transcription regulation. Additionally, we will discuss the unprecedented power of single-cell methods and the progression in using in vitro human blood differentiation system, in particular induced pluripotent stem cell models, in dissecting hematopoietic processes. Furthermore, we will explore the potential of ever more nuanced patient profiling to allow precision medicine approaches. Ultimately, we advocate for a multiparameter, regulatory network-based approach for providing a more holistic understanding of normal hematopoiesis and blood disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Branco M H Heuts
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Joost H A Martens
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands
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29
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Gu C, Han R, Liu C, Fang G, Yuan Q, Zheng Z, Yu Q, Jiang J, Liu S, Xie L, Wei H, Zhang Q, Liu G. Heritable epigenetic modification of BpPIN1 is associated with leaf shapes in Betula pendula. TREE PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 43:1811-1824. [PMID: 37406032 DOI: 10.1093/treephys/tpad085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
The new variety Betula pendula 'Dalecarlica', selected from Betula pendula, shows high ornamental value owing to its lobed leaf shape. In this study, to identify the genetic components of leaf shape formation, we performed bulked segregant analysis and molecular marker-based fine mapping to identify the causal gene responsible for lobed leaves in B. pendula 'Dalecarlica'. The most significant variations associated with leaf shape were identified within the gene BpPIN1 encoding a member of the PIN-FORMED family, responsible for the auxin efflux carrier. We further confirmed the hypomethylation at the promoter region promoting the expression level of BpPIN1, which causes stronger and longer veins and lobed leaf shape in B. pendula 'Dalecarlica'. These results indicated that DNA methylation at the BpPIN1 promoter region is associated with leaf shapes in B. pendula. Our findings revealed an epigenetic mechanism of BpPIN1 in the regulation of leaf shape in Betula Linn. (birch), which could help in the molecular breeding of ornamental traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenrui Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Northeast Forestry University, No. 51, Hexing Road, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150040, China
| | - Rui Han
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Northeast Forestry University, No. 51, Hexing Road, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150040, China
| | - Chaoyi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Northeast Forestry University, No. 51, Hexing Road, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150040, China
| | - Gonggui Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Northeast Forestry University, No. 51, Hexing Road, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150040, China
| | - Qihang Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Northeast Forestry University, No. 51, Hexing Road, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150040, China
| | - Zhimin Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Northeast Forestry University, No. 51, Hexing Road, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150040, China
| | - Qibin Yu
- Citrus Research and Education Center, University of Florida, Lake Alfred, FL 33580, USA
| | - Jing Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Northeast Forestry University, No. 51, Hexing Road, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150040, China
| | - Sanzhen Liu
- Department of Plant Pathology, Kansas State University, Throckmorton Center, 116 Ackert Hall, Manhattan, KS 66506-5502, USA
| | - Linan Xie
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, No. 26, Hexing Road, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150040, China
| | - Hairong Wei
- College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science, Michigan Technological University, 1400 Townsend Dr, Houghton, MI 49931, USA
| | - Qingzhu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Northeast Forestry University, No. 51, Hexing Road, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150040, China
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, No. 26, Hexing Road, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150040, China
| | - Guifeng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Northeast Forestry University, No. 51, Hexing Road, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150040, China
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30
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Semik-Gurgul E, Szmatoła T, Gurgul A, Pawlina-Tyszko K, Gałuszka A, Pędziwiatr R, Witkowski M, Ząbek T. Methylome and transcriptome data integration reveals aberrantly regulated genes in equine sarcoids. Biochimie 2023; 213:100-113. [PMID: 37211255 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2023.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
DNA methylation is a key mechanism in transcription regulation, and aberrant methylation is a common and important mechanism in tumor initiation, maintenance, and progression. To find genes that are aberrantly regulated by altered methylation in horse sarcoids, we used reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS) accompanied by RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) for methylome (whole genome DNA methylation sequencing) and transcriptome profiling, respectively. We found that the DNA methylation level was generally lower in lesion samples than in controls. In the analyzed samples, a total of 14,692 differentially methylated sites (DMSs) in the context of CpG (where cytosine and guanine are separated by a phosphate), and 11,712 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. The integration of the methylome and transcriptome data suggests that aberrant DNA methylation may be involved in the deregulation of expression of the 493 genes in equine sarcoid. Furthermore, enrichment analysis of the genes demonstrated the activation of multiple molecular pathways related to extracellular matrix (ECM), oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), immune response, and disease processes that can be related to tumor progression. The results provide further insight into the epigenetic alterations in equine sarcoids and provide a valuable resource for follow-up studies to identify biomarkers for predicting susceptibility to this common condition in horses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewelina Semik-Gurgul
- Department of Animal Molecular Biology, National Research Institute of Animal Production, Krakowska 1 St., 32-083, Balice, Poland.
| | - Tomasz Szmatoła
- Department of Animal Molecular Biology, National Research Institute of Animal Production, Krakowska 1 St., 32-083, Balice, Poland; Center for Experimental and Innovative Medicine, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Redzina 1c, 30-248, Krakow, Poland
| | - Artur Gurgul
- Center for Experimental and Innovative Medicine, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Redzina 1c, 30-248, Krakow, Poland
| | - Klaudia Pawlina-Tyszko
- Department of Animal Molecular Biology, National Research Institute of Animal Production, Krakowska 1 St., 32-083, Balice, Poland
| | - Anna Gałuszka
- Department of Animal Anatomy and Preclinical Sciences, University Centre of Veterinary Medicine JU-UA, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Mickiewicza 24/28, 30-059, Krakow, Poland
| | - Rafał Pędziwiatr
- University Centre of Veterinary Medicine JU-UA, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Mickiewicza 24/28, 30-059, Krakow, Poland; Equine Vet Clinic EQUI-VET, Stogniowice 55A St., 32-100 Stogniowice, Poland
| | - Maciej Witkowski
- University Centre of Veterinary Medicine JU-UA, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Mickiewicza 24/28, 30-059, Krakow, Poland; Equine Hospital on the Racing Truck, Sluzewiec, Pulawska 266, 02-684, Warszawa, Poland
| | - Tomasz Ząbek
- Department of Animal Molecular Biology, National Research Institute of Animal Production, Krakowska 1 St., 32-083, Balice, Poland
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31
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Kaur L, Sundrani D, Dave K, Randhir K, Mehendale S, Bayyana S, Kalyanaraman K, Chandak GR, Joshi S. Hypoxia Inducible Factors (HIF1α and HIF3α) are differentially methylated in preeclampsia placentae and are associated with birth outcomes. Mol Cell Biochem 2023; 478:2309-2318. [PMID: 36708442 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-023-04661-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Preeclampsia is a placental vascular pathology and hypoxia is known to influence placental angiogenesis. Hypoxia Inducible Factors (HIF1α and HIF3α) mediate the response to cellular oxygen concentration and bind to hypoxia response element of target genes. However the mechanism regulating above activity is not well-understood. We investigated if placental DNA methylation (DNAm) and expression of HIF1α and 3α genes are altered and associated with pre-eclampsia, placental weight and birth outcomes. Using a cohort comprising women with preeclampsia [N = 100, delivering at term (N = 43) and preterm (N = 57)] and normotensive controls (N = 100), we analysed DNAm in HIF1α and 3α, and their mRNA expression in placentae, employing pyrosequencing and quantitative real-time PCR, respectively. We observed significant hypermethylation at cg22891070 of HIF3α in preeclampsia placentae compared to controls (β = 1.5%, p = 0.04). CpG8 in the promoter region of HIF1α, showed marginally significant hypomethylation in preterm preeclampsia compared to controls (β = - 0.15%, p = 0.055). HIF1α expression was significantly lower in preterm preeclampsia compared to controls (mean ± SE = 10.16 ± 2.00 vs 4.25 ± 0.90, p = 0.04). Further, DNAm in HIF1α promoter region was negatively associated with its expression levels (β = - 0.165, p = 0.024). Several CpGs in HIF1α were negatively associated with placental weight and birth outcomes including birth weight (β range = - 0.224-0.300) and birth length [β range = - 0.248 to - 0.301 (p < 0.05 for all)]. Overall, we demonstrate altered DNAm in HIF1α and HIF3α in preeclampsia placentae, also associated with various birth outcomes. Correlation of DNAm in HIF1α and its expression suggests a possible role in the pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia. Further investigations on interactions between HIF1α and HIF3α in preeclampsia would be interesting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lovejeet Kaur
- Genomic Research on Complex Diseases (GRC Group), CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CSIR-CCMB), Hyderabad, 500007, India
- Maternal and Child Health (MCH), Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), Faridabad, 121001, India
| | - Deepali Sundrani
- Mother and Child Health, Interactive Research School for Health Affairs (IRSHA), Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be) University, Pune Satara Road, Pune, 411043, India
| | - Kinjal Dave
- Mother and Child Health, Interactive Research School for Health Affairs (IRSHA), Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be) University, Pune Satara Road, Pune, 411043, India
| | - Karuna Randhir
- Mother and Child Health, Interactive Research School for Health Affairs (IRSHA), Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be) University, Pune Satara Road, Pune, 411043, India
| | - Savita Mehendale
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Bharati Vidyapeeth Medical College and Hospital, Pune, 411043, India
| | - Swati Bayyana
- Genomic Research on Complex Diseases (GRC Group), CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CSIR-CCMB), Hyderabad, 500007, India
| | - Kumaran Kalyanaraman
- CSI Epidemiology Research Unit, Holdsworth Memorial Hospital, Mysore, India
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Giriraj R Chandak
- Genomic Research on Complex Diseases (GRC Group), CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CSIR-CCMB), Hyderabad, 500007, India.
| | - Sadhana Joshi
- Mother and Child Health, Interactive Research School for Health Affairs (IRSHA), Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be) University, Pune Satara Road, Pune, 411043, India.
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32
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Lees J, Pèrtille F, Løtvedt P, Jensen P, Bosagna CG. The mitoepigenome responds to stress, suggesting novel mito-nuclear interactions in vertebrates. BMC Genomics 2023; 24:561. [PMID: 37736707 PMCID: PMC10515078 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09668-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The mitochondria are central in the cellular response to changing environmental conditions resulting from disease states, environmental exposures or normal physiological processes. Although the influences of environmental stressors upon the nuclear epigenome are well characterized, the existence and role of the mitochondrial epigenome remains contentious. Here, by quantifying the mitochondrial epigenomic response of pineal gland cells to circadian stress, we confirm the presence of extensive cytosine methylation within the mitochondrial genome. Furthermore, we identify distinct epigenetically plastic regions (mtDMRs) which vary in cytosinic methylation, primarily in a non CpG context, in response to stress and in a sex-specific manner. Motifs enriched in mtDMRs contain recognition sites for nuclear-derived DNA-binding factors (ATF4, HNF4A) important in the cellular metabolic stress response, which we found to be conserved across diverse vertebrate taxa. Together, these findings suggest a new layer of mito-nuclear interaction in which the nuclear metabolic stress response could alter mitochondrial transcriptional dynamics through the binding of nuclear-derived transcription factors in a methylation-dependent context.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Lees
- Evolutionsbiologiskt Centrum (EBC), Uppsala University, Uppsala, 75236, Sweden
| | - Fábio Pèrtille
- Evolutionsbiologiskt Centrum (EBC), Uppsala University, Uppsala, 75236, Sweden
| | - Pia Løtvedt
- Institutionen För Fysik, Kemi Och Biologi (IFM), Linköping University, Linköping, 58330, Sweden
| | - Per Jensen
- Institutionen För Fysik, Kemi Och Biologi (IFM), Linköping University, Linköping, 58330, Sweden
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33
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Messingschlager M, Bartel-Steinbach M, Mackowiak SD, Denkena J, Bieg M, Klös M, Seegebarth A, Straff W, Süring K, Ishaque N, Eils R, Lehmann I, Lermen D, Trump S. Genome-wide DNA methylation sequencing identifies epigenetic perturbations in the upper airways under long-term exposure to moderate levels of ambient air pollution. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 233:116413. [PMID: 37343754 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
While the link between exposure to high levels of ambient particulate matter (PM) and increased incidences of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases is widely recognized, recent epidemiological studies have shown that low PM concentrations are equally associated with adverse health effects. As DNA methylation is one of the main mechanisms by which cells regulate and stabilize gene expression, changes in the methylome could constitute early indicators of dysregulated signaling pathways. So far, little is known about PM-associated DNA methylation changes in the upper airways, the first point of contact between airborne pollutants and the human body. Here, we focused on cells of the upper respiratory tract and assessed their genome-wide DNA methylation pattern to explore exposure-associated early regulatory changes. Using a mobile epidemiological laboratory, nasal lavage samples were collected from a cohort of 60 adults that lived in districts with records of low (Simmerath) or moderate (Stuttgart) PM10 levels in Germany. PM10 concentrations were verified by particle measurements on the days of the sample collection and genome-wide DNA methylation was determined by enzymatic methyl sequencing at single-base resolution. We identified 231 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) between moderately and lowly PM10 exposed individuals. A high proportion of DMRs overlapped with regulatory elements, and DMR target genes were involved in pathways regulating cellular redox homeostasis and immune response. In addition, we found distinct changes in DNA methylation of the HOXA gene cluster whose methylation levels have previously been linked to air pollution exposure but also to carcinogenesis in several instances. The findings of this study suggest that regulatory changes in upper airway cells occur at PM10 levels below current European thresholds, some of which may be involved in the development of air pollution-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marey Messingschlager
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Center of Digital Health, Molecular Epidemiology Unit, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany; Freie Universität Berlin, Institute for Biology, Königin-Luise-Strasse 12-16, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Martina Bartel-Steinbach
- Fraunhofer Institute for Biomedical Engineering IBMT, Josef-von-Fraunhofer-Weg 1, 66280, Sulzbach, Germany
| | - Sebastian D Mackowiak
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Center of Digital Health, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Johanna Denkena
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Center of Digital Health, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Matthias Bieg
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Center of Digital Health, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Matthias Klös
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Center of Digital Health, Molecular Epidemiology Unit, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anke Seegebarth
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Center of Digital Health, Molecular Epidemiology Unit, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Straff
- Environmental Medicine and Health Effects Assessment, German Environment Agency, Corrensplatz 1, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Katrin Süring
- Environmental Medicine and Health Effects Assessment, German Environment Agency, Corrensplatz 1, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Naveed Ishaque
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Center of Digital Health, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Roland Eils
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Center of Digital Health, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany; German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Germany; Health Data Science Unit, Heidelberg University Hospital and BioQuant, University of Heidelberg, Germany; Freie Universität Berlin, Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Arnimallee 14, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Irina Lehmann
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Center of Digital Health, Molecular Epidemiology Unit, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany; German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Germany.
| | - Dominik Lermen
- Fraunhofer Institute for Biomedical Engineering IBMT, Josef-von-Fraunhofer-Weg 1, 66280, Sulzbach, Germany
| | - Saskia Trump
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Center of Digital Health, Molecular Epidemiology Unit, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
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34
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Weidner L, Lorenz J, Quach S, Braun FK, Rothhammer-Hampl T, Ammer LM, Vollmann-Zwerenz A, Bartos LM, Dekorsy FJ, Holzgreve A, Kirchleitner SV, Thon N, Greve T, Ruf V, Herms J, Bader S, Milenkovic VM, von Baumgarten L, Menevse AN, Hussein A, Sax J, Wetzel CH, Rupprecht R, Proescholdt M, Schmidt NO, Beckhove P, Hau P, Tonn JC, Bartenstein P, Brendel M, Albert NL, Riemenschneider MJ. Translocator protein (18kDA) (TSPO) marks mesenchymal glioblastoma cell populations characterized by elevated numbers of tumor-associated macrophages. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2023; 11:147. [PMID: 37697350 PMCID: PMC10496331 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-023-01651-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
TSPO is a promising novel tracer target for positron-emission tomography (PET) imaging of brain tumors. However, due to the heterogeneity of cell populations that contribute to the TSPO-PET signal, imaging interpretation may be challenging. We therefore evaluated TSPO enrichment/expression in connection with its underlying histopathological and molecular features in gliomas. We analyzed TSPO expression and its regulatory mechanisms in large in silico datasets and by performing direct bisulfite sequencing of the TSPO promotor. In glioblastoma tissue samples of our TSPO-PET imaging study cohort, we dissected the association of TSPO tracer enrichment and protein labeling with the expression of cell lineage markers by immunohistochemistry and fluorescence multiplex stains. Furthermore, we identified relevant TSPO-associated signaling pathways by RNA sequencing.We found that TSPO expression is associated with prognostically unfavorable glioma phenotypes and that TSPO promotor hypermethylation is linked to IDH mutation. Careful histological analysis revealed that TSPO immunohistochemistry correlates with the TSPO-PET signal and that TSPO is expressed by diverse cell populations. While tumor core areas are the major contributor to the overall TSPO signal, TSPO signals in the tumor rim are mainly driven by CD68-positive microglia/macrophages. Molecularly, high TSPO expression marks prognostically unfavorable glioblastoma cell subpopulations characterized by an enrichment of mesenchymal gene sets and higher amounts of tumor-associated macrophages.In conclusion, our study improves the understanding of TSPO as an imaging marker in gliomas by unveiling IDH-dependent differences in TSPO expression/regulation, regional heterogeneity of the TSPO PET signal and functional implications of TSPO in terms of tumor immune cell interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorraine Weidner
- Department of Neuropathology, Regensburg University Hospital, Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Julia Lorenz
- Department of Neuropathology, Regensburg University Hospital, Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
- Wilhelm Sander Neuro-Oncology Unit, Regensburg University Hospital, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Stefanie Quach
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Frank K Braun
- Department of Neuropathology, Regensburg University Hospital, Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Tanja Rothhammer-Hampl
- Department of Neuropathology, Regensburg University Hospital, Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
- Wilhelm Sander Neuro-Oncology Unit, Regensburg University Hospital, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Laura-Marie Ammer
- Department of Neurology, Regensburg University Hospital, Regensburg, Germany
| | | | - Laura M Bartos
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Franziska J Dekorsy
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Adrien Holzgreve
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Niklas Thon
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Tobias Greve
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Viktoria Ruf
- Center for Neuropathology and Prion Research, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Jochen Herms
- Center for Neuropathology and Prion Research, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Stefanie Bader
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Vladimir M Milenkovic
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Louisa von Baumgarten
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Ayse N Menevse
- Division of Interventional Immunology, Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Abir Hussein
- Division of Interventional Immunology, Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Julian Sax
- Division of Interventional Immunology, Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Christian H Wetzel
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Rainer Rupprecht
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Martin Proescholdt
- Wilhelm Sander Neuro-Oncology Unit, Regensburg University Hospital, Regensburg, Germany
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Nils O Schmidt
- Wilhelm Sander Neuro-Oncology Unit, Regensburg University Hospital, Regensburg, Germany
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Philipp Beckhove
- Division of Interventional Immunology, Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy, Regensburg, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Peter Hau
- Wilhelm Sander Neuro-Oncology Unit, Regensburg University Hospital, Regensburg, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Regensburg University Hospital, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Joerg-Christian Tonn
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) and Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
| | - Peter Bartenstein
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) and Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
| | - Matthias Brendel
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) and Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
| | - Nathalie L Albert
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) and Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
| | - Markus J Riemenschneider
- Department of Neuropathology, Regensburg University Hospital, Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, 93053, Regensburg, Germany.
- Wilhelm Sander Neuro-Oncology Unit, Regensburg University Hospital, Regensburg, Germany.
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35
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Recto K, Kachroo P, Huan T, Van Den Berg D, Lee GY, Bui H, Lee DH, Gereige J, Yao C, Hwang SJ, Joehanes R, Weiss ST, O'Connor GT, Levy D, DeMeo DL. Epigenome-wide DNA methylation association study of circulating IgE levels identifies novel targets for asthma. EBioMedicine 2023; 95:104758. [PMID: 37598461 PMCID: PMC10462855 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2023.104758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Identifying novel epigenetic signatures associated with serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) may improve our understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying asthma and IgE-mediated diseases. METHODS We performed an epigenome-wide association study using whole blood from Framingham Heart Study (FHS; n = 3,471, 46% females) participants and validated results using the Childhood Asthma Management Program (CAMP; n = 674, 39% females) and the Genetic Epidemiology of Asthma in Costa Rica Study (CRA; n = 787, 41% females). Using the closest gene to each IgE-associated CpG, we highlighted biologically plausible pathways underlying IgE regulation and analyzed the transcription patterns linked to IgE-associated CpGs (expression quantitative trait methylation loci; eQTMs). Using prior UK Biobank summary data from genome-wide association studies of asthma and allergy, we performed Mendelian randomization (MR) for causal inference testing using the IgE-associated CpGs from FHS with methylation quantitative trait loci (mQTLs) as instrumental variables. FINDINGS We identified 490 statistically significant differentially methylated CpGs associated with IgE in FHS, of which 193 (39.3%) replicated in CAMP and CRA (FDR < 0.05). Gene ontology analysis revealed enrichment in pathways related to transcription factor binding, asthma, and other immunological processes. eQTM analysis identified 124 cis-eQTMs for 106 expressed genes (FDR < 0.05). MR in combination with drug-target analysis revealed CTSB and USP20 as putatively causal regulators of IgE levels (Bonferroni adjusted P < 7.94E-04) that can be explored as potential therapeutic targets. INTERPRETATION By integrating eQTM and MR analyses in general and clinical asthma populations, our findings provide a deeper understanding of the multidimensional inter-relations of DNA methylation, gene expression, and IgE levels. FUNDING US NIH/NHLBI grants: P01HL132825, K99HL159234. N01-HC-25195 and HHSN268201500001I.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Recto
- The Population Sciences Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; The Framingham Heart Study, Framingham, MA 01702, USA
| | - Priyadarshini Kachroo
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Channing Division of Network Medicine, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Tianxiao Huan
- The Population Sciences Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; The Framingham Heart Study, Framingham, MA 01702, USA
| | - David Van Den Berg
- University of Southern California Methylation Characterization Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Gha Young Lee
- The Population Sciences Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; The Framingham Heart Study, Framingham, MA 01702, USA
| | - Helena Bui
- The Population Sciences Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; The Framingham Heart Study, Framingham, MA 01702, USA
| | - Dong Heon Lee
- The Population Sciences Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; The Framingham Heart Study, Framingham, MA 01702, USA
| | - Jessica Gereige
- Boston University School of Medicine, Pulmonary Center, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Chen Yao
- The Population Sciences Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; The Framingham Heart Study, Framingham, MA 01702, USA
| | - Shih-Jen Hwang
- The Population Sciences Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; The Framingham Heart Study, Framingham, MA 01702, USA
| | - Roby Joehanes
- The Population Sciences Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; The Framingham Heart Study, Framingham, MA 01702, USA
| | - Scott T Weiss
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Channing Division of Network Medicine, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - George T O'Connor
- The Framingham Heart Study, Framingham, MA 01702, USA; Boston University School of Medicine, Pulmonary Center, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Daniel Levy
- The Population Sciences Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; The Framingham Heart Study, Framingham, MA 01702, USA.
| | - Dawn L DeMeo
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Channing Division of Network Medicine, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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Thompson D, Odufuwa AE, Brissette CA, Watt JA. Transcriptome and methylome of the supraoptic nucleus provides insights into the age-dependent loss of neuronal plasticity. Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 15:1223273. [PMID: 37711995 PMCID: PMC10498476 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1223273] [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: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The age-dependent loss of neuronal plasticity is a well-known phenomenon that is poorly understood. The loss of this capacity for axonal regeneration is emphasized following traumatic brain injury, which is a major cause of disability and death among adults in the US. We have previously shown the intrinsic capacity of magnocellular neurons within the supraoptic nucleus to undergo axonal regeneration following unilateral axotomization in an age-dependent manner. The aim of this research was to determine the age-dependent molecular mechanisms that may underlie this phenomenon. As such, we characterized the transcriptome and DNA methylome of the supraoptic nucleus in uninjured 35-day old rats and 125-day old rats. Our data indicates the downregulation of a large number of axonogenesis related transcripts in 125-day old rats compared to 35-day old rats. Specifically, several semaphorin and ephrin genes were downregulated, as well as growth factors including FGF's, insulin-like growth factors (IGFs), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Differential methylation analysis indicates enrichment of biological processes involved in axonogenesis and axon guidance. Conversely, we observed a robust and specific upregulation of MHCI related transcripts. This may involve the activator protein 1 (AP-1) transcription factor complex as motif analysis of differentially methylated regions indicate enrichment of AP-1 binding sites in hypomethylated regions. Together, our data suggests a loss of pro-regenerative capabilities with age which would prevent axonal growth and appropriate innervation following injury.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - John A. Watt
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, United States
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Yuan M, Yang B, Rothschild G, Mann JJ, Sanford LD, Tang X, Huang C, Wang C, Zhang W. Epigenetic regulation in major depression and other stress-related disorders: molecular mechanisms, clinical relevance and therapeutic potential. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:309. [PMID: 37644009 PMCID: PMC10465587 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01519-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a chronic, generally episodic and debilitating disease that affects an estimated 300 million people worldwide, but its pathogenesis is poorly understood. The heritability estimate of MDD is 30-40%, suggesting that genetics alone do not account for most of the risk of major depression. Another factor known to associate with MDD involves environmental stressors such as childhood adversity and recent life stress. Recent studies have emerged to show that the biological impact of environmental factors in MDD and other stress-related disorders is mediated by a variety of epigenetic modifications. These epigenetic modification alterations contribute to abnormal neuroendocrine responses, neuroplasticity impairment, neurotransmission and neuroglia dysfunction, which are involved in the pathophysiology of MDD. Furthermore, epigenetic marks have been associated with the diagnosis and treatment of MDD. The evaluation of epigenetic modifications holds promise for further understanding of the heterogeneous etiology and complex phenotypes of MDD, and may identify new therapeutic targets. Here, we review preclinical and clinical epigenetic findings, including DNA methylation, histone modification, noncoding RNA, RNA modification, and chromatin remodeling factor in MDD. In addition, we elaborate on the contribution of these epigenetic mechanisms to the pathological trait variability in depression and discuss how such mechanisms can be exploited for therapeutic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minlan Yuan
- Mental Health Center and Psychiatric Laboratory, the State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Biao Yang
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Gerson Rothschild
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - J John Mann
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Molecular Imaging and Neuropathology Division, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Department of Radiology, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Larry D Sanford
- Sleep Research Laboratory, Center for Integrative Neuroscience and Inflammatory Diseases, Pathology and Anatomy, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, USA
| | - Xiangdong Tang
- Sleep Medicine Center, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Mental Health Center, Translational Neuroscience Center, and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Canhua Huang
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Chuang Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, and Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology in School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315211, China.
| | - Wei Zhang
- Mental Health Center and Psychiatric Laboratory, the State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
- West China Biomedical Big Data Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
- Medical Big Data Center, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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Sakellaropoulos T, Do C, Jiang G, Cova G, Meyn P, Dimartino D, Ramaswami S, Heguy A, Tsirigos A, Skok JA. MethNet: a robust approach to identify regulatory hubs and their distal targets in cancer. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3150386. [PMID: 37577603 PMCID: PMC10418566 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3150386/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Aberrations in the capacity of DNA/chromatin modifiers and transcription factors to bind non-coding regions can lead to changes in gene regulation and impact disease phenotypes. However, identifying distal regulatory elements and connecting them with their target genes remains challenging. Here, we present MethNet, a pipeline that integrates large-scale DNA methylation and gene expression data across multiple cancers, to uncover novel cis regulatory elements (CREs) in a 1Mb region around every promoter in the genome. MethNet identifies clusters of highly ranked CREs, referred to as 'hubs', which contribute to the regulation of multiple genes and significantly affect patient survival. Promoter-capture Hi-C confirmed that highly ranked associations involve physical interactions between CREs and their gene targets, and CRISPRi based scRNA Perturb-seq validated the functional impact of CREs. Thus, MethNet-identified CREs represent a valuable resource for unraveling complex mechanisms underlying gene expression, and for prioritizing the verification of predicted non-coding disease hotspots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theodore Sakellaropoulos
- Department of Pathology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Catherine Do
- Department of Pathology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Guimei Jiang
- Department of Pathology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Giulia Cova
- Department of Pathology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Peter Meyn
- Genome Technology Center, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Dacia Dimartino
- Genome Technology Center, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sitharam Ramaswami
- Genome Technology Center, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Adriana Heguy
- Genome Technology Center, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Aristotelis Tsirigos
- Department of Pathology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
- Applied Bioinformatics Laboratories, Office of Science & Research, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jane A Skok
- Department of Pathology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
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Wu Y, Chen Y, Chen B, Wu W, Yang J. DNA methylation mediated genetic risk in severe acne in a young men population. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1196149. [PMID: 37554505 PMCID: PMC10405078 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1196149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acne is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that affects the pilosebaceous follicle and is influenced by heredity, hormones, inflammation, and the environment. At present, the recognized pathogenesis mainly includes four categories: excessive sebum secretion, excessive Cutibacterium acnes proliferation, excessive keratinization of sebaceous glands in hair follicles, and inflammatory mechanisms. Previous studies have found that DNA methylation is closely related to some chronic inflammatory skin diseases, and there is evidence that DNA methylation is controlled by genetic factors, making us want to know the relationship between DNA methylation, genetic variation and acne. MATERIALS AND METHODS In our previous study, we performed genome-wide DNA methylation analysis in peripheral blood samples from 44 patients with severe acne and 44 unaffected normal subjects, and identified 23 differentially methylated probes (DMPs). In this study, we identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with severe acne by genome-wide association analysis in these 88 samples. To test the association between SNPs and DMPs, we conducted DNA methylation quantitative trait loci (methQTL) analysis. Next, causal inference testing (CIT) was used to determine whether genetic variation influences DNA methylation, which impacts disease phenotypes. RESULT We found 38,269 SNPs associated with severe acne. By methQTL analysis, we obtained 24 SNP-CpG pairs that reached the threshold (FDR < 0.05), which included 7 unique CpGs and 22 unique methQTL SNPs. After CIT analysis, we found that 11 out of 24 pairs of SNP-CpG showed a weakened SNP effect after adjustment for methylation, indicating a methylation-mediated relationship between SNPs and severe acne. These 11 SNP-CpG pairs consist of four unique CpG sites and 11 SNPs, of which three CpG sites, cg03020863, cg20652636, and cg19964325, are located on the gene body of PDGFD, the intron of SH2D6, and the 5'UTR of the IL1R1 gene, respectively. CONCLUSION During this study, the DNA methylation of certain genes was found to be influenced by genetic factors and mediated the risk of severe acne in a young Chinese male population, providing a new perspective on the pathogenesis of severe acne.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujia Wu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Dali University, Dali, China
| | - Yun Chen
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Dali University, Dali, China
| | - Bo Chen
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Dali University, Dali, China
| | - Wenjuan Wu
- Department of Dermatology, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Jiankang Yang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Dali University, Dali, China
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Gong HY, Zhou PC, Zhang HY, Chen LM, Zhou YM, Liu ZG. Transcriptional regulation of Glis2 in hepatic fibrosis. Exp Mol Med 2023:10.1038/s12276-023-01031-y. [PMID: 37394585 PMCID: PMC10393978 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-023-01031-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of Gli-similar 2 (Glis2) in hepatic fibrosis (HF) is controversial. In this study, we focused on the functional and molecular mechanisms involved in the Glis2-mediated activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs)-a milestone event leading to HF. The expression levels of Glis2 mRNA and protein were significantly decreased in the liver tissues of patients with severe HF and in mouse fibrotic liver tissues as well as HSCs activated by TGFβ1. Functional studies indicated that upregulated Glis2 significantly inhibited HSC activation and alleviated BDL-induced HF in mice. Downregulation of Glis2 was found to correlate significantly with DNA methylation of the Glis2 promoter mediated by methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1), which restricted the binding of hepatic nuclear factor 1-α (HNF1-α), a liver-specific transcription factor, to Glis2 promoters. In addition, the enrichment of DNMT1 in the Glis2 promoter region was mediated by metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcriptor-1 (MALAT1) lncRNA, leading to transcriptional silencing of Glis2 and activation of HSCs. In conclusion, our findings reveal that the upregulation of Glis2 can maintain the resting state of HSCs. The decreased expression of Glis2 under pathological conditions may lead to the occurrence and development of HF with the expression silencing of DNA methylation mediated by MALAT1 and DNMT1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan-Yu Gong
- Department of Infectious Disease, the Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, PR China
| | - Peng-Cheng Zhou
- Department of Infectious Disease, the Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, PR China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, PR China
| | - Hao-Ye Zhang
- Department of Infectious Disease, the Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, PR China
| | - Li-Min Chen
- Department of Infectious Disease, the Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, PR China
| | - Yang-Mei Zhou
- Department of Infectious Disease, the Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, PR China
| | - Zhen-Guo Liu
- Department of Infectious Disease, the Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, PR China.
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, PR China.
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Zheng Q, Wang H, Yan A, Yin F, Qiao X. DNA Methylation in Alcohol Use Disorder. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10130. [PMID: 37373281 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241210130] [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: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Excessive drinking damages the central nervous system of individuals and can even cause alcohol use disorder (AUD). AUD is regulated by both genetic and environmental factors. Genes determine susceptibility to alcohol, and the dysregulation of epigenome drives the abnormal transcription program and promotes the occurrence and development of AUD. DNA methylation is one of the earliest and most widely studied epigenetic mechanisms that can be inherited stably. In ontogeny, DNA methylation pattern is a dynamic process, showing differences and characteristics at different stages. DNA dysmethylation is prevalent in human cancer and alcohol-related psychiatric disorders, resulting in local hypermethylation and transcriptional silencing of related genes. Here, we summarize recent findings on the roles and regulatory mechanisms of DNA methylation, the development of methyltransferase inhibitors, methylation alteration during alcohol exposure at different stages of life, and possible therapeutic options for targeting methylation in human and animal studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingmeng Zheng
- Department of Pathology and Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Heng Wang
- Department of Pathology and Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - An Yan
- Department of Pathology and Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Fangyuan Yin
- School of Medicine, College of Forensic Science, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Xiaomeng Qiao
- Department of Pathology and Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
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Sun Y, Zhang W, Li Y, Zhu J, Liu C, Luo L, Liu J, Zhang C. Multigenerational genetic effects of paternal cadmium exposure on ovarian granulosa cell apoptosis. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 262:115123. [PMID: 37315360 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
To explore whether paternal cadmium (Cd) exposure causes ovarian granulosa cell (GC) apoptosis in offspring and the multigenerational genetic effects. From postnatal day 28 (PND28) until adulthood (PND56), SPF male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were gavaged daily with varying concentrations of CdCl2. (0, 0.5, 2, and 8 mg/kg). After treatment, the F1 generation was produced by mating with untreated female rats, and the F1 generation male rats were mated with untreated female rats to produce the F2 generation. Apoptotic bodies (electron microscopy) and significantly higher apoptotic rates (flow cytometry) were observed in both F1 and F2 ovarian GCs following paternal Cd exposure. Moreover, the mRNA (qRTPCR) or protein (Western blotting) levels of bax, bcl2, bcl-xl, caspase 3, caspase 8, and caspase 9 were changed to varying degrees. Apoptosis-related miRNAs (qRTPCR) and methylation modifications of apoptosis-related genes (bisulfite-sequencing PCR) in ovarian GCs were further detected. Compared with those of controls, the expression patterns of miRNAs in F1 and F2 offspring were different after paternal Cd exposure, while the average methylation level of apoptosis-related genes did not change significantly (except for individual loci). In summary, there are paternal genetic intergenerational and transgenerational effects on ovarian GC apoptosis induced by paternal Cd exposure. These genetic effects were related to the upregulation of BAX, BCL-XL, Cle-CASPASE 3, and Cle-CASPASE 9 in F1 and the upregulation of Cle-CASPASE 3 in F2 progeny. Important changes in apoptosis-related miRNAs were also observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Sun
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Factors and Cancer, Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350122, Fujian Province, China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Female Reproductive Health, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wenchang Zhang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Factors and Cancer, Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350122, Fujian Province, China.
| | - Yuchen Li
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Factors and Cancer, Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350122, Fujian Province, China
| | - Jianlin Zhu
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Factors and Cancer, Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350122, Fujian Province, China
| | - Chenchen Liu
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Factors and Cancer, Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350122, Fujian Province, China
| | - Lingfeng Luo
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Factors and Cancer, Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350122, Fujian Province, China
| | - Jin Liu
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Factors and Cancer, Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350122, Fujian Province, China
| | - Chenyun Zhang
- School of Health Management, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350122, Fujian Province, China.
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Kehayova YS, Wilkinson JM, Rice SJ, Loughlin J. Osteoarthritis genetic risk acting on the galactosyltransferase gene COLGALT2 has opposing functional effects in articulating joint tissues. Arthritis Res Ther 2023; 25:83. [PMID: 37208701 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-023-03066-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Investigation of cartilage and chondrocytes has revealed that the osteoarthritis risk marked by the independent DNA variants rs11583641 and rs1046934 mediate their effects by decreasing the methylation status of CpG dinucleotides in enhancers and increasing the expression of shared target gene COLGALT2. We set out to investigate if these functional effects operate in a non-cartilaginous joint tissue. METHODS Nucleic acids were extracted from the synovium of osteoarthritis patients. Samples were genotyped, and DNA methylation was quantified by pyrosequencing at CpGs within the COLGALT2 enhancers. CpGs were tested for enhancer effects using a synovial cell line and a reporter gene assay. DNA methylation was altered using epigenetic editing, with the impact on gene expression determined using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. In silico analysis complemented laboratory experiments. RESULTS The rs1046934 genotype did not associate with DNA methylation or COLGALT2 expression in the synovium, whereas the rs11583641 genotype did. Surprisingly, the effects for rs11583641 were opposite to those previously observed in cartilage. Epigenetic editing in synovial cells revealed that enhancer methylation is causally linked to COLGALT2 expression. CONCLUSIONS This is the first direct demonstration for osteoarthritis genetic risk of a functional link between DNA methylation and gene expression operating in opposite directions between articular joint tissues. It highlights pleiotropy in the action of osteoarthritis risk and provides a cautionary note in the application of future genetically based osteoarthritis therapies: an intervention that decreases the detrimental effect of a risk allele in one joint tissue may inadvertently increase its detrimental effect in another joint tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulia S Kehayova
- Newcastle University, Biosciences Institute, International Centre for Life, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 3BZ, UK
| | - J Mark Wilkinson
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Sarah J Rice
- Newcastle University, Biosciences Institute, International Centre for Life, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 3BZ, UK.
| | - John Loughlin
- Newcastle University, Biosciences Institute, International Centre for Life, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 3BZ, UK.
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Hartwig T, Banf M, Prietsch GP, Zhu JY, Mora-Ramírez I, Schippers JHM, Snodgrass SJ, Seetharam AS, Huettel B, Kolkman JM, Yang J, Engelhorn J, Wang ZY. Hybrid allele-specific ChIP-seq analysis identifies variation in brassinosteroid-responsive transcription factor binding linked to traits in maize. Genome Biol 2023; 24:108. [PMID: 37158941 PMCID: PMC10165856 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-023-02909-w] [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: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genetic variation in regulatory sequences that alter transcription factor (TF) binding is a major cause of phenotypic diversity. Brassinosteroid is a growth hormone that has major effects on plant phenotypes. Genetic variation in brassinosteroid-responsive cis-elements likely contributes to trait variation. Pinpointing such regulatory variations and quantitative genomic analysis of the variation in TF-target binding, however, remains challenging. How variation in transcriptional targets of signaling pathways such as the brassinosteroid pathway contributes to phenotypic variation is an important question to be investigated with innovative approaches. RESULTS Here, we use a hybrid allele-specific chromatin binding sequencing (HASCh-seq) approach and identify variations in target binding of the brassinosteroid-responsive TF ZmBZR1 in maize. HASCh-seq in the B73xMo17 F1s identifies thousands of target genes of ZmBZR1. Allele-specific ZmBZR1 binding (ASB) has been observed for 18.3% of target genes and is enriched in promoter and enhancer regions. About a quarter of the ASB sites correlate with sequence variation in BZR1-binding motifs and another quarter correlate with haplotype-specific DNA methylation, suggesting that both genetic and epigenetic variations contribute to the high level of variation in ZmBZR1 occupancy. Comparison with GWAS data shows linkage of hundreds of ASB loci to important yield and disease-related traits. CONCLUSION Our study provides a robust method for analyzing genome-wide variations of TF occupancy and identifies genetic and epigenetic variations of the brassinosteroid response transcription network in maize.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Hartwig
- Department of Plant Biology, Carnegie Institution for Science, 260 Panama Street, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
- Heinrich-Heine University, Universitätsstraße 1, Düsseldorf, NRW, 40225, Germany.
- Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research, Carl-von-Linné-Weg 10, Cologne, NRW, 50829, Germany.
| | - Michael Banf
- Department of Plant Biology, Carnegie Institution for Science, 260 Panama Street, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Gisele Passaia Prietsch
- Department of Plant Biology, Carnegie Institution for Science, 260 Panama Street, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Jia-Ying Zhu
- Leibniz-Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK) Gatersleben, Corrensstraße 3, Seeland, SA, 06466, Germany
| | - Isabel Mora-Ramírez
- Leibniz-Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK) Gatersleben, Corrensstraße 3, Seeland, SA, 06466, Germany
| | - Jos H M Schippers
- Leibniz-Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK) Gatersleben, Corrensstraße 3, Seeland, SA, 06466, Germany
| | - Samantha J Snodgrass
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Iowa State University, 339A Bessey Hall, Ames, IA, 50011, USA
| | - Arun S Seetharam
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Iowa State University, 339A Bessey Hall, Ames, IA, 50011, USA
| | - Bruno Huettel
- Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research, Carl-von-Linné-Weg 10, Cologne, NRW, 50829, Germany
| | - Judith M Kolkman
- School of Integrative Plant Science, Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology Section, Cornell University, 413 Bradfield Hall, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Jinliang Yang
- Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 363 Keim Hall, Lincoln, NE, 68583, USA
| | - Julia Engelhorn
- Heinrich-Heine University, Universitätsstraße 1, Düsseldorf, NRW, 40225, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research, Carl-von-Linné-Weg 10, Cologne, NRW, 50829, Germany
| | - Zhi-Yong Wang
- Department of Plant Biology, Carnegie Institution for Science, 260 Panama Street, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
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Charvin M, Halter T, Blanc-Mathieu R, Barraud P, Aumont-Nicaise M, Parcy F, Navarro L. Single-cytosine methylation at W-boxes repels binding of WRKY transcription factors through steric hindrance. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 192:77-84. [PMID: 36782389 PMCID: PMC10152670 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiad069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
DNA methylation is an epigenetic mark that fine-tunes gene expression, notably by negatively or positively regulating transcription factor (TF)-DNA binding. In plants, DNA methylation has primarily been shown to inhibit TF-DNA binding. However, little is known about the underlying mechanisms. Here, we show that DNA methylation decreases the binding of several Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) WRKY TFs to their genomic regions and their binding sites in vitro. We also provide evidence that DNA methylation at a single cytosine located in a functional core W-box motif repels DNA binding of AtWRKY40 in vitro. Using structural modelling, we further demonstrate that this cytosine interacts through van der Waals contacts with the conserved tyrosine of WRKY-DNA binding domains. Importantly, our model predicts steric hindrance when a 5-methyl group is present on this specific cytosine, thereby likely preventing tight binding of WRKY-DNA binding domains. Finally, because the WRKY motif and the residues involved in DNA contacts are conserved across Arabidopsis and rice (Oryza sativa) WRKY TFs, we propose that this methylation-dependent WRKY-DNA binding inhibitory mechanism could be widespread across plant species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magali Charvin
- Institut de Biologie de l'Ecole Normale Supérieure (IBENS), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique UMR8197, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1024, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Thierry Halter
- Institut de Biologie de l'Ecole Normale Supérieure (IBENS), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique UMR8197, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1024, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Romain Blanc-Mathieu
- Laboratoire Physiologie Cellulaire et Végétale, Université Grenoble Alpes, CEA, CNRS, INRAE, IRIG-DBSCI-LPCV, F-38054 Grenoble, France
| | - Pierre Barraud
- Expression génétique microbienne, UMR 8261, CNRS, Université Paris Cité, Institut de biologie physico-chimique, IBPC, F-75005 Paris, France
| | - Magali Aumont-Nicaise
- Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, 91198 Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - François Parcy
- Laboratoire Physiologie Cellulaire et Végétale, Université Grenoble Alpes, CEA, CNRS, INRAE, IRIG-DBSCI-LPCV, F-38054 Grenoble, France
| | - Lionel Navarro
- Institut de Biologie de l'Ecole Normale Supérieure (IBENS), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique UMR8197, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1024, 75005 Paris, France
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Disatham J, Brennan L, Cvekl A, Kantorow M. Multiomics Analysis Reveals Novel Genetic Determinants for Lens Differentiation, Structure, and Transparency. Biomolecules 2023; 13:693. [PMID: 37189439 PMCID: PMC10136076 DOI: 10.3390/biom13040693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in next-generation sequencing and data analysis have provided new gateways for identification of novel genome-wide genetic determinants governing tissue development and disease. These advances have revolutionized our understanding of cellular differentiation, homeostasis, and specialized function in multiple tissues. Bioinformatic and functional analysis of these genetic determinants and the pathways they regulate have provided a novel basis for the design of functional experiments to answer a wide range of long-sought biological questions. A well-characterized model for the application of these emerging technologies is the development and differentiation of the ocular lens and how individual pathways regulate lens morphogenesis, gene expression, transparency, and refraction. Recent applications of next-generation sequencing analysis on well-characterized chicken and mouse lens differentiation models using a variety of omics techniques including RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS), chip-seq, and CUT&RUN have revealed a wide range of essential biological pathways and chromatin features governing lens structure and function. Multiomics integration of these data has established new gene functions and cellular processes essential for lens formation, homeostasis, and transparency including the identification of novel transcription control pathways, autophagy remodeling pathways, and signal transduction pathways, among others. This review summarizes recent omics technologies applied to the lens, methods for integrating multiomics data, and how these recent technologies have advanced our understanding ocular biology and function. The approach and analysis are relevant to identifying the features and functional requirements of more complex tissues and disease states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Disatham
- Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA; (J.D.); (L.B.)
| | - Lisa Brennan
- Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA; (J.D.); (L.B.)
| | - Ales Cvekl
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences and Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA;
| | - Marc Kantorow
- Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA; (J.D.); (L.B.)
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Zhang W, Young JI, Gomez L, Schmidt MA, Lukacsovich D, Varma A, Chen XS, Martin ER, Wang L. Distinct CSF biomarker-associated DNA methylation in Alzheimer's disease and cognitively normal subjects. Alzheimers Res Ther 2023; 15:78. [PMID: 37038196 PMCID: PMC10088180 DOI: 10.1186/s13195-023-01216-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Growing evidence has demonstrated that DNA methylation (DNAm) plays an important role in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and that DNAm differences can be detected in the blood of AD subjects. Most studies have correlated blood DNAm with the clinical diagnosis of AD in living individuals. However, as the pathophysiological process of AD can begin many years before the onset of clinical symptoms, there is often disagreement between neuropathology in the brain and clinical phenotypes. Therefore, blood DNAm associated with AD neuropathology, rather than with clinical data, would provide more relevant information on AD pathogenesis. METHODS We performed a comprehensive analysis to identify blood DNAm associated with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pathological biomarkers for AD. Our study included matched samples of whole blood DNA methylation, CSF Aβ42, phosphorylated tau181 (pTau181), and total tau (tTau) biomarkers data, measured on the same subjects and at the same clinical visits from a total of 202 subjects (123 CN or cognitively normal, 79 AD) in the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) cohort. To validate our findings, we also examined the association between premortem blood DNAm and postmortem brain neuropathology measured on a group of 69 subjects in the London dataset. RESULTS We identified a number of novel associations between blood DNAm and CSF biomarkers, demonstrating that changes in pathological processes in the CSF are reflected in the blood epigenome. Overall, the CSF biomarker-associated DNAm is relatively distinct in CN and AD subjects, highlighting the importance of analyzing omics data measured on cognitively normal subjects (which includes preclinical AD subjects) to identify diagnostic biomarkers, and considering disease stages in the development and testing of AD treatment strategies. Moreover, our analysis revealed biological processes associated with early brain impairment relevant to AD are marked by DNAm in the blood, and blood DNAm at several CpGs in the DMR on HOXA5 gene are associated with pTau181 in the CSF, as well as tau-pathology and DNAm in the brain, nominating DNAm at this locus as a promising candidate AD biomarker. CONCLUSIONS Our study provides a valuable resource for future mechanistic and biomarker studies of DNAm in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhang
- Division of Biostatistics, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1120 NW 14Th Street, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Juan I Young
- Dr. John T Macdonald Foundation Department of Human Genetics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Lissette Gomez
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Michael A Schmidt
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - David Lukacsovich
- Division of Biostatistics, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1120 NW 14Th Street, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Achintya Varma
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - X Steven Chen
- Division of Biostatistics, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1120 NW 14Th Street, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Eden R Martin
- Dr. John T Macdonald Foundation Department of Human Genetics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Lily Wang
- Division of Biostatistics, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1120 NW 14Th Street, Miami, FL, 33136, USA.
- Dr. John T Macdonald Foundation Department of Human Genetics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 33136, USA.
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 33136, USA.
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 33136, USA.
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Cheng Y, Song H, Ming GL, Weng YL. Epigenetic and epitranscriptomic regulation of axon regeneration. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:1440-1450. [PMID: 36922674 PMCID: PMC10650481 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02028-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Effective axonal regeneration in the adult mammalian nervous system requires coordination of elevated intrinsic growth capacity and decreased responses to the inhibitory environment. Intrinsic regenerative capacity largely depends on the gene regulatory network and protein translation machinery. A failure to activate these pathways upon injury is underlying a lack of robust axon regeneration in the mature mammalian central nervous system. Epigenetics and epitranscriptomics are key regulatory mechanisms that shape gene expression and protein translation. Here, we provide an overview of different types of modifications on DNA, histones, and RNA, underpinning the regenerative competence of axons in the mature mammalian peripheral and central nervous systems. We highlight other non-neuronal cells and their epigenetic changes in determining the microenvironment for tissue repair and axon regeneration. We also address advancements of single-cell technology in charting transcriptomic and epigenetic landscapes that may further facilitate the mechanistic understanding of differential regenerative capacity in neuronal subtypes. Finally, as epigenetic and epitranscriptomic processes are commonly affected by brain injuries and psychiatric disorders, understanding their alterations upon brain injury would provide unprecedented mechanistic insights into etiology of injury-associated-psychiatric disorders and facilitate the development of therapeutic interventions to restore brain function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yating Cheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Houston Methodist Neurological Institute, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Center for Neuroregeneration, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Hongjun Song
- Department of Neuroscience, Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- The Epigenetics Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Guo-Li Ming
- Department of Neuroscience, Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
| | - Yi-Lan Weng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Houston Methodist Neurological Institute, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
- Center for Neuroregeneration, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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Smyth LJ, Cruise SM, Tang J, Young I, McGuinness B, Kee F, McKnight AJ. Differential methylation in CD44 and SEC23A is associated with time preference in older individuals. ECONOMICS AND HUMAN BIOLOGY 2023; 49:101233. [PMID: 36812724 DOI: 10.1016/j.ehb.2023.101233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Time preference is a measure used to ascertain the level of which individuals prefer smaller, immediate rewards over larger, delayed rewards. We explored how an individual's time preference associates with their epigenetic profile. Time preferences were ascertained by asking participants of the Northern Ireland COhort for the Longitudinal study of Ageing to make a series of choices between two hypothetical income scenarios. From these, eight 'time preference' categories were derived, ranging from "patient" to "impatient" on an ordinal scale. The Infinium High Density Methylation Assay, MethylationEPIC (Illumina) was used to evaluate the status of 862,927 CpGs. Time preference and DNA methylation data were obtained for 1648 individuals. Four analyses were conducted, assessing the methylation patterns at single site resolution between patient and impatient individuals using two adjustment models. In this discovery cohort analysis, two CpG sites were identified with significantly different levels of methylation (p < 9 × 10-8) between the individuals allocated to the patient group and the remaining population following adjustment for covariates; cg08845621 within CD44 and cg18127619 within SEC23A. Neither of these genes have previously been linked to time preference. Epigenetic modifications have not previously been linked to time preference using a population cohort but they may represent important biomarkers of accumulated, complex determinants of this trait. Further analysis is warranted of both the top-ranked results and of DNA methylation as an important link between measurable biomarkers and health behaviours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura J Smyth
- Epidemiology and Public Health Research Group, Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, BT12 6BJ Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Sharon M Cruise
- Epidemiology and Public Health Research Group, Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, BT12 6BJ Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Jianjun Tang
- School of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development, Renmin University of China, Beijing, China.
| | - Ian Young
- Epidemiology and Public Health Research Group, Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, BT12 6BJ Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Bernadette McGuinness
- Epidemiology and Public Health Research Group, Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, BT12 6BJ Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Frank Kee
- Epidemiology and Public Health Research Group, Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, BT12 6BJ Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Amy Jayne McKnight
- Epidemiology and Public Health Research Group, Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, BT12 6BJ Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
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50
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Roura AJ, Szadkowska P, Poleszak K, Dabrowski MJ, Ellert-Miklaszewska A, Wojnicki K, Ciechomska IA, Stepniak K, Kaminska B, Wojtas B. Regulatory networks driving expression of genes critical for glioblastoma are controlled by the transcription factor c-Jun and the pre-existing epigenetic modifications. Clin Epigenetics 2023; 15:29. [PMID: 36850002 PMCID: PMC9972689 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-023-01446-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glioblastoma (GBM, WHO grade IV) is an aggressive, primary brain tumor. Despite extensive tumor resection followed by radio- and chemotherapy, life expectancy of GBM patients did not improve over decades. Several studies reported transcription deregulation in GBMs, but regulatory mechanisms driving overexpression of GBM-specific genes remain largely unknown. Transcription in open chromatin regions is directed by transcription factors (TFs) that bind to specific motifs, recruit co-activators/repressors and the transcriptional machinery. Identification of GBM-related TFs-gene regulatory networks may reveal new and targetable mechanisms of gliomagenesis. RESULTS We predicted TFs-regulated networks in GBMs in silico and intersected them with putative TF binding sites identified in the accessible chromatin in human glioma cells and GBM patient samples. The Cancer Genome Atlas and Glioma Atlas datasets (DNA methylation, H3K27 acetylation, transcriptomic profiles) were explored to elucidate TFs-gene regulatory networks and effects of the epigenetic background. In contrast to the majority of tumors, c-Jun expression was higher in GBMs than in normal brain and c-Jun binding sites were found in multiple genes overexpressed in GBMs, including VIM, FOSL2 or UPP1. Binding of c-Jun to the VIM gene promoter was stronger in GBM-derived cells than in cells derived from benign glioma as evidenced by gel shift and supershift assays. Regulatory regions of the majority of c-Jun targets have distinct DNA methylation patterns in GBMs as compared to benign gliomas, suggesting the contribution of DNA methylation to the c-Jun-dependent gene expression. CONCLUSIONS GBM-specific TFs-gene networks identified in GBMs differ from regulatory pathways attributed to benign brain tumors and imply a decisive role of c-Jun in controlling genes that drive glioma growth and invasion as well as a modulatory role of DNA methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adria-Jaume Roura
- grid.419305.a0000 0001 1943 2944Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Paulina Szadkowska
- grid.419305.a0000 0001 1943 2944Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland
- grid.13339.3b0000000113287408Postgraduate School of Molecular Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Poleszak
- grid.419305.a0000 0001 1943 2944Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Michal J. Dabrowski
- grid.425308.80000 0001 2158 4832Institute of Computer Science of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Ellert-Miklaszewska
- grid.419305.a0000 0001 1943 2944Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Kamil Wojnicki
- grid.419305.a0000 0001 1943 2944Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Iwona A. Ciechomska
- grid.419305.a0000 0001 1943 2944Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Karolina Stepniak
- grid.419305.a0000 0001 1943 2944Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Bozena Kaminska
- grid.419305.a0000 0001 1943 2944Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Bartosz Wojtas
- grid.419305.a0000 0001 1943 2944Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland
- grid.419305.a0000 0001 1943 2944Laboratory of Sequencing, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, ul. Ludwika Pasteura 3, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
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