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Gao ZX, He T, Zhang P, Hu X, Ge M, Xu YQ, Wang P, Pan HF. Epigenetic regulation of immune cells in systemic lupus erythematosus: insight from chromatin accessibility. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2024; 28:637-649. [PMID: 38943564 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2024.2375372] [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: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/01/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a multi-dimensional autoimmune disease involving numerous tissues throughout the body. The chromatin accessibility landscapes in immune cells play a pivotal role in governing their activation, function, and differentiation. Aberrant modulation of chromatin accessibility in immune cells is intimately associated with the onset and progression of SLE. AREAS COVERED In this review, we described the chromatin accessibility landscapes in immune cells, summarized the recent evidence of chromatin accessibility related to the pathogenesis of SLE, and discussed the potential of chromatin accessibility as a valuable option to identify novel therapeutic targets for this disease. EXPERT OPINION Dynamic changes in chromatin accessibility are intimately related to the pathogenesis of SLE and have emerged as a new direction for exploring its epigenetic mechanisms. The differently accessible chromatin regions in immune cells often contain binding sites for transcription factors (TFs) and cis-regulatory elements such as enhancers and promoters, which may be potential therapeutic targets for SLE. Larger scale cohort studies and integrating epigenomic, transcriptomic, and metabolomic data can provide deeper insights into SLE chromatin biology in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao-Xing Gao
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Department of Epidemiology, Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Tian He
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Department of Epidemiology, Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Department of Epidemiology, Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Xiao Hu
- Department of Epidemiology, Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Teaching Center for Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Man Ge
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Department of Epidemiology, Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yi-Qing Xu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Department of Epidemiology, Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Peng Wang
- Department of Epidemiology, Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Teaching Center for Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Hai-Feng Pan
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Department of Epidemiology, Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Hefei, Anhui, China
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Ferreté-Bonastre AG, Cortés-Hernández J, Ballestar E. What can we learn from DNA methylation studies in lupus? Clin Immunol 2022; 234:108920. [PMID: 34973429 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2021.108920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
During the past twenty years, a wide range of studies have established the existence of epigenetic alterations, particularly DNA methylation changes, in lupus. Epigenetic changes might have different contributions in children-onset versus adult-onset lupus. DNA methylation alterations have been identified and characterized in relation to disease activity and damage, different lupus subtypes and responses to drugs. However, to date there has been no practical application of these findings in the clinical milieu. In this article, we provide a review of key studies showing the relationship between DNA methylation and the many clinical aspects related to lupus. We also propose several options, in relation to the range of methodological developments and experimental design, that could optimize these findings and make them amenable for use in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Esteban Ballestar
- Epigenetics and Immune Disease Group, Josep Carreras Research Institute (IJC), 08916 Badalona, Barcelona, Spain; Epigenetics in Inflammatory and Metabolic Diseases Laboratory, Health Science Center (HSC), East China Normal University (ECNU), Shanghai, 200241, China.
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Wu H, Chang C, Lu Q. The Epigenetics of Lupus Erythematosus. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1253:185-207. [PMID: 32445096 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-15-3449-2_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a life-threatening autoimmune disease that is characterized by dysregulated dendritic cells, T and B cells, and abundant autoantibodies. The pathogenesis of lupus remains unclear. However, increasing evidence has shown that environment factors, genetic susceptibilities, and epigenetic regulation contribute to abnormalities in the immune system. In the past decades, several risk gene loci have been identified, such as MHC and C1q. However, genetics cannot explain the high discordance of lupus incidence in homozygous twins. Environmental factor-induced epigenetic modifications on immune cells may provide some insight. Epigenetics refers to inheritable changes in a chromosome without altering DNA sequence. The primary mechanisms of epigenetics include DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNA regulations. Increasing evidence has shown the importance of dysregulated epigenetic modifications in immune cells in pathogenesis of lupus, and has identified epigenetic changes as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Environmental factors, such as drugs, diet, and pollution, may also be the triggers of epigenetic changes. Therefore, this chapter will summarize the up-to-date progress on epigenetics regulation in lupus, in order to broaden our understanding of lupus and discuss the potential roles of epigenetic regulations for clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haijing Wu
- Department of Dermatology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Christopher Chang
- Division of Pediatric Immunology and Allergy, Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital, Hollywood, FL, 33021, USA.,Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Qianjin Lu
- Department of Dermatology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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Javadi Parvaneh V, Jari M, Motahari S, Rahmani K, Shiari R. Systemic lupus erythematosus flare triggered by a mosquito bite: the first case report. Open Access Rheumatol 2019; 11:117-119. [PMID: 31191050 PMCID: PMC6526278 DOI: 10.2147/oarrr.s201197] [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: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease with a wide, various, and sometimes deceptive clinical and serological manifestations. Environmental factors such as ultraviolet radiation, viral infections, drugs, hormones, and chemicals could trigger SLE flares in genetically predisposed patients. Case report: We presented a 13-year-old girl with the first presentation of systemic lupus erythematosus triggered by a mosquito bite. She presented with a malar rash started after a mosquito bite on her left cheek. She had oral ulcers, photosensitivity, lymphopenia, proteinuria, and positive serologic tests for SLE. Renal biopsy revealed class II lupus nephritis. Conclusion: Environmental factors can trigger the onset of SLE in genetically susceptible cases. Besides microbial agents, UV radiation, hormones, drugs, emotional stresses, immunization, and chemicals are some of the published examples. We presented a case with a mosquito bite as the possible environmental trigger.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vadood Javadi Parvaneh
- Department of Pediatric Rheumatology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohsen Jari
- Department of Pediatric Rheumatology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sheri Motahari
- Department of Pediatric Rheumatology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Khosro Rahmani
- Department of Pediatric Rheumatology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Shiari
- Department of Pediatric Rheumatology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Hiramatsu S, Watanabe KS, Zeggar S, Asano Y, Miyawaki Y, Yamamura Y, Katsuyama E, Katsuyama T, Watanabe H, Takano-Narazaki M, Matsumoto Y, Kawabata T, Sada KE, Wada J. Regulation of Cathepsin E gene expression by the transcription factor Kaiso in MRL/lpr mice derived CD4+ T cells. Sci Rep 2019; 9:3054. [PMID: 30816218 PMCID: PMC6395770 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-38809-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2018] [Accepted: 11/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Global DNA hypomethylation in CD4+ cells in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) was suggested to play a key role in the pathogenesis. To identify new methylation-sensitive genes, we integrated genome-wide DNA methylation and mRNA profiling data in CD4+ cells of MRL/lpr (MRL) and C57BL6/J (B6) mice. We identified Cathepsin E (Ctse), in which 13 methyl-CpGs within 583 bp region of intron 1 were hypomethylated, and Ctse mRNA upregulated in MRL compared with B6 mice. One of methyl-CpGs, mCGCG was 93.3 ± 2.05% methylated in B6 mice, while 80.0 ± 6.2% methylated and mutated to CGGG in MRL mice. Kaiso is known to bind to mCGCG and we hypothesized that it represses expression of Ctse in B6 mice. The binding of Kaiso to mCGCG site in B6 mice was reduced in MRL mice revealed by ChIP-PCR. EL4 cells treated with 5-azaC and/or Trichostatin A showed the suppression of binding of Kaiso to mCGCG motif by ChIP-PCR and the overexpression of Ctse was demonstrated by qPCR. Ctse gene silencing by siRNA in EL4 cells resulted in reduction of IL-10 secretion. The hypomethylation of mCGCG motif, reduced recruitment of Kaiso, and increased expression of Ctse and Il-10 in CD4+ cells may be involved in the pathogenesis of SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumie Hiramatsu
- Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Katsue S Watanabe
- Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Sonia Zeggar
- Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Yosuke Asano
- Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Yoshia Miyawaki
- Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Yuriko Yamamura
- Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Eri Katsuyama
- Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Takayuki Katsuyama
- Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Haruki Watanabe
- Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Mariko Takano-Narazaki
- Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Matsumoto
- Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Tomoko Kawabata
- Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Ken-Ei Sada
- Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Jun Wada
- Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan.
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Farivar S, Aghamaleki FS. Effects of Major Epigenetic Factors on Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. IRANIAN BIOMEDICAL JOURNAL 2018; 22:294-302. [PMID: 29803202 PMCID: PMC6058186 DOI: 10.29252/ibj.22.5.294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2018] [Revised: 04/24/2018] [Accepted: 04/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is influenced by both genetic factors and epigenetic modifications; the latter is a result of exposure to various environmental factors. Epigenetic modifications affect gene expression and alter cellular functions without modifying the genomic sequences. CpG-DNA methylation, histone modifications, and miRNAs are the main epigenetic factors of gene regulation. In SLE, global and gene-specific DNA methylation changes have been demonstrated to occur in CD4+ T-cells. Moreover, histone acetylation and deacetylation inhibitors reverse the expression of multiple genes involved in SLE, indicating histone modification in SLE. Autoreactive T-cells and B-cells have been shown to alter the patterns of epigenetic changes in SLE patients. Understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of SLE is critical for the introduction of effective, target-directed and tolerated therapies. In this review, we summarize the recent findings that highlight the importance of epigenetic modifications and their mechanisms in SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirin Farivar
- Dept. of Molecular and Cell Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University G.C. Tehran, Iran
| | - Fateme Shaabanpour Aghamaleki
- Dept. of Molecular and Cell Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University G.C. Tehran, Iran
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Environmental triggers in systemic lupus erythematosus. Semin Arthritis Rheum 2017; 47:710-717. [PMID: 29169635 DOI: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2017.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2017] [Revised: 09/20/2017] [Accepted: 10/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that can affect almost any organ in the human body. Despite significant advancements in our understanding of SLE over the recent years, its exact mode of onset and disease progression remains elusive. Low concordance rates among monozygotic twins with SLE (as low as 24%), clustering of disease prevalence around polluted regions and an urban-rural difference in prevalence all highlight the importance of environmental influences in SLE. Experimental data strongly suggests a complex interaction between the exposome (or environmental influences) and genome (genetic material) to produce epigenetic changes (epigenome) that can alter the expression of genetic material and lead to development of disease in the susceptible individual. In this review, we focus on the available literature to explore the role of environmental factors in SLE disease onset and progression and to better understand the role of exposome-epigenome-genome interactions in this dreaded disease.
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Zhang M, Fang X, Wang GS, Ma Y, Jin L, Li XM, Li XP. Ultraviolet B decreases DNA methylation level of CD4+ T cells in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Inflammopharmacology 2017; 25:203-210. [PMID: 28190128 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-017-0321-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2016] [Accepted: 01/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In the present study, DNA methylation level of CD4+ T cells exposed to ultraviolet B (UVB) was investigated and its potential mechanisms were also explored. METHODS CD4+ T cells from 12 cases of healthy subjects and 33 cases of SLE patients were isolated and exposed to different dosages (0, 50, 100 mJ/cm2) of UVB. Further, SLE patients were divided into two groups: active SLE group (22 cases, SLEDAI scores >4) and inactive SLE group (11 cases, SLEDAI scores ≤4). DNA methylation was evaluated by the Methylamp™ Global DNA Methylation Quantification Ultra Kit. The mRNA and protein expression levels of DNA methyltransferases (DNMT1 and DNMT3A) were detected by real-time PCR and western blot, respectively. RESULTS The levels of DNA methylation and DNMT3A mRNA in SLE patients were significantly decreased compared with those in healthy subjects at baseline. After different dosages of ultraviolet irradiation (0, 50 and 100 mJ/cm2), DNA methylation levels of CD4+ T cells were all reduced in a dose-dependent manner in three subgroups. Additionally, 100 mJ/cm2 ultraviolet irradiation in active SLE group contributed to a significant decrease of both DNA methylation and DNMT3A mRNA levels in CD4+ T cells. UVB exposure had no significant effects on expression levels of DNMT1 mRNA and protein and DNMT3A protein. CONCLUSION UVB decreases DNA methylation level of CD4+ T cells in SLE patients probably via inhibiting DNMT3A mRNA expression level, which needs to be further explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Anhui Provincial Hospital, Anhui Medical University, No. 17 Lujiang Road, Hefei, 230001, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuan Fang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Anhui Provincial Hospital, Anhui Medical University, No. 17 Lujiang Road, Hefei, 230001, People's Republic of China
| | - Guo-Sheng Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Anhui Provincial Hospital, Anhui Medical University, No. 17 Lujiang Road, Hefei, 230001, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Ma
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Anhui Provincial Hospital, Anhui Medical University, No. 17 Lujiang Road, Hefei, 230001, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Jin
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Anhui Provincial Hospital, Anhui Medical University, No. 17 Lujiang Road, Hefei, 230001, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Mei Li
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Anhui Provincial Hospital, Anhui Medical University, No. 17 Lujiang Road, Hefei, 230001, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiang-Pei Li
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Anhui Provincial Hospital, Anhui Medical University, No. 17 Lujiang Road, Hefei, 230001, People's Republic of China.
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Yeung KS, Chung BHY, Choufani S, Mok MY, Wong WL, Mak CCY, Yang W, Lee PPW, Wong WHS, Chen YA, Grafodatskaya D, Wong RWS, Lau CS, Chan DTM, Weksberg R, Lau YL. Genome-Wide DNA Methylation Analysis of Chinese Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Identified Hypomethylation in Genes Related to the Type I Interferon Pathway. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0169553. [PMID: 28085900 PMCID: PMC5234836 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0169553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2016] [Accepted: 12/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Epigenetic variants have been shown in recent studies to be important contributors to the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Here, we report a 2-step study of discovery followed by replication to identify DNA methylation alterations associated with SLE in a Chinese population. Using a genome-wide DNA methylation microarray, the Illumina Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChip, we compared the methylation levels of CpG sites in DNA extracted from white blood cells from 12 female Chinese SLE patients and 10 healthy female controls. Results We identified 36 CpG sites with differential loss of DNA methylation and 8 CpG sites with differential gain of DNA methylation, representing 25 genes and 7 genes, respectively. Surprisingly, 42% of the hypomethylated CpG sites were located in CpG shores, which indicated the functional importance of the loss of DNA methylation. Microarray results were replicated in another cohort of 100 SLE patients and 100 healthy controls by performing bisulfite pyrosequencing of four hypomethylated genes, MX1, IFI44L, NLRC5 and PLSCR1. In addition, loss of DNA methylation in these genes was associated with an increase in mRNA expression. Gene ontology analysis revealed that the hypomethylated genes identified in the microarray study were overrepresented in the type I interferon pathway, which has long been implicated in the pathogenesis of SLE. Conclusion Our epigenetic findings further support the importance of the type I interferon pathway in SLE pathogenesis. Moreover, we showed that the DNA methylation signatures of SLE can be defined in unfractionated white blood cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kit San Yeung
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Brian Hon-Yin Chung
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- * E-mail:
| | - Sanaa Choufani
- Genetics and Genome Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, Canada
| | - Mo Yin Mok
- Department of Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, The City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wai Lap Wong
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Christopher Chun Yu Mak
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wanling Yang
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Pamela Pui Wah Lee
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wilfred Hing Sang Wong
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yi-an Chen
- Genetics and Genome Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, Canada
| | - Daria Grafodatskaya
- Genetics and Genome Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, Canada
| | - Raymond Woon Sing Wong
- Department of Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chak Sing Lau
- Department of Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Daniel Tak Mao Chan
- Department of Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Rosanna Weksberg
- Genetics and Genome Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, Canada
- Division of Clinical and Metabolic Genetics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science and Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yu-Lung Lau
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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The key culprit in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus: Aberrant DNA methylation. Autoimmun Rev 2016; 15:684-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2016.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2016] [Accepted: 02/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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Jeffries MA, Sawalha AH. Autoimmune disease in the epigenetic era: how has epigenetics changed our understanding of disease and how can we expect the field to evolve? Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2015; 11:45-58. [PMID: 25534978 DOI: 10.1586/1744666x.2015.994507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Autoimmune diseases are complex and enigmatic, and have presented particular challenges to researchers seeking to define their etiology and explain progression. Previous studies have implicated epigenetic influences in the development of autoimmunity. Epigenetics describes changes in gene expression related to environmental influences without alterations in the underlying genomic sequence, generally classified into three main groups: cytosine genomic DNA methylation, modification of various sidechain positions of histone proteins and noncoding RNAs feedback. The purpose of this article is to review the most relevant literature describing alterations of epigenetic marks in the development and progression of four common autoimmune diseases: systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic sclerosis and Sjögren's syndrome. The contribution of DNA methylation, histone modification and noncoding RNA for each of these disorders is discussed, including examples both of candidate gene studies and larger epigenomics surveys, and in various tissue types important for the pathogenesis of each. The future of the field is speculated briefly, as is the possibility of therapeutic interventions targeting the epigenome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matlock A Jeffries
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
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Wu H, Zhao M, Chang C, Lu Q. The real culprit in systemic lupus erythematosus: abnormal epigenetic regulation. Int J Mol Sci 2015; 16:11013-33. [PMID: 25988383 PMCID: PMC4463688 DOI: 10.3390/ijms160511013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2015] [Revised: 05/08/2015] [Accepted: 05/11/2015] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease involving multiple organs and the presence of anti-nuclear antibodies. The pathogenesis of SLE has been intensively studied but remains far from clear. B and T lymphocyte abnormalities, dysregulation of apoptosis, defects in the clearance of apoptotic materials, and various genetic and epigenetic factors are attributed to the development of SLE. The latest research findings point to the association between abnormal epigenetic regulation and SLE, which has attracted considerable interest worldwide. It is the purpose of this review to present and discuss the relationship between aberrant epigenetic regulation and SLE, including DNA methylation, histone modifications and microRNAs in patients with SLE, the possible mechanisms of immune dysfunction caused by epigenetic changes, and to better understand the roles of aberrant epigenetic regulation in the initiation and development of SLE and to provide an insight into the related therapeutic options in SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haijing Wu
- Department of Dermatology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, Changsha 410011, China.
| | - Ming Zhao
- Department of Dermatology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, Changsha 410011, China.
| | - Christopher Chang
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California at Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
| | - Qianjin Lu
- Department of Dermatology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, Changsha 410011, China.
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Mackie FE, Kainer G, Adib N, Boros C, Elliott EJ, Fahy R, Munro J, Murray K, Rosenberg A, Wainstein B, Ziegler JB, Singh-Grewal D. The national incidence and clinical picture of SLE in children in Australia – a report from the Australian Paediatric Surveillance Unit. Lupus 2014; 24:66-73. [DOI: 10.1177/0961203314552118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Objectives The objectives of this paper are to prospectively determine the incidence of paediatric systemic lupus erythematosus (pSLE) in Australia as well as describe the demographics, clinical presentation and one-year outcome. Study design Newly diagnosed cases of pSLE were ascertained prospectively from October 2009 to October 2011 through the Australian Paediatric Surveillance Unit (a national monthly surveillance scheme for notification of childhood rare diseases) as well as national subspecialty groups. Questionnaires were sent to notifying physicians at presentation and at one year. Results The annual incidence rate was 0.32 per 105 children aged less than 16 years. The incidence was significantly higher in children of Asian or Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents. Approximately one-third of children underwent a renal biopsy at presentation and 7% required dialysis initially although only one child had end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) at one-year follow-up. Conclusion The incidence of pSLE in Australia is comparable to that worldwide with a significantly higher incidence seen in children of Asian and Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds. Renal involvement is common but progression to ESKD, at least in the short term, is rare.
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Affiliation(s)
- F E Mackie
- Department of Nephrology, Sydney Children’s Hospital and University of NSW, Australia
| | - G Kainer
- Department of Nephrology, Sydney Children’s Hospital and University of NSW, Australia
| | - N Adib
- Queensland Paediatric Rheumatology Services, Australia
| | - C Boros
- Discipline of Paediatrics, University of Adelaide and Rheumatology, Women and Children’s Health Network, Adelaide, Australia
| | - E J Elliott
- Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Australia
| | - R Fahy
- Department of Paediatrics, Alice Springs Hospital, Australia
| | - J Munro
- Rheumatology Unit, Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - K Murray
- Princess Margaret Hospital for Children, Perth, Australia
| | - A Rosenberg
- Department of Nephrology, Sydney Children’s Hospital and University of NSW, Australia
| | - B Wainstein
- Department of Immunology, Sydney Children’s Hospital, Australia
| | - J B Ziegler
- Department of Immunology, Sydney Children’s Hospital, Australia
| | - D Singh-Grewal
- Department of Rheumatology, Sydney Children’s Hospital Network, Australia
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Dynamic Alu methylation during normal development, aging, and tumorigenesis. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:784706. [PMID: 25243180 PMCID: PMC4163490 DOI: 10.1155/2014/784706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2014] [Accepted: 08/16/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
DNA methylation primarily occurs on CpG dinucleotides and plays an important role in transcriptional regulations during tissue development and cell differentiation. Over 25% of CpG dinucleotides in the human genome reside within Alu elements, the most abundant human repeats. The methylation of Alu elements is an important mechanism to suppress Alu transcription and subsequent retrotransposition. Decades of studies revealed that Alu methylation is highly dynamic during early development and aging. Recently, many environmental factors were shown to have a great impact on Alu methylation. In addition, aberrant Alu methylation has been documented to be an early event in many tumors and Alu methylation levels have been associated with tumor aggressiveness. The assessment of the Alu methylation has become an important approach for early diagnosis and/or prognosis of cancer. This review focuses on the dynamic Alu methylation during development, aging, and tumor genesis. The cause and consequence of Alu methylation changes will be discussed.
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Abstract
Autoimmune disease manifests in numerous forms, but as a disease group is relatively common in the population. It is complex in aetiology, with genetic and environmental determinants. The involvement of gene variants in autoimmune disease is well established, and evidence for significant involvement of the environment in various disease forms is growing. These factors may act independently, or they may interact, with the effect of one factor influenced by the presence of another. Identifying combinations of genetic and environmental factors that interact in autoimmune disease has the capacity to more fully explain disease risk profile, and to uncover underlying molecular mechanisms contributing to disease pathogenesis. In turn, such knowledge is likely to contribute significantly to the development of personalised medicine, and targeted preventative approaches. In this review, we consider the current evidence for gene-environment (G-E) interaction in autoimmune disease. Large-scale G-E interaction research efforts, while well-justified, face significant practical and methodological challenges. However, it is clear from the evidence that has already been generated that knowledge on how genes and environment interact at a biological level will be crucial in fully understanding the processes that manifest as autoimmunity.
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Al-Shamahy HA, Dhaifallah NHM, Al-Ezzy YM. Clinical and laboratory manifestations of yemeni patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Sultan Qaboos Univ Med J 2014; 14:e80-7. [PMID: 24516759 DOI: 10.12816/0003340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2013] [Revised: 10/11/2013] [Accepted: 10/31/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterised by multi-systemic involvement. This is the first study undertaken to determine the relationships between serological marker positivity and age, gender, signs and symptoms, risk factors and the treatment of SLE in Yemen. METHODS We investigated the cases of 149 patients with SLE admitted to Al-Thawra Hospital in Sana'a city between November 2009 and November 2010. Of the 149 patients, females represented 75.2% and males, 24.8%. RESULTS The most frequent presenting signs and symptoms were fatigue (84.6%), fever (81.9%), arthropathy (81.2%), anaemia (64.4%), photosensitivity (54.4%), renal involvement (53%), malar rash (52.3%), and alopecia (49%). Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) were detected in 95.3% of the patients and were associated significantly with most clinical presentations, except weight loss, hypertension and serositis. Anti-ds deoxyribonucleic acid (anti-dsDNA) was detected in 59.7% of the patients, and was associated significantly with fever and fatigue. Anti-Smith (anti-Sm) antibodies were detected in 27.5% of the patients, but were not significantly associated with all clinical presentations. Social stress was the most important risk factor for inducing SLE, with an odds ratio (OR) of 6.0, followed by common exposure to sunlight (OR = 2.2). CONCLUSION In this study, SLE was more prevalent among females and young adults. The clinical presentation was characterised by a high incidence of fatigue and fever, and a low incidence of oral ulcers and serositis. ANA was associated with most clinical presentations except weight loss, hypertension, and serositis. Anti-dsDNA antibodies were most frequently associated with fever, fatigue and hypertension. There was no significant association of the anti-Sm antibodies with any clinical presentations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan A Al-Shamahy
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Sana'a University, Sana'a, Yemen
| | - Najla H M Dhaifallah
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Sana'a University, Sana'a, Yemen
| | - Yahya M Al-Ezzy
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Sana'a University, Sana'a, Yemen
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Fali T, Le Dantec C, Thabet Y, Jousse S, Hanrotel C, Youinou P, Brooks WH, Perl A, Renaudineau Y. DNA methylation modulates HRES1/p28 expression in B cells from patients with Lupus. Autoimmunity 2013; 47:265-71. [PMID: 24117194 DOI: 10.3109/08916934.2013.826207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) disease is an autoimmune disease of unknown aetiology that affects predominantly women of child bearing age. Since previous studies, including ours, have demonstrated that CD4+ T cells and B cells from SLE patients are defective in their ability to methylate their DNA upon antigen stimulation, the aim of this study was to investigate whether DNA demethylation affects the transcription of HRES-1 in B cells. HRES-1 is the prototype of Human Endogenous Retrovirus (HERV) overexpressed in SLE. We have observed that SLE B cells were characterized by their incapacity to methylate the HRES-1 promoter, both in unstimulated and in anti-IgM stimulated B cells. In turn, HRES-1/p28 expression was increased in SLE B cells after B cell receptor engagement, but not in controls. In SLE B cells the Erk/DNMT1 pathway was defective. In addition, blocking the autocrine-loop of IL-6 in SLE B cells with an anti-IL-6 receptor monoclonal antibody restores DNA methylation and control of HRES-1/p28 expression became effective. As a consequence, a better understanding of HERV dysregulation in SLE reinforces our comprehension of the disease and opens new therapeutic perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tinhinane Fali
- EA2216 "Immunology, Pathology and Immunotherapy", University of Brittany, SFR ScinBios and Labex Igo "Immunotherapy Graft, Oncology" , Brest , France
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Wu Z, Li X, Qin H, Zhu X, Xu J, Shi W. Ultraviolet B enhances DNA hypomethylation of CD4+ T cells in systemic lupus erythematosus via inhibiting DNMT1 catalytic activity. J Dermatol Sci 2013; 71:167-73. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jdermsci.2013.04.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2013] [Revised: 04/11/2013] [Accepted: 04/18/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Nakkuntod J, Sukkapan P, Avihingsanon Y, Mutirangura A, Hirankarn N. DNA methylation of human endogenous retrovirus in systemic lupus erythematosus. J Hum Genet 2013; 58:241-9. [PMID: 23466822 DOI: 10.1038/jhg.2013.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have reported that T cells from active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients contained global hypomethylation and demethylation at the promoter of several genes, which may contribute to the pathogenesis of the disease. Currently there are scarce data on methylation of retroelements in patients with SLE. We estimated and compared the methylated levels of human endogenous retroviruses (HERV)-E and HERV-K in normal and SLE CD3+CD4+ T lymphocytes, CD8+ T and B lymphocytes by using combined bisulfite restriction analysis-interspersed repetitive sequences (COBRA-IRS). HERV-E LTR2C methylation level in CD3+CD4+ T lymphocytes of active SLE was significantly lower than inactive SLE and normal controls (P=0.023 and 0.035, respectively). Surprisingly, HERV-K LTR5_Hs hypomethylation was significantly detected in CD3+CD4+ T lymphocytes from patients with inactive SLE when compared with the active SLE and normal controls (P=0.027 and 0.002, respectively). Demethylation of HERV-K LTR5_Hs in B cells was also detected when compared with the normal controls (P=0.048). Furthermore, the hypomethylation of HERV-E LTR2C in CD3+CD4+ T lymphocytes was positively correlated with lymphopenia in active SLE, whereas the hypomethylation of HERV-K LTR5_Hs was significantly correlated with complement activity and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index score. In summary, for each lymphocyte subset in patients with SLE, IRS hypomethylation was found to be type specific. Further studies are needed to confirm and explain these observations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeerawat Nakkuntod
- Medical Microbiology Interdisciplinary Program, Graduate School Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
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MicroRNA-29b contributes to DNA hypomethylation of CD4+ T cells in systemic lupus erythematosus by indirectly targeting DNA methyltransferase 1. J Dermatol Sci 2013; 69:61-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jdermsci.2012.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2012] [Revised: 10/08/2012] [Accepted: 10/16/2012] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Hedrich CM, Rauen T, Tsokos GC. cAMP-responsive element modulator (CREM)α protein signaling mediates epigenetic remodeling of the human interleukin-2 gene: implications in systemic lupus erythematosus. J Biol Chem 2011; 286:43429-36. [PMID: 21976679 PMCID: PMC3234875 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m111.299339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2011] [Revised: 09/28/2011] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
IL-2 is a key cytokine during proliferation and activation of T lymphocytes and functions as an auto- and paracrine growth factor. Regardless of activating effects on T lymphocytes, the absence of IL-2 has been linked to the development of autoimmune pathology in mice and humans. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multifactorial autoimmune disease and characterized by dysregulation of lymphocyte function, transcription factor and cytokine expression, and antigen presentation. Reduced IL-2 expression is a hallmark of SLE T lymphocytes and results in decreased numbers of regulatory T lymphocytes which play an important role in preventing autoimmunity. Reduced IL-2 expression was linked to overproduction of the transcription regulatory factor cAMP-responsive element modulator (CREM)α in SLE T lymphocytes and subsequent CREMα binding to a CRE site within the IL2 promoter (-180 CRE). In this study, we demonstrate the involvement of CREMα-mediated IL2 silencing in T lymphocytes from SLE patients through a gene-wide histone deacetylase 1-directed deacetylation of histone H3K18 and DNA methyltransferase 3a-directed cytosine phosphate guanosine (CpG)-DNA hypermethylation. For the first time, we provide direct evidence that CREMα mediates silencing of the IL2 gene in SLE T cells though histone deacetylation and CpG-DNA methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian M. Hedrich
- From the Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115 and
| | - Thomas Rauen
- From the Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115 and
- the Department of Nephrology and Clinical Immunology, RWTH University of Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - George C. Tsokos
- From the Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115 and
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Hedrich CM, Tsokos GC. Epigenetic mechanisms in systemic lupus erythematosus and other autoimmune diseases. Trends Mol Med 2011; 17:714-24. [PMID: 21885342 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2011.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2011] [Revised: 07/14/2011] [Accepted: 07/18/2011] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The pathogenic origin of autoimmune diseases can be traced to both genetic susceptibility and epigenetic modifications arising from exposure to the environment. Epigenetic modifications influence gene expression and alter cellular functions without modifying the genomic sequence. CpG-DNA methylation, histone tail modifications and microRNAs (miRNAs) are the main epigenetic mechanisms of gene regulation. Understanding the molecular mechanisms that are involved in the pathophysiology of autoimmune diseases is essential for the introduction of effective, target-directed and tolerated therapies. In this review, we summarize recent findings that signify the importance of epigenetic modifications in autoimmune disorders while focusing on systemic lupus erythematosus. We also discuss future directions in basic research, autoimmune diagnostics and applied therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian M Hedrich
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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Jeffries MA, Sawalha AH. Epigenetics in systemic lupus erythematosus: leading the way for specific therapeutic agents. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 6:423-439. [PMID: 22184503 DOI: 10.2217/ijr.11.32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disorder of an unclearly determined etiology. Past studies, both epidemiological and biological, have implicated epigenetic influences in disease etiology and pathogenesis. Epigenetics describes changes in gene expression not linked to alterations in the underlying genomic sequence, and is most often typified by three modifications: methylation of DNA, addition of various side chains to histone groups and transcriptional regulation via short ncRNA sequences. The purpose of this article is to review the most important advances that link epigenetic changes to lupus. The contribution of DNA methylation changes to lupus pathogenesis is discussed. These include the role of apoptotic DNA, ultraviolet radiation, endogenous retroviruses, dietary contributions and aging. Hypomethylation of specific genes overexpressed in lupus T cells such as ITGAL (CD11a), CD40LG (CD40L), TNFSF7 (CD70), KIR2DL4 and PRF1 (perforin), and CD5 in lupus B cells seem to play an important role. Moreover, histone modifications such as increased global H4 acetylation in monocytes are highly associated with SLE. NcRNAs, especially miR-21, miR-148a and miR-126, control other elements of epigenetic regulation; particularly, transcription of the maintenance DNA methylation enzyme DNMT1. Epigenetic contributions to SLE etiology have been well established, but much is still unknown. Epigenome-wide studies coupled with functional analysis of the epigenomic changes discovered will uncover novel pathways important in disease pathogenesis. Epigenetic therapies for SLE may be feasible in the future, particularly if they are designed to target specific regions within the genome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matlock A Jeffries
- Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
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Sunahori K, Juang YT, Kyttaris VC, Tsokos GC. Promoter hypomethylation results in increased expression of protein phosphatase 2A in T cells from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2011; 186:4508-17. [PMID: 21346232 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1000340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The catalytic subunit α isoform of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2Acα) activity, protein, and mRNA have been found increased in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) T cells and to contribute to decreased IL-2 production. The PP2Acα promoter activity is controlled epigenetically through the methylation of a CpG within a cAMP response element (CRE) motif defined by its promoter. We considered that hypomethylation may account for the increased expression of PP2Acα in patients with SLE. Using bisulfite sequencing, we found that SLE T cells displayed decreased DNA methylation in the promoter region compared with normal T cells. More importantly, we found that the CRE-defined CpG, which binds p-CREB, is significantly less methylated in SLE compared with normal T cells, and the levels of methylation correlated with decreased amounts of DNA methyltransferase 1 transcripts. Methylation intensity correlated inversely with levels of PP2Acα mRNA and SLE disease activity. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays revealed more binding of p-CREB to the CRE site in SLE T cells, resulting in increased expression of PP2Acα. We propose that PP2Acα represents a new methylation-sensitive gene that, like the previously reported CD70 and CD11a, contributes to the pathogenesis of SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katsue Sunahori
- Division of Rheumatology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Norval M, Lucas RM, Cullen AP, de Gruijl FR, Longstreth J, Takizawa Y, van der Leun JC. The human health effects of ozone depletion and interactions with climate change. Photochem Photobiol Sci 2011; 10:199-225. [PMID: 21253670 DOI: 10.1039/c0pp90044c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer has led to increased solar UV-B radiation (280-315 nm) at the surface of the Earth. This change is likely to have had an impact on human exposure to UV-B radiation with consequential detrimental and beneficial effects on health, although behavioural changes in society over the past 60 years or so with regard to sun exposure are of considerable importance. The present report concentrates on information published since our previous report in 2007. The adverse effects of UV radiation are primarily on the eye and the skin. While solar UV radiation is a recognised risk factor for some types of cataract and for pterygium, the evidence is less strong, although increasing, for ocular melanoma, and is equivocal at present for age-related macular degeneration. For the skin, the most common harmful outcome is skin cancer, including melanoma and the non-melanoma skin cancers, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. The incidence of all three of these tumours has risen significantly over the past five decades, particularly in people with fair skin, and is projected to continue to increase, thus posing a significant world-wide health burden. Overexposure to the sun is the major identified environmental risk factor in skin cancer, in association with various genetic risk factors and immune effects. Suppression of some aspects of immunity follows exposure to UV radiation and the consequences of this modulation for the immune control of infectious diseases, for vaccination and for tumours, are additional concerns. In a common sun allergy (polymorphic light eruption), there is an imbalance in the immune response to UV radiation, resulting in a sun-evoked rash. The major health benefit of exposure to solar UV-B radiation is the production of vitamin D. Vitamin D plays a crucial role in bone metabolism and is also implicated in protection against a wide range of diseases. Although there is some evidence supporting protective effects for a range of internal cancers, this is not yet conclusive, but strongest for colorectal cancer, at present. A role for vitamin D in protection against several autoimmune diseases has been studied, with the most convincing results to date for multiple sclerosis. Vitamin D is starting to be assessed for its protective properties against several infectious and coronary diseases. Current methods for protecting the eye and the skin from the adverse effects of solar UV radiation are evaluated, including seeking shade, wearing protective clothing and sunglasses, and using sunscreens. Newer possibilities are considered such as creams that repair UV-induced DNA damage, and substances applied topically to the skin or eaten in the diet that protect against some of the detrimental effects of sun exposure. It is difficult to provide easily understandable public health messages regarding "safe" sun exposure, so that the positive effects of vitamin D production are balanced against the negative effects of excessive exposure. The international response to ozone depletion has included the development and deployment of replacement technologies and chemicals. To date, limited evidence suggests that substitutes for the ozone-depleting substances do not have significant effects on human health. In addition to stratospheric ozone depletion, climate change is predicted to affect human health, and potential interactions between these two parameters are considered. These include altering the risk of developing skin tumours, infectious diseases and various skin diseases, in addition to altering the efficiency by which pathogenic microorganisms are inactivated in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Norval
- Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh Medical School, Edinburgh, EH8 9AG, Scotland.
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