1
|
Xing F, Han F, Wu Y, Lv B, Tian H, Wang W, Tian X, Xu C, Duan H, Zhang D, Wu Y. An epigenome-wide association study of waist circumference in Chinese monozygotic twins. Int J Obes (Lond) 2024; 48:1148-1156. [PMID: 38773251 DOI: 10.1038/s41366-024-01538-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Central obesity poses significant health risks because it increases susceptibility to multiple chronic diseases. Epigenetic features such as DNA methylation may be associated with specific obesity traits, which could help us understand how genetic and environmental factors interact to influence the development of obesity. This study aims to identify DNA methylation sites associated with the waist circumference (WC) in Northern Han Chinese population, and to elucidate potential causal relationships. METHODS A total of 59 pairs of WC discordant monozygotic twins (ΔWC >0) were selected from the Qingdao Twin Registry in China. Generalized estimated equation model was employed to estimate the methylation levels of CpG sites on WC. Causal relationships between methylation and WC were assessed through the examination of family confounding factors using FAmiliaL CONfounding (ICE FALCON). Additionally, the findings of the epigenome-wide analysis were corroborated in the validation stage. RESULTS We identified 26 CpG sites with differential methylation reached false discovery rate (FDR) < 0.05 and 22 differentially methylated regions (slk-corrected p < 0.05) strongly linked to WC. These findings provided annotations for 26 genes, with notable emphasis on MMP17, ITGA11, COL23A1, TFPI, A2ML1-AS1, MRGPRE, C2orf82, and NINJ2. ICE FALCON analysis indicated the DNA methylation of ITGA11 and TFPI had a causal effect on WC and vice versa (p < 0.05). Subsequent validation analysis successfully replicated 10 (p < 0.05) out of the 26 identified sites. CONCLUSIONS Our research has ascertained an association between specific epigenetic variations and WC in the Northern Han Chinese population. These DNA methylation features can offer fresh insights into the epigenetic regulation of obesity and WC as well as hints to plausible biological mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fangjie Xing
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Public Health College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Fulei Han
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Public Health College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yan Wu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Public Health College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Bosen Lv
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Public Health College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Huimin Tian
- Zhonglou District Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Weijing Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Public Health College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiaocao Tian
- Qingdao Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Chunsheng Xu
- Qingdao Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Haiping Duan
- Qingdao Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Dongfeng Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Public Health College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yili Wu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Public Health College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Herzog C, Jones A, Evans I, Raut JR, Zikan M, Cibula D, Wong A, Brenner H, Richmond RC, Widschwendter M. Cigarette Smoking and E-cigarette Use Induce Shared DNA Methylation Changes Linked to Carcinogenesis. Cancer Res 2024; 84:1898-1914. [PMID: 38503267 PMCID: PMC11148547 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-23-2957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Tobacco use is a major modifiable risk factor for adverse health outcomes, including cancer, and elicits profound epigenetic changes thought to be associated with long-term cancer risk. While electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) have been advocated as harm reduction alternatives to tobacco products, recent studies have revealed potential detrimental effects, highlighting the urgent need for further research into the molecular and health impacts of e-cigarettes. Here, we applied computational deconvolution methods to dissect the cell- and tissue-specific epigenetic effects of tobacco or e-cigarette use on DNA methylation (DNAme) in over 3,500 buccal/saliva, cervical, or blood samples, spanning epithelial and immune cells at directly and indirectly exposed sites. The 535 identified smoking-related DNAme loci [cytosine-phosphate-guanine sites (CpG)] clustered into four functional groups, including detoxification or growth signaling, based on cell type and anatomic site. Loci hypermethylated in buccal epithelial cells of smokers associated with NOTCH1/RUNX3/growth factor receptor signaling also exhibited elevated methylation in cancer tissue and progressing lung carcinoma in situ lesions, and hypermethylation of these sites predicted lung cancer development in buccal samples collected from smokers up to 22 years prior to diagnosis, suggesting a potential role in driving carcinogenesis. Alarmingly, these CpGs were also hypermethylated in e-cigarette users with a limited smoking history. This study sheds light on the cell type-specific changes to the epigenetic landscape induced by smoking-related products. SIGNIFICANCE The use of both cigarettes and e-cigarettes elicits cell- and exposure-specific epigenetic effects that are predictive of carcinogenesis, suggesting caution when broadly recommending e-cigarettes as aids for smoking cessation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Herzog
- European Translational Oncology Prevention and Screening (EUTOPS) Institute, Universität Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- Research Institute for Biomedical Aging, Universität Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Allison Jones
- Department of Women's Cancer, UCL EGA Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Iona Evans
- Department of Women's Cancer, UCL EGA Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Janhavi R. Raut
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology and Aging Research, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michal Zikan
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, First Faculty of Medicine and Hospital Na Bulovce, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - David Cibula
- Gynecologic Oncology Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague, General University Hospital in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Andrew Wong
- MRC Unit for Lifelong Health and Ageing, Institute of Cardiovascular Science, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Hermann Brenner
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology and Aging Research, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Rebecca C. Richmond
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit at the University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Martin Widschwendter
- European Translational Oncology Prevention and Screening (EUTOPS) Institute, Universität Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- Research Institute for Biomedical Aging, Universität Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- Department of Women's Cancer, UCL EGA Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Shirai T, Okazaki S, Otsuka I, Miyachi M, Tanifuji T, Shindo R, Okada S, Minami H, Horai T, Mouri K, Hishimoto A. Accelerated epigenetic aging in alcohol dependence. J Psychiatr Res 2024; 173:175-182. [PMID: 38547739 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2024.03.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Alcohol dependence poses a global health threat associated with aging and reduced life expectancy. Recently, aging research through deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) methylation has gained attention. New epigenetic clocks have been developed; however, no study has investigated GrimAge components, GrimAge2 components and DunedinPACE in patients with alcohol dependence. In this study, we aimed to perform epigenetic clock analysis to evaluate epigenetic age acceleration and DNA methylation-based age-predictive components in patients with alcohol dependence and controls. We utilized publicly available DNA methylation data (GSE98876) for our analysis. Additionally, we compared the values of the same items before and after the patients underwent a treatment program. The dataset comprised 23 controls and 24 patients. We observed that DunedinPACE accelerated more in patients with alcohol dependence. AgeAccelGrim and AgeAccelGrim2 decelerated more after the treatment program than before, and beta-2-microglobulin and Cystatin C decreased after the treatment program than before. These findings are crucial as they affect the cranial nerve area, potentially contributing to cognitive dysfunction and psychiatric symptoms in patients with alcohol dependence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Toshiyuki Shirai
- Department of Psychiatry, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Satoshi Okazaki
- Department of Psychiatry, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan.
| | - Ikuo Otsuka
- Department of Psychiatry, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Masao Miyachi
- Department of Psychiatry, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Takaki Tanifuji
- Department of Psychiatry, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Ryota Shindo
- Department of Psychiatry, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Shohei Okada
- Department of Psychiatry, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Haruka Minami
- Department of Psychiatry, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Tadasu Horai
- Department of Psychiatry, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Kentaro Mouri
- Department of Psychiatry, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Akitoyo Hishimoto
- Department of Psychiatry, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lee HS, Kim B, Park T. Genome- and epigenome-wide association studies identify susceptibility of CpG sites and regions for metabolic syndrome in a Korean population. Clin Epigenetics 2024; 16:60. [PMID: 38685121 PMCID: PMC11059751 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-024-01671-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While multiple studies have investigated the relationship between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its related traits (fasting glucose, triglyceride, HDL cholesterol, blood pressure, waist circumference) and DNA methylation, our understanding of the epigenetic mechanisms in MetS remains limited. Therefore, we performed an epigenome-wide meta-analysis of blood DNA methylation to identify differentially methylated probes (DMPs) and differentially methylated regions (DMRs) associated with MetS and its components using two independent cohorts comprising a total of 2,334 participants. We also investigated the specific genetic effects on DNA methylation, identified methylation quantitative trait loci (meQTLs) through genome-wide association studies and further utilized Mendelian randomization (MR) to assess how these meQTLs subsequently influence MetS status. RESULTS We identified 40 DMPs and 27 DMRs that are significantly associated with MetS. In addition, we identified many novel DMPs and DMRs underlying inflammatory and steroid hormonal processes. The most significant associations were observed in 3 DMPs (cg19693031, cg26974062, cg02988288) and a DMR (chr1:145440444-145441553) at the TXNIP, which are involved in lipid metabolism. These CpG sites were identified as coregulators of DNA methylation in MetS, TG and FAG levels. We identified a total of 144 cis-meQTLs, out of which only 13 were found to be associated with DMPs for MetS. Among these, we confirmed the identified causal mediators of genetic effects at CpG sites cg01881899 at ABCG1 and cg00021659 at the TANK genes for MetS. CONCLUSIONS This study observed whether specific CpGs and methylated regions act independently or are influenced by genetic effects for MetS and its components in the Korean population. These associations between the identified DNA methylation and MetS, along with its individual components, may serve as promising targets for the development of preventive interventions for MetS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ho-Sun Lee
- Forensic Toxicology Division, Daegu Institute, National Forensic Service, Chilgok-gun, 39872, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Korea.
- Interdisciplinary Program in Bioinformatics, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Korea.
| | - Boram Kim
- Interdisciplinary Program in Bioinformatics, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Korea
| | - Taesung Park
- Forensic Toxicology Division, Daegu Institute, National Forensic Service, Chilgok-gun, 39872, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Korea
- Department of Statistics, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Chung FFL, Maldonado SG, Nemc A, Bouaoun L, Cahais V, Cuenin C, Salle A, Johnson T, Ergüner B, Laplana M, Datlinger P, Jeschke J, Weiderpass E, Kristensen V, Delaloge S, Fuks F, Risch A, Ghantous A, Plass C, Bock C, Kaaks R, Herceg Z. Buffy coat signatures of breast cancer risk in a prospective cohort study. Clin Epigenetics 2023; 15:102. [PMID: 37309009 PMCID: PMC10262593 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-023-01509-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epigenetic alterations are a near-universal feature of human malignancy and have been detected in malignant cells as well as in easily accessible specimens such as blood and urine. These findings offer promising applications in cancer detection, subtyping, and treatment monitoring. However, much of the current evidence is based on findings in retrospective studies and may reflect epigenetic patterns that have already been influenced by the onset of the disease. METHODS Studying breast cancer, we established genome-scale DNA methylation profiles of prospectively collected buffy coat samples (n = 702) from a case-control study nested within the EPIC-Heidelberg cohort using reduced representation bisulphite sequencing (RRBS). RESULTS We observed cancer-specific DNA methylation events in buffy coat samples. Increased DNA methylation in genomic regions associated with SURF6 and REXO1/CTB31O20.3 was linked to the length of time to diagnosis in the prospectively collected buffy coat DNA from individuals who subsequently developed breast cancer. Using machine learning methods, we piloted a DNA methylation-based classifier that predicted case-control status in a held-out validation set with 76.5% accuracy, in some cases up to 15 years before clinical diagnosis of the disease. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, our findings suggest a model of gradual accumulation of cancer-associated DNA methylation patterns in peripheral blood, which may be detected long before clinical manifestation of cancer. Such changes may provide useful markers for risk stratification and, ultimately, personalized cancer prevention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Felicia Fei-Lei Chung
- International Agency for Research On Cancer (IARC), 25 avenue Tony Garnier, CS 90627, 69366, Lyon, France.
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, 5, Jalan Universiti, Bandar Sunway, 47500, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | | | - Amelie Nemc
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Liacine Bouaoun
- International Agency for Research On Cancer (IARC), 25 avenue Tony Garnier, CS 90627, 69366, Lyon, France
| | - Vincent Cahais
- International Agency for Research On Cancer (IARC), 25 avenue Tony Garnier, CS 90627, 69366, Lyon, France
| | - Cyrille Cuenin
- International Agency for Research On Cancer (IARC), 25 avenue Tony Garnier, CS 90627, 69366, Lyon, France
| | - Aurelie Salle
- International Agency for Research On Cancer (IARC), 25 avenue Tony Garnier, CS 90627, 69366, Lyon, France
| | - Theron Johnson
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Bekir Ergüner
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Marina Laplana
- Division of Cancer Epigenomics, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Lleida, IRBLleida, 25198, Lleida, Spain
| | - Paul Datlinger
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jana Jeschke
- Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetics, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Elisabete Weiderpass
- International Agency for Research On Cancer (IARC), 25 avenue Tony Garnier, CS 90627, 69366, Lyon, France
| | - Vessela Kristensen
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute for Clinical Epidemiology and Molecular Biology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Suzette Delaloge
- Department of Cancer Medicine, Institut Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - François Fuks
- Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetics, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Angela Risch
- Division of Cancer Epigenomics, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Biosciences and Medical Biology, Allergy-Cancer-BioNano Research Centre, University of Salzburg, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
- Cancer Cluster Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Akram Ghantous
- International Agency for Research On Cancer (IARC), 25 avenue Tony Garnier, CS 90627, 69366, Lyon, France
| | - Christoph Plass
- Division of Cancer Epigenomics, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christoph Bock
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
- Medical University of Vienna, Institute of Artificial Intelligence, Center for Medical Data Science, Vienna, Austria
| | - Rudolf Kaaks
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Zdenko Herceg
- International Agency for Research On Cancer (IARC), 25 avenue Tony Garnier, CS 90627, 69366, Lyon, France.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Haftorn KL, Denault WRP, Lee Y, Page CM, Romanowska J, Lyle R, Næss ØE, Kristjansson D, Magnus PM, Håberg SE, Bohlin J, Jugessur A. Nucleated red blood cells explain most of the association between DNA methylation and gestational age. Commun Biol 2023; 6:224. [PMID: 36849614 PMCID: PMC9971030 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04584-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Determining if specific cell type(s) are responsible for an association between DNA methylation (DNAm) and a given phenotype is important for understanding the biological mechanisms underlying the association. Our EWAS of gestational age (GA) in 953 newborns from the Norwegian MoBa study identified 13,660 CpGs significantly associated with GA (pBonferroni<0.05) after adjustment for cell type composition. When the CellDMC algorithm was applied to explore cell-type specific effects, 2,330 CpGs were significantly associated with GA, mostly in nucleated red blood cells [nRBCs; n = 2,030 (87%)]. Similar patterns were found in another dataset based on a different array and when applying an alternative algorithm to CellDMC called Tensor Composition Analysis (TCA). Our findings point to nRBCs as the main cell type driving the DNAm-GA association, implicating an epigenetic signature of erythropoiesis as a likely mechanism. They also explain the poor correlation observed between epigenetic age clocks for newborns and those for adults.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristine L Haftorn
- Centre for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway.
- Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
| | - William R P Denault
- Centre for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Yunsung Lee
- Centre for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Christian M Page
- Centre for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Physical Health and Ageing, Division of Mental and Physical Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Julia Romanowska
- Centre for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, , University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Robert Lyle
- Centre for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Medical Genetics, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Øyvind E Næss
- Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Division of Mental and Physical Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Dana Kristjansson
- Centre for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Genetics and Bioinformatics, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Per M Magnus
- Centre for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Siri E Håberg
- Centre for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jon Bohlin
- Centre for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
- Division for Infection Control and Environmental Health, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Modelling, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Astanand Jugessur
- Centre for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, , University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
EpiVisR: exploratory data analysis and visualization in epigenome-wide association analyses. BMC Bioinformatics 2022; 23:292. [PMID: 35870905 PMCID: PMC9308245 DOI: 10.1186/s12859-022-04836-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
With the widespread availability of microarray technology for epigenetic research, methods for calling differentially methylated probes or differentially methylated regions have become effective tools to analyze this type of data. Furthermore, visualization is usually employed for quality check of results and for further insights. Expert knowledge is required to leverage capabilities of these methods. To overcome this limitation and make visualization in epigenetic research available to the public, we designed EpiVisR.
Results
The EpiVisR tool allows to select and visualize combinations of traits (i.e., concentrations of chemical compounds) and differentially methylated probes/regions. It supports various modes of enriched presentation to get the most knowledge out of existing data: (1) enriched Manhattan plot and enriched volcano plot for selection of probes, (2) trait-methylation plot for visualization of selected trait values against methylation values, (3) methylation profile plot for visualization of a selected range of probes against selected trait values as well as, (4) correlation profile plot for selection and visualization of further probes that are correlated to the selected probe. EpiVisR additionally allows exporting selected data to external tools for tasks such as network analysis.
Conclusion
The key advantage of EpiVisR is the annotation of data in the enriched plots (and tied tables) as well as linking to external data sources for further integrated data analysis. Using the EpiVisR approach will allow users to integrate data from traits with epigenetic analyses that are connected by belonging to the same individuals. Merging data from various data sources among the same cohort and visualizing them will enable users to gain more insights from existing data.
Collapse
|
8
|
Seale K, Horvath S, Teschendorff A, Eynon N, Voisin S. Making sense of the ageing methylome. Nat Rev Genet 2022; 23:585-605. [PMID: 35501397 DOI: 10.1038/s41576-022-00477-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Over time, the human DNA methylation landscape accrues substantial damage, which has been associated with a broad range of age-related diseases, including cardiovascular disease and cancer. Various age-related DNA methylation changes have been described, including at the level of individual CpGs, such as differential and variable methylation, and at the level of the whole methylome, including entropy and correlation networks. Here, we review these changes in the ageing methylome as well as the statistical tools that can be used to quantify them. We detail the evidence linking DNA methylation to ageing phenotypes and the longevity strategies aimed at altering both DNA methylation patterns and machinery to extend healthspan and lifespan. Lastly, we discuss theories on the mechanistic causes of epigenetic ageing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten Seale
- Institute for Health and Sport (iHeS), Victoria University, Footscray, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Steve Horvath
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Altos Labs, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Andrew Teschendorff
- CAS Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, UK
| | - Nir Eynon
- Institute for Health and Sport (iHeS), Victoria University, Footscray, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Sarah Voisin
- Institute for Health and Sport (iHeS), Victoria University, Footscray, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Rahmani E, Jew B, Halperin E. The Effect of Model Directionality on Cell-Type-Specific Differential DNA Methylation Analysis. FRONTIERS IN BIOINFORMATICS 2022; 1:792605. [PMID: 36303752 PMCID: PMC9580934 DOI: 10.3389/fbinf.2021.792605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Calling differential methylation at a cell-type level from tissue-level bulk data is a fundamental challenge in genomics that has recently received more attention. These studies most often aim at identifying statistical associations rather than causal effects. However, existing methods typically make an implicit assumption about the direction of effects, and thus far, little to no attention has been given to the fact that this directionality assumption may not hold and can consequently affect statistical power and control for false positives. We demonstrate that misspecification of the model directionality can lead to a drastic decrease in performance and increase in risk of spurious findings in cell-type-specific differential methylation analysis, and we discuss the need to carefully consider model directionality before choosing a statistical method for analysis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elior Rahmani
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Brandon Jew
- Bioinformatics Interdepartmental Program, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Eran Halperin
- Department of Computer Science, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Computational Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Human Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Eran Halperin,
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Landen S, Jacques M, Hiam D, Alvarez-Romero J, Harvey NR, Haupt LM, Griffiths LR, Ashton KJ, Lamon S, Voisin S, Eynon N. Skeletal muscle methylome and transcriptome integration reveals profound sex differences related to muscle function and substrate metabolism. Clin Epigenetics 2021; 13:202. [PMID: 34732242 PMCID: PMC8567658 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-021-01188-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Nearly all human complex traits and diseases exhibit some degree of sex differences, with epigenetics being one of the main contributing factors. Various tissues display sex differences in DNA methylation; however, this has not yet been explored in skeletal muscle, despite skeletal muscle being among the tissues with the most transcriptomic sex differences. For the first time, we investigated the effect of sex on autosomal DNA methylation in human skeletal muscle across three independent cohorts (Gene SMART, FUSION, and GSE38291) using a meta-analysis approach, totalling 369 human muscle samples (222 males and 147 females), and integrated this with known sex-biased transcriptomics. We found 10,240 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) at FDR < 0.005, 94% of which were hypomethylated in males, and gene set enrichment analysis revealed that differentially methylated genes were involved in muscle contraction and substrate metabolism. We then investigated biological factors underlying DNA methylation sex differences and found that circulating hormones were not associated with differential methylation at sex-biased DNA methylation loci; however, these sex-specific loci were enriched for binding sites of hormone-related transcription factors (with top TFs including androgen (AR), estrogen (ESR1), and glucocorticoid (NR3C1) receptors). Fibre type proportions were associated with differential methylation across the genome, as well as across 16% of sex-biased DNA methylation loci (FDR < 0.005). Integration of DNA methylomic results with transcriptomic data from the GTEx database and the FUSION cohort revealed 326 autosomal genes that display sex differences at both the epigenome and transcriptome levels. Importantly, transcriptional sex-biased genes were overrepresented among epigenetic sex-biased genes (p value = 4.6e−13), suggesting differential DNA methylation and gene expression between male and female muscle are functionally linked. Finally, we validated expression of three genes with large effect sizes (FOXO3A, ALDH1A1, and GGT7) in the Gene SMART cohort with qPCR. GGT7, involved in antioxidant metabolism, displays male-biased expression as well as lower methylation in males across the three cohorts. In conclusion, we uncovered 8420 genes that exhibit DNA methylation differences between males and females in human skeletal muscle that may modulate mechanisms controlling muscle metabolism and health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shanie Landen
- Institute for Health and Sport (iHeS), Victoria University, PO Box 14428, Melbourne, VIC, 8001, Australia
| | - Macsue Jacques
- Institute for Health and Sport (iHeS), Victoria University, PO Box 14428, Melbourne, VIC, 8001, Australia
| | - Danielle Hiam
- Institute for Health and Sport (iHeS), Victoria University, PO Box 14428, Melbourne, VIC, 8001, Australia.,Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Javier Alvarez-Romero
- Institute for Health and Sport (iHeS), Victoria University, PO Box 14428, Melbourne, VIC, 8001, Australia
| | - Nicholas R Harvey
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, QLD, 4226, Australia.,Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, Genomics Research Centre, School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), 60 Musk Ave., Kelvin Grove, QLD, 4059, Australia
| | - Larisa M Haupt
- Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, Genomics Research Centre, School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), 60 Musk Ave., Kelvin Grove, QLD, 4059, Australia
| | - Lyn R Griffiths
- Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, Genomics Research Centre, School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), 60 Musk Ave., Kelvin Grove, QLD, 4059, Australia
| | - Kevin J Ashton
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, QLD, 4226, Australia
| | - Séverine Lamon
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Sarah Voisin
- Institute for Health and Sport (iHeS), Victoria University, PO Box 14428, Melbourne, VIC, 8001, Australia
| | - Nir Eynon
- Institute for Health and Sport (iHeS), Victoria University, PO Box 14428, Melbourne, VIC, 8001, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Chen Y, Kassam I, Lau SH, Kooner JS, Wilson R, Peters A, Winkelmann J, Chambers JC, Chow VT, Khor CC, van Dam RM, Teo YY, Loh M, Sim X. Impact of BMI and waist circumference on epigenome-wide DNA methylation and identification of epigenetic biomarkers in blood: an EWAS in multi-ethnic Asian individuals. Clin Epigenetics 2021; 13:195. [PMID: 34670603 PMCID: PMC8527674 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-021-01162-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of obesity and its related chronic diseases have been increasing especially in Asian countries. Obesity-related genetic variants have been identified, but these explain little of the variation in BMI. Recent studies reported associations between DNA methylation and obesity, mostly in non-Asian populations. METHODS We performed an epigenome-wide association study (EWAS) on general adiposity (body mass index, BMI) and abdominal adiposity (waist circumference, WC) in 409 multi-ethnic Asian individuals and replicated BMI and waist-associated DNA methylation CpGs identified in other populations. The cross-lagged panel model and Mendelian randomization were used to assess the temporal relationship between methylation and BMI. The temporal relationship between the identified CpGs and inflammation and metabolic markers was also examined. RESULTS EWAS identified 116 DNA methylation CpGs independently associated with BMI and eight independently associated with WC at false discovery rate PFDR < 0.05 in 409 Asian samples. We replicated 110 BMI-associated CpGs previously reported in Europeans and identified six novel BMI-associated CpGs and two novel WC-associated CpGs. We observed high consistency in association direction of effect compared to studies in other populations. Causal relationship analyses indicated that BMI was more likely to be the cause of DNA methylation alteration, rather than the consequence. The causal analyses using BMI-associated methylation risk score also suggested that higher levels of the inflammation marker IL-6 were likely the consequence of methylation change. CONCLUSION Our study provides evidence of an association between obesity and DNA methylation in multi-ethnic Asians and suggests that obesity can drive methylation change. The results also suggested possible causal influence that obesity-related methylation changes might have on inflammation and lipoprotein levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuqing Chen
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, 12 Science Drive 2, #10-01, Tahir Foundation Building, Singapore, 117549, Singapore
| | - Irfahan Kassam
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, 12 Science Drive 2, #10-01, Tahir Foundation Building, Singapore, 117549, Singapore
- Life Sciences Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Suk Hiang Lau
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jaspal S Kooner
- Department of Cardiology, Ealing Hospital, London North West Healthcare NHS Trust, Middlesex, UK
- Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Imperial College London, London, UK
- MRC-PHE Centre for Environment and Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Rory Wilson
- Research Unit Molecular Epidemiology, Institute of Epidemiology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, 85764, Neuherberg, Bavaria, Germany
| | - Annette Peters
- Institute of Epidemiology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research, Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
| | - Juliane Winkelmann
- Institute of Neurogenomics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
- Institute of Human Genetics, Technical University of Munich, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Munich, Germany
- Lehrstuhl Für Neurogenetik, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology, Munich, Germany
| | - John C Chambers
- Department of Cardiology, Ealing Hospital, London North West Healthcare NHS Trust, Middlesex, UK
- Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Imperial College London, London, UK
- MRC-PHE Centre for Environment and Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, 11 Mandalay Road, Level 18, Lee Kong Chian Clinical Science Building, Singapore, 308232, Singapore
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Vincent T Chow
- National University Health System Infectious Diseases Translational Research Program, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chiea Chuen Khor
- Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Rob M van Dam
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, 12 Science Drive 2, #10-01, Tahir Foundation Building, Singapore, 117549, Singapore
- Department of Nutrition and Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yik-Ying Teo
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, 12 Science Drive 2, #10-01, Tahir Foundation Building, Singapore, 117549, Singapore
- Life Sciences Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Marie Loh
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, 11 Mandalay Road, Level 18, Lee Kong Chian Clinical Science Building, Singapore, 308232, Singapore.
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Imperial College London, London, UK.
- National Skin Centre, Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Xueling Sim
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, 12 Science Drive 2, #10-01, Tahir Foundation Building, Singapore, 117549, Singapore.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Bauer M. The Role of GPR15 Function in Blood and Vasculature. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910824. [PMID: 34639163 PMCID: PMC8509764 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the first prominent description of the orphan G protein-coupled receptor 15 (GPR15) on lymphocytes as a co-receptor for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type 1 and 2 and the first report about the GPR15-triggered cytoprotective effect on vascular endothelial cells by recombinant human thrombomodulin, several decades passed before the GPR15 has been recently deorphanized. Because of new findings on GPR15, this review will summarize the consequences of GPR15 signaling considering the variety of GPR15-expressing cell types and of GPR15 ligands, with a focus on blood and vasculature.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mario Bauer
- Department of Environmental Immunology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research-UFZ, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Qi R, Luo Y, Zhang L, Weng Y, Surento W, Xu Q, Jahanshad N, Li L, Cao Z, Lu GM, Thompson PM. Decreased functional connectivity of hippocampal subregions and methylation of the NR3C1 gene in Han Chinese adults who lost their only child. Psychol Med 2021; 51:1310-1319. [PMID: 31983347 PMCID: PMC7938667 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291720000045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Losing one's only child is a major traumatic life event that may lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); however, the underlying mechanisms of its psychological consequences remain poorly understood. Here, we investigated subregional hippocampal functional connectivity (FC) networks based on resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging and the deoxyribonucleic acid methylation of the human glucocorticoid receptor gene (NR3C1) in adults who had lost their only child. METHODS A total of 144 Han Chinese adults who had lost their only child (51 adults with PTSD and 93 non-PTSD adults [trauma-exposed controls]) and 50 controls without trauma exposure were included in this fMRI study (age: 40-67 years). FCs between hippocampal subdivisions (four regions in each hemisphere: cornu ammonis1 [CA1], CA2, CA3, and dentate gyrus [DG]) and methylation levels of the NR3C1 gene were compared among the three groups. RESULTS Trauma-exposed adults, regardless of PTSD diagnosis, had weaker positive FC between the left hippocampal CA1, left DG, and the posterior cingulate cortex, and weaker negative FC between the right CA1, right DG, and several frontal gyri, relative to healthy controls. Compared to non-PTSD adults, PTSD adults showed decreased negative FC between the right CA1 region and the right middle/inferior frontal gyri (MFG/IFG), and decreased negative FC between the right DG and the right superior frontal gyrus and left MFG. Both trauma-exposed groups showed lower methylation levels of the NR3C1 gene. CONCLUSIONS Adults who had lost their only child may experience disrupted hippocampal network connectivity and NR3C1 methylation status, regardless of whether they have developed PTSD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rongfeng Qi
- Department of Medical Imaging, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210002, China
- Imaging Genetics Center, Mark and Mary Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute, University of Southern California, Marina del Rey, CA, 90292, USA
| | - Yifeng Luo
- Department of Radiology, The Affiliated Yixing Hospital of Jiangsu University, Wuxi, 75 Tongzhenguan Road, 214200, Wuxi, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Mental Health Institute, the Second Xiangya Hospital, National Technology Institute of Psychiatry, Key Laboratory of Psychiatry and Mental Health of Hunan Province, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Yifei Weng
- Department of Medical Imaging, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210002, China
| | - Wesley Surento
- Imaging Genetics Center, Mark and Mary Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute, University of Southern California, Marina del Rey, CA, 90292, USA
| | - Qiang Xu
- Department of Medical Imaging, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210002, China
| | - Neda Jahanshad
- Imaging Genetics Center, Mark and Mary Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute, University of Southern California, Marina del Rey, CA, 90292, USA
| | - Lingjiang Li
- Mental Health Institute, the Second Xiangya Hospital, National Technology Institute of Psychiatry, Key Laboratory of Psychiatry and Mental Health of Hunan Province, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Zhihong Cao
- Department of Radiology, The Affiliated Yixing Hospital of Jiangsu University, Wuxi, 75 Tongzhenguan Road, 214200, Wuxi, China
| | - Guang Ming Lu
- Department of Medical Imaging, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210002, China
| | - Paul M. Thompson
- Imaging Genetics Center, Mark and Mary Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute, University of Southern California, Marina del Rey, CA, 90292, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Fransquet PD, Lacaze P, Saffery R, Phung J, Parker E, Shah RC, Murray A, Woods RL, Ryan J. DNA methylation analysis of candidate genes associated with dementia in peripheral blood. Epigenomics 2020; 12:2109-2123. [PMID: 33300824 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2020-0236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: To investigate whether genes implicated in dementia pathogenesis are differently methylated in peripheral blood. Materials & methods: Participants included 160 cognitively healthy individuals aged 70+ years: 73 who were subsequently diagnosed with dementia and 87 controls matched on age, gender, education, smoking and baseline cognition. A total of 49 participants also provided blood samples at diagnosis. Blood DNA methylation of APOE, APP, BDNF, PIN1, SNCA and TOMM40 was examined. Results: A total of 56 of 299 probes were differentially methylated in dementia compared with controls and 39 probes prior to diagnosis. The greatest effect size was in APP (cg19423170, Δ-8.32%, adjusted p = 0.009 at diagnosis; cg19933173, Δ-4.18%, adjusted p < 0.0001 prediagnosis). Conclusion: Genes implicated in dementia pathogenesis show differential blood methylation in dementia, even prior to diagnosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter D Fransquet
- School of Public Health & Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, 3004 Victoria, Australia
| | - Paul Lacaze
- School of Public Health & Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, 3004 Victoria, Australia
| | - Richard Saffery
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute & Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3052 Victoria, Australia
| | - James Phung
- School of Public Health & Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, 3004 Victoria, Australia
| | - Emily Parker
- School of Public Health & Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, 3004 Victoria, Australia
| | - Raj C Shah
- Department of Family Medicine & Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Anne Murray
- Berman Center for Outcomes & Clinical Research, Hennepin Healthcare Research Institute, Hennepin Healthcare; Division of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Robyn L Woods
- School of Public Health & Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, 3004 Victoria, Australia
| | - Joanne Ryan
- School of Public Health & Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, 3004 Victoria, Australia.,PSNREC, University of Montpellier, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Wood NM, Trebilco T, Cohen-Woods S. Scars of childhood socioeconomic stress: A systematic review. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 118:397-410. [PMID: 32795493 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Childhood socioeconomic position (SEP) is associated with the development of adult psychological outcomes, with DNA methylation (DNAm) as a mechanism to potentially explain these changes. We present the first systematic review synthesising the literature investigating childhood SEP and DNAm. Thirty-two publications were included. Seventeen studies focused on candidate genes, typically focusing on genes implicated with the stress response and/or development of psychiatric conditions. These studies typically investigated different regions of the genes, which revealed inconsistent results. Six studies calculated epigenetic age, with a small number revealing an elevated significant association with childhood SEP. Epigenome-wide studies revealed altered patterns of DNAm which varied between the nine studies. This research area is emerging and demonstrated great variance in findings with no clear patterns identified across studies. Multiple methodological shortcomings are identified, including at the phenotypic level where construct validity of childhood SEP is highly inconsistent, with studies using a wide range of measures. Larger cohorts will be required with international collaborations to strengthen this research area.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natasha M Wood
- Discipline of Psychology, College of Education, Psychology, and Social Work, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Thomas Trebilco
- Discipline of Psychology, College of Education, Psychology, and Social Work, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Sarah Cohen-Woods
- Discipline of Psychology, College of Education, Psychology, and Social Work, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia; Órama Institute, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia; Flinders Centre for Innovation in Cancer, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Tantoh DM, Wu MC, Chuang CC, Chen PH, Tyan YS, Nfor ON, Lu WY, Liaw YP. AHRR cg05575921 methylation in relation to smoking and PM 2.5 exposure among Taiwanese men and women. Clin Epigenetics 2020; 12:117. [PMID: 32736658 PMCID: PMC7394684 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-020-00908-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH)-rich substances like cigarette smoke and PM2.5 induce aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR)-mediated aryl hydrocarbon receptor repressor (AHRR) methylation. AHRR cg05575921 and coagulation factor II (thrombin) receptor-like 3 (F2RL3) cg03636183 methylation patterns are well-established biomarkers for smoking. Even though AHRR cg05575921 methylation has recently been associated with PM2.5, the interaction between smoking and PM2.5 on AHRR methylation is yet to be fully explored. We evaluated AHRR and F2RL3 CpG sites to identify potential significant markers in relation to PM2.5 and smoking in Taiwanese adults. Methods DNA methylation and smoking data of 948 participants aged 30–70 years were obtained from the Taiwan Biobank Database (2008–2015), while PM2.5 data were obtained from the Air Quality Monitoring Database (2006–2011). Results Smoking and PM2.5 were independently associated with hypomethylation (lower levels) of AHRR cg05575921, AHRR cg23576855, F2RL3 cg03636183, and F2LR3 cg21911711 after multiple-comparison correction (Bonferroni P < 0.00028409). Cg05575921 was the most hypomethylated AHRR CpG site, while cg03636183 was the most hypomethylated F2RL3 CpG site. Overall, cg05575921 was the most hypomethylated CpG site: β = − 0.03909, P < 0.0001; − 0.17536, P < 0.0001 for former and current smoking, respectively (P-trendsmoking < 0.0001) and − 0.00141, P < 0.0001 for PM2.5. After adjusting for F2RL3 cg03636183, smoking and PM2.5 remained significantly associated with cg05575921 hypomethylation: β − 0.02221, P < 0.0001; − 0.11578, P < 0.0001 for former and current smoking, respectively (P-trendsmoking < 0.0001) and − 0.0070, P = 0.0120 for PM2.5. After stratification by sex, smoking and PM2.5 remained associated (P < 0.05) with cg05575921 hypomethylation in both men (β = − 0.04274, − 0.17700, and − 0.00163 for former smoking, current smoking, and PM2.5, respectively) and women (β = − 0.01937, − 0.17255, and − 0.00105 for former smoking, current smoking, and PM2.5, respectively). After stratification by residential area, former and current smoking remained associated (P < 0.05) with cg05575921 hypomethylation: β = − 0.03918 and − 0.17536, respectively (P-trendsmoking < 0.0001). Living in the central and southern areas was also associated (P < 0.05) with cg05575921 hypomethylation: β = − 0.01356 and − 0.01970, respectively (P-trendarea < 0.0001). Conclusion Smoking and PM2.5 were independently associated with hypomethylation of cg05575921, cg23576855, cg03636183, and cg21911711. The most hypomethylated CpG site was cg05575921 and its association with smoking and PM2.5 was dose-dependent.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Disline Manli Tantoh
- Department of Medical Imaging, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung City, Taiwan.,Department of Public Health and Institute of Public Health, Chung Shan Medical University, No. 110, Sec. 1 Jianguo N. Rd, Taichung City, 40201, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Chi Wu
- Department of Medical Imaging, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung City, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung City, Taiwan.,School of Medical Imaging and Radiological Sciences, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung City, Taiwan.,School of Medical Informatics, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung City, 40201, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Chao Chuang
- Department of Medical Imaging, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung City, Taiwan.,School of Medical Imaging and Radiological Sciences, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung City, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Hsin Chen
- Department of Public Health and Institute of Public Health, Chung Shan Medical University, No. 110, Sec. 1 Jianguo N. Rd, Taichung City, 40201, Taiwan
| | - Yeu Sheng Tyan
- Department of Medical Imaging, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung City, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung City, Taiwan.,School of Medical Imaging and Radiological Sciences, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung City, Taiwan.,Medical Imaging and Big Data Center, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung City, Taiwan
| | - Oswald Ndi Nfor
- Department of Public Health and Institute of Public Health, Chung Shan Medical University, No. 110, Sec. 1 Jianguo N. Rd, Taichung City, 40201, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Yu Lu
- Department of Public Health and Institute of Public Health, Chung Shan Medical University, No. 110, Sec. 1 Jianguo N. Rd, Taichung City, 40201, Taiwan
| | - Yung-Po Liaw
- Department of Medical Imaging, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung City, Taiwan. .,Department of Public Health and Institute of Public Health, Chung Shan Medical University, No. 110, Sec. 1 Jianguo N. Rd, Taichung City, 40201, Taiwan. .,Medical Imaging and Big Data Center, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung City, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
DNA methylation at the crossroads of gene and environment interactions. Essays Biochem 2020; 63:717-726. [PMID: 31782496 PMCID: PMC6923319 DOI: 10.1042/ebc20190031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Revised: 10/18/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
DNA methylation is an epigenetic mark involved in regulating genome function and is critical for normal development in mammals. It has been observed that the developmental environment can lead to permanent changes in gene expression and DNA methylation, at least at 'metastable epialleles'. These are defined as regions of the genome that show a variable epigenetic state that is established early in development and maintained through subsequent cell divisions. However, the majority of the known genome does not behave in this manner. Here, we use the developmental origins of adult disease hypothesis to understand environmental epigenomics. Some challenges to studying how DNA methylation is influenced by the environment include identifying DNA methylation changes associated with an environmental exposure in tissues with a complex cellular composition and at genomic regions for which DNA methylation is dynamically regulated in a cell-type specific manner. We also offer a perspective of how emerging technologies may be useful for dissecting the functional contribution of exposure-associated epigenetic changes and highlight recent evidence that suggests that genomic regions that are absent from genome assemblies may be unappreciated hotspots for environmental modulation of the epigenetic state.
Collapse
|
18
|
Gerkowicz SA, Curtis SW, Knight AK, Cobb DO, Spencer JB, Conneely KN, Terrell ML, Marcus M, Smith AK. Endometriosis, endocrine disrupters, and epigenetics: an investigation into the complex interplay in women with polybrominated biphenyl exposure and endometriosis. J Assist Reprod Genet 2020; 37:427-436. [PMID: 32026200 PMCID: PMC7056781 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-020-01695-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) have been shown to affect multiple biologic processes especially steroid-hormone processes. We sought to determine differences in DNA methylation exists between women with and without endometriosis following exposure to polybrominated biphenyl (PBB). METHODS Cross-sectional study of 305 females in the Michigan PBB Registry. DNA was extracted, and DNA methylation was interrogated using the MethylationEPIC BeadChip (Illumina, San Diego, California). Demographic data was analyzed using Chi-squared and T tests. Linear regressions were performed for each cytosine-guanine dinucleotide (CpG) site, modeling the logit transformation of the β value as a linear function of the presence of endometriosis. Sensitivity analyses were conducted controlling for estradiol levels and menopausal status. Replication study performed evaluating for any association between CpGs reported in the literature and our findings. RESULTS In total, 39,877 CpGs nominally associated with endometriosis (p < 0.05) after adjusting for age and cellular heterogeneity, although none remained significant after correction for multiple comparisons (FDR < 0.05). Pathway analysis of these CpGs showed enrichment in 68 biologic pathways involved in various endocrine, immunologic, oncologic, and cell regulation processes as well as embryologic reproductive tract development and function (FoxO, Wnt, and Hedgehog signaling). We identified 42,261 CpG sites in the literature reported to be associated with endometriosis; 2012 of these CpG sites were also significant in our cohort. CONCLUSION We found 39,877 CpG sites that nominally associated with endometriosis (p < 0.05) after adjusting for age and cellular heterogeneity; however, none remained significant after correction for multiple comparisons (FDR < 0.05).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina A Gerkowicz
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Sarah W Curtis
- Genetics and Molecular Biology Program, Department of Human Genetics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Anna K Knight
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University, 101 Woodruff Circle NE, Suite 4217, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Dawayland O Cobb
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University, 101 Woodruff Circle NE, Suite 4217, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Jessica B Spencer
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Karen N Conneely
- Genetics and Molecular Biology Program, Department of Human Genetics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Metrecia L Terrell
- Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Michele Marcus
- Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Alica K Smith
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University, 101 Woodruff Circle NE, Suite 4217, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, 101 Woodruff Circle NE, Suite 4217, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Qi C, Xu CJ, Koppelman GH. The role of epigenetics in the development of childhood asthma. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2019; 15:1287-1302. [PMID: 31674254 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2020.1686977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: The development of childhood asthma is caused by a combination of genetic factors and environmental exposures. Epigenetics describes mechanisms of (heritable) regulation of gene expression that occur without changes in DNA sequence. Epigenetics is strongly related to aging, is cell-type specific, and includes DNA methylation, noncoding RNAs, and histone modifications.Areas covered: This review summarizes recent epigenetic studies of childhood asthma in humans, which mostly involve studies of DNA methylation published in the recent five years. Environmental exposures, in particular cigarette smoking, have significant impact on epigenetic changes, but few of these epigenetic signals are also associated with asthma. Several asthma-associated genetic variants relate to DNA methylation. Epigenetic signals can be better understood by studying their correlation with gene expression, which revealed higher presence and activation of blood eosinophils in asthma. Strong associations of nasal methylation signatures and atopic asthma were identified, which were replicable across different populations.Expert commentary: Epigenetic markers have been strongly associated with asthma, and might serve as biomarker of asthma. The causal and longitudinal relationships between epigenetics and disease, and between environmental exposures and epigenetic changes need to be further investigated. Efforts should be made to understand cell-type-specific epigenetic mechanisms in asthma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cancan Qi
- Dept. of Pediatric Pulmonology and Pediatric Allergology, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,GRIAC Research Institute, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Cheng-Jian Xu
- Dept. of Pediatric Pulmonology and Pediatric Allergology, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,GRIAC Research Institute, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, CiiM, Centre for individualised infection medicine, A joint venture between Hannover Medical School and the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Hannover, Germany.,TWINCORE, Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, a joint venture between the Hannover Medical School and the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Hannover, Germany
| | - Gerard H Koppelman
- Dept. of Pediatric Pulmonology and Pediatric Allergology, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,GRIAC Research Institute, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Everson TM, Marsit CJ. Integrating -Omics Approaches into Human Population-Based Studies of Prenatal and Early-Life Exposures. Curr Environ Health Rep 2019; 5:328-337. [PMID: 30054820 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-018-0204-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW We present the study design and methodological suggestions for population-based studies that integrate molecular -omics data and highlight recent studies that have used such data to examine the potential impacts of prenatal environmental exposures on fetal health. RECENT FINDINGS Epidemiologic studies have observed numerous relationships between prenatal exposures (smoking, toxic metals, endocrine disruptors) and fetal and early-life molecular profiles, though such investigations have so far been dominated by epigenomic association studies. However, recent transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic studies have demonstrated their promise for the identification of exposure and response biomarkers. Molecular -omics have opened new avenues of research in environmental health that can improve our understanding of disease etiology and contribute to the development of exposure and response biomarkers. Studies that incorporate multiple -omics data from different molecular domains in longitudinally collected samples hold particular promise.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Todd M Everson
- Departments of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road, Claudia Nance Rollins Room 2021, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Carmen J Marsit
- Departments of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road, Claudia Nance Rollins Room 2021, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA. .,Departments of Environmental Health and Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road, Claudia Nance Rollins Room 2021, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Tantoh DM, Lee KJ, Nfor ON, Liaw YC, Lin C, Chu HW, Chen PH, Hsu SY, Liu WH, Ho CC, Lung CC, Wu MF, Liaw YC, Debnath T, Liaw YP. Methylation at cg05575921 of a smoking-related gene (AHRR) in non-smoking Taiwanese adults residing in areas with different PM 2.5 concentrations. Clin Epigenetics 2019; 11:69. [PMID: 31060609 PMCID: PMC6503351 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-019-0662-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2018] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND DNA methylation is associated with cancer, metabolic, neurological, and autoimmune disorders. Hypomethylation of aryl hydrocarbon receptor repressor (AHRR) especially at cg05575921 is associated with smoking and lung cancer. Studies on the association between AHRR methylation at cg05575921 and sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) other than smoking are limited. The aim of our study was to assess the pattern of blood DNA methylation at cg05575921 in non-smoking Taiwanese adults living in areas with different PM2.5 levels. METHODS Data on blood DNA methylation, smoking, and residence were retrieved from the Taiwan Biobank dataset (2008-2015). Current and former smokers, as well as individuals with incomplete information were excluded from the current study. The final analysis included 708 participants (279 men and 429 women) aged 30-70 years. PM2.5 levels have been shown to increase as one moves from the northern through central towards southern Taiwan. Based on this trend, the study areas were categorized into northern, north-central, central, and southern regions. RESULTS Living in PM2.5 areas was associated with lower methylation levels: compared with the northern area (reference area), living in north-central, central, and southern areas was associated with lower methylation levels at cg05575921. However, only methylation levels in those living in central and southern areas were significant (β = - 0.01003, P = 0.009 and β = - 0.01480, P < 0.001, respectively. Even though methylation levels in those living in the north-central area were not statistically significant, the test for linear trend was significant (P < 0.001). When PM2.5 was included in the regression model, a unit increase in PM2.5 was associated with 0.00115 (P < 0.001) lower cg05575921 methylation levels. CONCLUSION Living in PM2.5 areas was inversely associated with blood AHRR methylation levels at cg05575921. The methylation levels were lowest in participants residing in southern followed by central and north-central areas. Moreover, when PM2.5 was included in the regression model, it was inversely associated with methylation levels at cg05575921. Blood methylation at cg05575921 (AHRR) in non-smokers might indicate different exposures to PM2.5 and lung cancer which is a PM2.5-related disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Disline Manli Tantoh
- Department of Public Health and Institute of Public Health, Chung Shan Medical University, No. 110 Sec. 1 Jianguo N. Road, Taichung City, 40201, Taiwan
| | - Kuan-Jung Lee
- Department of Public Health and Institute of Public Health, Chung Shan Medical University, No. 110 Sec. 1 Jianguo N. Road, Taichung City, 40201, Taiwan
| | - Oswald Ndi Nfor
- Department of Public Health and Institute of Public Health, Chung Shan Medical University, No. 110 Sec. 1 Jianguo N. Road, Taichung City, 40201, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chia Liaw
- Department of Medical Education, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chin Lin
- Graduate Institute of Life Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hou-Wei Chu
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Hsin Chen
- Department of Public Health and Institute of Public Health, Chung Shan Medical University, No. 110 Sec. 1 Jianguo N. Road, Taichung City, 40201, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Yi Hsu
- Department of Public Health and Institute of Public Health, Chung Shan Medical University, No. 110 Sec. 1 Jianguo N. Road, Taichung City, 40201, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Hsiu Liu
- Department of Public Health and Institute of Public Health, Chung Shan Medical University, No. 110 Sec. 1 Jianguo N. Road, Taichung City, 40201, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Chang Ho
- Department of Physical Education, Fu-Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Chi Lung
- Department of Public Health and Institute of Public Health, Chung Shan Medical University, No. 110 Sec. 1 Jianguo N. Road, Taichung City, 40201, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Fang Wu
- Department of Public Health and Institute of Public Health, Chung Shan Medical University, No. 110 Sec. 1 Jianguo N. Road, Taichung City, 40201, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung City, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ching Liaw
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tonmoy Debnath
- Department of Public Health and Institute of Public Health, Chung Shan Medical University, No. 110 Sec. 1 Jianguo N. Road, Taichung City, 40201, Taiwan
| | - Yung-Po Liaw
- Department of Public Health and Institute of Public Health, Chung Shan Medical University, No. 110 Sec. 1 Jianguo N. Road, Taichung City, 40201, Taiwan. .,Department of Family and Community Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung City, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|