1
|
Wang P, Meng Z, Deng K, Gao Z, Cai J. Vpr driving DNA methylation variation of CD4 + T cells in HIV-1 infection. Virol J 2024; 21:97. [PMID: 38671522 PMCID: PMC11046818 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-024-02363-5] [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: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the existence of available therapeutic interventions for HIV-1, this virus remains a significant global threat, leading to substantial morbidity and mortality. Within HIV-1-infected cells, the accessory viral protein r (Vpr) exerts control over diverse biological processes, including cell cycle progression, DNA repair, and apoptosis. The regulation of gene expression through DNA methylation plays a crucial role in physiological processes, exerting its influence without altering the underlying DNA sequence. However, a thorough examination of the impact of Vpr on DNA methylation in human CD4 + T cells has not been conducted. METHODS In this study, we employed base-resolution whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS), real-time quantitative RCR and western blot to explore the effect of Vpr on DNA methylation of host cells under HIV-1 infection. RESULTS We observed that HIV-1 infection leads to elevated levels of global DNA methylation in primary CD4 + T cells. Specifically, Vpr induces significant modifications in DNA methylation patterns, particularly affecting regions within promoters and gene bodies. These alterations notably influence genes related to immune-related pathways and olfactory receptor activity. Moreover, Vpr demonstrates a distinct ability to diminish the levels of methylation in histone genes. CONCLUSIONS These findings emphasize the significant involvement of Vpr in regulating transcription through the modulation of DNA methylation patterns. Together, the results of this investigation will considerably enhance our understanding of the influence of HIV-1 Vpr on the DNA methylation of host cells, offer potential avenues for the development of more effective treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peipei Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhuoyue Meng
- Institute of Human Virology, Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of Ministry of Education, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kai Deng
- Institute of Human Virology, Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of Ministry of Education, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhiliang Gao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Jinfeng Cai
- Institute of Human Virology, Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of Ministry of Education, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ocaña-Paredes B, Rivera-Orellana S, Ramírez-Sánchez D, Montalvo-Guerrero J, Freire MP, Espinoza-Ferrao S, Altamirano-Colina A, Echeverría-Espinoza P, Ramos-Medina MJ, Echeverría-Garcés G, Granda-Moncayo D, Jácome-Alvarado A, Andrade MG, López-Cortés A. The pharmacoepigenetic paradigm in cancer treatment. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1381168. [PMID: 38720770 PMCID: PMC11076712 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1381168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic modifications, characterized by changes in gene expression without altering the DNA sequence, play a crucial role in the development and progression of cancer by significantly influencing gene activity and cellular function. This insight has led to the development of a novel class of therapeutic agents, known as epigenetic drugs. These drugs, including histone deacetylase inhibitors, histone acetyltransferase inhibitors, histone methyltransferase inhibitors, and DNA methyltransferase inhibitors, aim to modulate gene expression to curb cancer growth by uniquely altering the epigenetic landscape of cancer cells. Ongoing research and clinical trials are rigorously evaluating the efficacy of these drugs, particularly their ability to improve therapeutic outcomes when used in combination with other treatments. Such combination therapies may more effectively target cancer and potentially overcome the challenge of drug resistance, a significant hurdle in cancer therapy. Additionally, the importance of nutrition, inflammation control, and circadian rhythm regulation in modulating drug responses has been increasingly recognized, highlighting their role as critical modifiers of the epigenetic landscape and thereby influencing the effectiveness of pharmacological interventions and patient outcomes. Epigenetic drugs represent a paradigm shift in cancer treatment, offering targeted therapies that promise a more precise approach to treating a wide spectrum of tumors, potentially with fewer side effects compared to traditional chemotherapy. This progress marks a step towards more personalized and precise interventions, leveraging the unique epigenetic profiles of individual tumors to optimize treatment strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Belén Ocaña-Paredes
- Cancer Research Group (CRG), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
| | | | - David Ramírez-Sánchez
- Cancer Research Group (CRG), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
| | | | - María Paula Freire
- Cancer Research Group (CRG), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
| | | | | | | | - María José Ramos-Medina
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Gabriela Echeverría-Garcés
- Centro de Referencia Nacional de Genómica, Secuenciación y Bioinformática, Instituto Nacional de Investigación en Salud Pública “Leopoldo Izquieta Pérez”, Quito, Ecuador
- Latin American Network for the Implementation and Validation of Clinical Pharmacogenomics Guidelines (RELIVAF-CYTED), Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Andrea Jácome-Alvarado
- Cancer Research Group (CRG), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
| | - María Gabriela Andrade
- Cancer Research Group (CRG), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Andrés López-Cortés
- Cancer Research Group (CRG), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ramsteijn AS, Ndiaye M, Kalashikam RR, Htet MK, Yadav Dm D, Augustine LF, Zahra NL, Djigal A, Yanti D, Angelin TC, Nurfadilah M, Gorre M, Subrahamanyam D, Vadakattu SS, Munikumar M, Horgan GW, Fahmida U, Faye B, Kulkarni B, Haggarty P. Epigenetic studies in children at risk of stunting and their parents in India, Indonesia and Senegal: a UKRI GCRF Action Against Stunting Hub protocol paper. BMJ Paediatr Open 2024; 8:e001770. [PMID: 38417921 PMCID: PMC10900567 DOI: 10.1136/bmjpo-2022-001770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In 2020, an estimated 150 million children under the age of 5 years were stunted. Stunting results from early-life adversity and it is associated with significant physical and cognitive deficit, lifelong socioeconomic disadvantage and reduced life expectancy. There is a need to understand the causes of stunting and its effects in order to develop strategies to avoid it and to mitigate the consequences once stunting has occurred. Epigenetics is an important mechanism through which early-life factors are thought to influence biological function, with long-term consequences. We describe a series of epigenetic studies designed to understand how early-life adversity results in stunting and to inform the development of practical tools such as predictive markers and therapeutic targets. This work is part of the UKRI GCRF Action Against Stunting Hub. METHODS AND ANALYSIS The project-in India, Indonesia and Senegal-comprises an observational study of mothers, fathers, and offspring (n=500) spanning the first 1000 days of life, and an intervention study in each country. Epigenetic status (DNA methylation) is determined in saliva from babies collected within 1 month of birth and again at 18 months of age, and from mothers and fathers around the time of birth. Epigenome-wide analysis is carried out using the Illumina EPIC array, augmented by high-definition sequencing approaches. Statistical analysis is carried out at the level of candidate genes/regions, higher dimensional epigenetic states and epigenome-wide association. Data analysis focuses on the determinants of stunting, the effectiveness of interventions, population comparisons and the link between epigenetics and other thematic areas, which include anthropometry, microbiome, gut health, parasitology, cognition, nutrition, food hygiene and water sanitation, food systems and the home environment. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This study has been approved by the relevant Ethics Committees in Indonesia, India and Senegal, and the UK. Research data will be published and posted in public repositories.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Magatte Ndiaye
- Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Cheikh Anta Diop (UCAD), Dakar, Senegal
| | | | - Min Kyaw Htet
- South East Asian Ministers of Education Organization Regional Centre for Food and Nutrition (SEAMEO RECFON), East Jakarta, Indonesia
| | | | | | - Nur L Zahra
- South East Asian Ministers of Education Organization Regional Centre for Food and Nutrition (SEAMEO RECFON), East Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Aicha Djigal
- Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Cheikh Anta Diop (UCAD), Dakar, Senegal
| | - Dwi Yanti
- South East Asian Ministers of Education Organization Regional Centre for Food and Nutrition (SEAMEO RECFON), East Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Tiffany C Angelin
- South East Asian Ministers of Education Organization Regional Centre for Food and Nutrition (SEAMEO RECFON), East Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Mifa Nurfadilah
- South East Asian Ministers of Education Organization Regional Centre for Food and Nutrition (SEAMEO RECFON), East Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Manjula Gorre
- ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad, India
| | | | | | | | | | - Umi Fahmida
- South East Asian Ministers of Education Organization Regional Centre for Food and Nutrition (SEAMEO RECFON), East Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Babacar Faye
- Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Cheikh Anta Diop (UCAD), Dakar, Senegal
| | | | - Paul Haggarty
- Rowett Institute, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Han W, Wang W, Wang Q, Maduray K, Hao L, Zhong J. A review on regulation of DNA methylation during post-myocardial infarction. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1267585. [PMID: 38414735 PMCID: PMC10896928 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1267585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Myocardial infarction (MI) imposes a huge medical and economic burden on society, and cardiac repair after MI involves a complex series of processes. Understanding the key mechanisms (such as apoptosis, autophagy, inflammation, and fibrosis) will facilitate further drug development and patient treatment. Presently, a substantial body of evidence suggests that the regulation of epigenetic processes contributes to cardiac repair following MI, with DNA methylation being among the notable epigenetic factors involved. This article will review the research on the mechanism of DNA methylation regulation after MI to provide some insights for future research and development of related drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenqiang Han
- National Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory, The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Wenxin Wang
- National Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory, The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Qinhong Wang
- National Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory, The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Kellina Maduray
- National Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory, The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Li Hao
- Department of Gerontology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Jingquan Zhong
- National Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory, The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital (Qingdao), Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Prabhu KS, Sadida HQ, Kuttikrishnan S, Junejo K, Bhat AA, Uddin S. Beyond genetics: Exploring the role of epigenetic alterations in breast cancer. Pathol Res Pract 2024; 254:155174. [PMID: 38306863 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2024.155174] [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: 12/24/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
Breast cancer remains a major global health challenge. Its rising incidence is attributed to factors such as delayed diagnosis, the complexity of its subtypes, and increasing drug resistance, all contributing to less-than-ideal patient outcomes. Central to the progression of breast cancer are epigenetic aberrations, which significantly contribute to drug resistance and the emergence of cancer stem cell traits. These include alterations in DNA methylation, histone modifications, and the expression of non-coding RNAs. Understanding these epigenetic changes is crucial for developing advanced breast cancer management strategies despite their complexity. Investigating these epigenetic modifications offers the potential for novel diagnostic markers, more accurate prognostic indicators, and the identification of reliable predictors of treatment response. This could lead to the development of new targeted therapies. However, this requires sustained, focused research efforts to navigate the challenges of understanding breast cancer carcinogenesis and its epigenetic underpinnings. A deeper understanding of epigenetic mechanisms in breast cancer can revolutionize personalized medicine. This could lead to significant improvements in patient care, including early detection, precise disease stratification, and more effective treatment options.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kirti S Prabhu
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar
| | - Hana Q Sadida
- Laboratory of Precision Medicine in Diabetes, Obesity and Cancer Research Program, Department of Population Genetics, Sidra Medicine, Doha 26999, Qatar
| | - Shilpa Kuttikrishnan
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar
| | - Kulsoom Junejo
- General Surgery Department, Hamad General Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, P.O. Box 3050, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ajaz A Bhat
- Laboratory of Precision Medicine in Diabetes, Obesity and Cancer Research Program, Department of Population Genetics, Sidra Medicine, Doha 26999, Qatar
| | - Shahab Uddin
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; Laboratory of Animal Research Center, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Yin J, Gu T, Chaudhry N, Davidson NE, Huang Y. Epigenetic modulation of antitumor immunity and immunotherapy response in breast cancer: biological mechanisms and clinical implications. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1325615. [PMID: 38268926 PMCID: PMC10806158 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1325615] [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: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the most common non-skin cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death in American women. The initiation and progression of BC can proceed through the accumulation of genetic and epigenetic changes that allow transformed cells to escape the normal cell cycle checkpoint control. Unlike nucleotide mutations, epigenetic changes such as DNA methylation, histone posttranslational modifications (PTMs), nucleosome remodeling and non-coding RNAs are generally reversible and therefore potentially responsive to pharmacological intervention. Epigenetic dysregulations are critical mechanisms for impaired antitumor immunity, evasion of immune surveillance, and resistance to immunotherapy. Compared to highly immunogenic tumor types, such as melanoma or lung cancer, breast cancer has been viewed as an immunologically quiescent tumor which displays a relatively low population of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL), low tumor mutational burden (TMB) and modest response rates to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). Emerging evidence suggests that agents targeting aberrant epigenetic modifiers may augment host antitumor immunity in BC via several interrelated mechanisms such as enhancing tumor antigen presentation, activation of cytotoxic T cells, inhibition of immunosuppressive cells, boosting response to ICI, and induction of immunogenic cell death (ICD). These discoveries have established a highly promising basis for using combinatorial approaches of epigenetic drugs with immunotherapy as an innovative paradigm to improve outcomes of BC patients. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of how epigenetic processes regulate immune cell function and antitumor immunogenicity in the context of the breast tumor microenvironment. Moreover, we discuss the therapeutic potential and latest clinical trials of the combination of immune checkpoint blockers with epigenetic agents in breast cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jun Yin
- The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Hillman Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Tiezheng Gu
- The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Hillman Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Norin Chaudhry
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Nancy E. Davidson
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Yi Huang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Kumar V, Stewart JH. Immune Homeostasis: A Novel Example of Teamwork. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2782:1-24. [PMID: 38622389 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3754-8_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
All living organisms must maintain homeostasis to survive, reproduce, and pass their traits on to the next generation. If homeostasis is not maintained, it can result in various diseases and ultimately lead to death. Physiologists have coined the term "homeostasis" to describe this process. With the emergence of immunology as a separate branch of medicine, the concept of immune homeostasis has been introduced. Maintaining immune homeostasis is crucial to support overall homeostasis through different immunological and non-immunological routes. Any changes in the immune system can lead to chronic inflammatory or autoimmune diseases, immunodeficiency diseases, frequent infections, and cancers. Ongoing scientific advances are exploring new avenues in immunology and immune homeostasis maintenance. This chapter introduces the concept of immune homeostasis and its maintenance through different mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vijay Kumar
- Department of Surgery, Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, Medical Education Building-C, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - John H Stewart
- Department of Surgery, Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, Medical Education Building-C, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Sadida HQ, Abdulla A, Marzooqi SA, Hashem S, Macha MA, Akil ASAS, Bhat AA. Epigenetic modifications: Key players in cancer heterogeneity and drug resistance. Transl Oncol 2024; 39:101821. [PMID: 37931371 PMCID: PMC10654239 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2023.101821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer heterogeneity and drug resistance remain pivotal obstacles in effective cancer treatment and management. One major contributor to these challenges is epigenetic modifications - gene regulation that does not involve changes to the DNA sequence itself but significantly impacts gene expression. As we elucidate these phenomena, we underscore the pivotal role of epigenetic modifications in regulating gene expression, contributing to cellular diversity, and driving adaptive changes that can instigate therapeutic resistance. This review dissects essential epigenetic modifications - DNA methylation, histone modifications, and chromatin remodeling - illustrating their significant yet complex contributions to cancer biology. While these changes offer potential avenues for therapeutic intervention due to their reversible nature, the interplay of epigenetic and genetic changes in cancer cells presents unique challenges that must be addressed to harness their full potential. By critically analyzing the current research landscape, we identify knowledge gaps and propose future research directions, exploring the potential of epigenetic therapies and discussing the obstacles in translating these concepts into effective treatments. This comprehensive review aims to stimulate further research and aid in developing innovative, patient-centered cancer therapies. Understanding the role of epigenetic modifications in cancer heterogeneity and drug resistance is critical for scientific advancement and paves the way towards improving patient outcomes in the fight against this formidable disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hana Q Sadida
- Laboratory of Precision Medicine in Diabetes, Obesity and Cancer, Department of Population Genetics, Sidra Medicine, Doha 26999, Qatar
| | - Alanoud Abdulla
- Laboratory of Precision Medicine in Diabetes, Obesity and Cancer, Department of Population Genetics, Sidra Medicine, Doha 26999, Qatar
| | - Sara Al Marzooqi
- Laboratory of Precision Medicine in Diabetes, Obesity and Cancer, Department of Population Genetics, Sidra Medicine, Doha 26999, Qatar
| | - Sheema Hashem
- Laboratory of Genomic Medicine, Department of Population Genetics, Sidra Medicine, Doha 26999, Qatar
| | - Muzafar A Macha
- Watson-Crick Centre for Molecular Medicine, Islamic University of Science and Technology, Jammu & Kashmir, India
| | - Ammira S Al-Shabeeb Akil
- Laboratory of Precision Medicine in Diabetes, Obesity and Cancer, Department of Population Genetics, Sidra Medicine, Doha 26999, Qatar.
| | - Ajaz A Bhat
- Laboratory of Precision Medicine in Diabetes, Obesity and Cancer, Department of Population Genetics, Sidra Medicine, Doha 26999, Qatar.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Gu H, Liu Y, Zhao Y, Qu H, Li Y, Ahmed AA, Liu HY, Hu P, Cai D. Hepatic Anti-Oxidative Genes CAT and GPX4 Are Epigenetically Modulated by RORγ/NRF2 in Alphacoronavirus-Exposed Piglets. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1305. [PMID: 37372035 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12061305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
As a member of alpha-coronaviruses, PEDV could lead to severe diarrhea and dehydration in newborn piglets. Given that lipid peroxides in the liver are key mediators of cell proliferation and death, the role and regulation of endogenous lipid peroxide metabolism in response to coronavirus infection need to be illuminated. The enzymatic activities of SOD, CAT, mitochondrial complex-I, complex-III, and complex-V, along with the glutathione and ATP contents, were significantly decreased in the liver of PEDV piglets. In contrast, the lipid peroxidation biomarkers, malondialdehyde, and ROS were markedly elevated. Moreover, we found that the peroxisome metabolism was inhibited by the PEDV infection using transcriptome analysis. These down-regulated anti-oxidative genes, including GPX4, CAT, SOD1, SOD2, GCLC, and SLC7A11, were further validated by qRT-PCR and immunoblotting. Because the nuclear receptor RORγ-driven MVA pathway is critical for LPO, we provided new evidence that RORγ also controlled the genes CAT and GPX4 involved in peroxisome metabolism in the PEDV piglets. We found that RORγ directly binds to these two genes using ChIP-seq and ChIP-qPCR analysis, where PEDV strongly repressed the binding enrichments. The occupancies of histone active marks such as H3K9/27ac and H3K4me1/2, together with active co-factor p300 and polymerase II at the locus of CAT and GPX4, were significantly decreased. Importantly, PEDV infection disrupted the physical association between RORγ and NRF2, facilitating the down-regulation of the CAT and GPX4 genes at the transcriptional levels. RORγ is a potential factor in modulating the CAT and GPX4 gene expressions in the liver of PEDV piglets by interacting with NRF2 and histone modifications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haotian Gu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Yaya Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Yahui Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Huan Qu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Yanhua Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Abdelkareem A Ahmed
- Biomedical Research Institute, Darfur University College, Nyala 56022, Sudan
| | - Hao-Yu Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- International Joint Research Laboratory in Universities of Jiangsu Province of China for Domestic Animal Germplasm Resources and Genetic Improvement, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Ping Hu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- International Joint Research Laboratory in Universities of Jiangsu Province of China for Domestic Animal Germplasm Resources and Genetic Improvement, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Demin Cai
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- International Joint Research Laboratory in Universities of Jiangsu Province of China for Domestic Animal Germplasm Resources and Genetic Improvement, Yangzhou 225009, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Powell J, Talenti A, Fisch A, Hemmink JD, Paxton E, Toye P, Santos I, Ferreira BR, Connelley TK, Morrison LJ, Prendergast JGD. Profiling the immune epigenome across global cattle breeds. Genome Biol 2023; 24:127. [PMID: 37218021 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-023-02964-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding the variation between well and poorly adapted cattle breeds to local environments and pathogens is essential for breeding cattle with improved climate and disease-resistant phenotypes. Although considerable progress has been made towards identifying genetic differences between breeds, variation at the epigenetic and chromatin levels remains poorly characterized. Here, we generate, sequence and analyse over 150 libraries at base-pair resolution to explore the dynamics of DNA methylation and chromatin accessibility of the bovine immune system across three distinct cattle lineages. RESULTS We find extensive epigenetic divergence between the taurine and indicine cattle breeds across immune cell types, which is linked to the levels of local DNA sequence divergence between the two cattle sub-species. The unique cell type profiles enable the deconvolution of complex cellular mixtures using digital cytometry approaches. Finally, we show distinct sub-categories of CpG islands based on their chromatin and methylation profiles that discriminate between classes of distal and gene proximal islands linked to discrete transcriptional states. CONCLUSIONS Our study provides a comprehensive resource of DNA methylation, chromatin accessibility and RNA expression profiles of three diverse cattle populations. The findings have important implications, from understanding how genetic editing across breeds, and consequently regulatory backgrounds, may have distinct impacts to designing effective cattle epigenome-wide association studies in non-European breeds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Powell
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Edinburgh, EH25 9RG, UK.
| | - Andrea Talenti
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Edinburgh, EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Andressa Fisch
- Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Johanneke D Hemmink
- Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health, Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Edinburgh, EH25 9RG, UK
- The International Livestock Research Institute, PO Box 30709, Nairobi, 00100, Kenya
| | - Edith Paxton
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Edinburgh, EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Philip Toye
- The International Livestock Research Institute, PO Box 30709, Nairobi, 00100, Kenya
- Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health, ILRI Kenya, PO Box 30709, Nairobi, 00100, Kenya
| | - Isabel Santos
- Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Beatriz R Ferreira
- Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Tim K Connelley
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Edinburgh, EH25 9RG, UK
- Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health, Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Edinburgh, EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Liam J Morrison
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Edinburgh, EH25 9RG, UK.
- Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health, Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Edinburgh, EH25 9RG, UK.
| | - James G D Prendergast
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Edinburgh, EH25 9RG, UK.
- Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health, Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Edinburgh, EH25 9RG, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Susceptibility to malaria in fulani, Bariba, Otamari and gando individuals living in sympatry in Benin: Role of opsonizing antibodies to Plasmodium falciparum merozoites. Heliyon 2023; 9:e13092. [PMID: 36711279 PMCID: PMC9879790 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e13092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Fulani in Africa are known to be less susceptible to Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) malaria. This study explored a potential involvement of antibody-mediated merozoite phagocytosis mechanism in this natural protection against malaria. Methods Before the start of the malaria transmission season (MTS) in Benin, the functionality of antibodies against Pf merozoites was determined by the opsonic phagocytosis (OP) assay in plasma samples from Fulani, Bariba, Otamari and Gando groups. These individuals were actively followed-up for malaria detection from the beginning to the end of MTS. Anti-GLURP Immunoglobulin G antibody quantification, malaria Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) and spleen palpation were performed before and after MTS. Results In Bariba, Otamari and Gando, but not in Fulani, plasma from adults promoted higher levels of OP than the children (P = 0.003; P = 0.012; P = 0.031 and P = 0.122). A high proportion of Fulani children had higher OP and anti-GLURP (P < 0.0001) antibody levels as compared to non-Fulani children; whereas this was not observed for Fulani adults (P = 0.223). High OP levels before MTS were significantly related to negative RDT after MTS (P = 0.011). Conclusion Our results highlight the ability of opsonizing antibodies to potentially enhance natural protection of young Fulani individuals against Pf malaria in Benin.
Collapse
|
12
|
Manoj G, Anjali K, Presannan A, Melethadathil N, Suravajhala R, Suravajhala P. Epigenetics, genomics imprinting and non-coding RNAs. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2023; 197:93-104. [PMID: 37019598 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2023.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetic traits are heritable phenotypes caused by alterations in chromosomes rather than DNA sequences. The actual epigenetic expression of the somatic cells of a species is identical, however, they may show distinct subtleties in various cell types in which they may be affected. Several recent studies demonstrated that the epigenetic system plays a very important role in regulating all biological natural processes in the body from birth to death. We outline the essential elements of epigenetics, genomic imprinting, and non-coding RNAs in this mini-review.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gautham Manoj
- Amrita School of Biotechnology, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Clappana, Kerala, India
| | - Krishna Anjali
- Amrita School of Biotechnology, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Clappana, Kerala, India
| | - Anandhu Presannan
- Amrita School of Biotechnology, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Clappana, Kerala, India
| | | | - Renuka Suravajhala
- Amrita School of Biotechnology, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Clappana, Kerala, India
| | - Prashanth Suravajhala
- Amrita School of Biotechnology, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Clappana, Kerala, India.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Shirazi S, Ravindran S, Cooper LF. Topography-mediated immunomodulation in osseointegration; Ally or Enemy. Biomaterials 2022; 291:121903. [PMID: 36410109 PMCID: PMC10148651 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2022.121903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Osteoimmunology is at full display during endosseous implant osseointegration. Bone formation, maintenance and resorption at the implant surface is a result of bidirectional and dynamic reciprocal communication between the bone and immune cells that extends beyond the well-defined osteoblast-osteoclast signaling. Implant surface topography informs adherent progenitor and immune cell function and their cross-talk to modulate the process of bone accrual. Integrating titanium surface engineering with the principles of immunology is utilized to harness the power of immune system to improve osseointegration in healthy and diseased microenvironments. This review summarizes current information regarding immune cell-titanium implant surface interactions and places these events in the context of surface-mediated immunomodulation and bone regeneration. A mechanistic approach is directed in demonstrating the central role of osteoimmunology in the process of osseointegration and exploring how regulation of immune cell function at the implant-bone interface may be used in future control of clinical therapies. The process of peri-implant bone loss is also informed by immunomodulation at the implant surface. How surface topography is exploited to prevent osteoclastogenesis is considered herein with respect to peri-implant inflammation, osteoclastic precursor-surface interactions, and the upstream/downstream effects of surface topography on immune and progenitor cell function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sajjad Shirazi
- Department of Oral Biology, College of Dentistry, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Sriram Ravindran
- Department of Oral Biology, College of Dentistry, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Lyndon F Cooper
- School of Dentistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Lu H, Ashiqueali R, Lin CI, Walchale A, Clendaniel V, Matheson R, Fisher M, Lo EH, Selim M, Shehadah A. Histone Deacetylase 3 Inhibition Decreases Cerebral Edema and Protects the Blood–Brain Barrier After Stroke. Mol Neurobiol 2022; 60:235-246. [DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-03083-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AbstractWe have previously shown that selective inhibition of histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) decreases infarct volume and improves long-term functional outcomes after stroke. In this study, we examined the effects of HDAC3 inhibition on cerebral edema and blood–brain barrier (BBB) leakage and explored its underlying mechanisms. Adult male Wistar rats were subjected to 2-h middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and randomly treated i.p. with either vehicle or a selective HDAC3 inhibitor (RGFP966) at 2 and 24 h after stroke. Modified neurological severity scores (mNSS) were calculated at 2 h, 1 day, and 3 days. H&E, Evans blue dye (EBD) assay, and fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-dextran were employed to assess cerebral edema and BBB leakage. Western blot for matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9), MMP-9 zymography, and immunostaining for HDAC3, GFAP, Iba-1, albumin, aquaporin-4, claudin-5, ZO-1, and NF-kB were performed. Early RGFP966 administration decreased cerebral edema (p = 0.002) and BBB leakage, as measured by EBD assay, FITC-dextran, and albumin extravasation (p < 0.01). RGFP966 significantly increased tight junction proteins (claudin-5 and ZO-1) in the peri-infarct area. RGFP966 also significantly decreased HDAC3 in GFAP + astrocytes, which correlated with better mNSS (r = 0.67, p = 0.03) and decreased cerebral edema (r = 0.64, p = 0.04). RGFP966 decreased aquaporin-4 in GFAP + astrocytes (p = 0.002), as well as, the inflammatory markers Iba-1, NF-kB, and MMP9 in the ischemic brain (p < 0.05). Early HDAC3 inhibition decreases cerebral edema and BBB leakage. BBB protection by RGFP966 is mediated in part by the upregulation of tight junction proteins, downregulation of aquaporin-4 and HDAC3 in astrocytes, and decreased neuroinflammation.
Collapse
|
15
|
Xie L, Wu S, He R, Li S, Lai X, Wang Z. Identification of epigenetic dysregulation gene markers and immune landscape in kidney renal clear cell carcinoma by comprehensive genomic analysis. Front Immunol 2022; 13:901662. [PMID: 36059531 PMCID: PMC9433776 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.901662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Kidney cancer is one the most lethal cancers of the urinary system, but current treatments are limited and its prognosis is poor. This study focused on kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) and analyzed the relationship between epigenetic alterations and KIRC prognosis, and explored the prognostic significance of these findings in KIRC patients. Based on multi-omics data, differentially expressed histone-modified genes were identified using the R package limma package. Gene enhancers were detected from data in the FANTOM5 database. Gene promoters were screened using the R package ChIPseeker, and the Bumphunter in the R package CHAMP was applied to screen differentially methylated regions (DMR). Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis and Gene Ontology (GO) functional enrichment analysis of genes was performed using the R package clusterProfiler. We identified 51 dysregulated epigenetic protein coding genes (epi-PCGs) from 872 epi-PCGs, and categorized three molecular subtypes (C1, C2, and C3) of KIRC samples with significantly different prognosis. Notably, among the three molecular subtypes, we found a markedly differential immune features in immune checkpoints, cytokines, immune signatures, and immune cell distribution. C2 subtype had significantly lower enrichment score of IFNγ, cytotoxic score (CYT), and angiogenesis. In addition, an 8-gene signature containing 8 epi-PCGs (ETV4, SH2B3, FATE1, GRK5, MALL, HRH2, SEMA3G, and SLC10A6) was developed for predicting KIRC prognosis. Prognosis of patients with a high 8-gene signature score was significantly worse than those with a low 8-gene signature score, which was also validated by the independent validation data. The 8-gene signature had a better performance compared with previous signatures of KIRC. Overall, this study highlighted the important role of epigenetic regulation in KIRC development, and explored prognostic epi-PCGs, which may provide a guidance for exploiting further pathological mechanisms of KIRC and for developing novel drug targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linli Xie
- Department of Pharmacy, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Shuang Wu
- Department of Oncology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Rong He
- Department of Pharmacy, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Sisi Li
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaodan Lai
- Department of Pharmacy, No. 958 Hospital of Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA), Chongqing, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaodan Lai, ; Zhe Wang,
| | - Zhe Wang
- Department of Oncology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaodan Lai, ; Zhe Wang,
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Hatmal MM, Al-Hatamleh MAI, Olaimat AN, Alshaer W, Hasan H, Albakri KA, Alkhafaji E, Issa NN, Al-Holy MA, Abderrahman SM, Abdallah AM, Mohamud R. Immunomodulatory Properties of Human Breast Milk: MicroRNA Contents and Potential Epigenetic Effects. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10061219. [PMID: 35740242 PMCID: PMC9219990 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10061219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Infants who are exclusively breastfed in the first six months of age receive adequate nutrients, achieving optimal immune protection and growth. In addition to the known nutritional components of human breast milk (HBM), i.e., water, carbohydrates, fats and proteins, it is also a rich source of microRNAs, which impact epigenetic mechanisms. This comprehensive work presents an up-to-date overview of the immunomodulatory constituents of HBM, highlighting its content of circulating microRNAs. The epigenetic effects of HBM are discussed, especially those regulated by miRNAs. HBM contains more than 1400 microRNAs. The majority of these microRNAs originate from the lactating gland and are based on the remodeling of cells in the gland during breastfeeding. These miRNAs can affect epigenetic patterns by several mechanisms, including DNA methylation, histone modifications and RNA regulation, which could ultimately result in alterations in gene expressions. Therefore, the unique microRNA profile of HBM, including exosomal microRNAs, is implicated in the regulation of the genes responsible for a variety of immunological and physiological functions, such as FTO, INS, IGF1, NRF2, GLUT1 and FOXP3 genes. Hence, studying the HBM miRNA composition is important for improving the nutritional approaches for pregnancy and infant's early life and preventing diseases that could occur in the future. Interestingly, the composition of miRNAs in HBM is affected by multiple factors, including diet, environmental and genetic factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ma’mon M. Hatmal
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, The Hashemite University, P.O. Box 330127, Zarqa 13133, Jordan;
- Correspondence: (M.M.H.); (R.M.)
| | - Mohammad A. I. Al-Hatamleh
- Department of Immunology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kota Bharu 16150, Malaysia;
| | - Amin N. Olaimat
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, The Hashemite University, P.O. Box 330127, Zarqa 13133, Jordan; (A.N.O.); (M.A.A.-H.)
| | - Walhan Alshaer
- Cell Therapy Center (CTC), The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan;
| | - Hanan Hasan
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan;
| | - Khaled A. Albakri
- Faculty of Medicine, The Hashemite University, P.O. Box 330127, Zarqa 13133, Jordan;
| | - Enas Alkhafaji
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan;
| | - Nada N. Issa
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, The Hashemite University, P.O. Box 330127, Zarqa 13133, Jordan;
| | - Murad A. Al-Holy
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, The Hashemite University, P.O. Box 330127, Zarqa 13133, Jordan; (A.N.O.); (M.A.A.-H.)
| | - Salim M. Abderrahman
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Sciences, The Hashemite University, P.O. Box 330127, Zarqa 13133, Jordan;
| | - Atiyeh M. Abdallah
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar;
| | - Rohimah Mohamud
- Department of Immunology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kota Bharu 16150, Malaysia;
- Correspondence: (M.M.H.); (R.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
HIV UTR, LTR, and Epigenetic Immunity. Viruses 2022; 14:v14051084. [PMID: 35632825 PMCID: PMC9146425 DOI: 10.3390/v14051084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The duel between humans and viruses is unending. In this review, we examine the HIV RNA in the form of un-translated terminal region (UTR), the viral DNA in the form of long terminal repeat (LTR), and the immunity of human DNA in a format of epigenetic regulation. We explore the ways in which the human immune responses to invading pathogenic viral nucleic acids can inhibit HIV infection, exemplified by a chromatin vaccine (cVaccine) to elicit the immunity of our genome—epigenetic immunity towards a cure.
Collapse
|
18
|
Braga CL, Acquarone M, Arona VDC, Osório BS, Barreto TG, Kian RM, Pereira JPAL, Silva MDMCD, Silva BA, de Oliveira GMM, Macedo Rocco PR, Silva PL, Alencar AKN. Can Epigenetics Help Solve the Puzzle Between Concomitant Cardiovascular Injury and Severity of Coronavirus Disease 2019? J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 2022; 79:431-443. [PMID: 34935698 DOI: 10.1097/fjc.0000000000001201] [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: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT The ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 has significant implications in patients with concomitant cardiovascular disease (CVD) because they are the population at the greatest risk of death. The treatment of such patients and complications may represent a new challenge for the fields of cardiology and pharmacology. Thus, understanding the involvement of this viral infection in CVD might help to reduce the aggressiveness of SARS-CoV-2 in causing multiorgan infection and damage. SARS-CoV-2 disturbs the host epigenome and several epigenetic processes involved in the pathophysiology of COVID-19 that can directly affect the function and structure of the cardiovascular system (CVS). Hence, it would be relevant to identify epigenetic alterations that directly impact CVS physiology after SARS-CoV-2 infection. This could contribute to the view of this virus-induced CVS injury and direct forthcoming tackles for COVID-19 treatment to reduce mortality in patients with CVD. Targeting epigenetic marks could offer strong evidence for the development of novel antiviral therapies, especially in the context of COVID-19-related CVS damage. In this review, we address some of the main signaling pathways that are currently known as being involved in COVID-19 pathophysiology and the importance of this glint on epigenetics and some of its modifiers (epidrugs) to control the unregulated epitope activity in the context of SARS-CoV-2 infection, COVID-19, and underlying CVD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cássia L Braga
- Laboratório de Investigação Pulmonar, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Mariana Acquarone
- Faculdade de Medicina de Petrópolis, School Clinic, Petrópolis, Brazil
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Victor da C Arona
- Faculdade de Medicina de Petrópolis, School Clinic, Petrópolis, Brazil
| | - Brenno S Osório
- Faculdade de Medicina de Petrópolis, School Clinic, Petrópolis, Brazil
| | - Thiago G Barreto
- Faculdade de Medicina de Petrópolis, School Clinic, Petrópolis, Brazil
| | - Ruan M Kian
- Faculdade de Medicina de Petrópolis, School Clinic, Petrópolis, Brazil
| | | | - Marina de Moraes C da Silva
- Serviço de Radiologia do Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Bagnólia A Silva
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Produtos Naturais e Sintéticos Bioativos, Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil
| | - Gláucia Maria M de Oliveira
- Departamento de Clínica Médica, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; and
| | - Patricia Rieken Macedo Rocco
- Laboratório de Investigação Pulmonar, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Pedro Leme Silva
- Laboratório de Investigação Pulmonar, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Allan K N Alencar
- Laboratório de Investigação Pulmonar, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Faculdade de Medicina de Petrópolis, School Clinic, Petrópolis, Brazil
- Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Abstract
We found the three-dimensional (3D) structure of chromatin at the chromosome level to be highly conserved for more than 50 million y of carnivore evolution. Intrachromosomal contacts were maintained even after chromosome rearrangements within carnivore lineages, demonstrating that the maintenance of 3D chromatin architecture is essential for conserved genome functions. These discoveries enabled the identification of orthologous chromosomal DNA segments among related species, a method we call 3D comparative scaffotyping. The method has application for putative chromosome assignment of chromosome-scale DNA sequence scaffolds produced by de novo genome sequencing. Broadly applied to biodiversity genome sequencing efforts, the approach can reduce costs associated with karyotyping and the physical mapping of DNA segments to chromosomes. High throughput chromatin conformation capture (Hi-C) of leukocyte DNA was used to investigate the evolutionary stability of chromatin conformation at the chromosomal level in 11 species from three carnivore families: Felidae, Canidae, and Ursidae. Chromosome-scale scaffolds (C-scaffolds) of each species were initially used for whole-genome alignment to a reference genome within each family. This approach established putative orthologous relationships between C-scaffolds among the different species. Hi-C contact maps for all C-scaffolds were then visually compared and found to be distinct for a given reference chromosome or C-scaffold within a species and indistinguishable for orthologous C-scaffolds having a 1:1 relationship within a family. The visual patterns within families were strongly supported by eigenvectors from the Hi-C contact maps. Analysis of Hi-C contact maps and eigenvectors across the three carnivore families revealed that most cross-family orthologous subchromosomal fragments have a conserved three-dimensional (3D) chromatin structure and thus have been under strong evolutionary constraint for ∼54 My of carnivore evolution. The most pronounced differences in chromatin conformation were observed for the X chromosome and the red fox genome, whose chromosomes have undergone extensive rearrangements relative to other canids. We also demonstrate that Hi-C contact map pattern analysis can be used to accurately identify orthologous relationships between C-scaffolds and chromosomes, a method we termed “3D comparative scaffotyping.” This method provides a powerful means for estimating karyotypes in de novo sequenced species that have unknown karyotype and no physical mapping information.
Collapse
|
20
|
Osokine I, Siewiera J, Rideaux D, Ma S, Tsukui T, Erlebacher A. Gene silencing by EZH2 suppresses TGF-β activity within the decidua to avert pregnancy-adverse wound healing at the maternal-fetal interface. Cell Rep 2022; 38:110329. [PMID: 35108527 PMCID: PMC8833843 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.110329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2021] [Revised: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
A little-appreciated feature of early pregnancy is that embryo implantation and placental outgrowth do not evoke wound-healing responses in the decidua, the specialized endometrial tissue that surrounds the conceptus. Here, we provide evidence that this phenomenon is partly due to an active program of gene silencing mediated by EZH2, a histone methyltransferase that generates repressive histone 3 lysine 27 trimethyl (H3K27me3) histone marks. We find that pregnancies in mice with EZH2-deficient decidual stromal cells frequently fail by mid-gestation, with the decidua showing ectopic myofibroblast formation, peri-embryonic collagen deposition, and gene expression profiles associated with transforming growth factor β (TGF-β)-driven fibroblast activation and fibrogenic extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. Analogous responses are observed when the mutant decidua is surgically wounded, while blockade of TGF-β receptor signaling inhibits the defects and improves reproductive outcomes. Together, these results highlight a critical feature of reproductive success and have implications for the context-specific control of TGF-β-mediated wound-healing responses elsewhere in the body.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Osokine
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Avenue Medical Sciences, S-1057B, San Francisco, CA 94143-0451, USA
| | - Johan Siewiera
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Avenue Medical Sciences, S-1057B, San Francisco, CA 94143-0451, USA
| | - Damon Rideaux
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Avenue Medical Sciences, S-1057B, San Francisco, CA 94143-0451, USA
| | - Stephany Ma
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Avenue Medical Sciences, S-1057B, San Francisco, CA 94143-0451, USA
| | - Tatsuya Tsukui
- Lung Biology Center, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Adrian Erlebacher
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Avenue Medical Sciences, S-1057B, San Francisco, CA 94143-0451, USA; Center for Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Biomedical Sciences Program, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Bakar ImmunoX Initiative, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Bermick J, Schaller M. Epigenetic regulation of pediatric and neonatal immune responses. Pediatr Res 2022; 91:297-327. [PMID: 34239066 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-021-01630-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetic regulation of transcription is a collective term that refers to mechanisms known to regulate gene transcription without changing the underlying DNA sequence. These mechanisms include DNA methylation and histone tail modifications which influence chromatin accessibility, and microRNAs that act through post-transcriptional gene silencing. Epigenetics is known to regulate a variety of biological processes, and the role of epigtenetics in immunity and immune-mediated diseases is becoming increasingly recognized. While DNA methylation is the most widely studied, each of these systems play an important role in the development and maintenance of appropriate immune responses. There is clear evidence that epigenetic mechanisms contribute to developmental stage-specific immune responses in a cell-specific manner. There is also mounting evidence that prenatal exposures alter epigenetic profiles and subsequent immune function in exposed offspring. Early life exposures that are associated with poor long-term health outcomes also appear to impact immune specific epigenetic patterning. Finally, each of these epigenetic mechanisms contribute to the pathogenesis of a wide variety of diseases that manifest during childhood. This review will discuss each of these areas in detail. IMPACT: Epigenetics, including DNA methylation, histone tail modifications, and microRNA expression, dictate immune cell phenotypes. Epigenetics influence immune development and subsequent immune health. Prenatal, perinatal, and postnatal exposures alter immune cell epigenetic profiles and subsequent immune function. Numerous pediatric-onset diseases have an epigenetic component. Several successful strategies for childhood diseases target epigenetic mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Bermick
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA. .,Iowa Inflammation Program, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.
| | - Matthew Schaller
- Department of Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Mechanisms of Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated (ATM) Control in the DNA Damage Response to Oxidative Stress, Epigenetic Regulation, and Persistent Innate Immune Suppression Following Sepsis. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10071146. [PMID: 34356379 PMCID: PMC8301080 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10071146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cells have evolved extensive signaling mechanisms to maintain redox homeostasis. While basal levels of oxidants are critical for normal signaling, a tipping point is reached when the level of oxidant species exceed cellular antioxidant capabilities. Myriad pathological conditions are characterized by elevated oxidative stress, which can cause alterations in cellular operations and damage to cellular components including nucleic acids. Maintenance of nuclear chromatin are critically important for host survival and eukaryotic organisms possess an elaborately orchestrated response to initiate repair of such DNA damage. Recent evidence indicates links between the cellular antioxidant response, the DNA damage response (DDR), and the epigenetic status of the cell under conditions of elevated oxidative stress. In this emerging model, the cellular response to excessive oxidants may include redox sensors that regulate both the DDR and an orchestrated change to the epigenome in a tightly controlled program that both protects and regulates the nuclear genome. Herein we use sepsis as a model of an inflammatory pathophysiological condition that results in elevated oxidative stress, upregulation of the DDR, and epigenetic reprogramming of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) to discuss new evidence for interplay between the antioxidant response, the DNA damage response, and epigenetic status.
Collapse
|
23
|
Do Transgenerational Epigenetic Inheritance and Immune System Development Share Common Epigenetic Processes? J Dev Biol 2021; 9:jdb9020020. [PMID: 34065783 PMCID: PMC8162332 DOI: 10.3390/jdb9020020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic modifications regulate gene expression for development, immune response, disease, and other processes. A major role of epigenetics is to control the dynamics of chromatin structure, i.e., the condensed packaging of DNA around histone proteins in eukaryotic nuclei. Key epigenetic factors include enzymes for histone modifications and DNA methylation, non-coding RNAs, and prions. Epigenetic modifications are heritable but during embryonic development, most parental epigenetic marks are erased and reset. Interestingly, some epigenetic modifications, that may be resulting from immune response to stimuli, can escape remodeling and transmit to subsequent generations who are not exposed to those stimuli. This phenomenon is called transgenerational epigenetic inheritance if the epigenetic phenotype persists beyond the third generation in female germlines and second generation in male germlines. Although its primary function is likely immune response for survival, its role in the development and functioning of the immune system is not extensively explored, despite studies reporting transgenerational inheritance of stress-induced epigenetic modifications resulting in immune disorders. Hence, this review draws from studies on transgenerational epigenetic inheritance, immune system development and function, high-throughput epigenetics tools to study those phenomena, and relevant clinical trials, to focus on their significance and deeper understanding for future research, therapeutic developments, and various applications.
Collapse
|
24
|
Gutierrez MJ, Nino G, Hong X, Wang X. Maternal pre-pregnancy weight and early life lower respiratory tract infections in a low-income urban minority birth cohort. Sci Rep 2021; 11:9790. [PMID: 33963230 PMCID: PMC8105349 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-88360-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of maternal obesity has increased dramatically with adverse consequences on infant health. Prior studies have reported associations between maternal obesity and childhood wheeze, asthma as well as lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI). However, studies examining the association of obesity with early-life LRTIs in low-income urban minority populations are still lacking. This is a critical gap because both obesity and infant respiratory morbidity are more prevalent and severe in these communities. We examined mother-child dyads from the Boston Birth Cohort (BBC) to define the longitudinal association of maternal pre-pregnancy BMI and LRTI in infancy, defined as the presence of bronchiolitis, bronchitis, or pneumonia during the first year of life (< 12 months of age). A total of 2,790 mother-child dyads were included in our analyses. Infants born to pre-pregnancy obese mothers (n = 688, 25%) had 1.43 increased odds (adjOR = 1.43, 95% CI 1.08-1.88, p = 0.012) of developing LRTI during the first year of life when compared with newborns born to normal-weight mothers after adjusting by relevant LRTI risk factors. Notably, infants born to overweight mothers (n = 808, 29%) followed a similar trend (adjOR = 1.31, 95% CI 1.00-1.72, p = 0.048). Our study demonstrated that maternal pre-pregnancy obesity is an independent risk factor for the development of LRTI during infancy in a low-income urban minority birth cohort.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria J Gutierrez
- Division of Pediatric Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Johns Hopkins University, 600 N. Wolfe Street CMSC 1102, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Gustavo Nino
- Division of Pediatric Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine. Children's National Medical Center, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Xiumei Hong
- Center On the Early Life Origins of Disease, Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Xiaobin Wang
- Center On the Early Life Origins of Disease, Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Division of General Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Saksena N, Bonam SR, Miranda-Saksena M. Epigenetic Lens to Visualize the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) Infection in COVID-19 Pandemic. Front Genet 2021; 12:581726. [PMID: 33828579 PMCID: PMC8019793 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.581726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In <20 years, we have witnessed three different epidemics with coronaviruses, SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2 in human populations, causing widespread mortality. SARS-CoV-2, through its rapid global spread, has led to the pandemic that we call COVID-19. As of February 1, 2021, the global infections linked to SARS-CoV-2 stand at 103,503,340, with 2,236,960 deaths, and 75,108,099 recoveries. This review attempts to highlight host-pathogen interaction with particular emphasis on the role of epigenetic machinery in regulating the disease. Although researchers, since the start of the pandemic, have been intensely engaged in diverse areas to understand the mechanisms involved in SARS-CoV-2 infection to find answers that can bring about innovative ways to swiftly treat and prevent disease progression, this review provides an overview on how the host epigenetics is modulated and subverted by SARS-CoV-2 to enter the host cells and drive immunopathogenesis. Epigenetics is the study that combines genetic and non-genetic factors controlling phenotypic variation, which are primarily a consequence of external and environmental stimuli. These stimuli alter the activity of a gene without impinging on the DNA code. In viral-host interactions, DNA/RNA methylation, non-coding RNAs, chromatin remodeling, and histone modifications are known to regulate and modulate host gene expression patterns. Viruses such as Coronaviruses (an RNA virus) show intrinsic association with these processes. They have evolved the ability to tamper with host epigenetic machinery to interfere with immune sensing pathways to evade host immune response, thereby enhancing its replication and pathogenesis post-entry. These epigenetic alterations allow the virus to weaken the host's immune response to successfully spread infection. How this occurs, and what epigenetic mechanisms are altered is poorly understood both for coronaviruses and other respiratory RNA viruses. The review highlights several cutting-edge aspects of epigenetic work primarily pertinent to SARS-CoV-2, which has been published between 2019 and 2020 to showcase the current knowledge both in terms of success and failures and take lessons that will assist us in understanding the disease to develop better treatments suited to kill SARS-CoV-2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nitin Saksena
- EPIGENES Australia Pty Ltd, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Institute of Health and Sport, Victoria University, Footscray, VIC, Australia
| | - Srinivasa Reddy Bonam
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Equipe- Immuno-pathologie et Immuno-intervention Thérapeutique, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Monica Miranda-Saksena
- Herpes Neuropathogenesis Research Group, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
How Changes in the Nutritional Landscape Shape Gut Immunometabolism. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13030823. [PMID: 33801480 PMCID: PMC7999246 DOI: 10.3390/nu13030823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell survival, proliferation and function are energy-demanding processes, fuelled by different metabolic pathways. Immune cells like any other cells will adapt their energy production to their function with specific metabolic pathways characteristic of resting, inflammatory or anti-inflammatory cells. This concept of immunometabolism is revolutionising the field of immunology, opening the gates for novel therapeutic approaches aimed at altering immune responses through immune metabolic manipulations. The first part of this review will give an extensive overview on the metabolic pathways used by immune cells. Diet is a major source of energy, providing substrates to fuel these different metabolic pathways. Protein, lipid and carbohydrate composition as well as food additives can thus shape the immune response particularly in the gut, the first immune point of contact with food antigens and gastrointestinal tract pathogens. How diet composition might affect gut immunometabolism and its impact on diseases will also be discussed. Finally, the food ingested by the host is also a source of energy for the micro-organisms inhabiting the gut lumen particularly in the colon. The by-products released through the processing of specific nutrients by gut bacteria also influence immune cell activity and differentiation. How bacterial metabolites influence gut immunometabolism will be covered in the third part of this review. This notion of immunometabolism and immune function is recent and a deeper understanding of how lifestyle might influence gut immunometabolism is key to prevent or treat diseases.
Collapse
|
27
|
Vasco M, Benincasa G, Fiorito C, Faenza M, De Rosa P, Maiello C, Santangelo M, Vennarecci G, Napoli C. Clinical epigenetics and acute/chronic rejection in solid organ transplantation: An update. Transplant Rev (Orlando) 2021; 35:100609. [PMID: 33706201 DOI: 10.1016/j.trre.2021.100609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The lack of a precise stratification algorithm for predicting patients at high risk of graft rejection challenges the current solid organ transplantation (SOT) clinical setting. In fact, the established biomarkers for transplantation outcomes are unable to accurately predict the onset time and severity of graft rejection (acute or chronic) as well as the individual response to immunosuppressive drugs. Thus, identifying novel molecular pathways underlying early immunological responses which can damage transplant integrity is needed to reach precision medicine and personalized therapy of SOT. Direct epigenetic-sensitive mechanisms, mainly DNA methylation and histone modifications, may play a relevant role for immune activation and long-term effects (e.g., activation of fibrotic processes) which may be translated in new non-invasive biomarkers and drug targets. In particular, the measure of DNA methylation by using the blood-based "epigenetic clock" system may be an added value to the donor eligibility criteria providing an estimation of the heart biological age as well as a predictive biomarkers. Besides, monitoring of DNA methylation changes may aid to predict acute vs chronic graft damage in kidney transplantation (KT) patients. For example, hypermethylation of genes belonging to the Notch and Wnt pathways showed a higher predictive value for chronic injury occurring at 12 months post-KT with respect to established clinical parameters. Detecting higher circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) fragments carrying hepatocyte-specific unmethylated loci in the inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor heavy chain 4 (ITIH4), insulin like growth factor 2 receptor (IGF2R), and vitronectin (VTN) genes may be useful to predict acute graft injury after liver transplantation (LT) in serum samples. Furthermore, hypomethylation in the forkhead box P3 (FOXP3) gene may serve as a marker of infiltrating natural Treg percentage in the graft providing the ability to predict acute rejection events after heart transplantation (HTx). We aim to update on the possible clinical relevance of DNA methylation changes regulating immune-related pathways underlying acute or chronic graft rejection in KT, LT, and HTx which might be useful to prevent, monitor, and treat solid organ rejection at personalized level.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Vasco
- U.O.C. Division of Clinical Immunology, Immunohematology, Transfusion Medicine and Transplant Immunology, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Giuditta Benincasa
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences (DAMSS), University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy.
| | - Carmela Fiorito
- U.O.C. Division of Clinical Immunology, Immunohematology, Transfusion Medicine and Transplant Immunology, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Mario Faenza
- Multidisciplinary Department of Medical Surgical and Dental Sciences-Plastic Surgery Unit, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Paride De Rosa
- General Surgery and Transplantation Unit, "San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi D'Aragona" University Hospital, Scuola Medica Salernitana, Salerno, Italy
| | - Ciro Maiello
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery and Transplants, Monaldi Hospital, Azienda dei Colli, Naples, Italy
| | - Michele Santangelo
- General Surgery and Kidney Transplantation Unit, "Federico II" University Hospital, Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanni Vennarecci
- Division of General Surgery and Liver Transplantation, AO Cardarelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Claudio Napoli
- U.O.C. Division of Clinical Immunology, Immunohematology, Transfusion Medicine and Transplant Immunology, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy; Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences (DAMSS), University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy; IRCCS SDN, Naples, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Aslam MA, Alemdehy MF, Kwesi-Maliepaard EM, Muhaimin FI, Caganova M, Pardieck IN, van den Brand T, van Welsem T, de Rink I, Song JY, de Wit E, Arens R, Jacobs H, van Leeuwen F. Histone methyltransferase DOT1L controls state-specific identity during B cell differentiation. EMBO Rep 2021; 22:e51184. [PMID: 33410591 PMCID: PMC7857439 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202051184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Differentiation of naïve peripheral B cells into terminally differentiated plasma cells is characterized by epigenetic alterations, yet the epigenetic mechanisms that control B‐cell fate remain unclear. Here, we identified a role for the histone H3K79 methyltransferase DOT1L in controlling B‐cell differentiation. Mouse B cells lacking Dot1L failed to establish germinal centers (GC) and normal humoral immune responses in vivo. In vitro, activated B cells in which Dot1L was deleted showed aberrant differentiation and prematurely acquired plasma cell characteristics. Similar results were obtained when DOT1L was chemically inhibited in mature B cells in vitro. Mechanistically, combined epigenomics and transcriptomics analysis revealed that DOT1L promotes expression of a pro‐proliferative, pro‐GC program. In addition, DOT1L indirectly supports the repression of an anti‐proliferative plasma cell differentiation program by maintaining the repression of Polycomb Repressor Complex 2 (PRC2) targets. Our findings show that DOT1L is a key modulator of the core transcriptional and epigenetic landscape in B cells, establishing an epigenetic barrier that warrants B‐cell naivety and GC B‐cell differentiation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Assad Aslam
- Division of Tumor Biology and Immunology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Mir Farshid Alemdehy
- Division of Tumor Biology and Immunology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - Iris N Pardieck
- Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Teun van den Brand
- Division of Gene Regulation, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Division of Gene Regulation, Oncode Institute, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tibor van Welsem
- Division of Gene Regulation, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Iris de Rink
- Genome Core Facility, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ji-Ying Song
- Division of Experimental Animal Pathology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Elzo de Wit
- Division of Gene Regulation, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Division of Gene Regulation, Oncode Institute, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ramon Arens
- Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Heinz Jacobs
- Division of Tumor Biology and Immunology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Fred van Leeuwen
- Division of Gene Regulation, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam UMC, Location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic is one of the most significant public health threats in recent history and has impacted the lives of almost everyone worldwide. Epigenetic mechanisms contribute to many aspects of the SARS-CoV-2 replication cycle, including expression levels of viral receptor ACE2, expression of cytokine genes as part of the host immune response, and the implication of various histone modifications in several aspects of COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2 proteins physically associate with many different host proteins over the course of infection, and notably there are several interactions between viral proteins and epigenetic enzymes such as HDACs and bromodomain-containing proteins as shown by correlation-based studies. The many contributions of epigenetic mechanisms to the viral life cycle and the host immune response to infection have resulted in epigenetic factors being identified as emerging biomarkers for COVID-19, and project epigenetic modifiers as promising therapeutic targets to combat COVID-19. This review article highlights the major epigenetic pathways at play during COVID-19 disease and discusses ongoing clinical trials that will hopefully contribute to slowing the spread of SARS-CoV-2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rwik Sen
- Active Motif, Incorporated, 1914 Palomar Oaks Way, Suite 150, Carlsbad, CA 92008, USA
| | - Michael Garbati
- Active Motif, Incorporated, 1914 Palomar Oaks Way, Suite 150, Carlsbad, CA 92008, USA
| | - Kevin Bryant
- Active Motif, Incorporated, 1914 Palomar Oaks Way, Suite 150, Carlsbad, CA 92008, USA
| | - Yanan Lu
- Active Motif, Incorporated, 1914 Palomar Oaks Way, Suite 150, Carlsbad, CA 92008, USA
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Francis M, Gopinathan G, Salapatas A, Nares S, Gonzalez M, Diekwisch T, Luan X. SETD1 and NF-κB Regulate Periodontal Inflammation through H3K4 Trimethylation. J Dent Res 2020; 99:1486-1493. [PMID: 32762504 PMCID: PMC7684838 DOI: 10.1177/0022034520939029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The inflammatory response to periodontal pathogens is dynamically controlled by the chromatin state on inflammatory gene promoters. In the present study, we have focused on the effect of the methyltransferase SETD1B on histone H3 lysine K4 (H3K4) histone trimethylation on inflammatory gene promoters. Experiments were based on 3 model systems: 1) an in vitro periodontal ligament (PDL) cell culture model for the study of SETD1 function as it relates to histone methylation and inflammatory gene expression using Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (LPS) as a pathogen, 2) a subcutaneous implantation model to determine the relationship between SETD1 and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) through its activation inhibitor BOT-64, and 3) a mouse periodontitis model to test whether the NF-κB activation inhibitor BOT-64 reverses the inflammatory tissue destruction associated with periodontal disease. In our PDL progenitor cell culture model, P. gingivalis LPS increased H3K4me3 histone methylation on IL-1β, IL-6, and MMP2 gene promoters, while SETD1B inhibition decreased H3K4me3 enrichment and inflammatory gene expression in LPS-treated PDL cells. LPS also increased SETD1 nuclear localization in a p65-dependent fashion and the nuclear translocation of p65 as mediated through SETD1, suggestive of a synergistic effect between SETD1 and p65 in the modulation of inflammation. Confirming the role of SETD1 in p65-mediated periodontal inflammation, BOT-64 reduced the number of SETD1-positive cells in inflamed periodontal tissues, restored periodontal tissue integrity, and enhanced osteogenesis in a periodontal inflammation model in vivo. Together, these results have established the histone lysine methyltransferase SETD1 as a key factor in the opening of the chromatin on inflammatory gene promoters through histone H3K4 trimethylation. Our studies also confirmed the role of BOT-64 as a potent molecular therapeutic for the restoration of periodontal health through the inhibition of NF-κB activity and the amelioration of SETD1-induced chromatin relaxation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M. Francis
- Department of Oral Biology, UIC College of Dentistry, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - G. Gopinathan
- Department of Periodontics and Center for Craniofacial Research and Diagnosis, Texas A&M University College of Dentistry, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - A. Salapatas
- Department of Oral Biology, UIC College of Dentistry, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - S. Nares
- Department of Periodontics, UIC College of Dentistry, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - M. Gonzalez
- Department of Periodontics and Center for Craniofacial Research and Diagnosis, Texas A&M University College of Dentistry, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - T.G.H. Diekwisch
- Department of Oral Biology, UIC College of Dentistry, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Periodontics and Center for Craniofacial Research and Diagnosis, Texas A&M University College of Dentistry, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - X. Luan
- Department of Oral Biology, UIC College of Dentistry, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Periodontics and Center for Craniofacial Research and Diagnosis, Texas A&M University College of Dentistry, Dallas, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Crimi E, Benincasa G, Figueroa-Marrero N, Galdiero M, Napoli C. Epigenetic susceptibility to severe respiratory viral infections and its therapeutic implications: a narrative review. Br J Anaesth 2020; 125:1002-1017. [PMID: 32828489 PMCID: PMC7438995 DOI: 10.1016/j.bja.2020.06.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2020] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The emergence of highly pathogenic strains of influenza virus and coronavirus (CoV) has been responsible for large epidemic and pandemic outbreaks characterised by severe pulmonary illness associated with high morbidity and mortality. One major challenge for critical care is to stratify and minimise the risk of multi-organ failure during the stay in the intensive care unit (ICU). Epigenetic-sensitive mechanisms, including deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA) methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs may lead to perturbations of the host immune-related transcriptional programmes by regulating chromatin structure and gene expression patterns. Viruses causing severe pulmonary illness can use epigenetic-regulated mechanisms during host-pathogen interaction to interfere with innate and adaptive immunity, adequacy of inflammatory response, and overall outcome of viral infections. For example, Middle East respiratory syndrome-CoV and H5N1 can affect host antigen presentation through DNA methylation and histone modifications. The same mechanisms would presumably occur in patients with coronavirus disease 2019, in which tocilizumab may epigenetically reduce microvascular damage. Targeting epigenetic pathways by immune modulators (e.g. tocilizumab) or repurposed drugs (e.g. statins) may provide novel therapeutic opportunities to control viral-host interaction during critical illness. In this review, we provide an update on epigenetic-sensitive mechanisms and repurposed drugs interfering with epigenetic pathways which may be clinically suitable for risk stratification and beneficial for treatment of patients affected by severe viral respiratory infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ettore Crimi
- College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA; Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Ocala Health, Ocala, FL, USA.
| | - Giuditta Benincasa
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences (DAMSS), University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Neisaliz Figueroa-Marrero
- College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA; Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Ocala Health, Ocala, FL, USA
| | - Massimiliano Galdiero
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Microbiology and Virology, University Hospital, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Claudio Napoli
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences (DAMSS), University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy; IRCCS SDN, Naples, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
The Epigenetic Regulator EZH2 Instructs CD4 T Cell Response to Acute Viral Infection via Coupling of Cell Expansion and Metabolic Fitness. J Virol 2020; 94:JVI.01627-20. [PMID: 32999031 PMCID: PMC7925195 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01627-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The CD4 T cell response is critical in curtailing viral infection or eliciting efficacious viral vaccination. Highly efficient expansion of virus-specific CD4 T cells culminates in a qualified CD4 T cell response. Here, we found that the epigenetic regulator EZH2 is a prerequisite for the virus-specific CD4 T cell response, with a mechanism coupling cell expansion and metabolism. Thus, our study provides valuable insights for strategies targeting EZH2 to improve the efficacy of CD4 T cell-based viral vaccines and to help treat diseases associated with aberrant CD4 T cell responses. The protection of a majority of viral vaccines is mediated by CD4 T cell-dependent humoral immunity. The methyltransferase enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) dictates the differentiation of naive CD4 T cells into distinct effector T helper subsets at the onset of acute viral infection. However, whether and how EZH2 manipulates differentiated virus-specific CD4 T cell expansion remain to be elucidated. Here, we found that EZH2 is integral for virus-specific CD4 T cell expansion in a mouse model of acute viral infection. By a mechanism that involves fine-tuning the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling, EZH2 participates in integrating metabolic pathways to support cell expansion. The genetic ablation of EZH2 leads to impaired cellular metabolism and, consequently, poor CD4 T cell response to acute viral infection. Thus, we identified EZH2 as a novel regulator in virus-specific CD4 T cell expansion during acute viral infection. IMPORTANCE The CD4 T cell response is critical in curtailing viral infection or eliciting efficacious viral vaccination. Highly efficient expansion of virus-specific CD4 T cells culminates in a qualified CD4 T cell response. Here, we found that the epigenetic regulator EZH2 is a prerequisite for the virus-specific CD4 T cell response, with a mechanism coupling cell expansion and metabolism. Thus, our study provides valuable insights for strategies targeting EZH2 to improve the efficacy of CD4 T cell-based viral vaccines and to help treat diseases associated with aberrant CD4 T cell responses.
Collapse
|
33
|
Schmidt M, Hopp L, Arakelyan A, Kirsten H, Engel C, Wirkner K, Krohn K, Burkhardt R, Thiery J, Loeffler M, Loeffler-Wirth H, Binder H. The Human Blood Transcriptome in a Large Population Cohort and Its Relation to Aging and Health. Front Big Data 2020; 3:548873. [PMID: 33693414 PMCID: PMC7931910 DOI: 10.3389/fdata.2020.548873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The blood transcriptome is expected to provide a detailed picture of an organism's physiological state with potential outcomes for applications in medical diagnostics and molecular and epidemiological research. We here present the analysis of blood specimens of 3,388 adult individuals, together with phenotype characteristics such as disease history, medication status, lifestyle factors, and body mass index (BMI). The size and heterogeneity of this data challenges analytics in terms of dimension reduction, knowledge mining, feature extraction, and data integration. Methods: Self-organizing maps (SOM)-machine learning was applied to study transcriptional states on a population-wide scale. This method permits a detailed description and visualization of the molecular heterogeneity of transcriptomes and of their association with different phenotypic features. Results: The diversity of transcriptomes is described by personalized SOM-portraits, which specify the samples in terms of modules of co-expressed genes of different functional context. We identified two major blood transcriptome types where type 1 was found more in men, the elderly, and overweight people and it upregulated genes associated with inflammation and increased heme metabolism, while type 2 was predominantly found in women, younger, and normal weight participants and it was associated with activated immune responses, transcriptional, ribosomal, mitochondrial, and telomere-maintenance cell-functions. We find a striking overlap of signatures shared by multiple diseases, aging, and obesity driven by an underlying common pattern, which was associated with the immune response and the increase of inflammatory processes. Conclusions: Machine learning applications for large and heterogeneous omics data provide a holistic view on the diversity of the human blood transcriptome. It provides a tool for comparative analyses of transcriptional signatures and of associated phenotypes in population studies and medical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Schmidt
- IZBI, Interdisciplinary Centre for Bioinformatics, Universität Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Lydia Hopp
- IZBI, Interdisciplinary Centre for Bioinformatics, Universität Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Arsen Arakelyan
- BIG, Group of Bioinformatics, Institute of Molecular Biology, National Academy of Sciences, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Holger Kirsten
- IMISE, Institute for Medical Informatics, Statistics and Epidemiology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.,Leipzig Research Centre for Civilization Diseases, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Christoph Engel
- IMISE, Institute for Medical Informatics, Statistics and Epidemiology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.,Leipzig Research Centre for Civilization Diseases, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Kerstin Wirkner
- IMISE, Institute for Medical Informatics, Statistics and Epidemiology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.,Leipzig Research Centre for Civilization Diseases, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Knut Krohn
- Leipzig Research Centre for Civilization Diseases, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.,Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ralph Burkhardt
- Leipzig Research Centre for Civilization Diseases, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.,Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Joachim Thiery
- Leipzig Research Centre for Civilization Diseases, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.,Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Markus Loeffler
- IZBI, Interdisciplinary Centre for Bioinformatics, Universität Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.,IMISE, Institute for Medical Informatics, Statistics and Epidemiology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.,Leipzig Research Centre for Civilization Diseases, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Henry Loeffler-Wirth
- IZBI, Interdisciplinary Centre for Bioinformatics, Universität Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Hans Binder
- IZBI, Interdisciplinary Centre for Bioinformatics, Universität Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.,Leipzig Research Centre for Civilization Diseases, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Choudhary S, Sreenivasulu K, Mitra P, Misra S, Sharma P. Role of Genetic Variants and Gene Expression in the Susceptibility and Severity of COVID-19. Ann Lab Med 2020; 41:129-138. [PMID: 33063674 PMCID: PMC7591285 DOI: 10.3343/alm.2021.41.2.129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Since its first report in December 2019, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has rapidly emerged as a pandemic affecting nearly all countries worldwide. As the COVID-19 pandemic progresses, the need to identify genetic risk factors for susceptibility to this serious illness has emerged. Host genetic factors, along with other risk factors may help determine susceptibility to respiratory tract infections. It is hypothesized that the ACE2 gene, encoding angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), is a genetic risk factor for SARS-CoV-2 infection and is required by the virus to enter cells. Together with ACE2, transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2) and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4) also play an important role in disease severity. Evaluating the role of genetic variants in determining the direction of respiratory infections will help identify potential drug target candidates for further study in COVID-19 patients. We have summarized the latest reports demonstrating that ACE2 variants, their expression, and epigenetic factors may influence an individual’s susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection and disease outcome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarita Choudhary
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, India
| | - Karli Sreenivasulu
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, India
| | - Prasenjit Mitra
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, India
| | - Sanjeev Misra
- Department of Surgical Oncology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, India
| | - Praveen Sharma
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, India
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Atlante S, Mongelli A, Barbi V, Martelli F, Farsetti A, Gaetano C. The epigenetic implication in coronavirus infection and therapy. Clin Epigenetics 2020; 12:156. [PMID: 33087172 PMCID: PMC7576975 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-020-00946-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetics is a relatively new field of science that studies the genetic and non-genetic aspects related to heritable phenotypic changes, frequently caused by environmental and metabolic factors. In the host, the epigenetic machinery can regulate gene expression through a series of reversible epigenetic modifications, such as histone methylation and acetylation, DNA/RNA methylation, chromatin remodeling, and non-coding RNAs. The coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) is a highly transmittable and pathogenic viral infection. The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which emerged in Wuhan, China, and spread worldwide, causes it. COVID-19 severity and consequences largely depend on patient age and health status. In this review, we will summarize and comparatively analyze how viruses regulate the host epigenome. Mainly, we will be focusing on highly pathogenic respiratory RNA virus infections such as coronaviruses. In this context, epigenetic alterations might play an essential role in the onset of coronavirus disease complications. Although many therapeutic approaches are under study, more research is urgently needed to identify effective vaccine or safer chemotherapeutic drugs, including epigenetic drugs, to cope with this viral outbreak and to develop pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis against COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Atlante
- Laboratorio di Epigenetica, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Via Maugeri 4, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Alessia Mongelli
- Laboratorio di Epigenetica, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Via Maugeri 4, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Veronica Barbi
- Laboratorio di Epigenetica, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Via Maugeri 4, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Fabio Martelli
- Laboratorio di Cardiologia Molecolare, Policlinico San Donato IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonella Farsetti
- Institute for Systems Analysis and Computer Science “A. Ruberti” (IASI), National Research Council (CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Gaetano
- Laboratorio di Epigenetica, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Via Maugeri 4, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Lu X, Chu CS, Fang T, Rayon-Estrada V, Fang F, Patke A, Qian Y, Clarke SH, Melnick AM, Zhang Y, Papavasiliou FN, Roeder RG. MTA2/NuRD Regulates B Cell Development and Cooperates with OCA-B in Controlling the Pre-B to Immature B Cell Transition. Cell Rep 2020; 28:472-485.e5. [PMID: 31291582 PMCID: PMC6690613 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.06.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Revised: 04/21/2019] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The NuRD complex contains both chromatin remodeling and histone deacetylase activities. Mice lacking the MTA2 subunit of NuRD show developmental defects in pro-B, pre-B, immature B, and marginal zone B cells, and abnormal germinal center B cell differentiation during immune responses. Mta2 inactivation also causes a derepression of Igll1 and VpreB1 genes in pre-B cells. Furthermore, MTA2/NuRD interacts directly with AIOLOS/IKAROS and shows a striking overlap with AIOLOS/IKAROS target genes in human pre-B cells, suggesting a functional interdependence between MTA2/NuRD and AIOLOS. Mechanistically, MTA2 deficiency in mice leads to increased H3K27 acetylation at both Igll1 and VpreB1 promoters. Gene profiling analyses also identify distinct MTA2-dependent transcription programs in pro-B and pre-B cells. In addition, we find a strong synergy between MTA2 and OCA-B in repressing Igll1 and VpreB1 at the pre-B cell stage, and in regulating both the pre-B to immature B transition and splenic B cell development. Lu et al. examine B cell developmental defects in MTA2-deficient mice. MTA2 interacts with AIOLOS/IKAROS, represses Igll1 expression, co-binds to most AIOLOS/IKAROS target genes in pre-B cells, and cooperates with OCA-B in the pre-B to immature B transition. These data suggest that AIOLOS/IKAROS functions through MTA2/NuRD during B cell development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiangdong Lu
- The Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Chi-Shuen Chu
- The Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Terry Fang
- The Laboratory of Immune Cell Epigenetics and Signaling, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Violeta Rayon-Estrada
- The Laboratory of Lymphocyte Biology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Fang Fang
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Alina Patke
- The Laboratory of Immune Cell Epigenetics and Signaling, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Ye Qian
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Stephen H Clarke
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Ari M Melnick
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Yi Zhang
- HHMI, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - F Nina Papavasiliou
- The Laboratory of Lymphocyte Biology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA; Division of Immune Diversity, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Robert G Roeder
- The Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Troye-Blomberg M, Arama C, Quin J, Bujila I, Östlund Farrants AK. What will studies of Fulani individuals naturally exposed to malaria teach us about protective immunity to malaria? Scand J Immunol 2020; 92:e12932. [PMID: 32652609 PMCID: PMC7583377 DOI: 10.1111/sji.12932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
There are an estimated over 200 million yearly cases of malaria worldwide. Despite concerted international effort to combat the disease, it still causes approximately half a million deaths every year, the majority of which are young children with Plasmodium falciparum infection in sub‐Saharan Africa. Successes are largely attributed to malaria prevention strategies, such as insecticide‐treated mosquito nets and indoor spraying, as well as improved access to existing treatments. One important hurdle to new approaches for the treatment and prevention of malaria is our limited understanding of the biology of Plasmodium infection and its complex interaction with the immune system of its human host. Therefore, the elimination of malaria in Africa not only relies on existing tools to reduce malaria burden, but also requires fundamental research to develop innovative approaches. Here, we summarize our discoveries from investigations of ethnic groups of West Africa who have different susceptibility to malaria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marita Troye-Blomberg
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Charles Arama
- Department of Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases, International Center of Excellence in Research, Malaria Research and Training Centre, University of Sciences, Technique and Technology of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Jaclyn Quin
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden.,CEITEC Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Ioana Bujila
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Microbiology, Public Health Agency of Sweden, Solna, Sweden
| | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
The multifaceted functional role of DNA methylation in immune-mediated rheumatic diseases. Clin Rheumatol 2020; 40:459-476. [PMID: 32613397 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-020-05255-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Revised: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Genomic predisposition cannot explain the onset of complex diseases, as well illustrated by the largely incomplete concordance among monozygotic twins. Epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation, chromatin remodelling and non-coding RNA, are considered to be the link between environmental stimuli and disease onset on a permissive genetic background in autoimmune and chronic inflammatory diseases. The paradigmatic cases of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), systemic sclerosis (SSc), Sjogren's syndrome (SjS) and type-1 diabetes (T1D) share the loss of immunological tolerance to self-antigen influenced by several factors, with a largely incomplete role of individual genomic susceptibility. The most widely investigated epigenetic mechanism is DNA methylation which is associated with gene silencing and is due to the binding of methyl-CpG binding domain (MBD)-containing proteins, such as MECP2, to 5-methylcytosine (5mC). Indeed, a causal relationship occurs between DNA methylation and transcription factors occupancy and recruitment at specific genomic locus. In most cases, the results obtained in different studies are controversial in terms of DNA methylation comparison while fascinating evidence comes from the comparison of the epigenome in clinically discordant monozygotic twins. In this manuscript, we will review the mechanisms of epigenetics and DNA methylation changes in specific immune-mediated rheumatic diseases to highlight remaining unmet needs and to identify possible shared mechanisms beyond different tissue involvements with common therapeutic opportunities. Key Points • DNA methylation has a crucial role in regulating and tuning the immune system. • Evidences suggest that dysregulation of DNA methylation is pivotal in the context of immune-mediated rheumatic diseases. • DNA methylation dysregulation in FOXP3 and interferons-related genes is shared within several autoimmune diseases. • DNA methylation is an attractive marker for diagnosis and therapy.
Collapse
|
39
|
Beltrán-García J, Osca-Verdegal R, Romá-Mateo C, Carbonell N, Ferreres J, Rodríguez M, Mulet S, García-López E, Pallardó FV, García-Giménez JL. Epigenetic biomarkers for human sepsis and septic shock: insights from immunosuppression. Epigenomics 2020; 12:617-646. [PMID: 32396480 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2019-0329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body responds to an infection damaging its own tissues. Sepsis survivors sometimes suffer from immunosuppression increasing the risk of death. To our best knowledge, there is no 'gold standard' for defining immunosuppression except for a composite clinical end point. As the immune system is exposed to epigenetic changes during and after sepsis, research that focuses on identifying new biomarkers to detect septic patients with immunoparalysis could offer new epigenetic-based strategies to predict short- and long-term pathological events related to this life-threatening state. This review describes the most relevant epigenetic mechanisms underlying alterations in the innate and adaptive immune responses described in sepsis and septic shock, and their consequences for immunosuppression states, providing several candidates to become epigenetic biomarkers that could improve sepsis management and help predict immunosuppression in postseptic patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jesús Beltrán-García
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Institute of Health Carlos III, Valencia 46010, Spain.,Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Valencia, Valencia 46010, Spain.,INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Valencia 46010, Spain.,EpiDisease S.L. (Spin-Off CIBER-ISCIII), Parc Científic de la Universitat de València, Paterna 46980, Valencia, Spain
| | - Rebeca Osca-Verdegal
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Valencia, Valencia 46010, Spain
| | - Carlos Romá-Mateo
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Institute of Health Carlos III, Valencia 46010, Spain.,Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Valencia, Valencia 46010, Spain.,INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Valencia 46010, Spain
| | - Nieves Carbonell
- INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Valencia 46010, Spain.,Intensive Care Unit, Clinical University Hospital of Valencia, Valencia 46010, Spain
| | - José Ferreres
- INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Valencia 46010, Spain.,Intensive Care Unit, Clinical University Hospital of Valencia, Valencia 46010, Spain
| | - María Rodríguez
- INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Valencia 46010, Spain.,Intensive Care Unit, Clinical University Hospital of Valencia, Valencia 46010, Spain
| | - Sandra Mulet
- INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Valencia 46010, Spain.,Intensive Care Unit, Clinical University Hospital of Valencia, Valencia 46010, Spain
| | - Eva García-López
- EpiDisease S.L. (Spin-Off CIBER-ISCIII), Parc Científic de la Universitat de València, Paterna 46980, Valencia, Spain
| | - Federico V Pallardó
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Institute of Health Carlos III, Valencia 46010, Spain.,Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Valencia, Valencia 46010, Spain.,INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Valencia 46010, Spain
| | - José Luis García-Giménez
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Institute of Health Carlos III, Valencia 46010, Spain.,Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Valencia, Valencia 46010, Spain.,INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Valencia 46010, Spain.,EpiDisease S.L. (Spin-Off CIBER-ISCIII), Parc Científic de la Universitat de València, Paterna 46980, Valencia, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
BCG Vaccinations Upregulate Myc, a Central Switch for Improved Glucose Metabolism in Diabetes. iScience 2020; 23:101085. [PMID: 32380424 PMCID: PMC7205768 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.101085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2020] [Revised: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Myc has emerged as a pivotal transcription factor for four metabolic pathways: aerobic glycolysis, glutaminolysis, polyamine synthesis, and HIF-1α/mTOR. Each of these pathways accelerates the utilization of sugar. The BCG vaccine, a derivative of Mycobacteria-bovis, has been shown to trigger a long-term correction of blood sugar levels to near normal in type 1 diabetics (T1D). Here we reveal the underlying mechanisms behind this beneficial microbe-host interaction. We show that baseline glucose transport is deficient in T1D monocytes but is improved by BCG in vitro and in vivo. We then show, using RNAseq in monocytes and CD4 T cells, that BCG treatment over 56 weeks in humans is associated with upregulation of Myc and activation of nearly two dozen Myc-target genes underlying the four metabolic pathways. This is the first documentation of BCG induction of Myc and its association with systemic blood sugar control in a chronic disease like diabetes. T1D has insufficient aerobic glycolysis; this causes insufficient sugar utilization BCG vaccine lowers blood sugar levels in T1D by augmenting aerobic glycolysis BCG-induced shift to aerobic glycolysis is associated with Myc activation Host-microbe BCG interactions through Myc activate sugar-regulating genes in T1D
Collapse
|
41
|
Belizário J, Destro Rodrigues MF. Checkpoint inhibitor blockade and epigenetic reprogrammability in CD8 + T-cell activation and exhaustion. Ther Adv Vaccines Immunother 2020; 8:2515135520904238. [PMID: 32206744 PMCID: PMC7074507 DOI: 10.1177/2515135520904238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
CD8+ T-cell exhaustion is a dysfunctional state that is regulated through the expression of inhibitory checkpoint receptor genes including the cytotoxic T-lymphocyte–associated antigen 4, programmed death 1, and DNA methylation of effector genes interferon-γ, perforin, and granzyme B. Different strategies have been used to reverse T-cell exhaustion, which is an adverse event of checkpoint inhibitor blockade. Here, we present the mechanisms by which DNA methyltransferase inhibitors and Simian virus 40 large T antigen through viral mimicry can promote the reversion of exhausted CD8+ T cells. We examine how these pharmacological strategies can work together to improve the clinical efficacy of immunotherapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- José Belizário
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute Biomedical Sciences of the University of Sao Paulo, Avenida Lineu Prestes, 1524, São Paulo, CEP 05508-900, Brazil
| | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Lion M, Muhire B, Namiki Y, Tolstorukov MY, Oettinger MA. Alterations in chromatin at antigen receptor loci define lineage progression during B lymphopoiesis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:5453-5462. [PMID: 32098847 PMCID: PMC7071903 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1914923117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Developing lymphocytes diversify their antigen receptor (AgR) loci by variable (diversity) joining (V[D]J) recombination. Here, using the micrococcal nuclease (MNase)-based chromatin accessibility (MACC) assay with low-cell count input, we profile both small-scale (kilobase) and large-scale (megabase) changes in chromatin accessibility and nucleosome occupancy in primary cells during lymphoid development, tracking the changes as different AgR loci become primed for recombination. The three distinct chromatin structures identified in this work define unique features of immunoglobulin H (IgH), Igκ, and T cell receptor-α (TCRα) loci during B lymphopoiesis. In particular, we find locus-specific temporal changes in accessibility both across megabase-long AgR loci and locally at the recombination signal sequences (RSSs). These changes seem to be regulated independently and can occur prior to lineage commitment. Large-scale changes in chromatin accessibility occur without significant change in nucleosome density and represent key features of AgR loci not previously described. We further identify local dynamic repositioning of individual RSS-associated nucleosomes at IgH and Igκ loci while they become primed for recombination during B cell commitment. These changes in chromatin at AgR loci are regulated in a locus-, lineage-, and stage-specific manner during B lymphopoiesis, serving either to facilitate or to impose a barrier to V(D)J recombination. We suggest that local and global changes in chromatin openness in concert with nucleosome occupancy and placement of histone modifications facilitate the temporal order of AgR recombination. Our data have implications for the organizing principles that govern assembly of these large loci as well as for mechanisms that might contribute to aberrant V(D)J recombination and the development of lymphoid tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mattia Lion
- Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Brejnev Muhire
- Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Yuka Namiki
- Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | | | - Marjorie A Oettinger
- Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114;
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Abstract
Cells, the basic units of life, have striking differences at transcriptomic, proteomic and epigenomic levels across tissues, organs, organ systems and organisms. The coordination of individual immune cells is essential for the generation of effective immune responses to pathogens while immune tolerance is maintained to protect the host. In rheumatic diseases, when immune responses are dysregulated, pathologically important cells might represent only a small fraction of the immune system. Interrogation of the contributions of individual immune cells to pathogenesis and disease progression should therefore reveal important insights into the complicated aetiology of rheumatic diseases. Technological advances are enabling the high-dimensional dissection of single cells at multiple omics levels, which could facilitate the identification of dysregulated molecular mechanisms in patients with rheumatic diseases and the discovery of new therapeutic targets and biomarkers. The single-cell technologies that have been developed over the past decade and the experimental platforms that enable multi-omics integrative analyses have already made inroads into immunology-related fields of study and have potential for use in rheumatology. Layers of omics data derived from single cells are likely to fundamentally change our understanding of the molecular pathways that underpin the pathogenesis of rheumatic diseases.
Collapse
|
44
|
Wang R, Liu X. Epigenetic regulation of prostate cancer. Genes Dis 2019; 7:606-613. [PMID: 33335960 PMCID: PMC7729106 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2019.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2019] [Revised: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer is (PCa) the second leading cause of cancer death in males in the United State, with 174,650 new cases and 31,620 deaths estimated in 2019. It has been documented that epigenetic deregulation such as histone modification and DNA methylation contributes to PCa initiation and progression. EZH2 (enhancer of zeste homolog 2), the catalytic subunit of the Polycomb Repressive Complex (PRC2) responsible for H3K27me3 and gene repression, has been identified as a promising target in PCa. In addition, overexpression of other epigenetic regulators such as DNA methyltransferases (DNMT) is also observed in PCa. These epigenetic regulators undergo extensive post-translational modifications, in particular, phosphorylation. AKT, CDKs, PLK1, PKA, ATR and DNA-PK are the established kinases responsible for phosphorylation of various epigenetic regulators.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruixin Wang
- Department of Biochemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA.,Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - Xiaoqi Liu
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA.,Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Audrito V, Managò A, Gaudino F, Sorci L, Messana VG, Raffaelli N, Deaglio S. NAD-Biosynthetic and Consuming Enzymes as Central Players of Metabolic Regulation of Innate and Adaptive Immune Responses in Cancer. Front Immunol 2019; 10:1720. [PMID: 31402913 PMCID: PMC6671870 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells, particularly in solid tumors, are surrounded by non-neoplastic elements, including endothelial and stromal cells, as well as cells of immune origin, which can support tumor growth by providing the right conditions. On the other hand, local hypoxia, and lack of nutrients induce tumor cells to reprogram their metabolism in order to survive, proliferate, and disseminate: the same conditions are also responsible for building a tumor-suppressive microenvironment. In addition to tumor cells, it is now well-recognized that metabolic rewiring occurs in all cellular components of the tumor microenvironment, affecting epigenetic regulation of gene expression and influencing differentiation/proliferation decisions of these cells. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) is an essential co-factor for energy transduction in metabolic processes. It is also a key component of signaling pathways, through the regulation of NAD-consuming enzymes, including sirtuins and PARPs, which can affect DNA plasticity and accessibility. In addition, both NAD-biosynthetic and NAD-consuming enzymes can be present in the extracellular environment, adding a new layer of complexity to the system. In this review we will discuss the role of the “NADome” in the metabolic cross-talk between cancer and infiltrating immune cells, contributing to cancer growth and immune evasion, with an eye to therapeutic implications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Audrito
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,Italian Institute for Genomic Medicine, Turin, Italy
| | - Antonella Managò
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,Italian Institute for Genomic Medicine, Turin, Italy
| | - Federica Gaudino
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,Italian Institute for Genomic Medicine, Turin, Italy
| | - Leonardo Sorci
- Division of Bioinformatics and Biochemistry, Department of Materials, Environmental Sciences and Urban Planning, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Gianluca Messana
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,Italian Institute for Genomic Medicine, Turin, Italy
| | - Nadia Raffaelli
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Silvia Deaglio
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,Italian Institute for Genomic Medicine, Turin, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Placek K, Schultze JL, Aschenbrenner AC. Epigenetic reprogramming of immune cells in injury, repair, and resolution. J Clin Invest 2019; 129:2994-3005. [PMID: 31329166 DOI: 10.1172/jci124619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune cells are pivotal in the reaction to injury, whereupon, under ideal conditions, repair and resolution phases restore homeostasis following initial acute inflammation. Immune cell activation and reprogramming require transcriptional changes that can only be initiated if epigenetic alterations occur. Recently, accelerated deciphering of epigenetic mechanisms has extended knowledge of epigenetic regulation, including long-distance chromatin remodeling, DNA methylation, posttranslational histone modifications, and involvement of small and long noncoding RNAs. Epigenetic changes have been linked to aspects of immune cell development, activation, and differentiation. Furthermore, genome-wide epigenetic landscapes have been established for some immune cells, including tissue-resident macrophages, and blood-derived cells including T cells. The epigenetic mechanisms underlying developmental steps from hematopoietic stem cells to fully differentiated immune cells led to development of epigenetic technologies and insights into general rules of epigenetic regulation. Compared with more advanced research areas, epigenetic reprogramming of immune cells in injury remains in its infancy. While the early epigenetic mechanisms supporting activation of the immune response to injury have been studied, less is known about resolution and repair phases and cell type-specific changes. We review prominent recent findings concerning injury-mediated epigenetic reprogramming, particularly in stroke and myocardial infarction. Lastly, we illustrate how single-cell technologies will be crucial to understanding epigenetic reprogramming in the complex sequential processes following injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Placek
- Immunology and Metabolism, LIMES Institute, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Joachim L Schultze
- Platform for Single Cell Genomics and Epigenomics at the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases and the University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.,Genomics and Immunoregulation, LIMES Institute, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Anna C Aschenbrenner
- Genomics and Immunoregulation, LIMES Institute, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Martínez-Cano J, Campos-Sánchez E, Cobaleda C. Epigenetic Priming in Immunodeficiencies. Front Cell Dev Biol 2019; 7:125. [PMID: 31355198 PMCID: PMC6635466 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2019.00125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunodeficiencies (IDs) are disorders of the immune system that increase susceptibility to infections and cancer, and are therefore associated with elevated morbidity and mortality. IDs can be primary (not caused by other condition or exposure) or secondary due to the exposure to different agents (infections, chemicals, aging, etc.). Most primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs) are of genetic origin, caused by mutations affecting genes with key roles in the development or function of the cells of the immune system. A large percentage of PIDs are associated with a defective development and/or function of lymphocytes and, especially, B cells, the ones in charge of generating the different types of antibodies. B-cell development is a tightly regulated process in which many different factors participate. Among the regulators of B-cell differentiation, a correct epigenetic control of cellular identity is essential for normal cell function. With the advent of next-generation sequencing (NGS) techniques, more and more alterations in different types of epigenetic regulators are being described at the root of PIDs, both in humans and in animal models. At the same time, it is becoming increasingly clear that epigenetic alterations triggered by the exposure to environmental agents have a key role in the development of secondary immunodeficiencies (SIDs). Due to their largely reversible nature, epigenetic modifications are quickly becoming key therapeutic targets in other diseases where their contribution has been known for more time, like cancer. Here, we establish a parallelism between IDs and the nowadays accepted role of epigenetics in cancer initiation and progression, and propose that epigenetics forms a "third axis" (together with genetics and external agents) to be considered in the etiology of IDs, and linking PIDs and SIDs at the molecular level. We therefore postulate that IDs arise due to a variable contribution of (i) genetic, (ii) environmental, and (iii) epigenetic causes, which in fact form a continuum landscape of all possible combinations of these factors. Additionally, this implies the possibility of a fully epigenetically triggered mechanism for some IDs. This concept would have important prophylactic and translational implications, and would also imply a more blurred frontier between primary and secondary immunodeficiencies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Martínez-Cano
- Department of Cell Biology and Immunology, Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas -Universidad Autónoma de Madrid), Madrid, Spain
| | - Elena Campos-Sánchez
- Department of Cell Biology and Immunology, Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas -Universidad Autónoma de Madrid), Madrid, Spain
| | - César Cobaleda
- Department of Cell Biology and Immunology, Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas -Universidad Autónoma de Madrid), Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Cross D, Drury R, Hill J, Pollard AJ. Epigenetics in Sepsis: Understanding Its Role in Endothelial Dysfunction, Immunosuppression, and Potential Therapeutics. Front Immunol 2019; 10:1363. [PMID: 31275313 PMCID: PMC6591469 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Sepsis has a complex pathophysiology in which both excessive and refractory inflammatory responses are hallmark features. Pro-inflammatory cytokine responses during the early stages are responsible for significant endothelial dysfunction, loss of endothelial integrity, and organ failure. In addition, it is now well-established that a substantial number of sepsis survivors experience ongoing immunological derangement and immunosuppression following a septic episode. The underpinning mechanisms of these phenomena are incompletely understood yet they contribute to a significant proportion of sepsis-associated mortality. Epigenetic mechanisms including DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs, have an increasingly clear role in modulating inflammatory and other immunological processes. Recent evidence suggests epigenetic mechanisms are extensively perturbed as sepsis progresses, and particularly play a role in endothelial dysfunction and immunosuppression. Whilst therapeutic modulation of the epigenome is still in its infancy, there is substantial evidence from animal models that this approach could reap benefits. In this review, we summarize research elucidating the role of these mechanisms in several aspects of sepsis pathophysiology including tissue injury and immunosuppression. We also evaluate pre-clinical evidence for the use of "epi-therapies" in the treatment of poly-microbial sepsis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Cross
- Oxford Vaccine Group, Department of Paediatrics, NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Nehme Z, Pasquereau S, Herbein G. Control of viral infections by epigenetic-targeted therapy. Clin Epigenetics 2019; 11:55. [PMID: 30917875 PMCID: PMC6437953 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-019-0654-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 03/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetics is defined as the science that studies the modifications of gene expression that are not owed to mutations or changes in the genetic sequence. Recently, strong evidences are pinpointing toward a solid interplay between such epigenetic alterations and the outcome of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection. Guided by the previous possibly promising experimental trials of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epigenetic reprogramming, the latter is paving the road toward two major approaches to control viral gene expression or latency. Reactivating HCMV from the latent phase ("shock and kill" paradigm) or alternatively repressing the virus lytic and reactivation phases ("block and lock" paradigm) by epigenetic-targeted therapy represent encouraging options to overcome latency and viral shedding or otherwise replication and infectivity, which could lead eventually to control the infection and its complications. Not limited to HIV and HCMV, this concept is similarly studied in the context of hepatitis B and C virus, herpes simplex virus, and Epstein-Barr virus. Therefore, epigenetic manipulations stand as a pioneering research area in modern biology and could constitute a curative methodology by potentially consenting the development of broad-spectrum antivirals to control viral infections in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zeina Nehme
- Department Pathogens & Inflammation-EPILAB, UPRES EA4266, University of Franche-Comté, University of Bourgogne Franche-Comté, 16 route de Gray, F-25030 Besançon cedex, France
- Université Libanaise, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Sébastien Pasquereau
- Department Pathogens & Inflammation-EPILAB, UPRES EA4266, University of Franche-Comté, University of Bourgogne Franche-Comté, 16 route de Gray, F-25030 Besançon cedex, France
| | - Georges Herbein
- Department Pathogens & Inflammation-EPILAB, UPRES EA4266, University of Franche-Comté, University of Bourgogne Franche-Comté, 16 route de Gray, F-25030 Besançon cedex, France
- Department of Virology, CHRU Besancon, F-25030 Besançon, France
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
The histone methyltransferase EZH2 primes the early differentiation of follicular helper T cells during acute viral infection. Cell Mol Immunol 2019; 17:247-260. [PMID: 30842630 PMCID: PMC7052164 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-019-0219-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Revised: 02/17/2019] [Accepted: 02/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic modifications to histones dictate the differentiation of naïve CD4+ T cells into different subsets of effector T helper (TH) cells. The histone methyltransferase enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) has been implicated in the mechanism regulating the differentiation of TH1, TH2 and regulatory T (Treg) cells. However, whether and how EZH2 regulates follicular helper T (TFH) cell differentiation remain unknown. Using a mouse model of acute lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) infection, we observed abundant EZH2 expression and associated H3K27me3 modifications preferentially in the early committed virus-specific TFH cells compared to those in TH1 cells. Ablation of EZH2 in LCMV-specific CD4+ T cells leads to a selective impairment of early TFH cell fate commitment, but not late TFH differentiation or memory TFH maintenance. Mechanistically, EZH2 specifically stabilizes the chromatin accessibility of a cluster of genes that are important for TFH fate commitment, particularly B cell lymphoma 6 (Bcl6), and thus directs TFH cell commitment. Therefore, we identified the chromatin-modifying enzyme EZH2 as a novel regulator of early TFH differentiation during acute viral infection.
Collapse
|