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Liu Z. Genetic causal relationship between placental weight and autism spectrum disorder: A two-sample Mendelian randomization study. J Psychosom Res 2024; 184:111857. [PMID: 38991361 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2024.111857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
OBJECT Previous research has suggested an association between placental tissue abnormalities and the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. This study aims to explore the causal relationship between placental weight and autism spectrum disorder. METHODS This study employed Mendelian randomization analysis to investigate the potential causal relationship between placental weight and autism spectrum disorder. The study design involved two sample populations, with data for the exposed population sourced from previous studies focusing on PW, and data for the outcome population obtained from the Integrative Psychiatric Research and the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium study. To ensure the robustness of the results, three sensitivity analyses were performed, including heterogeneity testing, pleiotropy testing, and a leave-one-out analysis. The inverse variance weighted method served as the gold standard for the Mendelian randomization analysis. RESULTS The results of the first analysis revealed a significant correlation between an increase in placental weight and an elevated risk of autism spectrum disorder (p = 0.02). Sensitivity analysis detected heterogeneity and outliers. After removing two outlier SNPs in the second round of analysis, the results still supported a genetic causal relationship between placental weight and autism spectrum disorder (p = 0.01). The second-round sensitivity analysis did not reveal any heterogeneity or outliers. CONCLUSION Our study provides compelling evidence supporting a causal relationship between elevated placental weight and increased risk of autism spectrum disorder. These findings underscore the significance of placental development in the etiology of autism spectrum disorder and propose a potential early predictive indicator for autism spectrum disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao Liu
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China.
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2
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Guo X, Yang J. Advances in DNA methylation of imprinted genes and folic acid regulation of growth and development. Epigenomics 2024:1-11. [PMID: 39140401 DOI: 10.1080/17501911.2024.2384833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation is closely related to folate levels and acts as a mechanism linking developmental disorders to chronic diseases. Folic acid supplementation can impact DNA methylation levels of imprinted genes crucial for neonatal development. Imprinted genes are vital for regulating embryonic and postnatal fetal growth. This review summarizes imprinted genes, DNA methylation, folic acid's influence on growth and development and their correlation. It aims to provide a comprehensive overview of research advancements on imprinted genes, DNA methylation and folic acid regulation concerning growth and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojing Guo
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health & Management, Guangxi Traditional Chinese Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Junwei Yang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Traditional Chinese Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
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3
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Tartour AI, Chivese T, Eltayeb S, Elamin FM, Fthenou E, Seed Ahmed M, Babu GR. Prenatal psychological distress and 11β-HSD2 gene expression in human placentas: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2024; 166:107060. [PMID: 38677195 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2024.107060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The placenta acts as a buffer to regulate the degree of fetal exposure to maternal cortisol through the 11-Beta Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase isoenzyme type 2 (11-β HSD2) enzyme. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the effect of prenatal psychological distress (PPD) on placental 11-β HSD2 gene expression and explore the related mechanistic pathways involved in fetal neurodevelopment. METHODS We searched PubMed, Embase, Scopus, APA PsycInfo®, and ProQuest Dissertations for observational studies assessing the association between PPD and 11-β HSD2 expression in human placentas. Adjusted regression coefficients (β) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled based on three contextual PPD exposure groups: prenatal depression, anxiety symptoms, and perceived stress. RESULTS Of 3159 retrieved records, sixteen longitudinal studies involving 1869 participants across seven countries were included. Overall, exposure to PPD disorders showed weak negative associations with the placental 11-β HSD2 gene expression as follows: prenatal depression (β -0.01, 95% CI 0.05-0.02, I2=0%), anxiety symptoms (β -0.02, 95% CI 0.06-0.01, I2=0%), and perceived stress (β -0.01 95% CI 0.06-0.04, I2=62.8%). Third-trimester PPD exposure was more frequently associated with lower placental 11-β HSD2 levels. PPD and placental 11-β HSD2 were associated with changes in cortisol reactivity and the development of adverse health outcomes in mothers and children. Female-offspring were more vulnerable to PPD exposures. CONCLUSION The study presents evidence of a modest role of prenatal psychological distress in regulating placental 11-β HSD2 gene expression. Future prospective cohorts utilizing larger sample sizes or advanced statistical methods to enhance the detection of small effect sizes should be planned. Additionally, controlling for key predictors such as the mother's ethnicity, trimester of PPD exposure, mode of delivery, and infant sex is crucial for valid exploration of PPD effects on fetal programming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angham Ibrahim Tartour
- Department of Population Medicine, College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, P. O. Box:2713, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Tawanda Chivese
- Department of Population Medicine, College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, P. O. Box:2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - Safa Eltayeb
- Qatar Biobank for Medical Research, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Fatima M Elamin
- Office of Research Ethics and Integrity, Qatar University, P. O. Box:2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - Eleni Fthenou
- Qatar Biobank for Medical Research, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Mohammed Seed Ahmed
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, P. O. Box:2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - Giridhara Rathnaiah Babu
- Department of Population Medicine, College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, P. O. Box:2713, Doha, Qatar
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4
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Lian P, Cai X, Wang C, Zhai H, Liu K, Yang X, Wu Y, Ma Z, Cao X, Xu Y. Identification and experimental validation of m7G-related molecular subtypes, immune signature, and feature genes in Alzheimer's disease. Heliyon 2024; 10:e33836. [PMID: 39027505 PMCID: PMC11255592 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e33836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Studies has shown that N7-methylguanosine (m7G) modification plays a critical role in neurological diseases. However, the exact role and association of m7G with the immune microenvironment in Alzheimer's disease (AD) remain largely unknown and unexplored. Methods The study datasets comprised 667 AD samples and 503 control samples selected from eight datasets in the Gene Expression Omnibus database; m7G regulator genes were obtained from previous literature. The AD subtypes were identified by consensus clustering analysis according to m7G regulator genes. The clinical characteristics, immune infiltration, and biological functions of the AD subgroups were evaluated. A combination of different types of machine-learning algorithms were used for the identification of AD genes. We also assessed and validated the diagnostic performance of the identified genes via qRT-PCR, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemical analyses. Results Two AD distinct subgroups, namely cluster A and cluster B, were identified. Cluster A had poor pathological progression and immune infiltration, representing a high-risk subgroup for AD. The differentially expressed genes of cluster A were enriched in immune and synapse-related pathways, suggesting that these genes probably contribute to AD progression by regulating immune-related pathways. Additionally, five feature genes (AEBP1, CARTPT, AK5, NPTX2, and COPG2IT1) were identified, which were used to construct a nomogram model with good ability to predict AD. The animal experiment analyses further confirmed that these feature genes were associated with AD development. Conclusion To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to reveal close correlations among m7G RNA modification, the immune microenvironment, and the pathogenesis of AD. We also identified five feature genes associated with AD, further contributing to our understanding of the underlying mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piaopiao Lian
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xing Cai
- Department of Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Cailin Wang
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Heng Zhai
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ke Liu
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoman Yang
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yi Wu
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhuoran Ma
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xuebing Cao
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yan Xu
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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5
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Conradt E, Tronick E, Lester BM. Evidence for neurobehavioral risk phenotypes at birth. Pediatr Res 2024:10.1038/s41390-024-03353-7. [PMID: 38907044 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-024-03353-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024]
Abstract
Observations of newborn behavior provide clinicians and researchers with a first description of the neurobehavioral organization of the newborn that is largely independent of the postnatal environment. The Neonatal Network Neurobehavioral Scale (NNNS) was developed in 2004 to evaluate how prenatal exposure to substances such as cocaine is related to neurobehavioral outcomes. There are now 156 empirical articles published using the NNNS, which we review and summarize. Z-scores from published studies using the NNNS were compiled and aggregated supporting the replicability of three newborn neurobehavioral phenotypes: one typical and two that are predictive of later cognitive and behavioral delay; hyper- and hypo-dysregulated newborns. These phenotypes emerged from independent samples and research groups and were identified in a variety of populations, including infants with prenatal substance exposure, preterm infants, and healthy term infants. Our findings show that newborn neurobehavior can be measured in a reliable and valid manner and that certain behavioral phenotypes, identifiable at birth, can predict neurodevelopmental challenges. These findings have important clinical utility. Intervening early with infants exhibiting these risk phenotypes may prevent later neurodevelopmental delay. IMPACT: We reviewed all empirical studies published using the Neonatal Network Neurobehavioral Scale and found evidence for two replicable stress phenotypes that predict later behavioral outcomes. This study highlights the utility of the Neonatal Network Neurobehavioral Scale for early identification of newborn neurodevelopmental risk phenotypes. Early identification of neurodevelopmental risk, when neuroplasticity is high, may ultimately reduce the burden of subsequent neurobehavioral problems through early intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Conradt
- Duke University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Durham, NC, USA.
| | - Edward Tronick
- University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Departments of Psychiatry and Pediatrics, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Barry M Lester
- Brown University Alpert Medical School; Departments of Psychiatry and Pediatrics, Providence, RI, USA
- Women and Infants Hospital of Rhode Island, Center for Children and Families, Department of Pediatrics, Providence, RI, USA
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6
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Wan C, Ma H, Liu J, Liu F, Liu J, Dong G, Zeng X, Li D, Yu Z, Wang X, Li J, Zhang G. Quantitative relationships of FAM50B and PTCHD3 methylation with reduced intelligence quotients in school aged children exposed to lead: Evidence from epidemiological and in vitro studies. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 907:167976. [PMID: 37866607 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
At present, the application of DNA methylation (DNAm) biomarkers in environmental health risk assessment (EHRA) is more challenging due to the unclearly quantitative relationship between them. We aimed to explore the role of FAM50B and PTCHD3 at the level of signaling pathways, and establish the quantitative relationship between them and children's intelligence quotients (IQs). DNAm of target regions was measured in multiple cell models and was compared with the human population data. Then the dose-response relationships of lead exposure with neurotoxicity and DNAm were established by benchmark dose (BMD) model, followed by potential signaling pathway screening. Results showed that there was a quantitative linear relationship between children's IQs and FAM50B/PTCHD3 DNAm (DNAm between 51.40 % - 78.78 % and 31.41 % - 74.19 % for FAM50B and PTCHD3, respectively), and this relationship was more significant when children's IQs > 90. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and calibration curves showed that FAM50B/PTCHD3 DNAm had a satisfying accuracy and consistency in predicting children's IQs, which was confirmed by sensitivity analysis of gender and CpG site grouping data. In cell experiments, there was also a quantitative linear relationship between FAM50B DNAm and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, which was mediated by PI3K-AKT signaling pathway. In addition, the lead BMD of ROS was close to that of FAM50B DNAm, suggesting that FAM50B DNAm was a suitable biomarker for the risk assessments of adverse outcomes induced by lead. Taken collectively, these results suggest that FAM50B/PTCHD3 can be applied to EHRA and the prevention/intervention of adverse effects of lead on children's IQs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Environmental Protection and Resources Utilization, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Deep Earth Science, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Huimin Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Environmental Protection and Resources Utilization, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Deep Earth Science, Guangzhou 510640, China.
| | - Jiahong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Environmental Protection and Resources Utilization, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Deep Earth Science, Guangzhou 510640, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Fei Liu
- School of Business Administration, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Guangzhou First People's Hospital, Guangzhou 510180, China
| | - Guanghui Dong
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Xiaowen Zeng
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Daochuan Li
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Zhiqiang Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Environmental Protection and Resources Utilization, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Deep Earth Science, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Xinming Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Environmental Protection and Resources Utilization, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Deep Earth Science, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Jun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Environmental Protection and Resources Utilization, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Deep Earth Science, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Gan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Environmental Protection and Resources Utilization, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Deep Earth Science, Guangzhou 510640, China
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7
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Chen LN, Shou ZX, Jin X. Interaction Between Genetic Susceptibility and COVID-19 Pathogenesis in Pediatric Multisystem Inflammatory Disorders: The Role of Immune Responses. Viral Immunol 2024; 37:1-11. [PMID: 38271561 DOI: 10.1089/vim.2023.0074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Numerous studies have highlighted the emergence of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) symptoms reminiscent of Kawasaki disease in children, including fever, heightened multisystem inflammation, and multiorgan involvement, posing a life-threatening complication. Consequently, extensive research endeavors in pediatric have aimed to elucidate the intricate relationship between COVID-19 infection and the immune system. COVID-19 profoundly impacts immune cells, culminating in a cytokine storm that particularly inflicts damage on the pulmonary system. The gravity and vulnerability to COVID-19 are closely intertwined with the vigor of the immune response. In this context, the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) molecule assumes pivotal significance in shaping immune responses. Genetic scrutiny of HLA has unveiled the presence of at least one deleterious allele in children afflicted with multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). Furthermore, research has demonstrated that COVID-19 exploits the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2) receptor, transmembrane serine protease type 2, and various other genes to gain entry into host cells, with individuals harboring ACE-2 polymorphisms being at higher risk. Pediatric studies have employed diverse genetic methodologies, such as genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and whole exome sequencing, to scrutinize target genes. These investigations have pinpointed two specific genomic loci linked to the severity and susceptibility of COVID-19, with the HLA locus emerging as a notable risk factor. In this comprehensive review article, we endeavor to assess the available evidence and consolidate data, offering insights into current clinical practices and delineating avenues for future research. Our objective is to advance early diagnosis, stabilization, and appropriate management strategies to mitigate genetic susceptibility's impact on the incidence of COVID-19 in pediatric patients with multisystem inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Na Chen
- Department of Pediatric, Affiliated Hospital of Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, China
| | - Zhang-Xuan Shou
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xue Jin
- Department of Pharmacy, Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Cancer Center, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, China
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8
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Lee YS, Lee YS. nc886, an RNA Polymerase III-Transcribed Noncoding RNA Whose Expression Is Dynamic and Regulated by Intriguing Mechanisms. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24108533. [PMID: 37239877 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24108533] [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: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
nc886 is a medium-sized non-coding RNA that is transcribed by RNA polymerase III (Pol III) and plays diverse roles in tumorigenesis, innate immunity, and other cellular processes. Although Pol III-transcribed ncRNAs were previously thought to be expressed constitutively, this concept is evolving, and nc886 is the most notable example. The transcription of nc886 in a cell, as well as in human individuals, is controlled by multiple mechanisms, including its promoter CpG DNA methylation and transcription factor activity. Additionally, the RNA instability of nc886 contributes to its highly variable steady-state expression levels in a given situation. This comprehensive review discusses nc886's variable expression in physiological and pathological conditions and critically examines the regulatory factors that determine its expression levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeon-Su Lee
- Rare Cancer Branch, Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang 10408, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Sun Lee
- Department of Cancer Biomedical Science, Graduate School of Cancer Science and Policy, National Cancer Center, Goyang 10408, Republic of Korea
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9
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Kokorudz C, Radford BN, Dean W, Hemberger M. Advanced Maternal Age Differentially Affects Embryonic Tissues with the Most Severe Impact on the Developing Brain. Cells 2022; 12:cells12010076. [PMID: 36611870 PMCID: PMC9818809 DOI: 10.3390/cells12010076] [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: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Advanced maternal age (AMA) poses the single greatest risk to a successful pregnancy. Apart from the impact of AMA on oocyte fitness, aged female mice often display defects in normal placentation. Placental defects in turn are tightly correlated with brain and cardiovascular abnormalities. It therefore follows that placenta, brain and heart development may be particularly susceptible to the impact of AMA. In the current study, we compared global transcriptomes of placentas, brains, hearts, and facial prominences from mid-gestation mouse conceptuses developed in young control (7-13 wks) and aging (43-50 wks) females. We find that AMA increases transcriptional heterogeneity in all tissues, but particularly in fetal brain. Importantly, even overtly normally developed embryos from older females display dramatic expression changes in neurodevelopmental genes. These transcriptomic alterations in the brain are likely induced by defects in placental development. Using trophoblast stem cells (TSCs) as a model, we show that exposure to aging uterine stromal cell-conditioned medium interferes with normal TSC proliferation and causes precocious differentiation, recapitulating many of the defects observed in placentas from aged females. These data highlight the increased risk of AMA on reproductive outcome, with neurodevelopment being the most sensitive to such early perturbations and with potential for lifelong impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Kokorudz
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Bethany N. Radford
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Wendy Dean
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Correspondence: (W.D.); (M.H.)
| | - Myriam Hemberger
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Correspondence: (W.D.); (M.H.)
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10
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Jima DD, Skaar DA, Planchart A, Motsinger-Reif A, Cevik SE, Park SS, Cowley M, Wright F, House J, Liu A, Jirtle RL, Hoyo C. Genomic map of candidate human imprint control regions: the imprintome. Epigenetics 2022; 17:1920-1943. [PMID: 35786392 PMCID: PMC9665137 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2022.2091815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Imprinted genes – critical for growth, metabolism, and neuronal function – are expressed from one parental allele. Parent-of-origin-dependent CpG methylation regulates this expression at imprint control regions (ICRs). Since ICRs are established before tissue specification, these methylation marks are similar across cell types. Thus, they are attractive for investigating the developmental origins of adult diseases using accessible tissues, but remain unknown. We determined genome-wide candidate ICRs in humans by performing whole-genome bisulphite sequencing (WGBS) of DNA derived from the three germ layers and from gametes. We identified 1,488 hemi-methylated candidate ICRs, including 19 of 25 previously characterized ICRs (https://humanicr.org/). Gamete methylation approached 0% or 100% in 332 ICRs (178 paternally and 154 maternally methylated), supporting parent-of-origin-specific methylation, and 65% were in well-described CTCF-binding or DNaseI hypersensitive regions. This draft of the human imprintome will allow for the systematic determination of the role of early-acquired imprinting dysregulation in the pathogenesis of human diseases and developmental and behavioural disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dereje D Jima
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA.,Bioinformatics Research Center, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - David A Skaar
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA.,Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA.,Toxicology Program, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Antonio Planchart
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA.,Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA.,Toxicology Program, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Alison Motsinger-Reif
- Bioinformatics Research Center, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA.,Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA.,National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Sebnem E Cevik
- Toxicology Program, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Sarah S Park
- Toxicology Program, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA.,Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Michael Cowley
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA.,Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA.,Toxicology Program, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Fred Wright
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA.,Bioinformatics Research Center, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - John House
- Bioinformatics Research Center, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA.,Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA.,Toxicology Program, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA.,National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Andy Liu
- Department of Neurology, Duke University, School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Randy L Jirtle
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA.,Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA.,Toxicology Program, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Cathrine Hoyo
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA.,Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA.,Toxicology Program, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
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11
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Ruyak SL, Noor S, DiDomenico J, Sun MS, Fernandez Oropeza AK, Rodriguez DE, Marquez LE, Milligan ED, Bakhireva LN. Effects of prenatal opioid and alcohol exposures on immune and serotonin factors in human placenta. Exp Neurol 2022; 353:114057. [PMID: 35364108 PMCID: PMC10035581 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2022.114057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Opioids and alcohol impact critical serotonin (5-HT) function in the developing placenta and fetus through the actions of immune proinflammatory factors. Yet, possible convergent effects of opioids and alcohol on human placental toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) activation and subsequent 5-HT homeostasis remain entirely unknown. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of prenatal exposure to opioids with or without prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) on the expression of key placental immune and serotonin signaling factors in human placental tissue obtained from a well-characterized prospective cohort. METHODS Data were collected from a subset of participants enrolled in the prospective pre-birth Ethanol, Neurodevelopment, Infant, and Child Health (ENRICH-1) cohort. Women were recruited and classified into four study groups: 1) PAE (n = 20); 2) those taking medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD; n = 28), 3) concurrent PAE and MOUD (n = 20); and 4) controls (HC; n = 20) based on prospective, repeated self-report, and biomarker analysis. Placenta samples underwent tissue processing to identify mRNA for TLR4, nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), serotonin transporter (SERT), tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH1), indoleamine 2,3-Dioxygenase 1 (IDO) as well as protein concentrations of TLR4, IL-1β, TNF-α, SERT. To consider the association between study group and mRNA/protein expression of our targets, multivariable regression models were developed with inclusion of a priori selected covariates. RESULTS There was a significant negative association between PAE and SERT mRNA (β = -0.01; p < 0.01) and a positive association with TPH1 mRNA expression (β = 0.78; p < 0.05). In addition, there was a negative association between MOUD and TNF-α protein expression (β = -0.12; p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS This study provides the first evidence that PAE may inhibit SERT expression while simultaneously promoting increased TPH1 protein expression in human placenta. This may result in increased 5-HT in fetal circulation known to affect neurodevelopment. Our data suggest that opioids and alcohol may disturb the bidirectional, dynamic interaction between the placental immune and serotonin system. Given the implication for brain development and health across the life-span further investigation of these critical mechanisms in well-defined cohorts is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon L Ruyak
- College of Nursing, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, United States of America; College of Pharmacy Substance Use Research Education Center, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, United States of America.
| | - Shahani Noor
- Department of Neurosciences, University of New Mexico, Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, United States of America
| | - Jared DiDomenico
- College of Pharmacy Substance Use Research Education Center, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, United States of America
| | - Melody S Sun
- Department of Neurosciences, University of New Mexico, Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, United States of America
| | - Annette K Fernandez Oropeza
- Department of Neurosciences, University of New Mexico, Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, United States of America
| | - Dominique E Rodriguez
- College of Pharmacy Substance Use Research Education Center, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, United States of America
| | - Lidia Enriquez Marquez
- College of Pharmacy Substance Use Research Education Center, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, United States of America
| | - Erin D Milligan
- Department of Neurosciences, University of New Mexico, Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, United States of America
| | - Ludmila N Bakhireva
- College of Pharmacy Substance Use Research Education Center, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, United States of America
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12
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Zuccarello D, Sorrentino U, Brasson V, Marin L, Piccolo C, Capalbo A, Andrisani A, Cassina M. Epigenetics of pregnancy: looking beyond the DNA code. J Assist Reprod Genet 2022; 39:801-816. [PMID: 35301622 PMCID: PMC9050975 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-022-02451-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetics is the branch of genetics that studies the different mechanisms that influence gene expression without direct modification of the DNA sequence. An ever-increasing amount of evidence suggests that such regulatory processes may play a pivotal role both in the initiation of pregnancy and in the later processes of embryonic and fetal development, thus determining long-term effects even in adult life. In this narrative review, we summarize the current knowledge on the role of epigenetics in pregnancy, from its most studied and well-known mechanisms to the new frontiers of epigenetic regulation, such as the role of ncRNAs and the effects of the gestational environment on fetal brain development. Epigenetic mechanisms in pregnancy are a dynamic phenomenon that responds both to maternal-fetal and environmental factors, which can influence and modify the embryo-fetal development during the various gestational phases. Therefore, we also recapitulate the effects of the most notable environmental factors that can affect pregnancy and prenatal development, such as maternal nutrition, stress hormones, microbiome, and teratogens, focusing on their ability to cause epigenetic modifications in the gestational environment and ultimately in the fetus. Despite the promising advancements in the knowledge of epigenetics in pregnancy, more experience and data on this topic are still needed. A better understanding of epigenetic regulation in pregnancy could in fact prove valuable towards a better management of both physiological pregnancies and assisted reproduction treatments, other than allowing to better comprehend the origin of multifactorial pathological conditions such as neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Zuccarello
- Clinical Genetics Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, University Hospital of Padova, Padua, Italy.
| | - Ugo Sorrentino
- Clinical Genetics Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, University Hospital of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Valeria Brasson
- Clinical Genetics Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, University Hospital of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Loris Marin
- Gynaecological Clinic, Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Chiara Piccolo
- Clinical Genetics Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, University Hospital of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | | | - Alessandra Andrisani
- Gynaecological Clinic, Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Matteo Cassina
- Clinical Genetics Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, University Hospital of Padova, Padua, Italy
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13
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Creisher PS, Lei J, Sherer ML, Dziedzic A, Jedlicka AE, Narasimhan H, Chudnovets A, Campbell AD, Liu A, Pekosz A, Burd I, Klein SL. Downregulation of transcriptional activity, increased inflammation, and damage in the placenta following in utero Zika virus infection is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. FRONTIERS IN VIROLOGY 2022; 2:782906. [PMID: 35573818 PMCID: PMC9104602 DOI: 10.3389/fviro.2022.782906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) infection during pregnancy causes serious adverse outcomes to the developing fetus, including fetal loss and birth defects known as congenital Zika syndrome (CZS). The mechanism by which ZIKV infection causes these adverse outcomes and specifically, the interplay between the maternal immune response and ZIKV replication has yet to be fully elucidated. Using an immunocompetent mouse model of transplacental ZIKV transmission and adverse pregnancy outcomes, we have previously shown that Asian lineage ZIKV disrupts placental morphology and induces elevated secretion of IL-1β. In the current manuscript, we characterized placental damage and inflammation during in utero African lineage ZIKV infection. Within 48 hours after ZIKV infection at embryonic day 10, viral RNA was detected in placentas and fetuses from ZIKA infected dams, which corresponded with placental damage and reduced fetal viability as compared with mock infected dams. Dams infected with ZIKV had reduced proportions of trophoblasts and endothelial cells and disrupted placental morphology compared to mock infected dams. While placental IL-1β was increased in the placenta, but not the spleen, within 3 hours post infection, this was not caused by activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Using bulk mRNAseq from placentas of ZIKV and mock infected dams, ZIKV infection caused profound downregulation of the transcriptional activity of genes that may underly tissue morphology, neurological development, metabolism, cell signaling and inflammation, illustrating that in utero ZIKV infections causes disruption of pathways associated with CZS in our model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick S. Creisher
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jun Lei
- Integrated Research Center for Fetal Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Morgan L. Sherer
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Amanda Dziedzic
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Anne E. Jedlicka
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Harish Narasimhan
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Anna Chudnovets
- Integrated Research Center for Fetal Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Ariana D. Campbell
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Anguo Liu
- Integrated Research Center for Fetal Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Andrew Pekosz
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Irina Burd
- Integrated Research Center for Fetal Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Sabra L. Klein
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Jedynak P, Tost J, Calafat AM, Bourova-Flin E, Busato F, Forhan A, Heude B, Jakobi M, Rousseaux S, Schwartz J, Slama R, Vaiman D, Philippat C, Lepeule J. Pregnancy exposure to synthetic phenols and placental DNA methylation - An epigenome-wide association study in male infants from the EDEN cohort. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 290:118024. [PMID: 34523531 PMCID: PMC8590835 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.118024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
In utero exposure to environmental chemicals, such as synthetic phenols, may alter DNA methylation in different tissues, including placenta - a critical organ for fetal development. We studied associations between prenatal urinary biomarker concentrations of synthetic phenols and placental DNA methylation. Our study involved 202 mother-son pairs from the French EDEN cohort. Nine phenols were measured in spot urine samples collected between 22 and 29 gestational weeks. We performed DNA methylation analysis of the fetal side of placental tissues using the IlluminaHM450 BeadChips. We evaluated methylation changes of individual CpGs in an adjusted epigenome-wide association study (EWAS) and identified differentially methylated regions (DMRs). We performed mediation analysis to test whether placental tissue heterogeneity mediated the association between urinary phenol concentrations and DNA methylation. We identified 46 significant DMRs (≥5 CpGs) associated with triclosan (37 DMRs), 2,4-dichlorophenol (3), benzophenone-3 (3), methyl- (2) and propylparaben (1). All but 2 DMRs were positively associated with phenol concentrations. Out of the 46 identified DMRs, 7 (6 for triclosan) encompassed imprinted genes (APC, FOXG1, GNAS, GNASAS, MIR886, PEG10, SGCE), which represented a significant enrichment. Other identified DMRs encompassed genes encoding proteins responsible for cell signaling, transmembrane transport, cell adhesion, inflammatory, apoptotic and immunological response, genes encoding transcription factors, histones, tumor suppressors, genes involved in tumorigenesis and several cancer risk biomarkers. Mediation analysis suggested that placental cell heterogeneity may partly explain these associations. This is the first study describing the genome-wide modifications of placental DNA methylation associated with pregnancy exposure to synthetic phenols or their precursors. Our results suggest that cell heterogeneity might mediate the effects of triclosan exposure on placental DNA methylation. Additionally, the enrichment of imprinted genes within the DMRs suggests mechanisms by which certain exposures, mainly to triclosan, could affect fetal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Jedynak
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm, CNRS, Team of Environmental Epidemiology Applied to Development and Respiratory Health, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, France.
| | - Jörg Tost
- Laboratory for Epigenetics and Environment, Centre National de Recherche en Génomique Humaine, CEA - Institut de Biologie François Jacob, University Paris Saclay, Evry, France
| | - Antonia M Calafat
- National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Ekaterina Bourova-Flin
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm, CNRS, EpiMed Group, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, France
| | - Florence Busato
- Laboratory for Epigenetics and Environment, Centre National de Recherche en Génomique Humaine, CEA - Institut de Biologie François Jacob, University Paris Saclay, Evry, France
| | - Anne Forhan
- Université de Paris, Centre for Research in Epidemiology and Statistics (CRESS), INSERM, INRAE, F-75004, Paris, France
| | - Barbara Heude
- Université de Paris, Centre for Research in Epidemiology and Statistics (CRESS), INSERM, INRAE, F-75004, Paris, France
| | - Milan Jakobi
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm, CNRS, Team of Environmental Epidemiology Applied to Development and Respiratory Health, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, France
| | - Sophie Rousseaux
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm, CNRS, EpiMed Group, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, France
| | - Joel Schwartz
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rémy Slama
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm, CNRS, Team of Environmental Epidemiology Applied to Development and Respiratory Health, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, France
| | - Daniel Vaiman
- Genomics, Epigenetics and Physiopathology of Reproduction, Institut Cochin, U1016 Inserm - UMR 8104 CNRS - Paris-Descartes University, Paris, France
| | - Claire Philippat
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm, CNRS, Team of Environmental Epidemiology Applied to Development and Respiratory Health, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, France
| | - Johanna Lepeule
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm, CNRS, Team of Environmental Epidemiology Applied to Development and Respiratory Health, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, France
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15
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Gutherz OR, Deyssenroth M, Li Q, Hao K, Jacobson JL, Chen J, Jacobson SW, Carter RC. Potential roles of imprinted genes in the teratogenic effects of alcohol on the placenta, somatic growth, and the developing brain. Exp Neurol 2021; 347:113919. [PMID: 34752786 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2021.113919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Despite several decades of research and prevention efforts, fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) remain the most common preventable cause of neurodevelopmental disabilities worldwide. Animal and human studies have implicated fetal alcohol-induced alterations in epigenetic programming as a chief mechanism in FASD. Several studies have demonstrated fetal alcohol-related alterations in methylation and expression of imprinted genes in placental, brain, and embryonic tissue. Imprinted genes are epigenetically regulated in a parent-of-origin-specific manner, in which only the maternal or paternal allele is expressed, and the other allele is silenced. The chief functions of imprinted genes are in placental development, somatic growth, and neurobehavior-three domains characteristically affected in FASD. In this review, we summarize the growing body of literature characterizing prenatal alcohol-related alterations in imprinted gene methylation and/or expression and discuss potential mechanistic roles for these alterations in the teratogenic effects of prenatal alcohol exposure. Future research is needed to examine potential physiologic mechanisms by which alterations in imprinted genes disrupt development in FASD, which may, in turn, elucidate novel targets for intervention. Furthermore, mechanistic alterations in imprinted gene expression and/or methylation in FASD may inform screening assays that identify individuals with FASD neurobehavioral deficits who may benefit from early interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia R Gutherz
- Institute of Human Nutrition, Columbia University Medical Center, United States of America
| | - Maya Deyssenroth
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, United States of America
| | - Qian Li
- Department of Environmental Medicine & Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, United States of America
| | - Ke Hao
- Department of Environmental Medicine & Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, United States of America
| | - Joseph L Jacobson
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, United States of America; Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town Faculty of Health Sciences, South Africa
| | - Jia Chen
- Department of Environmental Medicine & Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, United States of America
| | - Sandra W Jacobson
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, United States of America; Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town Faculty of Health Sciences, South Africa
| | - R Colin Carter
- Institute of Human Nutrition, Columbia University Medical Center, United States of America; Departments of Emergency Medicine and Pediatrics, Columbia University Medical Center, United States of America.
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16
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Rodriguez N, Martinez-Pinteño A, Blázquez A, Ortiz AE, Moreno E, Gassó P, Lafuente A, Lazaro L, Mas S. Integrative DNA Methylation and Gene Expression Analysis of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Response in Children and Adolescents with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder; a Pilot Study. PHARMACOGENOMICS & PERSONALIZED MEDICINE 2021; 14:757-766. [PMID: 34234515 PMCID: PMC8254600 DOI: 10.2147/pgpm.s313015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Here, we propose an integrative analysis of genome-wide methylation and gene expression to provide new insight into the biological mechanisms of Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in pediatric obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Patients and Methods Twelve children and adolescents with OCD receiving CBT for the first time were classified as responders or non-responders after eight weeks of CBT. Differentially methylated positions (DMPs) and gene co-expression modules were identified using specific R software packages. Correlations between the DMPs and gene co-expression modules were investigated. Results Two genes were enriched with significant DMPs (Δβ > ± 0.2, FDR-adjusted p-value < 0.05): PIWIL1 and MIR886. The yellowgreen module of co-expressed genes was associated with CBT response (FDR-adjusted p-value = 0.0003). Significant correlations were observed between the yellowgreen module and the CpGs in PIWIL1 and MIR886 (p < 0.008). Patients showing hypermethylation in these CpGs presented an upregulation in the genes in the yellowgreen module. Conclusion Taken together, the preliminary results of this systems-level approach, despite the study limitations, provide evidence that the epigenetic regulation of ncRNAs could be a predictor of CBT response. Limitations The sample size limited the statistical power, and given that the study was hypothesis-driven, our results should be seen as preliminary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Rodriguez
- Department of Basic Clinical Practice, Pharmacology Unit, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Albert Martinez-Pinteño
- Department of Basic Clinical Practice, Pharmacology Unit, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ana Blázquez
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology, Institute of Neurosciences, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Clinical and Experimental Neuroscience Area, The August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ana Encarnación Ortiz
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology, Institute of Neurosciences, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Clinical and Experimental Neuroscience Area, The August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elena Moreno
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology, Institute of Neurosciences, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Patricia Gassó
- Department of Basic Clinical Practice, Pharmacology Unit, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Clinical and Experimental Neuroscience Area, The August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Amalia Lafuente
- Department of Basic Clinical Practice, Pharmacology Unit, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Clinical and Experimental Neuroscience Area, The August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain.,G04 Group, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain
| | - Luisa Lazaro
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology, Institute of Neurosciences, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Clinical and Experimental Neuroscience Area, The August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain.,G04 Group, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sergi Mas
- Department of Basic Clinical Practice, Pharmacology Unit, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Clinical and Experimental Neuroscience Area, The August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain.,G04 Group, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain
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17
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Luan Y, Leclerc D, Cosín-Tomás M, Malysheva OV, Wasek B, Bottiglieri T, Caudill MA, Rozen R. Moderate Folic Acid Supplementation in Pregnant Mice Results in Altered Methyl Metabolism and in Sex-Specific Placental Transcription Changes. Mol Nutr Food Res 2021; 65:e2100197. [PMID: 34010503 DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.202100197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
SCOPE Many pregnant women have higher folic acid (FA) intake due to food fortification and increased vitamin use. It is reported that diets containing five-fold higher FA than recommended for mice (5xFASD) during pregnancy resulted in methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) deficiency and altered choline/methyl metabolism, with neurobehavioral abnormalities in newborns. The goal is to determine whether these changes have their origins in the placenta during embryonic development. METHODS AND RESULTS Female mice are fed control diet or 5xFASD for a month before mating and maintained on these diets until embryonic day 17.5. 5xFASD led to pseudo-MTHFR deficiency in maternal liver and altered choline/methyl metabolites in maternal plasma (increased methyltetrahydrofolate and decreased betaine). Methylation potential (S-adenosylmethionine:S-adenosylhomocysteine ratio) and glycerophosphocholine are decreased in placenta and embryonic liver. Folic acid supplemented diet results in sex-specific transcriptome profiles in placenta, with validation of dietary expression changes of 29 genes involved in angiogenesis, receptor biology or neurodevelopment, and altered methylation of the serotonin receptor 2A gene. CONCLUSION Moderate increases in folate intake during pregnancy result in placental metabolic and gene expression changes, particularly in angiogenesis, which may contribute to abnormal behavior in pups. These results are relevant for determining a safe upper limit for folate intake during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Luan
- Departments of Human Genetics and Pediatrics, McGill University Health Center (MUHC), McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Daniel Leclerc
- Departments of Human Genetics and Pediatrics, McGill University Health Center (MUHC), McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Marta Cosín-Tomás
- Departments of Human Genetics and Pediatrics, McGill University Health Center (MUHC), McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Olga V Malysheva
- Division of Nutritional Sciences and Genomics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Brandi Wasek
- Center of Metabolomics, Institute of Metabolic Disease, Baylor Scott & White Research Institute, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Teodoro Bottiglieri
- Center of Metabolomics, Institute of Metabolic Disease, Baylor Scott & White Research Institute, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Marie A Caudill
- Division of Nutritional Sciences and Genomics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Rima Rozen
- Departments of Human Genetics and Pediatrics, McGill University Health Center (MUHC), McGill University, Montreal, Canada
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18
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Migliore L, Nicolì V, Stoccoro A. Gender Specific Differences in Disease Susceptibility: The Role of Epigenetics. Biomedicines 2021; 9:652. [PMID: 34200989 PMCID: PMC8228628 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9060652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Many complex traits or diseases, such as infectious and autoimmune diseases, cancer, xenobiotics exposure, neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases, as well as the outcome of vaccination, show a differential susceptibility between males and females. In general, the female immune system responds more efficiently to pathogens. However, this can lead to over-reactive immune responses, which may explain the higher presence of autoimmune diseases in women, but also potentially the more adverse effects of vaccination in females compared with in males. Many clinical and epidemiological studies reported, for the SARS-CoV-2 infection, a gender-biased differential response; however, the majority of reports dealt with a comparable morbidity, with males, however, showing higher COVID-19 adverse outcomes. Although gender differences in immune responses have been studied predominantly within the context of sex hormone effects, some other mechanisms have been invoked: cellular mosaicism, skewed X chromosome inactivation, genes escaping X chromosome inactivation, and miRNAs encoded on the X chromosome. The hormonal hypothesis as well as other mechanisms will be examined and discussed in the light of the most recent epigenetic findings in the field, as the concept that epigenetics is the unifying mechanism in explaining gender-specific differences is increasingly emerging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Migliore
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, Medical School, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (V.N.); (A.S.)
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Vanessa Nicolì
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, Medical School, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (V.N.); (A.S.)
| | - Andrea Stoccoro
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, Medical School, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (V.N.); (A.S.)
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19
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Barberet J, Binquet C, Guilleman M, Doukani A, Choux C, Bruno C, Bourredjem A, Chapusot C, Bourc'his D, Duffourd Y, Fauque P. Do assisted reproductive technologies and in vitro embryo culture influence the epigenetic control of imprinted genes and transposable elements in children? Hum Reprod 2021; 36:479-492. [PMID: 33319250 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deaa310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Do assisted reproductive technologies (ART) and in vitro embryo culture influence the epigenetic control of imprinted genes (IGs) and transposable elements (TEs) in children? SUMMARY ANSWER Significant differences in the DNA methylation of IGs or transposon families were reported between ART and naturally conceived children, but there was no difference between culture media. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY There is concern that ART may play a role in increasing the incidence of adverse health outcomes in children, probably through epigenetic mechanisms. It is crucial to assess epigenetic control, especially following non-optimal in vitro culture conditions and to compare epigenetic analyses from ART-conceived and naturally conceived children. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This follow-up study was based on an earlier randomized study comparing in vitro fertilization outcomes following the use of two distinct culture media. We compared the epigenetic profiles of children from the initial randomized study according to the mode of conception [i.e. ART singletons compared with those of a cohort of naturally conceived singleton children (CTL)], the type of embryo culture medium used [global medium (LifeGlobal) and single step medium (Irvine Scientific)] and the mode of in vitro fertilization (i.e. IVF versus ICSI). PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS A total of 57 buccal smears were collected from 7- to 8-year-old children. The DNA methylation profiles of four differentially methylated regions (DMRs) of IGs (H19/IGF2: IG-DMR, KCNQ1OT1: TSS-DMR, SNURF: TSS-DMR, and PEG3: TSS-DMR) and two TEs (AluYa5 and LINE-1) were first assessed by pyrosequencing. We further explored IGs and TEs' methylation changes through methylation array (Human MethylationEPIC BeadChip referred as EPIC array, Illumina). MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Changes in the IGs' DNA methylation levels were found in ART children compared to controls. DNA methylation levels of H19/IGF2 DMR were significantly lower in ART children than in CTL children [52% versus 58%, P = 0.003, false discovery rate (FDR) P = 0.018] while a significantly higher methylation rate was observed for the PEG3 DMR (51% versus 48%, P = 0.007, FDR P = 0.021). However, no differences were found between the culture media. After observing these targeted modifications, analyses were performed at wider scale. Again, no differences were detected according to the culture media, but imprinted-related DMRs overlapping promoter region near the genes major for the development (MEG3, BLCAP, and DLX5) were detected between the ART and CTL children. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The sample size could seem relatively small, but the high consistency of our results was ensured by the homogeneity of the cohort from the initial randomized study, the standardized laboratory techniques and the robust statistical analyses accounting for multiple testing. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Although this study did not report DNA methylation differences depending on the culture medium, it sheds light on epigenetic changes that could be observed in some children conceived by ART as compared to CTL children. The clinical relevance of such differences remains largely unknown, and it is still unclear whether such changes are due to some specific ART procedures and/or to parental infertility. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by funding from the Agence Nationale pour la Recherche ('CARE'-ANR JCJC 2017). The authors have no conflicts of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER Not concerned.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Barberet
- Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté-Equipe Génétique des Anomalies du Développement (GAD) INSERM UMR1231, Dijon, France.,CHU Dijon Bourgogne, Laboratoire de Biologie de la Reproduction-CECOS, Dijon, France
| | - C Binquet
- CHU Dijon Bourgogne, Centre d'Investigation Clinique, module Epidémiologie Clinique/essais cliniques (CIC-EC), Dijon, France.,INSERM, CIC1432, module épidémiologie clinique, Dijon, France
| | - M Guilleman
- Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté-Equipe Génétique des Anomalies du Développement (GAD) INSERM UMR1231, Dijon, France.,CHU Dijon Bourgogne, Laboratoire de Biologie de la Reproduction-CECOS, Dijon, France
| | - A Doukani
- Faculté de Médecine Sorbonne Université, Site Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - C Choux
- Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté-Equipe Génétique des Anomalies du Développement (GAD) INSERM UMR1231, Dijon, France.,CHU Dijon Bourgogne, Service de Gynécologie-Obstétrique, Dijon, France
| | - C Bruno
- Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté-Equipe Génétique des Anomalies du Développement (GAD) INSERM UMR1231, Dijon, France.,CHU Dijon Bourgogne, Laboratoire de Biologie de la Reproduction-CECOS, Dijon, France
| | - A Bourredjem
- CHU Dijon Bourgogne, Centre d'Investigation Clinique, module Epidémiologie Clinique/essais cliniques (CIC-EC), Dijon, France.,INSERM, CIC1432, module épidémiologie clinique, Dijon, France
| | - C Chapusot
- CHU Dijon Bourgogne, Plateforme de génétique des Cancers de bourgogne, Dijon, France
| | - D Bourc'his
- Institut Curie, PSL University, CNRS, INSERM, Paris, France
| | - Y Duffourd
- Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté-Equipe Génétique des Anomalies du Développement (GAD) INSERM UMR1231, Dijon, France
| | - P Fauque
- Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté-Equipe Génétique des Anomalies du Développement (GAD) INSERM UMR1231, Dijon, France.,CHU Dijon Bourgogne, Laboratoire de Biologie de la Reproduction-CECOS, Dijon, France
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20
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Wan C, Pan S, Lin L, Li J, Dong G, Jones KC, Liu F, Li D, Liu J, Yu Z, Zhang G, Ma H. DNA Methylation Biomarkers of IQ Reduction are Associated with Long-term Lead Exposure in School Aged Children in Southern China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:412-422. [PMID: 33289392 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c01696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Although lead associated with intelligence decline in children has long been reported, studies combining intelligence determination, molecular mechanisms exploration, and biomarker screen are quite rare. In this study, based on 333 children aged 9-11, we determined the role of DNA methylation (DNAm) in the relationship of lead exposure with children's intelligence. DNAm was measured from children's blood DNA specimens, and mediation analysis was performed to identify DNAm biomarkers mediating the lead-intelligence relationship. We identified forty-three differentially methylated regions (DMRs), and two fragments (FAM50B1 and PTCHD3) significantly mediated the lead-intelligence relationship, with contribution rates of 30.36% (p = 0.010) and 60.36% (p < 0.001), respectively. In addition, blood lead levels (BLLs) lower than 100 μg/L still adversely affected children's IQs and DNAm of the two fragments. Our data suggests that DNAm mediates lead-associated cognitive delay in children and blood lead reference value for school-aged children (100 μg/L) should be revised, and the candidate biomarkers can be used in related neurological diseases in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry and Guangdong province Key Laboratory of Environmental Protection and Resources Utilization, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Shangxia Pan
- Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou 511430, China
| | - Lifeng Lin
- Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou 511430, China
| | - Jun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry and Guangdong province Key Laboratory of Environmental Protection and Resources Utilization, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Guanghui Dong
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Kevin C Jones
- Lancaster Environmental Centre, Lancaster University, LA1 4YQ Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Fei Liu
- School of Business Administration, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, China
| | - Daochuan Li
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Guangzhou first people's hospital, Guangzhou 510180, China
| | - Zhiqiang Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry and Guangdong province Key Laboratory of Environmental Protection and Resources Utilization, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Gan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry and Guangdong province Key Laboratory of Environmental Protection and Resources Utilization, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Huimin Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry and Guangdong province Key Laboratory of Environmental Protection and Resources Utilization, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
- Lancaster Environmental Centre, Lancaster University, LA1 4YQ Lancaster, United Kingdom
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21
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Carmel M, Michaelovsky E, Weinberger R, Frisch A, Mekori-Domachevsky E, Gothelf D, Weizman A. Differential methylation of imprinting genes and MHC locus in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome-related schizophrenia spectrum disorders. World J Biol Psychiatry 2021; 22:46-57. [PMID: 32212948 DOI: 10.1080/15622975.2020.1747113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (DS) is the strongest known genetic risk for schizophrenia. Methylome screening was conducted to elucidate possible involvement of epigenetic alterations in the emergence of schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SZ-SD) in 22q11.2DS. METHODS Sixteen adult men with/without SZ-SD were recruited from a 22q11.2DS cohort and underwent genome-wide DNA methylation profile analysis. Differentially methylated probes (DMPs) and regions (DMRs) were analysed using the ChAMP software. RESULTS The DMPs (p-value <10-6) and DMRs (p-valueArea <0.01) were enriched in two gene sets, 'imprinting genes' and 'chr6p21', a region overlapping the MHC locus. Most of the identified imprinting genes are involved in neurodevelopment and located in clusters under imprinting control region (ICR) regulation, including PEG10, SGCE (7q21.3), GNAS, GNAS-AS1 (20q13.32) and SNHG14, SNURF-SNRPN, SNORD115 (15q11.2). The differentially methylated genes from the MHC locus included immune HLA-genes and non-immune genes, RNF39, PPP1R18 and NOTCH4, implicated in neurodevelopment and synaptic plasticity. The most significant DMR is located in MHC locus and covered the transcription regulator ZFP57 that is required for control and maintenance of gene imprinting at multiple ICRs. CONCLUSIONS The differential methylation in imprinting genes and in chr6p21-22 indicate the neurodevelopmental nature of 22q11.2DS-related SZ and the major role of MHC locus in the risk to develop SZ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miri Carmel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Petach Tikva, Israel
| | - Elena Michaelovsky
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Petach Tikva, Israel
| | - Ronnie Weinberger
- The Behavioral Neurogenetics Center and Child Psychiatry Division, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Amos Frisch
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Petach Tikva, Israel
| | - Ehud Mekori-Domachevsky
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,The Behavioral Neurogenetics Center and Child Psychiatry Division, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Doron Gothelf
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,The Behavioral Neurogenetics Center and Child Psychiatry Division, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel.,Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Abraham Weizman
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Petach Tikva, Israel.,Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Geha Mental Health Center, Petach Tikva, Israel
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22
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Scott H, Phillips TJ, Sze Y, Alfieri A, Rogers MF, Volpato V, Case CP, Brunton PJ. Maternal antioxidant treatment prevents the adverse effects of prenatal stress on the offspring's brain and behavior. Neurobiol Stress 2020; 13:100281. [PMID: 33344732 PMCID: PMC7739187 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2020.100281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Maternal exposure to stress during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of psychiatric disorders in the offspring in later life. The mechanisms through which the effects of maternal stress are transmitted to the fetus are unclear, however the placenta, as the interface between mother and fetus, is likely to play a key role. Using a rat model, we investigated a role for placental oxidative stress in conveying the effects of maternal social stress to the fetus and the potential for treatment using a nanoparticle-bound antioxidant to prevent adverse outcomes in the offspring. Maternal psychosocial stress increased circulating corticosterone in the mother, but not in the fetuses. Maternal stress also induced oxidative stress in the placenta, but not in the fetal brain. Blocking oxidative stress using an antioxidant prevented the prenatal stress-induced anxiety phenotype in the male offspring, and prevented sex-specific neurobiological changes, specifically a reduction in dendrite lengths in the hippocampus, as well as reductions in the number of parvalbumin-positive neurons and GABA receptor subunits in the hippocampus and basolateral amygdala of the male offspring. Importantly, many of these effects were mimicked in neuronal cultures by application of placental-conditioned medium or fetal plasma from stressed pregnancies, indicating molecules released from the placenta may mediate the effects of prenatal stress on the fetal brain. Indeed, both placenta-conditioned medium and fetal plasma contained differentially abundant microRNAs following maternal stress, and their predicted targets were enriched for genes relevant to nervous system development and psychiatric disorders. The results highlight placental oxidative stress as a key mediator in transmitting the maternal social stress effects on the offspring's brain and behavior, and offer a potential intervention to prevent stress-induced fetal programming of affective disorders. Social stress in pregnancy induces oxidative stress but is prevented by antioxidant. Prenatal stress induces behavioural, neuroanatomical and neurochemical changes. Maternal antioxidant treatment prevents stress-induced effects in the offspring. Maternal stress alters the balance of microRNAs secreted from the placenta. Placental oxidative stress mediates maternal social stress effects on the offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Scott
- School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, Learning & Research Building, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, BS10 5NB, UK
| | - T J Phillips
- School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, Learning & Research Building, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, BS10 5NB, UK
| | - Y Sze
- Division of Neurobiology, The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK.,Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK
| | - A Alfieri
- Division of Neurobiology, The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK
| | - M F Rogers
- Intelligent Systems Laboratory, University of Bristol, Merchant Venturers Building, Woodland Road, Bristol, BS8 1UB, UK
| | - V Volpato
- UK Dementia Research Institute, Cardiff University, Hadyn Ellis Building, Maindy Road, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ, UK
| | - C P Case
- School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, Learning & Research Building, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, BS10 5NB, UK
| | - P J Brunton
- Division of Neurobiology, The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK.,Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK.,Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Joint Institute, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, International Campus, Haining, Zhejiang, 314400, PR China
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23
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Feng H, Gui Q, Wu G, Zhu W, Dong X, Shen M, Fu X, Shi G, Luo H, Yang X, Xue S, Cheng Q. Long noncoding RNA Nespas inhibits apoptosis of epileptiform hippocampal neurons by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. Exp Cell Res 2020; 398:112384. [PMID: 33212147 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2020.112384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological diseases with spontaneous recurrent seizures. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are crucial modulators in numerous diseases, including epilepsy. However, the functional role and potential mechanism of lncRNA Nespas in epilepsy remain unknown. Our study clarified that Nespas was underexpressed in epileptiform hippocampal tissues and neurons. Furthermore, Nespas promoted hippocampal neuron viability and proliferation, and inhibited hippocampal neuron apoptosis. Mechanistically, Nespas interacted with microRNA 615-3p (miR-615-3p) in epileptiform hippocampal neurons. 26S proteasome non-ATPase regulatory subunit 11 (Psmd11) was a downstream target of miR-615-3p, and Nespas elevated Psmd11 expression via competitively binding to miR-615-3p in epileptiform hippocampal neurons. In addition, rescue assays suggested that Nespas promoted hippocampal neuron viability and proliferation, and suppressed hippocampal neuron apoptosis by upregulation of Psmd11. Furthermore, Nespas suppressed the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway via upregulating Psmd11 in epileptiform hippocampal neurons. This report explored the function and regulatory mechanism of Nespas in epileptiform hippocampal neurons for the first time. Our findings revealed that Nespas suppressed the apoptosis of epileptiform hippocampal neurons by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway via upregulation of Psmd11 at a miR-615-3p dependent way, indicating that Nespas may offer a new direction for the treatment of epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongxuan Feng
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, Jiangsu, China; Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Suzhou Municipal Hospital), Suzhou, 215002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qian Gui
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Suzhou Municipal Hospital), Suzhou, 215002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Guanhui Wu
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Suzhou Municipal Hospital), Suzhou, 215002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wei Zhu
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Suzhou Municipal Hospital), Suzhou, 215002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaofeng Dong
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Suzhou Municipal Hospital), Suzhou, 215002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Mingqiang Shen
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Suzhou Municipal Hospital), Suzhou, 215002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xuetao Fu
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Guomei Shi
- Department of Neurology, Taixing People's Hospital, Taixing, 225400, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hailong Luo
- Department of Neurology, Hongqi Hospital Affiliated to Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, 157011, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Xiaoyan Yang
- Department of Neurology, The People's Hospital of SND, Suzhou, 215129, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shouru Xue
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Qingzhang Cheng
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Suzhou Municipal Hospital), Suzhou, 215002, Jiangsu, China.
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Argyraki M, Damdimopoulou P, Chatzimeletiou K, Grimbizis GF, Tarlatzis BC, Syrrou M, Lambropoulos A. In-utero stress and mode of conception: impact on regulation of imprinted genes, fetal development and future health. Hum Reprod Update 2020; 25:777-801. [PMID: 31633761 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmz025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2018] [Revised: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 07/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genomic imprinting is an epigenetic gene regulatory mechanism; disruption of this process during early embryonic development can have major consequences on both fetal and placental development. The periconceptional period and intrauterine life are crucial for determining long-term susceptibility to diseases. Treatments and procedures in assisted reproductive technologies (ART) and adverse in-utero environments may modify the methylation levels of genomic imprinting regions, including insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2)/H19, mesoderm-specific transcript (MEST), and paternally expressed gene 10 (PEG10), affecting the development of the fetus. ART, maternal psychological stress, and gestational exposures to chemicals are common stressors suspected to alter global epigenetic patterns including imprinted genes. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE Our objective is to highlight the effect of conception mode and maternal psychological stress on fetal development. Specifically, we monitor fetal programming, regulation of imprinted genes, fetal growth, and long-term disease risk, using the imprinted genes IGF2/H19, MEST, and PEG10 as examples. The possible role of environmental chemicals in genomic imprinting is also discussed. SEARCH METHODS A PubMed search of articles published mostly from 2005 to 2019 was conducted using search terms IGF2/H19, MEST, PEG10, imprinted genes, DNA methylation, gene expression, and imprinting disorders (IDs). Studies focusing on maternal prenatal stress, psychological well-being, environmental chemicals, ART, and placental/fetal development were evaluated and included in this review. OUTCOMES IGF2/H19, MEST, and PEG10 imprinted genes have a broad developmental effect on fetal growth and birth weight variation. Their disruption is linked to pregnancy complications, metabolic disorders, cognitive impairment, and cancer. Adverse early environment has a major impact on the developing fetus, affecting mostly growth, the structure, and subsequent function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and neurodevelopment. Extensive evidence suggests that the gestational environment has an impact on epigenetic patterns including imprinting, which can lead to adverse long-term outcomes in the offspring. Environmental stressors such as maternal prenatal psychological stress have been found to associate with altered DNA methylation patterns in placenta and to affect fetal development. Studies conducted during the past decades have suggested that ART pregnancies are at a higher risk for a number of complications such as birth defects and IDs. ART procedures involve multiple steps that are conducted during critical windows for imprinting establishment and maintenance, necessitating long-term evaluation of children conceived through ART. Exposure to environmental chemicals can affect placental imprinting and fetal growth both in humans and in experimental animals. Therefore, their role in imprinting should be better elucidated, considering the ubiquitous exposure to these chemicals. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Dysregulation of imprinted genes is a plausible mechanism linking stressors such as maternal psychological stress, conception using ART, and chemical exposures with fetal growth. It is expected that a greater understanding of the role of imprinted genes and their regulation in fetal development will provide insights for clinical prevention and management of growth and IDs. In a broader context, evidence connecting impaired imprinted gene function to common diseases such as cancer is increasing. This implies early regulation of imprinting may enable control of long-term human health, reducing the burden of disease in the population in years to come.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Argyraki
- First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Laboratory of Genetics, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Papageorgiou General Hospital, Ring Road, Nea Efkarpia, 56403 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Pauliina Damdimopoulou
- Karolinska Institutet, Department of Clinical Sciences, Intervention and Technology, Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, K57 Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, SE-14186 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Katerina Chatzimeletiou
- First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Unit for Human Reproduction, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Papageorgiou General Hospital, Ring Road, Nea Efkarpia, 56403 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Grigoris F Grimbizis
- First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Unit for Human Reproduction, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Papageorgiou General Hospital, Ring Road, Nea Efkarpia, 56403 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Basil C Tarlatzis
- First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Unit for Human Reproduction, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Papageorgiou General Hospital, Ring Road, Nea Efkarpia, 56403 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Maria Syrrou
- Department of Biology, Laboratory of Biology, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Dourouti University Campus, 45110, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Alexandros Lambropoulos
- First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Laboratory of Genetics, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Papageorgiou General Hospital, Ring Road, Nea Efkarpia, 56403 Thessaloniki, Greece
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25
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Combined neurodevelopmental exposure to deltamethrin and corticosterone is associated with Nr3c1 hypermethylation in the midbrain of male mice. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2020; 80:106887. [PMID: 32348866 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2020.106887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Revised: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders and manifests inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity symptoms in childhood that can last throughout life. Genetic and environmental studies implicate the dopamine system in ADHD pathogenesis. Work from our group and that of others indicates that deltamethrin insecticide and stress exposure during neurodevelopment leads to alterations in dopamine function, and we hypothesized that exposure to both of these factors together would lead to synergistic effects on DNA methylation of key genes within the midbrain, a highly dopaminergic region, that could contribute to these findings. Through targeted next-generation sequencing of a panel of cortisol and dopamine pathway genes, we observed hypermethylation of the glucocorticoid receptor gene, Nr3c1, in the midbrain of C57/BL6N males in response to dual deltamethrin and corticosterone exposures during development. This is the first description of DNA methylation studies of Nr3c1 and key dopaminergic genes within the midbrain in response to a pyrethroid insecticide, corticosterone, and these two exposures together. Our results provide possible connections between environmental exposures that impact the dopamine system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis via changes in DNA methylation and provides new information about the presence of epigenetic effects in adulthood after exposure during neurodevelopment.
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26
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Tian FY, Everson TM, Lester B, Punshon T, Jackson BP, Hao K, Lesseur C, Chen J, Karagas MR, Marsit CJ. Selenium-associated DNA methylation modifications in placenta and neurobehavioral development of newborns: An epigenome-wide study of two U.S. birth cohorts. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2020; 137:105508. [PMID: 32007686 PMCID: PMC7722519 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.105508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2019] [Revised: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 01/17/2020] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM Selenium (Se) levels in pregnancy have been linked to neurobehavioral development of the offspring. DNA methylation is a potential mechanism underlying the impacts of environmental exposures on fetal development; however, very few studies have been done elucidating the role of DNA methylation linking prenatal Se and child neurobehavior. We aimed to investigate the associations between placental Se concentration and epigenome-wide DNA methylation in two U.S. cohorts, and to assess the association between Se-related DNA methylation modifications and newborns' neurobehavior. METHODS We measured placental Se concentrations in 343 newborns enrolled in the New Hampshire Birth Cohort Study and in 141 newborns in the Rhode Island Child Health Study. Genome-wide placental DNA methylation was measured by HumanMethylation450 BeadChip, and newborn neurobehavioral development was assessed by the NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scales (NNNS). We meta-analyzed the associations between placental Se concentration and DNA methylation in each cohort, adjusting for covariates. We also fit multiple linear regression and ordinal logistic regression for methylation and newborn NNNS summary scores. RESULTS We identified five Se-related differentially methylated CpG sites. Among them was cg09674502 (GFI1), where selenium concentration was positively associated with methylation (β-coefficient = 1.11, FDR-adjusted p-value = 0.045), and where we observed that a one percent methylation level increase was associated with a 15% reduced odds of higher muscle tone in the arms, legs and trunk of newborns, (OR [95% Confidence Interval, CI] = 0.85 [0.77, 0.95]). We also observed for each interquartile range (IQR) increase in selenium concentration in the placenta, there was 1.76 times greater odds of higher hypotonicity (OR [95% CI] = 1.76 [1.12, 2.82]). CONCLUSIONS Placental selenium concentration was inversely associated with muscle tone of newborns, and hypermethylation of GFI1 could be a potential mechanism underlying this association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fu-Ying Tian
- Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Todd M Everson
- Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Barry Lester
- Brown Center for the Study of Children at Risk, Women and Infants Hospital, Warren Alpert School of Medicine of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Tracy Punshon
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Brian P Jackson
- Department of Earth Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Ke Hao
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Corina Lesseur
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jia Chen
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Margaret R Karagas
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Lebanon, NH, USA; Children's Environmental Health and Disease Prevention Research Center at Dartmouth, Dartmouth College, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Carmen J Marsit
- Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA; Children's Environmental Health and Disease Prevention Research Center at Dartmouth, Dartmouth College, Lebanon, NH, USA.
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27
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Rosenfeld CS. The placenta-brain-axis. J Neurosci Res 2020; 99:271-283. [PMID: 32108381 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Revised: 01/25/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
All mammalian species depend on the placenta, a transient organ, for exchange of gases, nutrients, and waste between the mother and conceptus. Besides serving as a conduit for such exchanges, the placenta produces hormones and other factors that influence maternal physiology and fetal development. To meet all of these adaptations, the placenta has evolved to become the most structurally diverse organ within all mammalian taxa. However, commonalities exist as to how placental responses promote survival against in utero threats and can alter the trajectory of fetal development, in particular the brain. Increasing evidence suggests that reactions of the placenta to various in utero stressors may lead to long-standing health outcomes, otherwise considered developmental origin of health and disease effects. Besides transferring nutrients and gases, the placenta produces neurotransmitters, including serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine/epinephrine, that may circulate and influence brain development. Neurobehavioral disorders, such as autism spectrum disorders, likely trace their origins back to placental disturbances. This intimate relationship between the placenta and brain has led to coinage of the term, the placenta-brain-axis. This axis will be the focus herein, including how conceptus sex might influence it, and technologies employed to parse out the effects of placental-specific transcript expression changes on later neurobehavioral disorders. Ultimately, the placenta might provide a historical record of in utero threats the fetus confronted and a roadmap to understand how placenta responses to such encounters impacts the placental-brain-axis. Improved early diagnostic and preventative approaches may thereby be designed to mitigate such placental disruptions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheryl S Rosenfeld
- Biomedical Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.,Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.,MU Informatics Institute, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.,Thompson Center for Autism and Neurobehavioral Disorders, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.,Genetics Area Program, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
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29
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Thamban T, Agarwaal V, Khosla S. Role of genomic imprinting in mammalian development. J Biosci 2020; 45:20. [PMID: 31965998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Non-mendelian inheritance refers to the group of phenomena and observations related to the inheritance of genetic information that cannot be merely explained by Mendel's laws of inheritance. Phenomenon including Genomic imprinting, X-chromosome Inactivation, Paramutations are some of the best studied examples of non-mendelian inheritance. Genomic imprinting is a process that reversibly marks one of the two homologous loci, chromosome or chromosomal sets during development, resulting in functional non-equivalence of gene expression. Genomic imprinting is known to occur in a few insect species, plants, and placental mammals. Over the years, studies on imprinted genes have contributed immensely to highlighting the role of epigenetic modifications and the epigenetic circuitry during gene expression and development. In this review, we discuss the phenomenon of genomic imprinting in mammals and the role it plays especially during fetoplacental growth and early development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thushara Thamban
- Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD), Hyderabad, India
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30
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The expression profile of circRNA and its potential regulatory targets in the placentas of severe pre-eclampsia. Taiwan J Obstet Gynecol 2019; 58:769-777. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tjog.2019.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
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31
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Kashevarova AA, Skryabin NA, Nikitina TV, Lopatkina ME, Sazhenova EA, Zhigalina DI, Savchenko RR, Lebedev IN. Ontogenetic Pleiotropy of Genes Involved in CNVs in Human Spontaneous Abortions. RUSS J GENET+ 2019. [DOI: 10.1134/s1022795419100065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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32
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Litzky JF, Marsit CJ. Epigenetically regulated imprinted gene expression associated with IVF and infertility: possible influence of prenatal stress and depression. J Assist Reprod Genet 2019; 36:1299-1313. [PMID: 31127477 PMCID: PMC6642239 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-019-01483-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2018] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Despite the growing body of research implying an impact of in vitro fertilization (IVF) on imprinted genes and epigenetics, few studies have examined the effects of underlying subfertility or prenatal stress on epigenetics, particularly in terms of their role in determining infant birthweights. Both subfertility and prenatal stressors have been found to impact epigenetics and may be confounding the effect of IVF on epigenetics and imprinted genes. Like IVF, both of these exposures-infertility and prenatal stressors-have been associated with lower infant birthweights. The placenta, and specifically epigenetically regulated placental imprinted genes, provides an ideal but understudied mechanism for evaluating the relationship between underlying genetics, environmental exposures, and birthweight. METHODS AND RESULTS In this review, we discuss the impacts of IVF and infertility on birthweight, epigenetic mechanisms and genomic imprinting, and the role of these mechanisms in the IVF population and discuss the role and importance of the placenta in infant development. We then highlight recent work on the relationships between infertility, IVF, and prenatal stressors in terms of placental imprinting. CONCLUSIONS In combination, the studies discussed, as well as two recent projects of our own on placental imprinted gene expression, suggest that lower birthweights in IVF infants are secondary to a combination of exposures including the infertility and prenatal stress that couples undergoing IVF are experiencing. The work highlighted herein emphasizes the need for appropriate control populations that take infertility into account and also for consideration of prenatal psychosocial stressors as confounders and causes of variation in IVF infant outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia F Litzky
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA
| | - Carmen J Marsit
- Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road, CNR 202, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
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Everson TM, Marable C, Deyssenroth MA, Punshon T, Jackson BP, Lambertini L, Karagas MR, Chen J, Marsit CJ. Placental Expression of Imprinted Genes, Overall and in Sex-Specific Patterns, Associated with Placental Cadmium Concentrations and Birth Size. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2019; 127:57005. [PMID: 31082282 PMCID: PMC6791491 DOI: 10.1289/ehp4264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Revised: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 04/22/2019] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal cadmium (Cd) exposure has been recognized to restrict growth, and male and female fetuses may have differential susceptibility to the developmental toxicity of Cd. Imprinted genes, which exhibit monoallelic expression based on parent of origin, are highly expressed in placental tissues. The function of these genes is particularly critical to fetal growth and development, and some are expressed in sex-specific patterns. OBJECTIVES We aimed to examine whether prenatal Cd associates with the expression of imprinted placental genes, overall or in fetal sex-specific patterns, across two independent epidemiologic studies. METHODS We tested for Cd–sex interactions in association with gene expression, then regressed the placental expression levels of 74 putative imprinted genes on placental log-Cd concentrations while adjusting for maternal age, sex, smoking history, and educational attainment. These models were performed within study- and sex-specific strata in the New Hampshire Birth Cohort Study (NHBCS; [Formula: see text]) and the Rhode Island Child Health Study (RICHS; [Formula: see text]). We then used fixed-effects models to estimate the sex-specific and overall associations across strata and then examine heterogeneity in the associations by fetal sex. RESULTS We observed that higher Cd concentrations were associated with higher expression of distal-less homeobox 5 (DLX5) ([Formula: see text]), and lower expression of h19 imprinted maternally expressed transcript (H19) ([Formula: see text]) and necdin, MAGE family member (NDN) ([Formula: see text]) across study and sex-specific strata, while three other genes [carboxypeptidase A4 (CPA4), growth factor receptor bound protein 10 (GRB10), and integrin-linked kinase (ILK)] were significantly associated with Cd concentrations, but only among female placenta ([Formula: see text]). Additionally, the expression of DLX5, H19, and NDN, the most statistically significant Cd-associated genes, were also associated with standardized birth weight z-scores. DISCUSSION The differential regulation of a set of imprinted genes, particularly DLX5, H19, and NDN, in association with prenatal Cd exposure may be involved in overall developmental toxicity, and some imprinted genes may respond to Cd exposure in a manner that is specific to infant gender. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP4264.
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Affiliation(s)
- Todd M. Everson
- Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Carmen Marable
- Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Maya A. Deyssenroth
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Tracy Punshon
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Brian P. Jackson
- Department of Earth Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Luca Lambertini
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Margaret R. Karagas
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
- Children’s Environmental Health and Disease Prevention Research Center at Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine, Lebanon, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Jia Chen
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Carmen J. Marsit
- Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Placental imprinted gene expression mediates the effects of maternal psychosocial stress during pregnancy on fetal growth. J Dev Orig Health Dis 2019; 10:196-205. [PMID: 30968809 DOI: 10.1017/s2040174418000545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Imprinted genes uniquely drive and support fetoplacental growth by controlling the allocation of maternal resources to the fetus and affecting the newborn's growth. We previously showed that alterations of the placental imprinted gene expression are associated with suboptimal perinatal growth and respond to environmental stimuli including socio-economic determinants. At the same time, maternal psychosocial stress during pregnancy (MPSP) has been shown to affect fetal growth. Here, we set out to test the hypothesis that placental imprinted gene expression mediates the effects of MPSP on fetal growth in a well-characterized birth cohort, the Stress in Pregnancy (SIP) Study. We observed that mothers experiencing high MPSP deliver infants with lower birthweight (P=0.047). Among the 109 imprinted genes tested, we detected panels of placental imprinted gene expression of 23 imprinted genes associated with MPSP and 26 with birthweight. Among these genes, five imprinted genes (CPXM2, glucosidase alpha acid (GAA), GPR1, SH3 and multiple ankyrin repeat domains 2 (SHANK2) and THSD7A) were common to the two panels. In multivariate analyses, controlling for maternal age and education and gestational age at birth and infant gender, two genes, GAA and SHANK2, each showed a 22% mediation of MPSP on fetal growth. These data provide new insights into the role that imprinted genes play in translating the maternal stress message into a fetoplacental growth pattern.
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35
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Naruse K, Tsunemi T, Kawahara N, Kobayashi H. Preliminary evidence of a paternal-maternal genetic conflict on the placenta: Link between imprinting disorder and multi-generational hypertensive disorders. Placenta 2019; 84:69-73. [PMID: 30846225 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2019.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2018] [Revised: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
There has been great research progress on hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (HDP) in the last few decades. Failure of placentation, especially a lack of uterine spiral artery remodeling, is the main pathological finding of HDP. Currently, members of the vascular endothelial growth factor family are used as markers for the early prediction of onset of HDP. Epidemiologic research has also shown that HDP can have effects on the next generation infants, representing a Development Origins of Health and Disease-related disease. However, the precise pathogenic mechanism and the effect of HDP on the offspring remain unclear. The group of strong pro-inflammatory molecules known as "danger signals" have been shown to be released from the placental trophoblast surface and increase in the maternal circulation in HDP, which are then possibly transported into the fetal circulation. These signals, including fatty acids or adipocytokines, may alter the offspring's health in later life. Moreover, a hypoxic condition alters placental methylation, and the change may be passed onto the fetus. Although the genetic origin of the disease is still unknown, a hypothesis has been put forward that a paternal-maternal genetic conflict, mainly at imprinting lesion sites, may be a key factor for disease initiation. In particular, an imbalance in paternal and maternal factors may impede proper placentation, trophoblast invasion, decidualization or immune moderation so as to achieve better nutrition for the fetus (paternal) versus ensuring safe delivery and further pregnancy (maternal). Here, we review this research progress on HDP and focus on this novel genetic conflict concept, which is expected to provide new insight into the cause, pathophysiology, and multi-generational effects of HDP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katsuhiko Naruse
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nara Medical University, Japan; St.Barnabas' Hospital, Osaka, Japan.
| | - Taihei Tsunemi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nara Medical University, Japan
| | - Naoki Kawahara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nara Medical University, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kobayashi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nara Medical University, Japan
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36
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Sharma A, Lacko LA, Argueta LB, Glendinning MD, Stuhlmann H. miR-126 regulates glycogen trophoblast proliferation and DNA methylation in the murine placenta. Dev Biol 2019; 449:21-34. [PMID: 30771304 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2019.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2018] [Revised: 01/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
A functional placenta develops through a delicate interplay of its vascular and trophoblast compartments. We have identified a previously unknown expression domain for the endothelial-specific microRNA miR-126 in trophoblasts of murine and human placentas. Here, we determine the role of miR-126 in placental development using a mouse model with a targeted deletion of miR-126. In addition to vascular defects observed only in the embryo, loss of miR-126 function in the placenta leads to junctional zone hyperplasia at E15.5 at the expense of the labyrinth, reduced placental volume for nutrient exchange and intra-uterine growth restriction of the embryos. Junctional zone hyperplasia results from increased numbers of proliferating glycogen trophoblast (GlyT) progenitors at E13.5 that give rise to an expanded glycogen trophoblast population at E15.5. Transcriptomic profile of miR-126-/- placentas revealed dysregulation of a large number of GlyT (Prl6a1, Prl7c1, Pcdh12) and trophoblast-specific genes (Tpbpa, Tpbpb, Prld1) and genes with known roles in placental development. We show that miR-126-/- placentas, but not miR-126-/- embryos, display aberrant expression of imprinted genes with important roles in glycogen trophoblasts and junctional zone development, including Igf2, H19, Cdkn1c and Phlda2, during mid-gestation. We also show that miR126-/- placentas display global hypermethylation, including at several imprint control centers. Our findings uncover a novel role for miR-126 in regulating extra-embryonic energy stores, expression of imprinted genes and DNA methylation in the placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhijeet Sharma
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Weill Cornell Medical College, 1300 York Avenue, Box 60, New York, NY 10065, United States
| | - Lauretta A Lacko
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Weill Cornell Medical College, 1300 York Avenue, Box 60, New York, NY 10065, United States; Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, 1300 York Avenue, Box 60, New York, NY 10065, United States
| | - Lissenya B Argueta
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Weill Cornell Medical College, 1300 York Avenue, Box 60, New York, NY 10065, United States
| | - Michael D Glendinning
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Weill Cornell Medical College, 1300 York Avenue, Box 60, New York, NY 10065, United States
| | - Heidi Stuhlmann
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Weill Cornell Medical College, 1300 York Avenue, Box 60, New York, NY 10065, United States.
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Papadopoulou Z, Vlaikou AM, Theodoridou D, Markopoulos GS, Tsoni K, Agakidou E, Drosou-Agakidou V, Turck CW, Filiou MD, Syrrou M. Stressful Newborn Memories: Pre-Conceptual, In Utero, and Postnatal Events. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:220. [PMID: 31057437 PMCID: PMC6482218 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Early-life stressful experiences are critical for plasticity and development, shaping adult neuroendocrine response and future health. Stress response is mediated by the autonomous nervous system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis while various environmental stimuli are encoded via epigenetic marks. The stress response system maintains homeostasis by regulating adaptation to the environmental changes. Pre-conceptual and in utero stressors form the fetal epigenetic profile together with the individual genetic profile, providing the background for individual stress response, vulnerability, or resilience. Postnatal and adult stressful experiences may act as the definitive switch. This review addresses the issue of how preconceptual in utero and postnatal events, together with individual differences, shape future stress responses. Putative markers of early-life adverse effects such as prematurity and low birth weight are emphasized, and the epigenetic, mitochondrial, and genomic architecture regulation of such events are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoe Papadopoulou
- Laboratory of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Angeliki-Maria Vlaikou
- Laboratory of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece.,Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biological Applications and Technology, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Daniela Theodoridou
- Laboratory of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Georgios S Markopoulos
- Laboratory of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Konstantina Tsoni
- 1st Department of Neonatology and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Medical Faculty, Aristotle University School of Health Sciences, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Eleni Agakidou
- 1st Department of Neonatology and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Medical Faculty, Aristotle University School of Health Sciences, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Vasiliki Drosou-Agakidou
- 1st Department of Neonatology and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Medical Faculty, Aristotle University School of Health Sciences, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Michaela D Filiou
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biological Applications and Technology, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece.,Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
| | - Maria Syrrou
- Laboratory of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
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38
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Pulli EP, Kumpulainen V, Kasurinen JH, Korja R, Merisaari H, Karlsson L, Parkkola R, Saunavaara J, Lähdesmäki T, Scheinin NM, Karlsson H, Tuulari JJ. Prenatal exposures and infant brain: Review of magnetic resonance imaging studies and a population description analysis. Hum Brain Mapp 2018; 40:1987-2000. [PMID: 30451332 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.24480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2018] [Revised: 11/05/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain development is most rapid during the fetal period and the first years of life. This process can be affected by many in utero factors, such as chemical exposures and maternal health characteristics. The goal of this review is twofold: to review the most recent findings on the effects of these prenatal factors on the developing brain and to qualitatively assess how those factors were generally reported in studies on infants up to 2 years of age. To capture the latest findings in the field, we searched articles from PubMed 2012 onward with search terms referring to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), brain development, and infancy. We identified 19 MRI studies focusing on the effects of prenatal environment and summarized them to highlight the recent advances in the field. We assessed population descriptions in a representative sample of 67 studies and conclude that prenatal factors that have been shown to affect brain metrics are not generally reported comprehensively. Based on our findings, we propose some improvements for population descriptions to account for plausible confounders and in time enable reliable meta-analyses to be performed. This could help the pediatric neuroimaging field move toward more reliable identification of biomarkers for developmental outcomes and to better decipher the nuances of normal and abnormal brain development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elmo P Pulli
- FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku Brain and Mind Center, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Venla Kumpulainen
- FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku Brain and Mind Center, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Jussi H Kasurinen
- FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku Brain and Mind Center, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Riikka Korja
- FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku Brain and Mind Center, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.,Department of Psychology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Harri Merisaari
- FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku Brain and Mind Center, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.,Department of Future Technologies, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.,Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Linnea Karlsson
- FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku Brain and Mind Center, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.,Department of Child Psychiatry, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Riitta Parkkola
- Department of Radiology, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Jani Saunavaara
- Department of Medical Physics, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Tuire Lähdesmäki
- FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku Brain and Mind Center, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.,Department of Pediatric Neurology, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Noora M Scheinin
- FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku Brain and Mind Center, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.,Department of Psychology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Hasse Karlsson
- FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku Brain and Mind Center, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Jetro J Tuulari
- FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku Brain and Mind Center, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland.,Turku Collegium for Science and Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
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Carter RC, Chen J, Li Q, Deyssenroth M, Dodge NC, Wainwright HC, Molteno CD, Meintjes EM, Jacobson JL, Jacobson SW. Alcohol-Related Alterations in Placental Imprinted Gene Expression in Humans Mediate Effects of Prenatal Alcohol Exposure on Postnatal Growth. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2018; 42:1431-1443. [PMID: 29870072 DOI: 10.1111/acer.13808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2018] [Accepted: 05/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A growing body of evidence in animal models has implicated alcohol-induced alterations in epigenetic programming as an important mechanism in fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). Imprinted genes, a subset of epigenetically regulated genes that are sensitive to the prenatal environment, are chiefly involved in growth and neurobehavior. We tested the hypothesis that alterations in placental imprinted gene expression mediate fetal alcohol growth restriction. METHODS Placental expression of 109 genes previously shown to be imprinted and expressed in the placenta was assessed using the NanoString™ nCounter Analysis System in flash-frozen samples from 34 heavy drinkers and 31 control women in Cape Town, South Africa, from whom prospective pregnancy alcohol consumption data had been obtained. Length/height, weight, and head circumference were measured at 6.5 and 12 months and at an FASD diagnostic clinic (at ages 1.1 to 4.6 years) that we organized. Imprinted gene expression between exposed and control placentas was compared using the limma R package. The relation of alcohol exposure to World Health Organization length-for-age z-scores was examined before and after inclusion of expression for each alcohol-related imprinted gene, using hierarchical mixed regression models with repeated measures. RESULTS Heavy drinkers averaged 8 standard drinks on 2 to 3 days/wk (vs. 0 for controls). Prenatal alcohol exposure was associated with smaller length/height and weight during the postnatal period. Heavy exposure was related to alterations in expression of 11 of 93 expressed imprinted genes, including increased expression of 5 genes found to be negatively associated with growth and decreased expression of 3 genes positively associated with growth. Alcohol-related alterations in expression of 5 genes statistically mediated the effect of prenatal alcohol exposure on length. CONCLUSIONS These findings identify alcohol-related alterations in placental imprinted gene expression as potential biomarkers of adverse effect in FASD and suggest that these alterations may play a mechanistic role in fetal alcohol growth restriction. Future studies are needed to determine whether alterations in imprinted gene expression also mediate FASD neurobehavioral deficits and whether such alterations are amenable to intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Colin Carter
- Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine and Institute for Human Nutrition, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Jia Chen
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Qian Li
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Maya Deyssenroth
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Neil C Dodge
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Helen C Wainwright
- National Health Laboratory Service, Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Christopher D Molteno
- National Health Laboratory Service, Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
- the Departments of Human Biology and of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town Faculty of Health Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ernesta M Meintjes
- National Health Laboratory Service, Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
- the Departments of Human Biology and of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town Faculty of Health Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Joseph L Jacobson
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
- National Health Laboratory Service, Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
- the Departments of Human Biology and of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town Faculty of Health Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sandra W Jacobson
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
- National Health Laboratory Service, Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
- the Departments of Human Biology and of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town Faculty of Health Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa
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Litzky JF, Deyssenroth MA, Everson TM, Lester BM, Lambertini L, Chen J, Marsit CJ. Prenatal exposure to maternal depression and anxiety on imprinted gene expression in placenta and infant neurodevelopment and growth. Pediatr Res 2018; 83. [PMID: 29538358 PMCID: PMC5959758 DOI: 10.1038/pr.2018.27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BackgroundDepression and/or anxiety during pregnancy have been associated with impaired fetal growth and neurodevelopment. Because placental imprinted genes play a central role in fetal development and respond to environmental stressors, we hypothesized that imprinted gene expression would be affected by prenatal depression and anxiety.MethodsPlacental gene expression was compared between mothers with prenatal depression and/or anxiety/obsessive compulsive disorder/panic and control mothers without psychiatric history (n=458) in the Rhode Island Child Health Study.ResultsTwenty-nine genes were identified as being significantly differentially expressed between placentae from infants of mothers with both depression and anxiety (n=54), with depression (n=89), or who took perinatal psychiatric medications (n=29) and control mother/infant pairs, with most genes having decreased expression in the stressed group. Among placentae from infants of mothers with depression, we found no differences in expression by medication use, indicating that our results are related to the stressor rather than the treatments. We did not find any relationship between the stress-associated gene expression and neonatal neurodevelopment, as measured using the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Network Neurobehavioral Scale.ConclusionsThis variation in expression may be part of an adaptive mechanism by which the placenta buffers the infant from the effects of maternal stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia F Litzky
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH
| | - Maya A Deyssenroth
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health; Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai; New York, NY
| | - Todd M Everson
- Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Barry M. Lester
- Center for the Study of Children at Risk, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI
| | - Luca Lambertini
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health; Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai; New York, NY,Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science; Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai; New York; NY
| | - Jia Chen
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health; Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai; New York, NY,Department of Pediatrics; Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai; New York, NY
| | - Carmen J Marsit
- Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA,Corresponding Author: Carmen Marsit, 1518 Clifton Road, CNR 202, Atlanta, GA 30322, Phone: (404) 712-8912, Fax: (404) 727-8744,
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de Sá Machado Araújo G, da Silva Francisco Junior R, Dos Santos Ferreira C, Mozer Rodrigues PT, Terra Machado D, Louvain de Souza T, Teixeira de Souza J, Figueiredo Osorio da Silva C, Alves da Silva AF, Andrade CCF, da Silva AT, Ramos V, Garcia AB, Machado FB, Medina-Acosta E. Maternal 5 mCpG Imprints at the PARD6G-AS1 and GCSAML Differentially Methylated Regions Are Decoupled From Parent-of-Origin Expression Effects in Multiple Human Tissues. Front Genet 2018; 9:36. [PMID: 29545821 PMCID: PMC5838017 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2018.00036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2017] [Accepted: 01/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A hallmark of imprinted genes in mammals is the occurrence of parent-of-origin-dependent asymmetry of DNA cytosine methylation (5mC) of alleles at CpG islands (CGIs) in their promoter regions. This 5mCpG asymmetry between the parental alleles creates allele-specific imprinted differentially methylated regions (iDMRs). iDMRs are often coupled to the transcriptional repression of the methylated allele and the activation of the unmethylated allele in a tissue-specific, developmental-stage-specific and/or isoform-specific fashion. iDMRs function as regulatory platforms, built through the recruitment of chemical modifications to histones to achieve differential, parent-of-origin-dependent chromatin segmentation states. Here, we used a comparative computational data mining approach to identify 125 novel constitutive candidate iDMRs that integrate the maximal number of allele-specific methylation region records overlapping CGIs in human methylomes. Twenty-nine candidate iDMRs display gametic 5mCpG asymmetry, and another 96 are candidate secondary iDMRs. We established the maternal origin of the 5mCpG imprints of one gametic (PARD6G-AS1) and one secondary (GCSAML) iDMRs. We also found a constitutively hemimethylated, nonimprinted domain at the PWWP2AP1 promoter CGI with oocyte-derived methylation asymmetry. Given that the 5mCpG level at the iDMRs is not a sufficient criterion to predict active or silent locus states and that iDMRs can regulate genes from a distance of more than 1 Mb, we used RNA-Seq experiments from the Genotype-Tissue Expression project and public archives to assess the transcriptional expression profiles of SNPs across 4.6 Mb spans around the novel maternal iDMRs. We showed that PARD6G-AS1 and GCSAML are expressed biallelically in multiple tissues. We found evidence of tissue-specific monoallelic expression of ZNF124 and OR2L13, located 363 kb upstream and 419 kb downstream, respectively, of the GCSAML iDMR. We hypothesize that the GCSAML iDMR regulates the tissue-specific, monoallelic expression of ZNF124 but not of OR2L13. We annotated the non-coding epigenomic marks in the two maternal iDMRs using data from the Roadmap Epigenomics project and showed that the PARD6G-AS1 and GCSAML iDMRs achieve contrasting activation and repression chromatin segmentations. Lastly, we found that the maternal 5mCpG imprints are perturbed in several hematopoietic cancers. We conclude that the maternal 5mCpG imprints at PARD6G-AS1 and GCSAML iDMRs are decoupled from parent-of-origin transcriptional expression effects in multiple tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graziela de Sá Machado Araújo
- Núcleo de Diagnóstico e Investigação Molecular, Laboratório de Biotecnologia, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Brazil
| | - Ronaldo da Silva Francisco Junior
- Núcleo de Diagnóstico e Investigação Molecular, Laboratório de Biotecnologia, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Brazil.,Laboratório Nacional de Computação Científica, Petrópolis, Brazil
| | - Cristina Dos Santos Ferreira
- Núcleo de Diagnóstico e Investigação Molecular, Laboratório de Biotecnologia, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Brazil
| | - Pedro Thyago Mozer Rodrigues
- Núcleo de Diagnóstico e Investigação Molecular, Laboratório de Biotecnologia, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Brazil
| | - Douglas Terra Machado
- Núcleo de Diagnóstico e Investigação Molecular, Laboratório de Biotecnologia, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Brazil
| | - Thais Louvain de Souza
- Núcleo de Diagnóstico e Investigação Molecular, Laboratório de Biotecnologia, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Brazil.,Faculdade de Medicina de Campos, Campos dos Goytacazes, Brazil
| | - Jozimara Teixeira de Souza
- Núcleo de Diagnóstico e Investigação Molecular, Laboratório de Biotecnologia, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Brazil
| | - Cleiton Figueiredo Osorio da Silva
- Núcleo de Diagnóstico e Investigação Molecular, Laboratório de Biotecnologia, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Brazil
| | - Antônio Francisco Alves da Silva
- Núcleo de Diagnóstico e Investigação Molecular, Laboratório de Biotecnologia, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Brazil
| | - Claudia Caixeta Franco Andrade
- Núcleo de Diagnóstico e Investigação Molecular, Laboratório de Biotecnologia, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Brazil.,Faculdade Metropolitana São Carlos, Bom Jesus do Itabapoana, Brazil
| | - Alan Tardin da Silva
- Núcleo de Diagnóstico e Investigação Molecular, Laboratório de Biotecnologia, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Brazil
| | - Victor Ramos
- Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Ana Beatriz Garcia
- Núcleo de Diagnóstico e Investigação Molecular, Laboratório de Biotecnologia, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Brazil
| | - Filipe Brum Machado
- Núcleo de Diagnóstico e Investigação Molecular, Laboratório de Biotecnologia, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Brazil
| | - Enrique Medina-Acosta
- Núcleo de Diagnóstico e Investigação Molecular, Laboratório de Biotecnologia, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Brazil
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Lester BM, Marsit CJ. Epigenetic mechanisms in the placenta related to infant neurodevelopment. Epigenomics 2018; 10:321-333. [PMID: 29381081 PMCID: PMC6219448 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2016-0171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2017] [Accepted: 11/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
As the 'third brain' the placenta links the developing fetal brain and the maternal brain enabling study of epigenetic process in placental genes that affect infant neurodevelopment. We described the characteristics and findings of the 17 studies on epigenetic processes in placental genes and human infant neurobehavior. Studies showed consistent findings in the same cohort of term healthy infants across epigenetic processes (DNA methylation, genome wide, gene and miRNA expression) genomic region (single and multiple genes, imprinted genes and miRNAs) using candidate gene and genome wide approaches and across biobehavioral systems (neurobehavior, cry acoustics and neuroendocrine). Despite limitations, studies support future work on molecular processes in placental genes related to neurodevelopmental trajectories including implications for intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barry M Lester
- Center for the Study of Children at Risk, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI 02908, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI 02903, USA
- Department of Psychiatry & Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island, Providence, RI 02905, USA
| | - Carmen J Marsit
- Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
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43
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Buck Louis GM, Smarr MM, Patel CJ. The Exposome Research Paradigm: an Opportunity to Understand the Environmental Basis for Human Health and Disease. Curr Environ Health Rep 2018; 4:89-98. [PMID: 28194614 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-017-0126-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This paper presents an overview of the exposome research paradigm with particular application to understanding human reproduction and development and its implications for health across a lifespan. RECENT FINDINGS The exposome research paradigm has generated considerable discussion about its feasibility and utility for delineating the impact of environmental exposures on human health. Early initiatives are underway, including smaller proof-of-principle studies and larger concerted efforts. Despite the notable challenges underlying the exposome paradigm, analytic techniques are being developed to handle its untargeted approach and correlated and multi-level or hierarchical data structures such initiatives generate, while considering multiple comparisons. The relatively short intervals for critical and sensitive windows of human reproduction and development seem well suited for exposome research and may revolutionize our understanding of later onset diseases. Early initiatives suggest that the exposome paradigm is feasible, but its utility remains to be established with applications to population human health research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Germaine M Buck Louis
- Office of the Director, Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, 6710B Rockledge Drive, Room 3148, Rockville, MD, 20852, USA.
| | - Melissa M Smarr
- Office of the Director, Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, 6710B Rockledge Drive, Room 3148, Rockville, MD, 20852, USA
| | - Chirag J Patel
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, 10 Shattuck St., Boston, MA, 02115, USA
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Van Baak TE, Coarfa C, Dugué PA, Fiorito G, Laritsky E, Baker MS, Kessler NJ, Dong J, Duryea JD, Silver MJ, Saffari A, Prentice AM, Moore SE, Ghantous A, Routledge MN, Gong YY, Herceg Z, Vineis P, Severi G, Hopper JL, Southey MC, Giles GG, Milne RL, Waterland RA. Epigenetic supersimilarity of monozygotic twin pairs. Genome Biol 2018; 19:2. [PMID: 29310692 PMCID: PMC5759268 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-017-1374-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2017] [Accepted: 12/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Monozygotic twins have long been studied to estimate heritability and explore epigenetic influences on phenotypic variation. The phenotypic and epigenetic similarities of monozygotic twins have been assumed to be largely due to their genetic identity. RESULTS Here, by analyzing data from a genome-scale study of DNA methylation in monozygotic and dizygotic twins, we identified genomic regions at which the epigenetic similarity of monozygotic twins is substantially greater than can be explained by their genetic identity. This "epigenetic supersimilarity" apparently results from locus-specific establishment of epigenotype prior to embryo cleavage during twinning. Epigenetically supersimilar loci exhibit systemic interindividual epigenetic variation and plasticity to periconceptional environment and are enriched in sub-telomeric regions. In case-control studies nested in a prospective cohort, blood DNA methylation at these loci years before diagnosis is associated with risk of developing several types of cancer. CONCLUSIONS These results establish a link between early embryonic epigenetic development and adult disease. More broadly, epigenetic supersimilarity is a previously unrecognized phenomenon that may contribute to the phenotypic similarity of monozygotic twins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy E Van Baak
- USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Cristian Coarfa
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Pierre-Antoine Dugué
- Cancer Epidemiology and Intelligence Division, Cancer Council Victoria, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School for Global and Population Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Giovanni Fiorito
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Torino and Italian Institute for Genomic Medicine, Torino, Italy
| | - Eleonora Laritsky
- USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Maria S Baker
- USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Noah J Kessler
- MRC Unit The Gambia, Keneba, Gambia
- MRC International Nutrition Group at LSHTM, London, UK
| | - Jianrong Dong
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jack D Duryea
- USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Matt J Silver
- MRC Unit The Gambia, Keneba, Gambia
- MRC International Nutrition Group at LSHTM, London, UK
| | - Ayden Saffari
- MRC Unit The Gambia, Keneba, Gambia
- MRC International Nutrition Group at LSHTM, London, UK
| | - Andrew M Prentice
- MRC Unit The Gambia, Keneba, Gambia
- MRC International Nutrition Group at LSHTM, London, UK
| | - Sophie E Moore
- MRC Unit The Gambia, Keneba, Gambia
- Division of Women's Health, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Akram Ghantous
- Epigenetics Group, International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France
| | | | - Yun Yun Gong
- School of Food Science & Nutrition, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Zdenko Herceg
- Epigenetics Group, International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France
| | - Paolo Vineis
- MRC-PHE Center for Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Italian Institute for Genomic Medicine, Torino, Italy
| | - Gianluca Severi
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School for Global and Population Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Italian Institute for Genomic Medicine, Torino, Italy
- CESP Inserm, Facultés de medicine Université Paris-Sud, Paris, France
| | - John L Hopper
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School for Global and Population Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Melissa C Southey
- Genetic Epidemiology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Graham G Giles
- Cancer Epidemiology and Intelligence Division, Cancer Council Victoria, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School for Global and Population Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Roger L Milne
- Cancer Epidemiology and Intelligence Division, Cancer Council Victoria, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School for Global and Population Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Robert A Waterland
- USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
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Kingsley SL, Deyssenroth MA, Kelsey KT, Awad YA, Kloog I, Schwartz JD, Lambertini L, Chen J, Marsit CJ, Wellenius GA. Maternal residential air pollution and placental imprinted gene expression. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2017; 108:204-211. [PMID: 28886413 PMCID: PMC5623128 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2017.08.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2017] [Revised: 08/30/2017] [Accepted: 08/30/2017] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maternal exposure to air pollution is associated with reduced fetal growth, but its relationship with expression of placental imprinted genes (important regulators of fetal growth) has not yet been studied. OBJECTIVES To examine relationships between maternal residential air pollution and expression of placental imprinted genes in the Rhode Island Child Health Study (RICHS). METHODS Women-infant pairs were enrolled following delivery between 2009 and 2013. We geocoded maternal residential addresses at delivery, estimated daily levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5; n=355) and black carbon (BC; n=336) using spatial-temporal models, and estimated residential distance to nearest major roadway (n=355). Using linear regression models we investigated the associations between each exposure metric and expression of nine candidate genes previously associated with infant birthweight in RICHS, with secondary analyses of a panel of 108 imprinted genes expressed in the placenta. We also explored effect measure modification by infant sex. RESULTS PM2.5 and BC were associated with altered expression for seven and one candidate genes, respectively, previously linked with birthweight in this cohort. Adjusting for multiple comparisons, we found that PM2.5 and BC were associated with changes in expression of 41 and 12 of 108 placental imprinted genes, respectively. Infant sex modified the association between PM2.5 and expression of CHD7 and between proximity to major roadways and expression of ZDBF2. CONCLUSIONS We found that maternal exposure to residential PM2.5 and BC was associated with changes in placental imprinted gene expression, which suggests a plausible line of investigation of how air pollution affects fetal growth and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha L Kingsley
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA.
| | - Maya A Deyssenroth
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Karl T Kelsey
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Yara Abu Awad
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Itai Kloog
- Department of Geography and Environmental Development, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Joel D Schwartz
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Luca Lambertini
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jia Chen
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Department of Medicine, Hematology and Medical Oncology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Carmen J Marsit
- Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Gregory A Wellenius
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
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Increased methylation and decreased expression of homeobox genes TLX1, HOXA10 and DLX5 in human placenta are associated with trophoblast differentiation. Sci Rep 2017; 7:4523. [PMID: 28674422 PMCID: PMC5495813 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-04776-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2016] [Accepted: 05/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Homeobox genes regulate embryonic and placental development, and are widely expressed in the human placenta, but their regulatory control by DNA methylation is unclear. DNA methylation analysis was performed on human placentae from first, second and third trimesters to determine methylation patterns of homeobox gene promoters across gestation. Most homeobox genes were hypo-methylated throughout gestation, suggesting that DNA methylation is not the primary mechanism involved in regulating HOX genes expression in the placenta. Nevertheless, several genes showed variable methylation patterns across gestation, with a general trend towards an increase in methylation over gestation. Three genes (TLX1, HOXA10 and DLX5) showed inverse gains of methylation with decreasing mRNA expression throughout pregnancy, supporting a role for DNA methylation in their regulation. Proteins encoded by these genes were primarily localised to the syncytiotrophoblast layer, and showed decreased expression later in gestation. siRNA mediated downregulation of DLX5, TLX1 and HOXA10 in primary term villous cytotrophoblast resulted in decreased proliferation and increased expression of differentiation markers, including ERVW-1. Our data suggest that loss of DLX5, TLX1 and HOXA10 expression in late gestation is required for proper placental differentiation and function.
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Nomura Y, John RM, Janssen AB, Davey C, Finik J, Buthmann J, Glover V, Lambertini L. Neurodevelopmental consequences in offspring of mothers with preeclampsia during pregnancy: underlying biological mechanism via imprinting genes. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2017; 295:1319-1329. [PMID: 28382413 PMCID: PMC6058691 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-017-4347-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2016] [Accepted: 03/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Preeclampsia is known to be a leading cause of mortality and morbidity among mothers and their infants. Approximately 3-8% of all pregnancies in the US are complicated by preeclampsia and another 5-7% by hypertensive symptoms. However, less is known about its long-term influence on infant neurobehavioral development. The current review attempts to demonstrate new evidence for imprinting gene dysregulation caused by hypertension, which may explain the link between maternal preeclampsia and neurocognitive dysregulation in offspring. METHOD Pub Med and Web of Science databases were searched using the terms "preeclampsia," "gestational hypertension," "imprinting genes," "imprinting dysregulation," and "epigenetic modification," in order to review the evidence demonstrating associations between preeclampsia and suboptimal child neurodevelopment, and suggest dysregulation of placental genomic imprinting as a potential underlying mechanism. RESULTS The high mortality and morbidity among mothers and fetuses due to preeclampsia is well known, but there is little research on the long-term biological consequences of preeclampsia and resulting hypoxia on the fetal/child neurodevelopment. In the past decade, accumulating evidence from studies that transcend disciplinary boundaries have begun to show that imprinted genes expressed in the placenta might hold clues for a link between preeclampsia and impaired cognitive neurodevelopment. A sudden onset of maternal hypertension detected by the placenta may result in misguided biological programming of the fetus via changes in the epigenome, resulting in suboptimal infant development. CONCLUSION Furthering our understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms through which neurodevelopmental trajectories of the fetus/infant are affected by preeclampsia and hypertension will represent an important first step toward preventing adverse neurodevelopment in infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoko Nomura
- Department of Psychology, Queens College, the City University of New York, 65-30 Kissena Blvd, Flushing, NY, 11367, USA.
- Graduate Center, the City University of New York, Flushing, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA.
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA.
| | - Rosalind M John
- Cardiff School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | | | - Charles Davey
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Jackie Finik
- Department of Psychology, Queens College, the City University of New York, 65-30 Kissena Blvd, Flushing, NY, 11367, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Jessica Buthmann
- Department of Psychology, Queens College, the City University of New York, 65-30 Kissena Blvd, Flushing, NY, 11367, USA
- Graduate Center, the City University of New York, Flushing, USA
| | | | - Luca Lambertini
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
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Carter C. The barrier, airway particle clearance, placental and detoxification functions of autism susceptibility genes. Neurochem Int 2016; 99:42-51. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2016.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2016] [Revised: 05/11/2016] [Accepted: 06/07/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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Janssen AB, Capron LE, O'Donnell K, Tunster SJ, Ramchandani PG, Heazell AEP, Glover V, John RM. Maternal prenatal depression is associated with decreased placental expression of the imprinted gene PEG3. Psychol Med 2016; 46:2999-3011. [PMID: 27523184 PMCID: PMC5080674 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291716001598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2015] [Revised: 06/10/2016] [Accepted: 06/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maternal prenatal stress during pregnancy is associated with fetal growth restriction and adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes, which may be mediated by impaired placental function. Imprinted genes control fetal growth, placental development, adult behaviour (including maternal behaviour) and placental lactogen production. This study examined whether maternal prenatal depression was associated with aberrant placental expression of the imprinted genes paternally expressed gene 3 (PEG3), paternally expressed gene 10 (PEG10), pleckstrin homology-like domain family a member 2 (PHLDA2) and cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1C (CDKN1C), and resulting impaired placental human placental lactogen (hPL) expression. METHOD A diagnosis of depression during pregnancy was recorded from Manchester cohort participants' medical notes (n = 75). Queen Charlotte's (n = 40) and My Baby and Me study (MBAM) (n = 81) cohort participants completed the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale self-rating psychometric questionnaire. Villous trophoblast tissue samples were analysed for gene expression. RESULTS In a pilot study, diagnosed depression during pregnancy was associated with a significant reduction in placental PEG3 expression (41%, p = 0.02). In two further independent cohorts, the Queen Charlotte's and MBAM cohorts, placental PEG3 expression was also inversely associated with maternal depression scores, an association that was significant in male but not female placentas. Finally, hPL expression was significantly decreased in women with clinically diagnosed depression (44%, p < 0.05) and in those with high depression scores (31% and 21%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS This study provides the first evidence that maternal prenatal depression is associated with changes in the placental expression of PEG3, co-incident with decreased expression of hPL. This aberrant placental gene expression could provide a possible mechanistic explanation for the co-occurrence of maternal depression, fetal growth restriction, impaired maternal behaviour and poorer offspring outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. B. Janssen
- Cardiff School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AX, UK
| | - L. E. Capron
- Centre for Mental Health, Imperial College, Hammersmith Campus, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - K. O'Donnell
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute, 6875 La Salle Boulevard, Verdun, Quebec H4H 1R3, Canada
| | - S. J. Tunster
- Cardiff School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AX, UK
| | - P. G. Ramchandani
- Centre for Mental Health, Imperial College, Hammersmith Campus, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - A. E. P. Heazell
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - V. Glover
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - R. M. John
- Cardiff School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AX, UK
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Genetics of the human placenta: implications for toxicokinetics. Arch Toxicol 2016; 90:2563-2581. [DOI: 10.1007/s00204-016-1816-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2016] [Accepted: 08/04/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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