1
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Weng Y, Murphy CT. Male-specific behavioral and transcriptomic changes in aging C. elegans neurons. iScience 2024; 27:109910. [PMID: 38783998 PMCID: PMC11111838 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Aging is a complex biological process with sexually dimorphic aspects. Although cognitive aging of Caenorhabditis elegans hermaphrodites has been studied, less is known about cognitive decline in males. We found that cognitive aging has both sex-shared and sex-dimorphic characteristics, and we identified neuron-specific age-associated sex-differential targets. In addition to sex-shared neuronal aging genes, males differentially downregulate mitochondrial metabolic genes and upregulate GPCR genes with age, while the X chromosome exhibits increased gene expression in hermaphrodites and altered dosage compensation complex expression with age, indicating possible X chromosome dysregulation that contributes to sexual dimorphism in cognitive aging. Finally, the sex-differentially expressed gene hrg-7, an aspartic-type endopeptidase, regulates male cognitive aging but does not affect hermaphrodites' behaviors. These results suggest that males and hermaphrodites exhibit different age-related neuronal changes. This study will strengthen our understanding of sex-specific vulnerability and resilience and identify pathways to target with treatments that could benefit both sexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifei Weng
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
- LSI Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Coleen T. Murphy
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
- LSI Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
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2
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Qadir MMF, Elgamal RM, Song K, Kudtarkar P, Sakamuri SS, Katakam PV, El-Dahr S, Kolls J, Gaulton KJ, Mauvais-Jarvis F. Single cell regulatory architecture of human pancreatic islets suggests sex differences in β cell function and the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.11.589096. [PMID: 38645001 PMCID: PMC11030320 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.11.589096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Biological sex affects the pathogenesis of type 2 and type 1 diabetes (T2D, T1D) including the development of β cell failure observed more often in males. The mechanisms that drive sex differences in β cell failure is unknown. Studying sex differences in islet regulation and function represent a unique avenue to understand the sex-specific heterogeneity in β cell failure in diabetes. Here, we examined sex and race differences in human pancreatic islets from up to 52 donors with and without T2D (including 37 donors from the Human Pancreas Analysis Program [HPAP] dataset) using an orthogonal series of experiments including single cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq), single nucleus assay for transposase-accessible chromatin sequencing (snATAC-seq), dynamic hormone secretion, and bioenergetics. In cultured islets from nondiabetic (ND) donors, in the absence of the in vivo hormonal environment, sex differences in islet cell type gene accessibility and expression predominantly involved sex chromosomes. Of particular interest were sex differences in the X-linked KDM6A and Y-linked KDM5D chromatin remodelers in female and male islet cells respectively. Islets from T2D donors exhibited similar sex differences in differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from sex chromosomes. However, in contrast to islets from ND donors, islets from T2D donors exhibited major sex differences in DEGs from autosomes. Comparing β cells from T2D and ND donors revealed that females had more DEGs from autosomes compared to male β cells. Gene set enrichment analysis of female β cell DEGs showed a suppression of oxidative phosphorylation and electron transport chain pathways, while male β cell had suppressed insulin secretion pathways. Thus, although sex-specific differences in gene accessibility and expression of cultured ND human islets predominantly affect sex chromosome genes, major differences in autosomal gene expression between sexes appear during the transition to T2D and which highlight mitochondrial failure in female β cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirza Muhammad Fahd Qadir
- Section of Endocrinology and Metabolism, John W. Deming Department of Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
- Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System, New Orleans, LA, USA
- Tulane Center of Excellence in Sex-Based Biology & Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Ruth M. Elgamal
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Keijing Song
- Center for Translational Research in Infection and Inflammation, John W. Deming Department of Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Parul Kudtarkar
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Siva S.V.P Sakamuri
- Department of Pharmacology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Prasad V. Katakam
- Department of Pharmacology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Samir El-Dahr
- Department of Pediatrics, Tulane University, School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Jay Kolls
- Center for Translational Research in Infection and Inflammation, John W. Deming Department of Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Kyle J. Gaulton
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Franck Mauvais-Jarvis
- Section of Endocrinology and Metabolism, John W. Deming Department of Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
- Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System, New Orleans, LA, USA
- Tulane Center of Excellence in Sex-Based Biology & Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
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3
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Song QH, Zhao KX, Huang S, Chen T, He L. Escape from X-chromosome inactivation and sex differences in Alzheimer's disease. Rev Neurosci 2024; 35:341-354. [PMID: 38157427 DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2023-0108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Sex differences exist in the onset and progression of Alzheimer's disease. Globally, women have a higher prevalence, while men with Alzheimer's disease experience earlier mortality and more pronounced cognitive decline than women. The cause of sex differences in Alzheimer's disease remains unclear. Accumulating evidence suggests the potential role of X-linked genetic factors in the sex difference of Alzheimer's disease (AD). During embryogenesis, a remarkable process known as X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) occurs in females, leading to one of the X chromosomes undergoing transcriptional inactivation, which balances the effects of two X chromosomes in females. Nevertheless, certain genes exceptionally escape from XCI, which provides a basis for dual expression dosage of specific genes in females. Based on recent research findings, we explore key escape genes and their potential therapeutic use associated with Alzheimer's disease. Also, we discuss their possible role in driving the sex differences in Alzheimer's disease. This will provide new perspectives for precision medicine and gender-specific treatment of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing-Hua Song
- Department of Pharmacology, China Pharmaceutical University, No. 24 Tong Jia Xiang, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Ke-Xuan Zhao
- Department of Pharmacology, China Pharmaceutical University, No. 24 Tong Jia Xiang, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Shuai Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, China Pharmaceutical University, No. 24 Tong Jia Xiang, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Tong Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, China Pharmaceutical University, No. 24 Tong Jia Xiang, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Ling He
- Department of Pharmacology, China Pharmaceutical University, No. 24 Tong Jia Xiang, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu Province, China
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Amato-Menker CJ, Hopen Q, Pettit A, Gandhi J, Hu G, Schafer R, Franko J. XX sex chromosome complement modulates immune responses to heat-killed Streptococcus pneumoniae immunization in a microbiome-dependent manner. Biol Sex Differ 2024; 15:21. [PMID: 38486287 PMCID: PMC10938708 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-024-00597-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Differences in male vs. female immune responses are well-documented and have significant clinical implications. While the immunomodulatory effects of sex hormones are well established, the contributions of sex chromosome complement (XX vs. XY) and gut microbiome diversity on immune sexual dimorphisms have only recently become appreciated. Here we investigate the individual and collaborative influences of sex chromosome complements and gut microbiota on humoral immune activation. METHODS Male and female Four Core Genotype (FCG) mice were immunized with heat-killed Streptococcus pneumoniae (HKSP). Humoral immune responses were assessed, and X-linked immune-related gene expression was evaluated to explain the identified XX-dependent phenotype. The functional role of Kdm6a, an X-linked epigenetic regulatory gene of interest, was evaluated ex vivo using mitogen stimulation of B cells. Additional influences of the gut microbiome on sex chromosome-dependent B cell activation was also evaluated by antibiotically depleting gut microbiota prior to HKSP immunization. Reconstitution of the depleted microbiome with short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacteria tested the impact of SCFAs on XX-dependent immune activation. RESULTS XX mice exhibited higher HKSP-specific IgM-secreting B cells and plasma cell frequencies than XY mice, regardless of gonadal sex. Although Kdm6a was identified as an X-linked gene overexpressed in XX B cells, inhibition of its enzymatic activity did not affect mitogen-induced plasma cell differentiation or antibody production in a sex chromosome-dependent manner ex vivo. Enhanced humoral responses in XX vs. XY immunized FCG mice were eliminated after microbiome depletion, indicating that the microbiome contributes to the identified XX-dependent immune enhancement. Reconstituting microbiota-depleted mice with select SCFA-producing bacteria enhanced fecal SCFA concentrations and increased humoral responses in XX, but not XY, FCG mice. However, exposure to the SCFA propionate alone did not enhance mitogenic B cell stimulation in ex vivo studies. CONCLUSIONS FCG mice have been used to assess sex hormone and sex chromosome complement influences on various sexually dimorphic traits. The current study indicates that the gut microbiome impacts humoral responses in an XX-dependent manner, suggesting that the collaborative influence of gut bacteria and other sex-specific factors should be considered when interpreting data aimed at delineating the mechanisms that promote sexual dimorphism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carly J Amato-Menker
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, USA
- Department of Research, West Virginia University School of Dentistry, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Quinn Hopen
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, USA
- Department of Research, West Virginia University School of Dentistry, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Andrea Pettit
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Jasleen Gandhi
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, USA
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Gangqing Hu
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Rosana Schafer
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Jennifer Franko
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, USA.
- Department of Research, West Virginia University School of Dentistry, Morgantown, WV, USA.
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Forsyth KS, Toothacre NE, Jiwrajka N, Driscoll AM, Shallberg LA, Cunningham-Rundles C, Barmettler S, Farmer J, Verbsky J, Routes J, Beiting DP, Romberg N, May MJ, Anguera MC. NF-κB Signaling is Required for X-Chromosome Inactivation Maintenance Following T cell Activation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.08.579505. [PMID: 38405871 PMCID: PMC10888971 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.08.579505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
X Chromosome Inactivation (XCI) is a female-specific process which balances X-linked gene dosage between sexes. Unstimulated T cells lack cytological enrichment of Xist RNA and heterochromatic modifications on the inactive X chromosome (Xi), and these modifications become enriched at the Xi after cell stimulation. Here, we examined allele-specific gene expression and the epigenomic profiles of the Xi following T cell stimulation. We found that the Xi in unstimulated T cells is largely dosage compensated and is enriched with the repressive H3K27me3 modification, but not the H2AK119-ubiquitin (Ub) mark, even at promoters of XCI escape genes. Upon CD3/CD28-mediated T cell stimulation, the Xi accumulates H2AK119-Ub and H3K27me3 across the Xi. Next, we examined the T cell signaling pathways responsible for Xist RNA localization to the Xi and found that T cell receptor (TCR) engagement, specifically NF-κB signaling downstream of TCR, is required. Disruption of NF-κB signaling, using inhibitors or genetic deletions, in mice and patients with immunodeficiencies prevents Xist/XIST RNA accumulation at the Xi and alters expression of some X-linked genes. Our findings reveal a novel connection between NF-κB signaling pathways which impact XCI maintenance in female T cells.
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Bhattacharya S, Sadhukhan D, Saraswathy R. Role of sex in immune response and epigenetic mechanisms. Epigenetics Chromatin 2024; 17:1. [PMID: 38247002 PMCID: PMC10802034 DOI: 10.1186/s13072-024-00525-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The functioning of the human immune system is highly dependent on the sex of the individual, which comes by virtue of sex chromosomes and hormonal differences. Epigenetic mechanisms such as X chromosome inactivation, mosaicism, skewing, and dimorphism in X chromosome genes and Y chromosome regulatory genes create a sex-based variance in the immune response between males and females. This leads to differential susceptibility in immune-related disorders like infections, autoimmunity, and malignancies. Various naturally available immunomodulators are also available which target immune pathways containing X chromosome genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sombodhi Bhattacharya
- Biomedical Genetics Research Lab, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, 632014, India
| | - Debasmita Sadhukhan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, 632014, India
| | - Radha Saraswathy
- Biomedical Genetics Research Lab, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, 632014, India.
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, 632014, India.
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Cantu A, Gutierrez MC, Dong X, Leek C, Anguera M, Lingappan K. Modulation of recovery from neonatal hyperoxic lung injury by sex as a biological variable. Redox Biol 2023; 68:102933. [PMID: 38661305 PMCID: PMC10628633 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2023.102933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Recovery from lung injury during the neonatal period requires the orchestration of many biological pathways. The modulation of such pathways can drive the developing lung towards proper repair or persistent maldevelopment that can lead to a disease phenotype. Sex as a biological variable can regulate these pathways differently in the male and female lung exposed to neonatal hyperoxia. In this study, we assessed the contribution of cellular diversity in the male and female neonatal lung following injury. Our objective was to investigate sex and cell-type specific transcriptional changes that drive repair or persistent injury in the neonatal lung and delineate the alterations in the immune-endothelial cell communication networks using single cell RNA sequencing (sc-RNAseq) in a murine model of hyperoxic injury. We generated transcriptional profiles of >55,000 cells isolated from the lungs of postnatal day 1 (PND 1; pre-exposure), PND 7, and PND 21neonatal male and female C57BL/6 mice exposed to 95 % FiO2 between PND 1-5 (saccular stage of lung development). We show the presence of sex-based differences in the transcriptional states of lung endothelial and immune cells at PND 1 and PND 21. Furthermore, we demonstrate that biological sex significantly influences the response to injury, with a greater number of differentially expressed genes showing sex-specific patterns than those shared between male and female lungs. Pseudotime trajectory analysis highlighted genes needed for lung development that were altered by hyperoxia. Finally, we show intercellular communication between endothelial and immune cells at saccular and alveolar stages of lung development with sex-based biases in the crosstalk and identify novel ligand-receptor pairs. Our findings provide valuable insights into the cell diversity, transcriptional state, developmental trajectory, and cell-cell communication underlying neonatal lung injury, with implications for understanding lung development and possible therapeutic interventions while highlighting the crucial role of sex as a biological variable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abiud Cantu
- Department of Neonatology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Xiaoyu Dong
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Connor Leek
- Department of Neonatology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Montserrat Anguera
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Krithika Lingappan
- Department of Neonatology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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8
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Amato-Menker C, Hopen Q, Pettit A, Gandhi J, Hu G, Schafer R, Franko J. XX sex chromosome complement modulates immune responses to heat-killed Streptococcus pneumoniae immunization in a microbiome-dependent manner. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3429829. [PMID: 37961596 PMCID: PMC10635377 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3429829/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Background Differences in male vs. female immune responses are well-documented and have significant clinical implications. While the immunomodulatory effects of sex hormones are well established, the contributions of sex chromosome complement (XX vs. XY) and gut microbiome diversity on immune sexual dimorphisms have only recently become appreciated. Here we investigate the individual and collaborative influences of sex chromosome complements and gut microbiome bacteria on humoral immune activation. Methods Sham-operated and gonadectomized male and female Four Core Genotype (FCG) mice were immunized with heat-killed Streptococcus pneumoniae (HKSP). Humoral immune responses were assessed, and X-linked immune-related gene expression was evaluated to explain the identified XX-dependent phenotypes. Ex vivo studies investigated the functional role of Kdm6a, an X-linked epigenetic regulatory gene of interest, in mitogenic B cell activation. Additionally, we examined whether gut microbiome communities, or their metabolites, differentially influence immune cell activation in a sex chromosome-dependent manner. Endogenous gut microbiomes were antibiotically depleted and reconstituted with select short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacteria prior to HKSP immunization and immune responses assessed. Results XX mice exhibited higher HKSP-specific IgM-secreting B cells and plasma cell frequencies than XY mice, regardless of gonadal sex. Although Kdm6a was identified as an X-linked gene overexpressed in XX B cells, inhibition of its enzymatic activity did not affect mitogen-induced plasma cell differentiation or antibody production in a sex chromosome-dependent manner ex vivo. Enhanced humoral responses in XX vs. XY immunized FCG mice were eliminated after microbiome depletion, indicating that the microbiome contributes to the identified XX-dependent immune enhancement. Reconstituting microbiota-depleted mice with select SCFA-producing bacteria increased humoral responses in XX, but not XY, FCG mice. This XX-dependent enhancement appears to be independent of SCFA production in males, while female XX-dependent responses relied on SCFAs. Conclusions FCG mice have been used to assess the influence of sex hormones and sex chromosome complements on various sexually dimorphic traits. The current study indicates that the gut microbiome impacts humoral responses in an XX-dependent manner, suggesting that the collaborative influence of gut bacteria and other sex-specific factors should be considered when interpreting data aimed at delineating the mechanisms that promote sexual dimorphism.
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9
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Cantu A, Gutierrez MC, Dong X, Leek C, Anguera M, Lingappan K. Modulation of Recovery from Neonatal Hyperoxic Lung Injury by Sex as a Biological Variable. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.09.552532. [PMID: 37609288 PMCID: PMC10441379 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.09.552532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Recovery from lung injury during the neonatal period requires the orchestration of many biological pathways. The modulation of such pathways can drive the developing lung towards proper repair or persistent maldevelopment that can lead to a disease phenotype. Sex as a biological variable can regulate these pathways differently in the male and female lung exposed to neonatal hyperoxia. In this study, we assessed the contribution of cellular diversity in the male and female neonatal lung following injury. Our objective was to investigate sex and cell-type specific transcriptional changes that drive repair or persistent injury in the neonatal lung and delineate the alterations in the immune-endothelial cell communication networks using single cell RNA sequencing (sc-RNAseq) in a murine model of hyperoxic injury. We generated transcriptional profiles of >55,000 cells isolated from the lungs of postnatal day 1 (PND 1) and postnatal day 21 (PND 21) neonatal male and female C57BL/6 mice exposed to 95% FiO 2 between PND 1-5 (saccular stage of lung development). We show the presence of sex-based differences in the transcriptional states of lung endothelial and immune cells at PND 1 and PND 21. Furthermore, we demonstrate that biological sex significantly influences the response to injury, with a greater number of differentially expressed genes showing sex-specific patterns than those shared between male and female lungs. Pseudotime trajectory analysis highlighted genes needed for lung development that were altered by hyperoxia. Finally, we show intercellular communication between endothelial and immune cells at saccular and alveolar stages of lung development with sex-based biases in the crosstalk and identify novel ligand-receptor pairs. Our findings provide valuable insights into the cell diversity, transcriptional state, developmental trajectory, and cell-cell communication underlying neonatal lung injury, with implications for understanding lung development and possible therapeutic interventions while highlighting the crucial role of sex as a biological variable.
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10
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Ednie AR, Paul-Onyia CD, Bennett ES. Reduced O-GlcNAcylation diminishes cardiomyocyte Ca 2+ dependent facilitation and frequency dependent acceleration of relaxation. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2023; 180:10-21. [PMID: 37120927 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2023.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Ca2+ dependent facilitation (CDF) and frequency dependent acceleration of relaxation (FDAR) are regulatory mechanisms that potentiate cardiomyocyte Ca2+ channel function and increase the rate of Ca2+ sequestration following a Ca2+-release event, respectively, when depolarization frequency increases. CDF and FDAR likely evolved to maintain EC coupling at increased heart rates. Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent kinase II (CaMKII) was shown to be indispensable to both; however, the mechanisms remain to be completely elucidated. CaMKII activity can be modulated by post-translational modifications but if and how these modifications impact CDF and FDAR is unknown. Intracellular O-linked glycosylation (O-GlcNAcylation) is a post-translational modification that acts as a signaling molecule and metabolic sensor. In hyperglycemic conditions, CaMKII was shown to be O-GlcNAcylated resulting in pathologic activity. Here we sought to investigate whether O-GlcNAcylation impacts CDF and FDAR through modulation of CaMKII activity in a pseudo-physiologic setting. Using voltage-clamp and Ca2+ photometry we show that cardiomyocyte CDF and FDAR are significantly diminished in conditions of reduced O-GlcNAcylation. Immunoblot showed that CaMKIIδ and calmodulin expression are increased but the autophosphorylation of CaMKIIδ and the muscle cell-specific CaMKIIβ isoform are reduced by 75% or more when O-GlcNAcylation is inhibited. We also show that the enzyme responsible for O-GlcNAcylation (OGT) can likely be localized in the dyad space and/or at the cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum and is precipitated by calmodulin in a Ca2+ dependent manner. These findings will have important implications for our understanding of how CaMKII and OGT interact to impact cardiomyocyte EC coupling in normal physiologic settings as well as in disease states where CaMKII and OGT may be aberrantly regulated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew R Ednie
- Department of Neuroscience, Cell Biology & Physiology, Boonshoft School of Medicine and College of Science and Mathematics, Wright State University, Dayton, OH, USA.
| | - Chiagozie D Paul-Onyia
- Department of Neuroscience, Cell Biology & Physiology, Boonshoft School of Medicine and College of Science and Mathematics, Wright State University, Dayton, OH, USA
| | - Eric S Bennett
- Department of Neuroscience, Cell Biology & Physiology, Boonshoft School of Medicine and College of Science and Mathematics, Wright State University, Dayton, OH, USA
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11
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Shaw C, Abdulai-Saiku S, Marino F, Wang D, Davis E, Panning B, Dubal D. X Chromosome Factor Kdm6a Enhances Cognition Independent of Its Demethylase Function in the Aging XY Male Brain. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2023; 78:938-943. [PMID: 36617879 PMCID: PMC10235195 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glad007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Males exhibit shorter life span and more cognitive deficits, in the absence of dementia, in aging human populations. In mammals, the X chromosome is enriched for neural genes and is a major source of biologic sex difference, in part, because males show decreased expression of select X factors (XY). While each sex (XX and XY) harbors one active X due to X chromosome inactivation in females, some genes, such as Kdm6a, transcriptionally escape silencing in females-resulting in lower transcript levels in males. Kdm6a is a known histone demethylase (H3K27me2/3) with multiple functional domains that is linked with synaptic plasticity and cognition. Whether elevating Kdm6a could benefit the aged male brain and whether this requires its demethylase function remains unknown. We used lentiviral-mediated overexpression of the X factor in the hippocampus of aging male mice and tested their cognition and behavior in the Morris water-maze. We found that acutely increasing Kdm6a-in a form without demethylase function-selectively improved learning and memory, in the aging XY brain, without altering total activity or anxiety-like measures. Further understanding the demethylase-independent downstream mechanisms of Kdm6a may lead to novel therapies for treating age-induced cognitive deficits in both sexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cayce K Shaw
- Department of Neurology and Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
- Rehabilitation Sciences Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Samira Abdulai-Saiku
- Department of Neurology and Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Francesca Marino
- Department of Neurology and Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Dan Wang
- Department of Neurology and Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Emily J Davis
- Department of Neurology and Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Barbara Panning
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Dena B Dubal
- Department of Neurology and Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
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12
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Peeters S, Leung T, Fornes O, Farkas R, Wasserman W, Brown C. Refining the genomic determinants underlying escape from X-chromosome inactivation. NAR Genom Bioinform 2023; 5:lqad052. [PMID: 37260510 PMCID: PMC10227363 DOI: 10.1093/nargab/lqad052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) epigenetically silences one X chromosome in every cell in female mammals. Although the majority of X-linked genes are silenced, in humans 20% or more are able to escape inactivation and continue to be expressed. Such escape genes are important contributors to sex differences in gene expression, and may impact the phenotypes of X aneuploidies; yet the mechanisms regulating escape from XCI are not understood. We have performed an enrichment analysis of transcription factor binding on the X chromosome, providing new evidence for enriched factors at the transcription start sites of escape genes. The top escape-enriched transcription factors were detected at the RPS4X promoter, a well-described human escape gene previously demonstrated to escape from XCI in a transgenic mouse model. Using a cell line model system that allows for targeted integration and inactivation of transgenes on the mouse X chromosome, we further assessed combinations of RPS4X promoter and genic elements for their ability to drive escape from XCI. We identified a small transgenic construct of only 6 kb capable of robust escape from XCI, establishing that gene-proximal elements are sufficient to permit escape, and highlighting the additive effect of multiple elements that work together in a context-specific fashion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Peeters
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Tiffany Leung
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics at British Columbia Children's Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Oriol Fornes
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics at British Columbia Children's Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Rachelle A Farkas
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics at British Columbia Children's Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Wyeth W Wasserman
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics at British Columbia Children's Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Carolyn J Brown
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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13
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Yoon SH, Kim GY, Choi GT, Do JT. Organ Abnormalities Caused by Turner Syndrome. Cells 2023; 12:1365. [PMID: 37408200 DOI: 10.3390/cells12101365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Turner syndrome (TS), a genetic disorder due to incomplete dosage compensation of X-linked genes, affects multiple organ systems, leading to hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, short stature, cardiovascular and vascular abnormalities, liver disease, renal abnormalities, brain abnormalities, and skeletal problems. Patients with TS experience premature ovarian failure with a rapid decline in ovarian function caused by germ cell depletion, and pregnancies carry a high risk of adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. Aortic abnormalities, heart defects, obesity, hypertension, and liver abnormalities, such as steatosis, steatohepatitis, biliary involvement, liver cirrhosis, and nodular regenerative hyperplasia, are commonly observed in patients with TS. The SHOX gene plays a crucial role in short stature and abnormal skeletal phenotype in patients with TS. Abnormal structure formation of the ureter and kidney is also common in patients with TS, and a non-mosaic 45,X karyotype is significantly associated with horseshoe kidneys. TS also affects brain structure and function. In this review, we explore various phenotypic and disease manifestations of TS in different organs, including the reproductive system, cardiovascular system, liver, kidneys, brain, and skeletal system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang Hoon Yoon
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, KU Institute of Technology, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Ga Yeon Kim
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, KU Institute of Technology, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Gyu Tae Choi
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, KU Institute of Technology, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Tae Do
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, KU Institute of Technology, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
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14
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Pinnaro CT, Beck CB, Major HJ, Darbro BW. CRELD1 variants are associated with bicuspid aortic valve in Turner syndrome. Hum Genet 2023; 142:523-530. [PMID: 36929416 PMCID: PMC10060348 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-023-02538-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Turner syndrome (TS) is a chromosomal disorder caused by complete or partial loss of the second sex chromosome and exhibits phenotypic heterogeneity, even after accounting for mosaicism and karyotypic variation. Congenital heart defects (CHD) are found in up to 45 percent of girls with TS and span a phenotypic continuum of obstructive left-sided lesions, with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) being the most common. Several recent studies have demonstrated a genome-wide impact of X chromosome haploinsufficiency, including global hypomethylation and altered RNA expression. The presence of such broad changes to the TS epigenome and transcriptome led others to hypothesize that X chromosome haploinsufficiency sensitizes the TS genome, and several studies have demonstrated that a second genetic hit can modify disease susceptibility in TS. The objective of this study was to determine whether genetic variants in known heart developmental pathways act synergistically in this setting to increase the risk for CHD, specifically BAV, in TS. We analyzed 208 whole exomes from girls and women with TS and performed gene-based variant enrichment analysis and rare-variant association testing to identify variants associated with BAV in TS. Notably, rare variants in CRELD1 were significantly enriched in individuals with TS who had BAV compared to those with structurally normal hearts. CRELD1 is a protein that functions as a regulator of calcineurin/NFAT signaling, and rare variants in CRELD1 have been associated with both syndromic and non-syndromic CHD. This observation supports the hypothesis that genetic modifiers outside the X chromosome that lie in known heart development pathways may influence CHD risk in TS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherina T Pinnaro
- Stead Family Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Chloe B Beck
- Stead Family Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa, IA, 52242, USA
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Genetics, University of Iowa, Iowa, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Heather J Major
- Stead Family Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Benjamin W Darbro
- Stead Family Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa, IA, 52242, USA.
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Genetics, University of Iowa, Iowa, IA, 52242, USA.
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15
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Galaras A, Verykokakis M. UT(se)X differences during immune responses. Nat Immunol 2023; 24:738-740. [PMID: 36997671 DOI: 10.1038/s41590-023-01481-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandros Galaras
- Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, Biomedical Sciences Research Center Alexander Fleming, Vari, Greece
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Mihalis Verykokakis
- Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, Biomedical Sciences Research Center Alexander Fleming, Vari, Greece.
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16
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Bonefas KM, Vallianatos CN, Raines B, Tronson NC, Iwase S. Sexually Dimorphic Alterations in the Transcriptome and Behavior with Loss of Histone Demethylase KDM5C. Cells 2023; 12:cells12040637. [PMID: 36831303 PMCID: PMC9954040 DOI: 10.3390/cells12040637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Chromatin dysregulation has emerged as a major hallmark of neurodevelopmental disorders such as intellectual disability (ID) and autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The prevalence of ID and ASD is higher in males compared to females, with unknown mechanisms. Intellectual developmental disorder, X-linked syndromic, Claes-Jensen type (MRXSCJ), is caused by loss-of-function mutations of lysine demethylase 5C (KDM5C), a histone H3K4 demethylase gene. KDM5C escapes X-inactivation, thereby presenting at a higher level in females. Initially, MRXSCJ was exclusively reported in males, while it is increasingly evident that females with heterozygous KDM5C mutations can show cognitive deficits. The mouse model of MRXSCJ, male Kdm5c-hemizygous knockout animals, recapitulates key features of human male patients. However, the behavioral and molecular traits of Kdm5c-heterozygous female mice remain incompletely characterized. Here, we report that gene expression and behavioral abnormalities are readily detectable in Kdm5c-heterozygous female mice, demonstrating the requirement for a higher KDM5C dose in females. Furthermore, we found both shared and sex-specific consequences of a reduced KDM5C dose in social behavior, gene expression, and genetic interaction with the counteracting enzyme KMT2A. These observations provide an essential insight into the sex-biased manifestation of neurodevelopmental disorders and sex chromosome evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine M. Bonefas
- Department of Human Genetics, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Christina N. Vallianatos
- Department of Human Genetics, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Genetics and Genomics Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Brynne Raines
- Department of Psychology, College of LS&A, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Natalie C. Tronson
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Psychology, College of LS&A, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Correspondence: (N.C.T.); (S.I.)
| | - Shigeki Iwase
- Department of Human Genetics, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Genetics and Genomics Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Correspondence: (N.C.T.); (S.I.)
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17
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Sierra I, Pyfrom S, Weiner A, Zhao G, Driscoll A, Yu X, Gregory BD, Vaughan AE, Anguera MC. Unusual X chromosome inactivation maintenance in female alveolar type 2 cells is correlated with increased numbers of X-linked escape genes and sex-biased gene expression. Stem Cell Reports 2023; 18:489-502. [PMID: 36638790 PMCID: PMC9968984 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2022.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Sex differences exist for many lung pathologies, including COVID-19 and pulmonary fibrosis, but the mechanistic basis for this remains unclear. Alveolar type 2 cells (AT2s), which play a key role in alveolar lung regeneration, express the X-linked Ace2 gene that has roles in lung repair and SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis, suggesting that X chromosome inactivation (XCI) in AT2s might impact sex-biased lung pathology. Here we investigate XCI maintenance and sex-specific gene expression profiles using male and female AT2s. Remarkably, the inactive X chromosome (Xi) lacks robust canonical Xist RNA "clouds" and less enrichment of heterochromatic modifications in human and mouse AT2s. We demonstrate that about 68% of expressed X-linked genes in mouse AT2s, including Ace2, escape XCI. There are genome-wide expression differences between male and female AT2s, likely influencing both lung physiology and pathophysiologic responses. These studies support a renewed focus on AT2s as a potential contributor to sex-biased differences in lung disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Sierra
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Sarah Pyfrom
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Aaron Weiner
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Gan Zhao
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Amanda Driscoll
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Xiang Yu
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Brian D Gregory
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Andrew E Vaughan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Penn Lung Biology Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| | - Montserrat C Anguera
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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18
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Greeson KW, Crow KMS, Edenfield RC, Easley CA. Inheritance of paternal lifestyles and exposures through sperm DNA methylation. Nat Rev Urol 2023:10.1038/s41585-022-00708-9. [PMID: 36653672 DOI: 10.1038/s41585-022-00708-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Many different lifestyle factors and chemicals present in the environment are a threat to the reproductive tracts of humans. The potential for parental preconception exposure to alter gametes and for these alterations to be passed on to offspring and negatively affect embryo growth and development is of concern. The connection between maternal exposures and offspring health is a frequent focus in epidemiological studies, but paternal preconception exposures are much less frequently considered and are also very important determinants of offspring health. Several environmental and lifestyle factors in men have been found to alter sperm epigenetics, which can regulate gene expression during early embryonic development. Epigenetic information is thought to be a mechanism that evolved for organisms to pass on information about their lived experiences to offspring. DNA methylation is a well-studied epigenetic regulator that is sensitive to environmental exposures in somatic cells and sperm. The continuous production of sperm from spermatogonial stem cells throughout a man's adult life and the presence of spermatogonial stem cells outside of the blood-testis barrier makes them susceptible to environmental insults. Furthermore, altered sperm DNA methylation patterns can be maintained throughout development and ultimately result in impairments, which could predispose offspring to disease. Innovations in human stem cell-based spermatogenic models can be used to elucidate the paternal origins of health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine W Greeson
- Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.,Regenerative Bioscience Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Krista M S Crow
- Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.,Regenerative Bioscience Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - R Clayton Edenfield
- Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.,Regenerative Bioscience Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Charles A Easley
- Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA. .,Regenerative Bioscience Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.
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19
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Cabrera Zapata LE, Garcia-Segura LM, Cambiasso MJ, Arevalo MA. Genetics and Epigenetics of the X and Y Chromosomes in the Sexual Differentiation of the Brain. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012288. [PMID: 36293143 PMCID: PMC9603441 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
For many decades to date, neuroendocrinologists have delved into the key contribution of gonadal hormones to the generation of sex differences in the developing brain and the expression of sex-specific physiological and behavioral phenotypes in adulthood. However, it was not until recent years that the role of sex chromosomes in the matter started to be seriously explored and unveiled beyond gonadal determination. Now we know that the divergent evolutionary process suffered by X and Y chromosomes has determined that they now encode mostly dissimilar genetic information and are subject to different epigenetic regulations, characteristics that together contribute to generate sex differences between XX and XY cells/individuals from the zygote throughout life. Here we will review and discuss relevant data showing how particular X- and Y-linked genes and epigenetic mechanisms controlling their expression and inheritance are involved, along with or independently of gonadal hormones, in the generation of sex differences in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas E. Cabrera Zapata
- Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra (INIMEC), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba 5016, Argentina
- Instituto Cajal (IC), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 28002 Madrid, Spain
| | | | - María Julia Cambiasso
- Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra (INIMEC), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba 5016, Argentina
- Cátedra de Biología Celular, Facultad de Odontología, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba 5000, Argentina
- Correspondence: (M.J.C.); (M.A.A.)
| | - Maria Angeles Arevalo
- Instituto Cajal (IC), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 28002 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (M.J.C.); (M.A.A.)
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20
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Brown CM, Wong Q, Thakur A, Singh K, Singh RS. Origin of Sex-Biased Mental Disorders: Do Males and Females Experience Different Selective Regimes? J Mol Evol 2022; 90:401-417. [PMID: 36097083 DOI: 10.1007/s00239-022-10072-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The origins of sex-biased differences in disease and health are of growing interest to both medical researchers and health professionals. Several major factors have been identified that affect sex differences in incidence of diseases and mental disorders. These are: sex chromosomes, sex hormones and female immunity, sexual selection and antagonistic evolution, and differential susceptibility of sexes to environmental factors. These factors work on different time scales and are not exclusive of each other. Recently, a combined Sexual Selection-Sex Hormones (SS-SH) Theory was presented as an evolutionary mechanism to explain sex-biased differences in diseases and mental disorders (Singh in J Mol Evol 89:195-213, 2021). In that paper disease prevalence trends were investigated, and non-sex-specific diseases were hypothesized to be more common in males than in females in general. They showed signs of exceptions to this trend with inflammatory diseases and stress-related mental disorders that were more common in females. We believe that the SS-SH theory requires the consideration of psycho-social stress (PSS) to explain the predominance of female-biased mental disorders and some other exceptions in their findings. Here we present a theory of sex-differential experience of PSS and provide quantitative support for the combined SS-SH-PSS Theory using age-standardized incidence rates (ASIRs) recording the levels of male- and female-bias in data obtained from different countries. The grand theory provides an evolutionary framework for explaining patterns of sex-biased trends in the prevalence of disease and health. Further exploration of women's vulnerability to social factors may help to facilitate new treatments for female-biased diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Queenie Wong
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Aditi Thakur
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Karun Singh
- Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network and Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Rama S Singh
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada.
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21
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Yang T, Ou J, Yildirim E. Xist exerts gene-specific silencing during XCI maintenance and impacts lineage-specific cell differentiation and proliferation during hematopoiesis. Nat Commun 2022; 13:4464. [PMID: 35915095 PMCID: PMC9343370 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-32273-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
X chromosome inactivation (XCI) is a dosage compensation phenomenon that occurs in females. Initiation of XCI depends on Xist RNA, which triggers silencing of one of the two X chromosomes, except for XCI escape genes that continue to be biallelically expressed. In the soma XCI is stably maintained with continuous Xist expression. How Xist impacts XCI maintenance remains an open question. Here we conditionally delete Xist in hematopoietic system of mice and report differentiation and cell cycle defects in female hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs). By utilizing female HSPCs and mouse embryonic fibroblasts, we find that X-linked genes show variable tolerance to Xist loss. Specifically, XCI escape genes exhibit preferential transcriptional upregulation, which associates with low H3K27me3 occupancy and high chromatin accessibility that accommodates preexisting binding of transcription factors such as Yin Yang 1 (YY1) at the basal state. We conclude that Xist is necessary for gene-specific silencing during XCI maintenance and impacts lineage-specific cell differentiation and proliferation during hematopoiesis. Here the authors investigate the functional relevance of X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) regulator Xist in hematopoiesis. They find that Xist loss leads to changes in the ratio of hematopoietic progenitor cells and results in chromatin accessibility and transcriptional upregulation on the inactive X chromosome, including XCI escape genes known to be associated with cell cycle and immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianqi Yang
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.,Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.,Duke Regeneration Center, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.,Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Jianhong Ou
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.,Duke Regeneration Center, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Eda Yildirim
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, USA. .,Duke Regeneration Center, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27710, USA. .,Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.
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22
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Arnold AP. Integrating Sex Chromosome and Endocrine Theories to Improve Teaching of Sexual Differentiation. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2022; 14:a039057. [PMID: 35667790 PMCID: PMC9438782 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a039057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Major sex differences in mammalian tissues are functionally tied to reproduction and evolved as adaptations to meet different reproductive needs of females and males. They were thus directly controlled by gonadal hormones. Factors encoded on the sex chromosomes also cause many sex differences in diverse tissues because they are present in different doses in XX and XY cells. The sex chromosome effects likely evolved not because of demands of reproduction, but as side effects of genomic forces that adaptively reduced sexual inequality. Sex-specific effects of particular factors, including gonadal hormones, therefore, are not necessarily explained as adaptations for reproduction, but also as potential factors offsetting, rather than producing, sex differences. The incorporation of these concepts would improve future teaching about sexual differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur P Arnold
- Department of Integrative Biology & Physiology, and Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology of the Brain Research Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095-7239, USA
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23
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Carrillo-Tapia E, Espinosa-Padilla SE, Perez-Perez D, Gonzalez-Serrano ME, Berron-Ruiz L, Espinosa-Rosales FJ, Rodriguez-Alba JC, Mújica-Guzman F, Yokoyama-Rebollar E, García-Flores JR, Herrera-González NE, Scheffler-Mendoza S, Yamazaki-Nakashimada MA, Staines-Boone AT, Lopez-Herrera G. Improved HUMARA for the Detection of X-Linked Agammaglobulinemia Carriers. Genet Test Mol Biomarkers 2022; 26:220-227. [PMID: 35394812 DOI: 10.1089/gtmb.2021.0139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Fragment analysis of exon 1 of the human androgen receptor, known as HUMARA, is a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based method for detecting X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA) carriers. This method takes advantage of X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) in female cells. XLA is caused by mutations in the Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) gene, located in Xq22.1. In this study, XCI is nonrandom or skewed in B cells. B cells with an active X-chromosome carrying a BTK mutation do not mature. Peripheral B cells in XLA carriers inactivate the mutated X-chromosome. Methods: HUMARA was performed using DNA from purified B cells and total leukocytes. DNA was digested using methylation-sensitive HhaI. The PCR of the HUMARA polymorphic marker was performed with the HhaI digested samples. The lengths of the PCR product were determined. If a suspected carrier showed skewed XCI in B cells, the marker length that corresponded with the length determined in the index patient indicated their carrier status. Results: HUMARA was conducted on purified B cells; this allowed easier identification of the mutated or inactive allele, as the active allele was enzymatically digested. Analysis of 30 possible carriers using modified HUMARA corroborated that the carrier status in all samples that were heterozygous for the marker using XCI calculation for leukocytes showed a Gaussian distribution, while the carrier B cell DNA showed a skewed XCI. Conclusion: Carrier status was successfully determined for most of the analyzed samples. B cell enrichment resulted in precise carrier determination data, reduced the sample size, and facilitated inactive and active allele identification.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sara E Espinosa-Padilla
- Laboratorio de Inmunodeficiencias, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Daniela Perez-Perez
- Laboratorio de Inmunodeficiencias, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Ciudad de México, México.,Posgrado en Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | | | - Laura Berron-Ruiz
- Laboratorio de Inmunodeficiencias, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Ciudad de México, México
| | | | | | - Fabiola Mújica-Guzman
- Laboratorio de Hematología, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Ciudad de México, México
| | | | - Jose R García-Flores
- Posgrado en Ciencias de la Salud, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Ciudad de México, México
| | | | | | | | | | - Gabriela Lopez-Herrera
- Laboratorio de Inmunodeficiencias, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Ciudad de México, México
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24
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Yamazaki W, Tan SL, Taketo T. Role of the X and Y Chromosomes in the Female Germ Cell Line Development in the Mouse (Mus musculus). Sex Dev 2022:1-10. [PMID: 35235936 DOI: 10.1159/000521151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In eutherian mammals, the sex chromosome complement, XX and XY, determines sexual differentiation of gonadal primordia into testes and ovaries, which in turn direct differentiation of germ cells into haploid sperm and oocytes, respectively. When gonadal sex is reversed, however, the germ cell sex becomes discordant with the chromosomal sex. XY females in humans are infertile, while XY females in the mouse (Mus musculus) are subfertile or infertile dependent on the cause of sex reversal and the genetic background. This article reviews publications to understand how the sex chromosome complement affects the fertility of XY oocytes by comparing with XX and monosomy X (XO) oocytes. SUMMARY The results highlight 2 folds disadvantage of XY oocytes over XX oocytes: (1) the X and Y chromosomes fail to pair during the meiotic prophase I, resulting in sex chromosome aneuploidy at the first meiotic division and (2) expression of the Y-linked genes during oocyte growth affects the transcriptome landscape and renders the ooplasmic component incompetent for embryonic development. Key Message: The XX chromosome complement gives the oocyte the highest competence for embryonic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wataru Yamazaki
- Department of Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada.,Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Seang Lin Tan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada.,Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Québec, Canada.,OriginElle Fertility Clinic and Women's Health Centre, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Teruko Taketo
- Department of Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada.,Department of Biology, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada.,Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Québec, Canada
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Fu AY, Jin QZ, Sun YX. Novel α-galactosidase A gene mutation in a Chinese Fabry disease family: A case report. World J Clin Cases 2022; 10:1067-1076. [PMID: 35127921 PMCID: PMC8790442 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v10.i3.1067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fabry disease (FD) is a rare X-linked lysosomal storage disease caused by a deficiency of the enzyme α-galactosidase A.
CASE SUMMARY Herein, we analyzed a four-generation Chinese family. The proband is a 57-year-old woman who was diagnosed with left ventricular hypertrophy and atrial fibrillation 7 years ago. Echocardiography showed an end-diastolic diameter of the interventricular septum of 19.9 mm, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter of 63.1 mm, and moderate-to-severe mitral regurgitation. Cardiac magnetic resonance indicated an enlarged left heart and right atrium, decreased left ventricular systolic and diastolic function, a left ventricular ejection fraction of 20%, and thickening of the left ventricular septum. In March 2019, gene and enzyme activity tests confirmed the diagnosis of FD. Her son was diagnosed with FD after gene and enzyme activity assay, and was prescribed agalsidase-β for enzyme replacement therapy in July 2020. Two sisters of the proband were also diagnosed with FD by genetic testing. Both of them had a history of atrial fibrillation.
CONCLUSION A novel mutation was identified in a Chinese family with FD, in which the male patient had a low level of enzyme activity, early-onset, and severe organ involvement. Comprehensive analysis of clinical phenotype genetic testing and enzyme activity testing helped in the diagnosis and treatment of this FD family.
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Affiliation(s)
- An-Yi Fu
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang Province, China
- Department of Cardiology, The Quzhou Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou People’s Hospital, Quzhou 325035, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Qi-Zhi Jin
- Department of Cardiology, The Quzhou Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou People’s Hospital, Quzhou 325035, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Ya-Xun Sun
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang Province, China
- Department of Cardiology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Clinical Medicine of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, Zhejiang Province, China
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26
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Sex differences in white adipose tissue expansion: emerging molecular mechanisms. Clin Sci (Lond) 2021; 135:2691-2708. [PMID: 34908104 DOI: 10.1042/cs20210086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The escalating prevalence of individuals becoming overweight and obese is a rapidly rising global health problem, placing an enormous burden on health and economic systems worldwide. Whilst obesity has well described lifestyle drivers, there is also a significant and poorly understood component that is regulated by genetics. Furthermore, there is clear evidence for sexual dimorphism in obesity, where overall risk, degree, subtype and potential complications arising from obesity all differ between males and females. The molecular mechanisms that dictate these sex differences remain mostly uncharacterised. Many studies have demonstrated that this dimorphism is unable to be solely explained by changes in hormones and their nuclear receptors alone, and instead manifests from coordinated and highly regulated gene networks, both during development and throughout life. As we acquire more knowledge in this area from approaches such as large-scale genomic association studies, the more we appreciate the true complexity and heterogeneity of obesity. Nevertheless, over the past two decades, researchers have made enormous progress in this field, and some consistent and robust mechanisms continue to be established. In this review, we will discuss some of the proposed mechanisms underlying sexual dimorphism in obesity, and discuss some of the key regulators that influence this phenomenon.
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Yamazaki W, Badescu D, Tan SL, Ragoussis J, Taketo T. Effects of the Sex Chromosome Complement, XX, XO, or XY, on the Transcriptome and Development of Mouse Oocytes During Follicular Growth. Front Genet 2021; 12:792604. [PMID: 34987552 PMCID: PMC8721172 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.792604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The sex chromosome complement, XX or XY, determines sexual differentiation of the gonadal primordium into a testis or an ovary, which in turn directs differentiation of the germ cells into sperm and oocytes, respectively, in eutherian mammals. When the X monosomy or XY sex reversal occurs, XO and XY females exhibit subfertility and infertility in the mouse on the C57BL/6J genetic background, suggesting that functional germ cell differentiation requires the proper sex chromosome complement. Using these mouse models, we asked how the sex chromosome complement affects gene transcription in the oocytes during follicular growth. An oocyte accumulates cytoplasmic components such as mRNAs and proteins during follicular growth to support subsequent meiotic progression, fertilization, and early embryonic development without de novo transcription. However, how gene transcription is regulated during oocyte growth is not well understood. Our results revealed that XY oocytes became abnormal in chromatin configuration, mitochondria distribution, and de novo transcription compared to XX or XO oocytes near the end of growth phase. Therefore, we compared transcriptomes by RNA-sequencing among the XX, XO, and XY oocytes of 50–60 µm in diameter, which were still morphologically comparable. The results showed that the X chromosome dosage limited the X-linked and autosomal gene transcript levels in XO oocytes whereas many genes were transcribed from the Y chromosome and made the transcriptome in XY oocytes closer to that in XX oocytes. We then compared the transcript levels of 3 X-linked, 3 Y-linked and 2 autosomal genes in the XX, XO, and XY oocytes during the entire growth phase as well as at the end of growth phase using quantitative RT-PCR. The results indicated that the transcript levels of most genes increased with oocyte growth while largely maintaining the X chromosome dosage dependence. Near the end of growth phase, however, transcript levels of some X-linked genes did not increase in XY oocytes as much as XX or XO oocytes, rendering their levels much lower than those in XX oocytes. Thus, XY oocytes established a distinct transcriptome at the end of growth phase, which may be associated with abnormal chromatin configuration and mitochondria distribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wataru Yamazaki
- Department of Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Dunarel Badescu
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- McGill University Genome Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Seang Lin Tan
- Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- OriginElle Fertility Clinic and Women’s Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jiannis Ragoussis
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- McGill University Genome Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Teruko Taketo
- Department of Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Biology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- *Correspondence: Teruko Taketo,
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Schall PZ, Latham KE. Cross-species meta-analysis of transcriptome changes during the morula-to-blastocyst transition: metabolic and physiological changes take center stage. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2021; 321:C913-C931. [PMID: 34669511 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00318.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The morula-to-blastocyst transition (MBT) culminates with formation of inner cell mass (ICM) and trophectoderm (TE) lineages. Recent studies identified signaling pathways driving lineage specification, but some features of these pathways display significant species divergence. To better understand evolutionary conservation of the MBT, we completed a meta-analysis of RNA sequencing data from five model species and ICMTE differences from four species. Although many genes change in expression during the MBT within any given species, the number of shared differentially expressed genes (DEGs) is comparatively small, and the number of shared ICMTE DEGs is even smaller. DEGs related to known lineage determining pathways (e.g., POU5F1) are seen, but the most prominent pathways and functions associated with shared DEGs or shared across individual species DEG lists impact basic physiological and metabolic activities, such as TCA cycle, unfolded protein response, oxidative phosphorylation, sirtuin signaling, mitotic roles of polo-like kinases, NRF2-mediated oxidative stress, estrogen receptor signaling, apoptosis, necrosis, lipid and fatty acid metabolism, cholesterol biosynthesis, endocytosis, AMPK signaling, homeostasis, transcription, and cell death. We also observed prominent differences in transcriptome regulation between ungulates and nonungulates, particularly for ICM- and TE-enhanced mRNAs. These results extend our understanding of shared mechanisms of the MBT and formation of the ICM and TE and should better inform the selection of model species for particular applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Z Schall
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan.,Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan.,Comparative Medicine and Integrative Biology Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
| | - Keith E Latham
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan.,Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan.,Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, & Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
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Talon I, Janiszewski A, Theeuwes B, Lefevre T, Song J, Bervoets G, Vanheer L, De Geest N, Poovathingal S, Allsop R, Marine JC, Rambow F, Voet T, Pasque V. Enhanced chromatin accessibility contributes to X chromosome dosage compensation in mammals. Genome Biol 2021; 22:302. [PMID: 34724962 PMCID: PMC8558763 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-021-02518-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Precise gene dosage of the X chromosomes is critical for normal development and cellular function. In mice, XX female somatic cells show transcriptional X chromosome upregulation of their single active X chromosome, while the other X chromosome is inactive. Moreover, the inactive X chromosome is reactivated during development in the inner cell mass and in germ cells through X chromosome reactivation, which can be studied in vitro by reprogramming of somatic cells to pluripotency. How chromatin processes and gene regulatory networks evolved to regulate X chromosome dosage in the somatic state and during X chromosome reactivation remains unclear. RESULTS Using genome-wide approaches, allele-specific ATAC-seq and single-cell RNA-seq, in female embryonic fibroblasts and during reprogramming to pluripotency, we show that chromatin accessibility on the upregulated mammalian active X chromosome is increased compared to autosomes. We further show that increased accessibility on the active X chromosome is erased by reprogramming, accompanied by erasure of transcriptional X chromosome upregulation and the loss of increased transcriptional burst frequency. In addition, we characterize gene regulatory networks during reprogramming and X chromosome reactivation, revealing changes in regulatory states. Our data show that ZFP42/REX1, a pluripotency-associated gene that evolved specifically in placental mammals, targets multiple X-linked genes, suggesting an evolutionary link between ZFP42/REX1, X chromosome reactivation, and pluripotency. CONCLUSIONS Our data reveal the existence of intrinsic compensatory mechanisms that involve modulation of chromatin accessibility to counteract X-to-Autosome gene dosage imbalances caused by evolutionary or in vitro X chromosome loss and X chromosome inactivation in mammalian cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Talon
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Laboratory of Cellular Reprogramming and Epigenetic Regulation, KU Leuven – University of Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- KU Leuven Institute for Single Cell Omics (LISCO), 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven Stem Cell Institute (SCIL), 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Adrian Janiszewski
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Laboratory of Cellular Reprogramming and Epigenetic Regulation, KU Leuven – University of Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- KU Leuven Institute for Single Cell Omics (LISCO), 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven Stem Cell Institute (SCIL), 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bart Theeuwes
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Laboratory of Cellular Reprogramming and Epigenetic Regulation, KU Leuven – University of Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven Stem Cell Institute (SCIL), 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Thomas Lefevre
- Laboratory of Reproductive Genomics, Centre for Human Genetics, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Juan Song
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Laboratory of Cellular Reprogramming and Epigenetic Regulation, KU Leuven – University of Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven Stem Cell Institute (SCIL), 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Greet Bervoets
- Laboratory for Molecular Cancer Biology, VIB Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Oncology, Laboratory for Molecular Cancer Biology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lotte Vanheer
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Laboratory of Cellular Reprogramming and Epigenetic Regulation, KU Leuven – University of Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- KU Leuven Institute for Single Cell Omics (LISCO), 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven Stem Cell Institute (SCIL), 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Natalie De Geest
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Laboratory of Cellular Reprogramming and Epigenetic Regulation, KU Leuven – University of Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven Stem Cell Institute (SCIL), 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Suresh Poovathingal
- KU Leuven Institute for Single Cell Omics (LISCO), 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ryan Allsop
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Laboratory of Cellular Reprogramming and Epigenetic Regulation, KU Leuven – University of Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- KU Leuven Institute for Single Cell Omics (LISCO), 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven Stem Cell Institute (SCIL), 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jean-Christophe Marine
- KU Leuven Institute for Single Cell Omics (LISCO), 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory for Molecular Cancer Biology, VIB Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Oncology, Laboratory for Molecular Cancer Biology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Florian Rambow
- KU Leuven Institute for Single Cell Omics (LISCO), 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory for Molecular Cancer Biology, VIB Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Thierry Voet
- KU Leuven Institute for Single Cell Omics (LISCO), 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Reproductive Genomics, Centre for Human Genetics, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Vincent Pasque
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Laboratory of Cellular Reprogramming and Epigenetic Regulation, KU Leuven – University of Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- KU Leuven Institute for Single Cell Omics (LISCO), 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven Stem Cell Institute (SCIL), 3000 Leuven, Belgium
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30
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Taylor-King JP. Rethinking rare disease: longevity-enhancing drug targets through X-linked aneuploidy. Trends Genet 2021; 38:317-320. [PMID: 34702579 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2021.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Complex diseases, including ageing, often exhibit sexual dimorphism. These sex differences can obfuscate attribution to causal genes within a target ID campaign. Mendelian randomisation (MR)-inspired analysis provides a natural setting to incorporate X-linked aneuploid populations, resulting in prioritisation of longevity-enhancing drug targets and motivating greater inclusion of said populations in future profiling studies.
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31
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Hay M, Kumar V, Ricaño-Ponce I. The role of the X chromosome in infectious diseases. Brief Funct Genomics 2021; 21:143-158. [PMID: 34651167 DOI: 10.1093/bfgp/elab039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Many infectious diseases in humans present with a sex bias. This bias arises from a combination of environmental factors, hormones and genetics. In this study, we review the contribution of the X chromosome to the genetic factor associated with infectious diseases. First, we give an overview of the X-linked genes that have been described in the context of infectious diseases and group them in four main pathways that seem to be dysregulated in infectious diseases: nuclear factor kappa-B, interleukin 2 and interferon γ cascade, toll-like receptors and programmed death ligand 1. Then, we review the infectious disease associations in existing genome-wide association studies (GWAS) from the GWAS Catalog and the Pan-UK Biobank, describing the main associations and their possible implications for the disease. Finally, we highlight the importance of including the X chromosome in GWAS analysis and the importance of sex-specific analysis.
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Barreto VM, Kubasova N, Alves-Pereira CF, Gendrel AV. X-Chromosome Inactivation and Autosomal Random Monoallelic Expression as "Faux Amis". Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:740937. [PMID: 34631717 PMCID: PMC8495168 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.740937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) and random monoallelic expression of autosomal genes (RMAE) are two paradigms of gene expression regulation where, at the single cell level, genes can be expressed from either the maternal or paternal alleles. X-chromosome inactivation takes place in female marsupial and placental mammals, while RMAE has been described in mammals and also other species. Although the outcome of both processes results in random monoallelic expression and mosaicism at the cellular level, there are many important differences. We provide here a brief sketch of the history behind the discovery of XCI and RMAE. Moreover, we review some of the distinctive features of these two phenomena, with respect to when in development they are established, their roles in dosage compensation and cellular phenotypic diversity, and the molecular mechanisms underlying their initiation and stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasco M Barreto
- Chronic Diseases Research Centre, CEDOC, Nova Medical School, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Nadiya Kubasova
- Chronic Diseases Research Centre, CEDOC, Nova Medical School, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Clara F Alves-Pereira
- Department of Genetics, Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Anne-Valerie Gendrel
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
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X-linked histone H3K27 demethylase Kdm6a regulates sexually dimorphic differentiation of hypothalamic neurons. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:7043-7060. [PMID: 34633482 PMCID: PMC8558156 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-03945-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Several X-linked genes are involved in neuronal differentiation and may contribute to the generation of sex dimorphisms in the brain. Previous results showed that XX hypothalamic neurons grow faster, have longer axons, and exhibit higher expression of the neuritogenic gene neurogenin 3 (Ngn3) than XY before perinatal masculinization. Here we evaluated the participation of candidate X-linked genes in the development of these sex differences, focusing mainly on Kdm6a, a gene encoding for an H3K27 demethylase with functions controlling gene expression genome-wide. We established hypothalamic neuronal cultures from wild-type or transgenic Four Core Genotypes mice, a model that allows evaluating the effect of sex chromosomes independently of gonadal type. X-linked genes Kdm6a, Eif2s3x and Ddx3x showed higher expression in XX compared to XY neurons, regardless of gonadal sex. Moreover, Kdm6a expression pattern with higher mRNA levels in XX than XY did not change with age at E14, P0, and P60 in hypothalamus or under 17β-estradiol treatment in culture. Kdm6a pharmacological blockade by GSK-J4 reduced axonal length only in female neurons and decreased the expression of neuritogenic genes Neurod1, Neurod2 and Cdk5r1 in both sexes equally, while a sex-specific effect was observed in Ngn3. Finally, Kdm6a downregulation using siRNA reduced axonal length and Ngn3 expression only in female neurons, abolishing the sex differences observed in control conditions. Altogether, these results point to Kdm6a as a key mediator of the higher axogenesis and Ngn3 expression observed in XX neurons before the critical period of brain masculinization.
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Mielke MM, Miller VM. Improving clinical outcomes through attention to sex and hormones in research. Nat Rev Endocrinol 2021; 17:625-635. [PMID: 34316045 PMCID: PMC8435014 DOI: 10.1038/s41574-021-00531-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Biological sex, fluctuations in sex steroid hormones throughout life and gender as a social construct all influence every aspect of health and disease. Yet, for decades, most basic and clinical studies have included only male individuals. As modern health care moves towards personalized medicine, it is clear that considering sex and hormonal status in basic and clinical studies will bring precision to the development of novel therapeutics and treatment paradigms. To this end, funding, regulatory and policy agencies now require inclusion of female animals and women in basic and clinical studies. However, inclusion of female animals and women often does not mean that information regarding potential hormonal interactions with pharmacological treatments or clinical outcomes is available. All sex steroid hormones can interact with receptors for drug targets, metabolism and transport. Genetic variation in receptors or in enzymatic function might contribute to sex differences in therapeutic efficacy and adverse drug reactions. Outcomes from clinical trials are often not reported by sex, and, if the data are available, they are not translated into clinical practice guidelines. This Review will provide a historical perspective for the current state of research related to hormone trials and provide concrete strategies that, if implemented, will improve the health of all people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle M Mielke
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Health Science Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
- Mayo Clinic Specialized Center of Research Excellence, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
| | - Virginia M Miller
- Mayo Clinic Specialized Center of Research Excellence, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Mayo Clinic Women's Health Research Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
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35
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Karere GM, Cox LA, Bishop AC, South AM, Shaltout HA, Mercado-Deane MG, Cuda S. Sex Differences in MicroRNA Expression and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Hispanic Adolescents with Obesity. J Pediatr 2021; 235:138-143.e5. [PMID: 33831442 PMCID: PMC8926296 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2021.03.070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate sex differences in microRNA (miRNA) expression, anthropometric measures, and cardiometabolic risk factors in Hispanic adolescents with obesity. STUDY DESIGN Cross-sectional study of 68 (60% male) Hispanic adolescents with obesity, aged 13-17 years, recruited from a pediatric weight management clinic. We used small RNA sequencing to identify differentially expressed circulating miRNAs. We used ingenuity pathway analysis and David bioinformatic resource tools to identify target genes for these miRNAs and enriched pathways. We used standard procedures to measure anthropometric and cardiometabolic factors. RESULTS We identified 5 miRNAs (miR-24-3p, miR-361-3p, miR-3605-5p, miR-486-5p, and miR-199b-3p) that differed between females and males. miRNA targets-enriched pathways included phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-protein, 5' AMP-activated protein kinase, insulin resistance, sphingolipid, transforming growth factor-β, adipocyte lipolysis regulation, and oxytocin signaling pathways. In addition, there were sex differences in blood pressure, skeletal muscle mass, lean body mass, and percent body fat. CONCLUSIONS We have identified sex differences in miRNA expression in Hispanic adolescents relevant to cardiometabolic health. Future studies should focus on sex-specific mechanistic roles of miRNAs on gene pathways associated with obesity pathophysiology to support development of precision cardiometabolic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genesio M. Karere
- Department of Internal Medicine, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Winston-Salem, North Carolina,Corresponding author Department of Internal Medicine, Center for Precision Medicine, Wake Forest Baptist, Medical Center, Winston-Salem, NC 27157., Telephone: (336) 713-7561, Fax: (336) 713-7566,
| | - Laura A. Cox
- Department of Internal Medicine, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Andrew C. Bishop
- Department of Internal Medicine, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Andrew M. South
- Department of Pediatrics, Brenner Children’s Hospital, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Winston-Salem, North Carolina,Division of Public Health Sciences, Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Hossam A. Shaltout
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Maria-Gisela Mercado-Deane
- Department of Radiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Children’s Hospital of San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Suzanne Cuda
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Children’s Hospital of San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
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Grimm SL, Dong X, Zhang Y, Carisey AF, Arnold AP, Moorthy B, Coarfa C, Lingappan K. Effect of sex chromosomes versus hormones in neonatal lung injury. JCI Insight 2021; 6:e146863. [PMID: 34061778 PMCID: PMC8410054 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.146863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The main mechanisms underlying sexually dimorphic outcomes in neonatal lung injury are unknown. We tested the hypothesis that hormone- or sex chromosome–mediated mechanisms interact with hyperoxia exposure to impact injury and repair in the neonatal lung. To distinguish sex differences caused by gonadal hormones versus sex chromosome complement (XX versus XY), we used the Four Core Genotypes (FCG) mice and exposed them to hyperoxia (95% FiO2, P1–P4: saccular stage) or room air. This model generates XX and XY mice that each have either testes (with Sry, XXM, or XYM) or ovaries (without Sry, XXF, or XYF). Lung alveolarization and vascular development were more severely impacted in XYM and XYF compared with XXF and XXM mice. Cell cycle–related pathways were enriched in the gonadal or chromosomal females, while muscle-related pathways were enriched in the gonadal males, and immune-response–related pathways were enriched in chromosomal males. Female gene signatures showed a negative correlation with human patients who developed bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) or needed oxygen therapy at 28 days. These results demonstrate that chromosomal sex — and not gonadal sex — impacted the response to neonatal hyperoxia exposure. The female sex chromosomal complement was protective and could mediate sex-specific differences in the neonatal lung injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra L Grimm
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Department.,Center for Precision Environmental Health, and
| | - Xiaoyu Dong
- Department of Pediatrics, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Yuhao Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Alexandre F Carisey
- Department of Pediatrics, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Arthur P Arnold
- Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Bhagavatula Moorthy
- Department of Pediatrics, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Cristian Coarfa
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Department.,Center for Precision Environmental Health, and.,Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Krithika Lingappan
- Department of Pediatrics, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
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Qi X, Nizamutdinov D, Berman MH, Dougal G, Chazot PL, Wu E, Stevens AB, Yi SS, Huang JH. Gender Differences of Dementia in Response to Intensive Self-Administered Transcranial and Intraocular Near-Infrared Stimulation. Cureus 2021; 13:e16188. [PMID: 34262831 PMCID: PMC8260213 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.16188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Transcranial near-infrared (tNIR) stimulation was proven to be a safe, reliable, and effective treatment for cognitive and behavioral symptoms of dementia. Dementia patients of different genders differ in terms of gross anatomy, biochemistry, genetic profile, clinical presentations, and socio-psychological status. Studies of the tNIR effect on dementia have thus far been gender-neutral, with dementia subjects being grouped based on diagnoses or dementia severity. This trial hereby investigated how dementia subjects of different sex respond to tNIR treatment. Methods A total of 60 patient-caregiver dyads were enrolled and randomized to this double-blind, sham-controlled clinical trial. The tNIR light has a wavelength of 1,060 nm to 1,080 nm and was delivered via a photobiomodulation (PBM) unit. The active PBM unit emits near-infrared (NIR) light while the sham unit does not. The treatment consists of a six-minute tNIR light stimulation session twice daily for eight weeks. Neuropsychological assessments conducted at baseline (week 0) and endline (week 8) were compared within the female and male group and between different sex, respectively. Results Over the course of treatment, active-arm female subjects had a 20.2% improvement in Mini‐Mental State Exam (MMSE) (mean 4.8 points increase, p < 0.001) and active-arm male cohort had 19.3% improvement (p < 0.001). Control-arm female subjects had a 6.5% improvement in MMSE (mean 1.5 points increase, p < 0.03) and control-arm male subjects had 5.9% improvement (p = 0.35) with no significant differences in the mean MMSE between female and male subjects in both arms respectively. Other comparison of assessments including Clock Copying and Drawing Test, Logical Memory Test - immediate and delayed recall yielded nominal but not statistically significant differences. No significant differences were observed in the mean MMSE between female and male subjects in both arms respectively before treatment implementation (active arm, p = 0.12; control arm, p = 0.50) at week 0, or after treatment completion (active arm, p = 0.11; control arm, p = 0.74) at week 8. Conclusion Despite differences between female and male dementia subjects, the response to tNIR light stimulation does not demonstrate gender-based differences. Further studies are warranted to refine the tNIR treatment protocol for subjects suffering from dementia or dementia-related symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoming Qi
- Neurosurgery, Baylor Scott & White Health, Temple, USA
| | | | | | - Gordon Dougal
- Chief Executive Officer, Maculume Limited, Spennymoor, GBR
| | | | - Erxi Wu
- Neurosurgery, Baylor Scott & White Health, Temple, USA
| | - Alan B Stevens
- Gerontology, Baylor Scott & White Health Research Institute, Temple, USA
| | - S Stephen Yi
- Oncology, The University of Texas at Austin, Dell Medical School, Austin, USA
| | - Jason H Huang
- Neurosurgery, Baylor Scott & White Medical Center, Temple, USA
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38
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Davis K, Azarcon P, Hickenlooper S, Bia R, Horiuchi E, Szulik MW, Franklin S. The role of demethylases in cardiac development and disease. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2021; 158:89-100. [PMID: 34081951 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2021.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Heart failure is a worldwide health condition that currently has limited noninvasive treatments. Heart disease includes both structural and molecular remodeling of the heart which is driven by alterations in gene expression in the cardiomyocyte. Therefore, understanding the regulatory mechanisms which instigate these changes in gene expression and constitute the foundation for pathological remodeling may be beneficial for developing new treatments for heart disease. These gene expression changes are largely preceded by epigenetic alterations to chromatin, including the post-translational modification of histones such as methylation, which alters chromatin to be more or less accessible for transcription factors or regulatory proteins to bind and modify gene expression. Methylation was once thought to be a permanent mark placed on histone or non-histone targets by methyltransferases, but is now understood to be a reversible process after the discovery of the first demethylase, KDM1A/LSD1. Since this time, it has been shown that demethylases play key roles in embryonic development, in maintaining cellular homeostasis and disease progression. However, the role of demethylases in the fetal and adult heart remains largely unknown. In this review, we have compiled data on the 33 mammalian demethylases that have been identified to date and evaluate their expression in the embryonic and adult heart as well as changes in expression in the failing myocardium using publicly available RNA-sequencing and proteomic datasets. Our analysis detected expression of 14 demethylases in the normal fetal heart, and 5 demethylases in the normal adult heart. Moreover, 8 demethylases displayed differential expression in the diseased human heart compared to healthy hearts. We then examined the literature regarding these demethylases and provide phenotypic information of 13 demethylases that have been functionally interrogated in some way in the heart. Lastly, we describe the 6 arginine and lysine residues on histones which have been shown to be methylated but have no corresponding demethylase identified which removes these methyl marks. Overall, this review highlights our current knowledge on the role of demethylases, their importance in cardiac development and pathophysiology and provides evidence for the use of pharmacological inhibitors to combat disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Davis
- Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States of America.
| | - Presley Azarcon
- School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States of America
| | - Samuel Hickenlooper
- Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States of America
| | - Ryan Bia
- Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States of America
| | - Emilee Horiuchi
- Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States of America
| | - Marta W Szulik
- Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States of America
| | - Sarah Franklin
- Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States of America; Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, United States of America.
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Moriggi M, Belloli S, Barbacini P, Murtaj V, Torretta E, Chaabane L, Canu T, Penati S, Malosio ML, Esposito A, Gelfi C, Moresco RM, Capitanio D. Skeletal Muscle Proteomic Profile Revealed Gender-Related Metabolic Responses in a Diet-Induced Obesity Animal Model. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094680. [PMID: 33925229 PMCID: PMC8125379 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Obesity is a chronic, complex pathology associated with a risk of developing secondary pathologies, including cardiovascular diseases, cancer, type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and musculoskeletal disorders. Since skeletal muscle accounts for more than 70% of total glucose disposal, metabolic alterations are strictly associated with the onset of insulin resistance and T2DM. The present study relies on the proteomic analysis of gastrocnemius muscle from 15 male and 15 female C56BL/J mice fed for 14 weeks with standard, 45% or 60% high-fat diets (HFD) adopting a label-free LC–MS/MS approach followed by bioinformatic pathway analysis. Results indicate changes in males due to HFD, with increased muscular stiffness (Col1a1, Col1a2, Actb), fiber-type switch from slow/oxidative to fast/glycolytic (decreased Myh7, Myl2, Myl3 and increased Myh2, Mylpf, Mybpc2, Myl1), increased oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction (decreased respiratory chain complex I and V and increased complex III subunits). At variance, females show few alterations and activation of compensatory mechanisms to counteract the increase of fatty acids. Bioinformatics analysis allows identifying upstream molecules involved in regulating pathways identified at variance in our analysis (Ppargc1a, Pparg, Cpt1b, Clpp, Tp53, Kdm5a, Hif1a). These findings underline the presence of a gender-specific response to be considered when approaching obesity and related comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Moriggi
- Gastroenterology and Digestive Endoscopy Unit, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, 20097 San Donato Milanese, Italy;
| | - Sara Belloli
- Institute of Molecular Bioimaging and Physiology, CNR, 20090 Segrate, Italy; (S.B.); (R.M.M.)
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy;
| | - Pietro Barbacini
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, 20090 Segrate, Italy; (P.B.); (C.G.)
| | - Valentina Murtaj
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy;
- PhD Program in Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | | | - Linda Chaabane
- Experimental Imaging Center, Preclinical Imaging Facility, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy; (L.C.); (T.C.); (A.E.)
| | - Tamara Canu
- Experimental Imaging Center, Preclinical Imaging Facility, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy; (L.C.); (T.C.); (A.E.)
| | - Silvia Penati
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Brain Pathology, Neuro Center, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Rozzano, Italy; (S.P.); (M.L.M.)
- Institute of Neuroscience, Humanitas Mirasole S.p.A, 20089 Rozzano, Italy
| | - Maria Luisa Malosio
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Brain Pathology, Neuro Center, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Rozzano, Italy; (S.P.); (M.L.M.)
- Institute of Neuroscience, Humanitas Mirasole S.p.A, 20089 Rozzano, Italy
| | - Antonio Esposito
- Experimental Imaging Center, Preclinical Imaging Facility, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy; (L.C.); (T.C.); (A.E.)
- Experimental Imaging Center, Radiology Department, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Cecilia Gelfi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, 20090 Segrate, Italy; (P.B.); (C.G.)
- IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, 20161 Milan, Italy;
| | - Rosa Maria Moresco
- Institute of Molecular Bioimaging and Physiology, CNR, 20090 Segrate, Italy; (S.B.); (R.M.M.)
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy;
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Daniele Capitanio
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, 20090 Segrate, Italy; (P.B.); (C.G.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0250330411
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Salem NA, Mahnke AH, Konganti K, Hillhouse AE, Miranda RC. Cell-type and fetal-sex-specific targets of prenatal alcohol exposure in developing mouse cerebral cortex. iScience 2021; 24:102439. [PMID: 33997709 PMCID: PMC8105653 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.102439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) results in cerebral cortical dysgenesis. Single-cell RNA sequencing was performed on murine fetal cerebral cortical cells from six timed pregnancies, to decipher persistent cell- and sex-specific effects of an episode of PAE during early neurogenesis. We found, in an analysis of 38 distinct neural subpopulations across 8 lineage subtypes, that PAE altered neural maturation and cell cycle and disrupted gene co-expression networks. Whereas most differentially regulated genes were inhibited, particularly in females, PAE also induced sex-independent neural expression of fetal hemoglobin, a presumptive epigenetic stress adaptation. PAE inhibited Bcl11a, Htt, Ctnnb1, and other upstream regulators of differentially expressed genes and inhibited several autism-linked genes, suggesting that neurodevelopmental disorders share underlying mechanisms. PAE females exhibited neural loss of X-inactivation, with correlated activation of autosomal genes and evidence for spliceosome dysfunction. Thus, episodic PAE persistently alters the developing neural transcriptome, contributing to sex- and cell-type-specific teratology. The neurogenic murine fetal cortex contains about 33 distinct cell subtypes Prenatal Alcohol Exposure (PAE) resulted in sex-specific alterations in developmental trajectory and cell cycle PAE females exhibited neural loss of X-inactivation and spliceosomal dysfunction PAE induced sex-independent neural expression of fetal hemoglobin gene transcripts
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Affiliation(s)
- Nihal A. Salem
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Medical Research and Education Building, 8447 Riverside Parkway, Bryan, TX 77807-3260, USA
- Texas A&M Institute for Neuroscience, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Amanda H. Mahnke
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Medical Research and Education Building, 8447 Riverside Parkway, Bryan, TX 77807-3260, USA
- Women's Health in Neuroscience Program, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, USA
| | - Kranti Konganti
- Texas A&M Institute for Genome Sciences and Society, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Andrew E. Hillhouse
- Texas A&M Institute for Genome Sciences and Society, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Rajesh C. Miranda
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Medical Research and Education Building, 8447 Riverside Parkway, Bryan, TX 77807-3260, USA
- Texas A&M Institute for Neuroscience, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
- Women's Health in Neuroscience Program, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, USA
- Corresponding author
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41
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Novel Mutations of COL4A5 Identified in Chinese Families with X-Linked Alport Syndrome and Literature Review. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 2021:6664973. [PMID: 33748275 PMCID: PMC7943288 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6664973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Alport syndrome (AS) is an inherited kidney disease caused by defects in type IV collagen, which is characterized by hematuria, progressive nephritis or end-stage renal disease (ESRD), hearing loss, and occasionally ocular lesions. Approximately 80% of AS cases are caused by X-linked mutations in the COL4A5 gene. This study explored novel deletion and missense mutations in COL4A5 responsible for renal disorder in two Han Chinese families. In pedigree 1, the five male patients all had ESRD at a young age, while the affected female members only presented with microscopic hematuria. Whole exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing identified a novel frameshift deletion mutation (c.422_428del, p.Leu142Valfs∗11) in exon 7 of COL4A5. In pedigree 2, the 16-year-old male proband had elevated serum creatinine (309 μmol/L) without extrarenal manifestations, while his mother only manifested with hematuria. A missense mutation (c.476G>T, p.Gly159Val) was found in exon 9 of the COL4A5 gene. Neither of these mutations was present in the Exome Variant Server of the NHLBI-ESP database, nor was it found in the ExAC or 1000 Genomes databases. Through the literature review, it was found that male Chinese patients with X-linked AS carried COL4A5 deletion or missense mutations had a more severe phenotype than female patients, particularly in proteinuria and impaired renal function. Compared to male patients with missense mutations, patients in whom deletion mutations were found were more likely to progress to ESRD (15.4% vs. 36.0%, P = 0.041). This study identified two novel COL4A5 mutations in Chinese families with X-linked AS, expanded the mutational spectrum of the COL4A5 gene, and presented findings that are significant for the screening and genetic diagnosis of AS.
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42
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AlSiraj Y, Thatcher SE, Blalock E, Saintilnord WN, Daugherty A, Lu HS, Luo W, Shen YH, LeMaire SA, Arnold AP, Cassis LA. Monosomy X in Female Mice Influences the Regional Formation and Augments the Severity of Angiotensin II-Induced Aortopathies. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2021; 41:269-283. [PMID: 33054396 PMCID: PMC8259710 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.120.314407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Turner syndrome women (monosomy X) have high risk of aortopathies consistent with a role for sex chromosomes in disease development. We demonstrated that sex chromosomes influence regional development of Ang II (angiotensin II)-induced aortopathies in mice. In this study, we determined if the number of X chromosomes regulates regional development of Ang II-induced aortopathies. Approach and Results: We used females with varying numbers of X chromosomes (XX female mice [XXF] or XO female mice [XOF]) on an C57BL/6J (ascending aortopathies) or low-density lipoprotein receptor deficient (Ldlr-/-) background (descending and abdominal aortopathies) compared with XY males (XYM). To induce aortopathies, mice were infused with Ang II. XOF (C57BL/6J) exhibited larger percent increases in ascending aortic lumen diameters than Ang II-infused XXF or XYM. Ang II-infused XOF (Ldlr-/-) exhibited similar incidences of thoracic (XOF, 50%; XYM, 71%) and abdominal aortopathies (XOF, 83%; XYM, 71%) as XYM, which were greater than XXF (XXF, 0%). Abdominal aortic lumen diameters and maximal external diameters were similar between XOF and XYM but greater than XXF, and these effects persisted with extended Ang II infusions. Larger aortic lumen diameters, abdominal aortopathy incidence (XXF, 20%; XOF, 75%), and maximal aneurysm diameters (XXF, 1.02±0.17; XOF, 1.96±0.32 mm; P=0.027) persisted in ovariectomized Ang II-infused XOF mice. Data from RNA-seq demonstrated that X chromosome genes that escape X-inactivation (histone lysine demethylases Kdm5c and Kdm6a) exhibited lower mRNA abundance in aortas of XOF than XXF (P=0.033 and 0.024, respectively). Conversely, DNA methylation was higher in aortas of XOF than XXF (P=0.038). CONCLUSIONS The absence of a second X chromosome promotes diffuse Ang II-induced aortopathies in females.
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MESH Headings
- Angiotensin II
- Animals
- Aorta, Abdominal/metabolism
- Aorta, Abdominal/pathology
- Aorta, Thoracic/metabolism
- Aorta, Thoracic/pathology
- Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal/chemically induced
- Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal/genetics
- Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal/metabolism
- Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal/pathology
- Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic/chemically induced
- Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic/genetics
- Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic/metabolism
- Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic/pathology
- DNA Methylation
- Disease Models, Animal
- Female
- Histone Demethylases/genetics
- Histone Demethylases/metabolism
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Knockout
- Ovariectomy
- Receptors, LDL/deficiency
- Receptors, LDL/genetics
- Severity of Illness Index
- Turner Syndrome/complications
- Turner Syndrome/genetics
- Mice
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasir AlSiraj
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington KY
| | - Sean E. Thatcher
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington KY
| | - Eric Blalock
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington KY
| | - Wesley N. Saintilnord
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
| | - Alan Daugherty
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington KY
- Saha Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington KY
| | - Hong S. Lu
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington KY
- Saha Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington KY
| | - Wei Luo
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, and Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Texas Heart Institute, Houston TX
| | - Ying H. Shen
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, and Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Texas Heart Institute, Houston TX
| | - Scott A. LeMaire
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, and Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Texas Heart Institute, Houston TX
| | - Arthur P. Arnold
- Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles CA
| | - Lisa A. Cassis
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington KY
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43
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Link JC, Wiese CB, Chen X, Avetisyan R, Ronquillo E, Ma F, Guo X, Yao J, Allison M, Chen YDI, Rotter JI, El -Sayed Moustafa JS, Small KS, Iwase S, Pellegrini M, Vergnes L, Arnold AP, Reue K. X chromosome dosage of histone demethylase KDM5C determines sex differences in adiposity. J Clin Invest 2020; 130:5688-5702. [PMID: 32701509 PMCID: PMC7598065 DOI: 10.1172/jci140223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Males and females differ in body composition and fat distribution. Using a mouse model that segregates gonadal sex (ovaries and testes) from chromosomal sex (XX and XY), we showed that XX chromosome complement in combination with a high-fat diet led to enhanced weight gain in the presence of male or female gonads. We identified the genomic dosage of Kdm5c, an X chromosome gene that escapes X chromosome inactivation, as a determinant of the X chromosome effect on adiposity. Modulating Kdm5c gene dosage in XX female mice to levels that are normally present in males resulted in reduced body weight, fat content, and food intake to a degree similar to that seen with altering the entire X chromosome dosage. In cultured preadipocytes, the levels of KDM5C histone demethylase influenced chromatin accessibility (ATAC-Seq), gene expression (RNA-Seq), and adipocyte differentiation. Both in vitro and in vivo, Kdm5c dosage influenced gene expression involved in extracellular matrix remodeling, which is critical for adipocyte differentiation and adipose tissue expansion. In humans, adipose tissue KDM5C mRNA levels and KDM5C genetic variants were associated with body mass. These studies demonstrate that the sex-dependent dosage of Kdm5c contributes to male/female differences in adipocyte biology and highlight X-escape genes as a critical component of female physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Xuqi Chen
- Integrative Biology and Physiology, and
| | | | | | - Feiyang Ma
- Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Xiuqing Guo
- Institute for Translational Genomics and Population Sciences, Department of Pediatrics, Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California, USA
| | - Jie Yao
- Institute for Translational Genomics and Population Sciences, Department of Pediatrics, Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California, USA
| | - Matthew Allison
- Division of Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, UCSD, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Yii-Der Ida Chen
- Institute for Translational Genomics and Population Sciences, Department of Pediatrics, Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California, USA
| | - Jerome I. Rotter
- Institute for Translational Genomics and Population Sciences, Department of Pediatrics, Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California, USA
| | | | - Kerrin S. Small
- Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Shigeki Iwase
- Human Genetics, Medical School, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Matteo Pellegrini
- Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | | | | | - Karen Reue
- Molecular Biology Institute
- Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine
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44
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Forsyth KS, Anguera MC. Time to get ill: the intersection of viral infections, sex, and the X chromosome. CURRENT OPINION IN PHYSIOLOGY 2020; 19:62-72. [PMID: 33073073 PMCID: PMC7553007 DOI: 10.1016/j.cophys.2020.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Females have more robust immune responses than males, and viral infections are more severe for males. Hormones and genetic sex, namely the X chromosome, influence sex differences with immune responses. Here, we review recent findings underlying sexual dimorphism of disease susceptibility for two prevalent viral infections, influenza and SARS-CoV-2, which exhibit male-biased disease severity. Viral infections are proposed to be an initiating event for autoimmunity, which exhibits a female bias. We also review recent work elucidating the epigenetic and genetic contribution of X-Chromosome Inactivation maintenance, and X-linked gene expression, for the autoimmune disorder Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, and highlight the complex considerations required for identifying underlying hormonal and genetic contributions responsible for sex differences in immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine S Forsyth
- Dept. of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia PA 19104, United States
| | - Montserrat C Anguera
- Dept. of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia PA 19104, United States
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45
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Vaz B, El Mansouri F, Liu X, Taketo T. Premature ovarian insufficiency in the XO female mouse on the C57BL/6J genetic background. Mol Hum Reprod 2020; 26:678-688. [PMID: 32634219 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaaa049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In humans, all but 1% of monosomy 45.X embryos die in utero and those who reach term suffer from congenital abnormalities and infertility termed Turner's syndrome (TS). By contrast, XO female mice on various genetic backgrounds show much milder physical defects and normal fertility, diminishing their value as an animal model for studying the infertility of TS patients. In this article, we report that XO mice on the C57BL/6J (B6) genetic background showed early oocyte loss, infertility or subfertility and high embryonic lethality, suggesting that the effect of monosomy X in the female germline may be shared between mice and humans. First, we generated XO mice on either a mixed N2(C3H.B6) or B6 genetic background and compared the number of oocytes in neonatal ovaries; N2.XO females retained 45% of the number of oocytes in N2.XX females, whereas B6.XO females retained only 15% of that in B6.XX females. Second, while N2.XO females were as fertile as N2.XX females, both the frequency of delivery and the total number of pups delivered by B6.XO females were significantly lower than those by B6.XX females. Third, after mating with B6 males, both N2.XO and B6.XO females rarely produced XO pups carrying paternal X chromosomes, although a larger percentage of embryos was found to be XO before implantation. Furthermore, B6.XO females delivered 20% XO pups among female progeny after mating with C3H males. We conclude that the impact of monosomy X on female mouse fertility depends on the genetic background.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Vaz
- Department of Biology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1B1, Canada
| | - F El Mansouri
- Department of Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A3J1, Canada.,Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A3J1, Canada
| | - X Liu
- Department of Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A3J1, Canada.,Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A3J1, Canada
| | - T Taketo
- Department of Biology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1B1, Canada.,Department of Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A3J1, Canada.,Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A3J1, Canada.,Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A3J1, Canada
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46
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Davis EJ, Broestl L, Abdulai-Saiku S, Worden K, Bonham LW, Miñones-Moyano E, Moreno AJ, Wang D, Chang K, Williams G, Garay BI, Lobach I, Devidze N, Kim D, Anderson-Bergman C, Yu GQ, White CC, Harris JA, Miller BL, Bennett DA, Arnold AP, De Jager PL, Palop JJ, Panning B, Yokoyama JS, Mucke L, Dubal DB. A second X chromosome contributes to resilience in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Sci Transl Med 2020; 12:eaaz5677. [PMID: 32848093 PMCID: PMC8409261 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aaz5677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
A major sex difference in Alzheimer's disease (AD) is that men with the disease die earlier than do women. In aging and preclinical AD, men also show more cognitive deficits. Here, we show that the X chromosome affects AD-related vulnerability in mice expressing the human amyloid precursor protein (hAPP), a model of AD. XY-hAPP mice genetically modified to develop testicles or ovaries showed worse mortality and deficits than did XX-hAPP mice with either gonad, indicating a sex chromosome effect. To dissect whether the absence of a second X chromosome or the presence of a Y chromosome conferred a disadvantage on male mice, we varied sex chromosome dosage. With or without a Y chromosome, hAPP mice with one X chromosome showed worse mortality and deficits than did those with two X chromosomes. Thus, adding a second X chromosome conferred resilience to XY males and XO females. In addition, the Y chromosome, its sex-determining region Y gene (Sry), or testicular development modified mortality in hAPP mice with one X chromosome such that XY males with testicles survived longer than did XY or XO females with ovaries. Furthermore, a second X chromosome conferred resilience potentially through the candidate gene Kdm6a, which does not undergo X-linked inactivation. In humans, genetic variation in KDM6A was linked to higher brain expression and associated with less cognitive decline in aging and preclinical AD, suggesting its relevance to human brain health. Our study suggests a potential role for sex chromosomes in modulating disease vulnerability related to AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily J Davis
- Department of Neurology and Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Lauren Broestl
- Department of Neurology and Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Samira Abdulai-Saiku
- Department of Neurology and Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Kurtresha Worden
- Department of Neurology and Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Luke W Bonham
- Department of Neurology and Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Memory and Aging Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Elena Miñones-Moyano
- Department of Neurology and Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Arturo J Moreno
- Department of Neurology and Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Dan Wang
- Department of Neurology and Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Kevin Chang
- Department of Neurology and Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Gina Williams
- Department of Neurology and Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Neurosciences Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Bayardo I Garay
- Department of Neurology and Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Iryna Lobach
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Nino Devidze
- Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Daniel Kim
- Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | | | - Gui-Qiu Yu
- Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Charles C White
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Center for Translational and Computational Neuroimmunology, Department of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Julie A Harris
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Bruce L Miller
- Department of Neurology and Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Memory and Aging Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - David A Bennett
- Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Arthur P Arnold
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Phil L De Jager
- Center for Translational and Computational Neuroimmunology, Department of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Jorge J Palop
- Department of Neurology and Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
- Neurosciences Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Barbara Panning
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Jennifer S Yokoyama
- Department of Neurology and Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Memory and Aging Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Lennart Mucke
- Department of Neurology and Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
- Neurosciences Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Dena B Dubal
- Department of Neurology and Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA.
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
- Neurosciences Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
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Ultra-Deep DNA Methylation Analysis of X-Linked Genes: GLA and AR as Model Genes. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:genes11060620. [PMID: 32512878 PMCID: PMC7349208 DOI: 10.3390/genes11060620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Recessive X-linked disorders may occasionally evolve in clinical manifestations of variable severity also in female carriers. For some of such diseases, the frequency of the symptoms’ appearance during women’s life may be particularly relevant. This phenomenon has been largely attributed to the potential skewness of the X-inactivation process leading to variable phenotypes. Nonetheless, in many cases, no correlation with X-inactivation unbalance was demonstrated. However, methods for analyzing skewness have been mainly limited to Human Androgen Receptor methylation analysis (HUMARA). Recently, the X-inactivation process has been largely revisited, highlighting the heterogeneity existing among loci in the epigenetic state within inactive and, possibly, active X-chromosomes. We reasoned that gene-specific and ultra-deep DNA methylation analyses could greatly help to unravel details of the X-inactivation process and the roles of specific X genes inactivation in disease manifestations. We recently provided evidence that studying DNA methylation at specific autosomic loci at a single-molecule resolution (epiallele distribution analysis) allows one to analyze cell-to-cell methylation differences in a given cell population. We here apply the epiallele analysis at two X-linked loci to investigate whether females show allele-specific epiallelic patterns. Due to the high potential of this approach, the method allows us to obtain clearly distinct allele-specific epiallele profiles.
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Arnold AP. Sexual differentiation of brain and other tissues: Five questions for the next 50 years. Horm Behav 2020; 120:104691. [PMID: 31991182 PMCID: PMC7440839 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2020.104691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Revised: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
This paper is part of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of founding of the journal Hormones and Behavior, the official journal of the Society for Behavioral Neuroendocrinology. All sex differences in phenotypic development stem from the sexual imbalance in X and Y chromosomes, which are the only known differences in XX and XY zygotes. The sex chromosome genes act within cells to cause differences in phenotypes of XX and XY cells throughout the body. In the gonad, they determine the type of gonad, leading to differences in secretion of testicular vs. ovarian hormones, which cause further sex differences in tissue function. These current ideas of sexual differentiation are briefly contrasted with a hormones-only view of sexual differentiation of the last century. The multiple, independent action of diverse sex-biasing agents means that sex-biased factors can be synergistic, increasing sex differences, or compensatory, making the two sexes more equal. Several animal models have been fruitful in demonstrating sex chromosome effects, and interactions with gonadal hormones. MRI studies of human brains demonstrate variation in brain structure associated with both differences in gonadal hormones, and in the number of X and Y chromosomes. Five unanswered questions are posed as a challenge to future investigators to improve understanding of sexual differentiation throughout the body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur P Arnold
- Department Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, United States of America.
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Bansal P, Kondaveeti Y, Pinter SF. Forged by DXZ4, FIRRE, and ICCE: How Tandem Repeats Shape the Active and Inactive X Chromosome. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 7:328. [PMID: 32076600 PMCID: PMC6985041 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2019.00328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent efforts in mapping spatial genome organization have revealed three evocative and conserved structural features of the inactive X in female mammals. First, the chromosomal conformation of the inactive X reveals a loss of topologically associated domains (TADs) present on the active X. Second, the macrosatellite DXZ4 emerges as a singular boundary that suppresses physical interactions between two large TAD-depleted "megadomains." Third, DXZ4 reaches across several megabases to form "superloops" with two other X-linked tandem repeats, FIRRE and ICCE, which also loop to each other. Although all three structural features are conserved across rodents and primates, deletion of mouse and human orthologs of DXZ4 and FIRRE from the inactive X have revealed limited impact on X chromosome inactivation (XCI) and escape in vitro. In contrast, loss of Xist or SMCHD1 have been shown to impair TAD erasure and gene silencing on the inactive X. In this perspective, we summarize these results in the context of new research describing disruption of X-linked tandem repeats in vivo, and discuss their possible molecular roles through the lens of evolutionary conservation and clinical genetics. As a null hypothesis, we consider whether the conservation of some structural features on the inactive X may reflect selection for X-linked tandem repeats on account of necessary cis- and trans-regulatory roles they may play on the active X, rather than the inactive X. Additional hypotheses invoking a role for X-linked tandem repeats on X reactivation, for example in the germline or totipotency, remain to be assessed in multiple developmental models spanning mammalian evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prakhar Bansal
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, School of Medicine, UCONN Health, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT, United States
- Institute for Systems Genomics, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT, United States
| | - Yuvabharath Kondaveeti
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, School of Medicine, UCONN Health, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT, United States
- Institute for Systems Genomics, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT, United States
| | - Stefan F. Pinter
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, School of Medicine, UCONN Health, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT, United States
- Institute for Systems Genomics, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT, United States
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50
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Meester I, Manilla-Muñoz E, León-Cachón RBR, Paniagua-Frausto GA, Carrión-Alvarez D, Ruiz-Rodríguez CO, Rodríguez-Rangel X, García-Martínez JM. SeXY chromosomes and the immune system: reflections after a comparative study. Biol Sex Differ 2020; 11:3. [PMID: 31937374 PMCID: PMC6958619 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-019-0278-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Sex bias in immune function has been contributed in part to a preponderance of immune system-related genes (ISRG) on the X-chromosome. We verified whether ISRG are more abundant on the X chromosome as compared to autosomal chromosomes and reflected on the impact of our findings. Methods Consulting freely accessible databases, we performed a comparative study consisting of three complementary strategies. First, among coding X/Y-linked genes, the abundance of ISRG was compared to the abundance of genes dedicated to other systems. Genes were assigned considering three criteria: disease, tissue expression, and function (DEF approach). In addition, we carried out two genome-wide approaches to compare the contribution of sex and autosomal chromosomes to immune genes defined by an elevated expression in lymphatic tissues (LTEEG approach) or annotation to an immune system process, GO:0002376 (GO approach). Results The X chromosome had less immune genes than the median of the autosomal chromosomes. Among X-linked genes, ISRG ranked fourth after the reproductive and nervous systems and genes dedicated to development, proliferation and apoptosis. On the Y chromosome, ISRG ranked second, and at the pseudoautosomal region (PAR) first. According to studies on the expression of X-linked genes in a variety of (mostly non-lymphatic) tissues, almost two-thirds of ISRG are expressed without sex bias, and the remaining ISRG presented female and male bias with similar frequency. Various epigenetic controllers, X-linked MSL3 and Y-linked KDM5D and UTY, were preferentially expressed in leukocytes and deserve further attention for a possible role in sex biased expression or its neutralisation. Conclusions The X chromosome is not enriched for ISRG, though particular X-linked genes may be responsible for sex differences in certain immune responses. So far, there is insufficient information on sex-biased expression of X/Y-linked ISRG in leukocytes to draw general conclusions on the impact of X/Y-linked ISRG in immune function. More research on the regulation of the expression X-linked genes is required with attention to 1) female and male mechanisms that may either augment or diminish sex biased expression and 2) tissue-specific expression studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Meester
- Ciencias Básicas, Escuela de Medicina, Universidad de Monterrey, Av. Ignacio Morones Prieto 4500 Pte., 66238, San Pedro Garza García, Nuevo León, México.
| | - Edgar Manilla-Muñoz
- Ciencias Básicas, Escuela de Medicina, Universidad de Monterrey, Av. Ignacio Morones Prieto 4500 Pte., 66238, San Pedro Garza García, Nuevo León, México
| | - Rafael B R León-Cachón
- Ciencias Básicas, Escuela de Medicina, Universidad de Monterrey, Av. Ignacio Morones Prieto 4500 Pte., 66238, San Pedro Garza García, Nuevo León, México
| | - Gustavo A Paniagua-Frausto
- Ciencias Básicas, Escuela de Medicina, Universidad de Monterrey, Av. Ignacio Morones Prieto 4500 Pte., 66238, San Pedro Garza García, Nuevo León, México
| | - Diego Carrión-Alvarez
- Ciencias Básicas, Escuela de Medicina, Universidad de Monterrey, Av. Ignacio Morones Prieto 4500 Pte., 66238, San Pedro Garza García, Nuevo León, México
| | - C Orelli Ruiz-Rodríguez
- Ciencias Básicas, Escuela de Medicina, Universidad de Monterrey, Av. Ignacio Morones Prieto 4500 Pte., 66238, San Pedro Garza García, Nuevo León, México
| | - Ximena Rodríguez-Rangel
- Ciencias Básicas, Escuela de Medicina, Universidad de Monterrey, Av. Ignacio Morones Prieto 4500 Pte., 66238, San Pedro Garza García, Nuevo León, México
| | - Joyce M García-Martínez
- Ciencias Básicas, Escuela de Medicina, Universidad de Monterrey, Av. Ignacio Morones Prieto 4500 Pte., 66238, San Pedro Garza García, Nuevo León, México
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