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Chen J, Yang X, Li Q, Ma J, Li H, Wang L, Chen Z, Quan Z. Inhibiting DNA methyltransferase DNMT3B confers protection against ferroptosis in nucleus pulposus and ameliorates intervertebral disc degeneration via upregulating SLC40A1. Free Radic Biol Med 2024; 220:139-153. [PMID: 38705495 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2024.05.007] [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: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Epigenetic changes are important considerations for degenerative diseases. DNA methylation regulates crucial genes by epigenetic mechanism, impacting cell function and fate. DNA presents hypermethylation in degenerated nucleus pulposus (NP) tissue, but its role in intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) remains elusive. This study aimed to demonstrate that methyltransferase mediated hypermethylation was responsible for IVDD by integrative bioinformatics and experimental verification. Methyltransferase DNMT3B was highly expressed in severely degenerated NP tissue (involving human and rats) and in-vitro degenerated human NP cells (NPCs). Bioinformatics elucidated that hypermethylated genes were enriched in oxidative stress and ferroptosis, and the ferroptosis suppressor gene SLC40A1 was identified with lower expression and higher methylation in severely degenerated human NP tissue. Cell culture using human NPCs showed that DNMT3B induced ferroptosis and oxidative stress in NPCs by downregulating SLC40A1, promoting a degenerative cell phenotype. An in-vivo rat IVDD model showed that DNA methyltransferase inhibitor 5-AZA alleviated puncture-induced IVDD. Taken together, DNA methyltransferase DNMT3B aggravates ferroptosis and oxidative stress in NPCs via regulating SLC40A1. Epigenetic mechanism within DNA methylation is a promising therapeutic biomarker for IVDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxing Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China; Orthopedic Laboratory of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Xinyu Yang
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China; Orthopedic Laboratory of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Qiaochu Li
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China; Orthopedic Laboratory of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Jingjin Ma
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China; Orthopedic Laboratory of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Huanhuan Li
- Department of Emergency, Chongqing University Three Gorges Hospital, Chongqing, 404000, China
| | - Linbang Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Zhiyu Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China; Orthopedic Laboratory of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Zhengxue Quan
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China; Orthopedic Laboratory of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.
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Meng H, Yang R, Lin Q, Du W, Chu Z, Cao Y, Du M, Zhao Y, Xu J, Yang Z, Xie X, He L, Huang C. Isorhapontigenin inhibition of basal muscle-invasive bladder cancer attributed to its downregulation of SNHG1 and DNMT3b. BMC Cancer 2024; 24:737. [PMID: 38879516 PMCID: PMC11180402 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-12490-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bladder cancer (BC) is among the most prevalent malignant urothelial tumors globally, yet the prognosis for patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) remains dismal, with a very poor 5-year survival rate. Consequently, identifying more effective and less toxic chemotherapeutic alternatives is critical for enhancing clinical outcomes for BC patients. Isorhapontigenin (ISO), a novel stilbene isolated from a Gnetum found in certain provinces of China, has shown potential as an anticancer agent due to its diverse anticancer activities. Despite its promising profile, the specific anticancer effects of ISO on BC and the underlying mechanisms are still largely unexplored. METHODS The anchorage-independent growth, migration and invasion of BC cells were assessed by soft agar and transwell invasion assays, respectively. The RNA levels of SOX2, miR-129 and SNHG1 were quantified by qRT-PCR, while the protein expression levels were validated through Western blotting. Furthermore, methylation-specific PCR was employed to assess the methylation status of the miR-129 promoter. Functional assays utilized siRNA knockdown, plasmid-mediated overexpression, and chemical inhibition approaches. RESULTS Our study demonstrated that ISO treatment significantly reduced SNHG1 expression in a dose- and time-dependent manner in BC cells, leading to the inhibition of anchorage-independent growth and invasion in human basal MIBC cells. This effect was accompanied by the downregulation of MMP-2 and MMP-9 and the upregulation of the tumor suppressor PTEN. Further mechanistic investigations revealed that SOX2, a key upstream regulator of SNHG1, played a crucial role in mediating the ISO-induced transcriptional suppression of SNHG1. Additionally, we found that ISO treatment led to a decrease in DNMT3b protein levels, which in turn mediated the hypomethylation of the miR-129 promoter and the subsequent suppression of SOX2 mRNA 3'-UTR activity, highlighting a novel pathway through which ISO exerts its anticancer effects. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, our study highlights the critical role of SNHG1 downregulation as well as its upstream DNMT3b/miR-129/SOX2 axis in mediating ISO anticancer activity. These findings not only elucidate the mechanism of action of ISO but also suggest novel targets for BC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Meng
- Key Laboratory of Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325053, China
| | - Rui Yang
- Key Laboratory of Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
| | - Qianqian Lin
- Key Laboratory of Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325053, China
| | - Wenqi Du
- Key Laboratory of Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
| | - Zheng Chu
- Key Laboratory of Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
| | - Yaxin Cao
- Key Laboratory of Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325053, China
| | - Mengxiang Du
- Key Laboratory of Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325053, China
| | - Yazhen Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325053, China
| | - Jiheng Xu
- Key Laboratory of Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
| | - Ziyi Yang
- Key Laboratory of Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325053, China
| | - Xiaomin Xie
- Key Laboratory of Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
| | - Lijiong He
- Key Laboratory of Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325053, China
| | - Chuanshu Huang
- Key Laboratory of Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China.
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325053, China.
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Hosseini M, Khalafiyan A, Zare M, Karimzadeh H, Bahrami B, Hammami B, Kazemi M. Sperm epigenetics and male infertility: unraveling the molecular puzzle. Hum Genomics 2024; 18:57. [PMID: 38835100 DOI: 10.1186/s40246-024-00626-4] [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: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of infertility among couples is estimated to range from 8 to 12%. A paradigm shift has occurred in understanding of infertility, challenging the notion that it predominantly affects women. It is now acknowledged that a significant proportion, if not the majority, of infertility cases can be attributed to male-related factors. Various elements contribute to male reproductive impairments, including aberrant sperm production caused by pituitary malfunction, testicular malignancies, aplastic germ cells, varicocele, and environmental factors. MAIN BODY The epigenetic profile of mammalian sperm is distinctive and specialized. Various epigenetic factors regulate genes across different levels in sperm, thereby affecting its function. Changes in sperm epigenetics, potentially influenced by factors such as environmental exposures, could contribute to the development of male infertility. CONCLUSION In conclusion, this review investigates the latest studies pertaining to the mechanisms of epigenetic changes that occur in sperm cells and their association with male reproductive issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Hosseini
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Anis Khalafiyan
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mohammadreza Zare
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Haniye Karimzadeh
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Basireh Bahrami
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Behnaz Hammami
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Kazemi
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
- Reproductive Sciences and Sexual Health Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
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Ru M, Liang H, Ruan J, Haji RA, Cui Y, Yin C, Wei Q, Huang J. Chicken ovarian follicular atresia: interaction network at organic, cellular, and molecular levels. Poult Sci 2024; 103:103893. [PMID: 38870615 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2024.103893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Most of follicles undergo a degenerative process called follicular atresia. This process directly affects the egg production of laying hens and is regulated by external and internal factors. External factors primarily include nutrition and environmental factors. In follicular atresia, internal factors are predominantly regulated at 3 levels; organic, cellular and molecular levels. At the organic level, the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovary (HPO) axis plays an essential role in controlling follicular development. At the cellular level, gonadotropins and cytokines, as well as estrogens, bind to their receptors and activate different signaling pathways, thereby suppressing follicular atresia. By contrast, oxidative stress induces follicular atresia by increasing ROS levels. At the molecular level, granulosa cell (GC) apoptosis is not the only factor triggering follicular atresia. Autophagy is also known to give rise to atresia. Epigenetics also plays a pivotal role in regulating gene expression in processes that seem to be related to follicular atresia, such as apoptosis, autophagy, proliferation, and steroidogenesis. Among these processes, the miRNA regulation mechanism is well-studied. The current review focuses on factors that regulate follicular atresia at organic, cellular and molecular levels and evaluates the interaction network among these levels. Additionally, this review summarizes atretic follicle characteristics, in vitro modeling methods, and factors preventing follicular atresia in laying hens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Ru
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Animal Health, Institute of Animal Population Health, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Economic and Technological Development District, Nanchang 330045, China
| | - Haiping Liang
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Animal Health, Institute of Animal Population Health, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Economic and Technological Development District, Nanchang 330045, China
| | - Jiming Ruan
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Animal Health, Institute of Animal Population Health, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Economic and Technological Development District, Nanchang 330045, China
| | - Ramlat Ali Haji
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Animal Health, Institute of Animal Population Health, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Economic and Technological Development District, Nanchang 330045, China
| | - Yong Cui
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Animal Health, Institute of Animal Population Health, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Economic and Technological Development District, Nanchang 330045, China
| | - Chao Yin
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Animal Health, Institute of Animal Population Health, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Economic and Technological Development District, Nanchang 330045, China
| | - Qing Wei
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Animal Health, Institute of Animal Population Health, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Economic and Technological Development District, Nanchang 330045, China
| | - Jianzhen Huang
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Animal Health, Institute of Animal Population Health, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Economic and Technological Development District, Nanchang 330045, China.
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Li H, Liu H, Zhu D, Dou C, Gang B, Zhang M, Wan Z. Biological function molecular pathways and druggability of DNMT2/TRDMT1. Pharmacol Res 2024; 205:107222. [PMID: 38782147 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
5-methylcytosine (m5C) is among the most common epigenetic modification in DNA and RNA molecules, and plays an important role in the animal development and disease pathogenesis. Interestingly, unlike other m5C DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs), DNMT2/TRDMT1 has the double-substrate specificity and adopts a DNMT-similar catalytic mechanism to methylate RNA. Moreover, it is widely involved in a variety of physiological regulatory processes, such as the gene expression, precise protein synthesis, immune response, and disease occurrence. Thus, comprehending the epigenetic mechanism and function of DNMT2/TRDMT1 will probably provide new strategies to treat some refractory diseases. Here, we discuss recent studies on the spatiotemporal expression pattern and post-translational modifications of DNMT2/TRDMT1, and summarize the research advances in substrate characteristics, catalytic recognition mechanism, DNMT2/TRDMT1-related genes or proteins, pharmacological application, and inhibitor development. This review will shed light on the pharmacological design by targeting DNMT2/TRDMT1 to treat parasitic, viral and oncologic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huari Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Laboratory Medicine, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cancer Translational Medicine, and The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu Medical University, No.2600 Donghai Avenue, Bengbu, Anhui Province 233030, PR China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, No.1 Shizishan Street, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430070, PR China.
| | - Huiru Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Laboratory Medicine, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cancer Translational Medicine, and The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu Medical University, No.2600 Donghai Avenue, Bengbu, Anhui Province 233030, PR China
| | - Daiyun Zhu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, No.1 Shizishan Street, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430070, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, PR China
| | - Chengli Dou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Laboratory Medicine, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cancer Translational Medicine, and The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu Medical University, No.2600 Donghai Avenue, Bengbu, Anhui Province 233030, PR China
| | - Baocai Gang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Laboratory Medicine, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cancer Translational Medicine, and The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu Medical University, No.2600 Donghai Avenue, Bengbu, Anhui Province 233030, PR China
| | - Mengjie Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Laboratory Medicine, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cancer Translational Medicine, and The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu Medical University, No.2600 Donghai Avenue, Bengbu, Anhui Province 233030, PR China
| | - Ziyu Wan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Laboratory Medicine, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cancer Translational Medicine, and The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu Medical University, No.2600 Donghai Avenue, Bengbu, Anhui Province 233030, PR China
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Yuan L, Liang X, He L. Unveiling dissociation mechanisms and binding patterns in the UHRF1-DPPA3 complex via multi-replica molecular dynamics simulations. J Mol Model 2024; 30:173. [PMID: 38767734 DOI: 10.1007/s00894-024-05946-9] [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: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
CONTEXT Ubiquitin-like with PHD and RING finger domain containing protein 1 (UHRF1) is responsible for preserving the stability of genomic methylation through the recruitment of DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1). However, the interaction between Developmental pluripotency associated 3 (DPPA3) and the pre-PHD-PHD (PPHD) domain of UHRF1 hinders the nuclear localization of UHRF1. This disruption has implications for potential cancer treatment strategies. Drugs that mimic the binding pattern between DPPA3 and PPHD could offer a promising approach to cancer treatment. Our study reveals that DPPA3 undergoes dissociation from the C-terminal through three different modes of helix unfolding. Furthermore, we have identified key residue pairs involved in this dissociation process and potential drug-targeting residues. These findings offer valuable insights into the dissociation mechanism of DPPA3 from PPHD and have the potential to inform the design of novel drugs targeting UHRF1 for cancer therapy. METHODS To comprehend the dissociation process and binding patterns of PPHD-DPPA3, we employed enhanced sampling techniques, including steered molecular dynamics (SMD) and conventional molecular dynamics (cMD). Additionally, we utilized self-organizing maps (SOM) and time-resolved force distribution analysis (TRFDA) methodologies. The Gromacs software was used for performing molecular dynamics simulations, and the AMBER FF14SB force field was applied to the protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longxiao Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300353, China
| | - Xiaodan Liang
- School of Computer Sciences and Technology, Tiangong University, Tianjin, 300387, China.
| | - Lei He
- Institute for Fetology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China.
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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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Liu Y, Sun Y, Yang J, Wu D, Yu S, Liu J, Hu T, Luo J, Zhou H. DNMT1-targeting remodeling global DNA hypomethylation for enhanced tumor suppression and circumvented toxicity in oral squamous cell carcinoma. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:104. [PMID: 38755637 PMCID: PMC11097543 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-024-01993-1] [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: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The faithful maintenance of DNA methylation homeostasis indispensably requires DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) in cancer progression. We previously identified DNMT1 as a potential candidate target for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). However, how the DNMT1- associated global DNA methylation is exploited to regulate OSCC remains unclear. METHODS The shRNA-specific DNMT1 knockdown was employed to target DNMT1 on oral cancer cells in vitro, as was the use of DNMT1 inhibitors. A xenografted OSCC mouse model was established to determine the effect on tumor suppression. High-throughput microarrays of DNA methylation, bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing analysis, multiplex immunohistochemistry, functional sphere formation and protein immunoblotting were utilized to explore the molecular mechanism involved. Analysis of human samples revealed associations between DNMT1 expression, global DNA methylation and collaborative molecular signaling with oral malignant transformation. RESULTS We investigated DNMT1 expression boosted steadily during oral malignant transformation in human samples, and its inhibition considerably minimized the tumorigenicity in vitro and in a xenografted OSCC model. DNMT1 overexpression was accompanied by the accumulation of cancer-specific DNA hypomethylation during oral carcinogenesis; conversely, DNMT1 knockdown caused atypically extensive genome-wide DNA hypomethylation in cancer cells and xenografted tumors. This novel DNMT1-remodeled DNA hypomethylation pattern hampered the dual activation of PI3K-AKT and CDK2-Rb and inactivated GSK3β collaboratively. When treating OSCC mice, targeting DNMT1 achieved greater anticancer efficacy than the PI3K inhibitor, and reduced the toxicity of blood glucose changes caused by the PI3K inhibitor or combination of PI3K and CDK inhibitors as well as adverse insulin feedback. CONCLUSIONS Targeting DNMT1 remodels a novel global DNA hypomethylation pattern to facilitate anticancer efficacy and minimize potential toxic effects via balanced signaling synergia. Our study suggests DNMT1 is a crucial gatekeeper regarding OSCC destiny and treatment outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangfan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Frontier Innovation Center for Dental Medicine Plus, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Yu Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Frontier Innovation Center for Dental Medicine Plus, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
- School of Stomatology, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 571199, Hainan, China
| | - Jin Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Frontier Innovation Center for Dental Medicine Plus, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Deyang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Frontier Innovation Center for Dental Medicine Plus, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Shuang Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Frontier Innovation Center for Dental Medicine Plus, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Junjiang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Frontier Innovation Center for Dental Medicine Plus, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Tao Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Frontier Innovation Center for Dental Medicine Plus, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Jingjing Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Frontier Innovation Center for Dental Medicine Plus, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
| | - Hongmei Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Frontier Innovation Center for Dental Medicine Plus, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
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Zhong Y, Zhou X, Pan Z, Zhang J, Pan J. Role of epigenetic regulatory mechanisms in age-related bone homeostasis imbalance. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23642. [PMID: 38690719 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202302665r] [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: 12/24/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Alterations to the human organism that are brought about by aging are comprehensive and detrimental. Of these, an imbalance in bone homeostasis is a major outward manifestation of aging. In older adults, the decreased osteogenic activity of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and the inhibition of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell differentiation lead to decreased bone mass, increased risk of fracture, and impaired bone injury healing. In the past decades, numerous studies have reported the epigenetic alterations that occur during aging, such as decreased core histones, altered DNA methylation patterns, and abnormalities in noncoding RNAs, which ultimately lead to genomic abnormalities and affect the expression of downstream signaling osteoporosis treatment and promoter of fracture healing in older adults. The current review summarizes the impact of epigenetic regulation mechanisms on age-related bone homeostasis imbalance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunyu Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xueer Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Zijian Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jiankang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jian Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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10
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Sfakianoudis K, Zikopoulos A, Grigoriadis S, Seretis N, Maziotis E, Anifandis G, Xystra P, Kostoulas C, Giougli U, Pantos K, Simopoulou M, Georgiou I. The Role of One-Carbon Metabolism and Methyl Donors in Medically Assisted Reproduction: A Narrative Review of the Literature. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4977. [PMID: 38732193 PMCID: PMC11084717 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094977] [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: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
One-carbon (1-C) metabolic deficiency impairs homeostasis, driving disease development, including infertility. It is of importance to summarize the current evidence regarding the clinical utility of 1-C metabolism-related biomolecules and methyl donors, namely, folate, betaine, choline, vitamin B12, homocysteine (Hcy), and zinc, as potential biomarkers, dietary supplements, and culture media supplements in the context of medically assisted reproduction (MAR). A narrative review of the literature was conducted in the PubMed/Medline database. Diet, ageing, and the endocrine milieu of individuals affect both 1-C metabolism and fertility status. In vitro fertilization (IVF) techniques, and culture conditions in particular, have a direct impact on 1-C metabolic activity in gametes and embryos. Critical analysis indicated that zinc supplementation in cryopreservation media may be a promising approach to reducing oxidative damage, while female serum homocysteine levels may be employed as a possible biomarker for predicting IVF outcomes. Nonetheless, the level of evidence is low, and future studies are needed to verify these data. One-carbon metabolism-related processes, including redox defense and epigenetic regulation, may be compromised in IVF-derived embryos. The study of 1-C metabolism may lead the way towards improving MAR efficiency and safety and ensuring the lifelong health of MAR infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos Sfakianoudis
- Centre for Human Reproduction, Genesis Athens Clinic, 14-16, Papanikoli, 15232 Athens, Greece; (K.S.); (K.P.)
| | - Athanasios Zikopoulos
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; (A.Z.); (N.S.); (C.K.); (U.G.); (I.G.)
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Royal Cornwall Hospital, Treliske, Truro TR1 3LJ, UK
| | - Sokratis Grigoriadis
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (S.G.); (E.M.); (P.X.)
| | - Nikolaos Seretis
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; (A.Z.); (N.S.); (C.K.); (U.G.); (I.G.)
| | - Evangelos Maziotis
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (S.G.); (E.M.); (P.X.)
| | - George Anifandis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, 41222 Larisa, Greece;
| | - Paraskevi Xystra
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (S.G.); (E.M.); (P.X.)
| | - Charilaos Kostoulas
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; (A.Z.); (N.S.); (C.K.); (U.G.); (I.G.)
| | - Urania Giougli
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; (A.Z.); (N.S.); (C.K.); (U.G.); (I.G.)
| | - Konstantinos Pantos
- Centre for Human Reproduction, Genesis Athens Clinic, 14-16, Papanikoli, 15232 Athens, Greece; (K.S.); (K.P.)
| | - Mara Simopoulou
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (S.G.); (E.M.); (P.X.)
| | - Ioannis Georgiou
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; (A.Z.); (N.S.); (C.K.); (U.G.); (I.G.)
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11
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Han Q, Ma R, Liu N. Epigenetic reprogramming in the transition from pluripotency to totipotency. J Cell Physiol 2024; 239:e31222. [PMID: 38375873 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.31222] [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: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
Mammalian development commences with the zygote, which can differentiate into both embryonic and extraembryonic tissues, a capability known as totipotency. Only the zygote and embryos around zygotic genome activation (ZGA) (two-cell embryo stage in mice and eight-cell embryo in humans) are totipotent cells. Epigenetic modifications undergo extremely extensive changes during the acquisition of totipotency and subsequent development of differentiation. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain elusive. Recently, the discovery of mouse two-cell embryo-like cells, human eight-cell embryo-like cells, extended pluripotent stem cells and totipotent-like stem cells with extra-embryonic developmental potential has greatly expanded our understanding of totipotency. Experiments with these in vitro models have led to insights into epigenetic changes in the reprogramming of pluri-to-totipotency, which have informed the exploration of preimplantation development. In this review, we highlight the recent findings in understanding the mechanisms of epigenetic remodeling during totipotency capture, including RNA splicing, DNA methylation, chromatin configuration, histone modifications, and nuclear organization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingsheng Han
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Ru Ma
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Na Liu
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
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12
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Lim GM, Maharajan N, Cho GW. How calorie restriction slows aging: an epigenetic perspective. J Mol Med (Berl) 2024; 102:629-640. [PMID: 38456926 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-024-02430-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Genomic instability and epigenetic alterations are some of the prominent factors affecting aging. Age-related heterochromatin loss and decreased whole-genome DNA methylation are associated with abnormal gene expression, leading to diseases and genomic instability. Modulation of these epigenetic changes is crucial for preserving genomic integrity and controlling cellular identity is important for slowing the aging process. Numerous studies have shown that caloric restriction is the gold standard for promoting longevity and healthy aging in various species ranging from rodents to primates. It can be inferred that delaying of aging through the main effector such as calorie restriction is involved in cellular identity and epigenetic modification. Thus, an understanding of aging through calorie restriction may seek a more in-depth understanding. In this review, we discuss how caloric restriction promotes longevity and healthy aging through genomic stability and epigenetic alterations. We have also highlighted how the effectors of caloric restriction are involved in modulating the chromatin-based barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gyeong Min Lim
- Department of Biological Science, College of Natural Science, Chosun University, 309 Pilmun-Daero, Dong-Gu, Gwangju, 61452, Republic of Korea
- BK21 FOUR Education Research Group for Age-Associated Disorder Control Technology, Department of Integrative Biological Science, Chosun University, Gwangju, 61452, Republic of Korea
| | - Nagarajan Maharajan
- The Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Gwang-Won Cho
- Department of Biological Science, College of Natural Science, Chosun University, 309 Pilmun-Daero, Dong-Gu, Gwangju, 61452, Republic of Korea.
- BK21 FOUR Education Research Group for Age-Associated Disorder Control Technology, Department of Integrative Biological Science, Chosun University, Gwangju, 61452, Republic of Korea.
- The Basic Science Institute of Chosun University, Chosun University, Gwangju, 61452, Republic of Korea.
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13
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Köhler AR, Haußer J, Harsch A, Bernhardt S, Häußermann L, Brenner LM, Lungu C, Olayioye MA, Bashtrykov P, Jeltsch A. Modular dual-color BiAD sensors for locus-specific readout of epigenome modifications in single cells. CELL REPORTS METHODS 2024; 4:100739. [PMID: 38554702 PMCID: PMC11045877 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmeth.2024.100739] [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: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Dynamic changes in the epigenome at defined genomic loci play crucial roles during cellular differentiation and disease development. Here, we developed dual-color bimolecular anchor detector (BiAD) sensors for high-sensitivity readout of locus-specific epigenome modifications by fluorescence microscopy. Our BiAD sensors comprise an sgRNA/dCas9 complex as anchor and double chromatin reader domains as detector modules, both fused to complementary parts of a split IFP2.0 fluorophore, enabling its reconstitution upon binding of both parts in close proximity. In addition, a YPet fluorophore is recruited to the sgRNA to mark the genomic locus of interest. With these dual-color BiAD sensors, we detected H3K9me2/3 and DNA methylation and their dynamic changes upon RNAi or inhibitor treatment with high sensitivity at endogenous genomic regions. Furthermore, we showcased locus-specific H3K36me2/3 readout as well as H3K27me3 and H3K9me2/3 enrichment on the inactive X chromosome, highlighting the broad applicability of our dual-color BiAD sensors for single-cell epigenome studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja R Köhler
- Institute of Biochemistry and Technical Biochemistry, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Johannes Haußer
- Institute of Biochemistry and Technical Biochemistry, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Annika Harsch
- Institute of Biochemistry and Technical Biochemistry, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Steffen Bernhardt
- Institute of Biochemistry and Technical Biochemistry, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Lilia Häußermann
- Institute of Biochemistry and Technical Biochemistry, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Lisa-Marie Brenner
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Cristiana Lungu
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Monilola A Olayioye
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Pavel Bashtrykov
- Institute of Biochemistry and Technical Biochemistry, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Albert Jeltsch
- Institute of Biochemistry and Technical Biochemistry, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany.
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14
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Haidar L, Georgescu M, Drăghici GA, Bănățean-Dunea I, Nica DV, Șerb AF. DNA Methylation Machinery in Gastropod Mollusks. Life (Basel) 2024; 14:537. [PMID: 38672807 PMCID: PMC11050768 DOI: 10.3390/life14040537] [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: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The role of DNA methylation in mollusks is just beginning to be understood. This review synthesizes current knowledge on this potent molecular hallmark of epigenetic control in gastropods-the largest class of mollusks and ubiquitous inhabitants of diverse habitats. Their DNA methylation machinery shows a high degree of conservation in CG maintenance methylation mechanisms, driven mainly by DNMT1 homologues, and the presence of MBD2 and MBD2/3 proteins as DNA methylation readers. The mosaic-like DNA methylation landscape occurs mainly in a CG context and is primarily confined to gene bodies and housekeeping genes. DNA methylation emerges as a critical regulator of reproduction, development, and adaptation, with tissue-specific patterns being observed in gonadal structures. Its dynamics also serve as an important regulatory mechanism underlying learning and memory processes. DNA methylation can be affected by various environmental stimuli, including as pathogens and abiotic stresses, potentially impacting phenotypic variation and population diversity. Overall, the features of DNA methylation in gastropods are complex, being an essential part of their epigenome. However, comprehensive studies integrating developmental stages, tissues, and environmental conditions, functional annotation of methylated regions, and integrated genomic-epigenomic analyses are lacking. Addressing these knowledge gaps will advance our understanding of gastropod biology, ecology, and evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Haidar
- Department of Functional Sciences, Physiology Discipline, Faculty of Medicine, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timișoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timişoara, Romania;
- Center of Immuno-Physiology and Biotechnologies (CIFBIOTEH), “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timișoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timişoara, Romania
| | - Marius Georgescu
- Department of Functional Sciences, Physiology Discipline, Faculty of Medicine, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timișoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timişoara, Romania;
- Center of Immuno-Physiology and Biotechnologies (CIFBIOTEH), “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timișoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timişoara, Romania
| | - George Andrei Drăghici
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timișoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania;
- Research Center for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluations, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timișoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
| | - Ioan Bănățean-Dunea
- Biology and Plant Protection Department, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Life Sciences “King Mihai I” from Timișoara, Calea Aradului 119, 300645 Timișoara, Romania;
| | - Dragoș Vasile Nica
- The National Institute of Research—Development for Machines and Installations Designed for Agriculture and Food Industry (INMA), Bulevardul Ion Ionescu de la Brad 6, 077190 București, Romania
| | - Alina-Florina Șerb
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Biochemistry Discipline, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timișoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania;
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15
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Targa G, Mottarlini F, Rizzi B, Taddini S, Parolaro S, Fumagalli F, Caffino L. Anorexia-Induced Hypoleptinemia Drives Adaptations in the JAK2/STAT3 Pathway in the Ventral and Dorsal Hippocampus of Female Rats. Nutrients 2024; 16:1171. [PMID: 38674862 PMCID: PMC11054075 DOI: 10.3390/nu16081171] [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: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Leptin is an appetite-regulating adipokine that is reduced in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN), a psychiatric disorder characterized by self-imposed starvation, and has been linked to hyperactivity, a hallmark of AN. However, it remains unknown how leptin receptor (LepR) and its JAK2-STAT3 downstream pathway in extrahypothalamic brain areas, such as the dorsal (dHip) and ventral (vHip) hippocampus, crucial for spatial memory and emotion regulation, may contribute to the maintenance of AN behaviors. Taking advantage of the activity-based anorexia (ABA) model (i.e., the combination of food restriction and physical activity), we observed reduced leptin plasma levels in adolescent female ABA rats at the acute phase of the disorder [post-natal day (PND) 42], while the levels increased over control levels following a 7-day recovery period (PND49). The analysis of the intracellular leptin pathway revealed that ABA rats showed an overall decrease of the LepR/JAK2/STAT3 signaling in dHip at both time points, while in vHip we observed a transition from hypo- (PND42) to hyperactivation (PND49) of the pathway. These changes might add knowledge on starvation-induced fluctuations in leptin levels and in hippocampal leptin signaling as initial drivers of the transition from adaptative mechanisms to starvation toward the maintenance of aberrant behaviors typical of AN patients, such as perpetuating restraint over eating.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Targa
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences ‘Rodolfo Paoletti’, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milano, Italy; (G.T.); (F.M.); (B.R.); (S.T.); (S.P.); (F.F.)
| | - Francesca Mottarlini
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences ‘Rodolfo Paoletti’, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milano, Italy; (G.T.); (F.M.); (B.R.); (S.T.); (S.P.); (F.F.)
| | - Beatrice Rizzi
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences ‘Rodolfo Paoletti’, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milano, Italy; (G.T.); (F.M.); (B.R.); (S.T.); (S.P.); (F.F.)
- Center for Neuroscience, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy
| | - Sofia Taddini
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences ‘Rodolfo Paoletti’, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milano, Italy; (G.T.); (F.M.); (B.R.); (S.T.); (S.P.); (F.F.)
| | - Susanna Parolaro
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences ‘Rodolfo Paoletti’, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milano, Italy; (G.T.); (F.M.); (B.R.); (S.T.); (S.P.); (F.F.)
| | - Fabio Fumagalli
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences ‘Rodolfo Paoletti’, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milano, Italy; (G.T.); (F.M.); (B.R.); (S.T.); (S.P.); (F.F.)
| | - Lucia Caffino
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences ‘Rodolfo Paoletti’, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milano, Italy; (G.T.); (F.M.); (B.R.); (S.T.); (S.P.); (F.F.)
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16
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Xia Y, Chen K, Yang Q, Chen Z, Jin L, Zhang L, Yu X, Wang L, Xie C, Zhao Y, Shen Y, Tong J. Methylation in cornea and corneal diseases: a systematic review. Cell Death Discov 2024; 10:169. [PMID: 38589350 PMCID: PMC11002037 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-024-01935-2] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Corneal diseases are among the primary causes of blindness and vision loss worldwide. However, the pathogenesis of corneal diseases remains elusive, and diagnostic and therapeutic tools are limited. Thus, identifying new targets for the diagnosis and treatment of corneal diseases has gained great interest. Methylation, a type of epigenetic modification, modulates various cellular processes at both nucleic acid and protein levels. Growing evidence shows that methylation is a key regulator in the pathogenesis of corneal diseases, including inflammation, fibrosis, and neovascularization, making it an attractive potential therapeutic target. In this review, we discuss the major alterations of methylation and demethylation at the DNA, RNA, and protein levels in corneal diseases and how these dynamics contribute to the pathogenesis of corneal diseases. Also, we provide insights into identifying potential biomarkers of methylation that may improve the diagnosis and treatment of corneal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutong Xia
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Kuangqi Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Qianjie Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Zhitong Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Le Jin
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Liyue Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Xin Yu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Liyin Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Chen Xie
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Yuan Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Ye Shen
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, China.
| | - Jianping Tong
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, China.
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17
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Wang L, Xiao J, Zhang B, Hou A. Epigenetic modifications in the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia: a review. Pediatr Res 2024:10.1038/s41390-024-03167-7. [PMID: 38570557 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-024-03167-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
While perinatal medicine advancements have bolstered survival outcomes for premature infants, bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) continues to threaten their long-term health. Gene-environment interactions, mediated by epigenetic modifications such as DNA methylation, histone modification, and non-coding RNA regulation, take center stage in BPD pathogenesis. Recent discoveries link methylation variations across biological pathways with BPD. Also, the potential reversibility of histone modifications fuels new treatment avenues. The review also highlights the promise of utilizing mesenchymal stem cells and their exosomes as BPD therapies, given their ability to modulate non-coding RNA, opening novel research and intervention possibilities. IMPACT: The complexity and universality of epigenetic modifications in the occurrence and development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia were thoroughly discussed. Both molecular and cellular mechanisms contribute to the diverse nature of epigenetic changes, suggesting the need for deeper biochemical techniques to explore these molecular alterations. The utilization of innovative cell-specific drug delivery methods like exosomes and extracellular vesicles holds promise in achieving precise epigenetic regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lichuan Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Sheng Jing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jun Xiao
- Department of Pediatrics, Sheng Jing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Bohan Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Sheng Jing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Ana Hou
- Department of Pediatrics, Sheng Jing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
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18
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Giaccari C, Cecere F, Argenziano L, Pagano A, Galvao A, Acampora D, Rossi G, Hay Mele B, Acurzio B, Coonrod S, Cubellis MV, Cerrato F, Andrews S, Cecconi S, Kelsey G, Riccio A. A maternal-effect Padi6 variant causes nuclear and cytoplasmic abnormalities in oocytes, as well as failure of epigenetic reprogramming and zygotic genome activation in embryos. Genes Dev 2024; 38:131-150. [PMID: 38453481 PMCID: PMC10982689 DOI: 10.1101/gad.351238.123] [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: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Maternal inactivation of genes encoding components of the subcortical maternal complex (SCMC) and its associated member, PADI6, generally results in early embryo lethality. In humans, SCMC gene variants were found in the healthy mothers of children affected by multilocus imprinting disturbances (MLID). However, how the SCMC controls the DNA methylation required to regulate imprinting remains poorly defined. We generated a mouse line carrying a Padi6 missense variant that was identified in a family with Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome and MLID. If homozygous in female mice, this variant resulted in interruption of embryo development at the two-cell stage. Single-cell multiomic analyses demonstrated defective maturation of Padi6 mutant oocytes and incomplete DNA demethylation, down-regulation of zygotic genome activation (ZGA) genes, up-regulation of maternal decay genes, and developmental delay in two-cell embryos developing from Padi6 mutant oocytes but little effect on genomic imprinting. Western blotting and immunofluorescence analyses showed reduced levels of UHRF1 in oocytes and abnormal localization of DNMT1 and UHRF1 in both oocytes and zygotes. Treatment with 5-azacytidine reverted DNA hypermethylation but did not rescue the developmental arrest of mutant embryos. Taken together, this study demonstrates that PADI6 controls both nuclear and cytoplasmic oocyte processes that are necessary for preimplantation epigenetic reprogramming and ZGA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Giaccari
- Department of Environmental Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (DiSTABiF), Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli," Caserta 81100, Italy
| | - Francesco Cecere
- Department of Environmental Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (DiSTABiF), Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli," Caserta 81100, Italy
| | - Lucia Argenziano
- Department of Environmental Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (DiSTABiF), Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli," Caserta 81100, Italy
| | - Angela Pagano
- Department of Environmental Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (DiSTABiF), Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli," Caserta 81100, Italy
| | - Antonio Galvao
- Epigenetics Programme, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, United Kingdom
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, United Kingdom
- Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn 10-748, Poland
| | - Dario Acampora
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics (IGB) "Adriano Buzzati-Traverso," Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Gianna Rossi
- Department of Life, Health, and Environmental Sciences, Università dell'Aquila, L'Aquila 67100, Italy
| | - Bruno Hay Mele
- Department of Biology, University of Naples "Federico II," Napoli 80126, Italy
| | - Basilia Acurzio
- Department of Environmental Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (DiSTABiF), Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli," Caserta 81100, Italy
| | - Scott Coonrod
- Baker Institute for Animal Health, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA
| | | | - Flavia Cerrato
- Department of Environmental Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (DiSTABiF), Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli," Caserta 81100, Italy
| | - Simon Andrews
- Bioinformatics Unit, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, United Kingdom
| | - Sandra Cecconi
- Department of Life, Health, and Environmental Sciences, Università dell'Aquila, L'Aquila 67100, Italy
| | - Gavin Kelsey
- Epigenetics Programme, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, United Kingdom;
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, United Kingdom
- Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science-Metabolic Research Laboratories, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, United Kingdom
| | - Andrea Riccio
- Department of Environmental Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (DiSTABiF), Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli," Caserta 81100, Italy;
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics (IGB) "Adriano Buzzati-Traverso," Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Naples 80131, Italy
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19
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Ding JH, Li G, Xiong J, Liu FL, Xie NB, Ji TT, Wang M, Guo X, Feng YQ, Ci W, Yuan BF. Whole-Genome Mapping of Epigenetic Modification of 5-Formylcytosine at Single-Base Resolution by Chemical Labeling Enrichment and Deamination Sequencing. Anal Chem 2024; 96:4726-4735. [PMID: 38450632 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.4c00425] [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: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
DNA cytosine methylation (5-methylcytosine, 5mC) is a predominant epigenetic modification that plays a critical role in a variety of biological and pathological processes in mammals. In active DNA demethylation, the 10-11 translocation (TET) dioxygenases can sequentially oxidize 5mC to generate three modified forms of cytosine, 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC), 5-formylcytosine (5fC), and 5-carboxylcytosine (5caC). Beyond being a demethylation intermediate, recent studies have shown that 5fC has regulatory functions in gene expression and chromatin organization. While some methods have been developed to detect 5fC, genome-wide mapping of 5fC at base resolution is still highly desirable. Herein, we propose a chemical labeling enrichment and deamination sequencing (CLED-seq) method for detecting 5fC in genomic DNA at single-base resolution. The CLED-seq method utilizes selective labeling and enrichment of 5fC-containing DNA fragments, followed by deamination mediated by apolipoprotein B mRNA-editing catalytic polypeptide-like 3A (APOBEC3A or A3A) and sequencing. In the CLED-seq process, while all C, 5mC, and 5hmC are interpreted as T during sequencing, 5fC is still read as C, enabling the precise detection of 5fC in DNA. Using the proposed CLED-seq method, we accomplished genome-wide mapping of 5fC in mouse embryonic stem cells. The mapping study revealed that promoter regions enriched with 5fC overlapped with H3K4me1, H3K4me3, and H3K27ac marks. These findings suggest a correlation between 5fC marks and active gene expression in mESCs. In conclusion, CLED-seq is a straightforward, bisulfite-free method that offers a valuable tool for detecting 5fC in genomes at a single-base resolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiang-Hui Ding
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
- Research Center of Public Health, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Gaojie Li
- Key Laboratory of Genomics and Precision Medicine, and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jun Xiong
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Fei-Long Liu
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Neng-Bin Xie
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Tong-Tong Ji
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Min Wang
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Xia Guo
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Yu-Qi Feng
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Weimin Ci
- Key Laboratory of Genomics and Precision Medicine, and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Bi-Feng Yuan
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
- Research Center of Public Health, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
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20
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Brenner LM, Meyer F, Yang H, Köhler AR, Bashtrykov P, Guo M, Jeltsch A, Lungu C, Olayioye MA. Repeat DNA methylation is modulated by adherens junction signaling. Commun Biol 2024; 7:286. [PMID: 38454140 PMCID: PMC10920906 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-05990-4] [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: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Through its involvement in gene transcription and heterochromatin formation, DNA methylation regulates how cells interact with their environment. Nevertheless, the extracellular signaling cues that modulate the distribution of this central chromatin modification are largely unclear. DNA methylation is highly abundant at repetitive elements, but its investigation in live cells has been complicated by methodological challenges. Utilizing a CRISPR/dCas9 biosensor that reads DNA methylation of human α-satellite repeats in live cells, we here uncover a signaling pathway linking the chromatin and transcriptional state of repetitive elements to epithelial adherens junction integrity. Specifically, we find that in confluent breast epithelial cell monolayers, α-satellite repeat methylation is reduced by comparison to low density cultures. This is coupled with increased transcriptional activity at repeats. Through comprehensive perturbation experiments, we identify the junctional protein E-cadherin, which links to the actin cytoskeleton, as a central molecular player for signal relay into the nucleus. Furthermore, we find that this pathway is impaired in cancer cells that lack E-cadherin and are not contact-inhibited. This suggests that the molecular connection between cell density and repetitive element methylation could play a role in the maintenance of epithelial tissue homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa-Marie Brenner
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Florian Meyer
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Haiqian Yang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, 02139, MA, USA
| | - Anja R Köhler
- Institute of Biochemistry and Technical Biochemistry, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Pavel Bashtrykov
- Institute of Biochemistry and Technical Biochemistry, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Ming Guo
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, 02139, MA, USA
| | - Albert Jeltsch
- Institute of Biochemistry and Technical Biochemistry, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Cristiana Lungu
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany.
- Stuttgart Research Center Systems Biology (SRCSB), University of Stuttgart, Nobelstraße 15, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany.
| | - Monilola A Olayioye
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany.
- Stuttgart Research Center Systems Biology (SRCSB), University of Stuttgart, Nobelstraße 15, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany.
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21
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Schnee P, Pleiss J, Jeltsch A. Approaching the catalytic mechanism of protein lysine methyltransferases by biochemical and simulation techniques. Crit Rev Biochem Mol Biol 2024:1-49. [PMID: 38449437 DOI: 10.1080/10409238.2024.2318547] [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: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Protein lysine methyltransferases (PKMTs) transfer up to three methyl groups to the side chains of lysine residues in proteins and fulfill important regulatory functions by controlling protein stability, localization and protein/protein interactions. The methylation reactions are highly regulated, and aberrant methylation of proteins is associated with several types of diseases including neurologic disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and various types of cancer. This review describes novel insights into the catalytic machinery of various PKMTs achieved by the combined application of biochemical experiments and simulation approaches during the last years, focusing on clinically relevant and well-studied enzymes of this group like DOT1L, SMYD1-3, SET7/9, G9a/GLP, SETD2, SUV420H2, NSD1/2, different MLLs and EZH2. Biochemical experiments have unraveled many mechanistic features of PKMTs concerning their substrate and product specificity, processivity and the effects of somatic mutations observed in PKMTs in cancer cells. Structural data additionally provided information about the substrate recognition, enzyme-substrate complex formation, and allowed for simulations of the substrate peptide interaction and mechanism of PKMTs with atomistic resolution by molecular dynamics and hybrid quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics methods. These simulation technologies uncovered important mechanistic details of the PKMT reaction mechanism including the processes responsible for the deprotonation of the target lysine residue, essential conformational changes of the PKMT upon substrate binding, but also rationalized regulatory principles like PKMT autoinhibition. Further developments are discussed that could bring us closer to a mechanistic understanding of catalysis of this important class of enzymes in the near future. The results described here illustrate the power of the investigation of enzyme mechanisms by the combined application of biochemical experiments and simulation technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Schnee
- Institute of Biochemistry and Technical Biochemistry, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Jürgen Pleiss
- Institute of Biochemistry and Technical Biochemistry, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Albert Jeltsch
- Institute of Biochemistry and Technical Biochemistry, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
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22
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Muhammad A, Hixon JC, Pharmacy Yusuf A, Rivas Zarete JI, Johnson I, Miller J, Adu-Addai B, Yates C, Mahavadi S. Sex-specific epigenetics drive low GPER expression in gastrointestinal smooth muscles in type 2 diabetic mice. Sci Rep 2024; 14:5633. [PMID: 38453938 PMCID: PMC10920797 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-54213-7] [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: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) causes gastroparesis, delayed intestinal transit, and constipation, for unknown reasons. Complications are predominant in women than men (particularly pregnant and postmenopausal women), suggesting a female hormone-mediated mechanism. Low G-protein coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) expression from epigenetic modifications may explain it. We explored sexually differentiated GPER expression and gastrointestinal symptoms related to GPER alterations in wild-type (WT) and T2D mice (db/db). We also created smooth muscle-specific GPER knockout (GPER KO) mice to phenotypically explore the effect of GPER deficiency on gastrointestinal motility. GPER mRNA and protein expression, DNA methylation and histone modifications were measured from stomach and colon samples of db/db and WT mice. Changes in gut motility were also evaluated as daily fecal pellet production patterns. We found that WT female tissues have the highest GPER mRNA and protein expressions. The expression is lowest in all db/db. GPER downregulation is associated with promoter hypermethylation and reduced enrichment of H3K4me3 and H3K27ac marks around the GPER promoter. We also observed sex-specific disparities in fecal pellet production patterns of the GPER KO mice compared to WT. We thus, conclude that T2D impairs gut GPER expression, and epigenetic sex-specific mechanisms matter in the downregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aliyu Muhammad
- Department of Biology, Center for Cancer Research, Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL, 36088, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, P.M.B. 1044, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria
| | - Juanita C Hixon
- Department of Biology, Center for Cancer Research, Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL, 36088, USA
| | | | - Jatna I Rivas Zarete
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL, 36088, USA
| | - India Johnson
- Department of Biology, Center for Cancer Research, Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL, 36088, USA
| | - Jamial Miller
- Department of Biology, Center for Cancer Research, Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL, 36088, USA
| | - Benjamin Adu-Addai
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL, 36088, USA
| | - Clayton Yates
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sunila Mahavadi
- Department of Biology, Center for Cancer Research, Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL, 36088, USA.
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23
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Saint C, Gittings W, Bunda J, Giles C, Sacco SM, Vandenboom R, Ward WE, LeBlanc PJ. Maternal folic acid supplementation does not impact skeletal muscle function and metabolism in male and female CD-1 mouse offspring. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab 2024; 49:306-318. [PMID: 37913528 DOI: 10.1139/apnm-2023-0207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Folic acid fortification of all white flour, enriched pasta, and cornmeal products became mandatory in Canada to reduce risk of neural tube defects at birth. Furthermore, Health Canada and the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada recommend women take daily prenatal folic acid supplements in addition to folic acid fortified foods during pregnancy. However, the influence of maternal folic acid supplementation on offspring development, specifically the highly abundant and metabolically active skeletal muscle, is currently unknown. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine the effect of supplemental folic acid (four times higher than normal dietary consumption), in utero and throughout suckling on muscle size, function, and metabolism in male and female CD-1 mouse offspring. The major findings were that maternal exposure to supplemental folic acid (i) had no impact on postpartum growth rates or muscle mass in female and male offspring, (ii) had no impact on skeletal muscle contractile kinetics in females and male offspring, and (iii) increased maximal phosphofructokinase activity in extensor digitorum longus of female and male offspring. These findings suggest that exposure to folic acid supplementation in utero and throughout suckling at levels four times higher than recommended had minimal effect on skeletal muscle size, function, and metabolism regardless of sex. Future research is needed explore the underlying biological pathways and mechanisms affected by folic acid supplementation during pregnancy and lactation on offspring skeletal muscle tissue, specifically in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin Saint
- Department of Health Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, Canada
- Centre for Bone and Muscle Health, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, Canada
| | - William Gittings
- Centre for Bone and Muscle Health, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, Canada
- Department of Kinesiology, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, Canada
| | - Jordan Bunda
- Centre for Bone and Muscle Health, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, Canada
- Department of Kinesiology, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, Canada
| | - Cameron Giles
- Department of Health Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, Canada
- Centre for Bone and Muscle Health, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, Canada
| | - Sandra M Sacco
- Centre for Bone and Muscle Health, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, Canada
- Department of Kinesiology, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, Canada
| | - Rene Vandenboom
- Centre for Bone and Muscle Health, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, Canada
- Department of Kinesiology, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, Canada
| | - Wendy E Ward
- Centre for Bone and Muscle Health, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, Canada
- Department of Kinesiology, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, Canada
| | - Paul J LeBlanc
- Department of Health Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, Canada
- Centre for Bone and Muscle Health, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, Canada
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24
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Yu Y, Fu W, Xie Y, Jiang X, Wang H, Yang X. A review on recent advances in assays for DNMT1: a promising diagnostic biomarker for multiple human cancers. Analyst 2024; 149:1002-1021. [PMID: 38204433 DOI: 10.1039/d3an01915b] [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: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
The abnormal expression of human DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) is closely related with the occurrence and development of a wide range of human cancers. DNA (cytosine-5)-methyltransferase-1 (DNMT1) is the most abundant human DNA methyltransferase and is mainly responsible for genomic DNA methylation patterns. Abnormal expression of DNMT1 has been found in many kinds of tumors, and DNMT1 has become a valuable target for the diagnosis and drug therapy of diseases. Nowadays, DNMT1 has been found to be involved in multiple cancers such as pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, bladder cancer, lung cancer, gastric cancer and other cancers. In order to achieve early diagnosis and for scientific research, various analytical methods have been developed for qualitative or quantitative detection of low-abundance DNMT1 in biological samples and human tumor cells. Herein, we provide a brief explication of the research progress of DNMT1 involved in various cancer types. In addition, this review focuses on the types, principles, and applications of DNMT1 detection methods, and discusses the challenges and potential future directions of DNMT1 detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, QianWei People's Hospital, Leshan 614400, China
- Key Laboratory of Medical Laboratory Diagnostics of the Education Ministry, College of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China.
| | - Wen Fu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Yaxing Xie
- Key Laboratory of Medical Laboratory Diagnostics of the Education Ministry, College of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China.
| | - Xue Jiang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Hong Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, QianWei People's Hospital, Leshan 614400, China
| | - Xiaolan Yang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Laboratory Diagnostics of the Education Ministry, College of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China.
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25
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Liu YB, Hong JR, Jiang N, Jin L, Zhong WJ, Zhang CY, Yang HH, Duan JX, Zhou Y. The Role of Mitochondrial Quality Control in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. J Transl Med 2024; 104:100307. [PMID: 38104865 DOI: 10.1016/j.labinv.2023.100307] [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: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major cause of morbidity, mortality, and health care use worldwide with heterogeneous pathogenesis. Mitochondria, the powerhouses of cells responsible for oxidative phosphorylation and energy production, play essential roles in intracellular material metabolism, natural immunity, and cell death regulation. Therefore, it is crucial to address the urgent need for fine-tuning the regulation of mitochondrial quality to combat COPD effectively. Mitochondrial quality control (MQC) mainly refers to the selective removal of damaged or aging mitochondria and the generation of new mitochondria, which involves mitochondrial biogenesis, mitochondrial dynamics, mitophagy, etc. Mounting evidence suggests that mitochondrial dysfunction is a crucial contributor to the development and progression of COPD. This article mainly reviews the effects of MQC on COPD as well as their specific regulatory mechanisms. Finally, the therapeutic approaches of COPD via MQC are also illustrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Biao Liu
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jie-Ru Hong
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Nan Jiang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ling Jin
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Wen-Jing Zhong
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Chen-Yu Zhang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Hui-Hui Yang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jia-Xi Duan
- Department of Geriatrics, Respiratory Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; National Clinical Research Center of Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
| | - Yong Zhou
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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26
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Ghosh K, Zhou JJ, Shao JY, Chen SR, Pan HL. DNA demethylation in the hypothalamus promotes transcription of Agtr1a and Slc12a2 and hypertension development. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:105597. [PMID: 38160798 PMCID: PMC10830874 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Increased expression of angiotensin II AT1A receptor (encoded by Agtr1a) and Na+-K+-Cl- cotransporter-1 (NKCC1, encoded by Slc12a2) in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) contributes to hypertension development. However, little is known about their transcriptional control in the PVN in hypertension. DNA methylation is a critical epigenetic mechanism that regulates gene expression. Here, we determined whether transcriptional activation of Agtr1a and Slc12a2 results from altered DNA methylation in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Methylated DNA immunoprecipitation and bisulfite sequencing-PCR showed that CpG methylation at Agtr1a and Slc12a2 promoters in the PVN was progressively diminished in SHR compared with normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY). Chromatin immunoprecipitation-quantitative PCR revealed that enrichment of DNA methyltransferases (DNMT1 and DNMT3A) and methyl-CpG binding protein 2, a DNA methylation reader protein, at Agtr1a and Slc12a2 promoters in the PVN was profoundly reduced in SHR compared with WKY. By contrast, the abundance of ten-eleven translocation enzymes (TET1-3) at Agtr1a and Slc12a2 promoters in the PVN was much greater in SHR than in WKY. Furthermore, microinjecting of RG108, a selective DNMT inhibitor, into the PVN of WKY increased arterial blood pressure and correspondingly potentiated Agtr1a and Slc12a2 mRNA levels in the PVN. Conversely, microinjection of C35, a specific TET inhibitor, into the PVN of SHR markedly reduced arterial blood pressure, accompanied by a decrease in Agtr1a and Slc12a2 mRNA levels in the PVN. Collectively, our findings suggest that DNA hypomethylation resulting from the DNMT/TET switch at gene promoters in the PVN promotes transcription of Agtr1a and Slc12a2 and hypertension development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krishna Ghosh
- Center for Neuroscience and Pain Research, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jing-Jing Zhou
- Center for Neuroscience and Pain Research, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jian-Ying Shao
- Center for Neuroscience and Pain Research, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Shao-Rui Chen
- Center for Neuroscience and Pain Research, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Hui-Lin Pan
- Center for Neuroscience and Pain Research, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA.
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27
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He S, Qu Q, Chen X, Zhao L, Jiao Z, Wan Z, Kwok HF, Qu S. Downregulation of Ambra1 by altered DNA methylation exacerbates dopaminergic neuron damage in a fenpropathrin-induced Parkinson-like mouse model. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 271:115995. [PMID: 38245935 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.115995] [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: 10/22/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Fenpropathrin (Fen), a volatile pyrethroid insecticide, is used widely for agricultural applications and has been reported to increase the risk of Parkinson's disease (PD). However, the molecular basis, underlying mechanisms, and pathophysiology of Fen-exposed Parkinsonism remain unknown. Recent studies have revealed epigenetic mechanisms underlying PD-related pathway regulation, including DNA methylation. Epigenetic mechanisms are potential targets for therapeutic intervention in neurodegenerative diseases. After whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) of midbrain tissues from a Fen-exposed PD-like mouse model, we performed an association analysis of DNA methylation and gene expression. Then we successfully screened for the DNA methylation differential gene Ambra1, which is closely related to PD. The hypermethylation-low expression Ambra1 gene aggravated DA neuron damage in vitro and in vivo through the Ambra1/Parkin/LC3B-mediated mitophagy pathway. We administered 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-Aza-dC) to upregulate Ambra1 expression, thereby reducing Ambra1-mediated mitophagy and protecting DA neurons against Fen-induced damage. In conclusion, these findings elucidate the potential function of Ambra1 under the regulation of DNA methylation, suggesting that the inhibition of DNA methylation may alleviate Fen-exposed neuron damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songzhe He
- Department of Neurology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China; Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China; Department of Clinic Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi 541001, China
| | - Qi Qu
- Department of Neurology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China; Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China; Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China
| | - Xi Chen
- Department of Neurology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China; Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China
| | - Li Zhao
- Department of Neurology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China; Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China
| | - Zhigang Jiao
- Department of Neurology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China
| | - Zhiting Wan
- Department of Neurology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China; Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China
| | - Hang Fai Kwok
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau Special Administrative Region 999078, China
| | - Shaogang Qu
- Department of Neurology, Ganzhou Hospital-Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, China; Department of Neurology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China; Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China.
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Long Y, Mao C, Liu S, Tao Y, Xiao D. Epigenetic modifications in obesity-associated diseases. MedComm (Beijing) 2024; 5:e496. [PMID: 38405061 PMCID: PMC10893559 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The global prevalence of obesity has reached epidemic levels, significantly elevating the susceptibility to various cardiometabolic conditions and certain types of cancer. In addition to causing metabolic abnormalities such as insulin resistance (IR), elevated blood glucose and lipids, and ectopic fat deposition, obesity can also damage pancreatic islet cells, endothelial cells, and cardiomyocytes through chronic inflammation, and even promote the development of a microenvironment conducive to cancer initiation. Improper dietary habits and lack of physical exercise are important behavioral factors that increase the risk of obesity, which can affect gene expression through epigenetic modifications. Epigenetic alterations can occur in early stage of obesity, some of which are reversible, while others persist over time and lead to obesity-related complications. Therefore, the dynamic adjustability of epigenetic modifications can be leveraged to reverse the development of obesity-associated diseases through behavioral interventions, drugs, and bariatric surgery. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the impact of epigenetic regulation on the initiation and development of obesity-associated cancers, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases, establishing a theoretical basis for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiqian Long
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Department of Pathology, School of Basic MedicineCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
| | - Chao Mao
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Department of Pathology, School of Basic MedicineCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis (Central South University), Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic MedicineCentral South UniversityChangshaChina
| | - Shuang Liu
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Department of Pathology, School of Basic MedicineCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
- Department of Oncology, Institute of Medical Sciences, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric DisordersXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
| | - Yongguang Tao
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Department of Pathology, School of Basic MedicineCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis (Central South University), Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic MedicineCentral South UniversityChangshaChina
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Early Diagnosis and Precision Therapy in Lung Cancer, Department of Thoracic SurgerySecond Xiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
| | - Desheng Xiao
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Department of Pathology, School of Basic MedicineCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
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Wang Y, Pandak WM, Hylemon PB, Min HK, Min J, Fuchs M, Sanyal AJ, Ren S. Cholestenoic acid as endogenous epigenetic regulator decreases hepatocyte lipid accumulation in vitro and in vivo. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2024; 326:G147-G162. [PMID: 37961761 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00184.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Cholestenoic acid (CA) has been reported as an important biomarker of many severe diseases, but its physiological and pathological roles remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the potential role of CA in hepatic lipid homeostasis. Enzyme kinetic studies revealed that CA specifically activates DNA methyltransferases 1 (DNMT1) at low concentration with EC50 = 1.99 × 10-6 M and inhibits the activity at higher concentration with IC50 = 9.13 × 10-6 M, and specifically inhibits DNMT3a, and DNMT3b activities with IC50= 8.41 × 10-6 M and IC50= 4.89 × 10-6 M, respectively. In a human hepatocyte in vitro model of high glucose (HG)-induced lipid accumulation, CA significantly increased demethylation of 5mCpG in the promoter regions of over 7,000 genes, particularly those involved in master signaling pathways such as calcium-AMPK and 0.0027 at 6 h. RNA sequencing analysis showed that the downregulated genes are affected by CA encoding key enzymes, such as PCSK9, MVK, and HMGCR, which are involved in cholesterol metabolism and steroid biosynthesis pathways. In addition, untargeted lipidomic analysis showed that CA significantly reduced neutral lipid levels by 60% in the cells cultured in high-glucose media. Administration of CA in mouse metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) models significantly decreases lipid accumulation, suppresses the gene expression involved in lipid biosynthesis in liver tissues, and alleviates liver function. This study shows that CA as an endogenous epigenetic regulator decreases lipid accumulation via epigenetic regulation. The results indicate that CA can be considered a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of metabolic disorders.NEW & NOTEWORTHY To our knowledge, this study is the first to identify the mitochondrial monohydroxy bile acid cholestenoic acid (CA) as an endogenous epigenetic regulator that regulates lipid metabolism through epigenome modification in human hepatocytes. The methods used in this study are all big data analysis, and the results of each part show the global regulation of CA on human hepatocytes rather than narrow point effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaping Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States
- McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, United States
| | - Williams M Pandak
- Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States
- McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, United States
| | - Phillip B Hylemon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States
- McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, United States
| | - Hae-Ki Min
- Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States
- McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, United States
| | - John Min
- Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States
- McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, United States
| | - Michael Fuchs
- Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States
- McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, United States
| | - Arun J Sanyal
- Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States
- McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, United States
| | - Shunlin Ren
- Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States
- McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, United States
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30
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Shi J, Wang Z, Wang Z, Shao G, Li X. Epigenetic regulation in adult neural stem cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1331074. [PMID: 38357000 PMCID: PMC10864612 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1331074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Neural stem cells (NSCs) exhibit self-renewing and multipotential properties. Adult NSCs are located in two neurogenic regions of adult brain: the ventricular-subventricular zone (V-SVZ) of the lateral ventricle and the subgranular zone of the dentate gyrus in the hippocampus. Maintenance and differentiation of adult NSCs are regulated by both intrinsic and extrinsic signals that may be integrated through expression of some key factors in the adult NSCs. A number of transcription factors have been shown to play essential roles in transcriptional regulation of NSC cell fate transitions in the adult brain. Epigenetic regulators have also emerged as key players in regulation of NSCs, neural progenitor cells and their differentiated progeny via epigenetic modifications including DNA methylation, histone modifications, chromatin remodeling and RNA-mediated transcriptional regulation. This minireview is primarily focused on epigenetic regulations of adult NSCs during adult neurogenesis, in conjunction with transcriptional regulation in these processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajia Shi
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zilin Wang
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhijun Wang
- Zhenhai Lianhua Hospital, Ningbo City, Zhejiang, China
| | - Guofeng Shao
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Lihuili Hospital Affiliated to Ningbo University, Ningbo City, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiajun Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
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Xu D, Yan S, Jin H, Chen C, Tang X, Wang X, Li Y, Fei F, Yang A. Integration of RRBS and RNA-seq unravels the regulatory role of DNMT3A in porcine Sertoli cell proliferation. Front Genet 2024; 14:1302351. [PMID: 38264208 PMCID: PMC10803568 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1302351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
DNMT3A participates in de novo methylation, yet its impact on the proliferation of testicular Sertoli cells remains unclear. Development-specific methylation has been proven to be associated with cellular development. Therefore, in this study, we simulated DNMT3A expression pattern during testicular development by DNMT3A interference. Then, RRBS and RNA-seq were used to decipher DNMT3A regulatory mechanisms on Sertoli cell proliferation. Immunofluorescence staining revealed the expression of DNMT3A in the Sertoli cells of the prepubertal testis. DNMT3A was demonstrated to inhibit the cell cycle and proliferation of Sertoli cells, while promoting cell apoptosis. After transfected with DNMT3A interference, a total of 560 DEGs and 2,091 DMGs produced by DNMT3A interference were identified between two treated groups, respectively. Integrating the results from RRBS and RNA-seq, the overlapping genes between DMGs and DEGs were found to be enriched in the Gene Ontology (GO) terms related to cellular development and the Apelin signaling pathway. The present study demonstrated the impact of DNMT3A on the proliferation of porcine testicular Sertoli cells, suggesting that DNMT3A primarily acts through the Apelin signaling pathway. These findings provide valuable insights into how DNMT3A influences testicular development and health, offering new perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Xu
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Yueyang Vocational Technical College, Yueyang, Hunan, China
| | - Saina Yan
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Huimin Jin
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Chujie Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xiangwei Tang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xu Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yonghong Li
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Yueyang Vocational Technical College, Yueyang, Hunan, China
| | - Fang Fei
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Yueyang Vocational Technical College, Yueyang, Hunan, China
| | - Anqi Yang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
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Albrecht C, Rajaram N, Broche J, Bashtrykov P, Jeltsch A. Locus-Specific and Stable DNA Demethylation at the H19/ IGF2 ICR1 by Epigenome Editing Using a dCas9-SunTag System and the Catalytic Domain of TET1. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:80. [PMID: 38254969 PMCID: PMC10815749 DOI: 10.3390/genes15010080] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation is critically involved in the regulation of chromatin states and cell-type-specific gene expression. The exclusive expression of imprinted genes from either the maternal or the paternal allele is regulated by allele-specific DNA methylation at imprinting control regions (ICRs). Aberrant DNA hyper- or hypomethylation at the ICR1 of the H19/IGF2 imprinting locus is characteristic for the imprinting disorders Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) and Silver-Russell syndrome (SRS), respectively. In this paper, we performed epigenome editing to induce targeted DNA demethylation at ICR1 in HEK293 cells using dCas9-SunTag and the catalytic domain of TET1. 5-methylcytosine (5mC) levels at the target locus were reduced up to 90% and, 27 days after transient transfection, >60% demethylation was still observed. Consistent with the stable demethylation of CTCF-binding sites within the ICR1, the occupancy of the DNA methylation-sensitive insulator CTCF protein increased by >2-fold throughout the 27 days. Additionally, the H19 expression was increased by 2-fold stably, while IGF2 was repressed though only transiently. Our data illustrate the ability of epigenome editing to implement long-term changes in DNA methylation at imprinting control regions after a single transient treatment, potentially paving the way for therapeutic epigenome editing approaches in the treatment of imprinting disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Albert Jeltsch
- Institute of Biochemistry and Technical Biochemistry, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany; (C.A.)
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Zhu M, Xu T, Ji L, Jiang B, Wu K. MIR143HG promotes methylation of transcription factor HOXB7 promoter by recruiting methyltransferase DNMT1 to prevent the progression of colon cancer. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23378. [PMID: 38127104 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202301060rrr] [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: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, accumulating evidence has demonstrated the role of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in colon cancer. We aim to investigate the role of MIR143HG, also known as CARMN (Cardiac mesoderm enhancer-associated noncoding RNA) in colon cancer and explore the related mechanisms. An RNAseq data analysis was performed to screen differentially expressed lncRNAs associated with colon cancer. Next, MIR143HG expression was quantified in colon cancer cells. Moreover, the contributory roles of MIR143HG in the progression of colon cancer with the involvement of DNMT1 and HOXB7 (Homeobox B7) were evaluated after restored MIR143HG or depleted HOXB7. Finally, the effects of MIR143HG were investigated in vivo by measuring tumor formation in nude mice. High-throughput transcriptome sequencing was employed to validate the specific mechanisms by which MIR143HG and HOXB7 affect tumor growth in vivo. MIR143HG was found to be poorly expressed, while HOXB7 was highly expressed in colon cancer. MIR143HG could promote HOXB7 methylation by recruiting DNMT1 to reduce HOXB7 expression. Upregulation of MIR143HG or downregulation of HOXB7 inhibited cell proliferation, invasion and migration and facilitated apoptosis in colon cancer cells so as to delay the progression of colon cancer. The same trend was identified in vivo. Our study provides evidence that restoration of MIR143HG suppressed the progression of colon cancer via downregulation of HOXB7 through DNMT1-mediated HOXB7 promoter methylation. Thus, MIR143HG may be a potential candidate for the treatment of colon cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mo Zhu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Affiliated Huaian No. 1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huaian, P.R. China
| | - Ting Xu
- Hematology Research Laboratory, The Affiliated Huaian No. 1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huaian, P.R. China
| | - Lindong Ji
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Affiliated Huaian No. 1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huaian, P.R. China
| | - Baofei Jiang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Affiliated Huaian No. 1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huaian, P.R. China
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Kun Wu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Affiliated Huaian No. 1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huaian, P.R. China
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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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35
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Zhang Q, Xiao X, Zheng J, Li M, Yu M, Ping F, Wang T, Wang X. DNA methylation regulates pancreatic gene expression and links maternal high-fat diet to the offspring glucose metabolism. J Nutr Biochem 2024; 123:109490. [PMID: 37865384 DOI: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2023.109490] [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: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023]
Abstract
Maternal high-fat diet (HFD) is related to an increased risk of glucose metabolism disorders throughout the whole life of offspring. The pancreas is a glucose homeostasis regulator. Accumulating evidence has revealed that maternal HFD affects offspring pancreas structure and function. However, the potential mechanism remains unclear. In this study, the mouse dam was fed with HFD or control diet (CD) during prepregnancy, pregnancy and lactation. The pancreatic insulin secretion function and islet genome methylome of offspring were analyzed. Pancreatic islet specific gene methylation was detected by using MeDIP qPCR. The results showed that body weight, blood glucose after oral glucose loads, fasting serum insulin, and HOMA-IR index values were significantly higher in male 12-week-old offspring from HFD dams than in the offspring from CD dams. Maternal HFD induced insulin secretion defects in male offspring. Compared with that in maternal CD group, methylation of the Abcc8 and Kcnj11 genes was increased in maternal HFD group in male offspring pancreatic islets. Furthermore, the expression levels of Abcc8 and Kcnj11 were downregulated by intrauterine exposure to a maternal HFD. In summary, maternal HFD results in a long-term functional disorder of the pancreas that is involved in insulin secretion-related gene DNA hypermethylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Endocrinology, Ministry of Health, Department of Endocrinology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xinhua Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Endocrinology, Ministry of Health, Department of Endocrinology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Jia Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Endocrinology, Ministry of Health, Department of Endocrinology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ming Li
- Key Laboratory of Endocrinology, Ministry of Health, Department of Endocrinology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Miao Yu
- Key Laboratory of Endocrinology, Ministry of Health, Department of Endocrinology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fan Ping
- Key Laboratory of Endocrinology, Ministry of Health, Department of Endocrinology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Tong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Endocrinology, Ministry of Health, Department of Endocrinology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaojing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Endocrinology, Ministry of Health, Department of Endocrinology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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Horisawa K, Miura S, Araki H, Miura F, Ito T, Suzuki A. Transcription factor-mediated direct cellular reprogramming yields cell-type specific DNA methylation signature. Sci Rep 2023; 13:22317. [PMID: 38102164 PMCID: PMC10724236 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-49546-8] [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: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Direct reprogramming, inducing the conversion of one type of somatic cell into another by the forced expression of defined transcription factors, is a technology with anticipated medical applications. However, due to the many unresolved aspects of the induction mechanisms, it is essential to thoroughly analyze the epigenomic state of the generated cells. Here, we performed comparative genome-wide DNA methylation analyses of mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) and cells composing organoids formed by intestinal stem cells (ISCs) or induced ISCs (iISCs) that were directly induced from MEFs. We found that the CpG methylation state was similar between cells forming ISC organoids and iISC organoids, while they differed widely from those in MEFs. Moreover, genomic regions that were differentially methylated between ISC organoid- and iISC organoid-forming cells did not significantly affect gene expression. These results demonstrate the accuracy and safety of iISC induction, leading to the medical applications of this technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenichi Horisawa
- Division of Organogenesis and Regeneration, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Shizuka Miura
- Division of Organogenesis and Regeneration, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Hiromitsu Araki
- Insect Science and Creative Entomology Center, Kyushu University Graduate School of Agriculture, Fukuoka, 819-0395, Japan
| | - Fumihito Miura
- Department of Biochemistry, Kyushu University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Takashi Ito
- Department of Biochemistry, Kyushu University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Atsushi Suzuki
- Division of Organogenesis and Regeneration, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan.
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Deng JY, Wu XQ, He WJ, Liao X, Tang M, Nie XQ. Targeting DNA methylation and demethylation in diabetic foot ulcers. J Adv Res 2023; 54:119-131. [PMID: 36706989 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2023.01.009] [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: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Poor wound healing is a significant complication of diabetes, which is commonly caused by neuropathy, trauma, deformities, plantar hypertension and peripheral arterial disease. Diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) are difficult to heal, which makes patients susceptible to infections and can ultimately conduce to limb amputation or even death in severe cases. An increasing number of studies have found that epigenetic alterations are strongly associated with poor wound healing in diabetes. AIM OF REVIEW This work provides significant insights into the development of therapeutics for improving chronic diabetic wound healing, particularly by targeting and regulating DNA methylation and demethylation in DFU. Key scientific concepts of review: DNA methylation and demethylation play an important part in diabetic wound healing, via regulating corresponding signaling pathways in different breeds of cells, including macrophages, vascular endothelial cells and keratinocytes. In this review, we describe the four main phases of wound healing and their abnormality in diabetic patients. Furthermore, we provided an in-depth summary and discussion on how DNA methylation and demethylation regulate diabetic wound healing in different types of cells; and gave a brief summary on recent advances in applying cellular reprogramming techniques for improving diabetic wound healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Yu Deng
- Key Lab of the Basic Pharmacology of the Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563006, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563006, China; College of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563006, China
| | - Xing-Qian Wu
- College of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563006, China
| | - Wen-Jie He
- College of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563006, China
| | - Xin Liao
- Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563006, China
| | - Ming Tang
- Queensland University of Technology (QUT), School of Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Genomics and Personalized Health at the Translational Research Institute (TRI), Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia.
| | - Xu-Qiang Nie
- Key Lab of the Basic Pharmacology of the Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563006, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563006, China; College of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563006, China; Queensland University of Technology (QUT), School of Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Genomics and Personalized Health at the Translational Research Institute (TRI), Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia.
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Hu X, Wang Y, Zhang X, Li C, Zhang X, Yang D, Liu Y, Li L. DNA methylation of HOX genes and its clinical implications in cancer. Exp Mol Pathol 2023; 134:104871. [PMID: 37696326 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexmp.2023.104871] [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: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
Homeobox (HOX) genes encode highly conserved transcription factors that play vital roles in embryonic development. DNA methylation is a pivotal regulatory epigenetic signaling mark responsible for regulating gene expression. Abnormal DNA methylation is largely associated with the aberrant expression of HOX genes, which is implicated in a broad range of human diseases, including cancer. Numerous studies have clarified the mechanisms of DNA methylation in both physiological and pathological processes. In this review, we focus on how DNA methylation regulates HOX genes and briefly discuss drug development approaches targeting these mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Hu
- Department of Immunology, School of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250117, Shandong, China
| | - Yong Wang
- Shandong Xinchuang Biotechnology Co., LTD, Jinan 250102, Shandong, China; Laboratory of Precision Medicine, Zhangqiu District People's Hospital of Jinan, Jinan 250200, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaoyu Zhang
- Department of Immunology, School of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250117, Shandong, China
| | - Chensheng Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250021, Shandong, China
| | - Xikun Zhang
- Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250031, Shandong, China
| | - Dongxia Yang
- Shandong Xinchuang Biotechnology Co., LTD, Jinan 250102, Shandong, China
| | - Yuanyuan Liu
- Shandong Xinchuang Biotechnology Co., LTD, Jinan 250102, Shandong, China
| | - Lianlian Li
- Department of Oncology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250021, Shandong, China; Department of Immunology, School of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250117, Shandong, China.
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Lai J, Liang J, Zhang Y, Zhang B, Wei J, Fan J, Chen L, Chen Z, Li Q, Guo D, Lin J, Chen Q. A drug-delivery depot for epigenetic modulation and enhanced cancer immunotherapy. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 168:115687. [PMID: 37837882 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA methyltransferase inhibitors (DNMTis) have found widespread application in the management of cancer. Zebularine (Zeb), functioning as a demethylating agent, has exhibited notable advantages and enhanced therapeutic efficacy in the realm of tumour immunotherapy. Nevertheless, due to its lack of targeted functionality, standalone Zeb therapy necessitates the administration of a substantially higher dosage. In this investigation, we have devised an innovative nanodrug formulation, comprising the DNA methyltransferase inhibitor Zeb and pH-responsive chitosan (CS), hereinafter referred to as CS-Zeb nanoparticles (NPs). Our findings have unveiled that CS-Zeb NPs manifest heightened drug release within an acidic milieu (pH 5.5) in comparison to a neutral environment (pH 7.4). Furthermore, in vivo studies have conclusively affirmed that, in contrast to equivalent quantities of Zeb in isolation, the nanocomplex significantly curtailed tumour burden and protracted the survival duration of the B16F10 tumour-bearing murine model. Additionally, CS-Zeb NPs elicited an augmentation of CD8+ T cells within the peripheral circulation of mice and tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). Notably, the dosage of CS-Zeb NPs was reduced by a remarkable 70-fold when juxtaposed with Zeb administered in isolation. To summarise, our study underscores the potential of CS-Zeb NPs as an alternative chemotherapeutic agent for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junzhong Lai
- The Cancer Center, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, PR China
| | - Jiadi Liang
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350117, PR China
| | - Yong Zhang
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350117, PR China
| | - Bingchen Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Dongguan Hospital, Southern Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong 523058, PR China
| | - Jianhui Wei
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350117, PR China
| | - Jiqiang Fan
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350117, PR China
| | - Linqin Chen
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350117, PR China
| | - Zhirong Chen
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350117, PR China
| | - Qiumei Li
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350117, PR China
| | - Dong Guo
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350117, PR China
| | - Jizhen Lin
- The Cancer Center, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, PR China.
| | - Qi Chen
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350117, PR China.
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Yan L, Geng Q, Cao Z, Liu B, Li L, Lu P, Lin L, Wei L, Tan Y, He X, Li L, Zhao N, Lu C. Insights into DNMT1 and programmed cell death in diseases. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 168:115753. [PMID: 37871559 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
DNMT1 (DNA methyltransferase 1) is the predominant member of the DNMT family and the most abundant DNMT in various cell types. It functions as a maintenance DNMT and is involved in various diseases, including cancer and nervous system diseases. Programmed cell death (PCD) is a fundamental mechanism that regulates cell proliferation and maintains the development and homeostasis of multicellular organisms. DNMT1 plays a regulatory role in various types of PCD, including apoptosis, autophagy, necroptosis, ferroptosis, and others. DNMT1 is closely associated with the development of various diseases by regulating key genes and pathways involved in PCD, including caspase 3/7 activities in apoptosis, Beclin 1, LC3, and some autophagy-related proteins in autophagy, glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and nuclear receptor coactivator 4 (NCOA4) in ferroptosis, and receptor-interacting protein kinase 1-receptor-interacting protein kinase 3-mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein (RIPK1-RIPK3-MLKL) in necroptosis. Our study summarizes the regulatory relationship between DNMT1 and different types of PCD in various diseases and discusses the potential of DNMT1 as a common regulatory hub in multiple types of PCD, offering a perspective for therapeutic approaches in disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Yan
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Geng
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiwen Cao
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Bin Liu
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Li Li
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Peipei Lu
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Lin
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lini Wei
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yong Tan
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaojuan He
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Li Li
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ning Zhao
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Cheng Lu
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
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Chen S, Zhu X, Ou W, Kang L, Situ J, Liao Z, Huang L, Qi W, Ni S. ETS2 overexpression ameliorates cartilage injury in osteoarthritis by the ETS2/miR-155/STAT1/DNMT1 feedback loop pathway. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2023; 1866:194965. [PMID: 37524226 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2023.194965] [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: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common irreversible chronic joint dysfunction disease, which is pathologically characterized by disturbance of articular cartilage homeostasis leading to subsequent inflammatory response and cartilage extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation. Increasing evidence has demonstrated the dysregulation of transcription factors play crucial roles in the occurrence and development of osteoarthritis (OA), but the potential functions and mechanism of most transcription factors in OA has not been completely illuminated. In this study, we identified that transcription factor V-ets erythroblastosis virus E26 oncogene homolog 2 (ETS2) was significantly down-regulated in OA cartilage and IL-1β-induced OA chondrocytes. Functional experiments in vitro demonstrated that the overexpressed ETS2 strikingly enhanced proliferation, outstandingly suppressed apoptosis, and dramatically reduced inflammation and ECM degradation in IL-1β-induced OA chondrocytes, whereas the knockdown of ETS2 led to the opposite effects. Further in vivo studies have shown that up-regulated ETS2 dramatically ameliorates cartilage injury in DMM-induced OA mice. Mechanical studies have disclosed that DNMT1-mediated downregulation of ETS2 dramatically promotes STAT1 by inhibiting miR-155 transcription, and increased STAT1 initiates a feedback loop that may enhance DNMT1-mediated hypermethylation of ETS2 to inhibit ETS2 expression, thus forming a DNMT1/ETS2/miR-155/STAT1 feedback loop that inhibits MAPK signaling pathways and aggravates OA cartilage injury. In all, our results revealed that overexpression of ETS2 markedly ameliorated OA cartilage injury through the ETS2/miR-155/STAT1/DNMT1 feedback loop, providing a new perspective on the pathogenesis and therapeutic strategies for OA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuxiang Chen
- Department of Orthopaedic, Jiangmen Wuyi Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jiangmen, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaotong Zhu
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenhuan Ou
- Department of Orthopaedic, Jiangmen Wuyi Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jiangmen, Guangdong, China
| | - Le Kang
- Department of Orthopaedic, Jiangmen Wuyi Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jiangmen, Guangdong, China
| | - Jian Situ
- Department of Orthopaedic, Jiangmen Wuyi Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jiangmen, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhipeng Liao
- Department of Orthopaedic, Jiangmen Wuyi Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jiangmen, Guangdong, China
| | - Li Huang
- Department of Orthopaedic, Jiangmen Wuyi Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jiangmen, Guangdong, China
| | - Weizhong Qi
- Department of Orthopaedic, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Songjia Ni
- Department of Orthopaedic, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
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Gu YH, Wang J, Lu WC, Cheng Y, Tao R, Zhang SJ, Xu T, Zhai KW, Luo SX, Xin WJ. POU2F1/DNMT3a Pathway Participates in Neuropathic Pain by Hypermethylation-Mediated LRFN4 Downregulation Following Oxaliplatin Treatment. Neurochem Res 2023; 48:3652-3664. [PMID: 37592110 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-023-04011-w] [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: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
Evidence demonstrates that DNA methylation is associated with the occurrence and development of various neurological diseases. However, the potential target genes undergoing DNA methylation, as well as their involvement in the chemotherapy drug oxaliplatin-induced neuropathic pain, are still unclear. Here, Lrfn4, which showed hypermethylation in the promoter regions, was screened from the SRA methylation database (PRJNA587622) following oxaliplatin treatment. MeDIP and qPCR assays identified that oxaliplatin treatment increased the methylation in Lrfn4 promoter region and decreased the expression of LRFN4 in the spinal dorsal horn. The assays with gain and loss of LRFN4 function demonstrated that LRFN4 downregulation in spinal dorsal horn contributed to the oxaliplatin-induced mechanical allodynia and cold hyperalgesia. Moreover, oxaliplatin treatment increased the DNA methyltransferases DNMT3a expression and the interaction between DNMT3a and Lrfn4 promoter, while inhibition of DNMT3a prevented the downregulation of LRFN4a induced by oxaliplatin. We also observed that the transcriptional factor POU2F1 can bind to the predicted sites in DNMT3a promoter region, oxaliplatin treatment upregulated the expression of transcriptional factor POU2F1 in dorsal horn neurons. Intrathecal injection of POU2F1 siRNA prevented the DNMT3a upregulation and the LRFN4 downregulation induced by oxaliplatin. Additionally, intrathecal injection of DNMT3a siRNA or POU2F1 siRNA alleviated the mechanical allodynia induced by oxaliplatin. These findings suggested that transcription factor POU2F1 upregulated the expression of DNMT3a, which subsequently decreased LRFN4 expression through hypermethylation modification in spinal dorsal horn, thereby mediating neuropathic pain following oxaliplatin treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Hui Gu
- Department of General Surgery, Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 127 Dongming Rd, Zhengzhou, China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease and Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease and Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Department of Pain Management, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wei-Cheng Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in Southern China, Department of Anesthesiology, Collaborative Innovation for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat- sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yong Cheng
- Department of General Surgery, Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 127 Dongming Rd, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Rong Tao
- Department of Pain Management, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shi-Jia Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 127 Dongming Rd, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ting Xu
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease and Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Ke-Wei Zhai
- Department of General Surgery, Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 127 Dongming Rd, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Su-Xia Luo
- Department of General Surgery, Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 127 Dongming Rd, Zhengzhou, China.
| | - Wen-Jun Xin
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease and Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
- Zhongshan Medical School, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhongshan Rd. 2, Guangzhou, China.
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Alhosin M. Epigenetics Mechanisms of Honeybees: Secrets of Royal Jelly. Epigenet Insights 2023; 16:25168657231213717. [PMID: 38033464 PMCID: PMC10687967 DOI: 10.1177/25168657231213717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Early diets in honeybees have effects on epigenome with consequences on their phenotype. Depending on the early larval diet, either royal jelly (RJ) or royal worker, 2 different female castes are generated from identical genomes, a long-lived queen with fully developed ovaries and a short-lived functionally sterile worker. To generate these prominent physiological and morphological differences between queen and worker, honeybees utilize epigenetic mechanisms which are controlled by nutritional input. These mechanisms include DNA methylation and histone post-translational modifications, mainly histone acetylation. In honeybee larvae, DNA methylation and histone acetylation may be differentially altered by RJ. This diet has biologically active ingredients with inhibitory effects on the de novo methyltransferase DNMT3A or the histone deacetylase 3 HDAC3 to create and maintain the epigenetic state necessary for developing larvae to generate a queen. DNMT and HDAC enzymes work together to induce the formation of a compacted chromatin structure, repressing transcription. Such dialog could be coordinated by their association with other epigenetic factors including the ubiquitin-like containing plant homeodomain (PHD) and really interesting new gene (RING) finger domains 1 (UHRF1). Through its multiple functional domains, UHRF1 acts as an epigenetic reader of both DNA methylation patterns and histone marks. The present review discusses the epigenetic regulation of honeybee's chromatin and how the early diets in honeybees can affect the DNA/histone modifying types of machinery that are necessary to stimulate the larvae to turn into either queen or worker. The review also looks at future directions in epigenetics mechanisms of honeybees, mainly the potential role of UHRF1 in these mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud Alhosin
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Cancer and Mutagenesis Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Centre for Artificial intelligence in Precision Medicines, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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Tai WL, Cho KS, Kriukov E, Ashok A, Wang X, Monavarfeshani A, Yan W, Li Y, Guan T, Sanes JR, Baranov P, Chen DF. Suppressing DNMT3a Alleviates the Intrinsic Epigenetic Barrier for Optic Nerve Regeneration and Restores Vision in Adult Mice. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.17.567614. [PMID: 38014168 PMCID: PMC10680854 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.17.567614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
The limited regenerative potential of the optic nerve in adult mammals presents a major challenge for restoring vision after optic nerve trauma or disease. The mechanisms of this regenerative failure are not fully understood1,2. Here, through small-molecule and genetic screening for epigenetic modulators3, we identify DNA methyltransferase 3a (DNMT3a) as a potent inhibitor of axon regeneration in mouse and human retinal explants. Selective suppression of DNMT3a in retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) by gene targeting or delivery of shRNA leads to robust, full-length regeneration of RGC axons through the optic nerve and restoration of vision in adult mice after nerve crush injury. Genome-wide bisulfite and transcriptome profiling in combination with single nucleus RNA-sequencing of RGCs revealed selective DNA demethylation and reactivation of genetic programs supporting neuronal survival and axonal growth/regeneration by DNMT3a deficiency. This was accompanied by the suppression of gene networks associated with apoptosis and inflammation. Our results identify DNMT3a as the central orchestrator of an RGC-intrinsic mechanism that limits optic nerve regeneration. Suppressing DNMT3a expression in RGCs unlocks the epigenetic switch for optic nerve regeneration and presents a promising therapeutic avenue for effectively reversing vision loss resulted from optic nerve trauma or diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wai Lydia Tai
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kin-Sang Cho
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Emil Kriukov
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ajay Ashok
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Xuejian Wang
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- School of Pharmacy, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Aboozar Monavarfeshani
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, MA, USA
| | - Wenjun Yan
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, MA, USA
| | - Yingqian Li
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Timothy Guan
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joshua R Sanes
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, MA, USA
| | - Petr Baranov
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Dong Feng Chen
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Vilkaitis G, Masevičius V, Kriukienė E, Klimašauskas S. Chemical Expansion of the Methyltransferase Reaction: Tools for DNA Labeling and Epigenome Analysis. Acc Chem Res 2023; 56:3188-3197. [PMID: 37904501 PMCID: PMC10666283 DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.3c00471] [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: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023]
Abstract
DNA is the genetic matter of life composed of four major nucleotides which can be further furnished with biologically important covalent modifications. Among the variety of enzymes involved in DNA metabolism, AdoMet-dependent methyltransferases (MTases) combine the recognition of specific sequences and covalent methylation of a target nucleotide. The naturally transferred methyl groups play important roles in biological signaling, but they are poor physical reporters and largely resistant to chemical derivatization. Therefore, an obvious strategy to unlock the practical utility of the methyltransferase reactions is to enable the transfer of "prederivatized" (extended) versions of the methyl group.However, previous enzymatic studies of extended AdoMet analogs indicated that the transalkylation reactions are drastically impaired as the size of the carbon chain increases. In collaborative efforts, we proposed that, akin to enhanced SN2 reactivity of allylic and propargylic systems, addition of a π orbital next to the transferable carbon atom might confer the needed activation of the reaction. Indeed, we found that MTase-catalyzed transalkylations of DNA with cofactors containing a double or a triple C-C bond in the β position occurred in a robust and sequence-specific manner. Altogether, this breakthrough approach named mTAG (methyltransferase-directed transfer of activated groups) has proven instrumental for targeted labeling of DNA and other types of biomolecules (using appropriate MTases) including RNA and proteins.Our further work focused on the propargylic cofactors and their reactions with DNA cytosine-5 MTases, a class of MTases common for both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Here, we learned that the 4-X-but-2-yn-1-yl (X = polar group) cofactors suffered from a rapid loss of activity in aqueous buffers due to susceptibility of the triple bond to hydration. This problem was remedied by synthetically increasing the separation between X and the triple bond from one to three carbon units (6-X-hex-2-ynyl cofactors). To further optimize the transfer of the bulkier groups, we performed structure-guided engineering of the MTase cofactor pocket. Alanine replacements of two conserved residues conferred substantial improvements of the transalkylation activity with M.HhaI and three other engineered bacterial C5-MTases. Of particular interest were CpG-specific DNA MTases (M.SssI), which proved valuable tools for studies of mammalian methylomes and chemical probing of DNA function.Inspired by the successful repurposing of bacterial enzymes, we turned to more complex mammalian C5-MTases (Dnmt1, Dnmt3A, and Dnmt3B) and asked if they could ultimately lead to mTAG labeling inside mammalian cells. Our efforts to engineer mouse Dnmt1 produced a variant (Dnmt1*) that enabled efficient Dnmt1-directed deposition of 6-azide-hexynyl groups on DNA in vitro. CRISPR-Cas9 editing of the corresponding codons in the genomic Dnmt1 alleles established endogenous expression of Dnmt1* in mouse embryonic stem cells. To circumvent the poor cellular uptake of AdoMet and its analogs, we elaborated their efficient internalization by electroporation, which has finally enabled selective catalysis-dependent azide tagging of natural Dnmt1 targets in live mammalian cells. The deposited chemical groups were then exploited as "click" handles for reading adjoining sequences and precise genomic mapping of the methylation sites. These findings offer unprecedented inroads into studies of DNA methylation in a wide range of eukaryotic model systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giedrius Vilkaitis
- Institute
of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Viktoras Masevičius
- Institute
of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania
- Institute
of Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Geosciences, Vilnius University, LT-03225 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Edita Kriukienė
- Institute
of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Saulius Klimašauskas
- Institute
of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania
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46
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Wang W, Du X, Chu M, He X. Photoperiod Induces the Epigenetic Change of the GNAQ Gene in OVX+E 2 Ewes. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16442. [PMID: 38003630 PMCID: PMC10671395 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216442] [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: 10/22/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
GNAQ, a member of the alpha subunit encoding the q-like G protein, is a critical gene in cell signaling, and multiple studies have shown that upregulation of GNAQ gene expression ultimately inhibits the proliferation of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons and GnRH secretion, and ultimately affects mammalian reproduction. Photoperiod is a key inducer which plays an important role in gene expression regulation by affecting epigenetic modification. However, fewer studies have confirmed how photoperiod induces epigenetic modifications of the GNAQ gene. In this study, we examined the expression and epigenetic changes of GNAQ in the hypothalamus in ovariectomized and estradiol-treated (OVX+E2) sheep under three photoperiod treatments (short photoperiod treatment for 42 days, SP42; long photoperiod treatment for 42 days, LP42; 42 days of short photoperiod followed by 42 days of long photoperiod, SP-LP42). The results showed that the expression of GNAQ was significantly higher in SP-LP42 than in SP42 and LP42 (p < 0.05). Whole genome methylation sequencing (WGBS) results showed that there are multiple differentially methylated regions (DMRs) and loci between different groups of GNAQ. Among them, the DNA methylation level of DMRs at the CpG1 locus in SP42 was significantly higher than that of SP-LP42 (p < 0.01). Subsequently, we confirmed that the core promoter region of the GNAQ gene was located with 1100 to 1500 bp upstream, and the DNA methylation level of all eight CpG sites in SP42 was significantly higher than those in LP42 (p < 0.01), and significantly higher than those in SP-LP42 (p < 0.01), except site 2 and site 4 in the first sequencing fragment (p < 0.05) in the core promoter region. The expression of acetylated GNAQ histone H3 was significantly higher than that of the control group under three different photoperiods (p < 0.01); the acetylation level of sheep hypothalamic GNAQ genomic protein H3 was significantly lower under SP42 than under SP-LP42 (p < 0.05). This suggests that acetylated histone H3 binds to the core promoter region of the GNAQ gene, implying that GNAQ is epigenetically regulated by photoperiod through histone acetylation. In summary, the results suggest that photoperiod can induce DNA methylation in the core promoter region and histone acetylation in the promoter region of the GNAQ gene, and hypothesize that the two may be key factors in regulating the differential expression of GNAQ under different photoperiods, thus regulating the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis (HPGA) through the seasonal estrus in sheep. The results of this study will provide some new information to understand the function of epigenetic modifications in reproduction in sheep.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mingxing Chu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing 100193, China; (W.W.); (X.D.)
| | - Xiaoyun He
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing 100193, China; (W.W.); (X.D.)
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Liu F, Ma Y, Sun H, Cai H, Liang X, Xu C, Du L, Wang Y, Liu Q. SUMO1 Modification Stabilizes TET3 Protein and Increases Colorectal Cancer Radiation Therapy Sensitivity. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2023; 117:942-954. [PMID: 37244630 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2023.05.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this work was to explore the role and mechanism of active DNA demethylase in colorectal cancer (CRC) radiation sensitization and better understand the function of DNA demethylation in tumor radiosensitization. METHODS AND MATERIALS Tested the effect of ten-eleven translocation 3 (TET3) overexpression on the sensitivity of CRC to radiation therapy through G2/M arrest, apoptosis, and clonogenic suppression. TET3 knockdown HCT 116 and TET3 knockdown LS 180 cell lines were constructed by siRNA technology, and the effect of exogenous knockdown of TET3 on radiation-induced apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, DNA damage, and clone formation in CRC cells were detected. The co-localization of TET3 and small ubiquitin-like modifier 1 (SUMO1), SUMO2/3 was detected by immunofluorescence and cytoplasmic-nuclear extraction, and the interaction between TET3 and SUMO1, SUMO2/3 was detected by a coimmunoprecipitation assay. RESULTS The malignant phenotype and radiosensitivity of CRC cell lines were favorably linked with TET3 protein and mRNA expression. TET3 is upregulated in 23 of the 27 tumor types investigated, including colon cancer. TET3 was shown to correlate with the CRC pathologic malignancy grade positively. Overexpression of TET3 in CRC cell lines increased radiation-induced apoptosis, G2/M phase arrest, DNA damage, and clonal suppression in vitro. The binding region of TET3 and SUMO2/3 was located at 833-1795 AA except for K1012, K1188, K1397, and K1623. SUMOylation of TET3 increased the stability of the TET3 protein without changing its nuclear localization. CONCLUSIONS We report the sensitizing role of TET3 protein in the radiation of CRC cells, depending on SUMO1 modification of TET3 at the lysine sites (K479, K758, K1012, K1188, K1397, K1623), in turn stabilizing TET3 expression in the nucleus and subsequently increasing the sensitivity of CRC to radiation therapy. Together, this study highlights the potentially critical role of TET3 SUMOylation in radiation regulation, which may contribute to an enhanced understanding of the relationship between DNA demethylation and radiation therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengting Liu
- Institute of Radiation Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China; Department of Radiation Oncology, The Afliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 127 Dongming Road, Zhengzhou 450008, Henan, China
| | - Ya Ma
- Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Hao Sun
- Institute of Radiation Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
| | - Hui Cai
- Institute of Radiation Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
| | - Xin Liang
- School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China; Tianjin Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Tianjin, China
| | - Chang Xu
- Institute of Radiation Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
| | - Liqing Du
- Institute of Radiation Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Institute of Radiation Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
| | - Qiang Liu
- Institute of Radiation Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
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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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Xi X, Wang M, Chen Q, Ma J, Zhang J, Li Y. DNMT1 regulates miR-20a/TXNIP-mediated pyroptosis of retinal pigment epithelial cells through DNA methylation. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2023; 577:112012. [PMID: 37506869 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2023.112012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pyroptosis of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells is associated with the etiology of diabetic retinopathy (DR). In this study, we investigated the effect of DNMT1 on RPE cell pyroptosis by regulating miR-20a/TXNIP expression through DNA methylation. METHODS High glucose (HG)-induced ARPE-19 cells and mice were injected with streptozotocin (STZ) to generate DR cells and animal models. RT‒qPCR was used to detect the expression of miR-20a, and methylation-specific PCR (MS-PCR) was used to determine the occurrence of methylation of miR-20a. The expression of pyroptosis-related proteins (caspase-1 and NLRP3) and DNA methyltransferase (DNMT1) was detected by western blotting, and the expression of inflammatory factors (IL-1β and IL-18) was detected by ELISA. Apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry and TUNEL. HE staining was used to observe the pathological changes in retinal tissue in mice. RESULTS In HG-induced DR cell models, the expression of miR-20a was significantly downregulated, while the expression of inflammatory factors (IL-1β, IL-18) and pyroptosis-associated proteins (caspase-1, NLRP3) was significantly upregulated. Transfection of miR-20a mimic can effectively reverse HG-induced pyroptosis and release of inflammatory factors. DNMT1 promotes miR-20a methylation and inhibits the expression of miR-20a. DNMT1-mediated methylation is involved in the pyroptosis process of high glucose-induced RPE cells, and silencing DNMT1 can promote the expression of miR-20a, thereby inhibiting the release of IL-1β and IL-18 and reducing the occurrence of cell pyroptosis. miR-20a targets negative regulation of TXNIP expression, and overexpression of TXNIP can effectively reverse the inhibitory effect of miR-20a on pyroptosis. The methylation inhibitor 5-AZ can inhibit the occurrence of pyroptosis and DR processes, while treatment with a miR-20a inhibitor or OE-TXNIP can reverse the effect of 5-AZ. CONCLUSION DNMT1 promotes DNA methylation, decreases the expression of miR-20a and increases the expression of TXNIP, which ultimately leads to the occurrence of pyroptosis in RPE cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoting Xi
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650032, Yunnan, China
| | - Min Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye and ENT Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Qianbo Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650032, Yunnan, China
| | - Jia Ma
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650032, Yunnan, China
| | - Junyan Zhang
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Evidence-based Medicine, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Taiyuan, 030032, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650032, Yunnan, China.
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Rajaram N, Kouroukli AG, Bens S, Bashtrykov P, Jeltsch A. Development of super-specific epigenome editing by targeted allele-specific DNA methylation. Epigenetics Chromatin 2023; 16:41. [PMID: 37864244 PMCID: PMC10589950 DOI: 10.1186/s13072-023-00515-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epigenome editing refers to the targeted reprogramming of genomic loci using an EpiEditor which may consist of an sgRNA/dCas9 complex that recruits DNMT3A/3L to the target locus. Methylation of the locus can lead to a modulation of gene expression. Allele-specific DNA methylation (ASM) refers to the targeted methylation delivery only to one allele of a locus. In the context of diseases caused by a dominant mutation, the selective DNA methylation of the mutant allele could be used to repress its expression but retain the functionality of the normal gene. RESULTS To set up allele-specific targeted DNA methylation, target regions were selected from hypomethylated CGIs bearing a heterozygous SNP in their promoters in the HEK293 cell line. We aimed at delivering maximum DNA methylation with highest allelic specificity in the targeted regions. Placing SNPs in the PAM or seed regions of the sgRNA, we designed 24 different sgRNAs targeting single alleles in 14 different gene loci. We achieved efficient ASM in multiple cases, such as ISG15, MSH6, GPD1L, MRPL52, PDE8A, NARF, DAP3, and GSPT1, which in best cases led to five to tenfold stronger average DNA methylation at the on-target allele and absolute differences in the DNA methylation gain at on- and off-target alleles of > 50%. In general, loci with the allele discriminatory SNP positioned in the PAM region showed higher success rate of ASM and better specificity. Highest DNA methylation was observed on day 3 after transfection followed by a gradual decline. In selected cases, ASM was stable up to 11 days in HEK293 cells and it led up to a 3.6-fold change in allelic expression ratios. CONCLUSIONS We successfully delivered ASM at multiple genomic loci with high specificity, efficiency and stability. This form of super-specific epigenome editing could find applications in the treatment of diseases caused by dominant mutations, because it allows silencing of the mutant allele without repression of the expression of the normal allele thereby minimizing potential side-effects of the treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nivethika Rajaram
- Institute of Biochemistry and Technical Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Alexandra G Kouroukli
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Ulm and Ulm University Medical Center, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Susanne Bens
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Ulm and Ulm University Medical Center, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - 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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