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Guo Y, Li TD, Modzelewski AJ, Siomi H. Retrotransposon renaissance in early embryos. Trends Genet 2024; 40:39-51. [PMID: 37949723 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2023.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Despite being the predominant genetic elements in mammalian genomes, retrotransposons were often dismissed as genomic parasites with ambiguous biological significance. However, recent studies reveal their functional involvement in early embryogenesis, encompassing crucial processes such as zygotic genome activation (ZGA) and cell fate decision. This review underscores the paradigm shift in our understanding of retrotransposon roles during early preimplantation development, as well as their rich functional reservoir that is exploited by the host to provide cis-regulatory elements, noncoding RNAs, and functional proteins. The rapid advancement in long-read sequencing, low input multiomics profiling, advanced in vitro systems, and precise gene editing techniques encourages further dissection of retrotransposon functions that were once obscured by the intricacies of their genomic footprints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youjia Guo
- Department of Molecular Biology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Ten D Li
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-4539, USA
| | - Andrew J Modzelewski
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-4539, USA.
| | - Haruhiko Siomi
- Department of Molecular Biology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; Human Biology Microbiome Quantum Research Center (WPI-Bio2Q), Keio University, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan.
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2
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Modenini G, Abondio P, Boattini A. The coevolution between APOBEC3 and retrotransposons in primates. Mob DNA 2022; 13:27. [PMID: 36443831 PMCID: PMC9706992 DOI: 10.1186/s13100-022-00283-1] [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: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Retrotransposons are genetic elements with the ability to replicate in the genome using reverse transcriptase: they have been associated with the development of different biological structures, such as the Central Nervous System (CNS), and their high mutagenic potential has been linked to various diseases, including cancer and neurological disorders. Throughout evolution and over time, Primates and Homo had to cope with infections from viruses and bacteria, and also with endogenous retroelements. Therefore, host genomes have evolved numerous methods to counteract the activity of endogenous and exogenous pathogens, and the APOBEC3 family of mutators is a prime example of a defensive mechanism in this context.In most Primates, there are seven members of the APOBEC3 family of deaminase proteins: among their functions, there is the ability to inhibit the mobilization of retrotransposons and the functionality of viruses. The evolution of the APOBEC3 proteins found in Primates is correlated with the expansion of two major families of retrotransposons, i.e. ERV and LINE-1.In this review, we will discuss how the rapid expansion of the APOBEC3 family is linked to the evolution of retrotransposons, highlighting the strong evolutionary arms race that characterized the history of APOBEC3s and endogenous retroelements in Primates. Moreover, the possible role of this relationship will be assessed in the context of embryonic development and brain-associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Modenini
- grid.6292.f0000 0004 1757 1758Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Paolo Abondio
- grid.6292.f0000 0004 1757 1758Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy ,grid.6292.f0000 0004 1757 1758Department of Cultural Heritage, University of Bologna, Ravenna, Italy
| | - Alessio Boattini
- grid.6292.f0000 0004 1757 1758Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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3
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Bersanelli M, Casartelli C, Buti S, Porta C. Renal cell carcinoma and viral infections: A dangerous relationship? World J Nephrol 2022; 11:1-12. [PMID: 35117975 PMCID: PMC8790307 DOI: 10.5527/wjn.v11.i1.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Virus-related cancers in humans are widely recognized, but in the case of renal cancer, the link with the world of viruses is not clearly established in humans, despite being known in animal biology. In the present review, we aimed to explore the literature on renal cell carcinoma (RCC) for a possible role of viruses in human RCC tumorigenesis and immune homeostasis, hypothesizing the contribution of viruses to the immunogenicity of this tumor. A scientific literature search was conducted using the PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases with the keywords “virus” or “viruses” or “viral infection” matched with (“AND”) “renal cell carcinoma” or “kidney cancer” or “renal cancer” or “renal carcinoma” or “renal tumor” or “RCC”. The retrieved findings evidenced two main aspects testifying to the relationship between RCC and viruses: The presence of viruses within the tumor, especially in non-clear cell RCC cases, and RCC occurrence in cases with pre-existing chronic viral infections. Some retrieved translational and clinical data suggest the possible contribution of viruses, particularly Epstein-Barr virus, to the marked immunogenicity of sarcomatoid RCC. In addition, it was revealed the possible role of endogenous retrovirus reactivation in RCC oncogenesis, introducing new fascinating hypotheses about this tumor’s immunogenicity and likeliness of response to immune checkpoint inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Bersanelli
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital of Parma, Parma 43126, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma 43126, Italy
| | - Chiara Casartelli
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital of Parma, Parma 43126, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma 43126, Italy
| | - Sebastiano Buti
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital of Parma, Parma 43126, Italy
| | - Camillo Porta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari ‘A. Moro’, Bari 70121, Italy
- Department of Medical Oncology, Policlinico Consorziale, Bari 70124, Italy
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4
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Shalini V, Bhaduri U, Ravikkumar AC, Rengarajan A, Satyanarayana RMR. Genome-wide occupancy reveals the localization of H1T2 (H1fnt) to repeat regions and a subset of transcriptionally active chromatin domains in rat spermatids. Epigenetics Chromatin 2021; 14:3. [PMID: 33407810 PMCID: PMC7788777 DOI: 10.1186/s13072-020-00376-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background H1T2/H1FNT is a germ cell-specific linker histone variant expressed during spermiogenesis specifically in round and elongating spermatids. Infertile phenotype of homozygous H1T2 mutant male mice revealed the essential function of H1T2 for the DNA condensation and histone-to-protamine replacement in spermiogenesis. However, the mechanism by which H1T2 imparts the inherent polarity within spermatid nucleus including the additional protein partners and the genomic domains occupied by this linker histone are unknown. Results Sequence analysis revealed the presence of Walker motif, SR domains and putative coiled-coil domains in the C-terminal domain of rat H1T2 protein. Genome-wide occupancy analysis using highly specific antibody against the CTD of H1T2 demonstrated the binding of H1T2 to the LINE L1 repeat elements and to a significant percentage of the genic regions (promoter-TSS, exons and introns) of the rat spermatid genome. Immunoprecipitation followed by mass spectrometry analysis revealed the open chromatin architecture of H1T2 occupied chromatin encompassing the H4 acetylation and other histone PTMs characteristic of transcriptionally active chromatin. In addition, the present study has identified the interacting protein partners of H1T2-associated chromatin mainly as nucleo-skeleton components, RNA-binding proteins and chaperones. Conclusions Linker histone H1T2 possesses unique domain architecture which can account for the specific functions associated with chromatin remodeling events facilitating the initiation of histone to transition proteins/protamine transition in the polar apical spermatid genome. Our results directly establish the unique function of H1T2 in nuclear shaping associated with spermiogenesis by mediating the interaction between chromatin and nucleo-skeleton, positioning the epigenetically specialized chromatin domains involved in transcription coupled histone replacement initiation towards the apical pole of round/elongating spermatids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasantha Shalini
- From the Chromatin Biology Laboratory, Molecular Biology and Genetics Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Jakkur P.O., Bangalore, 560064, India
| | - Utsa Bhaduri
- From the Chromatin Biology Laboratory, Molecular Biology and Genetics Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Jakkur P.O., Bangalore, 560064, India.,Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy.,European Union's H2020 TRIM-NET ITN, Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA), Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Anjhana C Ravikkumar
- From the Chromatin Biology Laboratory, Molecular Biology and Genetics Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Jakkur P.O., Bangalore, 560064, India
| | - Anusha Rengarajan
- From the Chromatin Biology Laboratory, Molecular Biology and Genetics Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Jakkur P.O., Bangalore, 560064, India
| | - Rao M R Satyanarayana
- From the Chromatin Biology Laboratory, Molecular Biology and Genetics Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Jakkur P.O., Bangalore, 560064, India.
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5
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Kang YK, Min B. SETDB1 Overexpression Sets an Intertumoral Transcriptomic Divergence in Non-small Cell Lung Carcinoma. Front Genet 2020; 11:573515. [PMID: 33343623 PMCID: PMC7738479 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.573515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
An increasing volume of evidence suggests that SETDB1 plays a role in the tumorigenesis of various cancers, classifying SETDB1 as an oncoprotein. However, owing to its numerous protein partners and their global-scale effects, the molecular mechanism underlying SETDB1-involved oncogenesis remains ambiguous. In this study, using public transcriptome data of lung adenocarcinoma (ADC) and squamous-cell carcinoma (SCC), we compared tumors with high-level SETDB1 (SH) and those with low-level SETDB1 (comparable with normal samples; SL). The results of principal component analysis revealed a transcriptomic distinction and divergence between the SH and SL samples in both ADCs and SCCs. The results of gene set enrichment analysis indicated that genes involved in the “epithelial–mesenchymal transition,” “innate immune response,” and “autoimmunity” collections were significantly depleted in SH tumors, whereas those involved in “RNA interference” collections were enriched. Chromatin-modifying genes were highly expressed in SH tumors, and the variance in their expression was incomparably high in SCC-SH, which suggested greater heterogeneity within SCC tumors. DNA methyltransferase genes were also overrepresented in SH samples, and most differentially methylated CpGs (SH/SL) were undermethylated in a highly biased manner in ADCs. We identified interesting molecular signatures associated with the possible roles of SETDB1 in lung cancer. We expect these SETDB1-associated molecular signatures to facilitate the development of biologically relevant targeted therapies for particular types of lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Kook Kang
- Development and Differentiation Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience Biotechnology, Daejeon, South Korea.,Department of Functional Genomics, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Byungkuk Min
- Development and Differentiation Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience Biotechnology, Daejeon, South Korea
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6
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Mustelin T, Ukadike KC. How Retroviruses and Retrotransposons in Our Genome May Contribute to Autoimmunity in Rheumatological Conditions. Front Immunol 2020; 11:593891. [PMID: 33281822 PMCID: PMC7691656 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.593891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
More than 200 human disorders include various manifestations of autoimmunity. The molecular events that lead to these diseases are still incompletely understood and their causes remain largely unknown. Numerous potential triggers of autoimmunity have been proposed over the years, but very few of them have been conclusively confirmed or firmly refuted. Viruses have topped the lists of suspects for decades, and it seems that many viruses, including those of the Herpesviridae family, indeed can influence disease initiation and/or promote exacerbations by a number of mechanisms that include prolonged anti-viral immunity, immune subverting factors, and mechanisms, and perhaps “molecular mimicry”. However, no specific virus has yet been established as being truly causative. Here, we discuss a different, but perhaps mechanistically related possibility, namely that retrotransposons or retroviruses that infected us in the past and left a lasting copy of themselves in our genome still can provoke an escalating immune response that leads to autoimmune disease. Many of these loci still encode for retroviral proteins that have retained some, or all, of their original functions. Importantly, these endogenous proviruses cannot be eliminated by the immune system the way it can eliminate exogenous viruses. Hence, if not properly controlled, they may drive a frustrated and escalating chronic, or episodic, immune response to the point of a frank autoimmune disorder. Here, we discuss the evidence and the proposed mechanisms, and assess the therapeutic options that emerge from the current understanding of this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomas Mustelin
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Kennedy C Ukadike
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
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7
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Yang J, Fu H, Tam C, Liu P. Expanded potential: the key to synthetic embryo? Curr Opin Genet Dev 2020; 64:72-77. [PMID: 32653814 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2020.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
How does an embryo acquire totipotency and develop into an adult is a fundamental scientific question. Stem cells derived from pre-implantation embryos or reprogrammed from somatic cells with totipotency features have been established. They have enriched molecular features, including transcription, epigenetic modification, chromatin structure and metabolism, similar to early embryos from 2 cell (2C) to morula. Functionally, they display a broader developmental potential to differentiate into cell types in the embryonic and extraembryonic tissues. The expanded developmental potential was further demonstrated by inducing these stem cells into embryo-like structures alone or aggregating with other embryo-derived stem cells. The synthetic embryo-like structures not only facilitate the dissection of key events in early embryonic development, but also serve as a model for investigating pregnancy related complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Yang
- Key Laboratory of Arrhythmias, Ministry of Education, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200120, China.
| | - Haifeng Fu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Consortium, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 5 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Cheryl Tam
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Consortium, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 5 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Pentao Liu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Consortium, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 5 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong.
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8
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Cavalcante MG, Nagamachi CY, Pieczarka JC, Noronha RCR. Evolutionary insights in Amazonian turtles (Testudines, Podocnemididae): co-location of 5S rDNA and U2 snRNA and wide distribution of Tc1/Mariner. Biol Open 2020; 9:bio049817. [PMID: 32229487 PMCID: PMC7197720 DOI: 10.1242/bio.049817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Eukaryotic genomes exhibit substantial accumulation of repetitive DNA sequences. These sequences can participate in chromosomal reorganization events and undergo molecular cooption to interfere with the function and evolution of genomes. In turtles, repetitive DNA sequences appear to be accumulated at probable break points and may participate in events such as non-homologous recombination and chromosomal rearrangements. In this study, repeated sequences of 5S rDNA, U2 snRNA and Tc1/Mariner transposons were amplified from the genomes of the turtles, Podocnemis expansa and Podocnemis unifilis, and mapped by fluorescence in situ hybridization. Our data confirm the 2n=28 chromosomes for these species (the second lowest 2n in the order Testudines). We observe high conservation of the co-located 5S rDNA and U2 snRNA genes on a small chromosome pair (pair 13), and surmise that this represents the ancestral condition. Our analysis reveals a wide distribution of the Tc1/Mariner transposons and we discuss how the mobility of these transposons can act on karyotypic reorganization events (contributing to the 2n decrease of those species). Our data add new information for the order Testudines and provide important insights into the dynamics and organization of these sequences in the chelonian genomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manoella Gemaque Cavalcante
- Centro de Estudos Avançados da Biodiversidade, Cytogenetics Laboratory, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Cleusa Yoshiko Nagamachi
- Centro de Estudos Avançados da Biodiversidade, Cytogenetics Laboratory, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Julio Cesar Pieczarka
- Centro de Estudos Avançados da Biodiversidade, Cytogenetics Laboratory, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Renata Coelho Rodrigues Noronha
- Centro de Estudos Avançados da Biodiversidade, Cytogenetics Laboratory, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil
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9
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Cavalcante MG, Souza LF, Vicari MR, de Bastos CEM, de Sousa JV, Nagamachi CY, Pieczarka JC, Martins C, Noronha RCR. Molecular cytogenetics characterization of Rhinoclemmys punctularia (Testudines, Geoemydidae) and description of a Gypsy-H3 association in its genome. Gene 2020; 738:144477. [PMID: 32061764 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2020.144477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Revised: 02/01/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The wide variation found in the size of eukaryotic genomes is largely related to the accumulation of repetitive sequences. Studies show that these sequences can go through an evolutionary process (molecular co-optation) and acquire new genomic functions. Cytogenetic studies reveal a wide karyotypic variation between chelonians (order Testudines) (2n = 26-68), attributed mainly to the number of microchromosomes. The study of repetitive DNAs has the potential to provide data on the dynamics of these sequences, and how they influence the organization of the genome. Here, we reveal the first in situ mapping data of 45S rDNA, histone H3 genes, and telomeric sequences, for a species of the genus Rhinoclemmys, R. punctularia. The karyotype described here for R. punctularia is different from previous reports for the diploid complement of this species, with differences probably attributable to centric fissions and pericentric inversions or centromere repositioning. The 45S rDNA are on a single chromosome pair (like in other turtles), telomeric sequences are in terminal position on all the chromosomes, and histone H3 is dispersed in low copy number, with clusters in pericentromeric regions of three chromosome pairs. We report on the presence of a Gypsy retrotransposon insert located within H3 histone of R. punctularia, and the H3 region sequenced contained the open reading frame of the histone sequence. Comparative modeling revealed a functional pattern for the protein, thus suggesting that the Gypsy element might have been recruited for new functions in the genome of this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manoella Gemaque Cavalcante
- Centro de Estudos Avançados da Biodiversidade, Laboratório de Citogenética, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Luciano Farias Souza
- Centro de Estudos Avançados da Biodiversidade, Laboratório de Citogenética, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Ricardo Vicari
- Departamento de Biologia Estrutural, Molecular e Genética, Universidade Estadual de Ponta Grossa, Ponta Grossa, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Carlos Eduardo Matos de Bastos
- Centro de Estudos Avançados da Biodiversidade, Laboratório de Citogenética, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | | | - Cleusa Yoshiko Nagamachi
- Centro de Estudos Avançados da Biodiversidade, Laboratório de Citogenética, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Julio Cesar Pieczarka
- Centro de Estudos Avançados da Biodiversidade, Laboratório de Citogenética, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Cesar Martins
- Departamento de Morfologia, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Renata Coelho Rodrigues Noronha
- Centro de Estudos Avançados da Biodiversidade, Laboratório de Citogenética, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil.
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10
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Bergallo M, Marozio L, Botta G, Tancredi A, Daprà V, Galliano I, Montanari P, Coscia A, Benedetto C, Tovo PA. Human Endogenous Retroviruses Are Preferentially Expressed in Mononuclear Cells From Cord Blood Than From Maternal Blood and in the Fetal Part of Placenta. Front Pediatr 2020; 8:244. [PMID: 32478020 PMCID: PMC7240011 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2020.00244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Placenta shows high transcription levels of human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) that are overexpressed during embryonic and fetal development. Methods: In order to gather further information on the degree of HERV activation in maternal and fetal tissues we assessed the transcription levels of pol genes of HERV-H, -K, and -W in PBMCs of newborns and their mothers as well as in chorion (fetal part) and decidua basalis (maternal part) of the placenta using a real time PCR assay. Results: Transcripts of pol genes of the three HERV families were significantly higher in mononuclear cells from cord blood than from maternal blood and in the fetal part than in the maternal part of the placenta. Conclusions: The HERV over-expressions in cells and tissues of the offspring are further clues that they play pivotal physiologic roles during early life events and suggest that HERV-driven abnormalities of pregnancy and fetal development may derive mostly from the conceptus, not from the mother.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimiliano Bergallo
- Pediatric Laboratory, Department of Pediatric Sciences and Public Health, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,Department of Pediatric Sciences and Public Health, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Luca Marozio
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynecology 1, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Giovanni Botta
- Department of Pathology AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Annalisa Tancredi
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynecology 1, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Valentina Daprà
- Pediatric Laboratory, Department of Pediatric Sciences and Public Health, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,Department of Pediatric Sciences and Public Health, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Ilaria Galliano
- Pediatric Laboratory, Department of Pediatric Sciences and Public Health, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,Department of Pediatric Sciences and Public Health, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Paola Montanari
- Pediatric Laboratory, Department of Pediatric Sciences and Public Health, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,Department of Pediatric Sciences and Public Health, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Alessandra Coscia
- Neonatology Unit, Department of Pediatric Sciences and Public Health, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Chiara Benedetto
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynecology 1, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Pier Angelo Tovo
- Department of Pediatric Sciences and Public Health, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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11
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Lee WC, Kim DY, Kim MJ, Lee HJ, Bharti D, Lee SH, Kang YH, Rho GJ, Jeon BG. Delay of cell growth and loss of stemness by inhibition of reverse transcription in human mesenchymal stem cells derived from dental tissue. Anim Cells Syst (Seoul) 2019; 23:335-345. [PMID: 31700699 PMCID: PMC6830198 DOI: 10.1080/19768354.2019.1651767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2019] [Revised: 07/10/2019] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study investigated the cellular properties in the dental tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (DSCs) exposed to nevirapine (NVP), an inhibitor of reverse transcriptase (RTase). After a prolonged exposure of DSCs for 2 weeks, the population doubling time (PDT) was significantly (P < .05) increased by delayed cell growth in the DSCs treated with 250 and 500 μM NVP, compared with untreated DSCs. Furthermore, the G1 phase of cell cycle with high activity of senescence-associated β-galactosidase was also significantly (P < .05) increased in the 250 μM NVP-treated DSCs, compared with untreated DSCs. The level of telomerase activity was unchanged between control and treatment. However, following the treatment of NVP, negative surface markers for mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), such as CD34 and CD45, were significantly (P < .05) increased, while positive surface markers for MSCs, such as CD90 and CD105, were significantly (P < .05) decreased in the NVP-treated DSCs than those of untreated DSCs. Furthermore, the differentiation capacity into mesodermal lineage was gradually decreased, and a significant (P < .05) decrease of expression level of NANOG, OCT-4 and SOX-2 transcripts was observed in the DSCs treated with NVP, compared with untreated control DSCs. Taken together, the present results have revealed that inhibition of RTase by NVP induces delayed cell growth and loss of stemness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Won-Cheol Lee
- Department of Biology Education, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae-Young Kim
- Department of Biology Education, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi-Jeong Kim
- Department of Biology Education, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeon-Jeong Lee
- OBS/Theriogenology and Biotechnology, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Republic of Korea
| | - Dinesh Bharti
- OBS/Theriogenology and Biotechnology, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Ho Lee
- Division of Life Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Hoon Kang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Changwon Gyeongsang National University Hospital, Changwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Gyu-Jin Rho
- OBS/Theriogenology and Biotechnology, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Republic of Korea
| | - Byeong-Gyun Jeon
- Department of Biology Education, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Republic of Korea.,Institute of Education, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Republic of Korea
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Witteveldt J, Knol LI, Macias S. MicroRNA-deficient mouse embryonic stem cells acquire a functional interferon response. eLife 2019; 8:44171. [PMID: 31012846 PMCID: PMC6529217 DOI: 10.7554/elife.44171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2018] [Accepted: 04/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
When mammalian cells detect a viral infection, they initiate a type I interferon (IFNs) response as part of their innate immune system. This antiviral mechanism is conserved in virtually all cell types, except for embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and oocytes which are intrinsically incapable of producing IFNs. Despite the importance of the IFN response to fight viral infections, the mechanisms regulating this pathway during pluripotency are still unknown. Here we show that, in the absence of miRNAs, ESCs acquire an active IFN response. Proteomic analysis identified MAVS, a central component of the IFN pathway, to be actively silenced by miRNAs and responsible for suppressing IFN expression in ESCs. Furthermore, we show that knocking out a single miRNA, miR-673, restores the antiviral response in ESCs through MAVS regulation. Our findings suggest that the interaction between miR-673 and MAVS acts as a switch to suppress the antiviral IFN during pluripotency and present genetic approaches to enhance their antiviral immunity. Living cells are under constant attack from disease-causing agents, such as viruses and bacteria. As a result, they have evolved various protective mechanisms to fight off these agents. One of the most important ways that an animal cell protects itself from infection is through the interferon response, which warns the cell of approaching viruses, prompting it to prepare to defend itself. Virtually all healthy cells have an active interferon response, except for stem cells, which have switched off this defensive mechanism, for unknown reasons. This makes stem cells more susceptible to infections. Stem cells are specialized cells that play an essential role in developing the early embryo. The two defining characteristics of these cells – their ability to divide indefinitely, and develop into all cell types – offers great therapeutic potential, as they can be used to ‘replace’ damaged cells and tissues. However, without an interferon response, stem cells are likely to become infected when moved into a new environment, counteracting their therapeutic benefits. Now, Witteveldt et al. investigate how stem cells turn off this viral defence mechanism, and whether turning it back on will affect their ability to divide and form new tissues. Using stem cells taken from the embryos of mice, Witteveldt et al. found that the interferon response is turned off by specific small molecules of RNA. These small RNA molecules block a protein in the pathway that recognizes viruses and activates a defence. Genetically engineering stem cells to be deficient in these small RNA molecules led to an increased resistance to viral infections. Importantly, modifying stem cells in this manner had no obvious impact on the characteristic traits that give stem cells their therapeutic potential. Temporarily increasing the interferon response of stem cells as they are moved into a new environment could potentially make stem cell treatments more effective. However, more work is needed to investigate whether the same approach can be applied to human cells, and determine what negative effects may be associated with turning on the interferon response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeroen Witteveldt
- Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Lisanne I Knol
- Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Sara Macias
- Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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Transposable elements are regulated by context-specific patterns of chromatin marks in mouse embryonic stem cells. Nat Commun 2019; 10:34. [PMID: 30604769 PMCID: PMC6318327 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-08006-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The majority of mammalian genomes are devoted to transposable elements (TEs). Whilst TEs are increasingly recognized for their important biological functions, they are a potential danger to genomic stability and are carefully regulated by the epigenetic system. However, the full complexity of this regulatory system is not understood. Here, using mouse embryonic stem cells, we show that TEs are suppressed by heterochromatic marks like H3K9me3, and are also labelled by all major types of chromatin modification in complex patterns, including bivalent activatory and repressive marks. We identified 29 epigenetic modifiers that significantly deregulated at least one type of TE. The loss of Setdb1, Ncor2, Rnf2, Kat5, Prmt5, Uhrf1, and Rrp8 caused widespread changes in TE expression and chromatin accessibility. These effects were context-specific, with different chromatin modifiers regulating the expression and chromatin accessibility of specific subsets of TEs. Our work reveals the complex patterns of epigenetic regulation of TEs. Transposable elements (TEs) fulfill essential but poorly understood roles in genome organization and gene expression control. Here the authors show that the regulation of TEs occurs through overlapping epigenetic mechanisms that control the expression and chromatin signatures at TEs.
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