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Hulen J, Kenny D, Black R, Hallgren J, Hammond KG, Bredahl EC, Wickramasekara RN, Abel PW, Stessman HAF. KMT5B is required for early motor development. Front Genet 2022; 13:901228. [PMID: 36035149 PMCID: PMC9411648 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.901228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Disruptive variants in lysine methyl transferase 5B (KMT5B/SUV4-20H1) have been identified as likely-pathogenic among humans with neurodevelopmental phenotypes including motor deficits (i.e., hypotonia and motor delay). However, the role that this enzyme plays in early motor development is largely unknown. Using a Kmt5b gene trap mouse model, we assessed neuromuscular strength, skeletal muscle weight (i.e., muscle mass), neuromuscular junction (NMJ) structure, and myofiber type, size, and distribution. Tests were performed over developmental time (postnatal days 17 and 44) to represent postnatal versus adult structures in slow- and fast-twitch muscle types. Prior to the onset of puberty, slow-twitch muscle weight was significantly reduced in heterozygous compared to wild-type males but not females. At the young adult stage, we identified decreased neuromuscular strength, decreased skeletal muscle weights (both slow- and fast-twitch), increased NMJ fragmentation (in slow-twitch muscle), and smaller myofibers in both sexes. We conclude that Kmt5b haploinsufficiency results in a skeletal muscle developmental deficit causing reduced muscle mass and body weight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Hulen
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Creighton University, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Dorothy Kenny
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Creighton University, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Rebecca Black
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Creighton University, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Jodi Hallgren
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Creighton University, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Kelley G. Hammond
- Department of Exercise Science, College of Arts and Sciences, Creighton University, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Eric C. Bredahl
- Department of Exercise Science, College of Arts and Sciences, Creighton University, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Rochelle N. Wickramasekara
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Creighton University, Omaha, NE, United States
- Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Peter W. Abel
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Creighton University, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Holly A. F. Stessman
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Creighton University, Omaha, NE, United States
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2
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Gabellini D, Pedrotti S. The SUV4-20H Histone Methyltransferases in Health and Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23094736. [PMID: 35563127 PMCID: PMC9102147 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23094736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The post-translational modification of histone tails is a dynamic process that provides chromatin with high plasticity. Histone modifications occur through the recruitment of nonhistone proteins to chromatin and have the potential to influence fundamental biological processes. Many recent studies have been directed at understanding the role of methylated lysine 20 of histone H4 (H4K20) in physiological and pathological processes. In this review, we will focus on the function and regulation of the histone methyltransferases SUV4-20H1 and SUV4-20H2, which catalyze the di- and tri-methylation of H4K20 at H4K20me2 and H4K20me3, respectively. We will highlight recent studies that have elucidated the functions of these enzymes in various biological processes, including DNA repair, cell cycle regulation, and DNA replication. We will also provide an overview of the pathological conditions associated with H4K20me2/3 misregulation as a result of mutations or the aberrant expression of SUV4-20H1 or SUV4-20H2. Finally, we will critically analyze the data supporting these functions and outline questions for future research.
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3
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Integrated Analysis Reveals a lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA Network Associated with Pigeon Skeletal Muscle Development. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12111787. [PMID: 34828393 PMCID: PMC8625974 DOI: 10.3390/genes12111787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 11/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Growing evidence has demonstrated the emerging role of long non-coding RNA as competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) in regulating skeletal muscle development. However, the mechanism of ceRNA regulated by lncRNA in pigeon skeletal muscle development remains unclear. To reveal the function and regulatory mechanisms of lncRNA, we first analyzed the expression profiles of lncRNA, microRNA (miRNA), and mRNA during the development of pigeon skeletal muscle using high-throughput sequencing. We then constructed a lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA network based on differentially expressed (DE) lncRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs according to the ceRNA hypothesis. Functional enrichment and short time-series expression miner (STEM) analysis were performed to explore the function of the ceRNA network. Hub lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA interactions were identified by connectivity degree and validated using dual-luciferase activity assay. The results showed that a total of 1625 DE lncRNAs, 11,311 DE mRNAs, and 573 DE miRNAs were identified. A ceRNA network containing 9120 lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA interactions was constructed. STEM analysis indicated that the function of the lncRNA-associated ceRNA network might be developmental specific. Functional enrichment analysis identified potential pathways regulating pigeon skeletal muscle development, such as cell cycle and MAPK signaling. Based on the connectivity degree, lncRNAs TCONS_00066712, TCONS_00026594, TCONS_00001557, TCONS_00001553, and TCONS_00003307 were identified as hub genes in the ceRNA network. lncRNA TCONS_00026594 might regulate the FSHD region gene 1 (FRG1)/ SRC proto-oncogene, non-receptor tyrosine kinase (SRC) by sponge adsorption of cli-miR-1a-3p to affect the development of pigeon skeletal muscle. Our findings provide a data basis for in-depth elucidation of the lncRNA-associated ceRNA mechanism underlying pigeon skeletal muscle development.
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4
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Neguembor MV, Martin L, Castells-García Á, Gómez-García PA, Vicario C, Carnevali D, AlHaj Abed J, Granados A, Sebastian-Perez R, Sottile F, Solon J, Wu CT, Lakadamyali M, Cosma MP. Transcription-mediated supercoiling regulates genome folding and loop formation. Mol Cell 2021; 81:3065-3081.e12. [PMID: 34297911 PMCID: PMC9482096 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2021.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2020] [Revised: 03/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The chromatin fiber folds into loops, but the mechanisms controlling loop extrusion are still poorly understood. Using super-resolution microscopy, we visualize that loops in intact nuclei are formed by a scaffold of cohesin complexes from which the DNA protrudes. RNA polymerase II decorates the top of the loops and is physically segregated from cohesin. Augmented looping upon increased loading of cohesin on chromosomes causes disruption of Lamin at the nuclear rim and chromatin blending, a homogeneous distribution of chromatin within the nucleus. Altering supercoiling via either transcription or topoisomerase inhibition counteracts chromatin blending, increases chromatin condensation, disrupts loop formation, and leads to altered cohesin distribution and mobility on chromatin. Overall, negative supercoiling generated by transcription is an important regulator of loop formation in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Victoria Neguembor
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Martin
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Álvaro Castells-García
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; Bioland Laboratory, Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory, Guangzhou 510005, China
| | - Pablo Aurelio Gómez-García
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Chiara Vicario
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Davide Carnevali
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Alba Granados
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ruben Sebastian-Perez
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francesco Sottile
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jérôme Solon
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Dr Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; Instituto Biofisika (CSIC, UPV/EHU), Basque Excellence Research Centre, Barrio Sarriena, 48940, Leioa, Spain; Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, 48013 Bilbao, Spain
| | - Chao-Ting Wu
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Melike Lakadamyali
- Department of Physiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Epigenetics Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| | - Maria Pia Cosma
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; Bioland Laboratory, Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory, Guangzhou 510005, China; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Dr Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; ICREA, Pg. Lluís Companys 23, 08010 Barcelona, Spain; CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China.
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5
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Wickramasekara RN, Robertson B, Hulen J, Hallgren J, Stessman HAF. Differential effects by sex with Kmt5b loss. Autism Res 2021; 14:1554-1571. [PMID: 33871180 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2020] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Lysine methyl transferase 5B (KMT5B) has been recently highlighted as a risk gene in genetic studies of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), specifically, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disability (ID); yet, its role in the brain is not known. The goal of this work was to neurodevelopmentally characterize the effect(s) of KMT5B haploinsufficiency using a mouse model. A Kmt5b gene-trap mouse line was obtained from the Knockout Mouse Project. Wild type (WT) and heterozygous (HET) mice were subjected to a comprehensive neurodevelopmental test battery to assess reflexes, motor behavior, learning/memory, social behavior, repetitive movement, and common ASD comorbidities (obsessive compulsion, depression, and anxiety). Given the strong sex bias observed in the ASD patient population, we tested both a male and female cohort of animals and compared differences between genotypes and sexes. HET mice were significantly smaller than WT littermates starting at postnatal day 10 through young adulthood which was correlated with smaller brain size (i.e., microcephaly). This was more severe in males than females. HET male neonates also had delayed eye opening and significantly weaker reflexes than WT littermates. In young adults, significant differences between genotypes relative to anxiety, depression, fear, and extinction learning were observed. Interestingly, several sexually dimorphic differences were noted including increased repetitive grooming behavior in HET females and an increased latency to hot plate response in HET females versus a decreased latency in HET males. LAY SUMMARY: Lysine methyl transferase 5B (KMT5B) has been recently highlighted as a risk gene in neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), specifically, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disability (ID); yet its role in the brain is not known. Our study indicates that mice lacking one genomic copy of Kmt5b show deficits in neonatal reflexes, sociability, repetitive stress-induced grooming, changes in thermal pain sensing, decreased depression and anxiety, increased fear, slower extinction learning, and lower body weight, length, and brain size. Furthermore, several outcomes differed by sex, perhaps mirroring the sex bias in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rochelle N Wickramasekara
- Department of Pharmacology & Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Brynn Robertson
- Department of Pharmacology & Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Jason Hulen
- Department of Pharmacology & Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Jodi Hallgren
- Department of Pharmacology & Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Holly A F Stessman
- Department of Pharmacology & Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
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6
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DeSimone AM, Cohen J, Lek M, Lek A. Cellular and animal models for facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy. Dis Model Mech 2020; 13:dmm046904. [PMID: 33174531 PMCID: PMC7648604 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.046904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is one of the most common forms of muscular dystrophy and presents with weakness of the facial, scapular and humeral muscles, which frequently progresses to the lower limbs and truncal areas, causing profound disability. Myopathy results from epigenetic de-repression of the D4Z4 microsatellite repeat array on chromosome 4, which allows misexpression of the developmentally regulated DUX4 gene. DUX4 is toxic when misexpressed in skeletal muscle and disrupts several cellular pathways, including myogenic differentiation and fusion, which likely underpins pathology. DUX4 and the D4Z4 array are strongly conserved only in primates, making FSHD modeling in non-primate animals difficult. Additionally, its cytotoxicity and unusual mosaic expression pattern further complicate the generation of in vitro and in vivo models of FSHD. However, the pressing need to develop systems to test therapeutic approaches has led to the creation of multiple engineered FSHD models. Owing to the complex genetic, epigenetic and molecular factors underlying FSHD, it is difficult to engineer a system that accurately recapitulates every aspect of the human disease. Nevertheless, the past several years have seen the development of many new disease models, each with their own associated strengths that emphasize different aspects of the disease. Here, we review the wide range of FSHD models, including several in vitro cellular models, and an array of transgenic and xenograft in vivo models, with particular attention to newly developed systems and how they are being used to deepen our understanding of FSHD pathology and to test the efficacy of drug candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alec M DeSimone
- Yale School of Medicine, Department of Genetics, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Justin Cohen
- Yale School of Medicine, Department of Genetics, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Monkol Lek
- Yale School of Medicine, Department of Genetics, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Angela Lek
- Yale School of Medicine, Department of Genetics, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
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7
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Neguembor MV, Sebastian-Perez R, Aulicino F, Gomez-Garcia PA, Cosma MP, Lakadamyali M. (Po)STAC (Polycistronic SunTAg modified CRISPR) enables live-cell and fixed-cell super-resolution imaging of multiple genes. Nucleic Acids Res 2019; 46:e30. [PMID: 29294098 PMCID: PMC5861460 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkx1271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2017] [Accepted: 12/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
CRISPR/dCas9-based labeling has allowed direct visualization of genomic regions in living cells. However, poor labeling efficiency and signal-to-background ratio have limited its application to visualize genome organization using super-resolution microscopy. We developed (Po)STAC (Polycistronic SunTAg modified CRISPR) by combining CRISPR/dCas9 with SunTag labeling and polycistronic vectors. (Po)STAC enhances both labeling efficiency and fluorescence signal detected from labeled loci enabling live cell imaging as well as super-resolution fixed-cell imaging of multiple genes with high spatiotemporal resolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria V Neguembor
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, 08003 Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Dr Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ruben Sebastian-Perez
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, 08003 Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Dr Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francesco Aulicino
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, 08003 Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Dr Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pablo A Gomez-Garcia
- ICFO-Institut de Ciencies Fotoniques, The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, 08860 Castelldefels (Barcelona), Spain
| | - Maria P Cosma
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, 08003 Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Dr Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain.,Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Pg. Lluís Companys 23, 08010 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Melike Lakadamyali
- ICFO-Institut de Ciencies Fotoniques, The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, 08860 Castelldefels (Barcelona), Spain.,Perelman School of Medicine, Department of Physiology, University of Pennsylvania, Clinical Research Building, 415 Curie Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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8
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Ali A, Al-Tobasei R, Lourenco D, Leeds T, Kenney B, Salem M. Genome-Wide Association Study Identifies Genomic Loci Affecting Filet Firmness and Protein Content in Rainbow Trout. Front Genet 2019; 10:386. [PMID: 31130980 PMCID: PMC6509548 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.00386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Filet quality traits determine consumer satisfaction and affect profitability of the aquaculture industry. Soft flesh is a criterion for fish filet downgrades, resulting in loss of value. Filet firmness is influenced by many factors, including rate of protein turnover. A 50K transcribed gene SNP chip was used to genotype 789 rainbow trout, from two consecutive generations, produced in the USDA/NCCCWA selective breeding program. Weighted single-step GBLUP (WssGBLUP) was used to perform genome-wide association (GWA) analyses to identify quantitative trait loci affecting filet firmness and protein content. Applying genomic sliding windows of 50 adjacent SNPs, 212 and 225 SNPs were associated with genetic variation in filet shear force and protein content, respectively. Four common SNPs in the ryanodine receptor 3 gene (RYR3) affected the aforementioned filet traits; this association suggests common mechanisms underlying filet shear force and protein content. Genes harboring SNPs were mostly involved in calcium homeostasis, proteolytic activities, transcriptional regulation, chromatin remodeling, and apoptotic processes. RYR3 harbored the highest number of SNPs (n = 32) affecting genetic variation in shear force (2.29%) and protein content (4.97%). Additionally, based on single-marker analysis, a SNP in RYR3 ranked at the top of all SNPs associated with variation in shear force. Our data suggest a role for RYR3 in muscle firmness that may be considered for genomic- and marker-assisted selection in breeding programs of rainbow trout.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Ali
- Department of Biology and Molecular Biosciences Program, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN, United States
| | - Rafet Al-Tobasei
- Computational Science Program, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN, United States.,Department of Biostatistics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Daniela Lourenco
- Department of Animal and Dairy Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Tim Leeds
- National Center for Cool and Cold Water Aquaculture, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Kearneysville, WV, United States
| | - Brett Kenney
- Division of Animal and Nutritional Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Mohamed Salem
- Department of Biology and Molecular Biosciences Program, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN, United States.,Computational Science Program, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN, United States
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9
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Pedrotti S, Caccia R, Neguembor MV, Garcia-Manteiga JM, Ferri G, de Palma C, Canu T, Giovarelli M, Marra P, Fiocchi A, Molineris I, Raso M, Sanvito F, Doglioni C, Esposito A, Clementi E, Gabellini D. The Suv420h histone methyltransferases regulate PPAR-γ and energy expenditure in response to environmental stimuli. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2019; 5:eaav1472. [PMID: 31001581 PMCID: PMC6469946 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aav1472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2018] [Accepted: 02/28/2019] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Obesity and its associated metabolic abnormalities have become a global emergency with considerable morbidity and mortality. Epidemiologic and animal model data suggest an epigenetic contribution to obesity. Nevertheless, the cellular and molecular mechanisms through which epigenetics contributes to the development of obesity remain to be elucidated. Suv420h1 and Suv420h2 are histone methyltransferases responsible for chromatin compaction and gene repression. Through in vivo, ex vivo, and in vitro studies, we found that Suv420h1 and Suv420h2 respond to environmental stimuli and regulate metabolism by down-regulating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ), a master transcriptional regulator of lipid storage and glucose metabolism. Accordingly, mice lacking Suv420h proteins activate PPAR-γ target genes in brown adipose tissue to increase mitochondria respiration, improve glucose tolerance, and reduce adipose tissue to fight obesity. We conclude that Suv420h proteins are key epigenetic regulators of PPAR-γ and the pathways controlling metabolism and weight balance in response to environmental stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Pedrotti
- IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, Milano, Italy
| | - Roberta Caccia
- IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, Milano, Italy
| | | | - Jose Manuel Garcia-Manteiga
- IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Center for Translational Genomics and BioInformatics, Milano, Italy
| | - Giulia Ferri
- IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, Milano, Italy
| | - Clara de Palma
- Unit of Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital “L. Sacco”-ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Milano, Italy
| | - Tamara Canu
- IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Preclinical Imaging Facility, Milano, Italy
| | - Matteo Giovarelli
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences “L. Sacco”, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Paolo Marra
- IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Preclinical Imaging Facility, Milano, Italy
| | - Amleto Fiocchi
- IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Mouse Clinic, Milano, Italy
| | - Ivan Molineris
- IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Center for Translational Genomics and BioInformatics, Milano, Italy
| | - Michele Raso
- IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Mouse Clinic, Milano, Italy
| | - Francesca Sanvito
- IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Division of Experimental Oncology, Milano, Italy
| | - Claudio Doglioni
- IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Division of Experimental Oncology, Milano, Italy
| | - Antonio Esposito
- IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Preclinical Imaging Facility, Milano, Italy
| | - Emilio Clementi
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences “L. Sacco”, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
- Scientific Institute IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Bosisio Parini, Lecco, Italy
| | - Davide Gabellini
- IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, Milano, Italy
- Corresponding author.
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10
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Histone 4 Lysine 20 Methylation: A Case for Neurodevelopmental Disease. BIOLOGY 2019; 8:biology8010011. [PMID: 30832413 PMCID: PMC6466304 DOI: 10.3390/biology8010011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2018] [Revised: 02/22/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Neurogenesis is an elegantly coordinated developmental process that must maintain a careful balance of proliferation and differentiation programs to be compatible with life. Due to the fine-tuning required for these processes, epigenetic mechanisms (e.g., DNA methylation and histone modifications) are employed, in addition to changes in mRNA transcription, to regulate gene expression. The purpose of this review is to highlight what we currently know about histone 4 lysine 20 (H4K20) methylation and its role in the developing brain. Utilizing publicly-available RNA-Sequencing data and published literature, we highlight the versatility of H4K20 methyl modifications in mediating diverse cellular events from gene silencing/chromatin compaction to DNA double-stranded break repair. From large-scale human DNA sequencing studies, we further propose that the lysine methyltransferase gene, KMT5B (OMIM: 610881), may fit into a category of epigenetic modifier genes that are critical for typical neurodevelopment, such as EHMT1 and ARID1B, which are associated with Kleefstra syndrome (OMIM: 610253) and Coffin-Siris syndrome (OMIM: 135900), respectively. Based on our current knowledge of the H4K20 methyl modification, we discuss emerging themes and interesting questions on how this histone modification, and particularly KMT5B expression, might impact neurodevelopment along with current challenges and potential avenues for future research.
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11
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Zhang W, Zhang Y, Li S, Wu Z, Yan Y, Li Y. Prmt7 regulates epiboly and gastrulation cell movements by facilitating syntenin. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2018; 50:1280-1287. [PMID: 30383201 DOI: 10.1093/abbs/gmy136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Epiboly spreads and thins the blastoderm over the yolk cell during zebrafish gastrulation. Despite of its fundamental function, little is known about the molecular mechanisms that control this coordinated cell movement. In this study, we investigated protein arginine methyltransferase 7 (Prmt7) morphants with an epibolic delay defect in zebrafish. The ratio of morphants with epiboly delay phenotypes increased as the dose of the injected morpholino (MO) increased. Here, syntenin transcripts are maternally deposited and ubiquitously expressed from the oocyte period to the early larva stage. Furthermore, we demonstrated that Prmt7 modulates epibolic movements of the enveloping layer by regulating F-actin organization. These defects can be partially rescued by re-expression of Prmt7 or syntenin protein. Analysis of the earliest cellular defects suggested a role of Prmt7 in the autonomous vegetal expansion of the yolk syncytial layer and the rearrangement of the actin cytoskeleton in extra-embryonic tissues. By a combination of knockdown studies and rescue experiments in zebrafish, we showed that epiboly relies on the molecular networking of Prmt7 by facilitating syntenin, which acts as a regulator for cytoskeleton. This study identifies the important function of the Prmt7 for the progression of zebrafish epiboly and establishes its key role in directional cell movements during early development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wuwen Zhang
- Department of Reproductive Center, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yunbin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Molecular Andrology, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Shifeng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Molecular Andrology, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhili Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Molecular Andrology, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuanchang Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Molecular Andrology, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiping Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Molecular Andrology, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
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Castiglioni I, Caccia R, Garcia-Manteiga JM, Ferri G, Caretti G, Molineris I, Nishioka K, Gabellini D. The Trithorax protein Ash1L promotes myoblast fusion by activating Cdon expression. Nat Commun 2018; 9:5026. [PMID: 30487570 PMCID: PMC6262021 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-07313-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2018] [Accepted: 10/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Myoblast fusion (MF) is required for muscle growth and repair, and its alteration contributes to muscle diseases. The mechanisms governing this process are incompletely understood, and no epigenetic regulator has been previously described. Ash1L is an epigenetic activator belonging to the Trithorax group of proteins and is involved in FSHD muscular dystrophy, autism and cancer. Its physiological role in skeletal muscle is unknown. Here we report that Ash1L expression is positively correlated with MF and reduced in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. In vivo, ex vivo and in vitro experiments support a selective and evolutionary conserved requirement for Ash1L in MF. RNA- and ChIP-sequencing indicate that Ash1L is required to counteract Polycomb repressive activity to allow activation of selected myogenesis genes, in particular the key MF gene Cdon. Our results promote Ash1L as an important epigenetic regulator of MF and suggest that its activity could be targeted to improve cell therapy for muscle diseases. Myoblast fusion in skeletal muscle is a complex process but how this is regulated is unclear. Here, the authors identify Ash1L, a histone methyltransferase, as modulating myoblast fusion via activation of the myogenesis gene Cdon, and observe decreased Ash1L expression in Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Castiglioni
- Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, via Olgettina 60, Milano, 20132, Italy
| | - Roberta Caccia
- Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, via Olgettina 60, Milano, 20132, Italy
| | - Jose Manuel Garcia-Manteiga
- Center for Translational Genomics and BioInformatics, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, via Olgettina 60, Milano, 20132, Italy
| | - Giulia Ferri
- Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, via Olgettina 60, Milano, 20132, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Caretti
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, via Celoria 26, Milano, 20133, Italy
| | - Ivan Molineris
- Center for Translational Genomics and BioInformatics, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, via Olgettina 60, Milano, 20132, Italy
| | - Kenichi Nishioka
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Division of Molecular Genetics and Epigenetics, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga, Japan.,Laboratory for Developmental Genetics, RIKEN IMS, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama City, Kanagawa, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Davide Gabellini
- Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, via Olgettina 60, Milano, 20132, Italy.
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13
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DeSimone AM, Pakula A, Lek A, Emerson CP. Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy. Compr Physiol 2017; 7:1229-1279. [PMID: 28915324 DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c160039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy is a common form of muscular dystrophy that presents clinically with progressive weakness of the facial, scapular, and humeral muscles, with later involvement of the trunk and lower extremities. While typically inherited as autosomal dominant, facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) has a complex genetic and epigenetic etiology that has only recently been well described. The most prevalent form of the disease, FSHD1, is associated with the contraction of the D4Z4 microsatellite repeat array located on a permissive 4qA chromosome. D4Z4 contraction allows epigenetic derepression of the array, and possibly the surrounding 4q35 region, allowing misexpression of the toxic DUX4 transcription factor encoded within the terminal D4Z4 repeat in skeletal muscles. The less common form of the disease, FSHD2, results from haploinsufficiency of the SMCHD1 gene in individuals carrying a permissive 4qA allele, also leading to the derepression of DUX4, further supporting a central role for DUX4. How DUX4 misexpression contributes to FSHD muscle pathology is a major focus of current investigation. Misexpression of other genes at the 4q35 locus, including FRG1 and FAT1, and unlinked genes, such as SMCHD1, has also been implicated as disease modifiers, leading to several competing disease models. In this review, we describe recent advances in understanding the pathophysiology of FSHD, including the application of MRI as a research and diagnostic tool, the genetic and epigenetic disruptions associated with the disease, and the molecular basis of FSHD. We discuss how these advances are leading to the emergence of new approaches to enable development of FSHD therapeutics. © 2017 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 7:1229-1279, 2017.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alec M DeSimone
- Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Program, Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Anna Pakula
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Pediatrics and Genetics at Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Angela Lek
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Pediatrics and Genetics at Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Charles P Emerson
- Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Program, Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
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14
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Hansda AK, Tiwari A, Dixit M. Current status and future prospect of FSHD region gene 1. J Biosci 2017; 42:345-353. [PMID: 28569257 DOI: 10.1007/s12038-017-9681-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
FSHD region gene 1 (FRG1), as the name suggests, is the primary candidate gene for fascioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy disease. It seemingly affects muscle physiology in normal individuals but in FSHD, where it is found to be highly upregulated, might be involved in disruption of face, scapula and humeral skeletal muscle. Literature on FRG1, reviewed from 1996 to 2016, reveals that it is primarily associated with muscle development and maintenance. Approximately 75% of FSHD patients also show vascular abnormalities indicating that FRG1 might have some part to play in these abnormalities. Research involving vasculature in X. laevis larvae shows that FRG1 positively affects normal vasculature. Few of the well-established angiogenic regulators seem to get affected by abnormal expression level of FRG1. Its primary localization in sub nuclear structures like Cajal bodies and nuclear speckles indicates regulation of the above-mentioned factors by transcriptional and post-transcriptional machineries, but in-depth studies need to be done to conclude a clear statement. In this review, we have attempted to present all the work done on FRG1, all the lacunas which need to be unraveled, and hypothesized a model for our readers to get an insight into its molecular mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arman Kunwar Hansda
- School of Biological Sciences, National Institute of Science Education and Research, Khurda 752 050 Odisha, India
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15
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Farzaneh K, Thaler R, Paradise CR, Deyle DR, Julio MKD, Galindo M, Gordon JA, Stein GS, Dudakovic A, van Wijnen AJ. Histone H4 Methyltransferase Suv420h2 Maintains Fidelity of Osteoblast Differentiation. J Cell Biochem 2017; 118:1262-1272. [PMID: 27862226 PMCID: PMC5357582 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.25787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2016] [Accepted: 11/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Osteogenic lineage commitment and progression is controlled by multiple signaling pathways (e.g., WNT, BMP, FGF) that converge on bone-related transcription factors. Access of osteogenic transcription factors to chromatin is controlled by epigenetic regulators that generate post-translational modifications of histones ("histone code"), as well as read, edit and/or erase these modifications. Our understanding of the biological role of epigenetic regulators in osteoblast differentiation remains limited. Therefore, we performed next-generation RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and established which chromatin-related proteins are robustly expressed in mouse bone tissues (e.g., fracture callus, calvarial bone). These studies also revealed that cells with increased osteogenic potential have higher levels of the H4K20 methyl transferase Suv420h2 compared to other methyl transferases (e.g., Suv39h1, Suv39h2, Suv420h1, Ezh1, Ezh2). We find that all six epigenetic regulators are transiently expressed at different stages of osteoblast differentiation in culture, with maximal mRNAs levels of Suv39h1 and Suv39h2 (at day 3) preceding maximal expression of Suv420h1 and Suv420h2 (at day 7) and developmental stages that reflect, respectively, early and later collagen matrix deposition. Loss of function analysis of Suv420h2 by siRNA depletion shows loss of H4K20 methylation and decreased expression of bone biomarkers (e.g., alkaline phosphatase/Alpl) and osteogenic transcription factors (e.g., Sp7/Osterix). Furthermore, Suv420h2 is required for matrix mineralization during osteoblast differentiation. We conclude that Suv420h2 controls the H4K20 methylome of osteoblasts and is critical for normal progression of osteoblastogenesis. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 1262-1272, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khani Farzaneh
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Roman Thaler
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | | | | | - Mario Galindo
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Program of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Jonathan A. Gordon
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Vermont College of Medicine, 89 Beaumont Avenue, Burlington, Vermont 05405
| | - Gary S. Stein
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Vermont College of Medicine, 89 Beaumont Avenue, Burlington, Vermont 05405
| | - Amel Dudakovic
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Andre J. van Wijnen
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Corresponding author: Andre J. van Wijnen, Ph.D., Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, Phone: 507- 293-2105, Fax: 507-284-5075,
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16
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Cancer Stem-like Properties in Colorectal Cancer Cells with Low Proteasome Activity. Clin Cancer Res 2016; 22:5277-5286. [DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-15-1945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2015] [Accepted: 04/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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17
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Boonsanay V, Zhang T, Georgieva A, Kostin S, Qi H, Yuan X, Zhou Y, Braun T. Regulation of Skeletal Muscle Stem Cell Quiescence by Suv4-20h1-Dependent Facultative Heterochromatin Formation. Cell Stem Cell 2015; 18:229-42. [PMID: 26669898 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2015.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2014] [Revised: 10/08/2015] [Accepted: 11/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Skeletal muscle stem cells (MuSCs) are required for regeneration of adult muscle following injury, a response that demands activation of mainly quiescent MuSCs. Despite the need for dynamic regulation of MuSC quiescence, relatively little is known about the determinants of this property. Here, we show that Suv4-20h1, an H4K20 dimethyltransferase, controls MuSC quiescence by promoting formation of facultative heterochromatin (fHC). Deletion of Suv4-20h1 reduces fHC and induces transcriptional activation and repositioning of the MyoD locus away from the heterochromatic nuclear periphery. These effects promote MuSC activation, resulting in stem cell depletion and impaired long-term muscle regeneration. Genetic reduction of MyoD expression rescues fHC formation and lost MuSC quiescence, restoring muscle regeneration capacity in Suv4-20h1 mutants. Together, these findings reveal that Suv4-20h1 actively regulates MuSC quiescence via fHC formation and control of the MyoD locus, thereby guarding and preserving the stem cell pool over a lifetime.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verawan Boonsanay
- Max-Planck-Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Department of Cardiac Development and Remodeling, 61231 Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Ting Zhang
- Max-Planck-Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Department of Cardiac Development and Remodeling, 61231 Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Angelina Georgieva
- Max-Planck-Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Department of Cardiac Development and Remodeling, 61231 Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Sawa Kostin
- Max-Planck-Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Department of Cardiac Development and Remodeling, 61231 Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Hui Qi
- Max-Planck-Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Department of Cardiac Development and Remodeling, 61231 Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Xuejun Yuan
- Max-Planck-Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Department of Cardiac Development and Remodeling, 61231 Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Yonggang Zhou
- Max-Planck-Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Department of Cardiac Development and Remodeling, 61231 Bad Nauheim, Germany.
| | - Thomas Braun
- Max-Planck-Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Department of Cardiac Development and Remodeling, 61231 Bad Nauheim, Germany; Instituto de Investigacion en Biomedicina de Buenos Aires (IBioBA)-CONICET-Partner Institute of the Max Planck Society, C1425FQD Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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18
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Sound of silence: the properties and functions of repressive Lys methyltransferases. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2015. [PMID: 26204160 DOI: 10.1038/nrm4029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The methylation of histone Lys residues by Lys methyltransferases (KMTs) regulates chromatin organization and either activates or represses gene expression, depending on the residue that is targeted. KMTs are emerging as key components in several cellular processes, and their deregulation is often associated with pathogenesis. Here, we review the current knowledge on the main KMTs that are associated with gene silencing: namely, those responsible for methylating histone H3 Lys 9 (H3K9), H3K27 and H4K20. We discuss their biochemical properties and the various mechanisms by which they are targeted to the chromatin and regulate gene expression, as well as new data on the interplay between them and other chromatin modifiers.
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19
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Feeney SJ, McGrath MJ, Sriratana A, Gehrig SM, Lynch GS, D’Arcy CE, Price JT, McLean CA, Tupler R, Mitchell CA. FHL1 reduces dystrophy in transgenic mice overexpressing FSHD muscular dystrophy region gene 1 (FRG1). PLoS One 2015; 10:e0117665. [PMID: 25695429 PMCID: PMC4335040 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0117665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2014] [Accepted: 12/29/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is an autosomal-dominant disease with no effective treatment. The genetic cause of FSHD is complex and the primary pathogenic insult underlying the muscle disease is unknown. Several disease candidate genes have been proposed including DUX4 and FRG1. Expression analysis studies of FSHD report the deregulation of genes which mediate myoblast differentiation and fusion. Transgenic mice overexpressing FRG1 recapitulate the FSHD muscular dystrophy phenotype. Our current study selectively examines how increased expression of FRG1 may contribute to myoblast differentiation defects. We generated stable C2C12 cell lines overexpressing FRG1, which exhibited a myoblast fusion defect upon differentiation. To determine if myoblast fusion defects contribute to the FRG1 mouse dystrophic phenotype, this strain was crossed with skeletal muscle specific FHL1-transgenic mice. We previously reported that FHL1 promotes myoblast fusion in vitro and FHL1-transgenic mice develop skeletal muscle hypertrophy. In the current study, FRG1 mice overexpressing FHL1 showed an improvement in the dystrophic phenotype, including a reduced spinal kyphosis, increased muscle mass and myofiber size, and decreased muscle fibrosis. FHL1 expression in FRG1 mice, did not alter satellite cell number or activation, but enhanced myoblast fusion. Primary myoblasts isolated from FRG1 mice showed a myoblast fusion defect that was rescued by FHL1 expression. Therefore, increased FRG1 expression may contribute to a muscular dystrophy phenotype resembling FSHD by impairing myoblast fusion, a defect that can be rescued by enhanced myoblast fusion via expression of FHL1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra J. Feeney
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
| | - Meagan J. McGrath
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
| | - Absorn Sriratana
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
| | - Stefan M. Gehrig
- Basic and Clinical Myology Laboratory, Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Gordon S. Lynch
- Basic and Clinical Myology Laboratory, Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Colleen E. D’Arcy
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
| | - John T. Price
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
- Centre for Chronic Disease Prevention and Management, College of Health and Biomedicine, Victoria University, Melbourne, Victoria, 8001, Australia
| | - Catriona A. McLean
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Alfred Hospital, Prahran, Victoria, 3004, Australia
- Department of Medicine, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Rossella Tupler
- Program in Gene Function and Expression, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01655, United States of America
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, Universita di Modena e Reggio Emilia, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Christina A. Mitchell
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
- * E-mail:
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20
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Runfola V, Sebastian S, Dilworth FJ, Gabellini D. Rbfox proteins regulate tissue-specific alternative splicing of Mef2D required for muscle differentiation. J Cell Sci 2015; 128:631-7. [PMID: 25609712 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.161059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Among the Mef2 family of transcription factors, Mef2D is unique in that it undergoes tissue-specific splicing to generate an isoform that is essential for muscle differentiation. However, the mechanisms mediating this muscle-specific processing of Mef2D remain unknown. Using bioinformatics, we identified Rbfox proteins as putative modulators of Mef2D muscle-specific splicing. Accordingly, we found direct and specific Rbfox1 and Rbfox2 binding to Mef2D pre-mRNA in vivo. Gain- and loss-of-function experiments demonstrated that Rbfox1 and Rbfox2 cooperate in promoting Mef2D splicing and subsequent myogenesis. Thus, our findings reveal a new role for Rbfox proteins in regulating myogenesis through activation of essential muscle-specific splicing events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Runfola
- Dulbecco Telethon Institute and Division of Regenerative Medicine, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Soji Sebastian
- The Sprott Center for Stem Cell Research, Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1Y 4E9, Canada
| | - F Jeffrey Dilworth
- The Sprott Center for Stem Cell Research, Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1Y 4E9, Canada
| | - Davide Gabellini
- Dulbecco Telethon Institute and Division of Regenerative Medicine, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
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21
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Ferri G, Huichalaf CH, Caccia R, Gabellini D. Direct interplay between two candidate genes in FSHD muscular dystrophy. Hum Mol Genet 2014; 24:1256-66. [PMID: 25326393 PMCID: PMC4321439 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddu536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is one of the most common neuromuscular disorders. The major form of the disease (FSHD1) is linked to decrease in copy number of a 3.3-kb tandem repeated macrosatellite (D4Z4), located on chromosome 4q35. D4Z4 deletion alters chromatin structure of the locus leading to aberrant expression of nearby 4q35 genes. Given the high variability in disease onset and progression, multiple factors could contribute to the pathogenesis of FSHD. Among the FSHD candidate genes are double homeobox 4 (DUX4), encoded by the most telomeric D4Z4 unit, and FSHD region gene 1 (FRG1). DUX4 is a sequence-specific transcription factor. Here, we located putative DUX4 binding sites in the human FRG1 genomic area and we show specific DUX4 association to these regions. We found also that ectopically expressed DUX4 up-regulates the endogenous human FRG1 gene in healthy muscle cells, while DUX4 knockdown leads to a decrease in FRG1 expression in FSHD muscle cells. Moreover, DUX4 binds directly and specifically to its binding site located in the human FRG1 gene and transactivates constructs containing FRG1 genomic regions. Intriguingly, the mouse Frg1 genomic area lacks DUX4 binding sites and DUX4 is unable to activate the endogenous mouse Frg1 gene providing a possible explanation for the lack of muscle phenotype in DUX4 transgenic mice. Altogether, our results demonstrate that FRG1 is a direct DUX4 transcriptional target uncovering a novel regulatory circuit contributing to FSHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Ferri
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cells, and Gene Therapy, Dulbecco Telethon Institute at San Raffaele Scientific Institute, DIBIT2, 5A3, Via Olgettina 58, 20132 Milan, Italy Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Claudia H Huichalaf
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cells, and Gene Therapy, Dulbecco Telethon Institute at San Raffaele Scientific Institute, DIBIT2, 5A3, Via Olgettina 58, 20132 Milan, Italy Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberta Caccia
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cells, and Gene Therapy, Dulbecco Telethon Institute at San Raffaele Scientific Institute, DIBIT2, 5A3, Via Olgettina 58, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Davide Gabellini
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cells, and Gene Therapy, Dulbecco Telethon Institute at San Raffaele Scientific Institute, DIBIT2, 5A3, Via Olgettina 58, 20132 Milan, Italy
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22
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiarui Wu
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
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