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Saikumar Jayalatha AK, Ketelaar ME, Hesse L, Badi YE, Zounemat-Kermani N, Brouwer S, Dijk NF, van den Berge M, Guryev V, Sayers I, Vonk JE, Adcock IM, Koppelman GH, Nawijn MC. IL-33 induced gene expression in activated Th2 effector cells is dependent on IL-1RL1 haplotype and asthma status. Eur Respir J 2024; 63:2400005. [PMID: 38843913 PMCID: PMC11187316 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.00005-2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
Asthma is a heterogeneous respiratory disease caused by the interaction between environmental and genetic factors [1]. The IL-33 and IL-1RL1 genes are strongly associated with childhood-onset and type-2 high asthma, and the asthma risk alleles amplify interleukin (IL)-33 pathway activity [2]. Environmental factors, such as allergens and viral infections, trigger bronchial epithelial cells to release IL-33, which can activate signalling by binding to the IL-1RL1/IL-1RAcP receptor complex [3], and contribute to hyper-responsiveness, remodelling and chronic type 2 inflammation of the airways [4]. IL-33 response in Th2 cells is specific to asthma and represents a high risk haplotype, highlighting its role in airway wall cells. Yet, its detection is challenging in bulk asthma transcriptomes due to the scarcity of effector Th2 cells. https://bit.ly/3WhuMbo
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Affiliation(s)
- Akshaya Keerthi Saikumar Jayalatha
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, GRIAC Research Institute, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Shared first authorship
| | - Marlies E Ketelaar
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, GRIAC Research Institute, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Groningen, The Netherlands
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, GRIAC Research Institute, Beatrix Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatric Pulmonology and Pediatric Allergology, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Shared first authorship
| | - Laura Hesse
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, GRIAC Research Institute, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Shared first authorship
| | - Yusef E Badi
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Department of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Nazanin Zounemat-Kermani
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Department of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Sharon Brouwer
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, GRIAC Research Institute, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Nicole F Dijk
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, GRIAC Research Institute, Beatrix Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatric Pulmonology and Pediatric Allergology, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Maarten van den Berge
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, GRIAC Research Institute, Department of Pulmonary Diseases, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Victor Guryev
- University of Groningen, GRIAC Research Institute and European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ian Sayers
- Centre for Respiratory Research, NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Judith E Vonk
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, GRIAC Research institute, Department of Epidemiology, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ian M Adcock
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Department of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Gerard H Koppelman
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, GRIAC Research Institute, Beatrix Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatric Pulmonology and Pediatric Allergology, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Martijn C Nawijn
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, GRIAC Research Institute, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Groningen, The Netherlands
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2
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Yang T, Wan R, Tu W, Avvaru SN, Gao P. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor: Linking environment to aging process in elderly patients with asthma. Chin Med J (Engl) 2024; 137:382-393. [PMID: 38238253 PMCID: PMC10876263 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000002960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Aging is a significant risk factor for various diseases, including asthma, and it often leads to poorer clinical outcomes, particularly in elderly individuals. It is recognized that age-related diseases are due to a time-dependent accumulation of cellular damage, resulting in a progressive decline in cellular and physiological functions and an increased susceptibility to chronic diseases. The effects of aging affect not only the elderly but also those of younger ages, posing significant challenges to global healthcare. Thus, understanding the molecular mechanisms associated with aging in different diseases is essential. One intriguing factor is the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), which serves as a cytoplasmic receptor and ligand-activated transcription factor and has been linked to the aging process. Here, we review the literature on several major hallmarks of aging, including mitochondrial dysfunction, cellular senescence, autophagy, mitophagy, epigenetic alterations, and microbiome disturbances. Moreover, we provide an overview of the impact of AhR on these hallmarks by mediating responses to environmental exposures, particularly in relation to the immune system. Furthermore, we explore how aging hallmarks affect clinical characteristics, inflammatory features, exacerbations, and the treatment of asthma. It is suggested that AhR signaling may potentially play a role in regulating asthma phenotypes in elderly populations as part of the aging process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianrui Yang
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, China
| | - Rongjun Wan
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Wei Tu
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
- The State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease for Allergy, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Shenzhen University School of Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Sai Nithin Avvaru
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Peisong Gao
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
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3
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El-Husseini ZW, Khalenkow D, Lan A, van der Molen T, Brightling C, Papi A, Rabe KF, Siddiqui S, Singh D, Kraft M, Beghe B, van den Berge M, van Gosliga D, Nawijn MC, Rose-John S, Koppelman GH, Gosens R. An epithelial gene signature of trans-IL-6 signaling defines a subgroup of type 2-low asthma. Respir Res 2023; 24:308. [PMID: 38062491 PMCID: PMC10704725 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-023-02617-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Asthma is stratified into type 2-high and type 2-low inflammatory phenotypes. Limited success has been achieved in developing drugs that target type 2-low inflammation. Previous studies have linked IL-6 signaling to severe asthma. IL-6 cooperates with soluble-IL-6Rα to activate cell signaling in airway epithelium. OBJECTIVE We sought to study the role of sIL-6Rα amplified IL-6 signaling in airway epithelium and to develop an IL-6+ sIL-6Rα gene signature that may be used to select asthma patients who potentially respond to anti-IL-6 therapy. METHODS Human airway epithelial cells were stimulated with combinations of IL-6, sIL-6Rα, and inhibitors, sgp130 (Olamkicept), and anti-IL-6R (Tocilizumab), to assess effects on pathway activation, epithelial barrier integrity, and gene expression. A gene signature was generated to identify IL-6 high patients using bronchial biopsies and nasal brushes. RESULTS Soluble-IL-6Rα amplified the activation of the IL-6 pathway, shown by the increase of STAT3 phosphorylation and stronger gene induction in airway epithelial cells compared to IL-6 alone. Olamkicept and Tocilizumab inhibited the effect of IL-6 + sIL-6Rα on gene expression. We developed an IL-6 + sIL-6Rα gene signature and observed enrichment of this signature in bronchial biopsies but not nasal brushes from asthma patients compared to healthy controls. An IL-6 + sIL-6Rα gene signature score was associated with lower levels of sputum eosinophils in asthma. CONCLUSION sIL-6Rα amplifies IL-6 signaling in bronchial epithelial cells. Higher local airway IL-6 + sIL-6Rα signaling is observed in asthma patients with low sputum eosinophils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaid W El-Husseini
- Department of Pediatric Pulmonology and Pediatric Allergology, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, 9713 AV, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Dmitry Khalenkow
- Department of Pediatric Pulmonology and Pediatric Allergology, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Andy Lan
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, 9713 AV, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Thys van der Molen
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Chris Brightling
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, Institute for Lung Health, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Alberto Papi
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Klaus F Rabe
- Department of Medicine, Christian Albrechts University Kiel, Kiel and Lungen Clinic Grosshansdorf (Members of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL)), Grosshansdorf, Germany
| | - Salman Siddiqui
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College and Imperial NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Dave Singh
- Medicines Evaluation Unit, Manchester University NHS Foundation Hospital Trust, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Monica Kraft
- Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Bianca Beghe
- University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, AOU of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Maarten van den Berge
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Pulmonary Diseases, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Djoke van Gosliga
- Department of Pediatric Pulmonology and Pediatric Allergology, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Experimental Pulmonary and Inflammatory Research (EXPIRE), University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Martijn C Nawijn
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Experimental Pulmonary and Inflammatory Research (EXPIRE), University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Gerard H Koppelman
- Department of Pediatric Pulmonology and Pediatric Allergology, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Reinoud Gosens
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), Groningen, The Netherlands.
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, 9713 AV, Groningen, The Netherlands.
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4
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Faiz A, Mahbub RM, Boedijono FS, Tomassen MI, Kooistra W, Timens W, Nawijn M, Hansbro PM, Johansen MD, Pouwels SD, Heijink IH, Massip F, de Biase MS, Schwarz RF, Adcock IM, Chung KF, van der Does A, Hiemstra PS, Goulaouic H, Xing H, Abdulai R, de Rinaldis E, Cunoosamy D, Harel S, Lederer D, Nivens MC, Wark PA, Kerstjens HAM, Hylkema MN, Brandsma CA, van den Berge M. IL-33 Expression Is Lower in Current Smokers at both Transcriptomic and Protein Levels. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2023; 208:1075-1087. [PMID: 37708400 PMCID: PMC10867944 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.202210-1881oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Rationale: IL-33 is a proinflammatory cytokine thought to play a role in the pathogenesis of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A recent clinical trial using an anti-IL-33 antibody showed a reduction in exacerbation and improved lung function in ex-smokers but not current smokers with COPD. Objectives: This study aimed to understand the effects of smoking status on IL-33. Methods: We investigated the association of smoking status with the level of gene expression of IL-33 in the airways in eight independent transcriptomic studies of lung airways. Additionally, we performed Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry for IL-33 in lung tissue to assess protein levels. Measurements and Main Results: Across the bulk RNA-sequencing datasets, IL-33 gene expression and its signaling pathway were significantly lower in current versus former or never-smokers and increased upon smoking cessation (P < 0.05). Single-cell sequencing showed that IL-33 is predominantly expressed in resting basal epithelial cells and decreases during the differentiation process triggered by smoke exposure. We also found a higher transitioning of this cellular subpopulation into a more differentiated cell type during chronic smoking, potentially driving the reduction of IL-33. Protein analysis demonstrated lower IL-33 levels in lung tissue from current versus former smokers with COPD and a lower proportion of IL-33-positive basal cells in current versus ex-smoking controls. Conclusions: We provide strong evidence that cigarette smoke leads to an overall reduction in IL-33 expression in transcriptomic and protein level, and this may be due to the decrease in resting basal cells. Together, these findings may explain the clinical observation that a recent antibody-based anti-IL-33 treatment is more effective in former than current smokers with COPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alen Faiz
- Respiratory Bioinformatics and Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD
- Department of Pulmonary Diseases, and
| | - Rashad M. Mahbub
- Respiratory Bioinformatics and Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Fia Sabrina Boedijono
- Respiratory Bioinformatics and Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Centre for Inflammation, Faculty of Science, Centenary Institute and University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Milan I. Tomassen
- Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD
- Department of Pathology & Medical Biology, University of Groningen and University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Wierd Kooistra
- Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD
- Department of Pathology & Medical Biology, University of Groningen and University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Wim Timens
- Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD
- Department of Pathology & Medical Biology, University of Groningen and University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Martijn Nawijn
- Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD
- Department of Pathology & Medical Biology, University of Groningen and University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Philip M. Hansbro
- Centre for Inflammation, Faculty of Science, Centenary Institute and University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Matt D. Johansen
- Centre for Inflammation, Faculty of Science, Centenary Institute and University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Simon D. Pouwels
- Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD
- Department of Pulmonary Diseases, and
| | - Irene H. Heijink
- Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD
- Department of Pulmonary Diseases, and
- Department of Pathology & Medical Biology, University of Groningen and University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Florian Massip
- Centre for Computational Biology, Mines ParisTech, Paris Sciences et Lettres Research University, Paris, France
- Cancer and Genome: Bioinformatics, Biostatistics and Epidemiology of Complex Systems Institut Curie, Paris, France
- Institut Nationale de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U900, Paris, France
| | - Maria Stella de Biase
- Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin, Germany
| | - Roland F. Schwarz
- Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin, Germany
- Institute for Computational Cancer Biology, Center for Integrated Oncology, Cancer Research Center Cologne Essen, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Germany
- Berlin Institute for the Foundations of Learning and Data, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ian M. Adcock
- National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kian F. Chung
- National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Anne van der Does
- Department of Pulmonology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Pieter S. Hiemstra
- Department of Pulmonology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Sivan Harel
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Tarrytown, New York
| | | | | | - Peter A. Wark
- Centre for Asthma & Respiratory Disease, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia; and
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Vaccines, Infection, Viruses & Asthma Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Huib A. M. Kerstjens
- Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD
- Department of Pulmonary Diseases, and
| | - Machteld N. Hylkema
- Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD
- Department of Pathology & Medical Biology, University of Groningen and University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Corry-Anke Brandsma
- Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD
- Department of Pathology & Medical Biology, University of Groningen and University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Maarten van den Berge
- Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD
- Department of Pulmonary Diseases, and
| | - the Cambridge Lung Cancer Early Detection Programme
- Respiratory Bioinformatics and Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD
- Department of Pulmonary Diseases, and
- Department of Pathology & Medical Biology, University of Groningen and University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Centre for Inflammation, Faculty of Science, Centenary Institute and University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Centre for Computational Biology, Mines ParisTech, Paris Sciences et Lettres Research University, Paris, France
- Cancer and Genome: Bioinformatics, Biostatistics and Epidemiology of Complex Systems Institut Curie, Paris, France
- Institut Nationale de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U900, Paris, France
- Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin, Germany
- Institute for Computational Cancer Biology, Center for Integrated Oncology, Cancer Research Center Cologne Essen, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Germany
- Berlin Institute for the Foundations of Learning and Data, Berlin, Germany
- National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Pulmonology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Sanofi, Chilly-Mazarin, France
- Sanofi, Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Tarrytown, New York
- Centre for Asthma & Respiratory Disease, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia; and
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Vaccines, Infection, Viruses & Asthma Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
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5
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Miao G, Wang Y, Wang B, Yu H, Liu J, Pan R, Zhou C, Ning J, Zheng Y, Zhang R, Jin X. Multi-omics analysis reveals hepatic lipid metabolism profiles and serum lipid biomarkers upon indoor relevant VOC exposure. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 180:108221. [PMID: 37742460 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
As a widespread indoor air pollutant, volatile organic compound (VOC) caused various adverse health effects, especial the damage to liver, which has become a growing public concern. However, the current toxic data are intrinsically restricted in the single or major VOC species. Limited knowledge is available regarding toxic effects, biomarkers and underlying mechanisms of real indoor VOC-caused liver damage. Herein, an indoor relevant VOC exposure model was established to evaluate the hepatic adverse outcomes. Machine learning and multi-omics approaches, including liver lipidomic, serum lipidomic and liver transcriptomic, were utilized to uncover the characteristics of liver damage, serum lipid biomarkers, and involved mechanism stimulated by VOC exposure. The result showed that indoor relevant VOC led to the abnormal hepatic lipid metabolism, mainly manifested as a decrease in triacylglycerol (TG) and its precursor substance diacylglycerol (DG), which could be contributed to the occurrence of hepatic adverse outcomes. In terms of serum lipid biomarkers, five lipid biomarkers in serum were uncovered using machine learning to reflect the hepatic lipid disorders induced by VOC. Multi-omics approaches revealed that the upregulated Dgkq disturbed the interconversion of DG and phosphatidic acid (PA), leading to a TG downregulation. The in-depth analysis revealed that VOC down-regulated FoxO transcription factor, contributing to the upregulation of Dgkq. Hence, this study can provide valuable insights into the understanding of liver damage caused by indoor relevant VOC exposure model VOC exposure, from the perspective of multi-omics analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gan Miao
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Baoqiang Wang
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Hongyan Yu
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Ruonan Pan
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Chengying Zhou
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Jie Ning
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yuxin Zheng
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Rong Zhang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China.
| | - Xiaoting Jin
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.
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6
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Gupta MK, Peng H, Li Y, Xu CJ. The role of DNA methylation in personalized medicine for immune-related diseases. Pharmacol Ther 2023; 250:108508. [PMID: 37567513 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2023.108508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetics functions as a bridge between host genetic & environmental factors, aiding in human health and diseases. Many immune-related diseases, including infectious and allergic diseases, have been linked to epigenetic mechanisms, particularly DNA methylation. In this review, we summarized an updated overview of DNA methylation and its importance in personalized medicine, and demonstrated that DNA methylation has excellent potential for disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment in a personalized manner. The future implications and limitations of the DNA methylation study have also been well-discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manoj Kumar Gupta
- Centre for Individualised Infection Medicine (CiiM), a joint venture between the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI) and the Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany; TWINCORE, Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, a joint venture between the Hannover Medical School and the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Hannover, Germany
| | - He Peng
- Centre for Individualised Infection Medicine (CiiM), a joint venture between the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI) and the Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany; TWINCORE, Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, a joint venture between the Hannover Medical School and the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Hannover, Germany
| | - Yang Li
- Centre for Individualised Infection Medicine (CiiM), a joint venture between the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI) and the Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany; TWINCORE, Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, a joint venture between the Hannover Medical School and the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Hannover, Germany; Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Institute for Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Cheng-Jian Xu
- Centre for Individualised Infection Medicine (CiiM), a joint venture between the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI) and the Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany; TWINCORE, Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, a joint venture between the Hannover Medical School and the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Hannover, Germany; Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Institute for Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
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7
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Zhu Z, Li Y, Freishtat RJ, Celedón JC, Espinola JA, Harmon B, Hahn A, Camargo CA, Liang L, Hasegawa K. Epigenome-wide association analysis of infant bronchiolitis severity: a multicenter prospective cohort study. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5495. [PMID: 37679381 PMCID: PMC10485022 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41300-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Bronchiolitis is the most common lower respiratory infection in infants, yet its pathobiology remains unclear. Here we present blood DNA methylation data from 625 infants hospitalized with bronchiolitis in a 17-center prospective study, and associate them with disease severity. We investigate differentially methylated CpGs (DMCs) for disease severity. We characterize the DMCs based on their association with cell and tissues types, biological pathways, and gene expression. Lastly, we also examine the relationships of severity-related DMCs with respiratory and immune traits in independent cohorts. We identify 33 DMCs associated with severity. These DMCs are differentially methylated in blood immune cells. These DMCs are also significantly enriched in multiple tissues (e.g., lung) and cells (e.g., small airway epithelial cells), and biological pathways (e.g., interleukin-1-mediated signaling). Additionally, these DMCs are associated with respiratory and immune traits (e.g., asthma, lung function, IgE levels). Our study suggests the role of DNA methylation in bronchiolitis severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaozhong Zhu
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Yijun Li
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H.Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Robert J Freishtat
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Juan C Celedón
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Janice A Espinola
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Brennan Harmon
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Andrea Hahn
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Carlos A Camargo
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Liming Liang
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H.Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H.Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kohei Hasegawa
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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8
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Pouwels SD, van den Berge M, Vasse GF, Timens W, Brandsma CA, Aliee H, Hiemstra PS, Guryev V, Faiz A. Smoking increases expression of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein-binding long ACE2 isoform in bronchial epithelium. Respir Res 2023; 24:130. [PMID: 37170105 PMCID: PMC10174605 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-023-02430-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
After more than two years the COVID-19 pandemic, that is caused by infection with the respiratory SARS-CoV-2 virus, is still ongoing. The risk to develop severe COVID-19 upon SARS-CoV-2 infection is increased in individuals with a high age, high body mass index, and who are smoking. The SARS-CoV-2 virus infects cells of the upper respiratory tract by entering these cells upon binding to the Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor. ACE2 is expressed in various cell types in the lung but the expression is especially high in goblet and ciliated cells. Recently, it was shown that next to its full-length isoform, ACE2 also has a short isoform. The short isoform is unable to bind SARS-CoV-2 and does not facilitate viral entry. In the current study we investigated whether active cigarette smoking increases the expression of the long or the short ACE2 isoform. We showed that in active smokers the expression of the long, active isoform, but not the short isoform of ACE2 is higher compared to never smokers. Additionally, it was shown that the expression of especially the long, active isoform of ACE2 was associated with secretory, club and goblet epithelial cells. This study increases our understanding of why current smokers are more susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection, in addition to the already established increased risk to develop severe COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon D Pouwels
- Department of Pathology & Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Pulmonary Diseases, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Maarten van den Berge
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Pulmonary Diseases, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Gwenda F Vasse
- Department of Pathology & Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Wim Timens
- Department of Pathology & Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Corry-Anke Brandsma
- Department of Pathology & Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Hananeh Aliee
- Institute of Computational Biology, Helmholtz Centre, Munich, Germany
| | - Pieter S Hiemstra
- Department of Pulmonology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Victor Guryev
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, Groningen, The Netherlands
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Alen Faiz
- Department of Pathology & Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, Groningen, The Netherlands.
- Respiratory Bioinformatics and Molecular Biology (RBMB), School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Building 4, Room 04.07.418, Thomas St, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia.
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9
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Legaki E, Taka S, Papadopoulos NG. The complexity in DNA methylation analysis of allergic diseases. Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol 2023; 23:172-178. [PMID: 36752374 DOI: 10.1097/aci.0000000000000895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review aims to report all the recent studies that are implicated in DNA methylation analysis in the field of allergy and to underline the complexity of the study methodologies and results. RECENT FINDINGS Although the growing number of DNA methylation studies have yet to point to a specific mechanism, herein we provide an overview of the majority of pathways considered to be implicated and highlight particular genes, like KNH2 , ATPAF2 and ZNF385A , for their potential as biomarkers. SUMMARY The epigenetic profile of respiratory allergic diseases, and particularly DNA methylation, has been investigated in various populations, so as to gain a better understanding of its role in pathogenesis. Through our analysis, multiple links are presented between differential DNA methylation loci and IgE sensitization, lung functionality and severity of the disease. Additionally, associations of this epigenetic change with maternal asthma, age, sex and environmental factors are described, thus uncovering specific gene families that, after further examination could be used as methylation biomarkers in cases of allergic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evangelia Legaki
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Unit, Second Pediatric Clinic, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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10
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Kole TM, Vanden Berghe E, Kraft M, Vonk JM, Nawijn MC, Siddiqui S, Sun K, Fabbri LM, Rabe KF, Chung KF, Nicolini G, Papi A, Brightling C, Singh D, van der Molen T, Dahlén SE, Agusti A, Faner R, Wedzicha JA, Donaldson GC, Adcock IM, Lahousse L, Kerstjens HAM, van den Berge M. Predictors and associations of the persistent airflow limitation phenotype in asthma: a post-hoc analysis of the ATLANTIS study. THE LANCET. RESPIRATORY MEDICINE 2023; 11:55-64. [PMID: 35907424 DOI: 10.1016/s2213-2600(22)00185-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Persistent airflow limitation (PAL) occurs in a subset of patients with asthma. Previous studies on PAL in asthma have included relatively small populations, mostly restricted to severe asthma, or have no included longitudinal data. The aim of this post-hoc analysis was to investigate the determinants, clinical implications, and outcome of PAL in patients with asthma who were included in the ATLANTIS study. METHODS In this post-hoc analysis of the ATLANTIS study, we assessed the prevalence, clinical characteristics, and implications of PAL across the full range of asthma severity. The study population included patients aged 18-65 years who had been diagnosed with asthma at least 6 months before inclusion. We defined PAL as a post-bronchodilator FEV1/forced vital capacity (FVC) of less than the lower limit of normal at recruitment. Asthma severity was defined according to the Global Initiative for Asthma. We used Mann-Whitney U test, t test, or χ2 test to analyse differences in baseline characteristics between patients with and without PAL. Logistic regression was used for multivariable analysis of the associations between PAL and baseline data. Cox regression was used to analyse risk of exacerbation in relation to PAL, and a linear mixed-effects model was used to analyse change in FEV1 over time in patients with versus patients without PAL. Results were validated in the U-BIOPRED cohort. FINDINGS Between June 30, 2014 and March 3, 2017, 773 patients were enrolled in the ATLANTIS study of whom 760 (98%) had post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC data available. Of the included patients with available data, mean age was 44 years (SD 13), 441 (58%) of 760 were women, 578 (76%) were never-smokers, and 248 (33%) had PAL. PAL was not only present in patients with severe asthma, but also in 21 (16%) of 133 patients with GINA step 1 and 24 (29%) of 83 patients with GINA step 2. PAL was independently associated with older age at baseline (46 years in PAL group vs 43 years in non-PAL group), longer duration of asthma (24 years vs 12 years), male sex (51% vs 38%), higher blood eosinophil counts (median 0·27 × 109 cells per L vs 0·20 × 109 cells per L), more small airway dysfunction, and more exacerbations during 1 year of follow-up. Associations between PAL, age, and eosinophilic inflammation were validated in the U-BIOPRED cohort, whereas associations with sex, duration of asthma, and risk of exacerbations were not validated. INTERPRETATION PAL is not only present in severe disease, but also in a considerable proportion of patients with milder disease. In patients with mild asthma, PAL is associated with eosinophilic inflammation and a higher risk of exacerbations. Our findings are important because they suggest that increasing treatment intensity should be considered in patients with milder asthma and PAL. FUNDING Chiesi Farmaceutici and Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy (by means of the public-private partnership programme).
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Affiliation(s)
- Tessa M Kole
- Department of Pulmonary Diseases, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands; Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands.
| | - Elise Vanden Berghe
- Department of Pulmonary Diseases, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands; Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands; Department of Bioanalysis, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Monica Kraft
- Department of Medicine and the Asthma and Airway Disease Research Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Judith M Vonk
- Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands; Department of Epidemiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Martijn C Nawijn
- Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands; Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Salman Siddiqui
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Kai Sun
- Data Science Institute, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - Leonardo M Fabbri
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Klaus F Rabe
- Department of Medicine, Christian Albrechts University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany; LungenClinic Grosshansdorf, Airway Research Center North in the German Center for Lung Research, Grosshansdorf, Germany
| | - Kian Fan Chung
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Gabriele Nicolini
- Department of Global Clinical Development, Chiesi Farmaceutici, Parma, Italy
| | - Alberto Papi
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Chris Brightling
- Institute for Lung Health, National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Dave Singh
- Centre for Respiratory Medicine and Allergy, University of Manchester, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Thys van der Molen
- Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands; Department of General Practice and Elderly Care Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Sven-Erik Dahlén
- Institute of Environmental Medicine and Centre for Allergy Research, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Alvar Agusti
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas August Pi i Sunyer, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Respiratory Institute, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rosa Faner
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas August Pi i Sunyer, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Gavin C Donaldson
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Ian M Adcock
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Lies Lahousse
- Department of Bioanalysis, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Huib A M Kerstjens
- Department of Pulmonary Diseases, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands; Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Maarten van den Berge
- Department of Pulmonary Diseases, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands; Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
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11
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Baloh CH, Mathias RA. Recent progress in the genetic and epigenetic underpinnings of atopy. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2023; 151:60-69. [PMID: 36608983 PMCID: PMC9987265 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2022.10.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
In the past 2 years, there continue to be advances in our understanding of the genetic and epigenetic underpinnings of atopy pertaining to disease risk and disease severity. The joint role of genetics and the environment has been emphasized in multiple studies. Combining genetics with family history, biomarkers, and comorbidities is further refining our ability to predict the development of individual atopic diseases as well as the advancement of the atopic march. Polygenic risk scores will be an important next step for the field moving toward clinical translation of the genetic findings thus far. A systems biology approach, as illustrated by studies of the microbiome and epigenome, will be necessary to fully understand disease development and to develop increasingly targeted therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn H Baloh
- The Immune Tolerance Network, Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason, Seattle, Wash; Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Mass
| | - Rasika A Mathias
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Baltimore, Md.
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12
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Wu GR, Zhou M, Wang Y, Zhou Q, Zhang L, He L, Zhang S, Yu Q, Xu Y, Zhao J, Xiong W, Wang CY. Blockade of Mbd2 by siRNA-loaded liposomes protects mice against OVA-induced allergic airway inflammation via repressing M2 macrophage production. Front Immunol 2022; 13:930103. [PMID: 36090987 PMCID: PMC9453648 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.930103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
ObjectiveTo address the role of methyl-CpG-binding domain 2 (MBD2) in the pathogenesis of asthma and its potential as a target for the asthmatic therapy.MethodsStudies were conducted in asthmatic patients and macrophage-specific Mbd2 knockout mice to dissect the role of MBD2 in asthma pathogenesis. Additionally, RNAi-based therapy with Mbd2 siRNA-loaded liposomes was conducted in an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic airway inflammation mouse model.ResultsAsthmatic patients and mice challenged with OVA exhibited upregulated MBD2 expression in macrophages, especially in alternatively activated (M2) macrophages. In particular, macrophage-specific knockout of Mbd2 protected mice from OVA-induced allergic airway inflammation and suppressed the M2 program. Notably, intratracheal administration of liposomes carrying Mbd2 siRNA decreased the expression of Mbd2 and prevented OVA-induced allergic airway inflammation in mice, as indicated by the attenuated airway inflammation and mucus production.ConclusionsThe above data indicate that Mbd2 implicates in the pathogenesis of asthma predominantly by regulating the polarization of M2 macrophages, which supports that Mbd2 could be a viable target for treatment of asthma in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo-Rao Wu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Center for Biomedical Research, NHC Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Sciences and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Min Zhou
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Center for Biomedical Research, NHC Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Sciences and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Center for Biomedical Research, NHC Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Sciences and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qing Zhou
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Center for Biomedical Research, NHC Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Sciences and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Center for Biomedical Research, NHC Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Sciences and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Long He
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai East Hospital; School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shu Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Center for Biomedical Research, NHC Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Sciences and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qilin Yu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Center for Biomedical Research, NHC Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Sciences and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yongjian Xu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Center for Biomedical Research, NHC Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Sciences and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jianping Zhao
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Center for Biomedical Research, NHC Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Sciences and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Weining Xiong
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Center for Biomedical Research, NHC Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Sciences and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Tissue Engineering, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Cong-Yi Wang, ; Weining Xiong,
| | - Cong-Yi Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Center for Biomedical Research, NHC Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Sciences and Technology, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Cong-Yi Wang, ; Weining Xiong,
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13
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Sharma S, Yang IV, Schwartz DA. Epigenetic regulation of immune function in asthma. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2022; 150:259-265. [PMID: 35717251 PMCID: PMC9378596 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2022.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Asthma is a common complex respiratory disease characterized by chronic airway inflammation and partially reversible airflow obstruction resulting from genetic and environmental determinants. Because epigenetic marks influence gene expression and can be modified by both environmental exposures and genetic variation, they are increasingly recognized as relevant to the pathogenesis of asthma and may be a key link between environmental exposures and asthma susceptibility. Unlike changes to DNA sequence, epigenetic signatures are dynamic and reversible, creating an opportunity for not only therapeutic targets but may serve as biomarkers to follow disease course and identify molecular subtypes in heterogeneous diseases such as asthma. In this review, we will examine the relationship between asthma and 3 key epigenetic processes that modify gene expression: DNA methylation, modification of histone tails, and noncoding RNAs. In addition to presenting a comprehensive assessment of the existing epigenetic studies focusing on immune regulation in asthma, we will discuss future directions for epigenetic investigation in allergic airway disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunita Sharma
- Divisions of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colo.
| | - Ivana V Yang
- Divisions of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colo; Divisions of Biomedical Informatics and Personalized Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colo
| | - David A Schwartz
- Divisions of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colo
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14
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Gowhari Shabgah A, Jadidi-Niaragh F, Mohammadi H, Ebrahimzadeh F, Oveisee M, Jahanara A, Gholizadeh Navashenaq J. The Role of Atypical Chemokine Receptor D6 (ACKR2) in Physiological and Pathological Conditions; Friend, Foe, or Both? Front Immunol 2022; 13:861931. [PMID: 35677043 PMCID: PMC9168005 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.861931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemokines exert crucial roles in inducing immune responses through ligation to their canonical receptors. Besides these receptors, there are other atypical chemokine receptors (ACKR1–4) that can bind to a wide range of chemokines and carry out various functions in the body. ACKR2, due to its ability to bind various CC chemokines, has attracted much attention during the past few years. ACKR2 has been shown to be expressed in different cells, including trophoblasts, myeloid cells, and especially lymphoid endothelial cells. In terms of molecular functions, ACKR2 scavenges various inflammatory chemokines and affects inflammatory microenvironments. In the period of pregnancy and fetal development, ACKR2 plays a pivotal role in maintaining the fetus from inflammatory reactions and inhibiting subsequent abortion. In adults, ACKR2 is thought to be a resolving agent in the body because it scavenges chemokines. This leads to the alleviation of inflammation in different situations, including cardiovascular diseases, autoimmune diseases, neurological disorders, and infections. In cancer, ACKR2 exerts conflicting roles, either tumor-promoting or tumor-suppressing. On the one hand, ACKR2 inhibits the recruitment of tumor-promoting cells and suppresses tumor-promoting inflammation to blockade inflammatory responses that are favorable for tumor growth. In contrast, scavenging chemokines in the tumor microenvironment might lead to disruption in NK cell recruitment to the tumor microenvironment. Other than its involvement in diseases, analyzing the expression of ACKR2 in body fluids and tissues can be used as a biomarker for diseases. In conclusion, this review study has tried to shed more light on the various effects of ACKR2 on different inflammatory conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Farhad Jadidi-Niaragh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hamed Mohammadi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Farnoosh Ebrahimzadeh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Maziar Oveisee
- Clinical Research Center, Pastor Educational Hospital, Bam University of Medical Sciences, Bam, Iran
| | - Abbas Jahanara
- Clinical Research Center, Pastor Educational Hospital, Bam University of Medical Sciences, Bam, Iran
| | - Jamshid Gholizadeh Navashenaq
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Bam University of Medical Sciences, Bam, Iran
- *Correspondence: Jamshid Gholizadeh Navashenaq, ;
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15
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Noureddine N, Chalubinski M, Wawrzyniak P. The Role of Defective Epithelial Barriers in Allergic Lung Disease and Asthma Development. J Asthma Allergy 2022; 15:487-504. [PMID: 35463205 PMCID: PMC9030405 DOI: 10.2147/jaa.s324080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The respiratory epithelium constitutes the physical barrier between the human body and the environment, thus providing functional and immunological protection. It is often exposed to allergens, microbial substances, pathogens, pollutants, and environmental toxins, which lead to dysregulation of the epithelial barrier and result in the chronic inflammation seen in allergic diseases and asthma. This epithelial barrier dysfunction results from the disturbed tight junction formation, which are multi-protein subunits that promote cell-cell adhesion and barrier integrity. The increasing interest and evidence of the role of impaired epithelial barrier function in allergy and asthma highlight the need for innovative approaches that can provide new knowledge in this area. Here, we review and discuss the current role and mechanism of epithelial barrier dysfunction in developing allergic diseases and the effect of current allergy therapies on epithelial barrier restoration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazek Noureddine
- Division of Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Children’s Research Center, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Center for Integrative Human Physiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Maciej Chalubinski
- Department of Immunology and Allergy, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Paulina Wawrzyniak
- Division of Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Children’s Research Center, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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16
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Koefoed HJL, Vonk JM, Koppelman GH. Predicting the course of asthma from childhood until early adulthood. Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol 2022; 22:115-122. [PMID: 35197433 PMCID: PMC8915994 DOI: 10.1097/aci.0000000000000810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To communicate recent insights about the natural history of childhood asthma, with a focus on prediction of persistence and remission of childhood asthma, up to early adulthood. RECENT FINDINGS Lung function around the age of 8-9 years is the strongest predictor: obstructive lung function predicts asthma persistence up to early adulthood, whereas normal lung function predicts remission. The ability to predict asthma remission improves when lung function is combined with blood eosinophil levels and degree of bronchial hyperresponsiveness. Interventions, such as inhaled corticosteroids and immunotherapy do not appear to alter the course of asthma. Epigenetic studies have revealed potential novel biomarkers of asthma remission, such as micro-RNA patterns in blood. Specifically, lower serum levels of mi-R221-5p, which is associated with lower IL-6 release and eosinophilic inflammation, predict remission. Higher levels of blood DNA-methylation of a CpG site in Peroxisomal Biogenesis Factor 11 Beta were associated with asthma remission. SUMMARY Lung function, allergic comorbidity and polysensitization in childhood predict the course of asthma. Recent epigenetic studies have provided a better understanding of underlying pathological processes in asthma remission, which may be used to improve prediction or develop novel treatments aimed at altering the course of asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans Jacob L. Koefoed
- Department of Pediatric Pulmonology and Pediatric Allergology, Beatrix Children's Hospital
- Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC)
| | - Judith M. Vonk
- Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC)
- Department of Epidemiology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Gerard H. Koppelman
- Department of Pediatric Pulmonology and Pediatric Allergology, Beatrix Children's Hospital
- Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC)
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17
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Legaki E, Arsenis C, Taka S, Papadopoulos NG. DNA methylation biomarkers in asthma and rhinitis: Are we there yet? Clin Transl Allergy 2022; 12:e12131. [PMID: 35344303 PMCID: PMC8967268 DOI: 10.1002/clt2.12131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The study of epigenetics has improved our understanding of mechanisms underpinning gene‐environment interactions and is providing new insights in the pathophysiology of respiratory allergic diseases. We reviewed the literature on DNA methylation patterns across different tissues in asthma and/or rhinitis and attempted to elucidate differentially methylated loci that could be used to characterize asthma or rhinitis. Although nasal and bronchial epithelia are similar in their histological structure and cellular composition, genetic and epigenetic regulation may differ across tissues. Advanced methods have enabled comprehensive, high‐throughput methylation profiling of different tissues (bronchial or nasal epithelial cells, whole blood or isolated mononuclear cells), in subjects with respiratory conditions, aiming to elucidate gene regulation mechanisms and identify new biomarkers. Several genes and CpGs have been suggested as asthma biomarkers, though research on allergic rhinitis is still lacking. The most common differentially methylated loci presented in both blood and nasal samples are ACOT7, EPX, KCNH2, SIGLEC8, TNIK, FOXP1, ATPAF2, ZNF862, ADORA3, ARID3A, IL5RA, METRNL and ZFPM1. Overall, there is substantial variation among studies, (i.e. sample sizes, age groups and disease phenotype). Greater variability of analysis method detailed phenotypic characterization and age stratification should be taken into account in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evangelia Legaki
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Unit Second Pediatric Clinic National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Athens Greece
| | - Christos Arsenis
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Unit Second Pediatric Clinic National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Athens Greece
| | - Styliani Taka
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Unit Second Pediatric Clinic National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Athens Greece
| | - Nikolaos G. Papadopoulos
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Unit Second Pediatric Clinic National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Athens Greece
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18
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Tan L, Fu L, Zheng L, Fan W, Tan H, Tao Z, Xu Y. TET2 Regulates 5-Hydroxymethylcytosine Signature and CD4 + T-Cell Balance in Allergic Rhinitis. ALLERGY, ASTHMA & IMMUNOLOGY RESEARCH 2022; 14:254-272. [PMID: 35255541 PMCID: PMC8914607 DOI: 10.4168/aair.2022.14.2.254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Previous studies have shown the role of ten-eleven translocation 2 (TET2) in CD4+ T cells. However, its function in CD4+ T cells under allergic inflammation is unclear. We aimed to investigate the epigenomic distribution of DNA 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) and the role of TET2 in CD4+ T cells of allergic rhinitis (AR). Methods The hMeDIP-seq was performed to identify sequences with 5hmC deposition in CD4+ T cells of AR patients. Tet2-deficient or wild type mice were stimulated with ovalbumin (OVA) to develop an AR mouse model. The histopathology in nasal mucosae, Th1/Th2/Treg/Th17 cell percentage, concentrations of Th-related cytokines, expression of Tet and differential hydroxymethylated genes (DhMG), and the global deposition of 5hmC in sorted CD4+ T cells were detected. Results Epigenome-wide 5hmC landscape and DhMG in the CD4+ T cells of AR patients were identified. Tet2 depletion did not led to spontaneous inflammation. However, under the stimulation of allergen, OVA, loss of Tet2 resulted in the exacerbation of allergic inflammation, which was characterized by severer allergic symptoms, more inflammatory cells infiltrating the nasal lamina propria, sharper imbalances between Th1/Th2 and Treg/Th17 cells, and excessive secretion of OVA-specific IgE and Th2-related cytokines. Moreover, altered mRNA production of several DhMG and sharp decrease in 5hmC deposition were also observed in Tet2-deficient OVA-exposed mice. Conclusions TET2 may regulate DNA 5hmC, DhMG expressions, and CD4+ T cell balance in AR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Tan
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Research Institute of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Lisheng Fu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Research Institute of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Li Zheng
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Research Institute of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenjun Fan
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Research Institute of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hanyu Tan
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Research Institute of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zezhang Tao
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Research Institute of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yu Xu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Research Institute of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
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19
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Roffel MP, Boudewijn IM, van Nijnatten JLL, Faiz A, Vermeulen CJ, van Oosterhout AJ, Affleck K, Timens W, Bracke KR, Maes T, Heijink IH, Brandsma CA, van den Berge M. Identification of asthma associated microRNAs in bronchial biopsies. Eur Respir J 2021; 59:13993003.01294-2021. [PMID: 34446467 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.01294-2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Changes in microRNA (miRNA) expression can contribute to the pathogenesis of many diseases, including asthma. We aimed to identify miRNAs that are differentially expressed between asthma patients and healthy controls and explored their association with clinical and inflammatory parameters of asthma.Differentially expressed miRNAs were determined by small RNA sequencing on bronchial biopsies of 79 asthma patients and 82 healthy controls using linear regression models. Differentially expressed miRNAs were associated with clinical and inflammatory asthma features. Potential miRNA-mRNA interactions were analysed using mRNA data available from the same bronchial biopsies and enrichment of pathways was identified with Enrichr and g:Profiler.In total 78 differentially expressed miRNAs were identified in bronchial biopsies of asthma patients compared to controls, of which 60 remained differentially expressed after controlling for smoke and inhaled corticosteroid treatment. We identified several asthma associated miRNAs, including miR-125b-5p and miR-223-3p, based on a significant association with multiple clinical and inflammatory asthma features and their negative correlation with genes associated with the presence of asthma. The most enriched biological pathway(s) affected by miR-125b-5p and miR-223-3p were inflammatory response and cilium assembly and organisation. Of interest, we identified that lower expression of miR-26a-5p was linked to more severe eosinophilic inflammation as measured in blood, sputum as well as bronchial biopsies. Collectively, we identified miR-125b-5p, miR-223-3p and miR-26a-5p, as potential regulators that could contribute to the pathogenesis of asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirjam P Roffel
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Department of Respiratory Medicine, Ghent University, University Hospital Ghent, Laboratory for Translational Research in Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ilse M Boudewijn
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Department of Pulmonology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jos L L van Nijnatten
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Faculty of Science, Respiratory Bioinformatics and Molecular Biology (RBMB), University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Alen Faiz
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Faculty of Science, Respiratory Bioinformatics and Molecular Biology (RBMB), University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Corneel J Vermeulen
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Department of Pulmonology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Antoon J van Oosterhout
- Allergic Inflammation Discovery Performance Unit, GlaxoSmithKline, Stevenage, United Kingdom
| | - Karen Affleck
- Adaptive Immunity Research Unit, GlaxoSmithKline, Stevenage, United Kingdom
| | - Wim Timens
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ken R Bracke
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Ghent University, University Hospital Ghent, Laboratory for Translational Research in Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Tania Maes
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Ghent University, University Hospital Ghent, Laboratory for Translational Research in Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Irene H Heijink
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Department of Pulmonology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Corry-Anke Brandsma
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Both senior authors contributed equally
| | - Maarten van den Berge
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, Groningen, The Netherlands .,Department of Pulmonology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Both senior authors contributed equally
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20
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Benincasa G, DeMeo DL, Glass K, Silverman EK, Napoli C. Epigenetics and pulmonary diseases in the horizon of precision medicine: a review. Eur Respir J 2021; 57:13993003.03406-2020. [PMID: 33214212 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.03406-2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms represent potential molecular routes which could bridge the gap between genetic background and environmental risk factors contributing to the pathogenesis of pulmonary diseases. In patients with COPD, asthma and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), there is emerging evidence of aberrant epigenetic marks, mainly including DNA methylation and histone modifications which directly mediate reversible modifications to the DNA without affecting the genomic sequence. Post-translational events and microRNAs can be also regulated epigenetically and potentially participate in disease pathogenesis. Thus, novel pathogenic mechanisms and putative biomarkers may be detectable in peripheral blood, sputum, nasal and buccal swabs or lung tissue. Besides, DNA methylation plays an important role during the early phases of fetal development and may be impacted by environmental exposures, ultimately influencing an individual's susceptibility to COPD, asthma and PAH later in life. With the advances in omics platforms and the application of computational biology tools, modelling the epigenetic variability in a network framework, rather than as single molecular defects, provides insights into the possible molecular pathways underlying the pathogenesis of COPD, asthma and PAH. Epigenetic modifications may have clinical applications as noninvasive biomarkers of pulmonary diseases. Moreover, combining molecular assays with network analysis of epigenomic data may aid in clarifying the multistage transition from a "pre-disease" to "disease" state, with the goal of improving primary prevention of lung diseases and its subsequent clinical management.We describe epigenetic mechanisms known to be associated with pulmonary diseases and discuss how network analysis could improve our understanding of lung diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuditta Benincasa
- Dept of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences (DAMSS), University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Dawn L DeMeo
- Channing Division of Network Medicine and the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Dept of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kimberly Glass
- Channing Division of Network Medicine and the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Dept of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Edwin K Silverman
- Channing Division of Network Medicine and the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Dept of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Claudio Napoli
- Dept of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences (DAMSS), University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy .,Clinical Dept of Internal and Specialty Medicine (DAI), University Hospital (AOU), University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
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21
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Sheikhpour M, Maleki M, Ebrahimi Vargoorani M, Amiri V. A review of epigenetic changes in asthma: methylation and acetylation. Clin Epigenetics 2021; 13:65. [PMID: 33781317 PMCID: PMC8008616 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-021-01049-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Several studies show that childhood and adulthood asthma and its symptoms can be modulated through epigenetic modifications. Epigenetic changes are inheritable modifications that can modify the gene expression without changing the DNA sequence. The most common epigenetic alternations consist of DNA methylation and histone modifications. How these changes lead to asthmatic phenotype or promote the asthma features, in particular by immune pathways regulation, is an understudied topic. Since external effects, like exposure to tobacco smoke, air pollution, and drugs, influence both asthma development and the epigenome, elucidating the role of epigenetic changes in asthma is of great importance. This review presents available evidence on the epigenetic process that drives asthma genes and pathways, with a particular focus on DNA methylation, histone methylation, and acetylation. We gathered and assessed studies conducted in this field over the past two decades. Our study examined asthma in different aspects and also shed light on the limitations and the important factors involved in the outcomes of the studies. To date, most of the studies in this area have been carried out on DNA methylation. Therefore, the need for diagnostic and therapeutic applications through this molecular process calls for more research on the histone modifications in this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mojgan Sheikhpour
- Department of Mycobacteriology and Pulmonary Research, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.
- Microbiology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mobina Maleki
- Department of Mycobacteriology and Pulmonary Research, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Ebrahimi Vargoorani
- Department of Mycobacteriology and Pulmonary Research, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Microbiology, College of Basic Sciences, Tehran North Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Vahid Amiri
- Department of Mycobacteriology and Pulmonary Research, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
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22
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Asthma is a common disease worldwide, however, its pathogenesis has not been fully elucidated. Emerging evidence suggests that epigenetic modifications may play a role in the development and natural history of asthma. The aim of this review is to highlight recent progress in research on epigenetic mechanisms in asthma. RECENT FINDINGS Over the past years, epigenetic studies, in particular DNA methylation studies, have added to the growing body of evidence supporting a link between epigenetic regulation of gene expression and asthma. Recent studies demonstrate that epigenetic mechanisms also play a role in asthma remission. Although most existing studies in this field have been conducted on blood cells, recent evidence suggests that epigenetic signatures are also crucial for the regulation of airway epithelial cells. Studies conducted on nasal epithelium revealed highly replicable epigenetic patterns that could be used for diagnostic purposes. SUMMARY Further research is needed to explore the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of epigenetic modifications in asthma. Multiomics studies on asthma will become increasingly important for a better understanding of etiology, heterogeneity, and severity of asthma, as well as establishing molecular biomarkers that could be combined with clinical information to improve the management of asthma patients.
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23
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Zhang YH, Li Z, Zeng T, Chen L, Li H, Huang T, Cai YD. Detecting the Multiomics Signatures of Factor-Specific Inflammatory Effects on Airway Smooth Muscles. Front Genet 2021; 11:599970. [PMID: 33519902 PMCID: PMC7838645 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.599970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Smooth muscles are a specific muscle subtype that is widely identified in the tissues of internal passageways. This muscle subtype has the capacity for controlled or regulated contraction and relaxation. Airway smooth muscles are a unique type of smooth muscles that constitute the effective, adjustable, and reactive wall that covers most areas of the entire airway from the trachea to lung tissues. Infection with SARS-CoV-2, which caused the world-wide COVID-19 pandemic, involves airway smooth muscles and their surrounding inflammatory environment. Therefore, airway smooth muscles and related inflammatory factors may play an irreplaceable role in the initiation and progression of several severe diseases. Many previous studies have attempted to reveal the potential relationships between interleukins and airway smooth muscle cells only on the omics level, and the continued existence of numerous false-positive optimal genes/transcripts cannot reflect the actual effective biological mechanisms underlying interleukin-based activation effects on airway smooth muscles. Here, on the basis of newly presented machine learning-based computational approaches, we identified specific regulatory factors and a series of rules that contribute to the activation and stimulation of airway smooth muscles by IL-13, IL-17, or the combination of both interleukins on the epigenetic and/or transcriptional levels. The detected discriminative factors (genes) and rules can contribute to the identification of potential regulatory mechanisms linking airway smooth muscle tissues and inflammatory factors and help reveal specific pathological factors for diseases associated with airway smooth muscle inflammation on multiomics levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Hang Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Zhandong Li
- College of Food Engineering, Jilin Engineering Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Tao Zeng
- Bio-Med Big Data Center, CAS Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, CAS-MPG Partner Institute for Computational Biology, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Chen
- College of Information Engineering, Shanghai Maritime University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Li
- College of Food Engineering, Jilin Engineering Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Tao Huang
- Key Laboratory of Tissue Microenvironment and Tumor, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu-Dong Cai
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
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24
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Qi C, Vonk JM, van der Plaat DA, Nieuwenhuis MAE, Dijk FN, Aïssi D, Siroux V, Boezen HM, Xu CJ, Koppelman GH. Epigenome-wide association study identifies DNA methylation markers for asthma remission in whole blood and nasal epithelium. Clin Transl Allergy 2020; 10:60. [PMID: 33303027 PMCID: PMC7731549 DOI: 10.1186/s13601-020-00365-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease which is not curable, yet some patients experience spontaneous remission. We hypothesized that epigenetic mechanisms may be involved in asthma remission. METHODS Clinical remission (ClinR) was defined as the absence of asthma symptoms and medication for at least 12 months, and complete remission (ComR) was defined as ClinR with normal lung function and absence of airway hyperresponsiveness. We analyzed differential DNA methylation of ClinR and ComR comparing to persistent asthma (PersA) in whole blood samples (n = 72) and nasal brushing samples (n = 97) in a longitudinal cohort of well characterized asthma patients. Significant findings of whole blood DNA methylation were tested for replication in two independent cohorts, Lifelines and Epidemiological study on the Genetics and Environment of Asthma (EGEA). RESULTS We identified differentially methylated CpG sites associated with ClinR (7 CpG sites) and ComR (129 CpG sites) in whole blood. One CpG (cg13378519, Chr1) associated with ClinR was replicated and annotated to PEX11 (Peroxisomal Biogenesis Factor 11 Beta). The whole blood DNA methylation levels of this CpG were also different between ClinR and healthy subjects. One ComR-associated CpG (cg24788483, Chr10) that annotated to TCF7L2 (Transcription Factor 7 Like 2) was replicated and associated with expression of TCF7L2 gene. One out of seven ClinR-associated CpG sites and 8 out of 129 ComR-associated CpG sites identified from whole blood samples showed nominal significance (P < 0.05) and the same direction of effect in nasal brushes. CONCLUSION We identified DNA methylation markers possibly associated with clinical and complete asthma remission in nasal brushes and whole blood, and two CpG sites identified from whole blood can be replicated in independent cohorts and may play a role in peroxisome proliferation and Wnt signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cancan Qi
- Department of Pediatric Pulmonology and Pediatric Allergy, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, PO Box 30.001, 9700 RB, Groningen, the Netherlands.,GRIAC Research Institute, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Judith M Vonk
- GRIAC Research Institute, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Department of Epidemiology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Diana A van der Plaat
- GRIAC Research Institute, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Department of Epidemiology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Maartje A E Nieuwenhuis
- GRIAC Research Institute, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - F Nicole Dijk
- Department of Pediatric Pulmonology and Pediatric Allergy, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, PO Box 30.001, 9700 RB, Groningen, the Netherlands.,GRIAC Research Institute, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Dylan Aïssi
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm, CNRS, Team of environmental epidemiology applied to Reproduction and Respiratory health, IAB (Institute for Advanced Biosciences), 38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Valérie Siroux
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm, CNRS, Team of environmental epidemiology applied to Reproduction and Respiratory health, IAB (Institute for Advanced Biosciences), 38000, Grenoble, France
| | - H Marike Boezen
- GRIAC Research Institute, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Department of Epidemiology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Cheng-Jian Xu
- Research Group of Bioinformatics and Computational Genomics, CiiM, Centre for individualized infection medicine, A Joint Venture Between Hannover Medical School and the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Hannover, Germany.,Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, TWINCORE, Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, A Joint Venture Between the Hannover Medical School and the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Hannover, Germany.,Department of Internal Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Gerard H Koppelman
- Department of Pediatric Pulmonology and Pediatric Allergy, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, PO Box 30.001, 9700 RB, Groningen, the Netherlands. .,GRIAC Research Institute, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
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25
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Jiang J, Faiz A, Berg M, Carpaij OA, Vermeulen CJ, Brouwer S, Hesse L, Teichmann SA, ten Hacken NHT, Timens W, van den Berge M, Nawijn MC. Gene signatures from scRNA-seq accurately quantify mast cells in biopsies in asthma. Clin Exp Allergy 2020; 50:1428-1431. [PMID: 32935368 PMCID: PMC7756890 DOI: 10.1111/cea.13732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jian Jiang
- Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC)University of GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
- Department of Pathology and Medical BiologyUniversity Medical Center GroningenUniversity of GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Alen Faiz
- Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC)University of GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
- Department of PulmonologyUniversity Medical Center GroningenUniversity of GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
- Respiratory Bioinformatics and Molecular Biology (RBMB)Faculty of ScienceUniversity of Technology SydneyUltimoNSWAustralia
| | - Marijn Berg
- Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC)University of GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
- Department of Pathology and Medical BiologyUniversity Medical Center GroningenUniversity of GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Orestes A. Carpaij
- Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC)University of GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
- Department of PulmonologyUniversity Medical Center GroningenUniversity of GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Corneel J. Vermeulen
- Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC)University of GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
- Department of PulmonologyUniversity Medical Center GroningenUniversity of GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Sharon Brouwer
- Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC)University of GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
- Department of Pathology and Medical BiologyUniversity Medical Center GroningenUniversity of GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Laura Hesse
- Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC)University of GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
- Department of Pathology and Medical BiologyUniversity Medical Center GroningenUniversity of GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Sarah A. Teichmann
- Wellcome Sanger InstituteWellcome Genome CampusCambridgeUK
- Open TargetsWellcome Genome CampusCambridgeUK
- Theory of Condensed Matter GroupCavendish Laboratory/Dept PhysicsUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - Nick H. T. ten Hacken
- Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC)University of GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
- Department of PulmonologyUniversity Medical Center GroningenUniversity of GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Wim Timens
- Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC)University of GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
- Department of Pathology and Medical BiologyUniversity Medical Center GroningenUniversity of GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Maarten van den Berge
- Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC)University of GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
- Department of PulmonologyUniversity Medical Center GroningenUniversity of GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Martijin C. Nawijn
- Department of PulmonologyUniversity Medical Center GroningenUniversity of GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
- Wellcome Sanger InstituteWellcome Genome CampusCambridgeUK
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26
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Hoang TT, Sikdar S, Xu CJ, Lee MK, Cardwell J, Forno E, Imboden M, Jeong A, Madore AM, Qi C, Wang T, Bennett BD, Ward JM, Parks CG, Beane-Freeman LE, King D, Motsinger-Reif A, Umbach DM, Wyss AB, Schwartz DA, Celedón JC, Laprise C, Ober C, Probst-Hensch N, Yang IV, Koppelman GH, London SJ. Epigenome-wide association study of DNA methylation and adult asthma in the Agricultural Lung Health Study. Eur Respir J 2020; 56:13993003.00217-2020. [PMID: 32381493 PMCID: PMC7469973 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.00217-2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Epigenome-wide studies of methylation in children support a role for epigenetic mechanisms in asthma; however, studies in adults are rare and few have examined non-atopic asthma. We conducted the largest epigenome-wide association study (EWAS) of blood DNA methylation in adults in relation to non-atopic and atopic asthma. We measured DNA methylation in blood using the Illumina MethylationEPIC array among 2286 participants in a case-control study of current adult asthma nested within a United States agricultural cohort. Atopy was defined by serum specific immunoglobulin E (IgE). Participants were categorised as atopy without asthma (n=185), non-atopic asthma (n=673), atopic asthma (n=271), or a reference group of neither atopy nor asthma (n=1157). Analyses were conducted using logistic regression. No associations were observed with atopy without asthma. Numerous cytosine–phosphate–guanine (CpG) sites were differentially methylated in non-atopic asthma (eight at family-wise error rate (FWER) p<9×10−8, 524 at false discovery rate (FDR) less than 0.05) and implicated 382 novel genes. More CpG sites were identified in atopic asthma (181 at FWER, 1086 at FDR) and implicated 569 novel genes. 104 FDR CpG sites overlapped. 35% of CpG sites in non-atopic asthma and 91% in atopic asthma replicated in studies of whole blood, eosinophils, airway epithelium, or nasal epithelium. Implicated genes were enriched in pathways related to the nervous system or inflammation. We identified numerous, distinct differentially methylated CpG sites in non-atopic and atopic asthma. Many CpG sites from blood replicated in asthma-relevant tissues. These circulating biomarkers reflect risk and sequelae of disease, as well as implicate novel genes associated with non-atopic and atopic asthma. Distinct methylation signals are found in non-atopic and atopic asthma. Most are related to gene expression and are replicated in asthma-relevant tissues, confirming the value of blood DNA methylation for identifying novel genes linked in asthma pathogenesis.https://bit.ly/2VnbJg3
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Affiliation(s)
- Thanh T Hoang
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Dept of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.,Joint first authors
| | - Sinjini Sikdar
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Dept of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.,Dept of Mathematics and Statistics, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, USA.,Joint first authors
| | - Cheng-Jian Xu
- Centre for Individualised Infection Medicine (CiiM), Hannover Medical School and the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Hannover, Germany.,Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research (TWINCORE), Hannover Medical School and the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Hannover, Germany.,Joint first authors
| | - Mi Kyeong Lee
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Dept of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Jonathan Cardwell
- Dept of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Erick Forno
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Dept of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Medea Imboden
- Chronic Disease Epidemiology Unit, Dept of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,Dept of Public Health, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ayoung Jeong
- Chronic Disease Epidemiology Unit, Dept of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,Dept of Public Health, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Anne-Marie Madore
- Département des Sciences Fondamentales, Université du Québec à Chicoutimi, Saguenay, QC, Canada
| | - Cancan Qi
- Dept of Pediatric Pulmonology and Pediatric Allergy, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Beatrix Children's Hospital and GRIAC Research Institute, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Tianyuan Wang
- Integrative Bioinformatics Support Group, National Institutes of Health, Dept of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Brian D Bennett
- Integrative Bioinformatics Support Group, National Institutes of Health, Dept of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - James M Ward
- Integrative Bioinformatics Support Group, National Institutes of Health, Dept of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Christine G Parks
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Dept of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Laura E Beane-Freeman
- Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Debra King
- Clinical Pathology Group, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Dept of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Alison Motsinger-Reif
- Biostatistics and Computational Biology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Dept of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - David M Umbach
- Biostatistics and Computational Biology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Dept of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Annah B Wyss
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Dept of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - David A Schwartz
- Dept of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Juan C Celedón
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Dept of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Catherine Laprise
- Département des Sciences Fondamentales, Université du Québec à Chicoutimi, Saguenay, QC, Canada.,Centre Intersectoriel en Santé Durable, Département des Sciences Fondamentales, Université du Québec à Chicoutimi, Saguenay, QC, Canada.,Dept of Pediatrics, Centre Intégré Universitaire de Santé et de Services Sociaux du Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean, Saguenay, QC, Canada
| | - Carole Ober
- Dept of Human Genetics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Nicole Probst-Hensch
- Chronic Disease Epidemiology Unit, Dept of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,Dept of Public Health, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ivana V Yang
- Dept of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Gerard H Koppelman
- Dept of Pediatric Pulmonology and Pediatric Allergy, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Beatrix Children's Hospital and GRIAC Research Institute, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Stephanie J London
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Dept of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
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Heijink IH, Kuchibhotla VNS, Roffel MP, Maes T, Knight DA, Sayers I, Nawijn MC. Epithelial cell dysfunction, a major driver of asthma development. Allergy 2020; 75:1902-1917. [PMID: 32460363 PMCID: PMC7496351 DOI: 10.1111/all.14421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 155] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2020] [Revised: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Airway epithelial barrier dysfunction is frequently observed in asthma and may have important implications. The physical barrier function of the airway epithelium is tightly interwoven with its immunomodulatory actions, while abnormal epithelial repair responses may contribute to remodelling of the airway wall. We propose that abnormalities in the airway epithelial barrier play a crucial role in the sensitization to allergens and pathogenesis of asthma. Many of the identified susceptibility genes for asthma are expressed in the airway epithelium, supporting the notion that events at the airway epithelial surface are critical for the development of the disease. However, the exact mechanisms by which the expression of epithelial susceptibility genes translates into a functionally altered response to environmental risk factors of asthma are still unknown. Interactions between genetic factors and epigenetic regulatory mechanisms may be crucial for asthma susceptibility. Understanding these mechanisms may lead to identification of novel targets for asthma intervention by targeting the airway epithelium. Moreover, exciting new insights have come from recent studies using single‐cell RNA sequencing (scRNA‐Seq) to study the airway epithelium in asthma. This review focuses on the role of airway epithelial barrier function in the susceptibility to develop asthma and novel insights in the modulation of epithelial cell dysfunction in asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene H. Heijink
- Department of Pathology & Medical Biology GRIAC Research Institute University Medical Center Groningen University of Groningen Groningen The Netherlands
- Department of Pulmonology University Medical Center Groningen University of Groningen Groningen The Netherlands
| | - Virinchi N. S. Kuchibhotla
- Department of Pathology & Medical Biology GRIAC Research Institute University Medical Center Groningen University of Groningen Groningen The Netherlands
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy University of Newcastle Callaghan NSW Australia
| | - Mirjam P. Roffel
- Department of Pathology & Medical Biology GRIAC Research Institute University Medical Center Groningen University of Groningen Groningen The Netherlands
- Department of Respiratory Medicine Laboratory for Translational Research in Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases Ghent University Hospital Ghent University Ghent Belgium
| | - Tania Maes
- Department of Respiratory Medicine Laboratory for Translational Research in Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases Ghent University Hospital Ghent University Ghent Belgium
| | - Darryl A. Knight
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy University of Newcastle Callaghan NSW Australia
- UBC Providence Health Care Research Institute Vancouver BC Canada
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology and Therapeutics University of British Columbia Vancouver BC Canada
| | - Ian Sayers
- Division of Respiratory Medicine National Institute for Health Research Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute University of Nottingham Nottingham UK
| | - Martijn C. Nawijn
- Department of Pathology & Medical Biology GRIAC Research Institute University Medical Center Groningen University of Groningen Groningen The Netherlands
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28
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Novel Comprehensive Bioinformatics Approaches to Determine the Molecular Genetic Susceptibility Profile of Moderate and Severe Asthma. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21114022. [PMID: 32512817 PMCID: PMC7312607 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21114022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Revised: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Asthma is a chronic inflammatory condition linked to hyperresponsiveness in the airways. There is currently no cure available for asthma, and therapy choices are limited. Asthma is the result of the interplay between genes and the environment. The exact molecular genetic mechanism of asthma remains elusive. Aims: The aim of this study is to provide a comprehensive, detailed molecular etiology profile for the molecular factors that regulate the severity of asthma and pathogenicity using integrative bioinformatics tools. Methods: The GSE43696 omnibus gene expression dataset, which contains 50 moderate cases, 38 severe cases, and 20 healthy controls, was used to investigate differentially expressed genes (DEGs), susceptible chromosomal loci, gene networks, pathways, gene ontologies, and protein–protein interactions (PPIs) using an intensive bioinformatics pipeline. Results: The PPI network analysis yielded DEGs that contribute to interactions that differ from moderate-to-severe asthma. The combined interaction scores resulted in higher interactions for the genes STAT3, AGO2, COL1A1, CLCN6, and KSR for moderate asthma and JAK2, INSR, ERBB2, NR3C1, and PTK6 for severe asthma. Enrichment analysis (EA) demonstrated differential enrichment between moderate and severe asthma phenotypes; the ion transport regulation pathway was significantly enhanced in severe asthma phenotypes compared to that in moderate asthma phenotypes and involved PER2, GCR, IRS-2, KCNK7, KCNK6, NOX1, and SCN7A. The most enriched common pathway in both moderate and severe asthma is the development of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) signaling pathway followed by glucocorticoid-mediated inhibition of proinflammatory and proconstrictory signaling in the airway of smooth muscle cell pathways. Gene sets were shared between severe and moderate asthma at 16 chromosome locations, including 17p13.1, 16p11.2, 17q21.31, 1p36, and 19q13.2, while 60 and 48 chromosomal locations were unique for both moderate and severe asthma, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis for DEGs showed that several genes have been intersected in phases of asthma in the same cluster of genes. This could indicate that several asthma-associated genes have a common ancestor and could be linked to the same biological function or gene family, implying the importance of these genes in the pathogenesis of asthma. Conclusion: New genetic risk factors for the development of moderate-to-severe asthma were identified in this study, and these could provide a better understanding of the molecular pathology of asthma and might provide a platform for the treatment of asthma.
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