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Dias Mirandela M, Zoch A, Leismann J, Webb S, Berrens RV, Valsakumar D, Kabayama Y, Auchynnikava T, Schito M, Chowdhury T, MacLeod D, Xiang X, Zou J, Rappsilber J, Allshire RC, Voigt P, Cook AG, Barau J, O'Carroll D. Two-factor authentication underpins the precision of the piRNA pathway. Nature 2024:10.1038/s41586-024-07963-3. [PMID: 39294378 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07963-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/20/2024]
Abstract
The PIWI-interacting RNA (piRNA) pathway guides the DNA methylation of young, active transposons during germline development in male mice1. piRNAs tether the PIWI protein MIWI2 (PIWIL4) to the nascent transposon transcript, resulting in DNA methylation through SPOCD1 (refs. 2-5). Transposon methylation requires great precision: every copy needs to be methylated but off-target methylation must be avoided. However, the underlying mechanisms that ensure this precision remain unknown. Here, we show that SPOCD1 interacts directly with SPIN1 (SPINDLIN1), a chromatin reader that primarily binds to H3K4me3-K9me3 (ref. 6). The prevailing assumption is that all the molecular events required for piRNA-directed DNA methylation occur after the engagement of MIWI2. We find that SPIN1 expression precedes that of both SPOCD1 and MIWI2. Furthermore, we demonstrate that young LINE1 copies, but not old ones, are marked by H3K4me3, H3K9me3 and SPIN1 before the initiation of piRNA-directed DNA methylation. We generated a Spocd1 separation-of-function allele in the mouse that encodes a SPOCD1 variant that no longer interacts with SPIN1. We found that the interaction between SPOCD1 and SPIN1 is essential for spermatogenesis and piRNA-directed DNA methylation of young LINE1 elements. We propose that piRNA-directed LINE1 DNA methylation requires a developmentally timed two-factor authentication process. The first authentication is the recruitment of SPIN1-SPOCD1 to the young LINE1 promoter, and the second is MIWI2 engagement with the nascent transcript. In summary, independent authentication events underpin the precision of piRNA-directed LINE1 DNA methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeleine Dias Mirandela
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, Institute for Stem Cell Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Ansgar Zoch
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, Institute for Stem Cell Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Shaun Webb
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Rebecca V Berrens
- IDRM, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Department of Biochemistry, Oxford University, Oxford, UK
| | - Devisree Valsakumar
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Yuka Kabayama
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, Institute for Stem Cell Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Tania Auchynnikava
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Martina Schito
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, Institute for Stem Cell Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Tamoghna Chowdhury
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, Institute for Stem Cell Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - David MacLeod
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, Institute for Stem Cell Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Xinyu Xiang
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, Institute for Stem Cell Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJU-UoE Institute), Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Haining, China
| | - Juan Zou
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Juri Rappsilber
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Bioanalytics, Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Robin C Allshire
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Philipp Voigt
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Atlanta G Cook
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Joan Barau
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Mainz, Germany
| | - Dónal O'Carroll
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, Institute for Stem Cell Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
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2
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Tomizawa SI, Fellows R, Ono M, Kuroha K, Dočkal I, Kobayashi Y, Minamizawa K, Natsume K, Nakajima K, Hoshi I, Matsuda S, Seki M, Suzuki Y, Aoto K, Saitsu H, Ohbo K. The non-canonical bivalent gene Wfdc15a controls spermatogenic protease and immune homeostasis. Development 2024; 151:dev202834. [PMID: 39222051 DOI: 10.1242/dev.202834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 08/15/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Male infertility can be caused by chromosomal abnormalities, mutations and epigenetic defects. Epigenetic modifiers pre-program hundreds of spermatogenic genes in spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) for expression later in spermatids, but it remains mostly unclear whether and how those genes are involved in fertility. Here, we report that Wfdc15a, a WFDC family protease inhibitor pre-programmed by KMT2B, is essential for spermatogenesis. We found that Wfdc15a is a non-canonical bivalent gene carrying both H3K4me3 and facultative H3K9me3 in SSCs, but is later activated along with the loss of H3K9me3 and acquisition of H3K27ac during meiosis. We show that WFDC15A deficiency causes defective spermiogenesis at the beginning of spermatid elongation. Notably, depletion of WFDC15A causes substantial disturbance of the testicular protease-antiprotease network and leads to an orchitis-like inflammatory response associated with TNFα expression in round spermatids. Together, our results reveal a unique epigenetic program regulating innate immunity crucial for fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shin-Ichi Tomizawa
- Department of Histology and Cell Biology, Yokohama City University School of Medicine, Yokohama 236-0004, Japan
| | - Rachel Fellows
- Department of Histology and Cell Biology, Yokohama City University School of Medicine, Yokohama 236-0004, Japan
| | - Michio Ono
- Department of Histology and Cell Biology, Yokohama City University School of Medicine, Yokohama 236-0004, Japan
| | - Kazushige Kuroha
- Department of Histology and Cell Biology, Yokohama City University School of Medicine, Yokohama 236-0004, Japan
| | - Ivana Dočkal
- Department of Histology and Cell Biology, Yokohama City University School of Medicine, Yokohama 236-0004, Japan
| | - Yuki Kobayashi
- Department of Histology and Cell Biology, Yokohama City University School of Medicine, Yokohama 236-0004, Japan
| | - Keisuke Minamizawa
- Department of Histology and Cell Biology, Yokohama City University School of Medicine, Yokohama 236-0004, Japan
| | - Koji Natsume
- Department of Histology and Cell Biology, Yokohama City University School of Medicine, Yokohama 236-0004, Japan
| | - Kuniko Nakajima
- Department of Histology and Cell Biology, Yokohama City University School of Medicine, Yokohama 236-0004, Japan
| | - Ikue Hoshi
- Department of Histology and Cell Biology, Yokohama City University School of Medicine, Yokohama 236-0004, Japan
| | - Shion Matsuda
- Department of Histology and Cell Biology, Yokohama City University School of Medicine, Yokohama 236-0004, Japan
| | - Masahide Seki
- Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa 277-8562, Japan
| | - Yutaka Suzuki
- Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa 277-8562, Japan
| | - Kazushi Aoto
- Department of Biochemistry, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka 431-3192, Japan
- Central Laboratory, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734-8553, Japan
| | - Hirotomo Saitsu
- Department of Biochemistry, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka 431-3192, Japan
| | - Kazuyuki Ohbo
- Department of Histology and Cell Biology, Yokohama City University School of Medicine, Yokohama 236-0004, Japan
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3
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Davletgildeeva AT, Kuznetsov NA. The Role of DNMT Methyltransferases and TET Dioxygenases in the Maintenance of the DNA Methylation Level. Biomolecules 2024; 14:1117. [PMID: 39334883 PMCID: PMC11430729 DOI: 10.3390/biom14091117] [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: 07/24/2024] [Revised: 08/26/2024] [Accepted: 08/31/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
This review deals with the functional characteristics and biological roles of enzymes participating in DNA methylation and demethylation as key factors in epigenetic regulation of gene expression. The set of enzymes that carry out such processes in human cells is limited to representatives of two families, namely DNMT (DNA methyltransferases) and TET (DNA dioxygenases). The review presents detailed information known today about each functionally important member of these families and describes the catalytic activity and roles in the mammalian body while also providing examples of dysregulation of the expression and/or activity of these enzymes in conjunction with the development of some human disorders, including cancers, neurodegenerative diseases, and developmental pathologies. By combining the up-to-date information on the dysfunction of various enzymes that control the DNA "methylome" in the human body, we hope not only to draw attention to the importance of the maintenance of a required DNA methylation level (ensuring epigenetic regulation of gene expression and normal functioning of the entire body) but also to help identify new targets for directed control over the activity of the enzymes that implement the balance between processes of DNA methylation and demethylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasiia T Davletgildeeva
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Nikita A Kuznetsov
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
- Department of Natural Sciences, Novosibirsk State University, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
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4
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Chen T, Mahdadi S, Vidal M, Desbène-Finck S. Non-nucleoside inhibitors of DNMT1 and DNMT3 for targeted cancer therapy. Pharmacol Res 2024; 207:107328. [PMID: 39079576 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2024] [Revised: 07/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
DNA methylation can deactivate tumor suppressor genes thus causing cancers. Two DNA methylation inhibitors have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and have entered clinical use. However, these inhibitors are nucleoside analogues that can be incorporated into DNA or RNA and induce significant side effects. DNMT1 and DNMT3 are key enzymes involved in DNA methylation. In the acute myeloid leukemia model, a non-nucleoside DNMT1-specific inhibitor has shown lower toxicity and improved pharmacokinetics compared to traditional nucleoside drugs. DNMT3 is also implicated in certain specific cancers. Thus, developing non-nucleoside inhibitors for DNMT1 or DNMT3 can help in understanding their roles in carcinogenesis and provide targeted treatment options in certain cancers. Although no non-nucleoside inhibitors have yet entered clinical trials, in this review, we focus on DNMT1 or DNMT3 selective inhibitors. For DNMT1 selective inhibitors, we have compiled information on the repurposed drugs, derivative compounds and selective inhibitors identified through virtual screening. Additionally, we have outlined potential targets for DNMT1, including protein-protein complex, RNA mimics and aptamers. Compared to DNMT1, research on DNMT3-specific inhibitors has been less extensive. In this context, our exploration has identified a limited number of molecular inhibitors, and we have proposed specific long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) as potential contributors to the selective inhibition of DNMT3. This collective effort aims to offer valuable insights into the development of non-nucleoside inhibitors that selectively target DNMT1 or DNMT3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Chen
- UMR 8038 CNRS, U1268 INSERM, UFR de pharmacie, Université Paris cité, 75270, France
| | - Syrine Mahdadi
- UMR 8038 CNRS, U1268 INSERM, UFR de pharmacie, Université Paris cité, 75270, France
| | - Michel Vidal
- UMR 8038 CNRS, U1268 INSERM, UFR de pharmacie, Université Paris cité, 75270, France; Toxicology, Cochin Hospital, HUPC, APHP, Paris 75014, France
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5
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Schuff M, Strong AD, Welborn LK, Ziermann-Canabarro JM. Imprinting as Basis for Complex Evolutionary Novelties in Eutherians. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:682. [PMID: 39336109 PMCID: PMC11428813 DOI: 10.3390/biology13090682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2024] [Revised: 08/24/2024] [Accepted: 08/28/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024]
Abstract
The epigenetic phenomenon of genomic imprinting is puzzling. While epigenetic modifications in general are widely known in most species, genomic imprinting in the animal kingdom is restricted to autosomes of therian mammals, mainly eutherians, and to a lesser extent in marsupials. Imprinting causes monoallelic gene expression. It represents functional haploidy of certain alleles while bearing the evolutionary cost of diploidization, which is the need of a complex cellular architecture and the danger of producing aneuploid cells by mitotic and meiotic errors. The parent-of-origin gene expression has stressed many theories. Most prominent theories, such as the kinship (parental conflict) hypothesis for maternally versus paternally derived alleles, explain only partial aspects of imprinting. The implementation of single-cell transcriptome analyses and epigenetic research allowed detailed study of monoallelic expression in a spatial and temporal manner and demonstrated a broader but much more complex and differentiated picture of imprinting. In this review, we summarize all these aspects but argue that imprinting is a functional haploidy that not only allows a better gene dosage control of critical genes but also increased cellular diversity and plasticity. Furthermore, we propose that only the occurrence of allele-specific gene regulation mechanisms allows the appearance of evolutionary novelties such as the placenta and the evolutionary expansion of the eutherian brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximillian Schuff
- Next Fertility St. Gallen, Kürsteinerstrasse 2, 9015 St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Amanda D Strong
- Department of Anatomy, Howard University College of Medicine, 520 W St. NW, Washington, DC 20059, USA
| | - Lyvia K Welborn
- Department of Anatomy, Howard University College of Medicine, 520 W St. NW, Washington, DC 20059, USA
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6
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Manna I, De Benedittis S, Porro D. A Comprehensive Examination of the Role of Epigenetic Factors in Multiple Sclerosis. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8921. [PMID: 39201606 PMCID: PMC11355011 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25168921] [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: 06/21/2024] [Revised: 08/05/2024] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024] Open
Abstract
According to various research, the risk of multiple sclerosis (MS) is strongly influenced by genetic variations. Population, familial, and molecular studies provide strong empirical support for a polygenic pattern of inheritance, mainly due to relatively common allelic variants in the general population. The strongest MS susceptibility locus, which was unmistakably identified in tested populations, is the major histocompatibility complex on chromosome 6p21.3. However, the effect of a given predisposing variant remains modest, so there is the possibility that multiple gene-gene and/or gene-environment interactions could significantly increase the contribution of specific variants to the overall genetic risk. Furthermore, as is known, susceptibility genes can be subject to epigenetic modifications, which greatly increase the complexity of MS heritability. Investigating epigenetic and environmental factors can provide new opportunities for the molecular basis of the MS, which shows complicated pathogenesis. Although studies of epigenetic changes in MS only began in the last decade, a growing body of literature suggests that these may be involved in the development of MS. Here, we summarize recent studies regarding epigenetic changes related to MS initiation and progression. Furthermore, we discuss how current studies address important clinical questions and how future studies could be used in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ida Manna
- Institute of Bioimaging and Complex Biological Systems (IBSBC), National Research Council (CNR), Section of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Selene De Benedittis
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council (CNR) Cosenza, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Danilo Porro
- Institute of Bioimaging and Complex Biological Systems (IBSBC), National Research Council (CNR), Segrate, 20054 Milan, Italy
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7
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Guo X, Yang J. Advances in DNA methylation of imprinted genes and folic acid regulation of growth and development. Epigenomics 2024; 16:1117-1127. [PMID: 39140401 PMCID: PMC11418287 DOI: 10.1080/17501911.2024.2384833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation is closely related to folate levels and acts as a mechanism linking developmental disorders to chronic diseases. Folic acid supplementation can impact DNA methylation levels of imprinted genes crucial for neonatal development. Imprinted genes are vital for regulating embryonic and postnatal fetal growth. This review summarizes imprinted genes, DNA methylation, folic acid's influence on growth and development and their correlation. It aims to provide a comprehensive overview of research advancements on imprinted genes, DNA methylation and folic acid regulation concerning growth and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojing Guo
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health & Management, Guangxi Traditional Chinese Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Junwei Yang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Traditional Chinese Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
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8
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Khudaverdyan N, Lu J, Chen X, Herle G, Song J. The structure of DNA methyltransferase DNMT3C reveals an activity-tuning mechanism for DNA methylation. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:107633. [PMID: 39098534 PMCID: PMC11401227 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 07/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation is one of the major epigenetic mechanisms crucial for gene regulation and genome stability. De novo DNA methyltransferase DNMT3C is required for silencing evolutionarily young transposons during mice spermatogenesis. Mutation of DNMT3C led to a sterility phenotype that cannot be rescued by its homologs DNMT3A and DNMT3B. However, the structural basis of DNMT3C-mediated DNA methylation remains unknown. Here, we report the structure and mechanism of DNMT3C-mediated DNA methylation. The DNMT3C methyltransferase domain recognizes CpG-containing DNA in a manner similar to that of DNMT3A and DNMT3B, in line with their high sequence similarity. However, two evolutionary covariation sites, C543 and E590, diversify the substrate interaction among DNMT3C, DNMT3A, and DNMT3B, resulting in distinct DNA methylation activity and specificity between DNMT3C, DNMT3A, and DNMT3B in vitro. In addition, our combined structural and biochemical analysis reveals that the disease-causing rahu mutation of DNMT3C compromises its oligomerization and DNA-binding activities, explaining the loss of DNA methylation activity caused by this mutation. This study provides a mechanistic insight into DNMT3C-mediated DNA methylation that complements DNMT3A- and DNMT3B-mediated DNA methylation in mice, unraveling a regulatory mechanism by which evolutionary conservation and diversification fine-tune the activity of de novo DNA methyltransferases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nelli Khudaverdyan
- Department of Biochemistry, University of California, Riverside, California, USA
| | - Jiuwei Lu
- Department of Biochemistry, University of California, Riverside, California, USA
| | - Xinyi Chen
- Department of Biochemistry, University of California, Riverside, California, USA
| | - Genevieve Herle
- Biophysics Program, University of California, Riverside, California, USA
| | - Jikui Song
- Department of Biochemistry, University of California, Riverside, California, USA; Biophysics Program, University of California, Riverside, California, USA.
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9
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Liang W, Xu F, Li L, Peng C, Sun H, Qiu J, Sun J. Epigenetic control of skeletal muscle atrophy. Cell Mol Biol Lett 2024; 29:99. [PMID: 38978023 PMCID: PMC11229277 DOI: 10.1186/s11658-024-00618-1] [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: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Skeletal muscular atrophy is a complex disease involving a large number of gene expression regulatory networks and various biological processes. Despite extensive research on this topic, its underlying mechanisms remain elusive, and effective therapeutic approaches are yet to be established. Recent studies have shown that epigenetics play an important role in regulating skeletal muscle atrophy, influencing the expression of numerous genes associated with this condition through the addition or removal of certain chemical modifications at the molecular level. This review article comprehensively summarizes the different types of modifications to DNA, histones, RNA, and their known regulators. We also discuss how epigenetic modifications change during the process of skeletal muscle atrophy, the molecular mechanisms by which epigenetic regulatory proteins control skeletal muscle atrophy, and assess their translational potential. The role of epigenetics on muscle stem cells is also highlighted. In addition, we propose that alternative splicing interacts with epigenetic mechanisms to regulate skeletal muscle mass, offering a novel perspective that enhances our understanding of epigenetic inheritance's role and the regulatory network governing skeletal muscle atrophy. Collectively, advancements in the understanding of epigenetic mechanisms provide invaluable insights into the study of skeletal muscle atrophy. Moreover, this knowledge paves the way for identifying new avenues for the development of more effective therapeutic strategies and pharmaceutical interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenpeng Liang
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Nantong University, Nantong, 26001, China
- Department of Prenatal Screening and Diagnosis Center, Affiliated Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Feng Xu
- Department of Endocrinology, Affiliated Hospital 2 of Nantong University and First People's Hospital of Nantong City, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Li Li
- Nantong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Chunlei Peng
- Department of Medical Oncology, Tumor Hospital Affiliated to Nantong University, Nantong, 226000, China
| | - Hualin Sun
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Nantong University, Nantong, 26001, China
| | - Jiaying Qiu
- Department of Prenatal Screening and Diagnosis Center, Affiliated Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China.
| | - Junjie Sun
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Nantong University, Nantong, 26001, China.
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10
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Ito T, Kubiura-Ichimaru M, Miura F, Tajima S, Surani MA, Ito T, Yamaguchi S, Tada M. DNMT1 can induce primary germ layer differentiation through de novo DNA methylation. Genes Cells 2024; 29:549-566. [PMID: 38811355 DOI: 10.1111/gtc.13130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2024] [Revised: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
DNA methyltransferases and Ten-Eleven Translocation (TET) proteins regulate the DNA methylation and demethylation cycles during mouse embryonic development. Although DNMT1 mainly plays a role in the maintenance of DNA methylation after DNA replication, it is also reported to possess de novo methyltransferase capacity. However, its physiological significance remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate that full-length DNMT1 (FL) and a mutant lacking the N-terminus necessary for its maintenance activity (602) confer the differentiation potential of mouse Dnmt1, Dnmt3a, and Dnmt3b (Dnmts-TKO) embryonic stem cells (ESCs). Both FL and 602 inhibit the spontaneous differentiation of Dnmts-TKO ESCs in the undifferentiated state. Dnmts-TKO ESCs showed loss of DNA methylation and de-repression of primitive endoderm-related genes, but these defects were partially restored in Dnmts-TKO + FL and Dnmts-TKO + 602 ESCs. Upon differentiation, Dnmts-TKO + FL ESCs show increased 5mC and 5hmC levels across chromosomes, including pericentromeric regions. In contrast, Dnmts-TKO + 602 ESCs didn't accumulate 5mC, and sister chromatids showed 5hmC asynchronously. Furthermore, in comparison with DNMT1_602, DNMT1_FL effectively promoted commitment to the epiblast-like cells and beyond, driving cell-autonomous mesendodermal and germline differentiation through embryoid body-based methods. With precise target selectivity achieved by its N-terminal region, DNMT1 may play a role in gene regulation leading to germline development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takamasa Ito
- Stem Cells & Reprogramming Laboratory, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Toho University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Musashi Kubiura-Ichimaru
- Stem Cells & Reprogramming Laboratory, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Toho University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Fumihito Miura
- Department of Biochemistry, Kyushu University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Shoji Tajima
- Laboratory of Epigenetics Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - M Azim Surani
- Wellcome Trust Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, Tennis Court Road, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Takashi Ito
- Department of Biochemistry, Kyushu University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Shinpei Yamaguchi
- Stem Cells & Reprogramming Laboratory, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Toho University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Masako Tada
- Stem Cells & Reprogramming Laboratory, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Toho University, Chiba, Japan
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11
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Lin Q, Ge X, Gao L, Chen Y, Su T, Ma M, Wang H, Chen C, Han B, Liu D. Betaine alleviates spermatogenic cells apoptosis of oligoasthenozoospermia rat model by up-regulating methyltransferases and affecting DNA methylation. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 129:155713. [PMID: 38735196 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oligoasthenozoospermia is the most common type of semen abnormality in male infertile patients. Betaine (BET) has been proved to have pharmacological effects on improving semen quality. BET also belongs to endogenous physiological active substances in the testis. However, the physiological function of BET in rat testis and its pharmacological mechanism against oligoasthenozoospermia remain unclear. PURPOSE This research aims to prove the therapeutic effect and potential mechanism of BET on oligoasthenozoospermia rat model induced by Tripterygium wilfordii glycosides (TWGs). METHODS The oligoasthenozoospermia rat model was established by a continuous gavage of TWGs (60 mg/kg) for 28 days. Negative control group, oligoasthenozoospermia group, positive drug group (levocarnitine, 300 mg/kg), and 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg, and 800 mg/kg BET groups were created for exploring the therapeutic effect of BET on the oligoasthenozoospermia rat model. The therapeutic effect was evaluated by HE and TUNEL staining. Immunofluorescence assay of DNMT3A, PIWIL1, PRMT5, SETDB1, BHMT2, and METTL3, methylation capture sequencing, Pi-RNA sequencing, and molecular docking were used to elucidate potential pharmacological mechanisms. RESULTS It is proved that BET can significantly restore testicular pathological damage induced by TWGs, which also can significantly reverse the apoptosis of spermatogenic cells. The spermatogenic cell protein expression levels of DNMT3A, PIWIL1, PRMT5, SETDB1, BHMT2, and METTL3 significantly decreased in oligoasthenozoospermia group. 400 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg BET groups can significantly increase expression level of the above-mentioned proteins. Methylation capture sequencing showed that BET can significantly increase the 5mC methylation level of Spata, Spag, and Specc spermatogenesis-related genes. Pi-RNA sequencing proved that the above-mentioned genes produce a large number of Pi-RNA under BET intervention. Pi-RNA can form complexes with PIWI proteins to participate in DNA methylation of target genes. Molecular docking indicated that BET may not directly act as substrate for methyltransferase and instead participates in DNA methylation by promoting the methionine cycle and increasing S-adenosylmethionine synthesis. CONCLUSION BET has a significant therapeutic effect on oligoasthenozoospermia rat model induced by TWPs. The mechanism mainly involves that BET can increase the methylation level of Spata, Specc, and Spag target genes through the PIWI/Pi-RNA pathway and up-regulation of methyltransferases (including DNA methyltransferases and histone methyltransferases).
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiyan Lin
- College of Biological and Pharmaceutical Engineering, West Anhui University, Generic Technology Research Center for Anhui Traditional Chinese Medicine Industry, Anhui Engineering Research Center for Eco-agriculture of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lu'an, 237012, Anhui, China
| | - Xiyu Ge
- College of Biological and Pharmaceutical Engineering, West Anhui University, Generic Technology Research Center for Anhui Traditional Chinese Medicine Industry, Anhui Engineering Research Center for Eco-agriculture of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lu'an, 237012, Anhui, China
| | - Leilei Gao
- College of Biological and Pharmaceutical Engineering, West Anhui University, Generic Technology Research Center for Anhui Traditional Chinese Medicine Industry, Anhui Engineering Research Center for Eco-agriculture of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lu'an, 237012, Anhui, China
| | - Yanjun Chen
- College of Biological and Pharmaceutical Engineering, West Anhui University, Generic Technology Research Center for Anhui Traditional Chinese Medicine Industry, Anhui Engineering Research Center for Eco-agriculture of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lu'an, 237012, Anhui, China
| | - Ting Su
- College of Biological and Pharmaceutical Engineering, West Anhui University, Generic Technology Research Center for Anhui Traditional Chinese Medicine Industry, Anhui Engineering Research Center for Eco-agriculture of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lu'an, 237012, Anhui, China
| | - Menghua Ma
- College of Biological and Pharmaceutical Engineering, West Anhui University, Generic Technology Research Center for Anhui Traditional Chinese Medicine Industry, Anhui Engineering Research Center for Eco-agriculture of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lu'an, 237012, Anhui, China
| | - Huijun Wang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Cunwu Chen
- College of Biological and Pharmaceutical Engineering, West Anhui University, Generic Technology Research Center for Anhui Traditional Chinese Medicine Industry, Anhui Engineering Research Center for Eco-agriculture of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lu'an, 237012, Anhui, China
| | - Bangxing Han
- College of Biological and Pharmaceutical Engineering, West Anhui University, Generic Technology Research Center for Anhui Traditional Chinese Medicine Industry, Anhui Engineering Research Center for Eco-agriculture of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lu'an, 237012, Anhui, China.
| | - Dong Liu
- College of Biological and Pharmaceutical Engineering, West Anhui University, Generic Technology Research Center for Anhui Traditional Chinese Medicine Industry, Anhui Engineering Research Center for Eco-agriculture of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lu'an, 237012, Anhui, China.
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12
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Siebert-Kuss LM, Dietrich V, Di Persio S, Bhaskaran J, Stehling M, Cremers JF, Sandmann S, Varghese J, Kliesch S, Schlatt S, Vaquerizas JM, Neuhaus N, Laurentino S. Genome-wide DNA methylation changes in human spermatogenesis. Am J Hum Genet 2024; 111:1125-1139. [PMID: 38759652 PMCID: PMC11179423 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2024.04.017] [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: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Sperm production and function require the correct establishment of DNA methylation patterns in the germline. Here, we examined the genome-wide DNA methylation changes during human spermatogenesis and its alterations in disturbed spermatogenesis. We found that spermatogenesis is associated with remodeling of the methylome, comprising a global decline in DNA methylation in primary spermatocytes followed by selective remethylation, resulting in a spermatids/sperm-specific methylome. Hypomethylated regions in spermatids/sperm were enriched in specific transcription factor binding sites for DMRT and SOX family members and spermatid-specific genes. Intriguingly, while SINEs displayed differential methylation throughout spermatogenesis, LINEs appeared to be protected from changes in DNA methylation. In disturbed spermatogenesis, germ cells exhibited considerable DNA methylation changes, which were significantly enriched at transposable elements and genes involved in spermatogenesis. We detected hypomethylation in SVA and L1HS in disturbed spermatogenesis, suggesting an association between the abnormal programming of these regions and failure of germ cells progressing beyond meiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara M Siebert-Kuss
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Verena Dietrich
- Institute of Medical Informatics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Sara Di Persio
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Jahnavi Bhaskaran
- MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences, London, UK; Institute of Clinical Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK; Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Münster, Germany
| | - Martin Stehling
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Münster, Germany
| | - Jann-Frederik Cremers
- Department of Clinical and Surgical Andrology, Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Sarah Sandmann
- Institute of Medical Informatics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Julian Varghese
- Institute of Medical Informatics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Sabine Kliesch
- Department of Clinical and Surgical Andrology, Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Stefan Schlatt
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Juan M Vaquerizas
- MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences, London, UK; Institute of Clinical Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK; Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Münster, Germany
| | - Nina Neuhaus
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Sandra Laurentino
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany.
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13
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Tabatabaei T, Rezvany MR, Ghasemi B, Vafaei F, Zadeh MK, Zaker F, Salmaninejad A. Effect of DNMT3A R882H Hot Spot Mutations on DDX43 Promoter Methylation in Acute Myeloid Leukemia. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 2024:9625043. [PMID: 38807916 PMCID: PMC11132831 DOI: 10.1155/2024/9625043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 04/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Epigenetic alterations have been observed in many hematological malignancies, including acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Many of these alterations result from mutations in DNA methyl transferase (DNMT) enzymes, disabling them to methylate target genes in a proper way. In this case-control study, we investigated the association between R882H mutation in DNMT3A gene and DDX43 gene methylation in patients with AML. 47 AML patients and 6 controls were included in this study. After DNA extraction, amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS)-PCR was used to evaluate R882H mutations in DNMT3A gene. The high-resolution melting (HRM) method was used to determine the methylation changes of the DDX43 gene promoter. R882H mutation was only found in 10.6% (5 out of 47) of AML patients. The frequency of DDX43 gene methylation was significantly higher in patients without R882H mutations compared to patients with R882H mutations (P < 0.05). The DNMT3A R882H mutation is typically present in a minority of AML patients. Nevertheless, this mutation is associated with a reduced frequency of methylation in the DDX43 promoter region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahere Tabatabaei
- Department of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Rezvany
- Department of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bahare Ghasemi
- Department of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farzane Vafaei
- Blood Transfusion Research Center, High Institute for Research and Education in Transfusion Medicine, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Masoumeh Kiani Zadeh
- Blood Transfusion Research Center, High Institute for Research and Education in Transfusion Medicine, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farhad Zaker
- Department of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Arash Salmaninejad
- Regenerative Medicine, Organ Procurement and Transplantation Multi-Disciplinary Center, Razi Hospital, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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14
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Dossmann L, Emperle M, Dukatz M, de Mendoza A, Bashtrykov P, Jeltsch A. Specific DNMT3C flanking sequence preferences facilitate methylation of young murine retrotransposons. Commun Biol 2024; 7:582. [PMID: 38755427 PMCID: PMC11099192 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06252-z] [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: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
The DNA methyltransferase DNMT3C appeared as a duplication of the DNMT3B gene in muroids and is required for silencing of young retrotransposons in the male germline. Using specialized assay systems, we investigate the flanking sequence preferences of DNMT3C and observe characteristic preferences for cytosine at the -2 and -1 flank that are unique among DNMT3 enzymes. We identify two amino acids in the catalytic domain of DNMT3C (C543 and V547) that are responsible for the DNMT3C-specific flanking sequence preferences and evolutionary conserved in muroids. Reanalysis of published data shows that DNMT3C flanking preferences are consistent with genome-wide methylation patterns in mouse ES cells only expressing DNMT3C. Strikingly, we show that CpG sites with the preferred flanking sequences of DNMT3C are enriched in murine retrotransposons that were previously identified as DNMT3C targets. Finally, we demonstrate experimentally that DNMT3C has elevated methylation activity on substrates derived from these biological targets. Our data show that DNMT3C flanking sequence preferences match the sequences of young murine retrotransposons which facilitates their methylation. By this, our data provide mechanistic insights into the molecular co-evolution of repeat elements and (epi)genetic defense systems dedicated to maintain genomic stability in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonie Dossmann
- Institute of Biochemistry and Technical Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Max Emperle
- Institute of Biochemistry and Technical Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Michael Dukatz
- Institute of Biochemistry and Technical Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Alex de Mendoza
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, E1 4NS, London, UK
| | - Pavel Bashtrykov
- Institute of Biochemistry and Technical Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Albert Jeltsch
- Institute of Biochemistry and Technical Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany.
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15
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Kubo N, Uehara R, Uemura S, Ohishi H, Shirane K, Sasaki H. Combined and differential roles of ADD domains of DNMT3A and DNMT3L on DNA methylation landscapes in mouse germ cells. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3266. [PMID: 38627502 PMCID: PMC11021467 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47699-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
DNA methyltransferase 3A (DNMT3A) and its catalytically inactive cofactor DNA methyltransferase 3-Like (DNMT3L) proteins form functional heterotetramers to deposit DNA methylation in mammalian germ cells. While both proteins have an ATRX-DNMT3-DNMT3L (ADD) domain that recognizes histone H3 tail unmethylated at lysine-4 (H3K4me0), the combined and differential roles of the domains in the two proteins have not been fully defined in vivo. Here we investigate DNA methylation landscapes in female and male germ cells derived from mice with loss-of-function amino acid substitutions in the ADD domains of DNMT3A and/or DNMT3L. Mutations in either the DNMT3A-ADD or the DNMT3L-ADD domain moderately decrease global CG methylation levels, but to different degrees, in both germ cells. Furthermore, when the ADD domains of both DNMT3A and DNMT3L lose their functions, the CG methylation levels are much more reduced, especially in oocytes, comparable to the impact of the Dnmt3a/3L knockout. In contrast, aberrant accumulation of non-CG methylation occurs at thousands of genomic regions in the double mutant oocytes and spermatozoa. These results highlight the critical role of the ADD-H3K4me0 binding in proper CG and non-CG methylation in germ cells and the various impacts of the ADD domains of the two proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoki Kubo
- Division of Epigenomics and Development, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan.
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.
| | - Ryuji Uehara
- Division of Epigenomics and Development, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Shuhei Uemura
- Division of Epigenomics and Development, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
- Department of Genome Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Ohishi
- Division of Gene Expression Dynamics, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Kenjiro Shirane
- Department of Genome Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Sasaki
- Division of Epigenomics and Development, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan.
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16
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Han C. Gene expression programs in mammalian spermatogenesis. Development 2024; 151:dev202033. [PMID: 38691389 DOI: 10.1242/dev.202033] [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] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Mammalian spermatogenesis, probably the most complex of all cellular developmental processes, is an ideal model both for studying the specific mechanism of gametogenesis and for understanding the basic rules governing all developmental processes, as it entails both cell type-specific and housekeeping molecular processes. Spermatogenesis can be viewed as a mission with many tasks to accomplish, and its success is genetically programmed and ensured by the collaboration of a large number of genes. Here, I present an overview of mammalian spermatogenesis and the mechanisms underlying each step in the process, covering the cellular and molecular activities that occur at each developmental stage and emphasizing their gene regulation in light of recent studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunsheng Han
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101 Beijing, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101 Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, 100101 Beijing, China
- Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101 Beijing, China
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17
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Yamaguchi K, Chen X, Rodgers B, Miura F, Bashtrykov P, Bonhomme F, Salinas-Luypaert C, Haxholli D, Gutekunst N, Aygenli BÖ, Ferry L, Kirsh O, Laisné M, Scelfo A, Ugur E, Arimondo PB, Leonhardt H, Kanemaki MT, Bartke T, Fachinetti D, Jeltsch A, Ito T, Defossez PA. Non-canonical functions of UHRF1 maintain DNA methylation homeostasis in cancer cells. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2960. [PMID: 38580649 PMCID: PMC10997609 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47314-4] [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: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation is an essential epigenetic chromatin modification, and its maintenance in mammals requires the protein UHRF1. It is yet unclear if UHRF1 functions solely by stimulating DNA methylation maintenance by DNMT1, or if it has important additional functions. Using degron alleles, we show that UHRF1 depletion causes a much greater loss of DNA methylation than DNMT1 depletion. This is not caused by passive demethylation as UHRF1-depleted cells proliferate more slowly than DNMT1-depleted cells. Instead, bioinformatics, proteomics and genetics experiments establish that UHRF1, besides activating DNMT1, interacts with DNMT3A and DNMT3B and promotes their activity. In addition, we show that UHRF1 antagonizes active DNA demethylation by TET2. Therefore, UHRF1 has non-canonical roles that contribute importantly to DNA methylation homeostasis; these findings have practical implications for epigenetics in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kosuke Yamaguchi
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Epigenetics and Cell Fate, Paris, France.
| | - Xiaoying Chen
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Epigenetics and Cell Fate, Paris, France
| | - Brianna Rodgers
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Epigenetics and Cell Fate, Paris, France
| | - Fumihito Miura
- Department of Biochemistry, Kyushu University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Pavel Bashtrykov
- Institute of Biochemistry and Technical Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Frédéric Bonhomme
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Epigenetic Chemical Biology, CNRS, UMR 3523, Chem4Life, Paris, France
| | | | - Deis Haxholli
- Faculty of Biology and Center for Molecular Biosystems (BioSysM), Human Biology and BioImaging, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Nicole Gutekunst
- Institute of Biochemistry and Technical Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | | | - Laure Ferry
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Epigenetics and Cell Fate, Paris, France
| | - Olivier Kirsh
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Epigenetics and Cell Fate, Paris, France
| | - Marthe Laisné
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Epigenetics and Cell Fate, Paris, France
| | - Andrea Scelfo
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS, UMR 144, Paris, France
| | - Enes Ugur
- Faculty of Biology and Center for Molecular Biosystems (BioSysM), Human Biology and BioImaging, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Paola B Arimondo
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Epigenetic Chemical Biology, CNRS, UMR 3523, Chem4Life, Paris, France
| | - Heinrich Leonhardt
- Faculty of Biology and Center for Molecular Biosystems (BioSysM), Human Biology and BioImaging, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Masato T Kanemaki
- Department of Chromosome Science, National Institute of Genetics, Research Organization of Information and Systems (ROIS), Mishima, Shizuoka, Japan
- Graduate Institute for Advanced Studies, SOKENDAI, Mishima, Shizuoka, Japan
- Department of Biological Science, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Till Bartke
- Institute of Functional Epigenetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
| | | | - Albert Jeltsch
- Institute of Biochemistry and Technical Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Takashi Ito
- Department of Biochemistry, Kyushu University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Fukuoka, Japan
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18
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Meng WY, Wang ZX, Zhang Y, Hou Y, Xue JH. Epigenetic marks or not? The discovery of novel DNA modifications in eukaryotes. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:106791. [PMID: 38403247 PMCID: PMC11065753 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.106791] [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: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
DNA modifications add another layer of complexity to the eukaryotic genome to regulate gene expression, playing critical roles as epigenetic marks. In eukaryotes, the study of DNA epigenetic modifications has been confined to 5mC and its derivatives for decades. However, rapid developing approaches have witnessed the expansion of DNA modification reservoirs during the past several years, including the identification of 6mA, 5gmC, 4mC, and 4acC in diverse organisms. However, whether these DNA modifications function as epigenetic marks requires careful consideration. In this review, we try to present a panorama of all the DNA epigenetic modifications in eukaryotes, emphasizing recent breakthroughs in the identification of novel DNA modifications. The characterization of their roles in transcriptional regulation as potential epigenetic marks is summarized. More importantly, the pathways for generating or eliminating these DNA modifications, as well as the proteins involved are comprehensively dissected. Furthermore, we briefly discuss the potential challenges and perspectives, which should be taken into account while investigating novel DNA modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Ying Meng
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital affiliated to Tongji University, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zi-Xin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital affiliated to Tongji University, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yunfang Zhang
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yujun Hou
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Jian-Huang Xue
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital affiliated to Tongji University, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.
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19
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Zhang Y, Chen J, Zheng B, Teng J, Lou Z, Feng H, Zhao S, Xue L. Genome-wide identification, evolution of DNA methyltransferases and their expression under salinity stress in Larimichthys crocea. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 264:130603. [PMID: 38447841 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.130603] [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: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
DNA methyltransferases (Dnmts) are responsible for DNA methylation which influences patterns of gene expression and plays a crucial role in response to environmental changes. In this study, 7 LcDnmt genes were identified in the genome of large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea). The comprehensive analysis was conducted on gene structure, protein and location site of LcDnmts. LcDnmt proteins belonged to three groups (Dnmt1, Dnmt2, and Dnmt3) according to their conserved domains and phylogenetic analysis. Although Dnmt3 can be further divided into three sub groups (Dnmt3a, Dnmt3b, and Dnmt3l), there is no Dnmnt3l member in the large yellow croaker. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the Dnmt family was highly conserved in teleosts. Expression patterns derived from the RNA-seq, qRT-PCR and Western blot analysis revealed that 2 LcDnmt genes (LcDnmt1 and LcDnmt3a2) significantly regulated under salinity stress in the liver, which was found to be dominantly expressed in the intestine and brain, respectively. These two genes may play an important role in the salinity stress of large yellow croaker and represent candidates for future functional analysis. Our results revealed the conservation of Dnmts during evolution and indicated a potential role of Dnmts in epigenetic regulation of response to salinity stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhang
- School of Fishery, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, Zhejiang 316022, China
| | - Jiaqian Chen
- School of Fishery, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, Zhejiang 316022, China
| | - Baoxiao Zheng
- College of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315832, China
| | - Jian Teng
- School of Agricultural Science and Engineering, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, Shandong 252000, China
| | - Zhengjia Lou
- College of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315832, China
| | - Huijie Feng
- College of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315832, China
| | - Shiqi Zhao
- School of Fishery, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, Zhejiang 316022, China.
| | - Liangyi Xue
- College of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315832, China.
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20
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Bhattacharya I, Sharma SS, Majumdar SS. Etiology of Male Infertility: an Update. Reprod Sci 2024; 31:942-965. [PMID: 38036863 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-023-01401-x] [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: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a complex process of germ cell division and differentiation that involves extensive cross-talk between the developing germ cells and the somatic testicular cells. Defective endocrine signaling and/or intrinsic defects within the testes can adversely affect spermatogenic progression, leading to subfertility/infertility. In recent years, male infertility has been recognized as a global public health concern, and research over the last few decades has elucidated the complex etiology of male infertility. Congenital reproductive abnormalities, genetic mutations, and endocrine/metabolic dysfunction have been demonstrated to be involved in infertility/subfertility in males. Furthermore, acquired factors like exposure to environmental toxicants and lifestyle-related disorders such as illicit use of psychoactive drugs have been shown to adversely affect spermatogenesis. Despite the large body of available scientific literature on the etiology of male infertility, a substantial proportion of infertility cases are idiopathic in nature, with no known cause. The inability to treat such idiopathic cases stems from poor knowledge about the complex regulation of spermatogenesis. Emerging scientific evidence indicates that defective functioning of testicular Sertoli cells (Sc) may be an underlying cause of infertility/subfertility in males. Sc plays an indispensable role in regulating spermatogenesis, and impaired functional maturation of Sc has been shown to affect fertility in animal models as well as humans, suggesting abnormal Sc as a potential underlying cause of reproductive insufficiency/failure in such cases of unexplained infertility. This review summarizes the major causes of infertility/subfertility in males, with an emphasis on infertility due to dysregulated Sc function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Indrashis Bhattacharya
- Department of Zoology, Central University of Kerala, Periye Campus, Kasaragod, 671320, Kerala, India.
| | - Souvik Sen Sharma
- National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad, 500 032, Telangana, India
| | - Subeer S Majumdar
- National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad, 500 032, Telangana, India.
- Gujarat Biotechnology University, Gandhinagar, GIFT City, Gandhinagar, 382355, Gujarat, India.
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21
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Caldwell BA, Li L. Epigenetic regulation of innate immune dynamics during inflammation. J Leukoc Biol 2024; 115:589-606. [PMID: 38301269 PMCID: PMC10980576 DOI: 10.1093/jleuko/qiae026] [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: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Innate immune cells play essential roles in modulating both immune defense and inflammation by expressing a diverse array of cytokines and inflammatory mediators, phagocytizing pathogens to promote immune clearance, and assisting with the adaptive immune processes through antigen presentation. Rudimentary innate immune "memory" states such as training, tolerance, and exhaustion develop based on the nature, strength, and duration of immune challenge, thereby enabling dynamic transcriptional reprogramming to alter present and future cell behavior. Underlying transcriptional reprogramming are broad changes to the epigenome, or chromatin alterations above the level of DNA sequence. These changes include direct modification of DNA through cytosine methylation as well as indirect modifications through alterations to histones that comprise the protein core of nucleosomes. In this review, we will discuss recent advances in our understanding of how these epigenetic changes influence the dynamic behavior of the innate immune system during both acute and chronic inflammation, as well as how stable changes to the epigenome result in long-term alterations of innate cell behavior related to pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blake A. Caldwell
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, 970 Washington St. SW, Blacksburg, VA 24061-0910, USA
| | - Liwu Li
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, 970 Washington St. SW, Blacksburg, VA 24061-0910, USA
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22
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Zoch A, Konieczny G, Auchynnikava T, Stallmeyer B, Rotte N, Heep M, Berrens RV, Schito M, Kabayama Y, Schöpp T, Kliesch S, Houston B, Nagirnaja L, O'Bryan MK, Aston KI, Conrad DF, Rappsilber J, Allshire RC, Cook AG, Tüttelmann F, O'Carroll D. C19ORF84 connects piRNA and DNA methylation machineries to defend the mammalian germ line. Mol Cell 2024; 84:1021-1035.e11. [PMID: 38359823 PMCID: PMC10960678 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2024.01.014] [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: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
In the male mouse germ line, PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs), bound by the PIWI protein MIWI2 (PIWIL4), guide DNA methylation of young active transposons through SPOCD1. However, the underlying mechanisms of SPOCD1-mediated piRNA-directed transposon methylation and whether this pathway functions to protect the human germ line remain unknown. We identified loss-of-function variants in human SPOCD1 that cause defective transposon silencing and male infertility. Through the analysis of these pathogenic alleles, we discovered that the uncharacterized protein C19ORF84 interacts with SPOCD1. DNMT3C, the DNA methyltransferase responsible for transposon methylation, associates with SPOCD1 and C19ORF84 in fetal gonocytes. Furthermore, C19ORF84 is essential for piRNA-directed DNA methylation and male mouse fertility. Finally, C19ORF84 mediates the in vivo association of SPOCD1 with the de novo methylation machinery. In summary, we have discovered a conserved role for the human piRNA pathway in transposon silencing and C19ORF84, an uncharacterized protein essential for orchestrating piRNA-directed DNA methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ansgar Zoch
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, Institute for Stem Cell Research, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK; Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Michael Swann Building, Max Born Crescent, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK.
| | - Gabriela Konieczny
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, Institute for Stem Cell Research, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK; Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Michael Swann Building, Max Born Crescent, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Tania Auchynnikava
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Michael Swann Building, Max Born Crescent, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Birgit Stallmeyer
- Institute of Reproductive Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Nadja Rotte
- Institute of Reproductive Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Madeleine Heep
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, Institute for Stem Cell Research, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK; Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Michael Swann Building, Max Born Crescent, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Rebecca V Berrens
- Institute for Developmental and Regenerative Medicine, University of Oxford, IMS-Tetsuya Nakamura Building, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX37TY, UK
| | - Martina Schito
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, Institute for Stem Cell Research, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK; Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Michael Swann Building, Max Born Crescent, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Yuka Kabayama
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, Institute for Stem Cell Research, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK; Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Michael Swann Building, Max Born Crescent, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Theresa Schöpp
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, Institute for Stem Cell Research, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK; Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Michael Swann Building, Max Born Crescent, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Sabine Kliesch
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Department of Clinical and Surgical Andrology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Brendan Houston
- School of BioSciences and Bio21 Institute, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Liina Nagirnaja
- Division of Genetics, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR, USA
| | - Moira K O'Bryan
- School of BioSciences and Bio21 Institute, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Kenneth I Aston
- Andrology and In Vitro Fertilization Laboratory, Department of Surgery (Urology), University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Donald F Conrad
- Division of Genetics, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR, USA; Center for Embryonic Cell and Gene Therapy, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Juri Rappsilber
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Michael Swann Building, Max Born Crescent, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK; Bioanalytics, Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, Gustav-Meyer-Allee 25, 13355 Berlin, Germany
| | - Robin C Allshire
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Michael Swann Building, Max Born Crescent, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Atlanta G Cook
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Michael Swann Building, Max Born Crescent, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Frank Tüttelmann
- Institute of Reproductive Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Dónal O'Carroll
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, Institute for Stem Cell Research, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK; Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Michael Swann Building, Max Born Crescent, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK.
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23
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Kordowitzki P, Graczyk S, Haghani A, Klutstein M. Oocyte Aging: A Multifactorial Phenomenon in A Unique Cell. Aging Dis 2024; 15:5-21. [PMID: 37307833 PMCID: PMC10796106 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2023.0527] [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: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The oocyte is considered to be the largest cell in mammalian species. Women hoping to become pregnant face a ticking biological clock. This is becoming increasingly challenging as an increase in life expectancy is accompanied by the tendency to conceive at older ages. With advancing maternal age, the fertilized egg will exhibit lower quality and developmental competence, which contributes to increased chances of miscarriage due to several causes such as aneuploidy, oxidative stress, epigenetics, or metabolic disorders. In particular, heterochromatin in oocytes and with it, the DNA methylation landscape undergoes changes. Further, obesity is a well-known and ever-increasing global problem as it is associated with several metabolic disorders. More importantly, both obesity and aging negatively affect female reproduction. However, among women, there is immense variability in age-related decline of oocytes' quantity, developmental competence, or quality. Herein, the relevance of obesity and DNA-methylation will be discussed as these aspects have a tremendous effect on female fertility, and it is a topic of continuous and widespread interest that has yet to be fully addressed for the mammalian oocyte.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pawel Kordowitzki
- Department of Preclinical and Basic Sciences, Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Torun, Poland.
| | - Szymon Graczyk
- Department of Preclinical and Basic Sciences, Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Torun, Poland.
| | - Amin Haghani
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Altos Labs, San Diego, CA, USA.
| | - Michael Klutstein
- Institute of Biomedical and Oral Research, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
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24
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Ilık İA, Glažar P, Tse K, Brändl B, Meierhofer D, Müller FJ, Smith ZD, Aktaş T. Autonomous transposons tune their sequences to ensure somatic suppression. Nature 2024; 626:1116-1124. [PMID: 38355802 PMCID: PMC10901741 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07081-0] [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: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Transposable elements (TEs) are a major constituent of human genes, occupying approximately half of the intronic space. During pre-messenger RNA synthesis, intronic TEs are transcribed along with their host genes but rarely contribute to the final mRNA product because they are spliced out together with the intron and rapidly degraded. Paradoxically, TEs are an abundant source of RNA-processing signals through which they can create new introns1, and also functional2 or non-functional chimeric transcripts3. The rarity of these events implies the existence of a resilient splicing code that is able to suppress TE exonization without compromising host pre-mRNA processing. Here we show that SAFB proteins protect genome integrity by preventing retrotransposition of L1 elements while maintaining splicing integrity, via prevention of the exonization of previously integrated TEs. This unique dual role is possible because of L1's conserved adenosine-rich coding sequences that are bound by SAFB proteins. The suppressive activity of SAFB extends to tissue-specific, giant protein-coding cassette exons, nested genes and Tigger DNA transposons. Moreover, SAFB also suppresses LTR/ERV elements in species in which they are still active, such as mice and flies. A significant subset of splicing events suppressed by SAFB in somatic cells are activated in the testis, coinciding with low SAFB expression in postmeiotic spermatids. Reminiscent of the division of labour between innate and adaptive immune systems that fight external pathogens, our results uncover SAFB proteins as an RNA-based, pattern-guided, non-adaptive defence system against TEs in the soma, complementing the RNA-based, adaptive Piwi-interacting RNA pathway of the germline.
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Affiliation(s)
- İbrahim Avşar Ilık
- Otto Warburg Laboratories, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany
| | - Petar Glažar
- Otto Warburg Laboratories, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kevin Tse
- Department of Genetics, Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Björn Brändl
- Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein Campus Kiel, Zentrum für Integrative Psychiatrie, Kiel, Germany
- Department of Genome Regulation, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany
| | - David Meierhofer
- Mass Spectrometry Joint Facilities Scientific Service, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany
| | - Franz-Josef Müller
- Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein Campus Kiel, Zentrum für Integrative Psychiatrie, Kiel, Germany
- Department of Genome Regulation, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany
| | - Zachary D Smith
- Department of Genetics, Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Tuğçe Aktaş
- Otto Warburg Laboratories, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany.
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25
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Yang G, Li S, Cai S, Zhou J, Ye Q, Zhang S, Chen F, Wang F, Zeng X. Dietary methionine supplementation during the estrous cycle improves follicular development and estrogen synthesis in rats. Food Funct 2024; 15:704-715. [PMID: 38109056 DOI: 10.1039/d3fo04106a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
The follicle is an important unit for the synthesis of steroid hormones and the oocyte development and maturation in mammals. However, the effect of methionine supply on follicle development and its regulatory mechanism are still unclear. In the present study, we found that dietary methionine supplementation during the estrous cycle significantly increased the number of embryo implantation sites, as well as serum contents of a variety of amino acids and methionine metabolic enzymes in rats. Additionally, methionine supplementation markedly enhanced the expression of rat ovarian neutral amino acid transporters, DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs), and cystathionine gamma-lyase (CSE); meanwhile, it significantly increased the ovarian concentrations of the metabolite S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) and glutathione (GSH). In vitro data showed that methionine supply promotes rat follicle development through enhancing the expression of critical gene growth differentiation factor 9 and bone morphogenetic protein 15. Furthermore, methionine enhanced the relative protein and mRNA expression of critical genes related to estrogen synthesis, ultimately increasing estrogen synthesis in primary ovarian granulosa cells. Taken together, our results suggested that methionine promoted follicular growth and estrogen synthesis in rats during the estrus cycle, which improved embryo implantation during early pregnancy. These findings provided a potential nutritional strategy to improve the reproductive performance of animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangxin Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Feed Industry Centre, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, PR. China.
- Beijing Bio-Feed Additives Key Laboratory, Beijing 100193, PR. China
| | - Siyu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Feed Industry Centre, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, PR. China.
- Beijing Bio-Feed Additives Key Laboratory, Beijing 100193, PR. China
| | - Shuang Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Feed Industry Centre, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, PR. China.
- Beijing Bio-Feed Additives Key Laboratory, Beijing 100193, PR. China
| | - Junyan Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Feed Industry Centre, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, PR. China.
- Beijing Bio-Feed Additives Key Laboratory, Beijing 100193, PR. China
| | - Qianhong Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Hu Hubei Hongshan Laboratory. College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Shihai Zhang
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Fang Chen
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Fenglai Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Feed Industry Centre, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, PR. China.
- Beijing Bio-Feed Additives Key Laboratory, Beijing 100193, PR. China
| | - Xiangfang Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Feed Industry Centre, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, PR. China.
- Beijing Bio-Feed Additives Key Laboratory, Beijing 100193, PR. China
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26
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Liao J, Szabó PE. Role of transcription in imprint establishment in the male and female germ lines. Epigenomics 2024; 16:127-136. [PMID: 38126127 PMCID: PMC10825728 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2023-0344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The authors highlight an area of research that focuses on the establishment of genomic imprints: how the female and male germlines set up opposite instructions for imprinted genes in the maternally and paternally inherited chromosomes. Mouse genetics studies have solidified the role of transcription across the germline differentially methylated regions in the establishment of maternal genomic imprinting. One work now reveals that such transcription is also important in paternal imprinting establishment. This allows the authors to propose a unifying mechanism, in the form of transcription across germline differentially methylated regions, that specifies DNA methylation imprint establishment. Differences in the timing, genomic location and nature of such transcription events in the male versus female germlines in turn explain the difference between paternal and maternal imprints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Liao
- Department of Epigenetics, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Piroska E Szabó
- Department of Epigenetics, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
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27
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Feng Q, Duan H, Zhou X, Wang Y, Zhang J, Zhang H, Chen G, Bao X. DNA Methyltransferase 3A: A Significant Target for the Discovery of Inhibitors as Potent Anticancer Drugs. Mini Rev Med Chem 2024; 24:507-520. [PMID: 37642180 DOI: 10.2174/1389557523666230825100246] [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: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) is a conserved family of Cytosine methylases, which plays a crucial role in the regulation of Epigenetics. They have been considered promising therapeutic targets for cancer. Among the DNMT family, mutations in the DNMT3A subtype are particularly important in hematologic malignancies. The development of specific DNMT3A subtype inhibitors to validate the therapeutic potential of DNMT3A in certain diseases is a significant task. In this review, we summarized the small molecule inhibitors of DNMT3A discovered in recent years and their inhibitory activities, and classified them based on their inhibitory mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qixun Feng
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drugs Design and Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Honggao Duan
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drugs Design and Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xinglong Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drugs Design and Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yuning Wang
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drugs Design and Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jinda Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drugs Design and Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Haoge Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drugs Design and Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Guoliang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drugs Design and Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xuefei Bao
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drugs Design and Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
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28
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Kumar V, Dhanjal JK, Sari AN, Khurana M, Kaul SC, Wadhwa R, Sundar D. Effect of Withaferin-A, Withanone, and Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester on DNA Methyltransferases: Potential in Epigenetic Cancer Therapy. Curr Top Med Chem 2024; 24:379-391. [PMID: 37496252 DOI: 10.2174/1568026623666230726105017] [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: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) have been reported to be potential drug targets in various cancers. The major hurdle in inhibiting DNMTs is the lack of knowledge about different DNMTs and their role in the hypermethylation of gene promoters in cancer cells. Lack of information on specificity, stability, and higher toxicity of previously reported DNMT inhibitors is the major reason for inadequate epigenetic cancer therapy. DNMT1 and DNMT3A are the two DNMTs that are majorly overexpressed in cancers. OBJECTIVE In this study, we have presented computational and experimental analyses of the potential of some natural compounds, withaferin A (Wi-A), withanone (Wi-N), and caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), as DNMT inhibitors, in comparison to sinefungin (SFG), a known dual inhibitor of DNMT1 and DNMT3A. METHODS We used classical simulation methods, such as molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations, to investigate the binding potential and properties of the test compounds with DNMT1 and DNMT3A. Cell culture-based assays were used to investigate the inactivation of DNMTs and the resulting hypomethylation of the p16INK4A promoter, a key tumour suppressor that is inactivated by hypermethylation in cancer cells, resulting in upregulation of its expression. RESULTS Among the three test compounds (Wi-A, Wi-N, and CAPE), Wi-A showed the highest binding affinity to both DNMT1 and DNMT3A; CAPE showed the highest affinity to DNMT3A, and Wi-N showed a moderate affinity interaction with both. The binding energies of Wi-A and CAPE were further compared with SFG. Expression analysis of DNMTs showed no difference between control and treated cells. Cell viability and p16INK4A expression analysis showed a dose-dependent decrease in viability, an increase in p16INK4A, and a stronger effect of Wi-A compared to Wi-N and CAPE. CONCLUSION The study demonstrated the differential binding ability of Wi-A, Wi-N, and CAPE to DNMT1 and DNMT3A, which was associated with their inactivation, leading to hypomethylation and desilencing of the p16INK4A tumour suppressor in cancer cells. The test compounds, particularly Wi-A, have the potential for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vipul Kumar
- Department of Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, 110016, India
| | - Jaspreet Kaur Dhanjal
- Department of Computational Biology, Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology Delhi, Okhla Industrial Estate, Phase III, New Delhi, 110020, India
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science & Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, 3058565, Japan
| | - Anissa Nofita Sari
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science & Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, 3058565, Japan
| | - Mallika Khurana
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science & Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, 3058565, Japan
| | - Sunil C Kaul
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science & Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, 3058565, Japan
| | - Renu Wadhwa
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science & Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, 3058565, Japan
| | - Durai Sundar
- Department of Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, 110016, India
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29
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Gill ME, Rohmer A, Erkek-Ozhan S, Liang CY, Chun S, Ozonov EA, Peters AHFM. De novo transcriptome assembly of mouse male germ cells reveals novel genes, stage-specific bidirectional promoter activity, and noncoding RNA expression. Genome Res 2023; 33:2060-2078. [PMID: 38129075 PMCID: PMC10760527 DOI: 10.1101/gr.278060.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
In mammals, the adult testis is the tissue with the highest diversity in gene expression. Much of that diversity is attributed to germ cells, primarily meiotic spermatocytes and postmeiotic haploid spermatids. Exploiting a newly developed cell purification method, we profiled the transcriptomes of such postmitotic germ cells of mice. We used a de novo transcriptome assembly approach and identified thousands of novel expressed transcripts characterized by features distinct from those of known genes. Novel loci tend to be short in length, monoexonic, and lowly expressed. Most novel genes have arisen recently in evolutionary time and possess low coding potential. Nonetheless, we identify several novel protein-coding genes harboring open reading frames that encode proteins containing matches to conserved protein domains. Analysis of mass-spectrometry data from adult mouse testes confirms protein production from several of these novel genes. We also examine overlap between transcripts and repetitive elements. We find that although distinct families of repeats are expressed with differing temporal dynamics during spermatogenesis, we do not observe a general mode of regulation wherein repeats drive expression of nonrepetitive sequences in a cell type-specific manner. Finally, we observe many fairly long antisense transcripts originating from canonical gene promoters, pointing to pervasive bidirectional promoter activity during spermatogenesis that is distinct and more frequent compared with somatic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark E Gill
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alexia Rohmer
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Serap Erkek-Ozhan
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
- Faculty of Science, University of Basel, 4001 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ching-Yeu Liang
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
- Faculty of Science, University of Basel, 4001 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sunwoo Chun
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
- Faculty of Science, University of Basel, 4001 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Evgeniy A Ozonov
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Antoine H F M Peters
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, 4058 Basel, Switzerland;
- Faculty of Science, University of Basel, 4001 Basel, Switzerland
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30
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Klutstein M, Gonen N. Epigenetic aging of mammalian gametes. Mol Reprod Dev 2023; 90:785-803. [PMID: 37997675 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23717] [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: 12/18/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
The process of aging refers to physiological changes that occur to an organism as time progresses and involves changes to DNA, proteins, metabolism, cells, and organs. Like the rest of the cells in the body, gametes age, and it is well established that there is a decline in reproductive capabilities in females and males with aging. One of the major pathways known to be involved in aging is epigenetic changes. The epigenome is the multitude of chemical modifications performed on DNA and chromatin that affect the ability of chromatin to be transcribed. In this review, we explore the effects of aging on female and male gametes with a focus on the epigenetic changes that occur in gametes throughout aging. Quality decline in oocytes occurs at a relatively early age. Epigenetic changes constitute an important part of oocyte aging. DNA methylation is reduced with age, along with reduced expression of DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs). Histone deacetylases (HDAC) expression is also reduced, and a loss of heterochromatin marks occurs with age. As a consequence of heterochromatin loss, retrotransposon expression is elevated, and aged oocytes suffer from DNA damage. In sperm, aging affects sperm number, motility and fecundity, and epigenetic changes may constitute a part of this process. 5 methyl-cytosine (5mC) methylation is elevated in sperm from aged men, but methylation on Long interspersed nuclear elements (LINE) elements is reduced. Di and trimethylation of histone 3 lysine 9 (H3K9me2/3) is reduced in sperm from aged men and trimethylation of histone 3 lysine 27 (H3K27me3) is elevated. The protamine makeup of sperm from aged men is also changed, with reduced protamine expression and a misbalanced ratio between protamine proteins protamine P1 and protamine P2. The study of epigenetic reproductive aging is recently gaining interest. The current status of the field suggests that many aspects of gamete epigenetic aging are still open for investigation. The clinical applications of these investigations have far-reaching consequences for fertility and sociological human behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Klutstein
- Institute of Biomedical and Oral Research, Faculty of Dental Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Nitzan Gonen
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
- Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
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Behluli L, Fontanilla AM, Andessner-Angleitner L, Tolar N, Molina JM, Gahurova L. Expression analysis suggests that DNMT3L is required for oocyte de novo DNA methylation only in Muridae and Cricetidae rodents. Epigenetics Chromatin 2023; 16:43. [PMID: 37924163 PMCID: PMC10625200 DOI: 10.1186/s13072-023-00518-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During early mammalian development, DNA methylation undergoes two waves of reprogramming, enabling transitions between somatic cells, oocyte and embryo. The first wave of de novo DNA methylation establishment occurs in oocytes. Its molecular mechanisms have been studied in mouse, a classical mammalian model. Current model describes DNA methyltransferase 3A (DNMT3A) and its cofactor DNMT3L as two essential factors for oocyte DNA methylation-the ablation of either leads to nearly complete abrogation of DNA methylation. However, DNMT3L is not expressed in human oocytes, suggesting that the mechanism uncovered in mouse is not universal across mammals. RESULTS We analysed available RNA-seq data sets from oocytes of multiple mammals, including our novel data sets of several rodent species, and revealed that Dnmt3l is expressed only in the oocytes of mouse, rat and golden hamster, and at a low level in guinea pigs. We identified a specific promoter sequence recognised by an oocyte transcription factor complex associated with strong Dnmt3l activity and demonstrated that it emerged in the rodent clade Eumuroida, comprising the families Muridae (mice, rats, gerbils) and Cricetidae (hamsters). In addition, an evolutionarily novel promoter emerged in the guinea pig, driving weak Dnmt3l expression, likely without functional relevance. Therefore, Dnmt3l is expressed and consequently plays a role in oocyte de novo DNA methylation only in a small number of rodent species, instead of being an essential pan-mammalian factor. In contrast to somatic cells, where catalytically inactive DNMT3B interacts with DNMT3A, forming a heterotetramer, we did not find evidence for the expression of such inactive Dnmt3b isoforms in the oocytes of the tested species. CONCLUSIONS The analysis of RNA-seq data and genomic sequences revealed that DNMT3L is likely to play a role in oocytes de novo DNA methylation only in mice, rats, gerbils and hamsters. The mechanism governing de novo DNA methylation in the oocytes of most mammalian species, including humans, occurs through a yet unknown mechanism that differs from the current model discovered in mouse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lirik Behluli
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branisovska 1760, 37005, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Alyssa M Fontanilla
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branisovska 1760, 37005, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Laura Andessner-Angleitner
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branisovska 1760, 37005, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Nikolas Tolar
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branisovska 1760, 37005, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Julia M Molina
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branisovska 1760, 37005, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences and Languages, São Paulo State University "Júlio de Mesquita Filho" - UNESP, Assis, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lenka Gahurova
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branisovska 1760, 37005, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic.
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32
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Schöpp T, Prigozhin DM, Douse C, Kaji K, Cook AG, O'Carroll D. The DUF3715 domain has a conserved role in RNA-directed transposon silencing. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2023; 29:1471-1480. [PMID: 37433650 PMCID: PMC10578480 DOI: 10.1261/rna.079693.123] [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: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
RNA-directed transposon silencing operates in the mammalian soma and germline to safeguard genomic integrity. The piRNA pathway and the HUSH complex identify active transposons through recognition of their nascent transcripts, but mechanistic understanding of how these distinct pathways evolved is lacking. TASOR is an essential component of the HUSH complex. TASOR's DUF3715 domain adopts a pseudo-PARP structure and is required for transposon silencing in a manner independent of complex assembly. TEX15, an essential piRNA pathway factor, also contains the DUF3715 domain. Here, we show that TASOR's and TEX15's DUF3715 domain share extensive structural homology. We found that the DUF3715 domain arose in early eukaryotes and that in vertebrates it is restricted to TEX15, TASOR, and TASORB orthologs. While TASOR-like proteins are found throughout metazoa, TEX15 is vertebrate-specific. The branching of TEX15 and the TASOR-like DUF3715 domain likely occurred in early metazoan evolution. Remarkably, despite this vast evolutionary distance, the DUF3715 domain from divergent TEX15 sequences can functionally substitute the DUF3715 domain of TASOR and mediates transposon silencing. We have thus termed this domain of unknown function as the RNA-directed pseudo-PARP transposon silencing (RDTS) domain. In summary, we show an unexpected functional link between these critical transposon silencing pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Schöpp
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, United Kingdom
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, United Kingdom
| | - Daniil M Prigozhin
- Berkeley Center for Structural Biology, Molecular Biophysics and Integrated Bioimaging Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720, USA
| | - Christopher Douse
- Lab of Epigenetics and Chromatin Dynamics, Department of Experimental Medical Science and Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
| | - Keisuke Kaji
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, United Kingdom
| | - Atlanta G Cook
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, United Kingdom
| | - Dónal O'Carroll
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, United Kingdom
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, United Kingdom
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33
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Zhang G, Mao Y, Zhang Y, Huang H, Pan J. Assisted reproductive technology and imprinting errors: analyzing underlying mechanisms from epigenetic regulation. HUM FERTIL 2023; 26:864-878. [PMID: 37929309 DOI: 10.1080/14647273.2023.2261628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
With the increasing maturity and widespread application of assisted reproductive technology (ART), more attention has been paid to the health outcomes of offspring following ART. It is well established that children born from ART treatment are at an increased risk of imprinting errors and imprinting disorders. The disturbances of genetic imprinting are attributed to the overlap of ART procedures and important epigenetic reprogramming events during the development of gametes and early embryos, but the detailed mechanisms are hitherto obscure. In this review, we summarized the DNA methylation-dependent and independent mechanisms that control the dynamic epigenetic regulation of imprinted genes throughout the life cycle of a mammal, including erasure, establishment, and maintenance. In addition, we systematically described the dysregulation of imprinted genes in embryos conceived through ART and discussed the corresponding underlying mechanisms according to findings in animal models. This work is conducive to evaluating and improving the safety of ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaochen Zhang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Research Units of Embryo Original Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (No. 2019RU056), Shanghai, China
| | - Yiting Mao
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hefeng Huang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Research Units of Embryo Original Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (No. 2019RU056), Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education), Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiexue Pan
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Research Units of Embryo Original Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (No. 2019RU056), Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education), Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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34
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Luqman-Fatah A, Miyoshi T. Human LINE-1 retrotransposons: impacts on the genome and regulation by host factors. Genes Genet Syst 2023; 98:121-154. [PMID: 36436935 DOI: 10.1266/ggs.22-00038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Genome sequencing revealed that nearly half of the human genome is comprised of transposable elements. Although most of these elements have been rendered inactive due to mutations, full-length intact long interspersed element-1 (LINE-1 or L1) copies retain the ability to mobilize through RNA intermediates by a so-called "copy-and-paste" mechanism, termed retrotransposition. L1 is the only known autonomous mobile genetic element in the genome, and its retrotransposition contributes to inter- or intra-individual genetic variation within the human population. However, L1 retrotransposition also poses a threat to genome integrity due to gene disruption and chromosomal instability. Moreover, recent studies suggest that aberrant L1 expression can impact human health by causing diseases such as cancer and chronic inflammation that might lead to autoimmune disorders. To counteract these adverse effects, the host cells have evolved multiple layers of defense mechanisms at the epigenetic, RNA and protein levels. Intriguingly, several host factors have also been reported to facilitate L1 retrotransposition, suggesting that there is competition between negative and positive regulation of L1 by host factors. Here, we summarize the known host proteins that regulate L1 activity at different stages of the replication cycle and discuss how these factors modulate disease-associated phenotypes caused by L1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Luqman-Fatah
- Department of Gene Mechanisms, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University
- Department of Stress Response, Radiation Biology Center, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University
| | - Tomoichiro Miyoshi
- Department of Gene Mechanisms, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University
- Department of Stress Response, Radiation Biology Center, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University
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35
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Liao J, Song S, Gusscott S, Fu Z, VanderKolk I, Busscher BM, Lau KH, Brind’Amour J, Szabó PE. Establishment of paternal methylation imprint at the H19/Igf2 imprinting control region. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadi2050. [PMID: 37672574 PMCID: PMC10482337 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adi2050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
The insulator model explains the workings of the H19 and Igf2 imprinted domain in the soma, where insulation of the Igf2 promoter from its enhancers occurs by CTCF in the maternally inherited unmethylated chromosome but not the paternally inherited methylated allele. The molecular mechanism that targets paternal methylation imprint establishment to the imprinting control region (ICR) in the male germline is unknown. We tested the function of prospermatogonia-specific broad low-level transcription in this process using mouse genetics. Paternal imprint establishment was abnormal when transcription was stopped at the entry point to the ICR. The germline epimutation persisted into the paternal allele of the soma, resulting in reduced Igf2 in fetal organs and reduced fetal growth, consistent with the insulator model and insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2)'s role as fetal growth factor. These results collectively support the role of broad low-level transcription through the H19/Igf2 ICR in the establishment of its paternal methylation imprint in the male germ line, with implications for Silver-Russell syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Liao
- Department of Epigenetics, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Sangmin Song
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Biology, City of Hope Cancer Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Samuel Gusscott
- Département de Biomédecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec J2S, Canada
| | - Zhen Fu
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Core, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Ivan VanderKolk
- Department of Epigenetics, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | | | - Kin H. Lau
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Core, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Julie Brind’Amour
- Département de Biomédecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec J2S, Canada
| | - Piroska E. Szabó
- Department of Epigenetics, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
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36
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Perez M, Aroh O, Sun Y, Lan Y, Juniper SK, Young CR, Angers B, Qian PY. Third-Generation Sequencing Reveals the Adaptive Role of the Epigenome in Three Deep-Sea Polychaetes. Mol Biol Evol 2023; 40:msad172. [PMID: 37494294 PMCID: PMC10414810 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msad172] [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: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The roles of DNA methylation in invertebrates are poorly characterized, and critical data are missing for the phylum Annelida. We fill this knowledge gap by conducting the first genome-wide survey of DNA methylation in the deep-sea polychaetes dominant in deep-sea vents and seeps: Paraescarpia echinospica, Ridgeia piscesae, and Paralvinella palmiformis. DNA methylation calls were inferred from Oxford Nanopore sequencing after assembling high-quality genomes of these animals. The genomes of these worms encode all the key enzymes of the DNA methylation metabolism and possess a mosaic methylome similar to that of other invertebrates. Transcriptomic data of these polychaetes support the hypotheses that gene body methylation strengthens the expression of housekeeping genes and that promoter methylation acts as a silencing mechanism but not the hypothesis that DNA methylation suppresses the activity of transposable elements. The conserved epigenetic profiles of genes responsible for maintaining homeostasis under extreme hydrostatic pressure suggest DNA methylation plays an important adaptive role in these worms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maeva Perez
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, China
- Department of Ocean Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Kowloon, China
- Department of Biological Sciences, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Oluchi Aroh
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Yanan Sun
- Laboratory of Marine Organism Taxonomy and Phylogeny, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Qingdao, China
| | - Yi Lan
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, China
- Department of Ocean Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Kowloon, China
| | - Stanley Kim Juniper
- School of Earth and Ocean Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada
| | | | - Bernard Angers
- Department of Biological Sciences, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Pei-Yuan Qian
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, China
- Department of Ocean Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Kowloon, China
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37
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Zhou J, Horton JR, Kaur G, Chen Q, Li X, Mendoza F, Wu T, Blumenthal RM, Zhang X, Cheng X. Biochemical and structural characterization of the first-discovered metazoan DNA cytosine-N4 methyltransferase from the bdelloid rotifer Adineta vaga. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:105017. [PMID: 37414145 PMCID: PMC10406627 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105017] [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: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Much is known about the generation, removal, and roles of 5-methylcytosine (5mC) in eukaryote DNA, and there is a growing body of evidence regarding N6-methyladenine, but very little is known about N4-methylcytosine (4mC) in the DNA of eukaryotes. The gene for the first metazoan DNA methyltransferase generating 4mC (N4CMT) was reported and characterized recently by others, in tiny freshwater invertebrates called bdelloid rotifers. Bdelloid rotifers are ancient, apparently asexual animals, and lack canonical 5mC DNA methyltransferases. Here, we characterize the kinetic properties and structural features of the catalytic domain of the N4CMT protein from the bdelloid rotifer Adineta vaga. We find that N4CMT generates high-level methylation at preferred sites, (a/c)CG(t/c/a), and low-level methylation at disfavored sites, exemplified by ACGG. Like the mammalian de novo 5mC DNA methyltransferase 3A/3B (DNMT3A/3B), N4CMT methylates CpG dinucleotides on both DNA strands, generating hemimethylated intermediates and eventually fully methylated CpG sites, particularly in the context of favored symmetric sites. In addition, like DNMT3A/3B, N4CMT methylates non-CpG sites, mainly CpA/TpG, though at a lower rate. Both N4CMT and DNMT3A/3B even prefer similar CpG-flanking sequences. Structurally, the catalytic domain of N4CMT closely resembles the Caulobacter crescentus cell cycle-regulated DNA methyltransferase. The symmetric methylation of CpG, and similarity to a cell cycle-regulated DNA methyltransferase, together suggest that N4CMT might also carry out DNA synthesis-dependent methylation following DNA replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jujun Zhou
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - John R Horton
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Gundeep Kaur
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Qin Chen
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Xuwen Li
- Department of Molecular & Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Fabian Mendoza
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Tao Wu
- Department of Molecular & Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Robert M Blumenthal
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Program in Bioinformatics, The University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, Ohio, USA.
| | - Xing Zhang
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA.
| | - Xiaodong Cheng
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA.
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Cornec A, Poirier EZ. Interplay between RNA interference and transposable elements in mammals. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1212086. [PMID: 37475864 PMCID: PMC10354258 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1212086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) plays pleiotropic roles in animal cells, from the post-transcriptional control of gene expression via the production of micro-RNAs, to the inhibition of RNA virus infection. We discuss here the role of RNAi in regulating the expression of self RNAs, and particularly transposable elements (TEs), which are genomic sequences capable of influencing gene expression and disrupting genome architecture. Dicer proteins act as the entry point of the RNAi pathway by detecting and degrading RNA of TE origin, ultimately leading to TE silencing. RNAi similarly targets cellular RNAs such as repeats transcribed from centrosomes. Dicer proteins are thus nucleic acid sensors that recognize self RNA in the form of double-stranded RNA, and trigger a silencing RNA interference response.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Enzo Z. Poirier
- Stem Cell Immunity Team, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, INSERM U932, Paris, France
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39
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Zhu L, Wang J, Zhang Y, Xiang X, Liu K, Wei J, Li Z, Shao D, Li B, Ma Z, Qiu Y. A Porcine DNMT1 Variant: Molecular Cloning and Generation of Specific Polyclonal Antibody. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1324. [PMID: 37510229 PMCID: PMC10379332 DOI: 10.3390/genes14071324] [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: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1), the first-identified DNA methyltransferase in mammals, has been well studied in the control of embryo development and somatic homeostasis in mice and humans. Accumulating reports have demonstrated that DNMT1 plays an important role in the regulation of differentiation and the activation of immune cells. However, little is known about the effects of porcine DNMT1 on such functional regulation, especially the regulation of the biological functions of immune cells. In this study, we report the cloning of DNMT1 (4833 bp in length) from porcine alveolar macrophages (PAMs). According to the sequence of the cloned DNMT1 gene, the deduced protein sequence contains a total of 1611 amino acids with a 2 amino acid insertion, a 1 amino acid deletion, and 12 single amino acid mutations in comparison to the reported DNMT1 protein. A polyclonal antibody based on a synthetic peptide was generated to study the expression of the porcine DNMT1. The polyclonal antibody only recognized the cloned porcine DNMT1 and not the previously reported protein due to a single amino acid difference in the antigenic peptide region. However, the polyclonal antibody recognized the endogenous DNMT1 in several porcine cells (PAM, PK15, ST, and PIEC) and the cells of other species (HEK-293T, Marc-145, MDBK, and MDCK cells). Moreover, our results demonstrated that all the detected tissues of piglet express DNMT1, which is the same as that in porcine alveolar macrophages. In summary, we have identified a porcine DNMT1 variant with sequence and expression analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Yafeng Qiu
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-21-34293635; Fax: +86-21-54081818
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40
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Sasaki K, Sangrithi M. Developmental origins of mammalian spermatogonial stem cells: New perspectives on epigenetic regulation and sex chromosome function. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2023:111949. [PMID: 37201564 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2023.111949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Male and female germ cells undergo genome-wide reprogramming during their development, and execute sex-specific programs to complete meiosis and successfully generate healthy gametes. While sexually dimorphic germ cell development is fundamental, similarities and differences exist in the basic processes governing normal gametogenesis. At the simplest level, male gamete generation in mammals is centred on the activity of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), and an equivalent cell state is not present in females. Maintaining this unique SSC epigenetic state, while keeping to germ cell-intrinsic developmental programs, poses challenges for the correct completion of spermatogenesis. In this review, we highlight the origins of spermatogonia, comparing and contrasting them with female germline development to emphasize specific developmental processes that are required for their function as germline stem cells. We identify gaps in our current knowledge about human SSCs and further discuss the impact of the unique regulation of the sex chromosomes during spermatogenesis, and the roles of X-linked genes in SSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kotaro Sasaki
- Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, United States.
| | - Mahesh Sangrithi
- King's College London, Centre for Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, 28th Floor, Tower Wing, Guy's Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London, SE1 9RT, UK.
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41
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Lismer A, Kimmins S. Emerging evidence that the mammalian sperm epigenome serves as a template for embryo development. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2142. [PMID: 37059740 PMCID: PMC10104880 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37820-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Although more studies are demonstrating that a father's environment can influence child health and disease, the molecular mechanisms underlying non-genetic inheritance remain unclear. It was previously thought that sperm exclusively contributed its genome to the egg. More recently, association studies have shown that various environmental exposures including poor diet, toxicants, and stress, perturbed epigenetic marks in sperm at important reproductive and developmental loci that were associated with offspring phenotypes. The molecular and cellular routes that underlie how epigenetic marks are transmitted at fertilization, to resist epigenetic reprogramming in the embryo, and drive phenotypic changes are only now beginning to be unraveled. Here, we provide an overview of the state of the field of intergenerational paternal epigenetic inheritance in mammals and present new insights into the relationship between embryo development and the three pillars of epigenetic inheritance: chromatin, DNA methylation, and non-coding RNAs. We evaluate compelling evidence of sperm-mediated transmission and retention of paternal epigenetic marks in the embryo. Using landmark examples, we discuss how sperm-inherited regions may escape reprogramming to impact development via mechanisms that implicate transcription factors, chromatin organization, and transposable elements. Finally, we link paternally transmitted epigenetic marks to functional changes in the pre- and post-implantation embryo. Understanding how sperm-inherited epigenetic factors influence embryo development will permit a greater understanding related to the developmental origins of health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariane Lismer
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3G 1Y6, Canada
| | - Sarah Kimmins
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3G 1Y6, Canada.
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, QC, H2X 0A9, Canada.
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42
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Stamidis N, Żylicz JJ. RNA-mediated heterochromatin formation at repetitive elements in mammals. EMBO J 2023; 42:e111717. [PMID: 36847618 PMCID: PMC10106986 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2022111717] [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: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The failure to repress transcription of repetitive genomic elements can lead to catastrophic genome instability and is associated with various human diseases. As such, multiple parallel mechanisms cooperate to ensure repression and heterochromatinization of these elements, especially during germline development and early embryogenesis. A vital question in the field is how specificity in establishing heterochromatin at repetitive elements is achieved. Apart from trans-acting protein factors, recent evidence points to a role of different RNA species in targeting repressive histone marks and DNA methylation to these sites in mammals. Here, we review recent discoveries on this topic and predominantly focus on the role of RNA methylation, piRNAs, and other localized satellite RNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos Stamidis
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine, reNEW, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jan Jakub Żylicz
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine, reNEW, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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43
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Wang X, Ramat A, Simonelig M, Liu MF. Emerging roles and functional mechanisms of PIWI-interacting RNAs. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2023; 24:123-141. [PMID: 36104626 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-022-00528-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 61.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are a class of small non-coding RNAs that associate with proteins of the PIWI clade of the Argonaute family. First identified in animal germ line cells, piRNAs have essential roles in germ line development. The first function of PIWI-piRNA complexes to be described was the silencing of transposable elements, which is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the germ line genome. Later studies provided new insights into the functions of PIWI-piRNA complexes by demonstrating that they regulate protein-coding genes. Recent studies of piRNA biology, including in new model organisms such as golden hamsters, have deepened our understanding of both piRNA biogenesis and piRNA function. In this Review, we discuss the most recent advances in our understanding of piRNA biogenesis, the molecular mechanisms of piRNA function and the emerging roles of piRNAs in germ line development mainly in flies and mice, and in infertility, cancer and neurological diseases in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Systems Health Science of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Anne Ramat
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | - Martine Simonelig
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France.
| | - Mo-Fang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China. .,Key Laboratory of Systems Health Science of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China. .,School of Life Science and Technology, Shanghai Tech University, Shanghai, China.
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44
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Huang L, Li F, Ye L, Yu F, Wang C. Epigenetic regulation of embryonic ectoderm development in stem cell differentiation and transformation during ontogenesis. Cell Prolif 2023; 56:e13413. [PMID: 36727213 PMCID: PMC10068960 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Dynamic chromatin accessibility regulates stem cell fate determination and tissue homeostasis via controlling gene expression. As a histone-modifying enzyme that predominantly mediates methylation of lysine 27 in histone H3 (H3K27me1/2/3), Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) plays the canonical role in targeting developmental regulators during stem cell differentiation and transformation. Embryonic ectoderm development (EED), the core scaffold subunit of PRC2 and as an H3K27me3-recognizing protein, has been broadly implicated with PRC2 stabilization and allosterically stimulated PRC2. Accumulating evidences from experimental data indicate that EED-associating epigenetic modifications are indispensable for stem cell maintenance and differentiation into specific cell lineages. In this review, we discuss the most updated advances to summarize the structural architecture of EED and its contributions and underlying mechanisms to mediating lineage differentiation of different stem cells during epigenetic modification to expand our understanding of PRC2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liuyan Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Department of Endodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Feifei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ling Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Department of Endodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Fanyuan Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Department of Endodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chenglin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Department of Endodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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45
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Young plasma transfer recovers decreased sperm counts and restores epigenetics in aged testis. Exp Gerontol 2023; 172:112042. [PMID: 36481396 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2022.112042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Aging is one of the causes of male infertility, and abnormal global DNA methylation and imprinting defects have been characterized in testis during biological aging. One of the important emerging approaches aims to take advantage of the healing properties of young blood plasma to limit the progression of aging in various organs in the body. We aimed to show whether blood plasma transfer has an effect on DNA methylation and spermatogenetic cell development. In addition, we aimed to show whether the young plasma transfer to old mice has an effect on the rejuvenation of the old and whether the impaired DNA methylation and PCNA expression in old age can be restored. METHODS Groups were (i) young control, (ii) young plasma transfer to aged, (iii) aged control, (iv) aged plasma transfer to young. We utilized IHC and WB in protein level of Dnmts. For the global DNA methylation level, we used 5-methylcytosine staining. We also analyzed PCNA protein expressions in all groups by IHC. RESULTS We found that transfusion of young plasma into the old animal restored DNA methylation and PCNA expression as it did in the young animal. Most importantly, we observed an increase in spermatogonia and spermatid counts in older animals after young blood plasma transfer. CONCLUSIONS Our findings show that young plasma transfer can restore epigenetic disorders that occur with aging and solve infertility problems by increasing the sperm count that decreases. It needs to be supported by different studies, especially human studies.
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Andrews S, Krueger C, Mellado-Lopez M, Hemberger M, Dean W, Perez-Garcia V, Hanna CW. Mechanisms and function of de novo DNA methylation in placental development reveals an essential role for DNMT3B. Nat Commun 2023; 14:371. [PMID: 36690623 PMCID: PMC9870994 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36019-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation is a repressive epigenetic modification that is essential for development, exemplified by the embryonic and perinatal lethality observed in mice lacking de novo DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs). Here we characterise the role for DNMT3A, 3B and 3L in gene regulation and development of the mouse placenta. We find that each DNMT establishes unique aspects of the placental methylome through targeting to distinct chromatin features. Loss of Dnmt3b results in de-repression of germline genes in trophoblast lineages and impaired formation of the maternal-foetal interface in the placental labyrinth. Using Sox2-Cre to delete Dnmt3b in the embryo, leaving expression intact in placental cells, the placental phenotype was rescued and, consequently, the embryonic lethality, as Dnmt3b null embryos could now survive to birth. We conclude that de novo DNA methylation by DNMT3B during embryogenesis is principally required to regulate placental development and function, which in turn is critical for embryo survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Andrews
- Bioinformatics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Christel Krueger
- Bioinformatics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
- Bioinformatics Innovation Hub, Altos Labs Cambridge Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Myriam Hemberger
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Wendy Dean
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | | | - Courtney W Hanna
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK.
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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47
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Jiang D, Li T, Guo C, Tang TS, Liu H. Small molecule modulators of chromatin remodeling: from neurodevelopment to neurodegeneration. Cell Biosci 2023; 13:10. [PMID: 36647159 PMCID: PMC9841685 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-023-00953-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The dynamic changes in chromatin conformation alter the organization and structure of the genome and further regulate gene transcription. Basically, the chromatin structure is controlled by reversible, enzyme-catalyzed covalent modifications to chromatin components and by noncovalent ATP-dependent modifications via chromatin remodeling complexes, including switch/sucrose nonfermentable (SWI/SNF), inositol-requiring 80 (INO80), imitation switch (ISWI) and chromodomain-helicase DNA-binding protein (CHD) complexes. Recent studies have shown that chromatin remodeling is essential in different stages of postnatal and adult neurogenesis. Chromatin deregulation, which leads to defects in epigenetic gene regulation and further pathological gene expression programs, often causes a wide range of pathologies. This review first gives an overview of the regulatory mechanisms of chromatin remodeling. We then focus mainly on discussing the physiological functions of chromatin remodeling, particularly histone and DNA modifications and the four classes of ATP-dependent chromatin-remodeling enzymes, in the central and peripheral nervous systems under healthy and pathological conditions, that is, in neurodegenerative disorders. Finally, we provide an update on the development of potent and selective small molecule modulators targeting various chromatin-modifying proteins commonly associated with neurodegenerative diseases and their potential clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongfang Jiang
- grid.458458.00000 0004 1792 6416State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China ,grid.410726.60000 0004 1797 8419Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China
| | - Tingting Li
- grid.458458.00000 0004 1792 6416State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China ,grid.410726.60000 0004 1797 8419Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China
| | - Caixia Guo
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences/China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing, 100101 China ,grid.410726.60000 0004 1797 8419Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China
| | - Tie-Shan Tang
- grid.458458.00000 0004 1792 6416State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China ,grid.512959.3Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, 100101 China ,grid.410726.60000 0004 1797 8419Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China
| | - Hongmei Liu
- grid.458458.00000 0004 1792 6416State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China ,grid.512959.3Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, 100101 China
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48
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Whelan R, Tönges S, Böhl F, Lyko F. Epigenetic biomarkers for animal welfare monitoring. Front Vet Sci 2023; 9:1107843. [PMID: 36713882 PMCID: PMC9874107 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.1107843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Biomarkers for holistic animal welfare monitoring represent a considerable unmet need in veterinary medicine. Epigenetic modifications, like DNA methylation, provide important information about cellular states and environments, which makes them highly attractive for biomarker development. Up until now, much of the corresponding research has been focused on human cancers. However, the increasing availability of animal genomes and epigenomes has greatly improved our capacity for epigenetic biomarker development. In this review, we provide an overview about animal DNA methylation patterns and the technologies that enable the analysis of these patterns. We also describe the key frameworks for compound DNA methylation biomarkers, DNA methylation clocks and environment-specific DNA methylation signatures, that allow complex, context-dependent readouts about animal health and disease. Finally, we provide practical examples for how these biomarkers could be applied for health and environmental exposure monitoring, two key aspects of animal welfare assessments. Taken together, our article provides an overview about the molecular and biological foundations for the development of epigenetic biomarkers in veterinary science and their application potential in animal welfare monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rose Whelan
- Creavis, Evonik Operations GmbH, Hanau, Germany
| | - Sina Tönges
- Innovation Management, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Frank Lyko
- Division of Epigenetics, DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany,*Correspondence: Frank Lyko ✉
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Nicolì V, Coppedè F. Epigenetics of Thymic Epithelial Tumors. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:360. [PMID: 36672310 PMCID: PMC9856807 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15020360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Thymic epithelial tumors (TETs) arise from the epithelial cells of the thymus and consist in the 1% of all adult malignancies, despite the fact that they are the most common lesions of the anterior mediastinum. TETs can be divided mainly into thymomas, thymic carcinomas, and the rarest ad aggressive neuroendocrine forms. Despite the surgical resection is quite resolving, the diagnosis of TETs is complicated by the absence of symptoms and the clinical presentation aggravated by several paraneoplastic disorders, including myasthenia gravis. Thus, the heterogeneity of TETs prompts the search for molecular biomarkers that could be helpful for tumor characterization and clinical outcomes prediction. With these aims, several researchers investigated the epigenetic profiles of TETs. In this manuscript, we narratively review the works investigating the deregulation of epigenetic mechanisms in TETs, highlighting the need for further studies combining genetic, epigenetic, and expression data to better characterize the different molecular subtypes and identify, for each of them, the most relevant epigenetic biomarkers of clinical utility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Nicolì
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Fabio Coppedè
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Center of Biology and Pathology of Aging, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
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50
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Kumar A, Emdad L, Fisher PB, Das SK. Targeting epigenetic regulation for cancer therapy using small molecule inhibitors. Adv Cancer Res 2023; 158:73-161. [PMID: 36990539 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2023.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
Cancer cells display pervasive changes in DNA methylation, disrupted patterns of histone posttranslational modification, chromatin composition or organization and regulatory element activities that alter normal programs of gene expression. It is becoming increasingly clear that disturbances in the epigenome are hallmarks of cancer, which are targetable and represent attractive starting points for drug creation. Remarkable progress has been made in the past decades in discovering and developing epigenetic-based small molecule inhibitors. Recently, epigenetic-targeted agents in hematologic malignancies and solid tumors have been identified and these agents are either in current clinical trials or approved for treatment. However, epigenetic drug applications face many challenges, including low selectivity, poor bioavailability, instability and acquired drug resistance. New multidisciplinary approaches are being designed to overcome these limitations, e.g., applications of machine learning, drug repurposing, high throughput virtual screening technologies, to identify selective compounds with improved stability and better bioavailability. We provide an overview of the key proteins that mediate epigenetic regulation that encompass histone and DNA modifications and discuss effector proteins that affect the organization of chromatin structure and function as well as presently available inhibitors as potential drugs. Current anticancer small-molecule inhibitors targeting epigenetic modified enzymes that have been approved by therapeutic regulatory authorities across the world are highlighted. Many of these are in different stages of clinical evaluation. We also assess emerging strategies for combinatorial approaches of epigenetic drugs with immunotherapy, standard chemotherapy or other classes of agents and advances in the design of novel epigenetic therapies.
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