1
|
Porcuna J, Mínguez-Martínez J, Ricote M. The PPARα and PPARγ Epigenetic Landscape in Cancer and Immune and Metabolic Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910573. [PMID: 34638914 PMCID: PMC8508752 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are ligand-modulated nuclear receptors that play pivotal roles in nutrient sensing, metabolism, and lipid-related processes. Correct control of their target genes requires tight regulation of the expression of different PPAR isoforms in each tissue, and the dysregulation of PPAR-dependent transcriptional programs is linked to disorders, such as metabolic and immune diseases or cancer. Several PPAR regulators and PPAR-regulated factors are epigenetic effectors, including non-coding RNAs, epigenetic enzymes, histone modifiers, and DNA methyltransferases. In this review, we examine advances in PPARα and PPARγ-related epigenetic regulation in metabolic disorders, including obesity and diabetes, immune disorders, such as sclerosis and lupus, and a variety of cancers, providing new insights into the possible therapeutic exploitation of PPAR epigenetic modulation.
Collapse
|
2
|
Jia S, Chen F, Wang H, Kesavamoorthy G, Lai JSM, Wong IYH, Chiu K, Chan JCH. Effect of Vitamin D3 on Regulating Human Tenon's Fibroblasts Activity. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2021; 10:7. [PMID: 34251424 PMCID: PMC8287040 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.10.8.7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To study the in vitro effect of vitamin D3 on the healing response of human Tenon's fibroblasts (HTF) and its possible role in preventing excessive postoperative subconjunctival fibrosis. Methods Effect of vitamin D3 on cytotoxicity and cell survival of primary cultured HTF was measured by lactate dehydrogenase and PrestoBlue assays, respectively. Proliferation and migration of vitamin D3-treated HTF (D3-HTF) was determined by CyQUANT proliferation and scratch assay, respectively. The mRNA expression profiles of control-HTF and D3-HTF from six subjects (three with glaucoma and long-term use of topical medications, three with primary pterygium) were assessed by RNA sequencing analyses to identify potential biomarkers for the inhibitory effect on HTF by vitamin D3. Validation of these biomarkers and their potential pathways were performed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) detection. Results Pure monolayers of HTF from controls (retinal detachment or squint surgeries), pterygium, and glaucoma subjects were successfully prepared and passaged. Proliferation and migration of pterygium and glaucoma HTF were inhibited by vitamin D3 in a dose-dependent manner, and without cytotoxicity or decrease in cellular viability with concentrations up to 10 µM. The qRT-PCR results were consistent with the transcriptome analyses, vitamin D3 appears to enhance CYP24A1, SHE, KRT16 but suppresses CILP expression in HTF. Conclusions Vitamin D3 can inhibit the in vitro activity of HTF without compromising cellular survivability at concentration up to 10 µM. This has potential clinical application for improving the outcome of pterygium and filtering surgeries. Translational Relevance Vitamin D3 can suppress the in vitro proliferation, migration, and transdifferentiation of human Tenon's fibroblasts, without the cytotoxicity of mitomycin-C, the current standard antifibrotic agent in clinical use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Jia
- Department of Ophthalmology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Fushun Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Huogang Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | | | - Jimmy Shiu-Ming Lai
- Department of Ophthalmology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Ian Yat-Hing Wong
- Department of Ophthalmology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Kin Chiu
- Department of Ophthalmology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Yan F, Hao Y, Gong X, Sun H, Ding J, Wang J. Silencing a disintegrin and metalloproteinase‑33 attenuates the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells via PI3K/AKT pathway: Implications in the pathogenesis of airway vascular remodeling. Mol Med Rep 2021; 24:502. [PMID: 33982767 PMCID: PMC8134872 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2021.12141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence suggests that pulmonary expression of a disintegrin and metalloproteinase-33 (ADAM33) serves a key role in the pathogenesis of airway remodeling-related diseases, including asthma. Airway vascular proliferation has been recognized as a key feature of airway remodeling. Our previous study showed that ADAM33 is constitutively expressed in airway vascular smooth muscle cells in patients with asthma, suggesting a potential role of ADAM33 in regulating airway vascular remodeling. Using in vitro human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMCs) and lentiviral vector carrying short hairpin RNA for ADAM33, the present study aimed to evaluate the influence of ADAM33 silencing on the proliferation and apoptosis of HASMCs and the underlying molecular pathways. Cellular proliferation was observed using the Cell Counting Kit-8 method. Cellular apoptosis was evaluated with Annexin V-PE/7-AAD staining and flow cytometry. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blotting were used to evaluate the changes in mRNA and protein levels of involved signaling molecules. It was found that silencing of ADAM33 expression in HASMCs significantly inhibited proliferation, but induced the apoptosis of HASMCs. These changes were accompanied by inhibition of the PI3K/AKT/ERK pathway and Bcl-2, but an increase in Bax expression. These results suggested that constitutive expression of ADAM33 may be important to maintain a proliferative phenotype in HASMCs. The influences of ADAM33 on proliferation and apoptosis of HASMCs may involve regulation of PI3K/AKT/ERK and Bax/Bcl-2 pathways. These findings suggested an important role of ADAM33 in airway vascular remodeling and potential therapeutic significance of ADAM33 inhibition in airway remodeling-related diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fang Yan
- School of Public Health, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region 830011, P.R. China
| | - Yanyan Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region 830054, P.R. China
| | - Xinji Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region 830054, P.R. China
| | - Hu Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region 830054, P.R. China
| | - Jianbing Ding
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medicine, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region 830011, P.R. China
| | - Jing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region 830054, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Long A, Bunning B, Sampath V, DeKruyff RH, Nadeau KC. Epigenetics and the Environment in Airway Disease: Asthma and Allergic Rhinitis. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1253:153-181. [PMID: 32445095 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-15-3449-2_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Asthma and rhinitis are complex, heterogeneous diseases characterized by chronic inflammation of the upper and lower airways. While genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified a number of susceptible loci and candidate genes associated with the pathogenesis of asthma and allergic rhinitis (AR), the risk-associated alleles account for only a very small percent of the genetic risk. In allergic airway and other complex diseases, it is thought that epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding microRNAs, caused by complex interactions between the underlying genome and the environment may account for some of this "missing heritability" and may explain the high degree of plasticity in immune responses. In this chapter, we will focus on the current knowledge of classical epigenetic modifications, DNA methylation and histone modifications, and their potential role in asthma and AR. In particular, we will review epigenetic variations associated with maternal airway disease, demographics, environment, and non-specific associations. The role of specific genetic haplotypes in environmentally induced epigenetic changes are also discussed. A major limitation of many of the current studies of asthma epigenetics is that they evaluate epigenetic modifications in both allergic and non-allergic asthma, making it difficult to distinguish those epigenetic modifications that mediate allergic asthma from those that mediate non-allergic asthma. Additionally, most DNA methylation studies in asthma use peripheral or cord blood due to poor accessibility of airway cells or tissue. Unlike DNA sequences, epigenetic alterations are quite cell- and tissue-specific, and epigenetic changes found in airway tissue or cells may be discordant from that of circulating blood. These two confounding factors should be considered when reviewing epigenetic studies in allergic airway disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Long
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Sean N. Parker Center for Allergy and Asthma Research at Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.,Department of Pharmacy, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, Stanford, CA, 94304, USA
| | - Bryan Bunning
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Sean N. Parker Center for Allergy and Asthma Research at Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Vanitha Sampath
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Sean N. Parker Center for Allergy and Asthma Research at Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Rosemarie H DeKruyff
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Sean N. Parker Center for Allergy and Asthma Research at Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Kari C Nadeau
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Sean N. Parker Center for Allergy and Asthma Research at Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zhou J, Bai W, Liu Q, Cui J, Zhang W. Silencing of ADAM33 restrains proliferation and induces apoptosis of airway smooth muscle cells in ovalbumin-induced asthma model. J Cell Biochem 2019; 120:1435-1443. [PMID: 30450713 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.27263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2018] [Accepted: 06/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
A defibrinogen and metalloproteinase 33 (ADAM33) was reported to play an important role in asthma. Furthermore, ADAM33 may play a possible role in airway remodeling due to its high expression in myo-/fibroblasts, epithelium, as well as the airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs). Thus, the study is supposed to investigate the effect of the downregulation of ADAM33 on the proliferation and apoptosis of ASMCs in allergic asthma. An ovalbumin-induced asthma model in rats was established for investigating the function of the silencing of ADAM33. ASMCs were cultured and divided into four groups after transfection. The messenger RNA and protein expressions of ADAM33 were measured by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis. Cell proliferation was tested by cell counting kit-8 and cell apoptosis by TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling. The allergic asthma rats showed a large number of inflammatory cell infiltration, airway smooth muscle hypertrophy and hyperplasia, and increased WA t , WA m , and numbers of bronchial smooth muscle nucleus. Additionally, increased numbers of eosinophils and neutrophils, expressions of immunoglobulin E and interleukin-4, content of airway air pressure, and NO, although decreased in expression of interferon-γ, were exhibited in rats with allergic asthma. In our study, upregulated ADAM33 was found, and after the silencing of ADAM33, decreased proliferation and increased apoptosis of ASMCs were observed. The study evidences that silencing of ADAM33 can decrease the proliferation and increase the apoptosis of ASMCs in a rat model of allergic asthma, suggesting ADAM33 represents a potential investigative focus target aiding allergic asthma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhou
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Wei Bai
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Qin Liu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Jian Cui
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Alaskhar Alhamwe B, Khalaila R, Wolf J, von Bülow V, Harb H, Alhamdan F, Hii CS, Prescott SL, Ferrante A, Renz H, Garn H, Potaczek DP. Histone modifications and their role in epigenetics of atopy and allergic diseases. ALLERGY, ASTHMA, AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE CANADIAN SOCIETY OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY 2018; 14:39. [PMID: 29796022 PMCID: PMC5966915 DOI: 10.1186/s13223-018-0259-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2017] [Accepted: 04/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
This review covers basic aspects of histone modification and the role of posttranslational histone modifications in the development of allergic diseases, including the immune mechanisms underlying this development. Together with DNA methylation, histone modifications (including histone acetylation, methylation, phosphorylation, ubiquitination, etc.) represent the classical epigenetic mechanisms. However, much less attention has been given to histone modifications than to DNA methylation in the context of allergy. A systematic review of the literature was undertaken to provide an unbiased and comprehensive update on the involvement of histone modifications in allergy and the mechanisms underlying this development. In addition to covering the growing interest in the contribution of histone modifications in regulating the development of allergic diseases, this review summarizes some of the evidence supporting this contribution. There are at least two levels at which the role of histone modifications is manifested. One is the regulation of cells that contribute to the allergic inflammation (T cells and macrophages) and those that participate in airway remodeling [(myo-) fibroblasts]. The other is the direct association between histone modifications and allergic phenotypes. Inhibitors of histone-modifying enzymes may potentially be used as anti-allergic drugs. Furthermore, epigenetic patterns may provide novel tools in the diagnosis of allergic disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bilal Alaskhar Alhamwe
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, Molecular Diagnostics, Philipps University Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Straße 3, 35043 Marburg, Germany
- inVIVO Planetary Health, Group of the Worldwide Universities Network (WUN), New York, NJ USA
| | - Razi Khalaila
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, Molecular Diagnostics, Philipps University Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Straße 3, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Johanna Wolf
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, Molecular Diagnostics, Philipps University Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Straße 3, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Verena von Bülow
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, Molecular Diagnostics, Philipps University Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Straße 3, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Hani Harb
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, Molecular Diagnostics, Philipps University Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Straße 3, 35043 Marburg, Germany
- inVIVO Planetary Health, Group of the Worldwide Universities Network (WUN), New York, NJ USA
- German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Gießen, Germany
- Present Address: Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA
| | - Fahd Alhamdan
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, Molecular Diagnostics, Philipps University Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Straße 3, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Charles S. Hii
- Department of Immunopathology, SA Pathology, Women and Children’s Hospital Campus, North Adelaide, SA Australia
- Robinson Research Institute, School of Medicine and School of Biological Science, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA Australia
| | - Susan L. Prescott
- inVIVO Planetary Health, Group of the Worldwide Universities Network (WUN), New York, NJ USA
- School of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA Australia
| | - Antonio Ferrante
- inVIVO Planetary Health, Group of the Worldwide Universities Network (WUN), New York, NJ USA
- Department of Immunopathology, SA Pathology, Women and Children’s Hospital Campus, North Adelaide, SA Australia
- Robinson Research Institute, School of Medicine and School of Biological Science, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA Australia
| | - Harald Renz
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, Molecular Diagnostics, Philipps University Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Straße 3, 35043 Marburg, Germany
- inVIVO Planetary Health, Group of the Worldwide Universities Network (WUN), New York, NJ USA
- German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Gießen, Germany
| | - Holger Garn
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, Molecular Diagnostics, Philipps University Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Straße 3, 35043 Marburg, Germany
- German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Gießen, Germany
| | - Daniel P. Potaczek
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, Molecular Diagnostics, Philipps University Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Straße 3, 35043 Marburg, Germany
- inVIVO Planetary Health, Group of the Worldwide Universities Network (WUN), New York, NJ USA
- German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Gießen, Germany
- John Paul II Hospital, Krakow, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Fang L, Wu J, Huang T, Zhang P, Xin X, Shi Y. TGF-β1 stimulates epithelial-mesenchymal transition mediated by ADAM33. Exp Ther Med 2017; 15:985-992. [PMID: 29399106 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2017.5478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2017] [Accepted: 08/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to determine the effects of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 on disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain-containing protein 33 (ADAM33) expression in airway epithelial cells in order to investigate the association between ADAM33 expression and TGF-β1-induced epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), and to further explore the mechanisms underlying the role of ADAM33 in airway remodeling in asthma. The human bronchial epithelial cell line HBE was transfected with small interfering RNA targeting ADAM33 (siADAM33) and treated with different concentrations of TGF-β1 (10, 20 or 30 ng/ml), while untransfected cells were used as controls. At 72 h after treatment, cellular morphology and immunohistochemical staining were observed under a microscope. The protein and mRNA expression levels of ADAM33 and the EMT markers E-cadherin and vimentin were detected by western blot analysis and reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction, respectively. In addition, a correlation analysis of ADAM33 expression and E-cadherin/vimentin expression was performed. A wound healing migration assay and a cell invasion assay were also performed. The results of the cellular morphology, migration and invasion studies suggested that TGF-β1 treatment induced typical EMT changes in HBE cells. In addition, treatment with various concentrations of TGF-β1 significantly increased the protein and mRNA expression levels of ADAM33 and vimentin compared with those in untreated cells. TGF-β1 treatment also decreased the protein and mRNA expression levels of E-cadherin in a dose-dependent manner. By contrast, transfection with siADAM33 promoted the protein expression of E-cadherin and decreased the protein expression of vimentin. Furthermore, ADAM33 and E-cadherin expression levels exhibited a significant negative correlation, whereas ADAM33 and vimentin were positively correlated. In conclusion, the results suggested that TGF-β1 enhances ADAM33 expression in airway epithelial cells, and that ADAM33 induces the EMT of airway epithelial cells, thus participating in airway remodeling in asthma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liping Fang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210002, P.R. China
| | - Jie Wu
- Cadre Department of Respiratory Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210002, P.R. China
| | - Tao Huang
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710077, P.R. China
| | - Pengpeng Zhang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210002, P.R. China
| | - Xiaofeng Xin
- Cadre Department of Respiratory Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210002, P.R. China
| | - Yi Shi
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210002, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
T1 polymorphism in a disintegrin and metalloproteinase 33 (ADAM33) gene may contribute to the risk of childhood asthma in Asians. Inflamm Res 2017; 66:413-424. [PMID: 28285393 DOI: 10.1007/s00011-017-1024-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2016] [Revised: 01/26/2017] [Accepted: 01/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Polymorphisms in ADAM33 gene have been implicated in susceptibility to the risk of childhood asthma. However, the results remain controversial. We performed meta-analyses to clarify the relationship between them. METHODS Relevant articles were searched in PubMed, Embase, Wanfang, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure. The Odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to assess the strength of the associations. RESULTS Fourteen studies with five ADAM33 polymorphisms (F + 1, T1, T2, S2, and V4) were identified, involving 2687 cases and 2996 controls. ADAM33 F + 1, T2, and T1 polymorphisms showed significant associations with asthma risks in the overall and Caucasian children, Asian children, and Caucasian and Chinese children, respectively; however, these significant results were unstable in sensitivity analysis. T1 revealed significant and stable associations with asthma risks among Asian children in the dominant (OR = 2.00, 95% CI = 1.40-2.87, P = 0.0002) and codominant (OR = 3.06, 95% CI = 1.71-5.50, P = 0.0002) models; in cumulative meta-analyses, these significant results were robust. Concerning S2 or V4 polymorphism, no significant associations were observed. CONCLUSION These findings demonstrate that ADAM33 T1 polymorphism might be a potential susceptible predictor of asthma for Asian children. Further functional studies between this polymorphism and asthma risks are warranted.
Collapse
|
9
|
Duan Y, Long J, Chen J, Jiang X, Zhu J, Jin Y, Lin F, Zhong J, Xu R, Mao L, Deng L. Overexpression of soluble ADAM33 promotes a hypercontractile phenotype of the airway smooth muscle cell in rat. Exp Cell Res 2016; 349:109-118. [PMID: 27720670 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2016.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2016] [Revised: 10/01/2016] [Accepted: 10/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
A disintegrin and metalloproteinase 33 (ADAM33) has been identified as a susceptibility gene for asthma, but details of the causality are not fully understood. We hypothesize that soluble ADAM33 (sADAM33) overexpression can alter the mechanical behaviors of airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) via regulation of the cell's contractile phenotype, and thus contributes to airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) in asthma. To test this hypothesis, we either overexpressed or knocked down the sADAM33 in rat ASMCs by transfecting the cells with sADAM33 coding sequence or a small interfering RNA (siRNA) that specifically targets the ADAM33 disintegrin domain, and subsequently assessed the cells for stiffness, contractility and traction force, together with the expression level of contractile and proliferative phenotype markers. We also investigated whether these changes were dependent on Rho/ROCK pathway by culturing the ASMCs either in the absence or presence of ROCK inhibitor (H1152). The results showed that the ASMCs with sADAM33 overexpression were stiffer and more contractile, generated greater traction force, exhibited increased expression levels of contractile phenotype markers and markedly enhanced Rho activation. Furthermore these changes were largely attenuated when the cells were cultured in the presence of H-1152. However, the knock-down of ADAM33 seemed insufficient to influence majority of the mechanical behaviors of the ASMCs. Taken together, we demonstrated that sADAM33 overexpression altered the mechanical behaviors of ASMCs in vitro, which was most likely by promoting a hypercontractile phenotype transition of ASMCs through Rho/ROCK pathway. This revelation may establish the previously missing link between ADAM33 expression and AHR, and also provide useful insight for targeting sADAM33 in asthma prevention and therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yiyuan Duan
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, and Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, Shapingba, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Jiaoyue Long
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, and Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, Shapingba, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Jun Chen
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, and Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, Shapingba, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Xuemei Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, and Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, Shapingba, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Jian Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, and Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, Shapingba, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Yang Jin
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, and Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, Shapingba, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Feng Lin
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, and Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, Shapingba, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Jun Zhong
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, and Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, Shapingba, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Rong Xu
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, and Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, Shapingba, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Lizheng Mao
- Jiangsu Asialand Biomed-Technology Co. Ltd., Changzhou, Jiangsu 213164, China
| | - Linhong Deng
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, and Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, Shapingba, Chongqing 400030, China; Changzhou Key Laboratory of Respiratory Medical Engineering, Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences, Changzhou University, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213164, China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Suh A, Witt CC, Menger J, Sadanandan KR, Podsiadlowski L, Gerth M, Weigert A, McGuire JA, Mudge J, Edwards SV, Rheindt FE. Ancient horizontal transfers of retrotransposons between birds and ancestors of human pathogenic nematodes. Nat Commun 2016; 7:11396. [PMID: 27097561 PMCID: PMC4844689 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms11396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2015] [Accepted: 03/21/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Parasite host switches may trigger disease emergence, but prehistoric host ranges are often unknowable. Lymphatic filariasis and loiasis are major human diseases caused by the insect-borne filarial nematodes Brugia, Wuchereria and Loa. Here we show that the genomes of these nematodes and seven tropical bird lineages exclusively share a novel retrotransposon, AviRTE, resulting from horizontal transfer (HT). AviRTE subfamilies exhibit 83–99% nucleotide identity between genomes, and their phylogenetic distribution, paleobiogeography and invasion times suggest that HTs involved filarial nematodes. The HTs between bird and nematode genomes took place in two pantropical waves, >25–22 million years ago (Myr ago) involving the Brugia/Wuchereria lineage and >20–17 Myr ago involving the Loa lineage. Contrary to the expectation from the mammal-dominated host range of filarial nematodes, we hypothesize that these major human pathogens may have independently evolved from bird endoparasites that formerly infected the global breadth of avian biodiversity. Lymphatic filariasis and loiasis are diseases caused by insect-borne filarial nematodes. Here, Suh et al. identify a retrotransposon that is present in the genomes of these nematodes and seven tropical bird lineages, indicating two waves of horizontal gene transfer around 17–25 million years ago.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Suh
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Evolutionary Biology Centre (EBC), Uppsala University, SE-752 36 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Christopher C Witt
- Department of Biology and Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, USA
| | - Juliana Menger
- Department of Conservation Biology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ), D-04318 Leipzig, Germany.,Molecular Evolution and Systematics of Animals, Institute of Biology, University of Leipzig, D-04103 Leipzig, Germany.,Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia (INPA), AM 69067-375 Manaus, Brazil
| | - Keren R Sadanandan
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543, Singapore
| | - Lars Podsiadlowski
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, University of Bonn, D-53121 Bonn, Germany
| | - Michael Gerth
- Molecular Evolution and Systematics of Animals, Institute of Biology, University of Leipzig, D-04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Anne Weigert
- Molecular Evolution and Systematics of Animals, Institute of Biology, University of Leipzig, D-04103 Leipzig, Germany.,Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, D-04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Jimmy A McGuire
- Museum of Vertebrate Zoology and Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, USA
| | - Joann Mudge
- National Center for Genome Resources, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87505, USA
| | - Scott V Edwards
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA
| | - Frank E Rheindt
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Dreymueller D, Uhlig S, Ludwig A. ADAM-family metalloproteinases in lung inflammation: potential therapeutic targets. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2014; 308:L325-43. [PMID: 25480335 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00294.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute and chronic lung inflammation is driven and controlled by several endogenous mediators that undergo proteolytic conversion from surface-expressed proteins to soluble variants by a disintegrin and metalloproteinase (ADAM)-family members. TNF and epidermal growth factor receptor ligands are just some of the many substrates by which these proteases regulate inflammatory or regenerative processes in the lung. ADAM10 and ADAM17 are the most prominent members of this protease family. They are constitutively expressed in most lung cells and, as recent research has shown, are the pivotal shedding enzymes mediating acute lung inflammation in a cell-specific manner. ADAM17 promotes endothelial and epithelial permeability, transendothelial leukocyte migration, and inflammatory mediator production by smooth muscle and epithelial cells. ADAM10 is critical for leukocyte migration and alveolar leukocyte recruitment. ADAM10 also promotes allergic asthma by driving B cell responses. Additionally, ADAM10 acts as a receptor for Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) α-toxin and is crucial for bacterial virulence. ADAM8, ADAM9, ADAM15, and ADAM33 are upregulated during acute or chronic lung inflammation, and recent functional or genetic analyses have linked them to disease development. Pharmacological inhibitors that allow us to locally or systemically target and differentiate ADAM-family members in the lung suppress acute and asthmatic inflammatory responses and S. aureus virulence. These promising results encourage further research to develop therapeutic strategies based on selected ADAMs. These studies need also to address the role of the ADAMs in repair and regeneration in the lung to identify further therapeutic opportunities and possible side effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Dreymueller
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Stefan Uhlig
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Andreas Ludwig
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Kong Q, Li WJ, Huang HR, Zhong YQ, Fang JP. Differential gene expression profiles of peripheral blood mononuclear cells in childhood asthma. J Asthma 2014; 52:343-52. [PMID: 25329679 DOI: 10.3109/02770903.2014.971967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Asthma is a common childhood disease with strong genetic components. This study compared whole-genome expression differences between asthmatic young children and healthy controls to identify gene signatures of childhood asthma. METHODS Total RNA extracted from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) was subjected to microarray analysis. QRT-PCR was performed to verify the microarray results. Classification and functional characterization of differential genes were illustrated by hierarchical clustering and gene ontology analysis. Multiple logistic regression (MLR) analysis, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, and discriminate power were used to scan asthma-specific diagnostic markers. RESULTS For fold-change>2 and p < 0.05, there were 758 named differential genes. The results of QRT-PCR confirmed successfully the array data. Hierarchical clustering divided 29 highly possible genes into seven categories and the genes in the same cluster were likely to possess similar expression patterns or functions. Gene ontology analysis presented that differential genes primarily enriched in immune response, response to stress or stimulus, and regulation of apoptosis in biological process. MLR and ROC curve analysis revealed that the combination of ADAM33, Smad7, and LIGHT possessed excellent discriminating power. CONCLUSIONS The combination of ADAM33, Smad7, and LIGHT would be a reliable and useful childhood asthma model for prediction and diagnosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qian Kong
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University , Guangzhou, Guangdong , P.R. China
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Berenguer AG, Fernandes AT, Oliveira S, Rodrigues M, Ornelas P, Romeira D, Serrão T, Rosa A, Câmara R. Genetic polymorphisms and asthma: findings from a case-control study in the Madeira island population. Biol Res 2014; 47:40. [PMID: 25299150 PMCID: PMC4167518 DOI: 10.1186/0717-6287-47-40] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2014] [Accepted: 08/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Asthma is a complex disease influenced by multiple genetic and environmental factors. While Madeira has the highest prevalence of asthma in Portugal (14.6%), the effect of both genetic and environmental factors in this population has never been assessed. We categorized 98 asthma patients according to the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) guidelines, established their sensitization profile, and measured their forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) indexes. Selected single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were analysed as potential markers for asthma susceptibility and severity in the interleukin 4 (IL4), interleukin 13 (IL13), beta-2-adrenergic receptor (ADRB2), a disintegrin and metalloprotease 33 (ADAM33), gasdermin-like (GSDML) and the signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6) genes comparatively to a population reference set. RESULTS Although mites are the major source of allergic sensitization, no significant difference was found amongst asthma severity categories. IL4-590*CT/TT and IL4-RP2*253183/183183 were found to predict the risk (2-fold) and severity (3 to 4-fold) of asthma and were associated with a lower FEV1 index. ADRB2-c.16*AG is a risk factor (3.5-fold), while genotype GSDML-236*TT was protective (4-fold) for moderate-severe asthma. ADAM33-V4*C was associated to asthma and mild asthma by the transmission disequilibrium test (TDT). Finally, ADAM33-V4*CC and STAT6-21*TT were associated with higher sensitization (mean wheal size ≥10 mm) to house dust (1.4-fold) and storage mite (7.8-fold). CONCLUSION In Madeira, IL4-590C/T, IL4-RP2 253/183, GSDML-236C/T and ADAM33-V4C/G SNPs are important risk factors for asthma susceptibility and severity, with implications for asthma healthcare management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anabela Gonçalves Berenguer
- Human Genetics Laboratory, University of Madeira, Funchal, 9000-390, Portugal.
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Oulu, PL 4500, Oulu, 90014, Finland.
| | | | - Susana Oliveira
- Immunoalergology Unit, Dr. Nélio Mendonça Hospital, SESARAM, E.P.E, Funchal, Portugal.
| | - Mariana Rodrigues
- Unit of Statistics, Dr. Nélio Mendonça Hospital, SESARAM, E.P.E, Funchal, Portugal.
| | - Pedro Ornelas
- Immunoalergology Unit, Dr. Nélio Mendonça Hospital, SESARAM, E.P.E, Funchal, Portugal.
| | - Diogo Romeira
- Immunoalergology Unit, Dr. Nélio Mendonça Hospital, SESARAM, E.P.E, Funchal, Portugal.
| | - Tânia Serrão
- Immunoalergology Unit, Dr. Nélio Mendonça Hospital, SESARAM, E.P.E, Funchal, Portugal.
| | - Alexandra Rosa
- Human Genetics Laboratory, University of Madeira, Funchal, 9000-390, Portugal.
- Medical Sciences Unit, Center of Life Sciences, University of Madeira, Funchal, 9000-390, Portugal.
| | - Rita Câmara
- Immunoalergology Unit, Dr. Nélio Mendonça Hospital, SESARAM, E.P.E, Funchal, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
McErlean P, Favoreto S, Costa FF, Shen J, Quraishi J, Biyasheva A, Cooper JJ, Scholtens DM, Vanin EF, de Bonaldo MF, Xie H, Soares MB, Avila PC. Human rhinovirus infection causes different DNA methylation changes in nasal epithelial cells from healthy and asthmatic subjects. BMC Med Genomics 2014; 7:37. [PMID: 24947756 PMCID: PMC4080608 DOI: 10.1186/1755-8794-7-37] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2014] [Accepted: 06/18/2014] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Mechanisms underlying the development of virus-induced asthma exacerbations remain unclear. To investigate if epigenetic mechanisms could be involved in virus-induced asthma exacerbations, we undertook DNA methylation profiling in asthmatic and healthy nasal epithelial cells (NECs) during Human Rhinovirus (HRV) infection in vitro. Methods Global and loci-specific methylation profiles were determined via Alu element and Infinium Human Methylation 450 K microarray, respectively. Principal components analysis identified the genomic loci influenced the most by disease-status and infection. Real-time PCR and pyrosequencing were used to confirm gene expression and DNA methylation, respectively. Results HRV infection significantly increased global DNA methylation in cells from asthmatic subjects only (43.6% to 44.1%, p = 0.04). Microarray analysis revealed 389 differentially methylated loci either based on disease status, or caused by virus infection. There were disease-associated DNA methylation patterns that were not affected by HRV infection as well as HRV-induced DNA methylation changes that were unique to each group. A common methylation locus stood out in response to HRV infection in both groups, where the small nucleolar RNA, H/ACA box 12 (SNORA12) is located. Further analysis indicated that a relationship existed between SNORA12 DNA methylation and gene expression in response to HRV infection. Conclusions We describe for the first time that Human rhinovirus infection causes DNA methylation changes in airway epithelial cells that differ between asthmatic and healthy subjects. These epigenetic differences may possibly explain the mechanism by which respiratory viruses cause asthma exacerbations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Pedro C Avila
- Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Uh ST, Jang AS, Park SW, Park JS, Min CG, Kim YH, Park BL, Shin HD, Kim DS, Park CS. ADAM33 Gene Polymorphisms are Associated with the Risk of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. Lung 2014; 192:525-32. [DOI: 10.1007/s00408-014-9578-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2013] [Accepted: 03/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|
16
|
ADAM metallopeptidase domain 33 (ADAM33): a promising target for asthma. Mediators Inflamm 2014; 2014:572025. [PMID: 24817794 PMCID: PMC4003756 DOI: 10.1155/2014/572025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2013] [Accepted: 02/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the last few years, a significant progress has been made in understanding the role of a disintegrin and metalloproteinase 33 (ADAM33) in asthma. The previous observations for the association with asthma have been replicated in over 33 different population samples worldwide. We and others have performed association analysis and meta-analysis and provided further evidence that several polymorphisms in the ADAM33 are risk factors for asthma, especially in the Asian population. Further, several studies have suggested that alterations in epigenetic marks alter the patterns of DNA methylation of ADAM33 and result in potentially adverse biological effects. Finally, while the biological activities of ADAM33 are as yet unknown, ADAM33 may play a possible role in airway remodeling because of its high expression in epithelium, myo/fibroblasts, and airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) and its role in promoting angiogenesis and stimulating cell proliferation and differentiation. Thus, ADAM33 represents a promising target for asthma. However, further investigations are clearly needed to discover functional ADAM33 gene polymorphisms and the role of genetic/epigenetic factors in conferring genetic susceptibility to environmental exposure induced asthma as well as biological function in asthma. This, in turn, will unlock the possibility of ADAM33 as a target for asthma therapy.
Collapse
|
17
|
Yang IV, Schwartz DA. Epigenetic mechanisms and the development of asthma. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2012; 130:1243-55. [PMID: 23026498 PMCID: PMC3518374 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2012.07.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2012] [Revised: 07/26/2012] [Accepted: 07/27/2012] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Asthma is heritable, influenced by the environment, and modified by in utero exposures and aging; all of these features are also common to epigenetic regulation. Furthermore, the transcription factors that are involved in the development of mature T cells that are critical to the T(H)2 immune phenotype in asthmatic patients are regulated by epigenetic mechanisms. Epigenetic marks (DNA methylation, modifications of histone tails, and noncoding RNAs) work in concert with other components of the cellular regulatory machinery to control the spatial and temporal levels of expressed genes. Technology to measure epigenetic marks on a genomic scale and comprehensive approaches to data analysis have recently emerged and continue to improve. Alterations in epigenetic marks have been associated with exposures relevant to asthma, particularly air pollution and tobacco smoke, as well as asthma phenotypes, in a few population-based studies. On the other hand, animal studies have begun to decipher the role of epigenetic regulation of gene expression associated with the development of allergic airway disease. Epigenetic mechanisms represent a promising line of inquiry that might, in part, explain the inheritance and immunobiology of asthma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ivana V Yang
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Robinson CM, Watson CJ, Baugh JA. Epigenetics within the matrix: a neo-regulator of fibrotic disease. Epigenetics 2012; 7:987-93. [PMID: 22894907 DOI: 10.4161/epi.21567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis of any tissue is characterized by excessive extracellular matrix accumulation that ultimately destroys tissue architecture and eventually abolishes normal organ function. Although much research has focused on the mechanisms underlying disease pathogenesis, there are still no effective antifibrotic therapies that can reverse, stop or delay the formation of scar tissue in most fibrotic organs. As fibrosis can be described as an aberrant wound healing response, a recent hypothesis suggests that the cells involved in this process gain an altered heritable phenotype that promotes excessive fibrotic tissue accumulation. This article will review the most recent observations in a newly emerging field that links epigenetic modifications to the pathogenesis of fibrosis. Specifically, the roles of DNA methylation and histone modifications in fibrotic disease will be discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claire M Robinson
- The Conway Institute, School of Medicine and Medical Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | | |
Collapse
|