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Dzięgielewska-Gęsiak S, Wysocka E, Fatyga E, Muc-Wierzgoń M. Relationship of SOD-1 Activity in Metabolic Syndrome and/or Frailty in Elderly Individuals. Metabolites 2024; 14:514. [PMID: 39330521 PMCID: PMC11434245 DOI: 10.3390/metabo14090514] [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: 07/10/2024] [Revised: 09/12/2024] [Accepted: 09/22/2024] [Indexed: 09/28/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Although aging is a natural phenomenon, in recent years it has accelerated. One key factor implicated in the aging process is oxidative stress. Oxidative stress also plays a role in frailty (frail) and metabolic syndrome (MetS). METHODS A total of 66 elderly persons (65 years old and older) with no acute or severe chronic disorders were assessed for waist circumference (WC), arterial blood pressure, glycemia, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), plasma lipids, and activity of erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD-1). Patients were classified as NonMetS-Nonfrail (n = 19), NonMetS-frail (n = 20), MetS-Nonfrail (n = 17), or MetS-frail (n = 10). RESULTS There were no significant differences in superoxide dismutase activity among investigated elderly groups. However, the data suggest that MetS individuals, both frail and nonfrail, have higher risk factors for cardiovascular disease compared to NonMetS individuals. The correlations analyses of SOD-1 and other metabolic indices suggest that SOD-1 levels may be influenced by age, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and fasting glucose levels in certain groups of seniors. CONCLUSIONS Aging is associated with decreased antioxidant enzyme SOD-1 activity with glucose alteration in frailty syndrome as well as with lipids disturbances in metabolic syndrome. These factors provide a nuanced view of how frailty and metabolic syndrome interact with various health parameters, informing both clinical practice and future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylwia Dzięgielewska-Gęsiak
- Department of Internal Diseases Propaedeutics and Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Public Health in Bytom, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Piekarska 18 Str., 44-902 Bytom, Poland; (E.F.); (M.M.-W.)
| | - Ewa Wysocka
- Department of Laboratory Diagnostics, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 84 Szamarzewskiego Str., 60-569 Poznań, Poland;
| | - Edyta Fatyga
- Department of Internal Diseases Propaedeutics and Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Public Health in Bytom, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Piekarska 18 Str., 44-902 Bytom, Poland; (E.F.); (M.M.-W.)
| | - Małgorzata Muc-Wierzgoń
- Department of Internal Diseases Propaedeutics and Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Public Health in Bytom, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Piekarska 18 Str., 44-902 Bytom, Poland; (E.F.); (M.M.-W.)
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Noches V, Campos-Melo D, Droppelmann CA, Strong MJ. Epigenetics in the formation of pathological aggregates in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Front Mol Neurosci 2024; 17:1417961. [PMID: 39290830 PMCID: PMC11405384 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2024.1417961] [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: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 08/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The progressive degeneration of motor neurons in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is accompanied by the formation of a broad array of cytoplasmic and nuclear neuronal inclusions (protein aggregates) largely containing RNA-binding proteins such as TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) or fused in sarcoma/translocated in liposarcoma (FUS/TLS). This process is driven by a liquid-to-solid phase separation generally from proteins in membrane-less organelles giving rise to pathological biomolecular condensates. The formation of these protein aggregates suggests a fundamental alteration in the mRNA expression or the levels of the proteins involved. Considering the role of the epigenome in gene expression, alterations in DNA methylation, histone modifications, chromatin remodeling, non-coding RNAs, and RNA modifications become highly relevant to understanding how this pathological process takes effect. In this review, we explore the evidence that links epigenetic mechanisms with the formation of protein aggregates in ALS. We propose that a greater understanding of the role of the epigenome and how this inter-relates with the formation of pathological LLPS in ALS will provide an attractive therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Noches
- Molecular Medicine Group, Robarts Research Institute, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Danae Campos-Melo
- Molecular Medicine Group, Robarts Research Institute, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Cristian A Droppelmann
- Molecular Medicine Group, Robarts Research Institute, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Michael J Strong
- Molecular Medicine Group, Robarts Research Institute, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
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3
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Tripathi S, Bhawana. Epigenetic Orchestration of Neurodegenerative Disorders: A Possible Target for Curcumin as a Therapeutic. Neurochem Res 2024; 49:2319-2335. [PMID: 38856890 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-024-04167-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Epigenetic modulations play a major role in gene expression and thus are responsible for various physiological changes including age-associated neurological disorders. Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's (AD), Parkinson's (PD), Huntington's disease (HD), although symptomatically different, may share common underlying mechanisms. Most neurodegenerative diseases are associated with increased oxidative stress, aggregation of certain proteins, mitochondrial dysfunction, inactivation/dysregulation of protein degradation machinery, DNA damage and cell excitotoxicity. Epigenetic modulations has been reported to play a significant role in onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases by regulating these processes. Previous studies have highlighted the marked antioxidant and neuroprotective abilities of polyphenols such as curcumin, by increased activity of detoxification systems like superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase or glutathione peroxidase. The role of curcumin as an epigenetic modulator in neurological disorders and neuroinflammation apart from other chronic diseases have also been reported by a few groups. Nonetheless, the evidences for the role of curcumin mediated epigenetic modulation in its neuroprotective ability are still limited. This review summarizes the current knowledge of the role of mitochondrial dysfunction, epigenetic modulations and mitoepigenetics in age-associated neurological disorders such as PD, AD, HD, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), and Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and describes the neuroprotective effects of curcumin in the treatment and/or prevention of these neurodegenerative diseases by regulation of the epigenetic machinery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shweta Tripathi
- Department of Paramedical Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, SGT University, Gurugram, 122505, Haryana, India.
| | - Bhawana
- Department of Paramedical Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, SGT University, Gurugram, 122505, Haryana, India
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Hernan-Godoy M, Rouaux C. From Environment to Gene Expression: Epigenetic Methylations and One-Carbon Metabolism in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Cells 2024; 13:967. [PMID: 38891099 PMCID: PMC11171807 DOI: 10.3390/cells13110967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The etiology of the neurodegenerative disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is complex and considered multifactorial. The majority of ALS cases are sporadic, but familial cases also exist. Estimates of heritability range from 8% to 61%, indicating that additional factors beyond genetics likely contribute to ALS. Numerous environmental factors are considered, which may add up and synergize throughout an individual's lifetime building its unique exposome. One level of integration between genetic and environmental factors is epigenetics, which results in alterations in gene expression without modification of the genome sequence. Methylation reactions, targeting DNA or histones, represent a large proportion of epigenetic regulations and strongly depend on the availability of methyl donors provided by the ubiquitous one-carbon (1C) metabolism. Thus, understanding the interplay between exposome, 1C metabolism, and epigenetic modifications will likely contribute to elucidating the mechanisms underlying altered gene expression related to ALS and to developing targeted therapeutic interventions. Here, we review evidence for 1C metabolism alterations and epigenetic methylation dysregulations in ALS, with a focus on the impairments reported in neural tissues, and discuss these environmentally driven mechanisms as the consequences of cumulative exposome or late environmental hits, but also as the possible result of early developmental defects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Caroline Rouaux
- Inserm UMR_S 1329, Strasbourg Translational Neuroscience and Psychiatry, Université de Strasbourg, Centre de Recherche en Biomédecine de Strasbourg, 1 Rue Eugène Boeckel, 67 000 Strasbourg, France;
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The Role of Epigenetics in Neuroinflammatory-Driven Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232315218. [PMID: 36499544 PMCID: PMC9740629 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232315218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disorders are characterized by the progressive loss of central and/or peripheral nervous system neurons. Within this context, neuroinflammation comes up as one of the main factors linked to neurodegeneration progression. In fact, neuroinflammation has been recognized as an outstanding factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson's disease (PD), and multiple sclerosis (MS). Interestingly, neuroinflammatory diseases are characterized by dramatic changes in the epigenetic profile, which might provide novel prognostic and therapeutic factors towards neuroinflammatory treatment. Deep changes in DNA and histone methylation, along with histone acetylation and altered non-coding RNA expression, have been reported at the onset of inflammatory diseases. The aim of this work is to review the current knowledge on this field.
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Martin LJ, Adams DA, Niedzwiecki MV, Wong M. Aberrant DNA and RNA Methylation Occur in Spinal Cord and Skeletal Muscle of Human SOD1 Mouse Models of ALS and in Human ALS: Targeting DNA Methylation Is Therapeutic. Cells 2022; 11:3448. [PMID: 36359844 PMCID: PMC9657572 DOI: 10.3390/cells11213448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal disease. Skeletal muscles and motor neurons (MNs) degenerate. ALS is a complex disease involving many genes in multiple tissues, the environment, cellular metabolism, and lifestyles. We hypothesized that epigenetic anomalies in DNA and RNA occur in ALS and examined this idea in: (1) mouse models of ALS, (2) human ALS, and (3) mouse ALS with therapeutic targeting of DNA methylation. Human superoxide dismutase-1 (hSOD1) transgenic (tg) mice were used. They expressed nonconditionally wildtype (WT) and the G93A and G37R mutant variants or skeletal muscle-restricted WT and G93A and G37R mutated forms. Age-matched non-tg mice were controls. hSOD1 mutant mice had increased DNA methyltransferase enzyme activity in spinal cord and skeletal muscle and increased 5-methylcytosine (5mC) levels. Genome-wide promoter CpG DNA methylation profiling in skeletal muscle of ALS mice identified hypermethylation notably in cytoskeletal genes. 5mC accumulated in spinal cord MNs and skeletal muscle satellite cells in mice. Significant increases in DNA methyltransferase-1 (DNMT1) and DNA methyltransferase-3A (DNMT3A) levels occurred in spinal cord nuclear and chromatin bound extracts of the different hSOD1 mouse lines. Mutant hSOD1 interacted with DNMT3A in skeletal muscle. 6-methyladenosine (6mA) RNA methylation was markedly increased or decreased in mouse spinal cord depending on hSOD1-G93A model, while fat mass and obesity associated protein was depleted and methyltransferase-like protein 3 was increased in spinal cord and skeletal muscle. Human ALS spinal cord had increased numbers of MNs and interneurons with nuclear 5mC, motor cortex had increased 5mC-positive neurons, while 6mA was severely depleted. Treatment of hSOD1-G93A mice with DNMT inhibitor improved motor function and extended lifespan by 25%. We conclude that DNA and RNA epigenetic anomalies are prominent in mouse and human ALS and are potentially targetable for disease-modifying therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lee J. Martin
- Department of Pathology, Division of Neuropathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Pathobiology Graduate Training Program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Danya A. Adams
- Department of Pathology, Division of Neuropathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Mark V. Niedzwiecki
- Department of Pathology, Division of Neuropathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Margaret Wong
- Department of Pathology, Division of Neuropathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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7
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Cai Z, Yin K, Liu Q, Liu M, Yang X, Cui L. Association between abnormal expression and methylation of LGALS1 in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Brain Res 2022; 1792:148022. [PMID: 35872012 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2022.148022] [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: 04/16/2022] [Revised: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE DNA methylation has been identified to play an important role in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Galectin-1, encoded by LGALS1 gene, has been proved to be associated with ALS. We aimed to investigate the association between the expression and methylation of LGALS1 in blood samples from ALS patients. METHODS Forty-five patients diagnosed with ALS were enrolled. Thirty-two healthy relatives consisted the control group. Among them, samples from 12 patients and 12 controls consisted the exploration samples. In the exploration samples, mRNA expression levels were detected by quantitative real-time PCR. In all the samples, DNA methylation levels of one CpG island containing 12 CpG sites in the gene promoter were detected by bisulfite sequencing PCR, and galectin-1 levels were examined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Associations between the gene expression and methylation level, as well as between the region-specific methylation level and clinical variables were calculated. RESULTS The mRNA expression level of LGALS1 was significantly increased and the promoter of LGALS1 was hypomethylated in ALS patients. Serum galectin-1 levels were significantly elevated in the ALS patients. The ALS group had significantly lower methylation level at certain CpG sites than the control group. There were significant negative associations between abnormal expression and methylation of LGALS1, as well as between region-specific methylation levels and the age of onset. CONCLUSIONS The aberrant expression and DNA methylation of LGALS1 and their association reveals epigenetic changes in ALS patients, which are helpful for early intervention and treatment for the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengyi Cai
- Department of Neurology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Kaili Yin
- McKusick-Zhang Center for Genetic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Qing Liu
- Department of Neurology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Mingsheng Liu
- Department of Neurology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xunzhe Yang
- Department of Neurology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Liying Cui
- Department of Neurology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China; Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
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8
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Epigenome-wide DNA methylation study of whole blood in patients with sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Chin Med J (Engl) 2022; 135:1466-1473. [PMID: 35853630 PMCID: PMC9481424 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000002090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Epigenetics, and especially DNA methylation, contributes to the pathogenesis of sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (SALS). This study aimed to investigate the role of DNA methylation in SALS using whole blood of SALS patients. Methods: In total, 32 SALS patients and 32 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. DNA was isolated from whole blood collected from the participants. DNA methylation profiles were generated using Infinium MethylationEPIC BeadChip. Results: We identified 34 significant differentially methylated positions (DMPs) in whole blood from SALS patients, compared with the healthy controls. Of these DMPs, five were hypermethylated and 29 were hypomethylated; they corresponded to 13 genes. For the DMPs, ATAD3B and BLK were hypermethylated, whereas DDO, IQCE, ABCB1, DNAH9, FIGN, NRP1, TMEM87B, CCSAP, ST6GALNAC5, MYOM2, and RUSC1-AS1 were hypomethylated. We also identified 12 differentially methylated regions (DMRs), related to 12 genes (NWD1, LDHD, CIS, IQCE, TNF, PDE1C, LGALS1, CSNK1E, LRRC23, ENO2, ELOVL2, and ELOVL2-AS1). According to data from the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes database, DNAH9 and TNF are involved in the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) pathway. Correlation analysis between clinical features and DNA methylation profiling indicated that the methylation level of ELOVL2 and ARID1B was positively associated with the age of onset (r = 0.86, adjust P = 0.001) and disease duration (r = 0.83, adjust P = 0.01), respectively. Conclusions: We found aberrant methylation in DMP- and DMR-related genes, implying that many epigenetic alterations, such as the hypomethylation of DNAH9 and TNF, play important roles in ALS etiology. These findings can be helpful for developing new therapeutic interventions.
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9
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Hartung T, Rhein M, Kalmbach N, Thau-Habermann N, Naujock M, Müschen L, Frieling H, Sterneckert J, Hermann A, Wegner F, Petri S. Methylation and Expression of Mutant FUS in Motor Neurons Differentiated From Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells From ALS Patients. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:774751. [PMID: 34869374 PMCID: PMC8640347 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.774751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rapidly progressive disease leading to degeneration of motor neurons (MNs). Epigenetic modification of gene expression is increasingly recognized as potential disease mechanism. In the present study we generated motor neurons from induced pluripotent stem cells from ALS patients carrying a mutation in the fused in sarcoma gene (FUS) and analyzed expression and promoter methylation of the FUS gene and expression of DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) compared to healthy control cell lines. While mutant FUS neural progenitor cells (NPCs) did not show a difference in FUS and DNMT expression compared to healthy controls, differentiated mutant FUS motor neurons showed significantly lower FUS expression, higher DNMT expression and higher methylation of the proximal FUS gene promoter. Immunofluorescence revealed perceived proximity of cytoplasmic FUS aggregates in ALS MNs together with 5-methylcytosin (5-mC). Targeting disturbed methylation in ALS may therefore restore transcriptional alterations and represent a novel therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Hartung
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Department of Neurology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - M Rhein
- Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hanover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
| | - N Kalmbach
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - N Thau-Habermann
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - M Naujock
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Evotec International GmbH, Göttingen, Germany
| | - L Müschen
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - H Frieling
- Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hanover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
| | - J Sterneckert
- Center for Regenerative Therapies TU Dresden (CRTD), Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - A Hermann
- Translational Neurodegeneration Section "Albrecht Kossel", Department of Neurology and Center for Transdisciplinary Neuroscience (CTNR), University Medical Center Rostock, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Rostock/Greifswald, Rostock, Germany
| | - F Wegner
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - S Petri
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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10
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Robichaud PP, Arseneault M, O'Connell C, Ouellette RJ, Morin PJ. Circulating cell-free DNA as potential diagnostic tools for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Neurosci Lett 2021; 750:135813. [PMID: 33705931 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2021.135813] [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: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
DNA methylation has garnered much attention in recent years for its diagnostic potential in multiple conditions including cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Conversely, advances regarding the potential diagnostic relevance of DNA methylation status have been sparse in the field of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) even though patients diagnosed with this condition would significantly benefit from improved molecular assays aimed at furthering the current diagnostic and therapeutic options available. This review will provide an overview of the current diagnostic approaches available for ALS diagnosis and discuss the potential clinical usefulness of DNA methylation. We will also present examples of DNA methylation as a diagnostic tool in various types of cancer and neurodegenerative conditions and expand on how circulating cfDNA methylation may be leveraged for the early detection of ALS. In general, this article will reinforce the importance of cfDNA methylation as diagnostic tools and will further highlight its clinical relevance for persons diagnosed with ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippe-Pierre Robichaud
- Vitalité Health Network, Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre, Department of Genetic Services, 330 Université Ave, Moncton, New Brunswick, E1C 2Z3, Canada; Atlantic Cancer Research Institute, Pavillon Hôtel-Dieu, 35 Providence Street, Moncton, New Brunswick, E1C 8X3, Canada; Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Université de Moncton, 18 Antonine-Maillet Avenue, Moncton, New Brunswick, E1A 3E9, Canada
| | - Michael Arseneault
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Université de Moncton, 18 Antonine-Maillet Avenue, Moncton, New Brunswick, E1A 3E9, Canada
| | - Colleen O'Connell
- Stan Cassidy Centre for Rehabilitation, 800 Priestman Street, Fredericton, New Brunswick, E3B 0C7, Canada
| | - Rodney J Ouellette
- Atlantic Cancer Research Institute, Pavillon Hôtel-Dieu, 35 Providence Street, Moncton, New Brunswick, E1C 8X3, Canada
| | - Pier Jr Morin
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Université de Moncton, 18 Antonine-Maillet Avenue, Moncton, New Brunswick, E1A 3E9, Canada.
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Abstract
Neuromuscular disorders are a heterogeneous group of conditions affecting the neuromuscular system. The aim of this article is to review the major epigenetic findings in motor neuron diseases and major hereditary muscular dystrophies. DNA methylation changes are observed in both hereditary and sporadic forms, and combining DNA methylation analysis with mutational screening holds the potential for better diagnostic and prognostic accuracy. Novel, less toxic and more selective epigenetic drugs are designed and tested in animal and cell culture models of neuromuscular disorders, and non-coding RNAs are being investigated as either disease biomarkers or targets of therapeutic approaches to restore gene expression levels. Overall, neuromuscular disorder epigenetic biomarkers have a strong potential for clinical applications in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Coppedè
- Department of Translational Research & of New Surgical & Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126 Pisa, Italy
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12
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Calió ML, Henriques E, Siena A, Bertoncini CRA, Gil-Mohapel J, Rosenstock TR. Mitochondrial Dysfunction, Neurogenesis, and Epigenetics: Putative Implications for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Neurodegeneration and Treatment. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:679. [PMID: 32760239 PMCID: PMC7373761 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.00679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive and devastating multifactorial neurodegenerative disorder. Although the pathogenesis of ALS is still not completely understood, numerous studies suggest that mitochondrial deregulation may be implicated in its onset and progression. Interestingly, mitochondrial deregulation has also been associated with changes in neural stem cells (NSC) proliferation, differentiation, and migration. In this review, we highlight the importance of mitochondrial function for neurogenesis, and how both processes are correlated and may contribute to the pathogenesis of ALS; we have focused primarily on preclinical data from animal models of ALS, since to date no studies have evaluated this link using human samples. As there is currently no cure and no effective therapy to counteract ALS, we have also discussed how improving neurogenic function by epigenetic modulation could benefit ALS. In support of this hypothesis, changes in histone deacetylation can alter mitochondrial function, which in turn might ameliorate cellular proliferation as well as neuronal differentiation and migration. We propose that modulation of epigenetics, mitochondrial function, and neurogenesis might provide new hope for ALS patients, and studies exploring these new territories are warranted in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elisandra Henriques
- Department of Physiological Science, Santa Casa de São Paulo School of Medical Science, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Amanda Siena
- Department of Physiological Science, Santa Casa de São Paulo School of Medical Science, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Clélia Rejane Antonio Bertoncini
- CEDEME, Center of Development of Experimental Models for Medicine and Biology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Joana Gil-Mohapel
- Division of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Victoria and Island Medical Program, University of British Columbia, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Tatiana Rosado Rosenstock
- Department of Physiological Science, Santa Casa de São Paulo School of Medical Science, São Paulo, Brazil
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13
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Liscic RM, Alberici A, Cairns NJ, Romano M, Buratti E. From basic research to the clinic: innovative therapies for ALS and FTD in the pipeline. Mol Neurodegener 2020; 15:31. [PMID: 32487123 PMCID: PMC7268618 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-020-00373-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD) are neurodegenerative disorders, related by deterioration of motor and cognitive functions and short survival. Aside from cases with an inherited pathogenic mutation, the causes of the disorders are still largely unknown and no effective treatment currently exists. It has been shown that FTD may coexist with ALS and this overlap occurs at clinical, genetic, and molecular levels. In this work, we review the main pathological aspects of these complex diseases and discuss how the integration of the novel pathogenic molecular insights and the analysis of molecular interaction networks among all the genetic players represents a critical step to shed light on discovering novel therapeutic strategies and possibly tailoring personalized medicine approaches to specific ALS and FTD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajka Maria Liscic
- Department of Neurology, Johannes Kepler University, Linz, Austria
- School of Medicine, University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Antonella Alberici
- Neurology Unit, Department of Neurological Sciences and Vision, ASST-Spedali Civili-University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Nigel John Cairns
- College of Medicine and Health and Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Maurizio Romano
- Department of Life Sciences, Via Valerio 28, University of Trieste, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Emanuele Buratti
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Padriciano 99, 34149, Trieste, Italy.
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Coêlho MC, Queiroz IC, Viana JMC, de Aquino SG, Persuhn DC, de Oliveira NFP. miR-9-1 gene methylation and DNMT3B (rs2424913) polymorphism may contribute to periodontitis. J Appl Oral Sci 2020; 28:e20190583. [PMID: 32267380 PMCID: PMC7137733 DOI: 10.1590/1678-7757-2019-0583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genetic and epigenetic changes have been associated with periodontitis in various genes; however, little is known about genes involved in epigenetic mechanisms and in oxidative stress. OBJECTIVE This study aims to investigate the association of polymorphisms C677T in MTHFR (rs1801133) and -149C→T in DNMT3B (rs2424913), as well as the methylation profiles of MTHFR, miR-9-1, miR-9-3, SOD1, and CAT with periodontitis. The association between polymorphisms and DNA methylation profiles was also analyzed. METHODOLOGY The population studied was composed of 100 nonsmokers of both sexes, divided into healthy and periodontitis groups. Genomic DNA was extracted from the epithelial buccal cells, which were collected through a mouthwash. Polymorphism analysis was performed through polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP), while methylation-specific PCR (MSP) or combined bisulfite restriction analysis techniques were applied for methylation analysis. RESULTS For DNMT3B, the T allele and the TT genotype were detected more frequently in the periodontitis group, as well as the methylated profile on the miR-9-1 promoter region. There was also a tendency towards promoter region methylation on the CAT sequence of individuals with periodontal disease. CONCLUSION The polymorphism -149C→T in DNMT3B (rs2424913) and the methylated profile of the miR-9-1 promoter region are associated with periodontitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Castro Coêlho
- Universidade Federal da ParaíbaCentro de Ciências da SaúdePrograma de Pós Graduação em OdontologiaJoão PessoaParaíbaBrasilUniversidade Federal da Paraíba, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Programa de Pós Graduação em Odontologia, João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brasil.
| | - Ingrid Costa Queiroz
- Universidade Federal da ParaíbaCentro de Ciências da SaúdeJoão PessoaParaíbaBrasilUniversidade Federal da Paraíba, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brasil.
| | - José Maria Chagas Viana
- Universidade Federal da ParaíbaCentro de Ciências da SaúdePrograma de Pós Graduação em OdontologiaJoão PessoaParaíbaBrasilUniversidade Federal da Paraíba, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Programa de Pós Graduação em Odontologia, João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brasil.
| | - Sabrina Garcia de Aquino
- Universidade Federal da ParaíbaCentro de Ciências da SaúdePrograma de Pós Graduação em OdontologiaJoão PessoaParaíbaBrasilUniversidade Federal da Paraíba, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Programa de Pós Graduação em Odontologia, João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brasil.
- Universidade Federal da ParaíbaCentro de Ciências da SaúdeDepartamento de Odontologia Clínica e SocialJoão PessoaParaíbaBrasilUniversidade Federal da Paraíba, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Departamento de Odontologia Clínica e Social, João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brasil.
| | - Darlene Camati Persuhn
- Universidade Federal da ParaíbaCentro de Ciências Exatas e da NaturezaDepartamento de Biologia MolecularJoão PessoaParaíbaBrasilUniversidade Federal da Paraíba, Centro de Ciências Exatas e da Natureza, Departamento de Biologia Molecular, João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brasil.
| | - Naila Francis Paulo de Oliveira
- Universidade Federal da ParaíbaCentro de Ciências da SaúdePrograma de Pós Graduação em OdontologiaJoão PessoaParaíbaBrasilUniversidade Federal da Paraíba, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Programa de Pós Graduação em Odontologia, João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brasil.
- Universidade Federal da ParaíbaCentro de Ciências Exatas e da NaturezaDepartamento de Biologia MolecularJoão PessoaParaíbaBrasilUniversidade Federal da Paraíba, Centro de Ciências Exatas e da Natureza, Departamento de Biologia Molecular, João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brasil.
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15
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Kim BW, Jeong YE, Wong M, Martin LJ. DNA damage accumulates and responses are engaged in human ALS brain and spinal motor neurons and DNA repair is activatable in iPSC-derived motor neurons with SOD1 mutations. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2020; 8:7. [PMID: 32005289 PMCID: PMC6995159 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-019-0874-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA damage is implicated in the pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, relationships between DNA damage accumulation, DNA damage response (DDR), and upper and lower motor neuron vulnerability in human ALS are unclear; furthermore, it is unknown whether epigenetic silencing of DNA repair pathways contributes to ALS pathogenesis. We tested the hypotheses that DNA damage accumulates in ALS motor neurons along with diminished DDR, and that DNA repair genes undergo hypermethylation. Human postmortem CNS tissue was obtained from ALS cases (N = 34) and age-matched controls without neurologic disease (N = 15). Compared to age-matched controls, abasic sites accumulated in genomic DNA of ALS motor cortex and laser capture microdissection-acquired spinal motor neurons but not in motor neuron mitochondrial DNA. By immunohistochemistry, DNA damage accumulated significantly in upper and lower motor neurons in ALS cases as single-stranded DNA and 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine (OHdG) compared to age-matched controls. Significant DDR was engaged in ALS motor neurons as evidenced by accumulation of c-Abl, nuclear BRCA1, and ATM activation. DNA damage and DDR were present in motor neurons at pre-attritional stages and throughout the somatodendritic attritional stages of neurodegeneration. Motor neurons with DNA damage were also positive for activated p53 and cleaved caspase-3. Gene-specific promoter DNA methylation pyrosequencing identified the DNA repair genes Ogg1, Apex1, Pnkp and Aptx as hypomethylated in ALS. In human induced-pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived motor neurons with familial ALS SOD1 mutations, DNA repair capacity was similar to isogenic control motor neurons. Our results show that vulnerable neurons in human ALS accumulate DNA damage, and contrary to our hypothesis, strongly activate and mobilize response effectors and DNA repair genes. This DDR in ALS motor neurons involves recruitment of c-Abl and BRCA1 to the nucleus in vivo, and repair of DNA double-strand breaks in human ALS motor neurons with SOD1 mutations in cell culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Byung Woo Kim
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 558 Ross Building, 720 Rutland Avenue, Baltimore, MD, 21205-2196, USA
- Division of Neuropathology, the Pathobiology Graduate Training Program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ye Eun Jeong
- Division of Neuropathology, the Pathobiology Graduate Training Program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Margaret Wong
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 558 Ross Building, 720 Rutland Avenue, Baltimore, MD, 21205-2196, USA
| | - Lee J Martin
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 558 Ross Building, 720 Rutland Avenue, Baltimore, MD, 21205-2196, USA.
- Division of Neuropathology, the Pathobiology Graduate Training Program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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16
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Tarr IS, McCann EP, Benyamin B, Peters TJ, Twine NA, Zhang KY, Zhao Q, Zhang ZH, Rowe DB, Nicholson GA, Bauer D, Clark SJ, Blair IP, Williams KL. Monozygotic twins and triplets discordant for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis display differential methylation and gene expression. Sci Rep 2019; 9:8254. [PMID: 31164693 PMCID: PMC6547746 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-44765-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2019] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterised by the loss of upper and lower motor neurons. ALS exhibits high phenotypic variability including age and site of onset, and disease duration. To uncover epigenetic and transcriptomic factors that may modify an ALS phenotype, we used a cohort of Australian monozygotic twins (n = 3 pairs) and triplets (n = 1 set) that are discordant for ALS and represent sporadic ALS and the two most common types of familial ALS, linked to C9orf72 and SOD1. Illumina Infinium HumanMethylation450K BeadChip, EpiTYPER and RNA-Seq analyses in these ALS-discordant twins/triplets and control twins (n = 2 pairs), implicated genes with consistent longitudinal differential DNA methylation and/or gene expression. Two identified genes, RAD9B and C8orf46, showed significant differential methylation in an extended cohort of >1000 ALS cases and controls. Combined longitudinal methylation-transcription analysis within a single twin set implicated CCNF, DPP6, RAMP3, and CCS, which have been previously associated with ALS. Longitudinal transcriptome data showed an 8-fold enrichment of immune function genes and under-representation of transcription and protein modification genes in ALS. Examination of these changes in a large Australian sporadic ALS cohort suggest a broader role in ALS. Furthermore, we observe that increased methylation age is a signature of ALS in older patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid S Tarr
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Emily P McCann
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Beben Benyamin
- Australian Centre for Precision Health, University of South Australia Cancer Research Institute, School of Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia.,South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Timothy J Peters
- Epigenetics Research Laboratory, Genomics and Epigenetics Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Natalie A Twine
- Health and Biosecurity Business Unit, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Katharine Y Zhang
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Qiongyi Zhao
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Queensland, Australia
| | - Zong-Hong Zhang
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Queensland, Australia
| | - Dominic B Rowe
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Garth A Nicholson
- ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Molecular Medicine Laboratory, Concord Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Denis Bauer
- Health and Biosecurity Business Unit, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Susan J Clark
- Epigenetics Research Laboratory, Genomics and Epigenetics Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,St Vincent's Clinical School, UNSW Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ian P Blair
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kelly L Williams
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
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17
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Masala A, Sanna S, Esposito S, Rassu M, Galioto M, Zinellu A, Carru C, Carrì MT, Iaccarino C, Crosio C. Epigenetic Changes Associated with the Expression of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Causing Genes. Neuroscience 2018; 390:1-11. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2018.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Revised: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 08/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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18
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Epigenetic mechanisms in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: A short review. Mech Ageing Dev 2018; 174:103-110. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2018.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2017] [Revised: 03/08/2018] [Accepted: 03/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) are two devastating and lethal neurodegenerative diseases seen comorbidly in up to 15% of patients. Despite several decades of research, no effective treatment or disease-modifying strategies have been developed. We now understand more than before about the genetics and biology behind ALS and FTD, but the genetic etiology for the majority of patients is still unknown and the phenotypic variability observed across patients, even those carrying the same mutation, is enigmatic. Additionally, susceptibility factors leading to neuronal vulnerability in specific central nervous system regions involved in disease are yet to be identified. As the inherited but dynamic epigenome acts as a cell-specific interface between the inherited fixed genome and both cell-intrinsic mechanisms and environmental input, adaptive epigenetic changes might contribute to the ALS/FTD aspects we still struggle to comprehend. This chapter summarizes our current understanding of basic epigenetic mechanisms, how they relate to ALS and FTD, and their potential as therapeutic targets. A clear understanding of the biological mechanisms driving these two currently incurable diseases is urgent-well-needed therapeutic strategies need to be developed soon. Disease-specific epigenetic changes have already been observed in patients and these might be central to this endeavor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark T W Ebbert
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Rebecca J Lank
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Veronique V Belzil
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA. .,Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
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20
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Roubroeks JAY, Smith RG, van den Hove DLA, Lunnon K. Epigenetics and DNA methylomic profiling in Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases. J Neurochem 2017; 143:158-170. [PMID: 28805248 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.14148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2017] [Revised: 08/08/2017] [Accepted: 08/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies have suggested a role for epigenetic mechanisms in the complex etiology of various neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we discuss advances that have been made toward understanding the role of epigenetic processes in neurodegenerative disorders, with a particular focus on Alzheimer's disease, where the most extensive studies have been undertaken to date. We provide a brief overview of DNA modifications, followed by a summarization of studies of DNA modifications in Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rebecca G Smith
- University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Devon, UK
| | - Daniel L A van den Hove
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Laboratory of Translational Neuroscience, Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Katie Lunnon
- University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Devon, UK
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21
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Coppedè F, Stoccoro A, Mosca L, Gallo R, Tarlarini C, Lunetta C, Marocchi A, Migliore L, Penco S. Increase in DNA methylation in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis carriers of not fully penetrant SOD1 mutations. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2017; 19:93-101. [PMID: 28859526 DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2017.1367401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE More than 180 different superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) mutations have been described to date in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients, including not completely penetrant ones leading to phenotypic heterogeneity among carriers. We collected DNA samples from five ALS families with not fully penetrant SOD1 mutations (p.Asn65Ser, p.Gly72Ser, p.Gly93Asp, and p.Gly130_Glu133del) searching for epigenetic differences among ALS patients, asymptomatic/paucisymptomatic carriers and non-carrier family members. METHODS Global DNA methylation levels (5-methylcytosine levels) were determined in blood DNA samples with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the methylation analysis of SOD1, FUS, TARDBP and C9orf72 genes was performed using Methylation-Sensitive High-Resolution Melting (MS-HRM) technique. RESULTS Global DNA methylation levels were significantly higher in blood DNA of ALS patients than in asymptomatic/paucisymptomatic carriers or family members non-carriers of SOD1 mutations, and a positive correlation between global DNA methylation levels and disease duration (months) was observed. SOD1, FUS, TARDBP and C9orf72 gene promoters were demethylated in all subjects. CONCLUSIONS The present study suggests that global changes in DNA methylation might contribute to the ALS phenotype in carriers of not fully penetrant SOD1 mutations, thus reinforcing the role of epigenetic factors in modulating the phenotypic expression of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Coppedè
- a Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery , Section of Medical Genetics, University of Pisa , Pisa , Italy
| | - Andrea Stoccoro
- a Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery , Section of Medical Genetics, University of Pisa , Pisa , Italy.,b Doctoral School in Genetics Oncology and Clinical Medicine, Department of Medical Biotechnologies , University of Siena , Siena , Italy
| | - Lorena Mosca
- c Medical Genetics Unit, Department of Laboratory Medicine , ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda , Milan , Italy , and
| | - Roberta Gallo
- a Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery , Section of Medical Genetics, University of Pisa , Pisa , Italy
| | - Claudia Tarlarini
- c Medical Genetics Unit, Department of Laboratory Medicine , ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda , Milan , Italy , and
| | - Christian Lunetta
- d NEuroMuscular Omnicentre (NEMO) , ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda , Milan , Italy
| | - Alessandro Marocchi
- c Medical Genetics Unit, Department of Laboratory Medicine , ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda , Milan , Italy , and
| | - Lucia Migliore
- a Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery , Section of Medical Genetics, University of Pisa , Pisa , Italy
| | - Silvana Penco
- c Medical Genetics Unit, Department of Laboratory Medicine , ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda , Milan , Italy , and
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22
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Young PE, Kum Jew S, Buckland ME, Pamphlett R, Suter CM. Epigenetic differences between monozygotic twins discordant for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) provide clues to disease pathogenesis. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0182638. [PMID: 28797086 PMCID: PMC5552194 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0182638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2017] [Accepted: 07/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating late-onset neurodegenerative disorder in which only a small proportion of patients carry an identifiable causative genetic lesion. Despite high heritability estimates, a genetic etiology for most sporadic ALS remains elusive. Here we report the epigenetic profiling of five monozygotic twin pairs discordant for ALS, four with classic ALS and one with the progressive muscular atrophy ALS variant, in whom previous whole genome sequencing failed to uncover a genetic basis for their disease discordance. By studying cytosine methylation patterns in peripheral blood DNA we identified thousands of large between-twin differences at individual CpGs. While the specific sites of differences were mostly idiosyncratic to a twin pair, a proportion involving GABA signalling were common to all ALS individuals. For both idiosyncratic and common sites the differences occurred within genes and pathways related to neurobiological functions or dysfunctions, some of particular relevance to ALS such as glutamate metabolism and the Golgi apparatus. All four classic ALS patients were epigenetically older than their unaffected co-twins, suggesting accelerated aging in multiple tissues in this disease. In conclusion, widespread changes in methylation patterns were found in ALS-affected co-twins, consistent with an epigenetic contribution to disease. These DNA methylation findings could be used to develop blood-based ALS biomarkers, gain insights into disease pathogenesis, and provide a reference for future large-scale ALS epigenetic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul E. Young
- Division of Molecular Structural and Computational Biology, Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
| | - Stephen Kum Jew
- Discipline of Pathology, Sydney Medical School, Brain and Mind Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Michael E. Buckland
- Discipline of Pathology, Sydney Medical School, Brain and Mind Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
- Department of Neuropathology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Roger Pamphlett
- Discipline of Pathology, Sydney Medical School, Brain and Mind Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
- Department of Neuropathology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
- * E-mail: (CMS); (RP)
| | - Catherine M. Suter
- Division of Molecular Structural and Computational Biology, Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW, Australia
- * E-mail: (CMS); (RP)
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23
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Jimenez-Pacheco A, Franco JM, Lopez S, Gomez-Zumaquero JM, Magdalena Leal-Lasarte M, Caballero-Hernandez DE, Cejudo-Guillén M, Pozo D. Epigenetic Mechanisms of Gene Regulation in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2017; 978:255-275. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-53889-1_14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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24
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ALS and FTD: an epigenetic perspective. Acta Neuropathol 2016; 132:487-502. [PMID: 27282474 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-016-1587-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2016] [Revised: 05/17/2016] [Accepted: 06/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) are two fatal neurodegenerative diseases seen in comorbidity in up to 50 % of cases. Despite tremendous efforts over the last two decades, no biomarkers or effective therapeutics have been identified to prevent, decelerate, or stop neuronal death in patients. While the identification of multiple mutations in more than two dozen genes elucidated the involvement of several mechanisms in the pathogenesis of both diseases, identifying the hexanucleotide repeat expansion in C9orf72, the most common genetic abnormality in ALS and FTD, opened the door to the discovery of several novel pathogenic biological routes, including chromatin remodeling and transcriptome alteration. Epigenetic processes regulate DNA replication and repair, RNA transcription, and chromatin conformation, which in turn further dictate transcriptional regulation and protein translation. Transcriptional and post-transcriptional epigenetic regulation is mediated by enzymes and chromatin-modifying complexes that control DNA methylation, histone modifications, and RNA editing. While the alteration of DNA methylation and histone modification has recently been reported in ALS and FTD, the assessment of epigenetic involvement in both diseases is still at an early stage, and the involvement of multiple epigenetic players still needs to be evaluated. As the epigenome serves as a way to alter genetic information not only during aging, but also following environmental signals, epigenetic mechanisms might play a central role in initiating ALS and FTD, especially for sporadic cases. Here, we provide a review of what is currently known about altered epigenetic processes in both ALS and FTD and discuss potential therapeutic strategies targeting epigenetic mechanisms. As approximately 85 % of ALS and FTD cases are still genetically unexplained, epigenetic therapeutics explored for other diseases might represent a profitable direction for the field.
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25
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Caradonna F, Mauro M. Role of the antioxidant defence system and telomerase in arsenic-induced genomic instability. Mutagenesis 2016; 31:661-667. [DOI: 10.1093/mutage/gew034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
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26
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Meltz Steinberg K, Nicholas TJ, Koboldt DC, Yu B, Mardis E, Pamphlett R. Whole genome analyses reveal no pathogenetic single nucleotide or structural differences between monozygotic twins discordant for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2015; 16:385-92. [PMID: 25960086 DOI: 10.3109/21678421.2015.1040029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The contribution of genetic and environmental factors to the pathogenesis of sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) remains unclear. To investigate the genetic component of the disease, we performed whole genome sequencing on ALS discordant monozygotic twins. Illumina whole genome sequencing on white blood cell DNA of five ALS-discordant monozygotic twin pairs (10 samples in total) yielded ∼30x coverage per individual. All single nucleotide variants, indels, and structural variants (copy number variants, inversions and translocations) were called and evaluated for functional consequence, evolutionary conservation, population frequency and overlap with known ALS associated variants and genes. Results showed that no validated discordant coding or regulatory single nucleotide variants or indels were found, and nor were any genome-wide discordant structural variants detected. Concordant variants of particular interest were: 1) two rare, highly-conserved heterozygous non-synonymous variants in SYT9 and EWSR1, genes previously associated with ALS (out of 2044 rare heterozygous variants detected); 2) three rare homozygous missense variants; and 3) three novel copy number deletions that overlapped genes. In conclusion, no convincing coding or regulatory nucleotide or genome-wide structural differences were found between ALS discordant monozygotic twins. The results suggest that more work is needed to elucidate possible environmental, epigenetic, oligogenic and somatic genetic factors that could underlie susceptibility to sporadic ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karyn Meltz Steinberg
- a The Genome Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis , Missouri , USA
| | - Thomas J Nicholas
- a The Genome Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis , Missouri , USA
| | - Daniel C Koboldt
- a The Genome Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis , Missouri , USA
| | - Bing Yu
- b Department of Medical Genomics , Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney , New South Wales , Australia
| | - Elaine Mardis
- a The Genome Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis , Missouri , USA
| | - Roger Pamphlett
- c The Stacey MND Laboratory, Discipline of Pathology, Sydney Medical School, The Brain & Mind Research Institute, The University of Sydney , New South Wales , Australia
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27
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He J, Mangelsdorf M, Fan D, Bartlett P, Brown MA. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Genetic Studies: From Genome-wide Association Mapping to Genome Sequencing. Neuroscientist 2014; 21:599-615. [PMID: 25378359 DOI: 10.1177/1073858414555404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease of obscure etiology. Multiple genetic studies have been conducted to advance our understanding of the disease, employing a variety of techniques such as linkage mapping in families, to genome-wide association studies and sequencing based approaches such as whole exome sequencing and whole genome sequencing and a few epigenetic analyses. While major progress has been made, the majority of the genetic variation involved in ALS is yet to be undefined. The optimal study designs to investigate ALS depend on the genetic model for the disease, and it is likely that different approaches will be required to map genes involved in familial and sporadic disease. The potential approaches and their strengths and weaknesses are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji He
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane, Australia Department of Neurology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Marie Mangelsdorf
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Dongsheng Fan
- Department of Neurology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Perry Bartlett
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Matthew A Brown
- University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, Brisbane, Australia
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Hitchler MJ, Domann FE. Regulation of CuZnSOD and its redox signaling potential: implications for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Antioxid Redox Signal 2014; 20:1590-8. [PMID: 23795822 PMCID: PMC3960847 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2013.5385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
SIGNIFICANCE Molecular oxygen is a Janus-faced electron acceptor for biological systems, serving as a reductant for respiration, or as the genesis for oxygen-derived free radicals that damage macromolecules. Superoxide is well known to perturb nonheme iron proteins, including Fe/S proteins such as aconitase and succinate dehydrogenase, as well as other enzymes containing labile iron such as the prolyl hydroxylase domain-containing family of enzymes; whereas hydrogen peroxide is more specific for two-electron reactions with thiols on glutathione, glutaredoxin, thioredoxin, and the peroxiredoxins. RECENT ADVANCES Over the past two decades, familial cases of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) have been shown to have an association with commonly altered superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) activity, expression, and protein structure. This has led to speculation that an altered redox balance may have a role in creating the ALS phenotype. CRITICAL ISSUES While SOD1 alterations in familial ALS are manifold, they generally create perturbations in the flux of electrons. The nexus of SOD1 between one- and two-electron signaling processes places it at a key signaling regulatory checkpoint for governing cellular responses to physiological and environmental cues. FUTURE DIRECTIONS The manner in which ALS-associated mutations adjust SOD1's role in controlling the flow of electrons between one- and two-electron signaling processes remains obscure. Here, we discuss the ways in which SOD1 mutations influence the form and function of copper zinc SOD, the consequences of these alterations on free radical biology, and how these alterations might influence cell signaling during the onset of ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Hitchler
- 1 Department of Radiation Oncology, Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center , Los Angeles, California
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Lu H, Liu X, Deng Y, Qing H. DNA methylation, a hand behind neurodegenerative diseases. Front Aging Neurosci 2013; 5:85. [PMID: 24367332 PMCID: PMC3851782 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2013.00085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2013] [Accepted: 11/17/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic alterations represent a sort of functional modifications related to the genome that are not responsible for changes in the nucleotide sequence. DNA methylation is one of such epigenetic modifications that have been studied intensively for the past several decades. The transfer of a methyl group to the 5 position of a cytosine is the key feature of DNA methylation. A simple change as such can be caused by a variety of factors, which can be the cause of many serious diseases including several neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we have reviewed and summarized recent progress regarding DNA methylation in four major neurodegenerative diseases: Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Huntington's disease (HD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The studies of these four major neurodegenerative diseases conclude the strong suggestion of the important role DNA methylation plays in these diseases. However, each of these diseases has not yet been understood completely as details in some areas remain unclear, and will be investigated in future studies. We hope this review can provide new insights into the understanding of neurodegenerative diseases from the epigenetic perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Hong Qing
- School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of TechnologyBeijing, China
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ALS and oxidative stress: the neurovascular scenario. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2013; 2013:635831. [PMID: 24367722 PMCID: PMC3866720 DOI: 10.1155/2013/635831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2013] [Revised: 10/07/2013] [Accepted: 10/17/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Oxidative stress and angiogenic factors have been placed as the prime focus of scientific investigations after an establishment of link between vascular endothelial growth factor promoter (VEGF), hypoxia, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) pathogenesis. Deletion of the hypoxia-response element in the vascular endothelial growth factor promoter and mutant superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) which are characterised by atrophy and muscle weakness resulted in phenotype resembling human ALS in mice. This results in lower motor neurodegeneration thus establishing an important link between motor neuron degeneration, vasculature, and angiogenic molecules. In this review, we have presented human, animal, and in vitro studies which suggest that molecules like VEGF have a therapeutic, diagnostic, and prognostic potential in ALS. Involvement of vascular growth factors and hypoxia response elements also highlights the converging role of oxidative stress and neurovascular network for understanding and treatment of various neurodegenerative disorders like ALS.
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Milani P, Amadio M, Laforenza U, Dell'Orco M, Diamanti L, Sardone V, Gagliardi S, Govoni S, Ceroni M, Pascale A, Cereda C. Posttranscriptional regulation of SOD1 gene expression under oxidative stress: Potential role of ELAV proteins in sporadic ALS. Neurobiol Dis 2013; 60:51-60. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2013.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2013] [Revised: 07/05/2013] [Accepted: 08/07/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
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Martin LJ, Wong M. Aberrant regulation of DNA methylation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a new target of disease mechanisms. Neurotherapeutics 2013; 10:722-33. [PMID: 23900692 PMCID: PMC3805862 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-013-0205-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the third most common adult-onset neurodegenerative disease. A diagnosis is fatal owing to degeneration of motor neurons in brain and spinal cord that control swallowing, breathing, and movement. ALS can be inherited, but most cases are not associated with a family history of the disease. The mechanisms causing motor neuron death in ALS are still unknown. Given the suspected complex interplay between multiple genes, the environment, metabolism, and lifestyle in the pathogenesis of ALS, we have hypothesized that the mechanisms of disease in ALS involve epigenetic contributions that can drive motor neuron degeneration. DNA methylation is an epigenetic mechanism for gene regulation engaged by DNA methyltransferase (Dnmt)-catalyzed methyl group transfer to carbon-5 in cytosine residues in gene regulatory promoter and nonpromoter regions. Recent genome-wide analyses have found differential gene methylation in human ALS. Neuropathologic assessments have revealed that motor neurons in human ALS show significant abnormalities in Dnmt1, Dnmt3a, and 5-methylcytosine. Similar changes are seen in mice with motor neuron degeneration, and Dnmt3a was found abundantly at synapses and in mitochondria. During apoptosis of cultured motor neuron-like cells, Dnmt1 and Dnmt3a protein levels increase, and 5-methylcytosine accumulates. Enforced expression of Dnmt3a, but not Dnmt1, induces degeneration of cultured neurons. Truncation mutation of the Dnmt3a catalytic domain and Dnmt3a RNAi blocks apoptosis of cultured neurons. Inhibition of Dnmt catalytic activity with small molecules RG108 and procainamide protects motor neurons from excessive DNA methylation and apoptosis in cell culture and in a mouse model of ALS. Thus, motor neurons can engage epigenetic mechanisms to cause their degeneration, involving Dnmts and increased DNA methylation. Aberrant DNA methylation in vulnerable cells is a new direction for discovering mechanisms of ALS pathogenesis that could be relevant to new disease target identification and therapies for ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lee J Martin
- Department of Pathology, Division of Neuropathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 558 Ross Building, 720 Rutland Avenue, Baltimore, MD, 21205-2196, USA,
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Pirooznia SK, Elefant F. Targeting specific HATs for neurodegenerative disease treatment: translating basic biology to therapeutic possibilities. Front Cell Neurosci 2013; 7:30. [PMID: 23543406 PMCID: PMC3610086 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2013.00030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2013] [Accepted: 03/10/2013] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Dynamic epigenetic regulation of neurons is emerging as a fundamental mechanism by which neurons adapt their transcriptional responses to specific developmental and environmental cues. While defects within the neural epigenome have traditionally been studied in the context of early developmental and heritable cognitive disorders, recent studies point to aberrant histone acetylation status as a key mechanism underlying acquired inappropriate alterations of genome structure and function in post-mitotic neurons during the aging process. Indeed, it is becoming increasingly evident that chromatin acetylation status can be impaired during the lifetime of neurons through mechanisms related to loss of function of histone acetyltransferase (HAT) activity. Several HATs have been shown to participate in vital neuronal functions such as regulation of neuronal plasticity and memory formation. As such, dysregulation of such HATs has been implicated in the pathogenesis associated with age-associated neurodegenerative diseases and cognitive decline. In order to counteract the loss of HAT function in neurodegenerative diseases, the current therapeutic strategies involve the use of small molecules called histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors that antagonize HDAC activity and thus enhance acetylation levels. Although this strategy has displayed promising therapeutic effects, currently used HDAC inhibitors lack target specificity, raising concerns about their applicability. With rapidly evolving literature on HATs and their respective functions in mediating neuronal survival and higher order brain function such as learning and memory, modulating the function of specific HATs holds new promises as a therapeutic tool in neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we focus on the recent progress in research regarding epigenetic histone acetylation mechanisms underlying neuronal activity and cognitive function. We discuss the current understanding of specific HDACs and HATs in neurodegenerative diseases and the future promising prospects of using specific HAT based therapeutic approaches.
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Mostafalou S, Abdollahi M. Pesticides and human chronic diseases: evidences, mechanisms, and perspectives. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2013; 268:157-77. [PMID: 23402800 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2013.01.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 608] [Impact Index Per Article: 55.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2012] [Revised: 01/30/2013] [Accepted: 01/31/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Along with the wide use of pesticides in the world, the concerns over their health impacts are rapidly growing. There is a huge body of evidence on the relation between exposure to pesticides and elevated rate of chronic diseases such as different types of cancers, diabetes, neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson, Alzheimer, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), birth defects, and reproductive disorders. There is also circumstantial evidence on the association of exposure to pesticides with some other chronic diseases like respiratory problems, particularly asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cardiovascular disease such as atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease, chronic nephropathies, autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematous and rheumatoid arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome, and aging. The common feature of chronic disorders is a disturbance in cellular homeostasis, which can be induced via pesticides' primary action like perturbation of ion channels, enzymes, receptors, etc., or can as well be mediated via pathways other than the main mechanism. In this review, we present the highlighted evidence on the association of pesticide's exposure with the incidence of chronic diseases and introduce genetic damages, epigenetic modifications, endocrine disruption, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress and unfolded protein response (UPR), impairment of ubiquitin proteasome system, and defective autophagy as the effective mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Mostafalou
- Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Figueroa-Romero C, Hur J, Bender DE, Delaney CE, Cataldo MD, Smith AL, Yung R, Ruden DM, Callaghan BC, Feldman EL. Identification of epigenetically altered genes in sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. PLoS One 2012; 7:e52672. [PMID: 23300739 PMCID: PMC3530456 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0052672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2012] [Accepted: 11/19/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a terminal disease involving the progressive degeneration of motor neurons within the motor cortex, brainstem and spinal cord. Most cases are sporadic (sALS) with unknown causes suggesting that the etiology of sALS may not be limited to the genotype of patients, but may be influenced by exposure to environmental factors. Alterations in epigenetic modifications are likely to play a role in disease onset and progression in ALS, as aberrant epigenetic patterns may be acquired throughout life. The aim of this study was to identify epigenetic marks associated with sALS. We hypothesize that epigenetic modifications may alter the expression of pathogenesis-related genes leading to the onset and progression of sALS. Using ELISA assays, we observed alterations in global methylation (5 mC) and hydroxymethylation (5 HmC) in postmortem sALS spinal cord but not in whole blood. Loci-specific differentially methylated and expressed genes in sALS spinal cord were identified by genome-wide 5mC and expression profiling using high-throughput microarrays. Concordant direction, hyper- or hypo-5mC with parallel changes in gene expression (under- or over-expression), was observed in 112 genes highly associated with biological functions related to immune and inflammation response. Furthermore, literature-based analysis identified potential associations among the epigenes. Integration of methylomics and transcriptomics data successfully revealed methylation changes in sALS spinal cord. This study represents an initial identification of epigenetic regulatory mechanisms in sALS which may improve our understanding of sALS pathogenesis for the identification of biomarkers and new therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Figueroa-Romero
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Junguk Hur
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Diane E. Bender
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Colin E. Delaney
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Michael D. Cataldo
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Andrea L. Smith
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Raymond Yung
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Douglas M. Ruden
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Brian C. Callaghan
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Eva L. Feldman
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
- National Center for Integrative Biomedical Informatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Abstract
DNA methylation is an epigenetic mechanism for gene silencing engaged by DNA methyltransferase (Dnmt)-catalyzed methyl group transfer to cytosine residues in gene-regulatory regions. It is unknown whether aberrant DNA methylation can cause neurodegeneration. We tested the hypothesis that Dnmts can mediate neuronal cell death. Enforced expression of Dnmt3a induced degeneration of cultured NSC34 cells. During apoptosis of NSC34 cells induced by camptothecin, levels of Dnmt1 and Dnmt3a increased fivefold and twofold, respectively, and 5-methylcytosine accumulated in nuclei. Truncation mutation of the Dnmt3a catalytic domain and Dnmt3a RNAi blocked apoptosis of cultured neurons. Inhibition of Dnmt catalytic activity with RG108 and procainamide protected cultured neurons from excessive DNA methylation and apoptosis. In vivo, Dnmt1 and Dnmt3a are expressed differentially during mouse brain and spinal cord maturation and in adulthood when Dnmt3a is abundant in synapses and mitochondria. Dnmt1 and Dnmt3a are expressed in motor neurons of adult mouse spinal cord, and, during their apoptosis induced by sciatic nerve avulsion, nuclear and cytoplasmic 5-methylcytosine immunoreactivity, Dnmt3a protein levels and Dnmt enzyme activity increased preapoptotically. Inhibition of Dnmts with RG108 blocked completely the increase in 5-methycytosine and the apoptosis of motor neurons in mice. In human amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), motor neurons showed changes in Dnmt1, Dnmt3a, and 5-methylcytosine similar to experimental models. Thus, motor neurons can engage epigenetic mechanisms to drive apoptosis, involving Dnmt upregulation and increased DNA methylation. These cellular mechanisms could be relevant to human ALS pathobiology and disease treatment.
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Morahan JM, Yu B, Trent RJ, Pamphlett R. A genome-wide analysis of brain DNA methylation identifies new candidate genes for sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009; 10:418-29. [DOI: 10.3109/17482960802635397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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39
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Dion PA, Daoud H, Rouleau GA. Genetics of motor neuron disorders: new insights into pathogenic mechanisms. Nat Rev Genet 2009; 10:769-82. [DOI: 10.1038/nrg2680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 228] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Miao L, St. Clair DK. Regulation of superoxide dismutase genes: implications in disease. Free Radic Biol Med 2009; 47:344-56. [PMID: 19477268 PMCID: PMC2731574 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2009.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 576] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2009] [Revised: 05/10/2009] [Accepted: 05/15/2009] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Numerous short-lived and highly reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as superoxide (O2(.-)), hydroxyl radical, and hydrogen peroxide are continuously generated in vivo. Depending upon concentration, location, and intracellular conditions, ROS can cause toxicity or act as signaling molecules. The cellular levels of ROS are controlled by antioxidant enzymes and small-molecule antioxidants. As major antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutases (SODs), including copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu/ZnSOD), manganese superoxide dismutase, and extracellular superoxide dismutase, play a crucial role in scavenging O2(.-). This review focuses on the regulation of the sod genes coding for these enzymes, with an emphasis on the human genes. Current knowledge about sod structure and regulation is summarized and depicted as diagrams. Studies to date on genes coding for Cu/ZnSOD (sod1) are mostly focused on alterations in the coding region and their associations with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Evaluation of nucleotide sequences reveals that regulatory elements of the sod2 gene reside in both the noncoding and the coding region. Changes associated with sod2 lead to alterations in expression levels as well as protein function. We also discuss the structural basis for the changes in SOD expression associated with pathological conditions and where more work is needed to establish the relationship between SODs and diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daret K. St. Clair
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed: Daret K. St.Clair, Ph.D., Graduate Center for Toxicology, University of Kentucky, 1095 VA Drive, HSRB 454, Lexington, KY 40536-0298, Phone: 1-(859) 257-3956, FAX: 1-(859) 323-1059,
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Dedova I, Harding A, Sheedy D, Garrick T, Sundqvist N, Hunt C, Gillies J, Harper CG. The importance of brain banks for molecular neuropathological research: The New South Wales Tissue Resource Centre experience. Int J Mol Sci 2009; 10:366-384. [PMID: 19333451 PMCID: PMC2662458 DOI: 10.3390/ijms10010366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2008] [Revised: 01/14/2009] [Accepted: 01/22/2009] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
New developments in molecular neuropathology have evoked increased demands for postmortem human brain tissue. The New South Wales Tissue Resource Centre (TRC) at The University of Sydney has grown from a small tissue collection into one of the leading international brain banking facilities, which operates with best practice and quality control protocols. The focus of this tissue collection is on schizophrenia and allied disorders, alcohol use disorders and controls. This review highlights changes in TRC operational procedures dictated by modern neuroscience, and provides examples of applications of modern molecular techniques to study the neuropathogenesis of many different brain disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Dedova
- Schizophrenia Research Institute, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
- The New South Wales Tissue Resource Centre, Discipline of Pathology, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Antony Harding
- The New South Wales Tissue Resource Centre, Discipline of Pathology, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Donna Sheedy
- The New South Wales Tissue Resource Centre, Discipline of Pathology, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Therese Garrick
- The New South Wales Tissue Resource Centre, Discipline of Pathology, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Nina Sundqvist
- Schizophrenia Research Institute, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
- The New South Wales Tissue Resource Centre, Discipline of Pathology, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Clare Hunt
- The New South Wales Tissue Resource Centre, Discipline of Pathology, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Juliette Gillies
- Schizophrenia Research Institute, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
- The New South Wales Tissue Resource Centre, Discipline of Pathology, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Clive G Harper
- The New South Wales Tissue Resource Centre, Discipline of Pathology, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
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Migliore L, Coppedè F. Environmental-induced oxidative stress in neurodegenerative disorders and aging. Mutat Res 2008; 674:73-84. [PMID: 18952194 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrgentox.2008.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 243] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2008] [Accepted: 09/23/2008] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The aetiology of most neurodegenerative disorders is multifactorial and consists of an interaction between environmental factors and genetic predisposition. Free radicals derived primarily from molecular oxygen have been implicated and considered as associated risk factors for a variety of human disorders including neurodegenerative diseases and aging. Damage to tissue biomolecules, including lipids, proteins and DNA, by free radicals is postulated to contribute importantly to the pathophysiology of oxidative stress. The potential of environmental exposure to metals, air pollution and pesticides as well as diet as risk factors via the induction of oxidative stress for neurodegenerative diseases and aging is discussed. The role of genetic background is discussed on the light of the oxidative stress implication, focusing on both complex neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) and monogenic neurological disorders (Huntington's disease, Ataxia telangiectasia, Friedreich Ataxia and others). Emphasis is given to role of the repair mechanisms of oxidative DNA damage in delaying aging and protecting against neurodegeneration. The emerging interplay between environmental-induced oxidative stress and epigenetic modifications of critical genes for neurodegeneration is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Migliore
- Department of Human and Environmental Sciences, University of Pisa, Faculty of Medicine, Via S. Giuseppe 22, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
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Abstract
In amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), an adult-onset progressive degeneration of motor neurons occurring as sporadic and familial disease, there is emerging evidence for and against the role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), an endothelial cell mitogen crucial for angiogenesis, in its etiopathogenesis. Our understanding of the role of VEGF in ALS has come from studies of both experimental models and human cases. In this article, I have examined in detail the in vitro and in vivo evidence for and against VEGF in ALS, concluding that more compelling evidence is required before we can conclusively link VEGF to ALS in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sivakumar Sathasivam
- Department of Neurology, The Walton Centre for Neurology & Neurosurgery, Lower Lane, Liverpool L9 7LJ, UK.
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