1
|
Wei X, Dhungana P, Sim C. The diapausing mosquito Culex pipiens exhibits reduced levels of H3K27me2 in the fat body. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 33:457-466. [PMID: 37702080 PMCID: PMC10932852 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
Culex pipiens, the northern house mosquito, is a major vector of West Nile virus. To survive the severe winter, adult mosquitoes enter a diapause programme. Extended lifespan and an increase in lipid storage are key indicators of diapause. Post-translational modifications to histone proteins impact the expression of genes and have been linked to the lifespan and energy utilisation of numerous insects. Here, we investigated the potential contribution of epigenetic alterations in initiating diapause in this mosquito species. Multiple sequence alignment of H3 sequences from other insect species demonstrates a high conservation of the H3 histone in Cx. pipiens throughout evolution. We then compared the levels of histone methylation in the ovaries and fat body tissues of diapausing and non-diapausing Cx. pipiens using western blots. Our data indicate that histone methylation levels in the ovaries of Cx. pipiens do not change during diapause. In contrast, H3K27me2 levels decrease more than twofold in the fat body of diapausing mosquitoes relative to non-diapausing counterparts. H3K27 methylation plays a crucial role in chromosome activation and inactivation during development in many insect species. This is predominantly governed by polycomb repressor complex 2. Intriguingly, a previous ChIP-seq study demonstrated that the transcription factor FOXO (Forkhead box O) targets the genes that comprise this complex. In addition, H3K27me2 exhibits dynamic abundance throughout the diapause programme in Cx. pipiens, suggesting its potential role in the initial activation of the diapause programme. This study expands our understanding of the relationship between alterations in epigenetic regulation and diapause.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xueyan Wei
- Department of Biology, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76798, USA
| | - Prabin Dhungana
- Department of Biology, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76798, USA
| | - Cheolho Sim
- Department of Biology, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76798, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Mrabti C, Yang N, Desdín-Micó G, Alonso-Calleja A, Vílchez-Acosta A, Pico S, Parras A, Piao Y, Schoenfeldt L, Luo S, Haghani A, Brooke R, del Carmen Maza M, Branchina C, Maroun CY, von Meyenn F, Naveiras O, Horvath S, Sen P, Ocampo A. Loss of H3K9 trimethylation leads to premature aging. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.07.24.604929. [PMID: 39091811 PMCID: PMC11291141 DOI: 10.1101/2024.07.24.604929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
Aging is the major risk factor for most human diseases and represents a major socio-economical challenge for modern societies. Despite its importance, the process of aging remains poorly understood. Epigenetic dysregulation has been proposed as a key driver of the aging process. Modifications in transcriptional networks and chromatin structure might be central to age-related functional decline. A prevalent feature described during aging is the overall reduction in heterochromatin, specifically marked by the loss of repressive histone modification, Histone 3 lysine 9 trimethylation (H3K9me3). However, the role of H3K9me3 in aging, especially in mammals, remains unclear. Here we show using a novel mouse strain, (TKOc), carrying a triple knockout of three methyltransferases responsible for H3K9me3 deposition, that the inducible loss of H3K9me3 in adulthood results in premature aging. TKOc mice exhibit reduced lifespan, lower body weight, increased frailty index, multi-organ degeneration, transcriptional changes with significant upregulation of transposable elements, and accelerated epigenetic age. Our data strongly supports the concept that the loss of epigenetic information directly drives the aging process. These findings reveal the importance of epigenetic regulation in aging and suggest that interventions targeting epigenetic modifications could potentially slow down or reverse age-related decline. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the process of aging will be crucial for developing novel therapeutic strategies that can delay the onset of age-associated diseases and preserve human health at old age specially in rapidly aging societies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Calida Mrabti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Vaud, Switzerland
| | - Na Yang
- Laboratory of Genetics and Genomics, National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Gabriela Desdín-Micó
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Vaud, Switzerland
| | - Alejandro Alonso-Calleja
- Laboratory of Regenerative Hematopoiesis, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Lausanne, Switzerland
- Laboratory of Metabolic Signaling, Institute of Bioengineering, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Alba Vílchez-Acosta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Vaud, Switzerland
| | - Sara Pico
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Vaud, Switzerland
| | | | - Yulan Piao
- Laboratory of Genetics and Genomics, National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Lucas Schoenfeldt
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Vaud, Switzerland
- EPITERNA SA, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Siyuan Luo
- Departement of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Zurich
| | | | - Robert Brooke
- Epigenetic Clock Development, Foundation, Torrance, California, USA
| | - María del Carmen Maza
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Vaud, Switzerland
| | - Clémence Branchina
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Vaud, Switzerland
| | - Céline Yacoub Maroun
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Vaud, Switzerland
| | | | - Olaia Naveiras
- Laboratory of Genetics and Genomics, National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
- Laboratory of Regenerative Hematopoiesis, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Steve Horvath
- Altos Labs, San Diego, CA, USA
- Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Payel Sen
- Laboratory of Genetics and Genomics, National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Alejandro Ocampo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Vaud, Switzerland
- EPITERNA SA, Epalinges, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Castilho RM, Castilho LS, Palomares BH, Squarize CH. Determinants of Chromatin Organization in Aging and Cancer-Emerging Opportunities for Epigenetic Therapies and AI Technology. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:710. [PMID: 38927646 PMCID: PMC11202709 DOI: 10.3390/genes15060710] [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: 03/31/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
This review article critically examines the pivotal role of chromatin organization in gene regulation, cellular differentiation, disease progression and aging. It explores the dynamic between the euchromatin and heterochromatin, coded by a complex array of histone modifications that orchestrate essential cellular processes. We discuss the pathological impacts of chromatin state misregulation, particularly in cancer and accelerated aging conditions such as progeroid syndromes, and highlight the innovative role of epigenetic therapies and artificial intelligence (AI) in comprehending and harnessing the histone code toward personalized medicine. In the context of aging, this review explores the use of AI and advanced machine learning (ML) algorithms to parse vast biological datasets, leading to the development of predictive models for epigenetic modifications and providing a framework for understanding complex regulatory mechanisms, such as those governing cell identity genes. It supports innovative platforms like CEFCIG for high-accuracy predictions and tools like GridGO for tailored ChIP-Seq analysis, which are vital for deciphering the epigenetic landscape. The review also casts a vision on the prospects of AI and ML in oncology, particularly in the personalization of cancer therapy, including early diagnostics and treatment optimization for diseases like head and neck and colorectal cancers by harnessing computational methods, AI advancements and integrated clinical data for a transformative impact on healthcare outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rogerio M. Castilho
- Laboratory of Epithelial Biology, Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, School of Dentistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1078, USA; (L.S.C.); (C.H.S.)
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1078, USA
| | - Leonard S. Castilho
- Laboratory of Epithelial Biology, Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, School of Dentistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1078, USA; (L.S.C.); (C.H.S.)
| | - Bruna H. Palomares
- Oral Diagnosis Department, Piracicaba School of Dentistry, State University of Campinas, Piracicaba 13414-903, Sao Paulo, Brazil;
| | - Cristiane H. Squarize
- Laboratory of Epithelial Biology, Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, School of Dentistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1078, USA; (L.S.C.); (C.H.S.)
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1078, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Miliotou E, de Lázaro I. A Youthful Touch: Reversal of Aging Hallmarks by Cell Reprogramming. Cells Tissues Organs 2024:1-13. [PMID: 38768583 DOI: 10.1159/000539415] [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: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND With the elderly population projected to double by 2050, there is an urgent need to address the increasing prevalence of age-related debilitating diseases and ultimately minimize discrepancies between the rising lifespan and stagnant health span. Cellular reprogramming by overexpression of Oct3/4, Klf4, Sox2, and cMyc (OKSM) transcription factors is gaining attention in this context thanks to demonstrated rejuvenating effects in human cell cultures and live mice, many of which can be uncoupled from dedifferentiation and loss of cell identity. SUMMARY Here, we review current evidence of the impact of cell reprogramming on established aging hallmarks and the underlying mechanisms that mediate these effects. We also provide a critical assessment of the challenges in translating these findings and, overall, cell reprogramming technologies into clinically translatable antiaging interventions. KEY MESSAGES Cellular reprogramming has the potential to reverse at least partially some key hallmarks of aging. However, further research is necessary to determine the biological significance and duration of such changes and to ensure the safety of cell reprogramming as a rejuvenation approach. With this review, we hope to stimulate new research directions in the quest to extend health span effectively.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Miliotou
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, NYU Tandon School of Engineering, New York University, New York, New York, USA
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Leon H. Charney Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Irene de Lázaro
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, NYU Tandon School of Engineering, New York University, New York, New York, USA
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Leon H. Charney Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Brown JC, McMichael BD, Vandadi V, Mukherjee A, Salzler HR, Matera AG. Lysine-36 of Drosophila histone H3.3 supports adult longevity. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2024; 14:jkae030. [PMID: 38366796 PMCID: PMC10989886 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkae030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Aging is a multifactorial process that disturbs homeostasis, increases disease susceptibility, and ultimately results in death. Although the definitive set of molecular mechanisms responsible for aging remain to be discovered, epigenetic change over time is proving to be a promising piece of the puzzle. Several post-translational histone modifications have been linked to the maintenance of longevity. Here, we focus on lysine-36 of the replication-independent histone protein, H3.3 (H3.3K36). To interrogate the role of this residue in Drosophila developmental gene regulation, we generated a lysine-to-arginine mutant that blocks the activity of its cognate-modifying enzymes. We found that an H3.3BK36R mutation causes a significant reduction in adult lifespan, accompanied by dysregulation of the genomic and transcriptomic architecture. Transgenic co-expression of wild-type H3.3B completely rescues the longevity defect. Because H3.3 is known to accumulate in nondividing tissues, we carried out transcriptome profiling of young vs aged adult fly heads. The data show that loss of H3.3K36 results in age-dependent misexpression of NF-κB and other innate immune target genes, as well as defects in silencing of heterochromatin. We propose H3.3K36 maintains the postmitotic epigenomic landscape, supporting longevity by regulating both pericentric and telomeric retrotransposons and by suppressing aberrant immune signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John C Brown
- Integrative Program for Biological and Genome Sciences, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Benjamin D McMichael
- Integrative Program for Biological and Genome Sciences, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Vasudha Vandadi
- Integrative Program for Biological and Genome Sciences, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Aadit Mukherjee
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Harmony R Salzler
- Integrative Program for Biological and Genome Sciences, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - A Gregory Matera
- Integrative Program for Biological and Genome Sciences, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- RNA Discovery Center, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Sun W, Justice I, Green EM. Defining Biological and Biochemical Functions of Noncanonical SET Domain Proteins. J Mol Biol 2024; 436:168318. [PMID: 37863247 PMCID: PMC10957327 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2023.168318] [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: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
Within the SET domain superfamily of lysine methyltransferases, there is a well-conserved subfamily, frequently referred to as the Set3 SET domain subfamily, which contain noncanonical SET domains carrying divergent amino acid sequences. These proteins are implicated in diverse biological processes including stress responses, cell differentiation, and development, and their disruption is linked to diseases including cancer and neurodevelopmental disorders. Interestingly, biochemical and structural analysis indicates that they do not possess catalytic methyltransferase activity. At the molecular level, Set3 SET domain proteins appear to play critical roles in the regulation of gene expression, particularly repression and heterochromatin maintenance, and in some cases, via scaffolding other histone modifying activities at chromatin. Here, we explore the common and unique functions among Set3 SET domain subfamily proteins and analyze what is known about the specific contribution of the conserved SET domain to functional roles of these proteins, as well as propose areas of investigation to improve understanding of this important, noncanonical subfamily of proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Winny Sun
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD 21250, United States
| | - Isabella Justice
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD 21250, United States
| | - Erin M Green
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD 21250, United States; Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Emerson FJ, Chiu C, Lin LY, Riedel CG, Zhu M, Lee SS. The chromatin factors SET-26 and HCF-1 oppose the histone deacetylase HDA-1 in longevity and gene regulation in C. elegans. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2320. [PMID: 38485937 PMCID: PMC10940595 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46510-6] [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: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
SET-26, HCF-1, and HDA-1 are highly conserved chromatin factors with key roles in development and aging. Here we present mechanistic insights into how these factors regulate gene expression and modulate longevity in C. elegans. We show that SET-26 and HCF-1 cooperate to regulate a common set of genes, and both antagonize the histone deacetylase HDA-1 to limit longevity. HCF-1 localization at chromatin is largely dependent on functional SET-26, whereas SET-26 is only minorly affected by loss of HCF-1, suggesting that SET-26 could recruit HCF-1 to chromatin. HDA-1 opposes SET-26 and HCF-1 on the regulation of a subset of their common target genes and in longevity. Our findings suggest that SET-26, HCF-1, and HDA-1 comprise a mechanism to fine-tune gene expression and longevity and likely have important implications for the mechanistic understanding of how these factors function in diverse organisms, particularly in aging biology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Felicity J Emerson
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Caitlin Chiu
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Laura Y Lin
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Christian G Riedel
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Ming Zhu
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Siu Sylvia Lee
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Dubey SK, Dubey R, Kleinman ME. Unraveling Histone Loss in Aging and Senescence. Cells 2024; 13:320. [PMID: 38391933 PMCID: PMC10886805 DOI: 10.3390/cells13040320] [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: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
As the global population experiences a notable surge in aging demographics, the need to understand the intricate molecular pathways exacerbated by age-related stresses, including epigenetic dysregulation, becomes a priority. Epigenetic mechanisms play a critical role in driving age-related diseases through altered gene expression, genomic instability, and irregular chromatin remodeling. In this review, we focus on histones, a central component of the epigenome, and consolidate the key findings of histone loss and genome-wide redistribution as fundamental processes contributing to aging and senescence. The review provides insights into novel histone expression profiles, nucleosome occupancy, disruptions in higher-order chromatin architecture, and the emergence of noncanonical histone variants in the aging cellular landscape. Furthermore, we explore the current state of our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of histone deficiency in aging cells. Specific emphasis is placed on highlighting histone degradation pathways in the cell and studies that have explored potential strategies to mitigate histone loss or restore histone levels in aging cells. Finally, in addressing future perspectives, the insights gained from this review hold profound implications for advancing strategies that actively intervene in modulating histone expression profiles in the context of cellular aging and identifying potential therapeutic targets for alleviating a multitude of age-related diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mark Ellsworth Kleinman
- Department of Surgery, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA; (S.K.D.); (R.D.)
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Sichani AS, Khoddam S, Shakeri S, Tavakkoli Z, Jafroodi AR, Dabbaghipour R, Sisakht M, Fallahi J. Partial Reprogramming as a Method for Regenerating Neural Tissues in Aged Organisms. Cell Reprogram 2024; 26:10-23. [PMID: 38381402 DOI: 10.1089/cell.2023.0123] [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: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Aging causes numerous age-related diseases, leading the human species to death. Nevertheless, rejuvenating strategies based on cell epigenetic modifications are a possible approach to counteract disease progression while getting old. Cell reprogramming of adult somatic cells toward pluripotency ought to be a promising tool for age-related diseases. However, researchers do not have control over this process as cells lose their fate, and cause potential cancerous cells or unexpected cell phenotypes. Direct and partial reprogramming were introduced in recent years with distinctive applications. Although direct reprogramming makes cells lose their identity, it has various applications in regeneration medicine. Temporary and regulated in vivo overexpression of Yamanaka factors has been shown in several experimental contexts to be achievable and is used to rejuvenate mice models. This regeneration can be accomplished by altering the epigenetic adult cell signature to the signature of a younger cell. The greatest advantage of partial reprogramming is that this method does not allow cells to lose their identity when they are resetting their epigenetic clock. It is a regimen of short-term Oct3/4, Sox2, Klf4, and c-Myc expression in vivo that prevents full reprogramming to the pluripotent state and avoids both tumorigenesis and the presence of unwanted undifferentiated cells. We know that many neurological age-related diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, stroke, dementia, and Parkinson's disease, are the main cause of death in the last decades of life. Therefore, scientists have a special tendency regarding neuroregeneration methods to increase human life expectancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ali Saber Sichani
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Somayeh Khoddam
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Shayan Shakeri
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Zahra Tavakkoli
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Arad Ranji Jafroodi
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Reza Dabbaghipour
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohsen Sisakht
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Jafar Fallahi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Brown JC, McMichael BD, Vandadi V, Mukherjee A, Salzler HR, Matera AG. Lysine-36 of Drosophila histone H3.3 supports adult longevity. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.28.559962. [PMID: 38196611 PMCID: PMC10775331 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.28.559962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
Aging is a multifactorial process that disturbs homeostasis, increases disease susceptibility, and ultimately results in death. Although the definitive set of molecular mechanisms responsible for aging remain to be discovered, epigenetic change over time is proving to be a promising piece of the puzzle. Several posttranslational histone modifications (PTMs) have been linked to the maintenance of longevity. Here, we focus on lysine-36 of the replication-independent histone protein, H3.3 (H3.3K36). To interrogate the role of this residue in Drosophila developmental gene regulation, we generated a lysine to arginine mutant that blocks the activity of its cognate modifying enzymes. We found that an H3.3BK36R mutation causes a significant reduction in adult lifespan, accompanied by dysregulation of the genomic and transcriptomic architecture. Transgenic co-expression of wild-type H3.3B completely rescues the longevity defect. Because H3.3 is known to accumulate in non-dividing tissues, we carried out transcriptome profiling of young vs aged adult fly heads. The data show that loss of H3.3K36 results in age-dependent misexpression of NF-κB and other innate immune target genes, as well as defects in silencing of heterochromatin. We propose H3.3K36 maintains the postmitotic epigenomic landscape, supporting longevity by regulating both pericentric and telomeric retrotransposons and by suppressing aberrant immune signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John C. Brown
- Integrative Program for Biological and Genome Sciences, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Benjamin D. McMichael
- Integrative Program for Biological and Genome Sciences, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Vasudha Vandadi
- Integrative Program for Biological and Genome Sciences, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Aadit Mukherjee
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Harmony R. Salzler
- Integrative Program for Biological and Genome Sciences, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - A. Gregory Matera
- Integrative Program for Biological and Genome Sciences, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- RNA Discovery Center, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Lu YR, Tian X, Sinclair DA. The Information Theory of Aging. NATURE AGING 2023; 3:1486-1499. [PMID: 38102202 DOI: 10.1038/s43587-023-00527-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Information storage and retrieval is essential for all life. In biology, information is primarily stored in two distinct ways: the genome, comprising nucleic acids, acts as a foundational blueprint and the epigenome, consisting of chemical modifications to DNA and histone proteins, regulates gene expression patterns and endows cells with specific identities and functions. Unlike the stable, digital nature of genetic information, epigenetic information is stored in a digital-analog format, susceptible to alterations induced by diverse environmental signals and cellular damage. The Information Theory of Aging (ITOA) states that the aging process is driven by the progressive loss of youthful epigenetic information, the retrieval of which via epigenetic reprogramming can improve the function of damaged and aged tissues by catalyzing age reversal.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuancheng Ryan Lu
- Paul F. Glenn Center for Biology of Aging Research, Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Xiao Tian
- Paul F. Glenn Center for Biology of Aging Research, Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David A Sinclair
- Paul F. Glenn Center for Biology of Aging Research, Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Statsenko Y, Kuznetsov NV, Morozova D, Liaonchyk K, Simiyu GL, Smetanina D, Kashapov A, Meribout S, Gorkom KNV, Hamoudi R, Ismail F, Ansari SA, Emerald BS, Ljubisavljevic M. Reappraisal of the Concept of Accelerated Aging in Neurodegeneration and Beyond. Cells 2023; 12:2451. [PMID: 37887295 PMCID: PMC10605227 DOI: 10.3390/cells12202451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genetic and epigenetic changes, oxidative stress and inflammation influence the rate of aging, which diseases, lifestyle and environmental factors can further accelerate. In accelerated aging (AA), the biological age exceeds the chronological age. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study is to reappraise the AA concept critically, considering its weaknesses and limitations. METHODS We reviewed more than 300 recent articles dealing with the physiology of brain aging and neurodegeneration pathophysiology. RESULTS (1) Application of the AA concept to individual organs outside the brain is challenging as organs of different systems age at different rates. (2) There is a need to consider the deceleration of aging due to the potential use of the individual structure-functional reserves. The latter can be restored by pharmacological and/or cognitive therapy, environment, etc. (3) The AA concept lacks both standardised terminology and methodology. (4) Changes in specific molecular biomarkers (MBM) reflect aging-related processes; however, numerous MBM candidates should be validated to consolidate the AA theory. (5) The exact nature of many potential causal factors, biological outcomes and interactions between the former and the latter remain largely unclear. CONCLUSIONS Although AA is commonly recognised as a perspective theory, it still suffers from a number of gaps and limitations that assume the necessity for an updated AA concept.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yauhen Statsenko
- Department of Radiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates; (Y.S.); (G.L.S.); (D.S.); (A.K.); (S.M.); (K.N.-V.G.)
- ASPIRE Precision Medicine Research Institute Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain 27272, United Arab Emirates; (D.M.); (K.L.); (R.H.); (S.A.A.); (B.S.E.); (M.L.)
- Big Data Analytic Center, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
| | - Nik V. Kuznetsov
- ASPIRE Precision Medicine Research Institute Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain 27272, United Arab Emirates; (D.M.); (K.L.); (R.H.); (S.A.A.); (B.S.E.); (M.L.)
| | - Daria Morozova
- ASPIRE Precision Medicine Research Institute Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain 27272, United Arab Emirates; (D.M.); (K.L.); (R.H.); (S.A.A.); (B.S.E.); (M.L.)
| | - Katsiaryna Liaonchyk
- ASPIRE Precision Medicine Research Institute Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain 27272, United Arab Emirates; (D.M.); (K.L.); (R.H.); (S.A.A.); (B.S.E.); (M.L.)
| | - Gillian Lylian Simiyu
- Department of Radiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates; (Y.S.); (G.L.S.); (D.S.); (A.K.); (S.M.); (K.N.-V.G.)
| | - Darya Smetanina
- Department of Radiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates; (Y.S.); (G.L.S.); (D.S.); (A.K.); (S.M.); (K.N.-V.G.)
| | - Aidar Kashapov
- Department of Radiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates; (Y.S.); (G.L.S.); (D.S.); (A.K.); (S.M.); (K.N.-V.G.)
| | - Sarah Meribout
- Department of Radiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates; (Y.S.); (G.L.S.); (D.S.); (A.K.); (S.M.); (K.N.-V.G.)
| | - Klaus Neidl-Van Gorkom
- Department of Radiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates; (Y.S.); (G.L.S.); (D.S.); (A.K.); (S.M.); (K.N.-V.G.)
| | - Rifat Hamoudi
- ASPIRE Precision Medicine Research Institute Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain 27272, United Arab Emirates; (D.M.); (K.L.); (R.H.); (S.A.A.); (B.S.E.); (M.L.)
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, London NW3 2PS, UK
| | - Fatima Ismail
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Suraiya Anjum Ansari
- ASPIRE Precision Medicine Research Institute Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain 27272, United Arab Emirates; (D.M.); (K.L.); (R.H.); (S.A.A.); (B.S.E.); (M.L.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
| | - Bright Starling Emerald
- ASPIRE Precision Medicine Research Institute Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain 27272, United Arab Emirates; (D.M.); (K.L.); (R.H.); (S.A.A.); (B.S.E.); (M.L.)
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
| | - Milos Ljubisavljevic
- ASPIRE Precision Medicine Research Institute Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain 27272, United Arab Emirates; (D.M.); (K.L.); (R.H.); (S.A.A.); (B.S.E.); (M.L.)
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Emerson FJ, Lee SS. Chromatin: the old and young of it. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1270285. [PMID: 37877123 PMCID: PMC10591336 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1270285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Aging affects nearly all aspects of our cells, from our DNA to our proteins to how our cells handle stress and communicate with each other. Age-related chromatin changes are of particular interest because chromatin can dynamically respond to the cellular and organismal environment, and many modifications at chromatin are reversible. Changes at chromatin occur during aging, and evidence from model organisms suggests that chromatin factors could play a role in modulating the aging process itself, as altering proteins that work at chromatin often affect the lifespan of yeast, worms, flies, and mice. The field of chromatin and aging is rapidly expanding, and high-resolution genomics tools make it possible to survey the chromatin environment or track chromatin factors implicated in longevity with precision that was not previously possible. In this review, we discuss the state of chromatin and aging research. We include examples from yeast, Drosophila, mice, and humans, but we particularly focus on the commonly used aging model, the worm Caenorhabditis elegans, in which there are many examples of chromatin factors that modulate longevity. We include evidence of both age-related changes to chromatin and evidence of specific chromatin factors linked to longevity in core histones, nuclear architecture, chromatin remodeling, and histone modifications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Siu Sylvia Lee
- Lee Lab, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
López-Gil L, Pascual-Ahuir A, Proft M. Genomic Instability and Epigenetic Changes during Aging. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14279. [PMID: 37762580 PMCID: PMC10531692 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Aging is considered the deterioration of physiological functions along with an increased mortality rate. This scientific review focuses on the central importance of genomic instability during the aging process, encompassing a range of cellular and molecular changes that occur with advancing age. In particular, this revision addresses the genetic and epigenetic alterations that contribute to genomic instability, such as telomere shortening, DNA damage accumulation, and decreased DNA repair capacity. Furthermore, the review explores the epigenetic changes that occur with aging, including modifications to histones, DNA methylation patterns, and the role of non-coding RNAs. Finally, the review discusses the organization of chromatin and its contribution to genomic instability, including heterochromatin loss, chromatin remodeling, and changes in nucleosome and histone abundance. In conclusion, this review highlights the fundamental role that genomic instability plays in the aging process and underscores the need for continued research into these complex biological mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucía López-Gil
- Department of Biotechnology, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas, Universitat Politècnica de València, Ingeniero Fausto Elio s/n, 46022 Valencia, Spain;
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pathology and Therapy, Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia IBV-CSIC, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas CSIC, Jaime Roig 11, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Amparo Pascual-Ahuir
- Department of Biotechnology, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas, Universitat Politècnica de València, Ingeniero Fausto Elio s/n, 46022 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Markus Proft
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pathology and Therapy, Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia IBV-CSIC, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas CSIC, Jaime Roig 11, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Culberson JW, Kopel J, Sehar U, Reddy PH. Urgent needs of caregiving in ageing populations with Alzheimer's disease and other chronic conditions: Support our loved ones. Ageing Res Rev 2023; 90:102001. [PMID: 37414157 PMCID: PMC10756323 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2023.102001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
The ageing process begins at birth. It is a life-long process, and its exact origins are still unknown. Several hypotheses attempt to describe the normal ageing process, including hormonal imbalance, formation of reactive oxygen species, DNA methylation & DNA damage accumulation, loss of proteostasis, epigenetic alterations, mitochondrial dysfunction, senescence, inflammation, and stem cell depletion. With increased lifespan in elderly individuals, the prevalence of age-related diseases including, cancer, diabetes, obesity, hypertension, Alzheimer's, Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, Parkinson's, and other mental illnesses are increased. These increased age-related illnesses, put tremendous pressure & burden on caregivers, family members, and friends who are living with patients with age-related diseases. As medical needs evolve, the caregiver is expected to experience an increase in duties and challenges, which may result in stress on themselves, and impact their own family life. In the current article, we assess the biological mechanisms of ageing and its effect on body systems, exploring lifestyle and ageing, with a specific focus on age-related disorders. We also discussed the history of caregiving and specific challenges faced by caregivers in the presence of multiple comorbidities. We also assessed innovative approaches to funding caregiving, and efforts to improve the medical system to better organize chronic care efforts, while improving the skill and efficiency of both informal and formal caregivers. We also discussed the role of caregiving in end-of-life care. Our critical analysis strongly suggests that there is an urgent need for caregiving in aged populations and support from local, state, and federal agencies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John W Culberson
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Jonathan Kopel
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Ujala Sehar
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - P Hemachandra Reddy
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA; Nutritional Sciences Department, College of Human Sciences, Texas Tech University, 1301 Akron Ave, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA; Neurology, Departments of School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA; Public Health Department of Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA; Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, School Health Professions, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Liu R, Zhao E, Yu H, Yuan C, Abbas MN, Cui H. Methylation across the central dogma in health and diseases: new therapeutic strategies. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:310. [PMID: 37620312 PMCID: PMC10449936 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01528-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The proper transfer of genetic information from DNA to RNA to protein is essential for cell-fate control, development, and health. Methylation of DNA, RNAs, histones, and non-histone proteins is a reversible post-synthesis modification that finetunes gene expression and function in diverse physiological processes. Aberrant methylation caused by genetic mutations or environmental stimuli promotes various diseases and accelerates aging, necessitating the development of therapies to correct the disease-driver methylation imbalance. In this Review, we summarize the operating system of methylation across the central dogma, which includes writers, erasers, readers, and reader-independent outputs. We then discuss how dysregulation of the system contributes to neurological disorders, cancer, and aging. Current small-molecule compounds that target the modifiers show modest success in certain cancers. The methylome-wide action and lack of specificity lead to undesirable biological effects and cytotoxicity, limiting their therapeutic application, especially for diseases with a monogenic cause or different directions of methylation changes. Emerging tools capable of site-specific methylation manipulation hold great promise to solve this dilemma. With the refinement of delivery vehicles, these new tools are well positioned to advance the basic research and clinical translation of the methylation field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruochen Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, 401329, China
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Chongqing, 400716, China
- Engineering Research Center for Cancer Biomedical and Translational Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Erhu Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, 401329, China
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Chongqing, 400716, China
- Engineering Research Center for Cancer Biomedical and Translational Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Huijuan Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Chaoyu Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Muhammad Nadeem Abbas
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, 401329, China
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Chongqing, 400716, China
- Engineering Research Center for Cancer Biomedical and Translational Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Hongjuan Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, 401329, China.
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Chongqing, 400716, China.
- Engineering Research Center for Cancer Biomedical and Translational Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Pollina EA, Greer EL. Prometheus unshackled: Liver regeneration makes you young. Mol Cell 2023; 83:1546-1548. [PMID: 37207622 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2023.04.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
In this issue of Molecular Cell, Yang and colleagues1 discover age-dependent increases in broad regions of the repressive histone modification H3K27me3. They also demonstrate partial reversion to younger H3K27me3 patterns and gene expression upon resection of older livers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Ann Pollina
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
| | - Eric Lieberman Greer
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Emerson FJ, Chiu C, Lin LY, Riedel CG, Zhu M, Lee SS. The chromatin factors SET-26 and HCF-1 oppose the histone deacetylase HDA-1 in longevity and gene regulation in C. elegans. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.20.531974. [PMID: 36993207 PMCID: PMC10055255 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.20.531974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
SET-26, HCF-1, and HDA-1 are highly conserved chromatin factors with key roles in development and aging. Here we present mechanistic insights into how these factors regulate gene expression and modulate longevity in C. elegans. We show that SET-26 and HCF-1 cooperate to regulate a common set of genes, and both antagonize the histone deacetylase HDA-1 to limit longevity. We propose a model in which SET-26 recruits HCF-1 to chromatin in somatic cells, where they stabilize each other at the promoters of a subset of genes, particularly mitochondrial function genes, and regulate their expression. HDA-1 opposes SET-26 and HCF-1 on the regulation of a subset of their common target genes and in longevity. Our findings suggest that SET-26, HCF-1, and HDA-1 comprise a mechanism to fine-tune gene expression and longevity and likely have important implications for the mechanistic understanding of how these factors function in diverse organisms, particularly in aging biology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Felicity J. Emerson
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| | - Caitlin Chiu
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| | - Laura Y. Lin
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| | - Christian G. Riedel
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Ming Zhu
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Siu Sylvia Lee
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Hou X, Xu M, Zhu C, Gao J, Li M, Chen X, Sun C, Nashan B, Zang J, Zhou Y, Guang S, Feng X. Systematic characterization of chromodomain proteins reveals an H3K9me1/2 reader regulating aging in C. elegans. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1254. [PMID: 36878913 PMCID: PMC9988841 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36898-y] [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: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The chromatin organization modifier domain (chromodomain) is an evolutionally conserved motif across eukaryotic species. The chromodomain mainly functions as a histone methyl-lysine reader to modulate gene expression, chromatin spatial conformation and genome stability. Mutations or aberrant expression of chromodomain proteins can result in cancer and other human diseases. Here, we systematically tag chromodomain proteins with green fluorescent protein (GFP) using CRISPR/Cas9 technology in C. elegans. By combining ChIP-seq analysis and imaging, we delineate a comprehensive expression and functional map of chromodomain proteins. We then conduct a candidate-based RNAi screening and identify factors that regulate the expression and subcellular localization of the chromodomain proteins. Specifically, we reveal an H3K9me1/2 reader, CEC-5, both by in vitro biochemistry and in vivo ChIP assays. MET-2, an H3K9me1/2 writer, is required for CEC-5 association with heterochromatin. Both MET-2 and CEC-5 are required for the normal lifespan of C. elegans. Furthermore, a forward genetic screening identifies a conserved Arginine124 of CEC-5's chromodomain, which is essential for CEC-5's association with chromatin and life span regulation. Thus, our work will serve as a reference to explore chromodomain functions and regulation in C. elegans and allow potential applications in aging-related human diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinhao Hou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, The USTC RNA Institute, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles & Cellular Dynamics, School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, 230027, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Mingjing Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, The USTC RNA Institute, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles & Cellular Dynamics, School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, 230027, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Chengming Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, The USTC RNA Institute, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles & Cellular Dynamics, School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, 230027, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Jianing Gao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, The USTC RNA Institute, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles & Cellular Dynamics, School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, 230027, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Meili Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, The USTC RNA Institute, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles & Cellular Dynamics, School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, 230027, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Xiangyang Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, The USTC RNA Institute, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles & Cellular Dynamics, School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, 230027, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Cheng Sun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, The USTC RNA Institute, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles & Cellular Dynamics, School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, 230027, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Björn Nashan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, The USTC RNA Institute, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles & Cellular Dynamics, School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, 230027, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Jianye Zang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, The USTC RNA Institute, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles & Cellular Dynamics, School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, 230027, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Ying Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, The USTC RNA Institute, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles & Cellular Dynamics, School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, 230027, Hefei, Anhui, China.
| | - Shouhong Guang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, The USTC RNA Institute, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles & Cellular Dynamics, School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, 230027, Hefei, Anhui, China.
- CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 230027, Hefei, Anhui, P. R. China.
| | - Xuezhu Feng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, The USTC RNA Institute, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles & Cellular Dynamics, School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, 230027, Hefei, Anhui, China.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Juříčková I, Hudec M, Votava F, Vosáhlo J, Ovsepian SV, Černá M, O’Leary VB. The Immunological Epigenetic Landscape of the Human Life Trajectory. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10112894. [PMID: 36428462 PMCID: PMC9687906 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10112894] [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: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Adaptive immunity changes over an individual’s lifetime, maturing by adulthood and diminishing with old age. Epigenetic mechanisms involving DNA and histone methylation form the molecular basis of immunological memory during lymphocyte development. Monocytes alter their function to convey immune tolerance, yet the epigenetic influences at play remain to be fully understood in the context of lifespan. This study of a healthy genetically homogenous cohort of children, adults and seniors sought to decipher the epigenetic dynamics in B-lymphocytes and monocytes. Variable global cytosine methylation within retro-transposable LINE-1 repeats was noted in monocytes compared to B-lymphocytes across age groups. The expression of the human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DQ alpha chain gene HLA-DQA1*01 revealed significantly reduced levels in monocytes in all ages relative to B-lymphocytes, as well as between lifespan groups. High melting point analysis and bisulfite sequencing of the HLA-DQA1*01 promoter in monocytes highlighted variable cytosine methylation in children and seniors but greater stability at this locus in adults. Further epigenetic evaluation revealed higher histone lysine 27 trimethylation in monocytes from this adult group. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and RNA pulldown demonstrated association with a novel lncRNA TINA with structurally conserved similarities to the previously recognized epigenetic modifier PARTICLE. Seeking to interpret the epigenetic immunological landscape across three representative age groups, this study focused on HLA-DQA1*01 to expose cytosine and histone methylation alterations and their association with the non-coding transcriptome. Such insights unveil previously unknown complex epigenetic layers, orchestrating the strength and weakening of adaptive immunity with the progression of life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Iva Juříčková
- Department of Medical Genetics, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Vinohrady, 10000 Prague, Czech Republic
- Correspondence: (I.J.); (V.B.O.)
| | - Michael Hudec
- Department of Medical Genetics, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Vinohrady, 10000 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Felix Votava
- Department of Children and Adolescents, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Vinohrady, 10000 Prague, Czech Republic
- Královské Vinohrady University Hospital, Vinohrady, 10034 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Vosáhlo
- Department of Children and Adolescents, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Vinohrady, 10000 Prague, Czech Republic
- Královské Vinohrady University Hospital, Vinohrady, 10034 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Saak Victor Ovsepian
- Faculty of Engineering and Science, University of Greenwich London, Chatham Maritime, Kent ME4 4TB, UK
| | - Marie Černá
- Department of Medical Genetics, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Vinohrady, 10000 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Valerie Bríd O’Leary
- Department of Medical Genetics, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Vinohrady, 10000 Prague, Czech Republic
- Correspondence: (I.J.); (V.B.O.)
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Huang M, Hong M, Hou X, Zhu C, Chen D, Chen X, Guang S, Feng X. H3K9me1/2 methylation limits the lifespan of daf-2 mutants in C. elegans. eLife 2022; 11:74812. [PMID: 36125117 PMCID: PMC9514849 DOI: 10.7554/elife.74812] [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: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Histone methylation plays crucial roles in the development, gene regulation, and maintenance of stem cell pluripotency in mammals. Recent work shows that histone methylation is associated with aging, yet the underlying mechanism remains unclear. In this work, we identified a class of putative histone 3 lysine 9 mono/dimethyltransferase genes (met-2, set-6, set-19, set-20, set-21, set-32, and set-33), mutations in which induce synergistic lifespan extension in the long-lived DAF-2 (insulin growth factor 1 [IGF-1] receptor) mutant in Caenorhabditis elegans. These putative histone methyltransferase plus daf-2 double mutants not only exhibited an average lifespan nearly three times that of wild-type animals and a maximal lifespan of approximately 100 days, but also significantly increased resistance to oxidative and heat stress. Synergistic lifespan extension depends on the transcription factor DAF-16 (FOXO). mRNA-seq experiments revealed that the mRNA levels of DAF-16 Class I genes, which are activated by DAF-16, were further elevated in the daf-2;set double mutants. Among these genes, tts-1, F35E8.7, ins-35, nhr-62, sod-3, asm-2, and Y39G8B.7 are required for the lifespan extension of the daf-2;set-21 double mutant. In addition, treating daf-2 animals with the H3K9me1/2 methyltransferase G9a inhibitor also extends lifespan and increases stress resistance. Therefore, investigation of DAF-2 and H3K9me1/2 deficiency-mediated synergistic longevity will contribute to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of aging and therapeutic applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meng Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Minjie Hong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Xinhao Hou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Chengming Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Di Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiangyang Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Shouhong Guang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Xuezhu Feng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
The landscape of aging. SCIENCE CHINA LIFE SCIENCES 2022; 65:2354-2454. [PMID: 36066811 PMCID: PMC9446657 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-022-2161-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 50.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Aging is characterized by a progressive deterioration of physiological integrity, leading to impaired functional ability and ultimately increased susceptibility to death. It is a major risk factor for chronic human diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, neurological degeneration, and cancer. Therefore, the growing emphasis on “healthy aging” raises a series of important questions in life and social sciences. In recent years, there has been unprecedented progress in aging research, particularly the discovery that the rate of aging is at least partly controlled by evolutionarily conserved genetic pathways and biological processes. In an attempt to bring full-fledged understanding to both the aging process and age-associated diseases, we review the descriptive, conceptual, and interventive aspects of the landscape of aging composed of a number of layers at the cellular, tissue, organ, organ system, and organismal levels.
Collapse
|
23
|
Brennan K, Zheng H, Fahrner JA, Shin JH, Gentles AJ, Schaefer B, Sunwoo JB, Bernstein JA, Gevaert O. NSD1 mutations deregulate transcription and DNA methylation of bivalent developmental genes in Sotos syndrome. Hum Mol Genet 2022; 31:2164-2184. [PMID: 35094088 PMCID: PMC9262396 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddac026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sotos syndrome (SS), the most common overgrowth with intellectual disability (OGID) disorder, is caused by inactivating germline mutations of NSD1, which encodes a histone H3 lysine 36 methyltransferase. To understand how NSD1 inactivation deregulates transcription and DNA methylation (DNAm), and to explore how these abnormalities affect human development, we profiled transcription and DNAm in SS patients and healthy control individuals. We identified a transcriptional signature that distinguishes individuals with SS from controls and was also deregulated in NSD1-mutated cancers. Most abnormally expressed genes displayed reduced expression in SS; these downregulated genes consisted mostly of bivalent genes and were enriched for regulators of development and neural synapse function. DNA hypomethylation was strongly enriched within promoters of transcriptionally deregulated genes: overexpressed genes displayed hypomethylation at their transcription start sites while underexpressed genes featured hypomethylation at polycomb binding sites within their promoter CpG island shores. SS patients featured accelerated molecular aging at the levels of both transcription and DNAm. Overall, these findings indicate that NSD1-deposited H3K36 methylation regulates transcription by directing promoter DNA methylation, partially by repressing polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) activity. These findings could explain the phenotypic similarity of SS to OGID disorders that are caused by mutations in PRC2 complex-encoding genes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Brennan
- Stanford Center for Biomedical Informatics Research, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Hong Zheng
- Stanford Center for Biomedical Informatics Research, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Jill A Fahrner
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - June Ho Shin
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94305, USA
| | - Andrew J Gentles
- Stanford Center for Biomedical Informatics Research, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Bradley Schaefer
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - John B Sunwoo
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94305, USA
| | - Jonathan A Bernstein
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Olivier Gevaert
- Stanford Center for Biomedical Informatics Research, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
SIN-3 functions through multi-protein interaction to regulate apoptosis, autophagy, and longevity in Caenorhabditis elegans. Sci Rep 2022; 12:10560. [PMID: 35732652 PMCID: PMC9217932 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-13864-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
SIN3/HDAC is a multi-protein complex that acts as a regulatory unit and functions as a co-repressor/co-activator and a general transcription factor. SIN3 acts as a scaffold in the complex, binding directly to HDAC1/2 and other proteins and plays crucial roles in regulating apoptosis, differentiation, cell proliferation, development, and cell cycle. However, its exact mechanism of action remains elusive. Using the Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) model, we can surpass the challenges posed by the functional redundancy of SIN3 isoforms. In this regard, we have previously demonstrated the role of SIN-3 in uncoupling autophagy and longevity in C. elegans. In order to understand the mechanism of action of SIN3 in these processes, we carried out a comparative analysis of the SIN3 protein interactome from model organisms of different phyla. We identified conserved, expanded, and contracted gene classes. The C. elegans SIN-3 interactome -revealed the presence of well-known proteins, such as DAF-16, SIR-2.1, SGK-1, and AKT-1/2, involved in autophagy, apoptosis, and longevity. Overall, our analyses propose potential mechanisms by which SIN3 participates in multiple biological processes and their conservation across species and identifies candidate genes for further experimental analysis.
Collapse
|
25
|
Zhang Q, Kong WL, Yuan JJ, Chen Q, Gong CX, Liu L, Wang FX, Huang JC, Yang GQ, Zhou K, Xu R, Xiong XY, Yang QW. Redistribution of Histone Marks on Inflammatory Genes Associated With Intracerebral Hemorrhage-Induced Acute Brain Injury in Aging Rats. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:639656. [PMID: 35495024 PMCID: PMC9051396 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.639656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The contribution of histone mark redistribution to the age-induced decline of endogenous neuroprotection remains unclear. In this study, we used an intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH)-induced acute brain injury rat model to study the transcriptional and chromatin responses in 13- and 22-month-old rats. Transcriptome analysis (RNA-seq) revealed that the expression of neuroinflammation-associated genes was systematically upregulated in ICH rat brains, irrespective of age. Further, we found that interferon-γ (IFN-γ) response genes were activated in both 13- and 22-month-old rats. Anti-IFN-γ treatment markedly reduced ICH-induced acute brain injury in 22-month-old rats. At the chromatin level, ICH induced the redistribution of histone modifications in the promoter regions, especially H3K4me3 and H3K27me3, in neuroinflammation-associated genes in 13- and 22-month-old rats, respectively. Moreover, ICH-induced histone mark redistribution and gene expression were found to be correlated. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that histone modifications related to gene expression are extensively regulated in 13- and 22-month-old rats and that anti-IFN-γ is effective for ICH treatment, highlighting the potential of developing therapies targeting histone modifications to cure age-related diseases, including brain injury and neuroinflammation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qin Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Xinqiao Hospital, The Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Wei-lin Kong
- Department of Neurology, Xinqiao Hospital, The Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Jun-Jie Yuan
- Department of Neurology, Xinqiao Hospital, The Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Qiong Chen
- Department of Neurology, Xinqiao Hospital, The Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Chang-Xiong Gong
- Department of Neurology, Xinqiao Hospital, The Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Liang Liu
- Department of Neurology, Xinqiao Hospital, The Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Fa-Xiang Wang
- Department of Neurology, Xinqiao Hospital, The Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Jia-Cheng Huang
- Department of Neurology, Xinqiao Hospital, The Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Guo-Qiang Yang
- Department of Neurology, Xinqiao Hospital, The Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Kai Zhou
- Department of Neurology, Xinqiao Hospital, The Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Rui Xu
- Department of Neurology, Xinqiao Hospital, The Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Xiao-Yi Xiong
- Department of Neurology, Xinqiao Hospital, The Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Third Teaching Hospital, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Acupuncture and Chronobiology Key Laboratory of Sichuan, Chengdu, China
- Xiao-Yi Xiong ;
| | - Qing-Wu Yang
- Department of Neurology, Xinqiao Hospital, The Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
- *Correspondence: Qing-Wu Yang
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Gill D, Parry A, Santos F, Okkenhaug H, Todd CD, Hernando-Herraez I, Stubbs TM, Milagre I, Reik W. Multi-omic rejuvenation of human cells by maturation phase transient reprogramming. eLife 2022; 11:e71624. [PMID: 35390271 PMCID: PMC9023058 DOI: 10.7554/elife.71624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ageing is the gradual decline in organismal fitness that occurs over time leading to tissue dysfunction and disease. At the cellular level, ageing is associated with reduced function, altered gene expression and a perturbed epigenome. Recent work has demonstrated that the epigenome is already rejuvenated by the maturation phase of somatic cell reprogramming, which suggests full reprogramming is not required to reverse ageing of somatic cells. Here we have developed the first "maturation phase transient reprogramming" (MPTR) method, where reprogramming factors are selectively expressed until this rejuvenation point then withdrawn. Applying MPTR to dermal fibroblasts from middle-aged donors, we found that cells temporarily lose and then reacquire their fibroblast identity, possibly as a result of epigenetic memory at enhancers and/or persistent expression of some fibroblast genes. Excitingly, our method substantially rejuvenated multiple cellular attributes including the transcriptome, which was rejuvenated by around 30 years as measured by a novel transcriptome clock. The epigenome was rejuvenated to a similar extent, including H3K9me3 levels and the DNA methylation ageing clock. The magnitude of rejuvenation instigated by MPTR appears substantially greater than that achieved in previous transient reprogramming protocols. In addition, MPTR fibroblasts produced youthful levels of collagen proteins, and showed partial functional rejuvenation of their migration speed. Finally, our work suggests that optimal time windows exist for rejuvenating the transcriptome and the epigenome. Overall, we demonstrate that it is possible to separate rejuvenation from complete pluripotency reprogramming, which should facilitate the discovery of novel anti-ageing genes and therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diljeet Gill
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham InstituteCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Aled Parry
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham InstituteCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Fátima Santos
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham InstituteCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | | | | | | | | | - Inês Milagre
- Laboratory for Epigenetic Mechanisms/Chromosome Dynamics Lab, Instituto Gulbenkian de CiênciaOeirasPortugal
| | - Wolf Reik
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham InstituteCambridgeUnited Kingdom
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, HinxtonCambridgeUnited Kingdom
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Bin-Jumah MN, Nadeem MS, Gilani SJ, Al-Abbasi FA, Ullah I, Alzarea SI, Ghoneim MM, Alshehri S, Uddin A, Murtaza BN, Kazmi I. Genes and Longevity of Lifespan. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:1499. [PMID: 35163422 PMCID: PMC8836117 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Aging is a complex process indicated by low energy levels, declined physiological activity, stress induced loss of homeostasis leading to the risk of diseases and mortality. Recent developments in medical sciences and an increased availability of nutritional requirements has significantly increased the average human lifespan worldwide. Several environmental and physiological factors contribute to the aging process. However, about 40% human life expectancy is inherited among generations, many lifespan associated genes, genetic mechanisms and pathways have been demonstrated during last decades. In the present review, we have evaluated many human genes and their non-human orthologs established for their role in the regulation of lifespan. The study has included more than fifty genes reported in the literature for their contributions to the longevity of life. Intact genomic DNA is essential for the life activities at the level of cell, tissue, and organ. Nucleic acids are vulnerable to oxidative stress, chemotherapies, and exposure to radiations. Efficient DNA repair mechanisms are essential for the maintenance of genomic integrity, damaged DNA is not replicated and transferred to next generations rather the presence of deleterious DNA initiates signaling cascades leading to the cell cycle arrest or apoptosis. DNA modifications, DNA methylation, histone methylation, histone acetylation and DNA damage can eventually lead towards apoptosis. The importance of calorie restriction therapy in the extension of lifespan has also been discussed. The role of pathways involved in the regulation of lifespan such as DAF-16/FOXO (forkhead box protein O1), TOR and JNK pathways has also been particularized. The study provides an updated account of genetic factors associated with the extended lifespan and their interactive contributory role with cellular pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- May Nasser Bin-Jumah
- Biology Department, College of Science, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia;
- Environment and Biomaterial Unit, Health Sciences Research Center, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia
| | - Muhammad Shahid Nadeem
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Sadaf Jamal Gilani
- Department of Basic Health Sciences, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Fahad A. Al-Abbasi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Inam Ullah
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, The University of Lahore, Lahore 54000, Pakistan;
| | - Sami I. Alzarea
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Jouf University, Sakaka 72341, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Mohammed M. Ghoneim
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, AlMaarefa University, Ad Diriyah 13713, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Sultan Alshehri
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Aziz Uddin
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Hazara University, Mansehra 21300, Pakistan;
| | - Bibi Nazia Murtaza
- Department of Zoology, Abbottabad University of Science and Technology (AUST), Abbottabad 22310, Pakistan;
| | - Imran Kazmi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia;
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Li R, Tao M, Xu T, Pan S, Xu X, Wu T. Small berries as health-promoting ingredients: a review on anti-aging effects and mechanisms in Caenorhabditis elegans. Food Funct 2021; 13:478-500. [PMID: 34927654 DOI: 10.1039/d1fo02184b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Aging is an inevitable, irreversible, and complex process of damage accumulation and functional decline, increasing the risk of various chronic diseases. However, for now no drug can delay aging process nor cure aging-related diseases. Nutritional intervention is considered as a key and effective strategy to promote healthy aging and improve life quality. Small berries, as one of the most common and popular fruits, have been demonstrated to improve cognitive function and possess neuroprotective activities. However, the anti-aging effects of small berries have not been systematically elucidated yet. This review mainly focuses on small berries' anti-aging activity studies involving small berry types, active components, the utilized model organism Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), related signaling pathways, and molecular mechanisms. The purpose of this review is to propose effective strategies to evaluate the anti-aging effects of small berries and provide guidance for the development of anti-aging supplements from small berries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rong Li
- Key Laboratory of Environment Correlative Dietology (Ministry of Education), College of Food Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, People's Republic of China.
| | - Mingfang Tao
- Key Laboratory of Environment Correlative Dietology (Ministry of Education), College of Food Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, People's Republic of China.
| | - Tingting Xu
- Key Laboratory of Environment Correlative Dietology (Ministry of Education), College of Food Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, People's Republic of China.
| | - Siyi Pan
- Key Laboratory of Environment Correlative Dietology (Ministry of Education), College of Food Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xiaoyun Xu
- Key Laboratory of Environment Correlative Dietology (Ministry of Education), College of Food Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ting Wu
- Key Laboratory of Environment Correlative Dietology (Ministry of Education), College of Food Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Caron M, Gely L, Garvis S, Adrait A, Couté Y, Palladino F, Fabrizio P. Loss of SET1/COMPASS methyltransferase activity reduces lifespan and fertility in Caenorhabditis elegans. Life Sci Alliance 2021; 5:5/3/e202101140. [PMID: 34893559 PMCID: PMC8675910 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202101140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Changes in histone post-translational modifications are associated with aging through poorly defined mechanisms. Histone 3 lysine 4 (H3K4) methylation at promoters is deposited by SET1 family methyltransferases acting within conserved multiprotein complexes known as COMPASS. Previous work yielded conflicting results about the requirement for H3K4 methylation during aging. Here, we reassessed the role of SET1/COMPASS-dependent H3K4 methylation in Caenorhabditis elegans lifespan and fertility by generating set-2(syb2085) mutant animals that express a catalytically inactive form of SET-2, the C. elegans SET1 homolog. We show that set-2(syb2085) animals retain the ability to form COMPASS, but have a marked global loss of H3K4 di- and trimethylation (H3K4me2/3). Reduced H3K4 methylation was accompanied by loss of fertility, as expected; however, in contrast to earlier studies, set-2(syb2085) mutants displayed a significantly shortened, not extended, lifespan and had normal intestinal fat stores. Other commonly used set-2 mutants were also short-lived, as was a cfp-1 mutant that lacks the SET1/COMPASS chromatin-targeting component. These results challenge previously held views and establish that WT H3K4me2/3 levels are essential for normal lifespan in C. elegans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthieu Caron
- Laboratory of Biology and Modelling of the Cell, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, CNRS UMR5239, INSERM U1210, Université de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Loïc Gely
- Laboratory of Biology and Modelling of the Cell, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, CNRS UMR5239, INSERM U1210, Université de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Steven Garvis
- Laboratory of Biology and Modelling of the Cell, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, CNRS UMR5239, INSERM U1210, Université de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Annie Adrait
- University of Grenoble Alpes, INSERM, CEA, UMR BioSanté U1292, CNRS, CEA, FR2048, Grenoble, France
| | - Yohann Couté
- University of Grenoble Alpes, INSERM, CEA, UMR BioSanté U1292, CNRS, CEA, FR2048, Grenoble, France
| | - Francesca Palladino
- Laboratory of Biology and Modelling of the Cell, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, CNRS UMR5239, INSERM U1210, Université de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Paola Fabrizio
- Laboratory of Biology and Modelling of the Cell, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, CNRS UMR5239, INSERM U1210, Université de Lyon, Lyon, France
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
McCauley BS, Sun L, Yu R, Lee M, Liu H, Leeman DS, Huang Y, Webb AE, Dang W. Altered Chromatin States Drive Cryptic Transcription in Aging Mammalian Stem Cells. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 1:684-697. [PMID: 34746802 DOI: 10.1038/s43587-021-00091-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
A repressive chromatin state featuring trimethylated lysine 36 on histone H3 (H3K36me3) and DNA methylation suppresses cryptic transcription in embryonic stem cells. Cryptic transcription is elevated with age in yeast and nematodes, and reducing it extends yeast lifespan, though whether this occurs in mammals is unknown. We show that cryptic transcription is elevated in aged mammalian stem cells, including murine hematopoietic stem cells (mHSCs) and neural stem cells (NSCs) and human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). Precise mapping allowed quantification of age-associated cryptic transcription in hMSCs aged in vitro. Regions with significant age-associated cryptic transcription have a unique chromatin signature: decreased H3K36me3 and increased H3K4me1, H3K4me3, and H3K27ac with age. Genomic regions undergoing such changes resemble known promoter sequences and are bound by TBP even in young cells. Hence, the more permissive chromatin state at intragenic cryptic promoters likely underlies increased cryptic transcription in aged mammalian stem cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brenna S McCauley
- Huffington Center on Aging, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Luyang Sun
- Huffington Center on Aging, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ruofan Yu
- Huffington Center on Aging, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Minjung Lee
- Center for Epigenetics & Disease Prevention, Institute of Bioscience and Technology, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Haiying Liu
- Huffington Center on Aging, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Dena S Leeman
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305 USA.,Department of Discovery Immunology, Genentech, Inc. 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Yun Huang
- Center for Epigenetics & Disease Prevention, Institute of Bioscience and Technology, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ashley E Webb
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Weiwei Dang
- Huffington Center on Aging, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Li CL, Pu M, Wang W, Chaturbedi A, Emerson FJ, Lee SS. Region-specific H3K9me3 gain in aged somatic tissues in Caenorhabditis elegans. PLoS Genet 2021; 17:e1009432. [PMID: 34506495 PMCID: PMC8457455 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1009432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic alterations occur as organisms age, and lead to chromatin deterioration, loss of transcriptional silencing and genomic instability. Dysregulation of the epigenome has been associated with increased susceptibility to age-related disorders. In this study, we aimed to characterize the age-dependent changes of the epigenome and, in turn, to understand epigenetic processes that drive aging phenotypes. We focused on the aging-associated changes in the repressive histone marks H3K9me3 and H3K27me3 in C. elegans. We observed region-specific gain and loss of both histone marks, but the changes are more evident for H3K9me3. We further found alteration of heterochromatic boundaries in aged somatic tissues. Interestingly, we discovered that the most statistically significant changes reflected H3K9me3-marked regions that are formed during aging, and are absent in developing worms, which we termed "aging-specific repressive regions" (ASRRs). These ASRRs preferentially occur in genic regions that are marked by high levels of H3K9me2 and H3K36me2 in larval stages. Maintenance of high H3K9me2 levels in these regions have been shown to correlate with a longer lifespan. Next, we examined whether the changes in repressive histone marks lead to de-silencing of repetitive DNA elements, as reported for several other organisms. We observed increased expression of active repetitive DNA elements but not global re-activation of silent repeats in old worms, likely due to the distributed nature of repetitive elements in the C. elegans genome. Intriguingly, CELE45, a putative short interspersed nuclear element (SINE), was greatly overexpressed at old age and upon heat stress. SINEs have been suggested to regulate transcription in response to various cellular stresses in mammals. It is likely that CELE45 RNAs also play roles in stress response and aging in C. elegans. Taken together, our study revealed significant and specific age-dependent changes in repressive histone modifications and repetitive elements, providing important insights into aging biology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Lin Li
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| | - Mintie Pu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources and Center for Life Science, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Wenke Wang
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| | - Amaresh Chaturbedi
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| | - Felicity J Emerson
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| | - Siu Sylvia Lee
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Hsu CL, Lo YC, Kao CF. H3K4 Methylation in Aging and Metabolism. EPIGENOMES 2021; 5:14. [PMID: 34968301 PMCID: PMC8594702 DOI: 10.3390/epigenomes5020014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
During the process of aging, extensive epigenetic alterations are made in response to both exogenous and endogenous stimuli. Here, we summarize the current state of knowledge regarding one such alteration, H3K4 methylation (H3K4me), as it relates to aging in different species. We especially highlight emerging evidence that links this modification with metabolic pathways, which may provide a mechanistic link to explain its role in aging. H3K4me is a widely recognized marker of active transcription, and it appears to play an evolutionarily conserved role in determining organism longevity, though its influence is context specific and requires further clarification. Interestingly, the modulation of H3K4me dynamics may occur as a result of nutritional status, such as methionine restriction. Methionine status appears to influence H3K4me via changes in the level of S-adenosyl methionine (SAM, the universal methyl donor) or the regulation of H3K4-modifying enzyme activities. Since methionine restriction is widely known to extend lifespan, the mechanistic link between methionine metabolic flux, the sensing of methionine concentrations and H3K4me status may provide a cogent explanation for several seemingly disparate observations in aging organisms, including age-dependent H3K4me dynamics, gene expression changes, and physiological aberrations. These connections are not yet entirely understood, especially at a molecular level, and will require further elucidation. To conclude, we discuss some potential H3K4me-mediated molecular mechanisms that may link metabolic status to the aging process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Ling Hsu
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan;
| | - Yi-Chen Lo
- Graduate Institute of Food Science and Technology, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan;
| | - Cheng-Fu Kao
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan;
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Lu YX, Regan JC, Eßer J, Drews LF, Weinseis T, Stinn J, Hahn O, Miller RA, Grönke S, Partridge L. A TORC1-histone axis regulates chromatin organisation and non-canonical induction of autophagy to ameliorate ageing. eLife 2021; 10:62233. [PMID: 33988501 PMCID: PMC8186904 DOI: 10.7554/elife.62233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-related changes to histone levels are seen in many species. However, it is unclear whether changes to histone expression could be exploited to ameliorate the effects of ageing in multicellular organisms. Here we show that inhibition of mTORC1 by the lifespan-extending drug rapamycin increases expression of histones H3 and H4 post-transcriptionally through eIF3-mediated translation. Elevated expression of H3/H4 in intestinal enterocytes in Drosophila alters chromatin organisation, induces intestinal autophagy through transcriptional regulation, and prevents age-related decline in the intestine. Importantly, it also mediates rapamycin-induced longevity and intestinal health. Histones H3/H4 regulate expression of an autophagy cargo adaptor Bchs (WDFY3 in mammals), increased expression of which in enterocytes mediates increased H3/H4-dependent healthy longevity. In mice, rapamycin treatment increases expression of histone proteins and Wdfy3 transcription, and alters chromatin organisation in the small intestine, suggesting that the mTORC1-histone axis is at least partially conserved in mammals and may offer new targets for anti-ageing interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Xuan Lu
- Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jennifer C Regan
- Institute of Healthy Ageing, Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jacqueline Eßer
- Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing, Cologne, Germany
| | - Lisa F Drews
- Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing, Cologne, Germany
| | - Thomas Weinseis
- Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing, Cologne, Germany
| | - Julia Stinn
- Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing, Cologne, Germany
| | - Oliver Hahn
- Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing, Cologne, Germany
| | - Richard A Miller
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States
| | | | - Linda Partridge
- Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing, Cologne, Germany.,Institute of Healthy Ageing, Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Pasyukova EG, Symonenko AV, Rybina OY, Vaiserman AM. Epigenetic enzymes: A role in aging and prospects for pharmacological targeting. Ageing Res Rev 2021; 67:101312. [PMID: 33657446 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2021.101312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The development of interventions aimed at improving healthspan is one of the priority tasks for the academic and public health authorities. It is also the main objective of a novel branch in biogerontological research, geroscience. According to the geroscience concept, targeting aging is an effective way to combat age-related disorders. Since aging is an exceptionally complex process, system-oriented integrated approaches seem most appropriate for such an interventional strategy. Given the high plasticity and adaptability of the epigenome, epigenome-targeted interventions appear highly promising in geroscience research. Pharmaceuticals targeted at mechanisms involved in epigenetic control of gene activity are actively developed and implemented to prevent and treat various aging-related conditions such as cardiometabolic, neurodegenerative, inflammatory disorders, and cancer. In this review, we describe the roles of epigenetic mechanisms in aging; characterize enzymes contributing to the regulation of epigenetic processes; particularly focus on epigenetic drugs, such as inhibitors of DNA methyltransferases and histone deacetylases that may potentially affect aging-associated diseases and longevity; and discuss possible caveats associated with the use of epigenetic drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elena G Pasyukova
- Institute of Molecular Genetics of National Research Centre "Kurchatov Institute", Kurchatov Sq. 2, Moscow, 123182, Russia
| | - Alexander V Symonenko
- Institute of Molecular Genetics of National Research Centre "Kurchatov Institute", Kurchatov Sq. 2, Moscow, 123182, Russia
| | - Olga Y Rybina
- Institute of Molecular Genetics of National Research Centre "Kurchatov Institute", Kurchatov Sq. 2, Moscow, 123182, Russia; Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education «Moscow Pedagogical State University», M. Pirogovskaya Str. 1/1, Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Pathak RU, Soujanya M, Mishra RK. Deterioration of nuclear morphology and architecture: A hallmark of senescence and aging. Ageing Res Rev 2021; 67:101264. [PMID: 33540043 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2021.101264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The metazoan nucleus is a highly structured organelle containing several well-defined sub-organelles. It is the largest organelle inside a cell taking up from one tenth to half of entire cell volume. This makes it one of the easiest organelles to identify and study under the microscope. Abnormalities in the nuclear morphology and architecture are commonly observed in an aged and senescent cell. For example, the nuclei enlarge, loose their shape, appear lobulated, harbour nuclear membrane invaginations, carry enlarged/fragmented nucleolus, loose heterochromatin, etc. In this review we discuss about the age-related changes in nuclear features and elaborate upon the molecular reasons driving the change. Many of these changes can be easily imaged under a microscope and analysed in silico. Thus, computational image analysis of nuclear features appears to be a promising tool to evaluate physiological age of a cell and offers to be a legitimate biomarker. It can be used to examine progression of age-related diseases and evaluate therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Mamilla Soujanya
- CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad, 500007, Telangana, India
| | - Rakesh Kumar Mishra
- CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad, 500007, Telangana, India.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Dube CT, Jahan FRS, Lim CY. Key changes in chromatin mark mammalian epidermal differentiation and ageing. Epigenetics 2021; 17:444-459. [PMID: 33890553 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2021.1917812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Dynamic shifts in chromatin states occur during embryonic epidermal development to support diverse epigenetic pathways that regulate skin formation and differentiation. However, it is not known whether the epigenomes established during embryonic development are maintained into adulthood or how these epigenetic mechanisms may be altered upon physiological ageing of the tissue. Here, we systematically profiled the nuclear enrichment of five key histone modifications in young and aged mouse epidermis and identified distinct chromatin states that are tightly correlated with cellular differentiation, as well as chromatin alterations that accompanied epidermal ageing. Our data showed that histone modifications, which become differentially enriched in undifferentiated basal or differentiated suprabasal cells during embryonic development, retained their distinct cell-type specific enrichment patterns in both young and aged adult tissues. Specifically, high levels of H3K4me3, H4K20me1 and H4K16ac marked the proliferative basal cells, while differentiated suprabasal cells accumulated H3K27me3 and H4K20me3 heterochromatin with a concomitant deacetylation of H4K16. We further identified shifts in the chromatin in the aged basal epidermis, which exhibited markedly reduced levels of H4K16ac, absence of high H4K20me1 staining and increased cell-to-cell variability in total histone H3 and H4 content. Changes in the chromatin profiles in aged tissues paralleled the altered expression of their corresponding histone modifiers in the basal keratinocytes. These results thus reveal the key histone signatures of epidermal differentiation that are conserved from embryonic development to adult homoeostasis, and provide insights into the epigenetic pathways underlying physiological skin ageing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christabel Thembela Dube
- Epithelial Epigenetics and Development Laboratory, Skin Research Institute of Singapore, Singapore.,Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, School of Medical Sciences and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | | | - Chin Yan Lim
- Epithelial Epigenetics and Development Laboratory, Skin Research Institute of Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
de Lima Camillo LP, Quinlan RBA. A ride through the epigenetic landscape: aging reversal by reprogramming. GeroScience 2021; 43:463-485. [PMID: 33825176 PMCID: PMC8110674 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-021-00358-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [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] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Aging has become one of the fastest-growing research topics in biology. However, exactly how the aging process occurs remains unknown. Epigenetics plays a significant role, and several epigenetic interventions can modulate lifespan. This review will explore the interplay between epigenetics and aging, and how epigenetic reprogramming can be harnessed for age reversal. In vivo partial reprogramming holds great promise as a possible therapy, but several limitations remain. Rejuvenation by reprogramming is a young but rapidly expanding subfield in the biology of aging.
Collapse
|
38
|
Guillermo ARR, Chocian K, Gavriilidis G, Vandamme J, Salcini AE, Mellor J, Woollard A. H3K27 modifiers regulate lifespan in C. elegans in a context-dependent manner. BMC Biol 2021; 19:59. [PMID: 33766022 PMCID: PMC7995591 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-021-00984-8] [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: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Evidence of global heterochromatin decay and aberrant gene expression in models of physiological and premature ageing have long supported the “heterochromatin loss theory of ageing”, which proposes that ageing is aetiologically linked to, and accompanied by, a progressive, generalised loss of repressive epigenetic signatures. However, the remarkable plasticity of chromatin conformation suggests that the re-establishment of such marks could potentially revert the transcriptomic architecture of animal cells to a “younger” state, promoting longevity and healthspan. To expand our understanding of the ageing process and its connection to chromatin biology, we screened an RNAi library of chromatin-associated factors for increased longevity phenotypes. Results We identified the lysine demethylases jmjd-3.2 and utx-1, as well as the lysine methyltransferase mes-2 as regulators of both lifespan and healthspan in C. elegans. Strikingly, we found that both overexpression and loss of function of jmjd-3.2 and utx-1 are all associated with enhanced longevity. Furthermore, we showed that the catalytic activity of UTX-1, but not JMJD-3.2, is critical for lifespan extension in the context of overexpression. In attempting to reconcile the improved longevity associated with both loss and gain of function of utx-1, we investigated the alternative lifespan pathways and tissue specificity of longevity outcomes. We demonstrated that lifespan extension caused by loss of utx-1 function is daf-16 dependent, while overexpression effects are partially independent of daf-16. In addition, lifespan extension was observed when utx-1 was knocked down or overexpressed in neurons and intestine, whereas in the epidermis, only knockdown of utx-1 conferred improved longevity. Conclusions We show that the regulation of longevity by chromatin modifiers can be the result of the interaction between distinct factors, such as the level and tissue of expression. Overall, we suggest that the heterochromatin loss model of ageing may be too simplistic an explanation of organismal ageing when molecular and tissue-specific effects are taken into account. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12915-021-00984-8.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abigail R R Guillermo
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Present Address: Department of Physiology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | | | - Julien Vandamme
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Present Address: Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Anna Elisabetta Salcini
- Present Address: Department of Physiology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jane Mellor
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Alison Woollard
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Chikuma S, Yamanaka S, Nakagawa S, Ueda MT, Hayabuchi H, Tokifuji Y, Kanayama M, Okamura T, Arase H, Yoshimura A. TRIM28 Expression on Dendritic Cells Prevents Excessive T Cell Priming by Silencing Endogenous Retrovirus. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2021; 206:1528-1539. [PMID: 33619215 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2001003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Acquired immune reaction is initiated by dendritic cells (DCs), which present Ags to a few naive Ag-specific T cells. Deregulation of gene expression in DCs may alter the outcome of the immune response toward immunodeficiency and/or autoimmune diseases. Expression of TRIM28, a nuclear protein that mediates gene silencing through heterochromatin, decreased in DCs from old mice, suggesting alteration of gene regulation. Mice specifically lacking TRIM28 in DCs show increased DC population in the spleen and enhanced T cell priming toward inflammatory effector T cells, leading to acceleration and exacerbation in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. TRIM28-deficient DCs were found to ectopically transcribe endogenous retrovirus (ERV) elements. Combined genome-wide analysis revealed a strong colocalization among the decreased repressive histone mark H3K9me3-transcribed ERV elements and the derepressed host genes that were related to inflammation in TRIM28-deficient DCs. This suggests that TRIM28 occupancy of ERV elements critically represses expression of proximal inflammatory genes on the genome. We propose that gene silencing through repressive histone modification by TRIM28 plays a role in maintaining the integrity of precise gene regulation in DCs, which prevents aberrant T cell priming to inflammatory effector T cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shunsuke Chikuma
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan;
| | - Soichiro Yamanaka
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan
| | - So Nakagawa
- Department of Molecular Life Science, Tokai University School of Medicine, Kanagawa 259-1193, Japan
| | - Mahoko Takahashi Ueda
- Department of Molecular Life Science, Tokai University School of Medicine, Kanagawa 259-1193, Japan.,Department of Genomic Function and Diversity, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo 113-8510, Japan
| | - Hodaka Hayabuchi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Yukiko Tokifuji
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Masashi Kanayama
- Department of Biodefense Research, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo 113-8510, Japan
| | - Tadashi Okamura
- Department of Laboratory Animal Medicine, Research Institute, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo 162-8655, Japan.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Research Institute, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo 162-8655, Japan
| | - Hisashi Arase
- Department of Immunochemistry, Research Institute for Microbial Disease, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan; and.,Laboratory of Immunochemistry, World Premier International Research Center Initiative, Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Akihiko Yoshimura
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Principles of the Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Aging. J Invest Dermatol 2021; 141:951-960. [PMID: 33518357 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2020.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Aging can be defined as a state of progressive functional decline accompanied by an increase in mortality. Time-dependent accumulation of cellular damage, namely lesions and mutations in the DNA and misfolded proteins, impair organellar and cellular function. Ensuing cell fate alterations lead to the accumulation of dysfunctional cells and hamper homeostatic processes, thus limiting regenerative potential; trigger low-grade inflammation; and alter intercellular and intertissue communication. The accumulation of molecular damage together with modifications in the epigenetic landscape, dysregulation of gene expression, and altered endocrine communication, drive the aging process and establish age as the main risk factor for age-associated diseases and multimorbidity.
Collapse
|
41
|
Siametis A, Niotis G, Garinis GA. DNA Damage and the Aging Epigenome. J Invest Dermatol 2021; 141:961-967. [PMID: 33494932 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2020.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
In mammals, genome instability and aging are intimately linked as illustrated by the growing list of patients with progeroid and animal models with inborn DNA repair defects. Until recently, DNA damage was thought to drive aging by compromising transcription or DNA replication, thereby leading to age-related cellular malfunction and somatic mutations triggering cancer. However, recent evidence suggests that DNA lesions also elicit widespread epigenetic alterations that threaten cell homeostasis as a function of age. In this review, we discuss the functional links of persistent DNA damage with the epigenome in the context of aging and age-related diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Athanasios Siametis
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology, Heraklion, Greece; Department of Biology, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - George Niotis
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology, Heraklion, Greece; Department of Biology, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - George A Garinis
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology, Heraklion, Greece; Department of Biology, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Yi SJ, Kim K. New Insights into the Role of Histone Changes in Aging. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21218241. [PMID: 33153221 PMCID: PMC7662996 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21218241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Aging is the progressive decline or loss of function at the cellular, tissue, and organismal levels that ultimately leads to death. A number of external and internal factors, including diet, exercise, metabolic dysfunction, genome instability, and epigenetic imbalance, affect the lifespan of an organism. These aging factors regulate transcriptome changes related to the aging process through chromatin remodeling. Many epigenetic regulators, such as histone modification, histone variants, and ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling factors, play roles in chromatin reorganization. The key to understanding the role of gene regulatory networks in aging lies in characterizing the epigenetic regulators responsible for reorganizing and potentiating particular chromatin structures. This review covers epigenetic studies on aging, discusses the impact of epigenetic modifications on gene expression, and provides future directions in this area.
Collapse
|
43
|
Sural S, Liang CY, Wang FY, Ching TT, Hsu AL. HSB-1/HSF-1 pathway modulates histone H4 in mitochondria to control mtDNA transcription and longevity. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2020; 6:eaaz4452. [PMID: 33087356 PMCID: PMC7577724 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aaz4452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Heat shock factor-1 (HSF-1) is a master regulator of stress responses across taxa. Overexpression of HSF-1 or genetic ablation of its conserved negative regulator, heat shock factor binding protein 1 (HSB-1), results in robust life-span extension in Caenorhabditis elegans Here, we found that increased HSF-1 activity elevates histone H4 levels in somatic tissues during development, while knockdown of H4 completely suppresses HSF-1-mediated longevity. Moreover, overexpression of H4 is sufficient to extend life span. Ablation of HSB-1 induces an H4-dependent increase in micrococcal nuclease protection of both nuclear chromatin and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), which consequently results in reduced transcription of mtDNA-encoded complex IV genes, decreased respiratory capacity, and a mitochondrial unfolded protein response-dependent life-span extension. Collectively, our findings reveal a previously unknown role of HSB-1/HSF-1 signaling in modulation of mitochondrial function via mediating histone H4-dependent regulation of mtDNA gene expression and concomitantly acting as a determinant of organismal longevity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Surojit Sural
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Chung-Yi Liang
- Research Center for Healthy Aging, China Medical University, Taichung, 404, Taiwan
| | - Feng-Yung Wang
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 112, Taiwan
| | - Tsui-Ting Ching
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 112, Taiwan.
| | - Ao-Lin Hsu
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
- Research Center for Healthy Aging, China Medical University, Taichung, 404, Taiwan
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 112, Taiwan
- Division of Geriatric and Palliative Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Arora I, Sharma M, Sun LY, Tollefsbol TO. The Epigenetic Link between Polyphenols, Aging and Age-Related Diseases. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:genes11091094. [PMID: 32962067 PMCID: PMC7565986 DOI: 10.3390/genes11091094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Revised: 08/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Aging is a complex process mainly categorized by a decline in tissue, cells and organ function and an increased risk of mortality. Recent studies have provided evidence that suggests a strong association between epigenetic mechanisms throughout an organism’s lifespan and age-related disease progression. Epigenetics is considered an evolving field and regulates the genetic code at several levels. Among these are DNA changes, which include modifications to DNA methylation state, histone changes, which include modifications of methylation, acetylation, ubiquitination and phosphorylation of histones, and non-coding RNA changes. As a result, these epigenetic modifications are vital targets for potential therapeutic interventions against age-related deterioration and disease progression. Dietary polyphenols play a key role in modulating these modifications thereby delaying aging and extending longevity. In this review, we summarize recent advancements linking epigenetics, polyphenols and aging as well as critical findings related to the various dietary polyphenols in different fruits and vegetables. In addition, we cover studies that relate polyphenols and their epigenetic effects to various aging-related diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, autoimmune disorders, diabetes, osteoporosis and cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Itika Arora
- Department of Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; (I.A.); (M.S.); (L.Y.S.)
| | - Manvi Sharma
- Department of Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; (I.A.); (M.S.); (L.Y.S.)
| | - Liou Y. Sun
- Department of Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; (I.A.); (M.S.); (L.Y.S.)
- Comprehensive Center for Healthy Aging, University of Alabama Birmingham, 1530 3rd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Trygve O. Tollefsbol
- Department of Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; (I.A.); (M.S.); (L.Y.S.)
- Comprehensive Center for Healthy Aging, University of Alabama Birmingham, 1530 3rd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama Birmingham, 1802 6th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
- Nutrition Obesity Research Center, University of Alabama Birmingham, 1675 University Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
- Comprehensive Diabetes Center, University of Alabama Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-205-934-4573; Fax: +1-205-975-6097
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Lee JH, Kim EW, Croteau DL, Bohr VA. Heterochromatin: an epigenetic point of view in aging. Exp Mol Med 2020; 52:1466-1474. [PMID: 32887933 PMCID: PMC8080806 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-020-00497-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Aging is an inevitable process of life. Defined by progressive physiological and functional loss of tissues and organs, aging increases the risk of mortality for the organism. The aging process is affected by various factors, including genetic and epigenetic ones. Here, we review the chromatin-specific epigenetic changes that occur during normal (chronological) aging and in premature aging diseases. Taking advantage of the reversible nature of epigenetic modifications, we will also discuss possible lifespan expansion strategies through epigenetic modulation, which was considered irreversible until recently.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jong-Hyuk Lee
- Laboratory of Molecular Gerontology, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Edward W Kim
- Laboratory of Molecular Gerontology, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Deborah L Croteau
- Laboratory of Molecular Gerontology, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Vilhelm A Bohr
- Laboratory of Molecular Gerontology, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA. .,Danish Center for Healthy Aging, University of Copenhagen, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Barrere-Cain R, Allard P. An Understudied Dimension: Why Age Needs to Be Considered When Studying Epigenetic-Environment Interactions. Epigenet Insights 2020; 13:2516865720947014. [PMID: 32864568 PMCID: PMC7430070 DOI: 10.1177/2516865720947014] [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: 04/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
We live in a complex chemical environment where there are an estimated 350 000 chemical compounds or mixtures commercially produced. A strong body of literature shows that there are time points during early development when an organism’s epigenome is particularly sensitive to chemicals in its environment. What is less understood is how gene-environment and epigenetic-environment interactions change with age. This question is bidirectional: (1) how do chemicals in the environment affect the aging process and (2) how does aging affect an organism’s response to its chemical environment? The study of gene-environment interactions with age is especially important because, in many parts of the world, older individuals are a large and rapidly growing proportion of the population and because aging is a process universal to most of the animal kingdom. Epigenetics has emerged as a crucial framework for studying aging as epigenetic pathways, often triggered by environmental stimuli, have been shown to be essential regulators of the aging process. In this perspective article, we delineate the connection between aging, epigenetics, and environmental exposures. We discuss why it is essential to consider age when researching how an organism interacts with its environment. We describe recent advances in understanding how the chemical environment affects aging and the gap in research on how age affects an organism’s response to the environment. Finally, we highlight how model organisms and network approaches can help fill this crucial gap. Taken together, systemic changes that occur in the epigenome with age indicate that adult organisms cannot be treated as a homogeneous population and that there are discrete mechanisms modulating the aging epigenome that we do not yet understand.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rio Barrere-Cain
- Institute for Society & Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Patrick Allard
- Institute for Society & Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Wamucho A, Heffley A, Tsyusko OV. Epigenetic effects induced by silver nanoparticles in Caenorhabditis elegans after multigenerational exposure. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 725:138523. [PMID: 32305644 PMCID: PMC11370278 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.138523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/05/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Multigenerational effects of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) on reproduction of the soil nematode Caenorhabditis elegans have been observed previously. However, mechanisms of this reproductive sensitivity are unknown. Here we examine whether epigenetic changes occur as a result of multigenerational exposure to Ag-NPs and whether such modifications can be inherited by unexposed generations. Changes at histone methylation markers, histone 3 lysine 4 dimethylation (H3K4me2) and histone 3 lysine 9 trimethylation (H3K9me3), known to affect reproduction, as well as changes in the expression of the genes encoding demethylases and methyltransferases associated with the selected markers, were investigated. We exposed C. elegans at EC30 to AgNO3, pristine Ag-NPs, and its environmentally transformed product, sulfidized Ag-NPs (sAg-NPs). Histone methylation levels at H3K4me2 increase in response to pristine Ag-NP exposure and did not recover after rescue from the exposure, suggesting transgenerational inheritance. Compared to pristine Ag-NPs, exposure to transformed sAg-NPs significantly decreased H3K4me2 and H3K9me3 levels. These changes in the histone methylation were also supported by expression of spr-5 and jmjd-2 (H3K4me2 and H3K9me3 demethylases, respectively) and set-30 (H3K4me2 methyltransferase). Our study demonstrates that multigenerational exposure to Ag-NPs induces epigenetic changes that are inherited by unexposed offspring. However, environmental transformations of Ag-NPs may also reduce toxicity via epigenetic mechanisms, such as changes at histone methylation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anye Wamucho
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Kentucky, 1100 S. Limestone St., Lexington, KY 40546, USA; Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky, 1095 V.A. Drive, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Allison Heffley
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Kentucky, 1100 S. Limestone St., Lexington, KY 40546, USA; Miami University, 501 E. High St., Oxford, OH 45056, USA
| | - Olga V Tsyusko
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Kentucky, 1100 S. Limestone St., Lexington, KY 40546, USA; Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky, 1095 V.A. Drive, Lexington, KY 40536, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Braga DL, Mousovich-Neto F, Tonon-da-Silva G, Salgueiro WG, Mori MA. Epigenetic changes during ageing and their underlying mechanisms. Biogerontology 2020; 21:423-443. [PMID: 32356238 DOI: 10.1007/s10522-020-09874-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
As life expectancy increases worldwide, ageing and age-related diseases arise as a major issue for societies around the globe. Understanding the biological mechanisms underlying the ageing process is thus instrumental for the development of efficient interventions aimed to prevent and treat age-related conditions. Current knowledge in the biogerontology field points to epigenetics as a critical component of the ageing process, not only by serving as a bona-fide marker of biological age but also by controlling and conferring inheritability to cellular and organismal ageing. This is reflected by a myriad of evidences demonstrating the relationship between DNA methylation, histone modifications, chromatin remodeling and small non-coding RNAs and several age-related phenotypes. Given the reversibility of epigenetic alterations, epigenetic reprogramming may also be envisioned as a potential approach to treat age-related disorders. Here we review how different types of epigenetic mechanisms are involved in the ageing process. In addition, we highlight how interventions modulate epigenetics and thus promote health- and lifespan.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deisi L Braga
- Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, University of Campinas, Rua Monteiro Lobato, 255, Campinas, São Paulo, 13083-862, Brazil
- Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, 13083-862, Brazil
| | - Felippe Mousovich-Neto
- Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, University of Campinas, Rua Monteiro Lobato, 255, Campinas, São Paulo, 13083-862, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Tonon-da-Silva
- Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, University of Campinas, Rua Monteiro Lobato, 255, Campinas, São Paulo, 13083-862, Brazil
- Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, 13083-862, Brazil
| | - Willian G Salgueiro
- Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, University of Campinas, Rua Monteiro Lobato, 255, Campinas, São Paulo, 13083-862, Brazil
- Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, 13083-862, Brazil
| | - Marcelo A Mori
- Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, University of Campinas, Rua Monteiro Lobato, 255, Campinas, São Paulo, 13083-862, Brazil.
- Obesity and Comorbidities Research Center (OCRC), University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, 13083-862, Brazil.
- Experimental Medicine Research Cluster (EMRC), University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, 13083-862, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Haws SA, Yu D, Ye C, Wille CK, Nguyen LC, Krautkramer KA, Tomasiewicz JL, Yang SE, Miller BR, Liu WH, Igarashi K, Sridharan R, Tu BP, Cryns VL, Lamming DW, Denu JM. Methyl-Metabolite Depletion Elicits Adaptive Responses to Support Heterochromatin Stability and Epigenetic Persistence. Mol Cell 2020; 78:210-223.e8. [PMID: 32208170 PMCID: PMC7191556 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2020.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2019] [Revised: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) is the methyl-donor substrate for DNA and histone methyltransferases that regulate epigenetic states and subsequent gene expression. This metabolism-epigenome link sensitizes chromatin methylation to altered SAM abundance, yet the mechanisms that allow organisms to adapt and protect epigenetic information during life-experienced fluctuations in SAM availability are unknown. We identified a robust response to SAM depletion that is highlighted by preferential cytoplasmic and nuclear mono-methylation of H3 Lys 9 (H3K9) at the expense of broad losses in histone di- and tri-methylation. Under SAM-depleted conditions, H3K9 mono-methylation preserves heterochromatin stability and supports global epigenetic persistence upon metabolic recovery. This unique chromatin response was robust across the mouse lifespan and correlated with improved metabolic health, supporting a significant role for epigenetic adaptation to SAM depletion in vivo. Together, these studies provide evidence for an adaptive response that enables epigenetic persistence to metabolic stress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Spencer A Haws
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, SMPH, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA; Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715, USA
| | - Deyang Yu
- William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Department of Medicine, SMPH, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Molecular & Environmental Toxicology Center, SMPH, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Cunqi Ye
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Coral K Wille
- Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715, USA
| | - Long C Nguyen
- Department of Biochemistry, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
| | - Kimberly A Krautkramer
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, SMPH, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA; Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715, USA
| | - Jay L Tomasiewicz
- William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Shany E Yang
- William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Department of Medicine, SMPH, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Blake R Miller
- William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Department of Medicine, SMPH, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Wallace H Liu
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, SMPH, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA; Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715, USA
| | - Kazuhiko Igarashi
- Department of Biochemistry, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8575, Japan; Center for Regulatory Epigenome and Diseases, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
| | - Rupa Sridharan
- Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715, USA; Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Benjamin P Tu
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Vincent L Cryns
- Department of Medicine, SMPH, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Molecular & Environmental Toxicology Center, SMPH, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI 53792, USA
| | - Dudley W Lamming
- William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Department of Medicine, SMPH, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Molecular & Environmental Toxicology Center, SMPH, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI 53792, USA
| | - John M Denu
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, SMPH, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA; Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Yu R, McCauley B, Dang W. Loss of chromatin structural integrity is a source of stress during aging. Hum Genet 2020; 139:371-380. [PMID: 31900586 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-019-02100-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Dysfunction and dysregulation at multiple levels, from organismal to molecular, are associated with the biological process of aging. In a eukaryotic nucleus, multiple lines of evidence have shown that the fundamental structure of chromatin is affected by aging. Not only euchromatic and heterochromatic regions shift locations, global changes, such as reduced levels of histones, have been reported for certain aged cell types and tissues. The physiological effects caused by such broad chromatin changes are complex and the cell's responses to it can be profound and in turn influence the aging process. In this review, we summarize recent findings on the interplay between chromatin architecture and aging with an emphasis on the cellular response to chromatin stress and its antagonistic effects on aging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruofan Yu
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, 77030, USA.,Huffington Center on Aging, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, 77030, USA
| | - Brenna McCauley
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, 77030, USA.,Huffington Center on Aging, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, 77030, USA
| | - Weiwei Dang
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, 77030, USA. .,Huffington Center on Aging, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, 77030, USA.
| |
Collapse
|