1
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Ni Y, Shi M, Liu L, Lin D, Zeng H, Ong C, Wang Y. G9a in Cancer: Mechanisms, Therapeutic Advancements, and Clinical Implications. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2175. [PMID: 38927881 PMCID: PMC11201431 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16122175] [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: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
G9a, also named EHMT2, is a histone 3 lysine 9 (H3K9) methyltransferase responsible for catalyzing H3K9 mono- and dimethylation (H3K9me1 and H3K9me2). G9a contributes to various aspects of embryonic development and tissue differentiation through epigenetic regulation. Furthermore, the aberrant expression of G9a is frequently observed in various tumors, particularly in prostate cancer, where it contributes to cancer pathogenesis and progression. This review highlights the critical role of G9a in multiple cancer-related processes, such as epigenetic dysregulation, tumor suppressor gene silencing, cancer lineage plasticity, hypoxia adaption, and cancer progression. Despite the increased research on G9a in prostate cancer, there are still significant gaps, particularly in understanding its interactions within the tumor microenvironment and its broader epigenetic effects. Furthermore, this review discusses the recent advancements in G9a inhibitors, including the development of dual-target inhibitors that target G9a along with other epigenetic factors such as EZH2 and HDAC. It aims to bring together the existing knowledge, identify gaps in the current research, and suggest future directions for research and treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuchao Ni
- Department of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China;
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada; (M.S.); (L.L.); (D.L.); (Y.W.)
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada
| | - Mingchen Shi
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada; (M.S.); (L.L.); (D.L.); (Y.W.)
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada
| | - Liangliang Liu
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada; (M.S.); (L.L.); (D.L.); (Y.W.)
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada
| | - Dong Lin
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada; (M.S.); (L.L.); (D.L.); (Y.W.)
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada
| | - Hao Zeng
- Department of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China;
| | - Christopher Ong
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada; (M.S.); (L.L.); (D.L.); (Y.W.)
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada
| | - Yuzhuo Wang
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada; (M.S.); (L.L.); (D.L.); (Y.W.)
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada
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2
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Liang Y, Wang L, Ma P, Ju D, Zhao M, Shi Y. Enhancing anti-tumor immune responses through combination therapies: epigenetic drugs and immune checkpoint inhibitors. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1308264. [PMID: 38077327 PMCID: PMC10704038 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1308264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms are processes that affect gene expression and cellular functions without involving changes in the DNA sequence. This abnormal or unstable expression of genes regulated by epigenetics can trigger cancer and other various diseases. The immune cells involved in anti-tumor responses and the immunogenicity of tumors may also be affected by epigenomic changes. This holds significant implications for the development and application of cancer immunotherapy, epigenetic therapy, and their combined treatments in the fight against cancer. We provide an overview of recent research literature focusing on how epigenomic changes in immune cells influence immune cell behavior and function, as well as the immunogenicity of cancer cells. And the combined utilization of epigenetic medications with immune checkpoint inhibitors that focus on immune checkpoint molecules [e.g., Programmed Death 1 (PD-1), Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte-Associated Protein 4 (CTLA-4), T cell Immunoglobulin and Mucin Domain (TIM-3), Lymphocyte Activation Gene-3 (LAG-3)] present in immune cells and stromal cells associated with tumors. We highlight the potential of small-molecule inhibitors targeting epigenetic regulators to amplify anti-tumor immune responses. Moreover, we discuss how to leverage the intricate relationship between cancer epigenetics and cancer immunology to create treatment regimens that integrate epigenetic therapies with immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Liang
- Precision Pharmacy and Drug Development Center, Department of Pharmacy, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Lingling Wang
- Wuchang Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan Wuchang Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Peijun Ma
- Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Dongen Ju
- Department of Urology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Minggao Zhao
- Precision Pharmacy and Drug Development Center, Department of Pharmacy, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yun Shi
- Department of Immunology and Theranostics, Arthur Riggs Diabetes and Metabolism Research Institute, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, CA, United States
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3
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Baris S, Boluk SO. A novel mutation in DNMT3B gene causing ICF1 syndrome in an infant with refractory thrombocytopenia. Clin Immunol 2023; 256:109779. [PMID: 37741519 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2023.109779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND ICF syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive condition characterized by immunodeficiency, centromeric instability, and facial abnormalities. It is a clinical condition that depends on the mutation of a few particular genes and is caused by methylation disruption in chromosomes 1, 9, and 16 to varying degrees. CASE PRESENTATION The 9-months old, female patient was admitted to our clinic for treatment-resistant thrombocytopenia, chronic diarrhea and sepsis. Immunological investigations revealed agammaglobulinemia. In the genetic analysis by NGS of the patient, who had dysmorphic facial findings as well as a history of parental consanguinity, it was determined that she had a novel mutation in the DNMT3B gene, which is one of the responsible genes of ICF, as homozygous. The patient, who was started on regular immunoglobulin replacement therapy and antibiotic therapy, was referred to a center with a stem cell transplant unit to continue her follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Although autoimmunity has not been commonly reported in previous studies in ICF syndrome, which has a varied clinical presentation, a homozygous mutation in the DNMT3B gene was discovered in a 9-month-old patient with refractory thrombocytopenia and agammaglobulinemia. Examining the literature reveals that this mutation is a novel mutation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Savas Baris
- Aydin Maternity and Pediatrics Hospital, Department of Genetics, Aydin, Turkey.
| | - Selime Ozen Boluk
- Aydin Maternity and Pediatrics Hospital, Department of Pediatric Immunology and Allergic Diseases, Aydin, Turkey
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4
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Noda H, Suzuki J, Matsuoka Y, Matsumoto A, Kuwahara M, Kamei Y, Takada Y, Yamashita M. The histone demethylase Utx controls CD8 + T-cell-dependent antitumor immunity via epigenetic regulation of the effector function. Cancer Sci 2023. [PMID: 37068788 DOI: 10.1111/cas.15814] [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: 10/15/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023] Open
Abstract
CD8+ T cells play a central role in antitumor immune responses. Epigenetic gene regulation is essential to acquire the effector function of CD8+ T cells. However, the role of Utx, a demethylase of histone H3K27, in antitumor immunity remains unclear. In this study, we examined the roles of Utx in effector CD8+ T-cell differentiation and the antitumor immune response. In a murine tumor-bearing model, an increased tumor size and decreased survival rate were observed in T-cell-specific Utx KO (Utx KO) mice compared with wild-type (WT) mice. The number of CD8+ T cells in tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) was significantly decreased in Utx KO mice. We found that the acquisition of effector function was delayed and attenuated in Utx KO CD8+ T cells. RNA sequencing revealed that the expression of effector signature genes was decreased in Utx KO effector CD8+ T cells, while the expression of naïve or memory signature genes was increased. Furthermore, the expression of Cxcr3, which is required for the migration of effector CD8+ T cells to tumor sites, was substantially decreased in Utx KO CD8+ T cells. These findings suggest that Utx promotes CD8+ T-cell-dependent antitumor immune responses partially through epigenetic regulation of the effector function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haruna Noda
- Breast Center, Ehime University Hospital, Toon, Japan
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery and Breast Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Ehime University, Toon, Japan
- Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Ehime University, Toon, Japan
| | - Junpei Suzuki
- Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Ehime University, Toon, Japan
| | - Yuko Matsuoka
- Department of Translational Research Center, Ehime University Hospital, Toon, Japan
| | - Akira Matsumoto
- Department of Infections and Host Defenses, Graduate School of Medicine, Ehime University, Toon, Japan
| | - Makoto Kuwahara
- Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Ehime University, Toon, Japan
| | - Yoshiaki Kamei
- Breast Center, Ehime University Hospital, Toon, Japan
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery and Breast Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Ehime University, Toon, Japan
| | - Yasutsugu Takada
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery and Breast Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Ehime University, Toon, Japan
| | - Masakatsu Yamashita
- Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Ehime University, Toon, Japan
- Department of Infections and Host Defenses, Graduate School of Medicine, Ehime University, Toon, Japan
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5
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Jie C, Li R, Cheng Y, Wang Z, Wu Q, Xie C. Prospects and feasibility of synergistic therapy with radiotherapy, immunotherapy, and DNA methyltransferase inhibitors in non-small cell lung cancer. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1122352. [PMID: 36875059 PMCID: PMC9981667 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1122352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The morbidity and mortality of lung cancer are increasing, seriously threatening human health and life. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has an insidious onset and is not easy to be diagnosed in its early stage. Distant metastasis often occurs and the prognosis is poor. Radiotherapy (RT) combined with immunotherapy, especially with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), has become the focus of research in NSCLC. The efficacy of immunoradiotherapy (iRT) is promising, but further optimization is necessary. DNA methylation has been involved in immune escape and radioresistance, and becomes a game changer in iRT. In this review, we focused on the regulation of DNA methylation on ICIs treatment resistance and radioresistance in NSCLC and elucidated the potential synergistic effects of DNA methyltransferases inhibitors (DNMTis) with iRT. Taken together, we outlined evidence suggesting that a combination of DNMTis, RT, and immunotherapy could be a promising treatment strategy to improve NSCLC outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Jie
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Rumeng Li
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yajie Cheng
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhihao Wang
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Cancer Clinical Study Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Qiuji Wu
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Cancer Clinical Study Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Conghua Xie
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Cancer Clinical Study Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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6
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Liu Z, Ren Y, Weng S, Xu H, Li L, Han X. A New Trend in Cancer Treatment: The Combination of Epigenetics and Immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2022; 13:809761. [PMID: 35140720 PMCID: PMC8818678 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.809761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, immunotherapy has become a hot spot in the treatment of tumors. As an emerging treatment, it solves many problems in traditional cancer treatment and has now become the main method for cancer treatment. Although immunotherapy is promising, most patients do not respond to treatment or develop resistance. Therefore, in order to achieve a better therapeutic effect, combination therapy has emerged. The combination of immune checkpoint inhibition and epigenetic therapy is one such strategy. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the key mechanisms of how epigenetic mechanisms affect cancer immune responses and reveal the key role of epigenetic processes in regulating immune cell function and mediating anti-tumor immunity. In addition, we highlight the outlook of combined epigenetic and immune regimens, particularly the combination of immune checkpoint blockade with epigenetic agents, to address the limitations of immunotherapy alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaoqu Liu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Interventional Institute of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Interventional Treatment and Clinical Research Center of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yuqing Ren
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Siyuan Weng
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Interventional Institute of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Interventional Treatment and Clinical Research Center of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hui Xu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Interventional Institute of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Interventional Treatment and Clinical Research Center of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Lifeng Li
- Internet Medical and System Applications of National Engineering Laboratory, Zhengzhou, China
- Medical School, Huanghe Science and Technology University, Zhengzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Xinwei Han, ; Lifeng Li,
| | - Xinwei Han
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Interventional Institute of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Interventional Treatment and Clinical Research Center of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Xinwei Han, ; Lifeng Li,
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7
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Oh S, Gray DHD, Chong MMW. Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Approaches for Tracing T Cell Development. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2021; 207:363-370. [PMID: 34644259 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2100408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
T cell development occurs in the thymus, where uncommitted progenitors are directed into a range of sublineages with distinct functions. The goal is to generate a TCR repertoire diverse enough to recognize potential pathogens while remaining tolerant of self. Decades of intensive research have characterized the transcriptional programs controlling critical differentiation checkpoints at the population level. However, greater precision regarding how and when these programs orchestrate differentiation at the single-cell level is required. Single-cell RNA sequencing approaches are now being brought to bear on this question, to track the identity of cells and analyze their gene expression programs at a resolution not previously possible. In this review, we discuss recent advances in the application of these technologies that have the potential to yield unprecedented insight to T cell development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seungyoul Oh
- St. Vincent's Institute of Medical Research, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Medicine (St. Vincent's), The University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia
| | - Daniel H D Gray
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; and.,Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mark M W Chong
- St. Vincent's Institute of Medical Research, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia; .,Department of Medicine (St. Vincent's), The University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia
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8
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Roy D, Bose S, Pati S, Guin A, Banerjee K, Saha S, Singhal AK, Chakraborty J, Sarkar DK, Sa G. GFI1/HDAC1-axis differentially regulates immunosuppressive CD73 in human tumor-associated FOXP3 + Th17 and inflammation-linked Th17 cells. Eur J Immunol 2021; 51:1206-1217. [PMID: 33555624 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202048892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Plasticity between Th17 and Treg cells is regarded as a crucial determinant of tumor-associated immunosuppression. Classically Th17 cells mediate inflammatory responses through production of cytokine IL17. Recently, Th17 cells have also been shown to acquire suppressive phenotypes in tumor microenvironment. However, the mechanism by which they acquire such immunosuppressive properties is still elusive. Here, we report that in tumor microenvironment Th17 cell acquires immunosuppressive properties by expressing Treg lineage-specific transcription factor FOXP3 and ectonucleotidase CD73. We designate this cell as Th17reg cell and perceive that such immunosuppressive property is dependent on CD73. It was observed that in classical Th17 cell, GFI1 recruits HDAC1 to change the euchromatin into tightly-packed heterochromatin at the proximal-promoter region of CD73 to repress its expression. Whereas in Th17reg cells GFI1 cannot get access to CD73-promoter due to heterochromatin state at its binding site and, thus, cannot recruit HDAC1, failing to suppress the expression of CD73.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dia Roy
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Bose Institute, Kolkata, India
| | - Sayantan Bose
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Bose Institute, Kolkata, India
| | - Subhadip Pati
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Bose Institute, Kolkata, India
| | - Aharna Guin
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Bose Institute, Kolkata, India
| | | | - Sudipto Saha
- Department of Bioinformatics, Bose Institute, Kolkata, India
| | | | | | | | - Gaurisankar Sa
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Bose Institute, Kolkata, India
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9
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Mehawej C, Khalife H, Hanna-Wakim R, Dbaibo G, Farra C. DNMT3B deficiency presenting as severe combined immune deficiency: A case report. Clin Immunol 2020; 215:108453. [PMID: 32360517 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2020.108453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Immunodeficiency, Centromeric instability and Facial anomalies (ICF) syndrome is a group of rare autosomal recessive disorders. The immune disease in the ICF syndrome consists mainly of humoral immunodeficiency. T-cell dysfunction has previously been suspected to be part of the syndrome's spectrum. However, patients with ICF display, at a young age, a normal number of T cells that tend to decline throughout disease progression due to apoptosis. Biallelic mutations in the DNMT3B gene account for around 50% of ICF cases (ICF type 1). The remaining half may be linked to ZBTB24, CDCA7 or HELLS. Here we report a novel homozygous DNMT3B mutation (NM_ 006892; p.R826H) in a Lebanese family presenting in early infancy with severe combined immune deficiency (SCID). This work expands the clinical spectrum of the ICF syndrome and confirms the importance of tailoring therapeutic approaches for each patient with ICF syndrome, according to the clinical manifestations of his disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cybel Mehawej
- Medical Genetics Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Saint Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon.
| | - Hassan Khalife
- Al-Zahraa Hospital University Medical Center, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Rima Hanna-Wakim
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon; Center for Infectious Diseases Research, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Ghassan Dbaibo
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon; Center for Infectious Diseases Research, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Chantal Farra
- Medical Genetics Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Saint Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon; Department of Medical Genetics, Hotel Dieu de France, Beirut, Lebanon
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10
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The emerging role of epigenetic therapeutics in immuno-oncology. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2019; 17:75-90. [PMID: 31548600 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-019-0266-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 252] [Impact Index Per Article: 50.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The past decade has seen the emergence of immunotherapy as a prime approach to cancer treatment, revolutionizing the management of many types of cancer. Despite the promise of immunotherapy, most patients do not have a response or become resistant to treatment. Thus, identifying combinations that potentiate current immunotherapeutic approaches will be crucial. The combination of immune-checkpoint inhibition with epigenetic therapy is one such strategy that is being tested in clinical trials, encompassing a variety of cancer types. Studies have revealed key roles of epigenetic processes in regulating immune cell function and mediating antitumour immunity. These interactions make combined epigenetic therapy and immunotherapy an attractive approach to circumvent the limitations of immunotherapy alone. In this Review, we highlight the basic dynamic mechanisms underlying the synergy between immunotherapy and epigenetic therapies and detail current efforts to translate this knowledge into clinical benefit for patients.
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11
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Hagihara Y, Yoshimatsu Y, Mikami Y, Takada Y, Mizuno S, Kanai T. Epigenetic regulation of T helper cells and intestinal pathogenicity. Semin Immunopathol 2019; 41:379-399. [DOI: 10.1007/s00281-019-00732-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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12
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Verbaro DJ, Sakurai N, Kim B, Shinkai Y, Egawa T. Cutting Edge: The Histone Methyltransferase G9a Is Required for Silencing of Helper T Lineage-Associated Genes in Proliferating CD8 T Cells. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2018; 200:3891-3896. [PMID: 29720423 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1701700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2017] [Accepted: 04/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Helper versus cytotoxic T lineage decision in the thymus has been studied as a model for silencing of alternative lineage genes. Although the transcription factor RUNX3 is required for the initiation of Cd4 silencing in developing CD8 T cells, it is unknown how silencing of Cd4 and other helper T lineage genes is maintained. We show that the histone methyltransferase G9a is necessary for silencing helper T lineage genes in proliferating mouse CD8 T cells. Despite normal initial Cd4 downregulation, G9a-deficient CD8 T cells derepress Cd4 and other helper lineage genes during repeated division in lymphopenia or in response to tumor Ag. However, G9a was dispensable for continued silencing of those genes in CD8 T cells that respond to infection by Listeria monocytogenes These results demonstrate that G9a facilitates maintenance of cellular identity of CD8 T cells during cell division, which is further reinforced by inflammatory signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Verbaro
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110; and
| | - Nagisa Sakurai
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110; and
| | - Byungil Kim
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110; and
| | - Yoichi Shinkai
- Cellular Memory Laboratory, RIKEN, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Takeshi Egawa
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110; and
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13
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Salimi S, Keshavarzi F, Mohammadpour-Gharehbagh A, Moodi M, Mousavi M, Karimian M, Sandoughi M. Polymorphisms of the folate metabolizing enzymes: Association with SLE susceptibility and in silico analysis. Gene 2017; 637:161-172. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2017.09.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2016] [Revised: 07/22/2017] [Accepted: 09/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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14
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Computational analysis of cell-to-cell heterogeneity in single-cell RNA-sequencing data reveals hidden subpopulations of cells. Nat Biotechnol 2015; 33:155-60. [DOI: 10.1038/nbt.3102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 854] [Impact Index Per Article: 94.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2014] [Accepted: 11/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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15
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Aune TM, Collins PL, Collier SP, Henderson MA, Chang S. Epigenetic Activation and Silencing of the Gene that Encodes IFN-γ. Front Immunol 2013; 4:112. [PMID: 23720660 PMCID: PMC3655339 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2013.00112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2013] [Accepted: 04/28/2013] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcriptional activation and repression of genes that are developmentally regulated or exhibit cell-type specific expression patterns is largely achieved by modifying the chromatin template at a gene locus. Complex formation of stable epigenetic histone marks, loss or gain of DNA methylation, alterations in chromosome conformation, and specific utilization of both proximal and distal transcriptional enhancers and repressors all contribute to this process. In addition, long non-coding RNAs are a new species of regulatory RNAs that either positively or negatively regulate transcription of target gene loci. IFN-γ is a pro-inflammatory cytokine with critical functions in both innate and adaptive arms of the immune system. This review focuses on our current understanding of how the chromatin template is modified at the IFNG locus during developmental processes leading to its transcriptional activation and silencing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas M Aune
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine Nashville, TN, USA ; Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine Nashville, TN, USA
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16
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Hashimoto SI, Ogoshi K, Sasaki A, Abe J, Qu W, Nakatani Y, Ahsan B, Oshima K, Shand FHW, Ametani A, Suzuki Y, Kaneko S, Wada T, Hattori M, Sugano S, Morishita S, Matsushima K. Coordinated changes in DNA methylation in antigen-specific memory CD4 T cells. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2013; 190:4076-91. [PMID: 23509353 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1202267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Memory CD4(+) T cells are central regulators of both humoral and cellular immune responses. T cell differentiation results in specific changes in chromatin structure and DNA methylation of cytokine genes. Although the methylation status of a limited number of gene loci in T cells has been examined, the genome-wide DNA methylation status of memory CD4(+) T cells remains unexplored. To further elucidate the molecular signature of memory T cells, we conducted methylome and transcriptome analyses of memory CD4(+) T cells generated using T cells from TCR-transgenic mice. The resulting genome-wide DNA methylation profile revealed 1144 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) across the murine genome during the process of T cell differentiation, 552 of which were associated with gene loci. Interestingly, the majority of these DMRs were located in introns. These DMRs included genes such as CXCR6, Tbox21, Chsy1, and Cish, which are associated with cytokine production, homing to bone marrow, and immune responses. Methylation changes in memory T cells exposed to specific Ag appeared to regulate enhancer activity rather than promoter activity of immunologically relevant genes. In addition, methylation profiles differed between memory T cell subsets, demonstrating a link between T cell methylation status and T cell differentiation. By comparing DMRs between naive and Ag-specific memory T cells, this study provides new insights into the functional status of memory T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shin-ichi Hashimoto
- Department of Molecular Preventive Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan.
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17
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Dwivedi RS, Herman JG, McCaffrey TA, Raj DSC. Beyond genetics: epigenetic code in chronic kidney disease. Kidney Int 2010; 79:23-32. [PMID: 20881938 DOI: 10.1038/ki.2010.335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetics refers to a heritable change in the pattern of gene expression that is mediated by a mechanism specifically not due to alterations in the primary nucleotide sequence. Well-known epigenetic mechanisms encompass DNA methylation, chromatin remodeling (histone modifications), and RNA interference. Functionally, epigenetics provides an extra layer of transcriptional control and plays a crucial role in normal physiological development, as well as in pathological conditions. Aberrant DNA methylation is implicated in immune dysfunction, inflammation, and insulin resistance. Epigenetic changes may be responsible for 'metabolic memory' and development of micro- and macrovascular complications of diabetes. MicroRNAs are critical in the maintenance of glomerular homeostasis and hence RNA interference may be important in the progression of renal disease. Recent studies have shown that epigenetic modifications orchestrate the epithelial-mesenchymal transition and eventually fibrosis of the renal tissue. Oxidative stress, inflammation, hyperhomocysteinemia, and uremic toxins could induce epimutations in chronic kidney disease. Epigenetic alterations are associated with inflammation and cardiovascular disease in patients with chronic kidney disease. Reversible nature of the epigenetic changes gives a unique opportunity to halt or even reverse the disease process through targeted therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rama S Dwivedi
- Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, The George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia 20037, USA
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Thomas RM, Chunder N, Chen C, Umetsu SE, Winandy S, Wells AD. Ikaros enforces the costimulatory requirement for IL2 gene expression and is required for anergy induction in CD4+ T lymphocytes. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2008; 179:7305-15. [PMID: 18025173 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.179.11.7305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
T cell activation results in dynamic remodeling of the chromatin at the IL2 promoter and induction of IL2 gene transcription. These processes are each dependent upon CD28 costimulation, but the molecular basis for this requirement is not clear. The IL2 promoter contains consensus-binding elements for Ikaros, a lymphocyte-specific zinc-finger DNA-binding protein that can regulate gene expression by recruiting chromatin-remodeling complexes. We find that native Ikaros in CD4(+) T cells exhibits sequence-specific binding to these elements in vitro, and interacts with the endogenous IL2 promoter in vivo, in a manner dependent upon its DNA-binding domain. This binding has important consequences on the regulation of the IL2 gene, because CD4(+) T cells with reduced Ikaros DNA-binding activity no longer require signals from the TCR or CD28 for histone acetylation at the endogenous IL2 promoter, and no longer require CD28 costimulation for expression of the IL2 gene. Furthermore, CD4(+) T cells with reduced Ikaros activity are resistant to clonal anergy induced by TCR ligation in the absence of either CD28 or IL-2R signals. These results establish Ikaros as a transcriptional repressor of the IL2 gene that functions through modulation of chromatin structure and has an obligate role in the induction of anergy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajan M Thomas
- Joseph Stokes, Jr Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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19
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Burzynski M, Duriagin S, Mostowska M, Wudarski M, Chwalinska-Sadowska H, Jagodzinski PP. MTR 2756 A > G polymorphism is associated with the risk of systemic lupus erythematosus in the Polish population. Lupus 2007; 16:450-4. [PMID: 17664238 DOI: 10.1177/0961203307077988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease characterized by overexpression of cytokines and T cell accessory molecules, which is due to a reduction of DNA regulatory region methylation in T cells. It has been shown that polymorphic variants of genes encoding key enzymes of folate and methionine metabolism may have an effect on DNA methylation. Therefore, in patients with SLE (n = 106) and controls (n = 141) we examined the distribution of polymorphisms of genes encoding methionine synthase (MTR); 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase, 5,10-methenyltetrahydrofolate cyclohydrolase and 10-formyltetrahydrofolate synthetase (MTHFD1); and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR). We found that MTR 2756AG (919DG) or GG (919GG) genotype exhibited 2.005-fold increased risk of SLE (95% CI = 1.177-3.416, P = 0.0146). However, MTHFR 677C > T (A222V) and MTHFD1 1958G > A (R653Q) allele and genotype frequencies did not exhibit statistical differences between SLE patients and controls. Since MTR is located on 1q43, our findings confirm the significance of the role of 1q region and the methyl cycle in etiopathogenesis of SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Burzynski
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Poznaań University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
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20
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Kim HR, Hwang KA, Kim KC, Kang I. Down-regulation of IL-7Ralpha expression in human T cells via DNA methylation. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2007; 178:5473-9. [PMID: 17442928 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.178.9.5473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
IL-7 is critical for the development and survival of T cells. Recently, we found two subsets of human CD8+ T cells expressing IL-7Ralpha(high) and IL-7Ralpha(low) with different cell survival responses to IL-7. Although these CD8+ T cell subsets have differential IL-7Ralpha gene expression, the mechanism for this is unknown. DNA methylation is an important gene regulatory mechanism and is associated with the inactivation of gene expression. Thus, we investigated a role for DNA methylation in differentially regulating IL-7Ralpha gene expression in human CD8+ T cells and Jurkat T cells. IL-7Ralpha(high)CD8+ T cells had decreased methylation in the IL-7Ralpha gene promoter compared with IL-7Ralpha(low)CD8+ T cells and Jurkat T cells with low levels of IL-7Ralpha. Treating Jurkat T cells with 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine, which reduced DNA methylation, increased IL-7Ralpha expression. Plus, the unmethylated IL-7Ralpha gene promoter construct had higher levels of promoter activity than the methylated one as measured by a luciferase reporter assay. These findings suggest that DNA methylation is involved in regulating IL-7Ralpha expression in T cells via affecting IL-7Ralpha gene promoter activity, and that the methylation of this gene promoter could be a potential target for modifying IL-7-mediated T cell development and survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hang-Rae Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Rheumatology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
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Kersh EN, Fitzpatrick DR, Murali-Krishna K, Shires J, Speck SH, Boss JM, Ahmed R. Rapid Demethylation of the IFN-γ Gene Occurs in Memory but Not Naive CD8 T Cells. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2006; 176:4083-93. [PMID: 16547244 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.176.7.4083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
DNA methylation is an epigenetic mechanism of gene regulation. We have determined that specific modifications in DNA methylation at the IFN-gamma locus occur during memory CD8 T cell differentiation in vivo. Expression of the antiviral cytokine IFN-gamma in CD8 T cells is highly developmental stage specific. Most naive cells must divide before they express IFN-gamma, while memory cells vigorously express IFN-gamma before cell division. Ag-specific CD8 T cells were obtained during viral infection of mice and examined directly ex vivo. Naive cells had an IFN-gamma locus with extensive methylation at three specific CpG sites. An inhibitor of methylation increased the amount of IFN-gamma in naive cells, indicating that methylation contributes to the slow and meager production of IFN-gamma. Effectors were unmethylated and produced large amounts of IFN-gamma. Interestingly, while memory cells were also able to produce large amounts of IFN-gamma, the gene was partially methylated at the three CpG sites. Within 5 h of antigenic stimulation, however, the gene was rapidly demethylated in memory cells. This was independent of DNA synthesis and cell division, suggesting a yet unidentified demethylase. Rapid demethylation of the IFN-gamma promoter by an enzymatic factor only in memory cells would be a novel mechanism of differential gene regulation. This differentiation stage-specific mechanism reflects a basic immunologic principle: naive cells need to expand before becoming an effective defense factor, whereas memory cells with already increased precursor frequency can rapidly mount effector functions to eliminate reinfecting pathogens in a strictly Ag-dependent fashion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen N Kersh
- Emory Vaccine Center and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
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22
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Wren JD, Garner HR. Data-mining analysis suggests an epigenetic pathogenesis for type 2 diabetes. J Biomed Biotechnol 2006; 2005:104-12. [PMID: 16046815 PMCID: PMC1184044 DOI: 10.1155/jbb.2005.104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The etiological origin of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has long
been controversial. The body of literature related to T2DM is vast
and varied in focus, making a broad epidemiological perspective
difficult, if not impossible. A data-mining approach was used to
analyze all electronically available scientific literature, over
12 million Medline records, for “objects” such as genes,
diseases, phenotypes, and chemical compounds linked to other
objects within the T2DM literature but were not themselves within
the T2DM literature. The goal of this analysis was to conduct a
comprehensive survey to identify novel factors implicated in the
pathology of T2DM by statistically evaluating mutually shared
associations. Surprisingly, epigenetic factors were among the
highest statistical scores in this analysis, strongly implicating
epigenetic changes within the body as causal factors in the
pathogenesis of T2DM. Further analysis implicates adipocytes as
the potential tissue of origin, and cytokines or cytokine-like
genes as the dysregulated factor(s) responsible for the T2DM
phenotype. The analysis provides a wealth of literature supporting
this hypothesis, which—if true—represents an important
paradigm shift for researchers studying the pathogenesis of T2DM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan D Wren
- Advanced Center for Genome Technology, Department of Botany and Microbiology, The University of Oklahoma, 101 David L Boren Blvd, Rm 2025, Norman, OK 73019, USA.
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23
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Wilson CB, Makar KW, Shnyreva M, Fitzpatrick DR. DNA methylation and the expanding epigenetics of T cell lineage commitment. Semin Immunol 2005; 17:105-19. [PMID: 15737572 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2005.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
During their development from progenitors, lymphocytes make a series of cell fate decisions. These decisions reflect and require changes in overall programs of gene expression. To maintain cellular identity, programs of gene expression must be iterated through mitosis in a heritable manner by epigenetic processes, which include DNA methylation, methyl-CpG-binding proteins, histone modifications, transcription factors and higher order chromatin structure. Current evidence is consistent with the notion that DNA methylation acts in concert with other epigenetic processes to limit the probability of aberrant gene expression and to stabilize, rather than to initiate, cell fate decisions. In particular, DNA methylation appears to be a non-redundant repressor of CD8 expression in TCR-gammadelta T cells and Th2 cytokine expression in Th1 and CD8 T cells, and is required to enforce clonally restricted Ly49 and KIR gene expression in NK cells. However, most of our knowledge is derived from in vitro studies, and the importance of DNA methylation in memory cell lineage fidelity in vivo remains to be shown convincingly.
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24
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Januchowski R, Jagodzinski PP. Effect of 5-azacytidine and procainamide on CD3-zeta chain expression in Jurkat T cells. Biomed Pharmacother 2005; 59:122-6. [PMID: 15795105 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2004.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2004] [Accepted: 07/23/2004] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
It has been observed that decrease of DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) activity is associated with low content of the CD3-zeta (zeta) chain in T cell receptor (TCR)/CD3 complex of T cells in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. The CD3-zeta chain plays a pivotal role in intracellular signal transmission between TCR/CD3 complex and nuclei. The compounds 5'-azacytidine (AZC) and procainamide (PCA) belong to inhibitors of DNMT1, whose low activity correlates with increase in transcription of various genes. Using the reverse-transcription and real-time quantitative PCR (RQ-PCR) analysis, we indicated that AZC and PCA did not profoundly affect on CD3-zeta chain transcription in Jurkat T leukemia cells clone E6-1. However, the flowcytometric analysis revealed that AZC and PCA decreased intracellular contents of CD3-zeta chain in these cells in dose dependent manner. Our results suggest that decrease of DNMT1 activity may alter intracellular signal transmission without effect on transcription level of CD3-zeta chain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radosław Januchowski
- University of Medical Sciences, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Poznań, Poland
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25
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Winders BR, Schwartz RH, Bruniquel D. A distinct region of the murine IFN-gamma promoter is hypomethylated from early T cell development through mature naive and Th1 cell differentiation, but is hypermethylated in Th2 cells. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2005; 173:7377-84. [PMID: 15585862 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.173.12.7377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Reports on the status of DNA methylation of the IFN-gamma gene during T cell development in human and mouse have presented somewhat contradictory results. In this study we demonstrate in the mouse that methylation of the IFN-gamma promoter inhibits its transcriptional activity, and define a small hypomethylated region in T cells that correlates with transcription. The IFN-gamma promoter was also hypomethylated in NK cells, but not in B cells or nonhemopoietic tissues. Surprisingly, unlike the promoters of the IL-2 and IL-4 genes, the IFN-gamma promoter was hypomethylated in naive CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells, and in this form from very early in T cell development. A population of non-B, non-T, non-NK cells containing the hypomethylated promoter was also found in the bone marrow. The hypomethylated state appears stable until peripheral CD4(+) T cells differentiate in response to Ag and APC. After T cell stimulation in vitro under Th2 conditions, but far less so under Th1 conditions, CD4(+) cells display a more methylated IFN-gamma promoter, which may contribute to the lack of expression of IFN-gamma in these preactivated cells. Our experiments support a new model of IFN-gamma chromatin structural changes in murine T cell development that differs from what has been previously published for human T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin R Winders
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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Scholz C, Nimmrich I, Burger M, Becker E, Dörken B, Ludwig WD, Maier S. Distinction of acute lymphoblastic leukemia from acute myeloid leukemia through microarray-based DNA methylation analysis. Ann Hematol 2004; 84:236-44. [PMID: 15538567 DOI: 10.1007/s00277-004-0969-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2004] [Accepted: 10/09/2004] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Patterns of DNA methylation are substantially altered in malignancies compared to normal tissue, with both genome-wide hypomethylation and regional increase of cytosine methylation at dinucleotides of cytosine and guanine, i.e., CpG dinucleotides. While genome-wide hypomethylation renders chromosomes instable, hypermethylation of CpGs in promoter regions is generally associated with transcriptional silencing, e.g., of tumor suppressor genes. To investigate whether disease-specific methylation profiles exist for different entities of acute leukemia, a microarray-based DNA methylation analysis simultaneously assessing 249 CpG dinucleotides originating from 57 genes was employed. Hereby, samples from precursor B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) could be distinguished from cases of acute myeloid leukemia by virtue of N33, EGR4, CDC2, CCND2, or MOS hypermethylation in ALL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Scholz
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charité Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Berlin, Germany.
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Abstract
Alloreactive T cells undergo clonal expansion before they participate in allograft rejection. Current estimates suggest that roughly 1 in 20 peripheral T cells are alloreactive, and these cells may expand at least 20-50-fold during an alloimmune response in vivo. The majority of immunosuppressive drugs currently used to facilitate graft survival in experimental models and in the clinic act to inhibit T-cell proliferation. This review focuses on 1) recent advances in monitoring alloreactive T-cell proliferation during alloimmune responses, 2) the link between cell division, anergy avoidance, and effector T-cell differentiation, and 3) an overview of growth factor receptor-coupled signal transduction pathways, with emphasis on key cell-cycle regulators that may serve as potential targets for novel immunosuppressive or tolerance-inducing strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew D Wells
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Joseph Stokes, Jr. Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 3516 Civic Center Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19104-4318, USA.
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Holling TM, Schooten E, Langerak AW, van den Elsen PJ. Regulation of MHC class II expression in human T-cell malignancies. Blood 2003; 103:1438-44. [PMID: 14563641 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2003-05-1491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules in human activated T cells is under normal circumstances regulated exclusively by the CIITA-PIII subtype of the class II transactivator (CIITA). In this study, we show that the absence of MHC class II expression in leukemic T cells was due to a lack of expression of CIITA, whereas in T-lymphoma cells, expression of CIITA correlated with expression of MHC class II. Interestingly, activation of a CIITA-promoter (P)III-reporter construct was not affected in leukemic T cells. This revealed that the absence of endogenous CIITA expression was not caused by a lack of transcription factors critical for CIITA-PIII activation but suggests the involvement of an epigenetic silencing mechanism. Subsequent analysis showed that the lack of human leukocyte antigen-DR (HLA-DR) expression correlated with hypermethylation of CIITA-PIII in leukemic T-cell lines and in primary T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) and a T-cell prolymphocytic leukemia (T-PLL). Treatment of leukemic T-cell lines with a demethylation agent showed re-expression of CIITA-PIII and HLA-DRA. Furthermore, in vitro methylation of CIITA-PIII and subsequent assessment of CIITA-PIII activity in Jurkat leukemic T cells resulted in reduction of constitutive and CREB-1 (cyclic adenosine monophosphate [cAMP]-response element binding protein 1)-induced promoter activity. Together, these results argue for an important role of DNA hyper-methylation in the control of CIITA expression in leukemic T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tjadine M Holling
- Division of Molecular Biology, Department of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
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Fitzpatrick DR, Wilson CB. Methylation and demethylation in the regulation of genes, cells, and responses in the immune system. Clin Immunol 2003; 109:37-45. [PMID: 14585274 DOI: 10.1016/s1521-6616(03)00205-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
DNA methylation is a focus of epigenetic research in the immune system. This overview begins with a synopsis of the players and processes involved in DNA methylation, demethylation, methyl-CpG-recognition, histone modification, and chromatin remodeling. The role of these mechanisms in immune responses, with a focus on T lymphocytes, is then reviewed. There is evidence for epigenetic regulation of several key immune processes including thymocyte development, antigen presentation, differentiation, cytokine expression, effector function, and memory. DNA methylation contributes, along with other epigenetic mechanisms, to the establishment of transcriptional thresholds that vary between genes and T cell types. The immune system is a fertile field for studies of epigenetic regulation of cell fate and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- David R Fitzpatrick
- Immunological Systems Department, Amgen Inc, 51 University St, Seattle, WA 98101, USA.
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30
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Muegge K, Young H, Ruscetti F, Mikovits J. Epigenetic control during lymphoid development and immune responses: aberrant regulation, viruses, and cancer. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2003; 983:55-70. [PMID: 12724212 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2003.tb05962.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Methylation of cytosines controls a number of biologic processes such as imprinting and X chromosomal inactivation. DNA hypermethylation is closely associated with transcriptional silencing, while DNA hypomethylation is associated with transcriptional activation. Hypoacetylation of histones leads to compact chromatin with reduced accessibility to the transcriptional machinery. Methyl-CpG binding proteins can recruit corepressors and histone deacetylases; thus, the interplay between these epigenetic mechanisms regulates gene activation. Methylation has been implicated as an important mechanism during immune development, controlling VDJ recombination, lineage-specific expression of cell surface antigens, and transcriptional regulation of cytokine genes during immune responses. Aberrations in epigenetic machinery, either by genetic mutations or by somatic changes such as viral infections, are associated with early alterations in chronic diseases such as immunodeficiency and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathrin Muegge
- Laboratories of Molecular Immunoregulation, SAIC, Frederick, Maryland 21702, USA
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31
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Kioussis D, Ellmeier W. Chromatin and CD4, CD8A and CD8B gene expression during thymic differentiation. Nat Rev Immunol 2002; 2:909-19. [PMID: 12461564 DOI: 10.1038/nri952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The regulation of gene expression during thymocyte development provides an ideal experimental system to study lineage-commitment processes. In particular, expression of the CD4, CD8A and CD8B genes seems to correlate well with the cell-fate decisions that are taken by thymocytes, and elucidating the molecular mechanisms that underlie the differential expression of these genes could reveal key events in differentiation processes. Here, we review examples of how gene cis elements (such as promoters, enhancers and locus control regions) and trans elements (such as transcription factors, chromatin-remodelling complexes and histone-modification enzymes) come together to orchestrate a finely tuned sequence of events that results in the complex pattern of CD4, CD8A and CD8B gene expression that is observed during thymocyte development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitris Kioussis
- Division of Molecular Immunology, National Institute for Medical Research, The Ridgeway, London NW7 1AA, UK.
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