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Fu Y, Lai D, Xu Y, Liu J, Wang Y, Jiang D, Pan J, Ouyang H, Tian Y, Huang Y, Shen X. The DNA methylation status of the vitamin A signaling associated with testicular degeneration induced by long-day photoperiods in Magang geese. Poult Sci 2024; 103:103769. [PMID: 38917605 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2024.103769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Magang geese are typical short-day breeders whose reproductive behaviors are significantly influenced by photoperiod. Exposure to a long-day photoperiod results in testicular regression and spermatogenesis arrest in Magang geese. To investigate the epigenetic influence of DNA methylation on the seasonal testicular regression in Magang geese, we conducted whole-genome bisulfite sequencing and transcriptome sequencing of testes across 3 reproductive phases during a long-day photoperiod. A total of 250,326 differentially methylated regions (DMR) were identified among the 3 comparison groups, with a significant number showing hypermethylation, especially in intronic regions of the genome. Integrating bisulfite sequencing with transcriptome sequencing data revealed that DMR-associated genes tend to be differentially expressed in the testes, highlighting a potential regulatory role for DNA methylation in gene expression. Furthermore, there was a significant negative correlation between changes in the methylation of CG DMRs and changes in the expression of their associated genes in the testes. A total of 3,359 DMR-associated differentially expressed genes (DEG) were identified; functional enrichment analyses revealed that motor proteins, MAPK signaling pathway, ECM-receptor interaction, phagosome, TGF-beta signaling pathway, and calcium signaling might contribute to the testicular regression process. GSEA revealed that the significantly enriched activated hallmark gene set was associated with apoptosis and estrogen response during testicular regression, while the repressed hallmark gene set was involved in spermatogenesis. Our study also revealed that methylation changes significantly impacted the expression level of vitamin A metabolism-related genes during testicular degeneration, with hypermethylation of STRA6 and increased calmodulin levels indicating vitamin A efflux during the testicular regression. These findings were corroborated by pyrosequencing and real-time qPCR, which revealed that the vitamin A metabolic pathway plays a pivotal role in testicular degeneration under long-day conditions. Additionally, metabolomics analysis revealed an insufficiency of vitamin A and an abnormally high level of oxysterols accumulated in the testes during testicular regression. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that testicular degeneration in Magang geese induced by a long-day photoperiod is linked to vitamin A homeostasis disruption, which manifests as the hypermethylation status of STRA6, vitamin A efflux, and a high level of oxysterol accumulation. These findings offer new insights into the effects of DNA methylation on the seasonal testicular regression that occurs during long-day photoperiods in Magang geese.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Fu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou 510225, China
| | - Diyu Lai
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou 510225, China
| | - Yanglong Xu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou 510225, China
| | - Jiaxin Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou 510225, China
| | - Yushuai Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, Guangdong, China
| | - Danli Jiang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou 510225, China
| | - Jianqiu Pan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou 510225, China
| | - Hongjia Ouyang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou 510225, China
| | - Yunbo Tian
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou 510225, China
| | - Yunmao Huang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou 510225, China
| | - Xu Shen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou 510225, China.
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Joustra V, Li Yim AYF, van Gennep S, Hageman I, de Waard T, Levin E, Lauffer P, de Jonge WJ, Henneman P, Löwenberg M, D'Haens GR. Peripheral blood DNA methylation signatures and response to tofacitinib in moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis. J Crohns Colitis 2023:jjad129. [PMID: 37526299 DOI: 10.1093/ecco-jcc/jjad129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Predictive biomarkers for treatment efficacy of ulcerative colitis (UC) treatments are lacking. Here, we performed a longitudinal study investigating the association and potential predictive power of genome-wide peripheral blood (PB) DNA methylation signatures and response to tofacitinib treatment in UC. METHODS We recruited moderate-to-severe UC patients starting tofacitinib treatment and measured PB DNA methylation profiles at baseline (T1), after 8 weeks (T2), and in a subset (n=8), after a median of 20 weeks (T3) using the Illumina Infinium HumanMethylation EPIC BeadChip. After 8 weeks, we categorized responders (R) from non-responders (NR) based on a centrally read endoscopic response (decrease in endoscopic mayo score ≥1 or UCEIS ≥2) combined with corticosteroid-free clinical- and/or biochemical response. T1 PB samples were used for biomarker identification, while T2 and publicly available intra-class correlation (ICC) data were used for stability analyses. RNA-sequencing was performed to understand the downstream effects of the predictor CpG loci. RESULTS In total, 16 R and 15 NR patients with a median disease duration of 7 (4-12) years and overall comparable patient characteristics at baseline were analyzed. We identified a panel of 53 differentially methylated positions (DMPs) associated with response to tofacitinib (AUROC 0.74). Most DMPs (77%) demonstrated both short- and long-term hyper stability (ICC ≥0.90), irrespective of inflammatory status. Gene expression analysis showed lower FGFR2 (pBH=0.011) and LRPAP1 (pBH=0.020), and higher OR2L13 (pBH=0.016) expression at T1 in R compared to NR. CONCLUSION Our observations demonstrate the utility of genome-wide PB DNA methylation signatures to predict response to tofacitinib.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Joustra
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Andrew Y F Li Yim
- Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Genome Diagnostics Laboratory, Department of Human Genetics, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Sara van Gennep
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ishtu Hageman
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | | | - Peter Lauffer
- Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wouter J de Jonge
- Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Surgery, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Peter Henneman
- Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Genome Diagnostics Laboratory, Department of Human Genetics, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Mark Löwenberg
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Geert R D'Haens
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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He X, Wang W, Sun W, Chu M. Photoperiod Induces DNA Methylation Changes in the Melatonin Receptor 1A Gene in Ewes. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:1917. [PMID: 37370427 DOI: 10.3390/ani13121917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Research has shown that MTNR1A plays an essential role in the estrus cycle and seasonal reproduction changes in sheep. However, few people have focused on the DNA methylation of MTNR1A by season or photoperiod. In this study, using qPCR and Western blotting, we measured the MTNR1A expression in the hypothalamus of ovariectomized and estradiol-treated (OVX + E2) sheep under different photoperiod treatment conditions. Subsequently, the core promoter of the MTNR1A gene was identified, and its methylation level in sheep exposed to different photoperiod treatments was measured by pyrosequencing. The results showed that MTNR1A gene expression significantly differed between the short 42-day photoperiod (SP42) and the LP42 or combined SP-LP42 treatment groups (p < 0.05). In addition, we determined that the core MTNR1A promoter region was within 540 bp upstream of the transcriptional start site (TSS) and that the DNA methylation levels at CpG sites in the SP42 vs. LP42 and SP42 vs. SP-LP42 groups significantly differed. Finally, a significant negative correlation (p < 0.001) between gene expression and DNA methylation levels was revealed, suggesting that photoperiod may induce DNA methylation of the MTNR1A gene and thus change its expression. The findings provide valuable bases for the further study of seasonal reproduction in sheep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyun He
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Wei Sun
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Mingxing Chu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
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Janoš T, Ottenbros I, Bláhová L, Šenk P, Šulc L, Pálešová N, Sheardová J, Vlaanderen J, Čupr P. Effects of pesticide exposure on oxidative stress and DNA methylation urinary biomarkers in Czech adults and children from the CELSPAC-SPECIMEn cohort. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 222:115368. [PMID: 36716809 PMCID: PMC10009299 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Current-use pesticide (CUP) exposure occurs mainly through diet and environmental application in both agricultural and urban settings. While pesticide exposure has been associated with many adverse health outcomes, the intermediary molecular mechanisms are still not completely elucidated. Among others, their roles in epigenetics (DNA methylation) and DNA damage due to oxidative stress are presumed. Scientific evidence on urinary biomarkers of such body response in general population is limited, especially in children. A total of 440 urine samples (n = 110 parent-child pairs) were collected during the winter and summer seasons in order to describe levels of overall DNA methylation (5-mC, 5-mdC, 5-hmdC, 7-mG, 3-mA) and oxidative stress (8-OHdG) biomarkers and investigate their possible associations with metabolites of pyrethroids (3-PBA, t/c-DCCA), chlorpyrifos (TCPY), and tebuconazole (TEB-OH). Linear mixed-effects models accounting for intraindividual and intrahousehold correlations were utilized. We applied false discovery rate procedure to account for multiplicity and adjusted for potential confounding variables. Higher urinary levels of most biological response biomarkers were measured in winter samples. In adjusted repeated measures models, interquartile range (IQR) increases in pyrethroid metabolites were associated with higher oxidative stress. t/c-DCCA and TCPY were associated with higher urinary levels of cytosine methylation biomarkers (5-mC and/or 5-mdC). The most robust association was observed for tebuconazole metabolite with 3-mA (-15.1% change per IQR increase, 95% CI = -23.6, -5.69) suggesting a role of this pesticide in reduced demethylation processes through possible DNA glycosylase inhibition. Our results indicate an urgent need to extend the range of analyzed environmental chemicals such as azole pesticides (e.g. prothioconazole) in human biomonitoring studies. This is the first study to report urinary DNA methylation biomarkers in children and associations between CUP metabolites and a comprehensive set of biomarkers including methylated and oxidized DNA alterations. Observed associations warrant further large-scale research of these biomarkers and environmental pollutants including CUPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomáš Janoš
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlarska 2, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Ilse Ottenbros
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Center for Sustainability, Environment and Health, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, Netherlands
| | - Lucie Bláhová
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlarska 2, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Šenk
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlarska 2, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Libor Šulc
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlarska 2, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Nina Pálešová
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlarska 2, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jessica Sheardová
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlarska 2, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jelle Vlaanderen
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Pavel Čupr
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlarska 2, Brno, Czech Republic.
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Handschuh PA, Murgaš M, Vraka C, Nics L, Hartmann AM, Winkler-Pjrek E, Baldinger-Melich P, Wadsak W, Winkler D, Hacker M, Rujescu D, Domschke K, Lanzenberger R, Spies M. Effect of MAOA DNA Methylation on Human in Vivo Protein Expression Measured by [11C]harmine Positron Emission Tomography. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2023; 26:116-124. [PMID: 36573644 PMCID: PMC9926052 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyac085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epigenetic modifications like DNA methylation are understood as an intermediary between environmental factors and neurobiology. Cerebral monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) levels are altered in depression, as are DNA methylation levels within the MAOA gene, particularly in the promoter/exon I/intron I region. An effect of MAOA methylation on peripheral protein expression was shown, but the extent to which methylation affects brain MAO-A levels is not fully understood. METHODS Here, the influence of MAOA promoter/exon I/intron I region DNA methylation on global MAO-A distribution volume (VT), an index of MAO-A density, was assessed via [11C]harmine positron emission tomography in 22 patients (14 females) suffering from seasonal affective disorder and 30 healthy controls (17 females). RESULTS No significant influence of MAOA DNA methylation on global MAO-A VT was found, despite correction for health status, sex, season, and MAOA variable number of tandem repeat genotype. However, season affected average methylation in women, with higher levels in spring and summer (Puncorr = .03). We thus did not find evidence for an effect of MAOA DNA methylation on brain MAO-A VT. CONCLUSIONS In contrast to a previous study demonstrating an effect of methylation of a MAOA promoter region located further 5' on brain MAO-A, MAOA methylation of the region assessed here appears to affect brain protein levels to a limited extent at most. The observed effect of season on methylation levels is in accordance with extensive evidence for seasonal effects within the serotonergic system. CLINICALTRIALS.GOV IDENTIFIER NCT02582398 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02582398).
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia A Handschuh
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Matej Murgaš
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Chrysoula Vraka
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy, Division of Nuclear Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Lukas Nics
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy, Division of Nuclear Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Annette M Hartmann
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Edda Winkler-Pjrek
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Pia Baldinger-Melich
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Wolfgang Wadsak
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy, Division of Nuclear Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
- Center for Biomarker Research in Medicine (CBmed), Graz, Austria
| | - Dietmar Winkler
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Marcus Hacker
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy, Division of Nuclear Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Dan Rujescu
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Katharina Domschke
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Centre for Basics in Neuromodulation, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Rupert Lanzenberger
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Marie Spies
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
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Yazar V, Dawson VL, Dawson TM, Kang SU. DNA Methylation Signature of Aging: Potential Impact on the Pathogenesis of Parkinson's Disease. JOURNAL OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE 2023; 13:145-164. [PMID: 36710687 PMCID: PMC10041453 DOI: 10.3233/jpd-223517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Regulation of gene expression by epigenetic modifications means lasting and heritable changes in the function of genes without alterations in the DNA sequence. Of all epigenetic mechanisms identified thus far, DNA methylation has been of particular interest in both aging and age-related disease research over the last decade given the consistency of site-specific DNA methylation changes during aging that can predict future health and lifespan. An increasing line of evidence has implied the dynamic nature of DNA (de)methylation events that occur throughout the lifespan has a role in the pathophysiology of aging and age-associated neurodegenerative conditions, including Parkinson's disease (PD). In this regard, PD methylome shows, to some extent, similar genome-wide changes observed in the methylome of healthy individuals of matching age. In this review, we start by providing a brief overview of studies outlining global patterns of DNA methylation, then its mechanisms and regulation, within the context of aging and PD. Considering diverging lines of evidence from different experimental and animal models of neurodegeneration and how they combine to shape our current understanding of tissue-specific changes in DNA methylome in health and disease, we report a high-level comparison of the genomic methylation landscapes of brain, with an emphasis on dopaminergic neurons in PD and in natural aging. We believe this will be particularly useful for systematically dissecting overlapping genome-wide alterations in DNA methylation during PD and healthy aging, and for improving our knowledge of PD-specific changes in methylation patterns independent of aging process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Volkan Yazar
- Neuroregeneration and Stem Cell Programs, Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Valina L Dawson
- Neuroregeneration and Stem Cell Programs, Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Physiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Adrienne Helis Malvin Medical Research Foundation, New Orleans, LA, USA
- Diana Helis Henry Medical Research Foundation, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Ted M Dawson
- Neuroregeneration and Stem Cell Programs, Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Adrienne Helis Malvin Medical Research Foundation, New Orleans, LA, USA
- Diana Helis Henry Medical Research Foundation, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Sung-Ung Kang
- Neuroregeneration and Stem Cell Programs, Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Circadian mechanism disruption is associated with dysregulation of inflammatory and immune responses: a systematic review. BENI-SUEF UNIVERSITY JOURNAL OF BASIC AND APPLIED SCIENCES 2022. [DOI: 10.1186/s43088-022-00290-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractThe circadian rhythms are regulated by the circadian clock which is under the control of suprachiasmatic nucleus of hypothalamus. The central and peripheral clocks on different tissue together synchronize to form circadian system. Factors disrupt the circadian rhythm, such as irregular eating patterns, sleep/wake time, night shift work and temperature. Due to the misalignment of central clock components, it has been recognized as the pathophysiology of lifestyle-related diseases mediated by the inflammation such as diabetes, obesity, neurological disorder and hormonal imbalance. Also we discuss the therapeutic effect of time-restricted feeding over diabetes and obesity caused by miscommunication between central and peripheral clock. The genetic and epigenetic changes involve due to the deregulation of circadian system. The aim of the present review is to discuss the circadian mechanisms that are involved in the complex interaction between host and external factors and its disruption is associated with deregulation of inflammatory and immune responses. Hence, we need to understand the mechanism of functioning of our biological clocks so that it helps us treat health-related problems such as jet lags, sleep disorders due to night-time shift work, obesity and mental disturbances. We hope minimal cost behavioural and lifestyle changes can improve circadian rhythms and presumably provide a better health.
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Effects of different energy diets on DNA methylation and mRNA expression in follicle stimulating hormone receptor gene promoter region of Duolang sheep during estrus. Mol Biol Rep 2022; 49:2565-2577. [PMID: 35037195 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-021-07058-6] [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: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to study the relationship between the methylation level of the promoter region of follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) gene and the mRNA expression of Duolang sheep fed different energy diets. METHODS In this study, polyembryo estrus Duolang sheep under different energy levels were selected as the experimental subjects. Dietary nutrient level reference (NY/T 816-2004), medium energy level was 10.88 MJ/day, high and low energy groups were increased and decreased by 15% on the basis of medium energy level, respectively 12.51 MJ/day, 9.25 MJ/day. Through RNA and DNA extraction, qPCR, bisulfitegenomicse-quencing PCR (BSP), sequence matching and other analysis of ovarian tissue of Duolang sheep. The difference of DNA methylation level and mRNA expression of FSHR gene during estrus in Duolang sheep fed with different energy diets was detected. RESULTS The results showed the expression level of FSHR in high energy group was significantly higher than that in low energy group (P < 0.01), the expression level of FSHR in high energy group was significantly higher than that in medium energy group (P < 0.05), and the expression level of FSHR in medium energy group was significantly higher than that in low energy group (P < 0.05). In the target fragment of the promoter region of the FSHR gene, the methylation rate was 25% in the high energy group, 50% in the normal group, and 75% in the low energy group. CONCLUSIONS This study revealed that different dietary energy levels had certain effects on the FSHR gene DNA methylation level and mRNA expression, and the expression level was negatively correlated with methylation level.
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Gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone as a regulator of social interactions in vertebrates. Front Neuroendocrinol 2022; 64:100954. [PMID: 34757092 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2021.100954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The social environment changes circulating hormone levels and expression of social behavior in animals. Social information is perceived by sensory systems, leading to cellular and molecular changes through neural processes. Peripheral reproductive hormone levels are regulated by activity in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. Until the end of the last century, the neurochemical systems that convey social information to the HPG axis were not well understood. Gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH) was the first hypothalamic neuropeptide shown to inhibit gonadotropin release, in 2000. GnIH is now regarded as a negative upstream regulator of the HPG axis, and it is becoming increasingly evident that it responds to social cues. In addition to controlling reproductive physiology, GnIH seems to modulate the reproductive behavior of animals. Here, we review studies investigating how GnIH neurons respond to social information and describe the mechanisms through which GnIH regulates social behavior.
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Williamson SM, Ingelson-Filpula WA, Hadj-Moussa H, Storey KB. Epigenetic underpinnings of freeze avoidance in the goldenrod gall moth, Epiblema scudderiana. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 134:104298. [PMID: 34411584 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2021.104298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The goldenrod gall moth (Epiblema scudderiana) is a cold hardy insect that survives subzero temperatures during the winter by supercooling bodily fluids to approximately -40 °C, allowing the insect to remain unfrozen despite the freezing temperatures. This is characterized by a drastic increase of cryoprotectant glycerol along with widespread downregulation of non-essential genes and processes to conserve cellular energy. This study examined the role of epigenetic enzymes in regulating this freeze-avoidant process across a range of freezing temperatures experienced in nature. Cold and subzero temperature exposure in E. scudderiana resulted in upregulation of select DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) enzymes with concurrent decreases in DNMT activity and no change in activity of the Ten-Eleven Translocation (TET) demethylation enzyme activities. Levels of histone acetyltransferase (HAT) and histone deacetylase (HDAC) activity decreased during cold exposures. The increase in DNMT expression and concurrent decrease in HAT activity suggests a role for DNA methylation to assist with transcriptional suppression. These findings propose that epigenetic regulation of genes and histones underpin the winter survival strategies of this insect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam M Williamson
- Institute of Biochemistry and Department of Biology, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, Ontario K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - W Aline Ingelson-Filpula
- Institute of Biochemistry and Department of Biology, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, Ontario K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Hanane Hadj-Moussa
- Institute of Biochemistry and Department of Biology, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, Ontario K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Kenneth B Storey
- Institute of Biochemistry and Department of Biology, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, Ontario K1S 5B6, Canada.
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Ahn J, Heo S, Lee J, Bang D. Introduction to Single-Cell DNA Methylation Profiling Methods. Biomolecules 2021; 11:1013. [PMID: 34356635 PMCID: PMC8301785 DOI: 10.3390/biom11071013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation is an epigenetic mechanism that is related to mammalian cellular differentiation, gene expression regulation, and disease. In several studies, DNA methylation has been identified as an effective marker to identify differences between cells. In this review, we introduce single-cell DNA-methylation profiling methods, including experimental strategies and approaches to computational data analysis. Furthermore, the blind spots of the basic analysis and recent alternatives are briefly described. In addition, we introduce well-known applications and discuss future development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jongseong Ahn
- Department of Chemistry, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea; (J.A.); (S.H.)
| | - Sunghoon Heo
- Department of Chemistry, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea; (J.A.); (S.H.)
| | - Jihyun Lee
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea
- Department of Biomedical Science and Technology, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea
| | - Duhee Bang
- Department of Chemistry, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea; (J.A.); (S.H.)
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12
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Tessier SN, Ingelson-Filpula WA, Storey KB. Epigenetic regulation by DNA methyltransferases during torpor in the thirteen-lined ground squirrel Ictidomys tridecemlineatus. Mol Cell Biochem 2021; 476:3975-3985. [PMID: 34191233 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-021-04214-1] [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: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The thirteen-lined ground squirrel, Ictidomys tridecemlineatus, is a mammal capable of lowering its Tb to almost 0 °C while undergoing deep torpor bouts over the winter. To decrease its metabolic rate to such a drastic extent, the squirrel must undergo multiple physiological, biological, and molecular alterations including downregulation of almost all nonessential processes. Epigenetic regulation allows for a dynamic range of transient phenotypes, allowing the squirrel to downregulate energy-expensive and nonessential pathways during torpor. DNA methylation is a prominent form of epigenetic regulation; therefore, the DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) family of enzymes were studied by measuring expression and activity levels of the five major proteins during torpor bouts. Additionally, specific cytosine marks on genomic DNA were quantified to further elucidate DNA methylation during hibernation. A tissue-specific response was observed that highlighted variant degrees of DNA methylation and DNMT expression/activity, demonstrating that DNA methylation is a highly complex form of epigenetic regulation and likely one of many regulatory mechanisms that enables metabolic rate depression in response to torpor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon N Tessier
- Institute of Biochemistry and Department of Biology, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON, K1S 5B6, Canada.,BioMEMS Resource Center & Center for Engineering in Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital & Harvard Medical School, 114 16th Street, Charlestown, MA, 02129, USA
| | - W Aline Ingelson-Filpula
- Institute of Biochemistry and Department of Biology, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON, K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Kenneth B Storey
- Institute of Biochemistry and Department of Biology, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON, K1S 5B6, Canada.
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13
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Aguglia A, Cuomo A, Amerio A, Bolognesi S, Di Salvo G, Fusar-Poli L, Goracci A, Surace T, Serafini G, Aguglia E, Amore M, Fagiolini A, Maina G. A new approach for seasonal pattern: is it related to bipolarity dimension? Findings from an Italian multicenter study. Int J Psychiatry Clin Pract 2021; 25:73-81. [PMID: 33399494 DOI: 10.1080/13651501.2020.1862235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aims of this study were to assess the impact of seasonal pattern on several clinical dimensions in inpatients with a current major depressive episode and to evaluate clinical differences between unipolar and bipolar depression according to seasonal pattern. METHODS Study participants were 300 patients affected by major depressive disorder (MDD) or bipolar disorder (BD) currently experiencing a major depressive episode (MDE) and were recruited at three University Medical Centres in Italy. All study subjects completed several evaluation scales for depressive and hypomanic symptoms, quality of life and functioning, impulsiveness, and seasonal pattern. RESULTS Several differences between BD with and without seasonal pattern, MDD with and without seasonal pattern but in particular between BD and MDD with seasonal pattern were found. Patients with MDE with seasonal pattern had more frequently received a longitudinal diagnosis of BD. CONCLUSIONS A large number of patients with BD and seasonal pattern, but also a considerable number of patients with MDD and seasonal pattern, endorsed manic items during a current MDE. Seasonal pattern should be associated with a concept of bipolarity in mood disorders and not only related to bipolar disorder. A correct identification of seasonal patterns may lead to the implementation of personalised pharmacological treatment approaches.KEY POINTSHigh prevalence of mixed features in mood disorders with seasonal pattern, supporting the need for a dimensional approach to major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder.Significant percentage of patients with a primary diagnosis of major depressive disorder had seasonal pattern.Significant percentage of patients with a primary diagnosis of major depressive disorder reported (hypo)manic symptomatology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Aguglia
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Alessandro Cuomo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Andrea Amerio
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy.,Mood Disorders Program, Tufs Medical center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Simone Bolognesi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Gabriele Di Salvo
- Rita Levi Montalcini Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, University Hospital San Luigi Gonzaga, Turin, Italy
| | - Laura Fusar-Poli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Arianna Goracci
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Teresa Surace
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Gianluca Serafini
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Eugenio Aguglia
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Mario Amore
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Andrea Fagiolini
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Maina
- Rita Levi Montalcini Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, University Hospital San Luigi Gonzaga, Turin, Italy
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14
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Fargeot L, Loot G, Prunier JG, Rey O, Veyssière C, Blanchet S. Patterns of Epigenetic Diversity in Two Sympatric Fish Species: Genetic vs. Environmental Determinants. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:107. [PMID: 33467145 PMCID: PMC7830833 DOI: 10.3390/genes12010107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic components are hypothesized to be sensitive to the environment, which should permit species to adapt to environmental changes. In wild populations, epigenetic variation should therefore be mainly driven by environmental variation. Here, we tested whether epigenetic variation (DNA methylation) observed in wild populations is related to their genetic background, and/or to the local environment. Focusing on two sympatric freshwater fish species (Gobio occitaniae and Phoxinus phoxinus), we tested the relationships between epigenetic differentiation, genetic differentiation (using microsatellite and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers), and environmental distances between sites. We identify positive relationships between pairwise genetic and epigenetic distances in both species. Moreover, epigenetic marks better discriminated populations than genetic markers, especially in G. occitaniae. In G. occitaniae, both pairwise epigenetic and genetic distances were significantly associated to environmental distances between sites. Nonetheless, when controlling for genetic differentiation, the link between epigenetic differentiation and environmental distances was not significant anymore, indicating a noncausal relationship. Our results suggest that fish epigenetic variation is mainly genetically determined and that the environment weakly contributed to epigenetic variation. We advocate the need to control for the genetic background of populations when inferring causal links between epigenetic variation and environmental heterogeneity in wild populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Fargeot
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Université Paul Sabatier (UPS), Station d’Ecologie Théorique et Expérimentale, UMR 5321, F-09200 Moulis, France;
| | - Géraldine Loot
- CNRS, UPS, École Nationale de Formation Agronomique (ENFA), UMR 5174 EDB (Laboratoire Évolution & Diversité Biologique), 118 route de Narbonne, F-31062 Toulouse CEDEX 4, France; (G.L.); (C.V.)
- Université Paul Sabatier (UPS), Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), F-75231 Paris CEDEX 05, France
| | - Jérôme G. Prunier
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Université Paul Sabatier (UPS), Station d’Ecologie Théorique et Expérimentale, UMR 5321, F-09200 Moulis, France;
| | - Olivier Rey
- CNRS, Interaction Hôtes-Parasites-Environnements (IHPE), UMR 5244, F-66860 Perpignan, France;
| | - Charlotte Veyssière
- CNRS, UPS, École Nationale de Formation Agronomique (ENFA), UMR 5174 EDB (Laboratoire Évolution & Diversité Biologique), 118 route de Narbonne, F-31062 Toulouse CEDEX 4, France; (G.L.); (C.V.)
| | - Simon Blanchet
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Université Paul Sabatier (UPS), Station d’Ecologie Théorique et Expérimentale, UMR 5321, F-09200 Moulis, France;
- CNRS, UPS, École Nationale de Formation Agronomique (ENFA), UMR 5174 EDB (Laboratoire Évolution & Diversité Biologique), 118 route de Narbonne, F-31062 Toulouse CEDEX 4, France; (G.L.); (C.V.)
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15
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Interpopulation variations in life history traits and reproductive tactics in Aedes aegypti: A test on populations 50 km apart. Acta Trop 2021; 213:105750. [PMID: 33166516 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2020.105750] [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: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The interpopulation variation in life history traits of a species reflects evolutionary adaptation in response to a local environment regime. We examined the life history traits of Aedes aegypti populations from 2 cities in southern Taiwan separated by 50 km. Results revealed a high level of trait differentiation in immature developmental time and survival of Ae. aegypti between the 2 cities. The Kaohsiung populations exhibited total pupation of 40%-60% on day 8; this was significantly lower than that of the Tainan populations and laboratory-reared KHsm mosquitos, which exhibited a pupation rate of 70%-90%. The slow immature development of the Kaohsiung populations was reflected in the low percentage of adult emergence (22%-26%) on day 10. The prolonged immature development did not select larger adults with longer life spans because the Kaohsiung populations had a shorter life span (≈37 d) than that of the Tainan populations (≈42 d). By contrast, immature development and longevity did not differ between populations within each region, indicating weak local differentiation. Three field populations exhibited male-bias sex ratio because of differential mortality of female immatures. The effect of female size on adult life history was nonsignificant. Two reproduction tactics were detected, representing the balanced-mortality hypothesis and the bet-hedging hypothesis. Despite their differential life history strategies and reproductive tactics, these mosquito populations apparently counterbalanced any shortcomings in traits to produce similar population growth. Maintaining optimal population density is essential for Aedes mosquitos to increase the probability of encountering mates and reduce the Allee effect.
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16
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Molecular Plasticity in Animal Pigmentation: Emerging Processes Underlying Color Changes. Integr Comp Biol 2020; 60:1531-1543. [DOI: 10.1093/icb/icaa142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Synopsis
Animal coloration has been rigorously studied and has provided morphological implications for fitness with influences over social behavior, predator–prey interactions, and sexual selection. In vertebrates, its study has developed our understanding across diverse fields ranging from behavior to molecular biology. In the search for underlying molecular mechanisms, many have taken advantage of pedigree-based and genome-wide association screens to reveal the genetic architecture responsible for pattern variation that occurs in early development. However, genetic differences do not provide a full picture of the dynamic changes in coloration that are most prevalent across vertebrates at the molecular level. Changes in coloration that occur in adulthood via phenotypic plasticity rely on various social, visual, and dietary cues independent of genetic variation. Here, I will review the contributions of pigment cell biology to animal color changes and recent studies describing their molecular underpinnings and function. In this regard, conserved epigenetic processes such as DNA methylation play a role in lending plasticity to gene regulation as it relates to chromatophore function. Lastly, I will present African cichlids as emerging models for the study of pigmentation and molecular plasticity for animal color changes. I posit that these processes, in a dialog with environmental stimuli, are important regulators of variation and the selective advantages that accompany a change in coloration for vertebrate animals.
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17
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Mishra I, Sharma A, Prabhat A, Batra T, Malik I, Kumar V. Changes in DNA methylation and histone modification gene expression in response to daily food times in zebra finches: epigenetic implications. J Exp Biol 2020; 223:jeb.217422. [DOI: 10.1242/jeb.217422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
We hypothesized that daily food availability times served as an ‘epigenetic’ factor and affected the reproductive physiology in continuously reproducing species. This we tested by measurement of mRNA expression of genes coding for the enzymes involved in DNA methylation-demethylation (dnmts, tets) and histone modification (hat1, hdacs) in the hypothalamus, liver and gonads of male and female zebra finches that were paired held for a year under 12L:12D with access to the time-restricted food availability (TrF: 4-h in morning, TrF-M, or evening, TrF-E) with controls on food ad libitum (FAL). The overall hypothalamic and hepatic expression patterns of hat1 and hdac(s) were similar but those of dnmt(s) and tet(s) were different between males and females. Irrespective of TrF timings, both hat1 and hdac(s) mRNA levels were increased in the hypothalamus, but not in liver in which hat1 mRNA levels were increased in the TrF-M group. While hypothalamic tet(s) were higher in TrF-E males, the hepatic tet(s) were higher in TrF-M birds (tet1, only males). Gonadal expressions were further varied and showed sex differences. Histone modifying genes did not show TrF-effects, except the elevated testicular hdac3 levels. Similarly, testicular dnmt3b and tet2 mRNA levels were increased and decreased in TrF-M and TrF-E, respectively, whereas ovarian dnmt1 and tet2 levels were reduced in TrF-M and tet1 in the TrF-E. Present results suggest that an enforced daily feeding schedule in long term could serve as a conditioning environment that shapes at epigenetic levels, the overall hypothalamic regulation, liver and gonadal functions in diurnal vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ila Mishra
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi – 110 007, India
| | - Aakansha Sharma
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi – 110 007, India
| | - Abhilash Prabhat
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi – 110 007, India
| | - Twinkle Batra
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi – 110 007, India
| | - Indu Malik
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi – 110 007, India
| | - Vinod Kumar
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi – 110 007, India
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18
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Lin S, Han L, Li D, Wang T, Wu Z, Zhang H, Xiao Z, Wu Y, Huang J, Wang M, Zhu Y. The Association between Meteorological Factors and the Prevalence of Acute-on-chronic Liver Failure: A Population-based Study, 2007-2016. J Clin Transl Hepatol 2019; 7:341-345. [PMID: 31915603 PMCID: PMC6943211 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2019.00044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Revised: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect(s) of meteorological factors on the prevalence of acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) based on 10-years' worth of population data. Methods: We retrospectively collected ACLF case data from January 2007 to December 2016 from three major hospitals in Fuzhou City, China. Climatic data, including rainfall, mean temperature, differences in temperature (delta temperature) and mean humidity for each month were downloaded from the China Climatic Data Service Center. Following data collection, Poisson regression analysis was used to estimate the effect(s) of climatic factors on the risk of the prevalence of ACLF. Results: The population consisted of a total of 3510 cases, with a mean age of 44.7 ± 14.8 years-old and with 79.8% being male. Upon analyzing the population data, we found a growing trend and seasonal pattern of monthly counts of ACLF-related hospitalization throughout the past decade. Specifically, the primary peak of ACLF prevalence was in January and the secondary peak was in July. Poisson regression showed mean temperature (risk ratio = 0.991, 95%CI = 0.986-0.996) and mean humidity (risk ratio = 1.011, 95%CI = 1.006-1.017) to be independently correlated with the monthly cases of ACLF. The results suggest that every unit increase of mean temperature (1°C) and mean humidity (1%) are associated with 0.991- and 1.011-fold changes of ACLF cases, respectively. Rainfall and delta temperature did not appear to affect the prevalence of this disease. Conclusions: The hospitalization for ACLF peaks in January and July. Low temperature and high humidity appear to function as factors contributing to this seasonal pattern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su Lin
- Liver Research Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Lifen Han
- Department of Infectious Disease, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Dongliang Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Disease, 900 Hospital of PLA, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Ting Wang
- Liver Research Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Zimu Wu
- Liver Research Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Haoyang Zhang
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | | | - Yinlian Wu
- Liver Research Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Jiaofeng Huang
- Liver Research Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Mingfang Wang
- Liver Research Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Yueyong Zhu
- Liver Research Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Correspondence to: Yueyong Zhu, Department of Liver Research Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China. Tel: +86-591-87981656, Fax: +86-591-87982526, E-mail:
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19
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Constantinof A, Boureau L, Moisiadis VG, Kostaki A, Szyf M, Matthews SG. Prenatal Glucocorticoid Exposure Results in Changes in Gene Transcription and DNA Methylation in the Female Juvenile Guinea Pig Hippocampus Across Three Generations. Sci Rep 2019; 9:18211. [PMID: 31796763 PMCID: PMC6890750 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-54456-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Synthetic glucocorticoids (sGC) are administered to women at risk for pre-term delivery, to mature the fetal lung and decrease neonatal morbidity. sGC also profoundly affect the fetal brain. The hippocampus expresses high levels of glucocorticoid (GR) and mineralocorticoid receptor (MR), and its development is affected by elevated fetal glucocorticoid levels. Antenatal sGC results in neuroendocrine and behavioral changes that persist in three generations of female guinea pig offspring of the paternal lineage. We hypothesized that antenatal sGC results in transgenerational changes in gene expression that correlate with changes in DNA methylation. We used RNASeq and capture probe bisulfite sequencing to investigate the transcriptomic and epigenomic effects of antenatal sGC exposure in the hippocampus of three generations of juvenile female offspring from the paternal lineage. Antenatal sGC exposure (F0 pregnancy) resulted in generation-specific changes in hippocampal gene transcription and DNA methylation. Significant changes in individual CpG methylation occurred in RNApol II binding regions of small non-coding RNA (snRNA) genes, which implicates alternative splicing as a mechanism involved in transgenerational transmission of the effects of antenatal sGC. This study provides novel perspectives on the mechanisms involved in transgenerational transmission and highlights the importance of human studies to determine the longer-term effects of antenatal sGC on hippocampal-related function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Constantinof
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S1A8, Canada
| | - Lisa Boureau
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Sackler Program for Epigenetics & Psychobiology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3G1Y6, Canada
| | - Vasilis G Moisiadis
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S1A8, Canada
| | - Alisa Kostaki
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S1A8, Canada
| | - Moshe Szyf
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Sackler Program for Epigenetics & Psychobiology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3G1Y6, Canada
| | - Stephen G Matthews
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S1A8, Canada. .,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Toronto, Canada. .,Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S1A8, Canada. .,Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, ON, M5G1X5, Canada.
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20
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Hawkins LJ, Storey KB. Advances and applications of environmental stress adaptation research. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2019; 240:110623. [PMID: 31778815 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2019.110623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Revised: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Evolution has produced animals that survive extreme fluctuations in environmental conditions including freezing temperatures, anoxia, desiccating conditions, and prolonged periods without food. For example, the wood frog survives whole-body freezing every winter, arresting all gross physiological functions, but recovers functions upon thawing in the spring. Likewise, many small mammals hibernate for months at a time with minimal metabolic activity, organ perfusion, and movement, yet do not suffer significant muscle atrophy upon arousal. These conditions and the biochemical adaptations employed to deal with them can be viewed as Nature's answer to problems that humans wish to answer, particularly in a biomedical context. This review focuses on recent advances in the field of animal environmental stress adaptation, starting with an emphasis on new areas of research such as epigenetics and microRNA. We then examine new and emerging technologies such as genome editing, novel sequencing applications, and single cell analysis and how these can push us closer to a deeper understanding of biochemical adaptation. Next, evaluate the potential contributions of new high-throughput technologies (e.g. next-generation sequencing, mass spectrometry proteomics) to better understanding the adaptations that support these extreme phenotypes. Concluding, we examine some of the human applications that can be gained from understanding the principles of biochemical adaptation including organ preservation and treatments for conditions such as ischemic stroke and muscle disuse atrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liam J Hawkins
- Department of Biology, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Kenneth B Storey
- Department of Biology, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada.
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21
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Chen W, Dong Y, Lin L, Saqib HSA, Ma X, Xu X, Zhang L, Jing X, Peng L, Wang Y, Vasseur L, He W, You M. Implication for DNA methylation involved in the host transfer of diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.). ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2019; 102:e21600. [PMID: 31328824 DOI: 10.1002/arch.21600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
DNA methylation exerts extensive impacts on gene expression of various living organisms exposed to environmental variation. However, little is known whether DNA methylation is involved in the host transfer of diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.), a worldwide destructive pest of crucifers. In this study, we found that P. xylostella genome exhibited a relatively low level of DNA methylation on the basis of the CpG O/E prediction and experimental validation. A significant positive linear correlation was observed between the stage-specific expressions of PxDNMT1 and DNA methylation levels (5mC content). Particularly, high levels of DNA methylation and gene expression of PxDNMT1 were observed in eggs and mature females of P. xylostella. After host transfer of P. xylostella from Raphanus sativus to Arabidopsis thaliana, we identified some potential genomic loci that might have changed methylation levels. Using the method of fluorescence-labeled methylation-sensitive amplified polymorphism (F-MSAP), we also found the corresponding genes primarily involved in neural system and signaling. The expressions of six candidate genes were verified by qRT-PCR. One of the genes, Px009600, might be regulated by a DNA methylation-mediated mechanism in response to host transfer. Our study provides evidence for a functional system of DNA methylation in P. xylostella and its possible role in adaptation during host transfer. Further studies should examine methylation as responsive factors to different host plants and environmental cues in insect pests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Ecological Pest Control of Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- International Joint Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yuhong Dong
- State Key Laboratory for Ecological Pest Control of Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- International Joint Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Lianyun Lin
- State Key Laboratory for Ecological Pest Control of Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- International Joint Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Hafiz Sohaib Ahmed Saqib
- State Key Laboratory for Ecological Pest Control of Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- International Joint Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xiaoli Ma
- State Key Laboratory for Ecological Pest Control of Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- International Joint Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xuejiao Xu
- State Key Laboratory for Ecological Pest Control of Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- International Joint Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Lingling Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Ecological Pest Control of Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- International Joint Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xiaodong Jing
- State Key Laboratory for Ecological Pest Control of Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- International Joint Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Lu Peng
- State Key Laboratory for Ecological Pest Control of Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- International Joint Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yue Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Ecological Pest Control of Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- International Joint Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Liette Vasseur
- State Key Laboratory for Ecological Pest Control of Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- International Joint Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Biological Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
| | - Weiyi He
- State Key Laboratory for Ecological Pest Control of Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- International Joint Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Minsheng You
- State Key Laboratory for Ecological Pest Control of Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- International Joint Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
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DNA methylation studies of depression with onset in the peripartum: A critical systematic review. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2019; 102:106-122. [PMID: 30981737 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2018] [Revised: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 04/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Major depression with peripartum onset (MDP) has been associated with multiple adverse offspring health outcomes. The biological mechanisms underlying this relationship remain unclear, but DNA methylation (DNAm) represents a plausible mechanism for mediating MDP exposures and changes in offspring development, behavior, and health. Advances in DNAm research necessitate reevaluating the MDP-DNAm literature to determine how well past studies conform with current best practices. METHOD Five databases were searched to identify studies of prenatal-onset MDP and DNAm. Quality scores were assigned to each article independently by two raters using a novel scale specific for MDP-DNAm research. RESULTS Nineteen studies met inclusion criteria. Quality scores ranged from 10 to 17 out of 24 points (M = 12.8; SD = 1.9), with higher scores indicating increased study rigor. Poor covariate reporting was the most significant contributor to lower scores. CONCLUSION No longitudinal MDP-DNAm studies exist. Earlier MDP-DNAm studies should be interpreted with caution, and future research must commit to sharing methodology and data to facilitate cross-study comparisons and maximize dataset utility.
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The relevance of epigenetics to seasonal affective disorder. J Affect Disord 2018; 239:201-202. [PMID: 30014960 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2018.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2018] [Accepted: 07/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Yang SX, Guo C, Zhao XT, Sun JT, Hong XY. Divergent methylation pattern in adult stage between two forms of Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae). INSECT SCIENCE 2018; 25:667-678. [PMID: 28217963 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2016] [Revised: 01/10/2017] [Accepted: 01/12/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch has two forms: green form and red form. Understanding the molecular basis of how these two forms established without divergent genetic background is an intriguing area. As a well-known epigenetic process, DNA methylation has particularly important roles in gene regulation and developmental variation across diverse organisms that do not alter genetic background. Here, to investigate whether DNA methylation could be associated with different phenotypic consequences in the two forms of T. urticae, we surveyed the genome-wide cytosine methylation status and expression level of DNA methyltransferase 3 (Tudnmt3) throughout their entire life cycle. Methylation-sensitive amplification polymorphism (MSAP) analyses of 585 loci revealed variable methylation patterns in the different developmental stages. In particular, principal coordinates analysis (PCoA) indicates a significant epigenetic differentiation between female adults of the two forms. The gene expression of Tudnmt3 was detected in all examined developmental stages, which was significantly different in the adult stage of the two forms. Together, our results reveal the epigenetic distance between the two forms of T. urticae, suggesting that DNA methylation might be implicated in different developmental demands, and contribute to different phenotypes in the adult stage of these two forms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si-Xia Yang
- Department of Entomology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Chao Guo
- Department of Entomology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiu-Ting Zhao
- Department of Entomology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jing-Tao Sun
- Department of Entomology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiao-Yue Hong
- Department of Entomology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
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25
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Miller CN, Dye JA, Schladweiler MC, Richards JH, Ledbetter AD, Stewart E, Kodavanti UP. Acute inhalation of ozone induces DNA methylation of apelin in lungs of Long-Evans rats. Inhal Toxicol 2018; 30:178-186. [PMID: 29947284 PMCID: PMC6681647 DOI: 10.1080/08958378.2018.1483984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Revised: 05/01/2018] [Accepted: 05/28/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Apelin has cardiopulmonary protective properties that promote vasodilation and maintenance of the endothelial barrier. While reductions in apelin have been identified as a contributor to various lung diseases, including pulmonary edema, its role in the effect of air pollutants has not been examined. Thus, in the current study, we sought to investigate if apelin is a downstream target of inhaled ozone and if such change in expression is related to altered DNA methylation in the lung. Male, Long-Evans rats were exposed to filtered air or 1.0 ppm ozone for 4 h. Ventilation changes were assessed using whole-body plethysmography immediately following exposure, and markers of pulmonary edema and inflammation were assessed in the bronchoaveolar lavage (BAL) fluid. The enzymatic regulators of DNA methylation were measured in the lung, along with methylation and hydroxymethylation of the apelin promoter. Data showed that ozone exposure was associated with increased enhanced pause and protein leakage in the BAL fluid. Ozone exposure reduced DNA cytosine-5-methyltransferase (DNMT) activity and Dnmt3a/b gene expression. Exposure-induced upregulation of proliferating cell nuclear antigen, indicative of DNA damage, repair, and maintenance methylation. Increased methylation and reduced hydroxymethylation were measured on the apelin promoter. These epigenetic modifications accompanied ozone-induced reduction of apelin expression and development of pulmonary edema. In conclusion, epigenetic regulation, specifically increased methylation of the apelin promoter downstream of DNA damage, may lead to reductions in protective signaling of the apelinergic system, contributing to the pulmonary edema observed following the exposure to oxidant air pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colette N. Miller
- Environmental Public Health Division, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Janice A. Dye
- Environmental Public Health Division, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Mette C. Schladweiler
- Environmental Public Health Division, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Judy H. Richards
- Environmental Public Health Division, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Allen D. Ledbetter
- Environmental Public Health Division, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Erica Stewart
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Oak Ridge, TN, USA
| | - Urmila P. Kodavanti
- Environmental Public Health Division, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
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26
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MIEN1 is tightly regulated by SINE Alu methylation in its promoter. Oncotarget 2018; 7:65307-65319. [PMID: 27589566 PMCID: PMC5323157 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.11675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2016] [Accepted: 08/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Migration and invasion enhancer 1 (MIEN1) is a novel gene involved in prostate cancer progression by enhancing prostate cancer cell migration and invasion. DNA methylation, an important epigenetic regulation, is one of the most widely altered mechanisms in prostate cancer. This phenomenon frames the basis to study the DNA methylation patterns in the promoter region of MIEN1. Bisulfite pyrosequencing demonstrates the MIEN1 promoter contains a short interspersed nuclear Alu element (SINE Alu) repeat sequence. Validation of methylation inhibition on MIEN1 was performed using nucleoside analogs and non-nucleoside inhibitors and resulted in an increase in both MIEN1 RNA and protein in normal cells. MIEN1 mRNA and protein increases upon inhibition of individual DNA methyltransferases using RNA interference technologies. Furthermore, dual luciferase reporter assays, in silico analysis, and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays identified a sequence upstream of the transcription start site that has a site for binding of the USF transcription factors. These results suggest the MIEN1 promoter has a SINE Alu region that is hypermethylated in normal cells leading to repression of the gene. In cancer, the hypomethylation of a part of this repeat, in addition to the binding of USF, results in MIEN1 expression.
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Duckworth RA, Potticary AL, Badyaev AV. On the Origins of Adaptive Behavioral Complexity: Developmental Channeling of Structural Trade-offs. ADVANCES IN THE STUDY OF BEHAVIOR 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.asb.2017.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Kreß A, Oppold AM, Kuch U, Oehlmann J, Müller R. Cold tolerance of the Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus and its response to epigenetic alterations. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2017; 99:113-121. [PMID: 28396211 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2017.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2016] [Revised: 04/03/2017] [Accepted: 04/05/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Phenotypic plasticity is considered as one of the key traits responsible for the establishment of populations of the invasive mosquito Aedes albopictus, an important vector of viral and parasitic pathogens. The successful spread of this species to higher altitudes and latitudes may be explained by its ability to rapidly induce a heritable low-temperature phenotype (cold hardiness in eggs). As a result of the low genetic diversity of founder populations, an epigenetic short-term mechanism has been suggested as the driver of this diversification. We investigated if random epigenetic alterations promoted the cold hardiness of Ae. albopictus eggs from a transgenerational study of two epigenetic agents (genistein and vinclozolin). To this end, we evaluated changes in lethal time for 50% of pharate larvae (Lt50) from eggs exposed to -2°C in two subsequent generations that used a new dose-response test design. We detected a significant diversification of the cold hardiness of eggs (up to 64.5%) that was associated with the epigenetic change in the two subsequent offspring generations. An effect size of epigenetically modulated cold hardiness of this magnitude is likely to have an impact on the spatial distribution of this species. Our results provide a framework for further research on epigenetic temperature adaptation of invasive species to better explain and predict their rapid range expansions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aljoscha Kreß
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre, Department Adaptation and Climate, Georg-Voigt-Str. 14-16, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Department Aquatic Ecotoxicology, Institute for Ecology, Evolution & Diversity, Max-von-Laue-Str. 13, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| | - Ann-Marie Oppold
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre, Department Adaptation and Climate, Georg-Voigt-Str. 14-16, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Molecular Ecology Group, Institute for Ecology, Evolution & Diversity, Max-von-Laue-Str. 13, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Ulrich Kuch
- Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Institute of Occupational Medicine, Social Medicine and Environmental Medicine, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Jörg Oehlmann
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre, Department Adaptation and Climate, Georg-Voigt-Str. 14-16, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Department Aquatic Ecotoxicology, Institute for Ecology, Evolution & Diversity, Max-von-Laue-Str. 13, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Ruth Müller
- Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Institute of Occupational Medicine, Social Medicine and Environmental Medicine, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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Stevenson TJ. Circannual and circadian rhythms of hypothalamic DNA methyltransferase and histone deacetylase expression in male Siberian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2017; 243:130-137. [PMID: 27916575 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2016.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2016] [Revised: 11/29/2016] [Accepted: 11/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Precise timing of gene transcription is a fundamental component of many biological rhythms. DNA methylation and histone acetylation are two epigenetic modifications that can affect the probability of gene transcription and RNA expression. Enzymes involved in DNA methylation (dnmts) have been shown to exhibit photoperiodic rhythms in expression in the hypothalamus, which coincide with hypothalamic expression of deiodinase type III (dio3), a gene involved in the photoperiodic regulation of reproduction. It is currently unknown whether enzymes involved in histone deacetylation (hdacs) also vary in response to photoperiod, nor have seasonal changes in the circadian waveforms of methylation and/or acetylation enzymes been examined. The present work documents circadian and photoperiodic changes in dnmts and hdacs in whole hypothalamic dissections obtained from male Siberian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus) after 5-6weeks of exposure to SD. The data indicate that short days (SD) markedly inhibit dnmt3a expression, and that SD inhibition of dnmt3a was evident regardless of the alignment of circadian waveforms. Among hdacs, photoperiodic and circadian changes in expression were only observed in hdac4 expression. Recurrent temporal waveforms in epigenetic enzyme expression may provide molecular inputs to the timing systems that reprogram RNA expression to generate daily and annual phenotypic plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler J Stevenson
- Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK.
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30
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Armbruster D, Brocke B, Strobel A. Winter is coming: Seasonality and the acoustic startle reflex. Physiol Behav 2016; 169:178-183. [PMID: 27940142 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2016.11.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2016] [Revised: 11/28/2016] [Accepted: 11/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Circannual rhythms and seasonality have long been in the interest of research. In humans, seasonal changes in mood have been extensively investigated since a substantial part of the population experiences worsening of mood during winter. Questions remain regarding accompanying physiological phenomena. We report seasonal effects on the acoustic startle response in a cross-sectional (n=124) and a longitudinal sample (n=23). Startle magnitudes were larger in winter (sample 1: p=0.026; sample 2: p=0.010) compared to summer months. Although the findings need to be replicated they may have implications regarding the timing of startle experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Armbruster
- Personality and Individual Differences, Institute of Psychology I, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
| | - Burkhard Brocke
- Personality and Individual Differences, Institute of Psychology I, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Alexander Strobel
- Personality and Individual Differences, Institute of Psychology I, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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31
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Baldanzi S, Watson R, McQuaid CD, Gouws G, Porri F. Epigenetic variation among natural populations of the South African sandhopper Talorchestia capensis. Evol Ecol 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s10682-016-9877-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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32
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Garland T, Cadney MD, Waterland RA. Early-Life Effects on Adult Physical Activity: Concepts, Relevance, and Experimental Approaches. Physiol Biochem Zool 2016; 90:1-14. [PMID: 28051947 PMCID: PMC6397655 DOI: 10.1086/689775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Locomotion is a defining characteristic of animal life and plays a crucial role in most behaviors. Locomotion involves physical activity, which can have far-reaching effects on physiology and neurobiology, both acutely and chronically. In human populations and in laboratory rodents, higher levels of physical activity are generally associated with positive health outcomes, although excessive exercise can have adverse consequences. Whether and how such relationships occur in wild animals is unknown. Behavioral variation among individuals arises from genetic and environmental factors and their interactions as well as from developmental programming (persistent effects of early-life environment). Although tremendous progress has been made in identifying genetic and environmental influences on individual differences in behavior, early-life effects are not well understood. Early-life effects can in some cases persist across multiple generations following a single exposure and, in principle, may constrain or facilitate the rate of evolution at multiple levels of biological organization. Understanding the mechanisms of such transgenerational effects (e.g., exposure to stress hormones in utero, inherited epigenetic alterations) may prove crucial to explaining unexpected and/or sex-specific responses to selection as well as limits to adaptation. One area receiving increased attention is early-life effects on adult physical activity. Correlational data from epidemiological studies suggest that early-life nutritional stress can (adversely) affect adult human activity levels and associated physiological traits (e.g., body composition, metabolic health). The few existing studies of laboratory rodents demonstrate that both maternal and early-life exercise can affect adult levels of physical activity and related phenotypes. Going forward, rodents offer many opportunities for experimental studies of (multigenerational) early-life effects, including studies that use maternal exposures and cross-fostering designs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theodore Garland
- Department of Biology, University of California, Riverside, California 92521
| | - Marcell D. Cadney
- Department of Biology, University of California, Riverside, California 92521
| | - Robert A. Waterland
- Departments of Pediatrics and Molecular & Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, USDA/ARS Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Houston, Texas 77030
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33
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Williamson CM, Franks B, Curley JP. Mouse Social Network Dynamics and Community Structure are Associated with Plasticity-Related Brain Gene Expression. Front Behav Neurosci 2016; 10:152. [PMID: 27540359 PMCID: PMC4972826 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2016.00152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2016] [Accepted: 07/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Laboratory studies of social behavior have typically focused on dyadic interactions occurring within a limited spatiotemporal context. However, this strategy prevents analyses of the dynamics of group social behavior and constrains identification of the biological pathways mediating individual differences in behavior. In the current study, we aimed to identify the spatiotemporal dynamics and hierarchical organization of a large social network of male mice. We also sought to determine if standard assays of social and exploratory behavior are predictive of social behavior in this social network and whether individual network position was associated with the mRNA expression of two plasticity-related genes, DNA methyltransferase 1 and 3a. Mice were observed to form a hierarchically organized social network and self-organized into two separate social network communities. Members of both communities exhibited distinct patterns of socio-spatial organization within the vivaria that was not limited to only agonistic interactions. We further established that exploratory and social behaviors in standard behavioral assays conducted prior to placing the mice into the large group was predictive of initial network position and behavior but were not associated with final social network position. Finally, we determined that social network position is associated with variation in mRNA levels of two neural plasticity genes, DNMT1 and DNMT3a, in the hippocampus but not the mPOA. This work demonstrates the importance of understanding the role of social context and complex social dynamics in determining the relationship between individual differences in social behavior and brain gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Becca Franks
- Department of Psychology, Columbia University, New York, NYUSA; Animal Welfare Program, Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BCCanada
| | - James P Curley
- Department of Psychology, Columbia University, New York, NYUSA; Center for Integrative Animal Behavior, Columbia University, New York, NYUSA
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34
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Rui J, Deng S, Lebastchi J, Clark PL, Usmani-Brown S, Herold KC. Methylation of insulin DNA in response to proinflammatory cytokines during the progression of autoimmune diabetes in NOD mice. Diabetologia 2016; 59:1021-9. [PMID: 26910463 PMCID: PMC4826795 DOI: 10.1007/s00125-016-3897-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2015] [Accepted: 01/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
AIMS/HYPOTHESIS Type 1 diabetes is caused by the immunological destruction of pancreatic beta cells. Preclinical and clinical data indicate that there are changes in beta cell function at different stages of the disease, but the fate of beta cells has not been closely studied. We studied how immune factors affect the function and epigenetics of beta cells during disease progression and identified possible triggers of these changes. METHODS We studied FACS sorted beta cells and infiltrating lymphocytes from NOD mouse and human islets. Gene expression was measured by quantitative real-time RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) and methylation of the insulin genes was investigated by high-throughput and Sanger sequencing. To understand the role of DNA methyltransferases, Dnmt3a was knocked down with small interfering RNA (siRNA). The effects of cytokines on methylation and expression of the insulin gene were studied in humans and mice. RESULTS During disease progression in NOD mice, there was an inverse relationship between the proportion of infiltrating lymphocytes and the beta cell mass. In beta cells, methylation marks in the Ins1 and Ins2 genes changed over time. Insulin gene expression appears to be most closely regulated by the methylation of Ins1 exon 2 and Ins2 exon 1. Cytokine transcription increased with age in NOD mice, and these cytokines could induce methylation marks in the insulin DNA by inducing methyltransferases. Similar changes were induced by cytokines in human beta cells in vitro. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION Epigenetic modification of DNA by methylation in response to immunological stressors may be a mechanism that affects insulin gene expression during the progression of type 1 diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinxiu Rui
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University, 300 George St, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Songyan Deng
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University, 300 George St, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Jasmin Lebastchi
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University, 300 George St, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Pamela L Clark
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University, 300 George St, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | | | - Kevan C Herold
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University, 300 George St, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
- Department Internal Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
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35
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Nilsen FM, Parrott BB, Bowden JA, Kassim BL, Somerville SE, Bryan TA, Bryan CE, Lange TR, Delaney JP, Brunell AM, Long SE, Guillette LJ. Global DNA methylation loss associated with mercury contamination and aging in the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2016; 545-546:389-97. [PMID: 26748003 PMCID: PMC4972023 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.12.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2015] [Revised: 12/10/2015] [Accepted: 12/13/2015] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
Mercury is a widespread environmental contaminant with exposures eliciting a well-documented catalog of adverse effects. Yet, knowledge regarding the underlying mechanisms by which mercury exposures are translated into biological effects remains incomplete. DNA methylation is an epigenetic modification that is sensitive to environmental cues, and alterations in DNA methylation at the global level are associated with a variety of diseases. Using a liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry-based (LC-MS/MS) approach, global DNA methylation levels were measured in red blood cells of 144 wild American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) from 6 sites with variable levels of mercury contamination across Florida's north-south axis. Variation in mercury concentrations measured in whole blood was highly associated with location, allowing the comparison of global DNA methylation levels across different "treatments" of mercury. Global DNA methylation in alligators across all locations was weakly associated with increased mercury exposure. However, a much more robust relationship was observed in those animals sampled from locations more highly contaminated with mercury. Also, similar to other vertebrates, global DNA methylation appears to decline with age in alligators. The relationship between age-associated loss of global DNA methylation and varying mercury exposures was examined to reveal a potential interaction. These findings demonstrate that global DNA methylation levels are associated with mercury exposure, and give insights into interactions between contaminants, aging, and epigenetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frances M Nilsen
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Chemical Sciences Division, Environmental Chemical Sciences Group, Hollings Marine Laboratory, 331 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC 29412, United States; Medical University of South Carolina, Marine Biomedicine and Environmental Sciences, 221 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC 29412, United States; Hollings Marine Laboratory, 331 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC 29412, United States.
| | - Benjamin B Parrott
- Medical University of South Carolina, Marine Biomedicine and Environmental Sciences, 221 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC 29412, United States; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29403, United States; Hollings Marine Laboratory, 331 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC 29412, United States
| | - John A Bowden
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Chemical Sciences Division, Environmental Chemical Sciences Group, Hollings Marine Laboratory, 331 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC 29412, United States; Hollings Marine Laboratory, 331 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC 29412, United States
| | - Brittany L Kassim
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Chemical Sciences Division, Environmental Chemical Sciences Group, Hollings Marine Laboratory, 331 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC 29412, United States; Hollings Marine Laboratory, 331 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC 29412, United States
| | - Stephen E Somerville
- Medical University of South Carolina, Marine Biomedicine and Environmental Sciences, 221 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC 29412, United States; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29403, United States; Hollings Marine Laboratory, 331 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC 29412, United States
| | - Teresa A Bryan
- Medical University of South Carolina, Marine Biomedicine and Environmental Sciences, 221 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC 29412, United States; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29403, United States; Hollings Marine Laboratory, 331 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC 29412, United States
| | - Colleen E Bryan
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Chemical Sciences Division, Environmental Chemical Sciences Group, Hollings Marine Laboratory, 331 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC 29412, United States; Hollings Marine Laboratory, 331 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC 29412, United States
| | - Ted R Lange
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 601 W. Woodward Ave, Eustis, FL 32726, United States
| | - J Patrick Delaney
- Deseret Ranches- 13754 Deseret Lane, St. Cloud, Florida 34773-9381, United States
| | - Arnold M Brunell
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 601 W. Woodward Ave, Eustis, FL 32726, United States
| | - Stephen E Long
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Chemical Sciences Division, Environmental Chemical Sciences Group, Hollings Marine Laboratory, 331 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC 29412, United States; Hollings Marine Laboratory, 331 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC 29412, United States
| | - Louis J Guillette
- Medical University of South Carolina, Marine Biomedicine and Environmental Sciences, 221 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC 29412, United States; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29403, United States; Hollings Marine Laboratory, 331 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC 29412, United States
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36
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Libbrecht R, Oxley PR, Keller L, Kronauer DJC. Robust DNA Methylation in the Clonal Raider Ant Brain. Curr Biol 2016; 26:391-5. [PMID: 26804553 PMCID: PMC5067136 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2015.12.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2015] [Revised: 10/30/2015] [Accepted: 12/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Social insects are promising model systems for epigenetics due to their immense morphological and behavioral plasticity. Reports that DNA methylation differs between the queen and worker castes in social insects [1-4] have implied a role for DNA methylation in regulating division of labor. To better understand the function of DNA methylation in social insects, we performed whole-genome bisulfite sequencing on brains of the clonal raider ant Cerapachys biroi, whose colonies alternate between reproductive (queen-like) and brood care (worker-like) phases [5]. Many cytosines were methylated in all replicates (on average 29.5% of the methylated cytosines in a given replicate), indicating that a large proportion of the C. biroi brain methylome is robust. Robust DNA methylation occurred preferentially in exonic CpGs of highly and stably expressed genes involved in core functions. Our analyses did not detect any differences in DNA methylation between the queen-like and worker-like phases, suggesting that DNA methylation is not associated with changes in reproduction and behavior in C. biroi. Finally, many cytosines were methylated in one sample only, due to either biological or experimental variation. By applying the statistical methods used in previous studies [1-4, 6] to our data, we show that such sample-specific DNA methylation may underlie the previous findings of queen- and worker-specific methylation. We argue that there is currently no evidence that genome-wide variation in DNA methylation is associated with the queen and worker castes in social insects, and we call for a more careful interpretation of the available data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romain Libbrecht
- Laboratory of Social Evolution and Behavior, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA; Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Peter Robert Oxley
- Laboratory of Social Evolution and Behavior, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Laurent Keller
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
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Pegoraro M, Bafna A, Davies NJ, Shuker DM, Tauber E. DNA methylation changes induced by long and short photoperiods in Nasonia. Genome Res 2015; 26:203-10. [PMID: 26672019 PMCID: PMC4728373 DOI: 10.1101/gr.196204.115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2015] [Accepted: 12/14/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Many organisms monitor the annual change in day length and use this information for the timing of their seasonal response. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying photoperiodic timing are largely unknown. The wasp Nasonia vitripennis is an emerging model organism that exhibits a strong photoperiodic response: Short autumnal days experienced by females lead to the induction of developmental arrest (diapause) in their progeny, allowing winter survival of the larvae. How female Nasonia control the developmental trajectory of their offspring is unclear. Here, we took advantage of the recent discovery that DNA methylation is pervasive in Nasonia and tested its role in photoperiodism. We used reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS) to profile DNA methylation in adult female wasps subjected to different photoperiods and identified substantial differential methylation at the single base level. We also show that knocking down DNA methyltransferase 1a (Dnmt1a), Dnmt3, or blocking DNA methylation pharmacologically, largely disrupts the photoperiodic diapause response of the wasps. To our knowledge, this is the first example for a role of DNA methylation in insect photoperiodic timing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirko Pegoraro
- Department of Genetics, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, United Kingdom
| | - Akanksha Bafna
- Department of Genetics, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, United Kingdom
| | - Nathaniel J Davies
- Department of Genetics, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, United Kingdom
| | - David M Shuker
- School of Biology, University of St Andrews, St Andrews KY16 9TH, United Kingdom
| | - Eran Tauber
- Department of Genetics, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, United Kingdom
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38
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Alvarado SG, Lenkov K, Williams B, Fernald RD. Social Crowding during Development Causes Changes in GnRH1 DNA Methylation. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0142043. [PMID: 26517121 PMCID: PMC4627844 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0142043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2014] [Accepted: 10/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Gestational and developmental cues have important consequences for long-term health, behavior and adaptation to the environment. In addition, social stressors cause plastic molecular changes in the brain that underlie unique behavioral phenotypes that also modulate fitness. In the adult African cichlid, Astatotilapia burtoni, growth and social status of males are both directly regulated by social interactions in a dynamic social environment, which causes a suite of plastic changes in circuits, cells and gene transcription in the brain. We hypothesized that a possible mechanism underlying some molecular changes might be DNA methylation, a reversible modification made to cytosine nucleotides that is known to regulate gene function. Here we asked whether changes in DNA methylation of the GnRH1 gene, the central regulator of the reproductive axis, were altered during development of A. burtoni. We measured changes in methylation state of the GnRH1 gene during normal development and following the gestational and developmental stress of social crowding. We found differential DNA methylation within developing juveniles between 14-, 28- and 42-day-old. Following gestational crowding of mouth brooding mothers, we saw differential methylation and transcription of GnRH1 in their offspring. Taken together, our data provides evidence for social control of GnRH1 developmental responses to gestational cues through DNA methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian G Alvarado
- Biology Department and Neuroscience Institute, Gilbert Hall, Stanford University, 371 Serra Mall, Stanford, Palo Alto, Califorinia 94305, United States of America
| | - Kapa Lenkov
- Biology Department and Neuroscience Institute, Gilbert Hall, Stanford University, 371 Serra Mall, Stanford, Palo Alto, Califorinia 94305, United States of America
| | - Blake Williams
- Biology Department and Neuroscience Institute, Gilbert Hall, Stanford University, 371 Serra Mall, Stanford, Palo Alto, Califorinia 94305, United States of America
| | - Russell D Fernald
- Biology Department and Neuroscience Institute, Gilbert Hall, Stanford University, 371 Serra Mall, Stanford, Palo Alto, Califorinia 94305, United States of America
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39
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Burggren WW. Dynamics of epigenetic phenomena: intergenerational and intragenerational phenotype 'washout'. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 218:80-7. [PMID: 25568454 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.107318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic studies of both intragenerational and transgenerational epigenetic phenotypic modifications have proliferated in the last few decades. However, the strong reductionist focus on mechanism that prevails in many epigenetic studies to date has diverted attention away what might be called the 'dynamics' of epigenetics and its role in comparative biology. Epigenetic dynamics describes how both transgenerational and intragenerational epigenetic phenotypic modifications change in non-linear patterns over time. Importantly, a dynamic perspective suggests that epigenetic phenomena should not be regarded as 'digital' (on-off), in which a modified trait necessarily suddenly disappears between one generation and the next. Rather, dynamic epigenetic phenomena may be better depicted by graded, time-related changes that can potentially involve the 'washout' of modified phenotype both within and across generations. Conceivably, an epigenetic effect might also 'wash-in' over multiple generations, and there may be unexplored additive effects resulting from the pressures of environmental stressors that wax, wane and then wax again across multiple generations. Recognition of epigenetic dynamics is also highly dependent on the threshold for detection of the phenotypic modification of interest, especially when phenotypes wash out or wash in. Thus, studies of transgenerational epigenetic effects (and intragenerational effects, for that matter) that search for persistence of the phenomenon are best conducted with highly sensitive, precise quantitative methods. All of the scenarios in this review representing epigenetic dynamics are possible and some even likely. Focused investigations that concentrate on the time course will reveal much about both the impact and mechanisms of epigenetic phenomena.
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Affiliation(s)
- Warren W Burggren
- Developmental Integrative Biology Research Cluster, Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Texas, Denton, TX 76201, USA
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40
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Castellani CA, Melka MG, Diehl EJ, Laufer BI, O'Reilly RL, Singh SM. DNA methylation in psychosis: insights into etiology and treatment. Epigenomics 2015; 7:67-74. [PMID: 25687467 DOI: 10.2217/epi.14.66] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Evidence for involvement of DNA methylation in psychosis forms the focus of this perspective. Of interest are results from two independent sets of experiments including rats treated with antipsychotic drugs and monozygotic twins discordant for schizophrenia. The results show that DNA methylation is increased in rats treated with antipsychotic drugs, reflecting the global effect of the drugs. Some of these changes are also seen in affected schizophrenic twins that were treated with antipsychotics. The genes and pathways identified in the unrelated experiments are relevant to neurodevelopment and psychiatric disorders. The common cause is hypothesized to be aberrations resulting from medication use. However, this needs to be established by future studies that address the origin of methylation changes in psychosis.
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Krause L, Haubold B, Börsch-Haubold AG. Social exclusion changes histone modifications H3K4me3 and H3K27ac in liver tissue of wild house mice. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0133988. [PMID: 26267652 PMCID: PMC4534140 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0133988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2014] [Accepted: 07/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Wild house mice form social hierarchies with aggressive males defending territories, in which females, young mice and submissive adult males share nests. In contrast, socially excluded males are barred from breeding groups, have numerous bite wounds and patches of thinning fur. Since their feeding times are often disrupted, we investigated whether social exclusion leads to changes in epigenetic marks of metabolic genes in liver tissue. We used chromatin immunoprecipitation and quantitative PCR to measure enrichment of two activating histone marks at 15 candidate loci. The epigenetic profiles of healthy males sampled from nest boxes differed significantly from the profiles of ostracized males caught outside of nests and showing bite wounds indicative of social exclusion. Enrichment of histone-3 lysine-4 trimethylation (H3K4me3) changed significantly at genes Cyp4a14, Gapdh, Nr3c1, Pck1, Ppara, and Sqle. Changes at histone-3 lysine-27 acetylation (H3K27ac) marks were detected at genes Fasn, Nr3c1, and Plin5. A principal components analysis separated the socialized from the ostracized mice. This was independent of body weight for the H3K4me3 mark, and partially dependent for H3K27ac. There was no separation, however, between healthy males that had been sampled from two different nests. A hierarchical cluster analysis also separated the two phenotypes, which was independent of body weight for both markers. Our study shows that a period of social exclusion during adult life leads to quantitative changes in histone modification patterns in mouse liver tissue. Similar epigenetic changes might occur during the development of stress-induced metabolic disorders in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Krause
- Institute of Computational Biology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Bernhard Haubold
- Department of Evolutionary Genetics, Max-Planck-Institute for Evolutionary Biology, Plön, Germany
| | - Angelika G. Börsch-Haubold
- Department of Evolutionary Genetics, Max-Planck-Institute for Evolutionary Biology, Plön, Germany
- * E-mail:
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Komara M, Al-Shamsi AM, Ben-Salem S, Ali BR, Al-Gazali L. A Novel Single-Nucleotide Deletion (c.1020delA) in NSUN2 Causes Intellectual Disability in an Emirati Child. J Mol Neurosci 2015; 57:393-9. [PMID: 26055038 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-015-0592-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2015] [Accepted: 05/27/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Intellectual disability (ID) is a major public health burden on most societies with significant socioeconomic costs. It has been shown that genetic mutations in numerous genes are responsible for a proportion of hereditary forms of ID. NOP2/Sun transfer RNA (tRNA) methyltransferase family member 2 encoded by NSUN2 gene is a highly conserved protein and has been shown to cause autosomal recessive ID type 5 (MRT5). In this study, we recruited an Emirati consanguineous family with a patient diagnosed with ID. Whole-exome sequencing revealed a homozygous variant c.1020delA in NSUN2 gene. The variants segregated in an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance in the family. This variant is novel and causes a frameshift and premature stop codon. At the messenger RNA (mRNA) level, relative expression analysis showed a decreased level of NSUN2 mRNA in the affected child compared to a healthy individual. Mutation prediction analysis and clinical investigation confirmed the pathogenic nature of the identified variant. We therefore conclude that c.1020delA mutation in NSUN2 is most likely the cause of ID in our patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makanko Komara
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine and Heath Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Aisha M Al-Shamsi
- Department of Pediatrics, Tawam Hospital, Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Salma Ben-Salem
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine and Heath Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Bassam R Ali
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine and Heath Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Lihadh Al-Gazali
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine and Heath Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, P.O. Box 17666, Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates.
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Alvarado S, Mak T, Liu S, Storey KB, Szyf M. Dynamic changes in global and gene-specific DNA methylation during hibernation in adult thirteen-lined ground squirrels, Ictidomys tridecemlineatus. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 218:1787-95. [PMID: 25908059 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.116046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2014] [Accepted: 04/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Hibernating mammals conserve energy in the winter by undergoing prolonged bouts of torpor, interspersed with brief arousals back to euthermia. These bouts are accompanied by a suite of reversible physiological and biochemical changes; however, much remains to be discovered about the molecular mechanisms involved. Given the seasonal nature of hibernation, it stands to reason that underlying plastic epigenetic mechanisms should exist. One such form of epigenomic regulation involves the reversible modification of cytosine bases in DNA by methylation. DNA methylation is well known to be a mechanism that confers upon DNA its cellular identity during differentiation in response to innate developmental cues. However, it has recently been hypothesized that DNA methylation also acts as a mechanism for adapting genome function to changing external environmental and experiential signals over different time scales, including during adulthood. Here, we tested the hypothesis that DNA methylation is altered during hibernation in adult wild animals. This study evaluated global changes in DNA methylation in response to hibernation in the liver and skeletal muscle of thirteen-lined ground squirrels along with changes in expression of DNA methyltransferases (DNMT1/3B) and methyl binding domain proteins (MBDs). A reduction in global DNA methylation occurred in muscle during torpor phases whereas significant changes in DNMTs and MBDs were seen in both tissues. We also report dynamic changes in DNA methylation in the promoter of the myocyte enhancer factor 2C (mef2c) gene, a candidate regulator of metabolism in skeletal muscle. Taken together, these data show that genomic DNA methylation is dynamic across torpor-arousal bouts during winter hibernation, consistent with a role for this regulatory mechanism in contributing to the hibernation phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Alvarado
- Department of Pharmacology, McGill University, 3655 Sir William Osler Suite 1309, Montreal, QC, Canada H3G 1Y6; Sackler program in Epigenetics and Psychobiology at McGill University
| | - Timothy Mak
- Department of Pharmacology, McGill University, 3655 Sir William Osler Suite 1309, Montreal, QC, Canada H3G 1Y6; Sackler program in Epigenetics and Psychobiology at McGill University
| | - Sara Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, McGill University, 3655 Sir William Osler Suite 1309, Montreal, QC, Canada H3G 1Y6; Sackler program in Epigenetics and Psychobiology at McGill University
| | - Kenneth B Storey
- Institute of Biochemistry and Department of Biology, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON, Canada K1S 5B6
| | - Moshe Szyf
- Department of Pharmacology, McGill University, 3655 Sir William Osler Suite 1309, Montreal, QC, Canada H3G 1Y6; Sackler program in Epigenetics and Psychobiology at McGill University
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Ricceri F, Trevisan M, Fiano V, Grasso C, Fasanelli F, Scoccianti C, De Marco L, Tos AG, Vineis P, Sacerdote C. Seasonality modifies methylation profiles in healthy people. PLoS One 2014; 9:e106846. [PMID: 25210735 PMCID: PMC4161384 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0106846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2014] [Accepted: 08/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation is a well-characterized epigenetic modification that plays an important role in the regulation of gene expression. There is growing evidence on the involvement of epigenetic mechanisms in disease onset, including cancer. Environmental factors seem to induce changes in DNA methylation affecting human health. However, little is known about basal methylation levels in healthy people and about the correlation between environmental factors and different methylation profiles. We investigated the effect of seasonality on basal methylation by testing methylation levels in the long interspersed nucleotide element-1 (LINE-1) and in two cancer-related genes (RASSF1A and MGMT) of 88 healthy male heavy smokers involved in an Italian randomized study; at enrolment the subjects donated a blood sample collected in different months. Methylation analyses were performed by pyrosequencing. Mean methylation percentage was higher in spring and summer for the LINE1, RASSF1A and MGMT genes (68.26%, 2.35%, and 9.52% respectively) compared with autumn and winter (67.43%, 2.17%, and 8.60% respectively). In particular, LINE-1 was significantly hypomethylated (p = 0.04 or 0.05 depending on the CpG island involved) in autumn and winter compared with spring and summer. Seasonality seems to be a modifier of methylation levels and this observation should be taken into account in future analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fulvio Ricceri
- Unit of Cancer Epidemiology – CERMS, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin and Città della Salute e della Scienza Hospital, Turin, Italy
- Department of Mathematics, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Morena Trevisan
- Unit of Cancer Epidemiology – CERMS, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin and Città della Salute e della Scienza Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Valentina Fiano
- Unit of Cancer Epidemiology – CERMS, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin and Città della Salute e della Scienza Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Chiara Grasso
- Unit of Cancer Epidemiology – CERMS, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin and Città della Salute e della Scienza Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Francesca Fasanelli
- Unit of Cancer Epidemiology – CERMS, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin and Città della Salute e della Scienza Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Laura De Marco
- Unit of Cancer Epidemiology – CERMS, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin and Città della Salute e della Scienza Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Anna Gillio Tos
- Unit of Cancer Epidemiology – CERMS, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin and Città della Salute e della Scienza Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Paolo Vineis
- Human Genetics Foundation (HUGEF), Turin, Italy
- Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Carlotta Sacerdote
- Unit of Cancer Epidemiology – CERMS, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin and Città della Salute e della Scienza Hospital, Turin, Italy
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Abstract
The past decade has seen an explosion of articles in scientific journals involving non-genetic influences on phenotype through modulation of gene function without changes in gene sequence. The excitement in modern molecular biology surrounding the impact exerted by the environment on development of the phenotype is focused largely on mechanism and has not incorporated questions asked (and answers provided) by early philosophers, biologists, and psychologists. As such, this emergence of epigenetic studies is somewhat "old wine in new bottles" and represents a reformulation of the old debate of preformationism versus epigenesis-one resolved in the 1800s. Indeed, this tendency to always look forward, with minimal concern or regard of what has gone before, has led to the present situation in which "true" epigenetic studies are believed to consist of one of two schools. The first is primarily medically based and views epigenetic mechanisms as pathways for disease (e.g., "the epigenetics of cancer"). The second is primarily from the basic sciences, particularly molecular genetics, and regards epigenetics as a potentially important mechanism for organisms exposed to variable environments across multiple generations. There is, however, a third, and separate, school based on the historical literature and debates and regards epigenetics as more of a perspective than a phenomenon. Against this backdrop, comparative integrative biologists are particularly well-suited to understand epigenetic phenomena as a way for organisms to respond rapidly with modified phenotypes (relative to natural selection) to changes in the environment. Using evolutionary principles, it is also possible to interpret "sunsetting" of modified phenotypes when environmental conditions result in a disappearance of the epigenetic modification of gene regulation. Comparative integrative biologists also recognize epigenetics as a potentially confounding source of variation in their data. Epigenetic modification of phenotype (molecular, cellular, morphological, physiological, and behavioral) can be highly variable depending upon ancestral environmental exposure and can contribute to apparent "random" noise in collected datasets. Thus, future research should go beyond the study of epigenetic mechanisms at the level of the gene and devote additional investigation of epigenetic outcomes at the level of both the individual organism and how it affects the evolution of populations. This review is the first of seven in this special issue of Integrative and Comparative Biology that addresses in detail these and other key topics in the study of epigenetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Warren W Burggren
- *Developmental and Integrative Biology, Department of Biology, University of North Texas, Denton, TX 76203, USA; Section of Integrative Biology, University of Texas, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - David Crews
- *Developmental and Integrative Biology, Department of Biology, University of North Texas, Denton, TX 76203, USA; Section of Integrative Biology, University of Texas, Austin, TX 78712, USA
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