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Integrated Approaches to Identify miRNA Biomarkers Associated with Cognitive Dysfunction in Multiple Sclerosis Using Text Mining, Gene Expression, Pathways, and GWAS. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12081914. [PMID: 36010264 PMCID: PMC9406323 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12081914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic autoimmune disorder, affects the central nervous system of many young adults. More than half of MS patients develop cognition problems. Although several genomic and transcriptomic studies are currently reported in MS cognitive impairment, a comprehensive repository dealing with all the experimental data is still underdeveloped. In this study, we combined text mining, gene regulation, pathway analysis, and genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to identify miRNA biomarkers to explore the cognitive dysfunction in MS, and to understand the genomic etiology of the disease. We first identified the dysregulated miRNAs associated with MS and cognitive dysfunction using PubTator (text mining), HMDD (experimental associations), miR2Disease, and PhenomiR database (differentially expressed miRNAs). Our results suggest that miRNAs such as hsa-mir-148b-3p, hsa-mir-7b-5p, and hsa-mir-7a-5p are commonly associated with MS and cognitive dysfunction. Next, we retrieved GWAS signals from GWAS Catalog, and analyzed the enrichment analysis of association signals in genes/miRNAs and their association networks. Then, we identified susceptible genetic loci, rs17119 (chromosome 6; p = 1 × 10−10), rs1843938 (chromosome 7; p = 1 × 10−10), and rs11637611 (chromosome 15; p = 1.00 × 10−15), associated with significant genetic risk. Lastly, we conducted a pathway analysis for the susceptible genetic variants and identified novel risk pathways. The ECM receptor signaling pathway (p = 3.98 × 10−8) and PI3K/Akt signaling pathway (p = 5.98 × 10−5) were found to be associated with differentially expressed miRNA biomarkers.
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Scapoli C, Ziliotto N, Lunghi B, Menegatti E, Salvi F, Zamboni P, Baroni M, Mascoli F, Bernardi F, Marchetti G. Combination of Genomic and Transcriptomic Approaches Highlights Vascular and Circadian Clock Components in Multiple Sclerosis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 23:ijms23010310. [PMID: 35008743 PMCID: PMC8745220 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Aiming at exploring vascular components in multiple sclerosis (MS) with brain outflow disturbance, we combined transcriptome analysis in MS internal jugular vein (IJV) wall with WES in MS families with vertical transmission of disease. Main results were the differential expression in IJV wall of 16 MS-GWAS genes and of seven genes (GRIN2A, GRIN2B, IL20RB, IL26, PER3, PITX2, and PPARGC1A) not previously indicated by GWAS but encoding for proteins functionally interacting with MS candidate gene products. Strikingly, 22/23 genes have been previously associated with vascular or neuronal traits/diseases, nine encoded for transcriptional factors/regulators and six (CAMK2G, GRIN2A, GRIN2B, N1RD1, PER3, PPARGC1A) for circadian entrainment/rhythm components. Among the WES low-frequency (MAF ≤ 0.04) SNPs (n = 7) filtered in the 16 genes, the NR1D1 rs17616365 showed significantly different MAF in the Network for Italian Genomes affected cohort than in the 1000 Genome Project Tuscany samples. This pattern was also detected in five nonintronic variants (GRIN2B rs1805482, PER3 rs2640909, PPARGC1A rs2970847, rs8192678, and rs3755863) in genes coding for functional partners. Overall, the study proposes specific markers and low-frequency variants that might help (i) to understand perturbed biological processes in vascular tissues contributing to MS disease, and (ii) to characterize MS susceptibility genes for functional association with disease-pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Scapoli
- Department of Life Science and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.S.); (B.L.); (M.B.)
| | - Nicole Ziliotto
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, 20072 Milan, Italy;
| | - Barbara Lunghi
- Department of Life Science and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.S.); (B.L.); (M.B.)
| | - Erica Menegatti
- Department of Translational Medicine and for Romagna, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (E.M.); (P.Z.)
| | - Fabrizio Salvi
- Center for Immunological and Rare Neurological Diseases, IRCCS of Neurological Sciences, Bellaria Hospital, 40139 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Paolo Zamboni
- Department of Translational Medicine and for Romagna, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (E.M.); (P.Z.)
| | - Marcello Baroni
- Department of Life Science and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.S.); (B.L.); (M.B.)
| | - Francesco Mascoli
- Unit of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, S. Anna University-Hospital, 44124 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Francesco Bernardi
- Department of Life Science and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.S.); (B.L.); (M.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0532-974425
| | - Giovanna Marchetti
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
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Qi J, Liu X, Yan P, He S, Lin Y, Huang Z, Zhang S, Xie S, Li Y, Lu X, Wu Y, Zhou Y, Yuan J, Cai T, Zheng X, Ding Y, Yang W. Analysis of Immune Landscape Reveals Prognostic Significance of Cytotoxic CD4 + T Cells in the Central Region of pMMR CRC. Front Oncol 2021; 11:724232. [PMID: 34631551 PMCID: PMC8493090 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.724232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mismatch repair proficient colorectal cancer (pMMR CRC) lacks effective treatments and has a poor prognosis, which can be attributed to the complexity of tumor microenvironment. The coordinated function of immune cells is vital to anti-tumor immunity. However, the spatial characteristics of immune cells in the pMMR CRC immune microenvironment and their relationship with clinical prognosis are not fully understood. Meanwhile, the immune modulatory effect of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT), which is the first-line treatment of pMMR CRC, needs further investigation. Therefore, this study aims to explore the spatial dynamics of immune cells and its prognostic value in pMMR CRC. Methods We analyzed the various immune cells in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tumor tissues which were collected from 77 patients with stage II/III of pMMR CRC, including 39 non-NCT treated and 38 NCT treated patients. We used the optimized multiplex immunohistochemistry (mIHC) to identify and quantify the density, type and location of immune cells in pMMR CRC. Multivariate survival analysis was performed to assess the relationship of immune profiles and clinical prognosis of pMMR CRC patients. Results The densities of most T cell subsets, B cells and macrophages were higher in the central region of the pMMR CRC than in the invasion margin. Tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), especially the infiltration of CD4+ GzmB+ T cells in the central region of the tumor was identified to be positively correlated with the prognosis of the patients. Multivariate analysis confirmed that CD4+ GzmB+ T cells population was an independent predictor of disease-free survival (DFS) in non-NCT group. Meanwhile, NCT enhanced the infiltration of CD4+ GzmB+ T cells in the central region of the pMMR CRC, which was also identified as an independent protective factor of overall survival (OS) and DFS in NCT group. Conclusion We demonstrated that the level of CD4+ GzmB+ T cells located in the center of tumor could provide great prognostic value for pMMR CRC patients. And the application of neoadjuvant chemotherapy further improves the infiltration of CD4+ GzmB+ T cells in the central compartment. Further studies into the application of CD4+ GzmB+ T cells in tumor immunotherapy are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingwen Qi
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncologic Pathology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyan Liu
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncologic Pathology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peian Yan
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncologic Pathology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shangwen He
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuhao Lin
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhiwei Huang
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shenyan Zhang
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncologic Pathology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Siyu Xie
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncologic Pathology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanfeng Li
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncologic Pathology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaofei Lu
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncologic Pathology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yingjun Wu
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncologic Pathology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yangshu Zhou
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncologic Pathology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Juanjuan Yuan
- Research Department of Medical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ting Cai
- Research Department of Medical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaojun Zheng
- Research Department of Medical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanqing Ding
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncologic Pathology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Yang
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncologic Pathology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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Ziliotto N, Lamberti N, Manfredini F, Straudi S, Tisato V, Carantoni M, Melloni E, Secchiero P, Basaglia N, Bernardi F, Marchetti G. Baseline and overtime variations of soluble adhesion molecule plasma concentrations are associated with mobility recovery after rehabilitation in multiple sclerosis patients. J Neuroimmunol 2021; 352:577473. [PMID: 33422764 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2020.577473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 12/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Rehabilitative exercise outcomes and plasma concentrations of soluble adhesion molecules (sEndoglin, sE-Selectin, sL-Selectin, sICAM-1, sNCAM, sNCAM-1, sVCAM-1, sPECAM-1, sVAP-1) were evaluated in 60 severely disabled progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) patients at 4-time points. Changes of sE-Selectin, sL-Selectin, and sPECAM-1 concentrations were observed over time, and their variations were significantly correlated with rehabilitative outcome variations. Baseline sVAP-1 concentrations were able to predict functional mobility recovery. Our data suggest that the evaluation of adhesion molecules in plasma provides useful information to interpret rehabilitative exercise processes and to identify potential predictors of the rehabilitation-induced changes in mobility outcomes in MS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Ziliotto
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano - Bicocca, Monza, Italy; Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Nicola Lamberti
- Department of Biomedical and Surgical Specialties Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fabio Manfredini
- Department of Biomedical and Surgical Specialties Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy; Department of Neurosciences/Rehabilitation, Unit of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, University Hospital of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Sofia Straudi
- Department of Neurosciences/Rehabilitation, Unit of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, University Hospital of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Veronica Tisato
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Matteo Carantoni
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Melloni
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Paola Secchiero
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Nino Basaglia
- Department of Neurosciences/Rehabilitation, Unit of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, University Hospital of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Francesco Bernardi
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Giovanna Marchetti
- Department of Biomedical and Surgical Specialties Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Expression profiles of the internal jugular and saphenous veins: Focus on hemostasis genes. Thromb Res 2020; 191:113-124. [PMID: 32438216 DOI: 10.1016/j.thromres.2020.04.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Revised: 03/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Venous bed specificity could contribute to differential vulnerability to thrombus formation, and is potentially reflected in mRNA profiles. MATERIALS AND METHODS Microarray-based transcriptome analysis in wall and valve specimens from internal jugular (IJV) and saphenous (SV) veins collected during IJV surgical reconstruction in patients with impaired brain outflow. Multiplex antigenic assay in paired jugular and peripheral plasma samples. RESULTS Most of the top differentially expressed transcripts have been previously associated with both vascular and neurological disorders. Large expression differences of HOX genes, organ patterning regulators, pinpointed the vein positional identity. The "complement and coagulation cascade" emerged among enriched pathways. In IJV, upregulation of genes for coagulation inhibitors (TFPI, PROS1), activated protein C pathway receptors (THBD, PROCR), fibrinolysis activators (PLAT, PLAUR), and downregulation of the fibrinolysis inhibitor (SERPINE1) and of contact/amplification pathway genes (F11, F12), would be compatible with a thromboprotective profile in respect to SV. Further, in SV valve the prothrombinase complex genes (F5, F2) were up-regulated and the VWF showed the highest expression. Differential expression of several VWF regulators (ABO, ST3GAL4, SCARA5, CLEC4M) was also observed. Among other differentially expressed hemostasis-related genes, heparanase (HPSE)/heparanase inhibitor (HPSE2) were up-/down-regulated in IJV, which might support procoagulant features and disease conditions. The jugular plasma levels of several proteins, encoded by differentially expressed genes, were lower and highly correlated with peripheral levels. CONCLUSIONS The IJV and SV rely on differential expression of many hemostasis and hemostasis-related genes to balance local hemostasis, potentially related to differences in vulnerability to thrombosis.
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Aptamer-modified FXa generation assays to investigate hypercoagulability in plasma from patients with ischemic heart disease. Thromb Res 2020; 189:140-146. [PMID: 32224381 DOI: 10.1016/j.thromres.2020.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Revised: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND High plasma levels of activated Factor VII-Antithrombin complex (FVIIa-AT) have been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular mortality in patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD). OBJECTIVES To investigate if FVIIa-AT levels are associated with activated factor X generation (FXaG) in modified assays. PATIENTS/METHODS Forty CAD patients were characterized for FVIIa-AT levels by ELISA and for FXaG in plasma. Novel fluorogenic FXaG assays, based on aptamers inhibiting thrombin and/or tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI), were set up. RESULTS FXaG correlated with FVIIa-AT levels (RAUC = 0.393, P = 0.012). The combination of thrombin inhibition and FXaG potentiation by using anti-thrombin and anti-TFPI aptamers, respectively, favors the study of time parameters. The progressive decrease in lag time from the lowest to the highest FVIIa-AT quartile was magnified by combining TFPI and thrombin inhibitory aptamers, thus supporting increased FXaG activity in the coagulation initiation phase. By exploring FXaG rates across FVIIa-AT quartiles, the largest relative differences were detectable at the early times (the highest versus the lowest quartile; 5.0-fold, P = 0.005 at 45 s; 3.5-fold, P = 0.001 at 55 s), and progressively decreased over time (2.3-fold, P = 0.002 at 75 s; 1.8-fold, P = 0.008 at 95 s; 1.6-fold, P = 0.022 at 115 s). Association between high FVIIa-AT levels and increased FXaG was independent of F7 -323 A1/A2 polymorphism influencing FVIIa-AT levels. CONCLUSIONS High FVIIa-AT plasma levels were associated with increased FXaG. Hypercoagulability features were specifically detectable in the coagulation initiation phase, which may have implications for cardiovascular risk prediction by either FVIIa-AT complex measurement or modified FXaG assays.
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7
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Kapadia A, Dmytriw AA. Multiple sclerosis is a systemic venous vasculopathy: A single unifying mechanism. Med Hypotheses 2020; 140:109645. [PMID: 32135448 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2020.109645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a potentially debilitating disease affecting the central nervous system (CNS) clinically characterized by progressive neurological deterioration. It is the most common condition under the umbrella of demyelinating disease, thought to occur as a result of a primary autoimmune insult. Various genetic and environmental risk factors have been implicated as potential triggers and/or predisposing factors; however, the exact mechanism of disease remains elusive. Diagnosis and management are based on clinical presentation, with adjunct imaging and biochemical assessment. Since the 19th century anatomical distribution of lesions in MS have been observed to demonstrate a characteristic periventricular, perivenular distribution; spinal cord and cortical lesions also demonstrate this perivenous preponderance. Venous abnormalities have long been observed on pathology characterized by irregular narrowing and dilatation with associated venous wall and perivenous infiltrates. Active CNS lesions are characterized by perivenular inflammatory infiltrates. There is accompanying global dysfunction of the blood-brain barrier, even within normal appearing tissue, with low levels of inflammatory change and tissue injury seen at pathology. Although several CNS antigens have been identified as potential candidates, including myelin related antigens, a specific pathogenic antigen remains elusive. Evaluation of the cerebrospinal fluid reveals characteristic oligoclonal bands, indicating a broad inflammatory response against a variety of CNS antigens. Antibodies have been identified against endothelial elements in sera of patients with MS, their role is not yet clearly elucidated. Emerging evidence suggests there may be a more systemic inflammatory process, heralded by a systemic preclinical prodrome. In light of such seemingly-discrepant clinical, anatomic, immunologic and pathologic findings we propose a unifying theory; specifically we propose that MS is a primary autoimmune vasculopathy, with a predilection of CNS venous structures. Characteristic CNS lesions are a secondary manifestation resulting from an inflammatory response to the uncovering of usually privileged CNS antigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anish Kapadia
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Department of Medical Imaging, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Adam A Dmytriw
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Department of Medical Imaging, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Celarain N, Tomas-Roig J. Changes in Deoxyribonucleic Acid Methylation Contribute to the Pathophysiology of Multiple Sclerosis. Front Genet 2019; 10:1138. [PMID: 31798633 PMCID: PMC6874160 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.01138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system characterized by loss of coordination, weakness, dysfunctions in bladder capacity, bowel movement, and cognitive impairment. Thus, the disease leads to a significant socioeconomic burden. In the pathophysiology of the disease, both genetic and environmental risk factors are involved. Gene x environment interaction is modulated by epigenetic mechanisms. Epigenetics refers to a sophisticated system that regulates gene expression with no changes in the DNA sequence. The most studied epigenetic mechanism is the DNA methylation. In this review, we summarize the data available from the current literature by grouping sets of differentially methylated genes in distinct biological categories: the immune system including innate and adaptive response, the DNA damage, and the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naiara Celarain
- Girona Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis Unit (UNIEM), Dr. Josep Trueta University Hospital, Girona Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBGI), Girona, Spain
| | - Jordi Tomas-Roig
- Girona Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis Unit (UNIEM), Dr. Josep Trueta University Hospital, Girona Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBGI), Girona, Spain
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9
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Ziliotto N, Zivadinov R, Baroni M, Marchetti G, Jakimovski D, Bergsland N, Ramasamy DP, Weinstock-Guttman B, Straudi S, Manfredini F, Ramanathan M, Bernardi F. Plasma levels of protein C pathway proteins and brain magnetic resonance imaging volumes in multiple sclerosis. Eur J Neurol 2019; 27:235-243. [PMID: 31408242 DOI: 10.1111/ene.14058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The involvement of protein C (PC) pathway components in multiple sclerosis (MS) has scarcely been explored. The aim was to investigate their levels in relation to clinical and neurodegenerative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) outcomes in patients. METHODS In all, 138 MS patients and 42 healthy individuals were studied. PC, protein S (PS) and soluble endothelial protein C receptor (sEPCR) were evaluated by multiplex assays and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Regression analyses between 3 T MRI outcomes and PC pathway components were performed. ancova was used to compare MRI volumes based on protein level quartiles. Partial correlation was assessed amongst levels of PC pathway components and hemostasis protein levels, including soluble thrombomodulin (sTM), heparin cofactor II (HCII), plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) and factor XII (FXII). The variation of PC concentration across four time points was evaluated in 32 additional MS patients. RESULTS There was an association between PC concentration, mainly reflecting the zymogen PC, and MRI measures for volumes of total gray matter (GM) (P = 0.003), thalamus (P = 0.007), cortex (P = 0.008), deep GM (P = 0.009) and whole brain (P = 0.026). Patients in the highest PC level quartile were characterized by the lowest GM volumes. Correlations of PC-HCII, PC-FXII and sEPCR-sTM values were detectable in MS patients, whilst PC-PS and PS-PAI-1 correlations were present in healthy individuals only. CONCLUSIONS Protein C plasma concentrations might be associated with neurodegenerative MRI outcomes in MS. Several differences in correlation amongst protein plasma levels suggest dysregulation of PC pathway components in MS patients. The stability of PC concentration over time supports a PC investigation in relation to GM atrophy in MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Ziliotto
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Buffalo Neuroimaging Analysis Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - R Zivadinov
- Buffalo Neuroimaging Analysis Center, Buffalo, NY, USA.,Neurology, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - M Baroni
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - G Marchetti
- Department of Biomedical and Specialty Surgical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - D Jakimovski
- Buffalo Neuroimaging Analysis Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - N Bergsland
- Buffalo Neuroimaging Analysis Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - D P Ramasamy
- Buffalo Neuroimaging Analysis Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | | | - S Straudi
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Ferrara University Hospital, Ferrara, Italy
| | - F Manfredini
- Department of Biomedical and Specialty Surgical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - M Ramanathan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - F Bernardi
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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10
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Soluble neural cell adhesion molecule and behavioural recovery in minimally conscious patients undergoing transcranial direct current stimulation. Clin Chim Acta 2019; 495:374-376. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2019.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Revised: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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11
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Ziliotto N, Marchetti G, Scapoli C, Bovolenta M, Meneghetti S, Benazzo A, Lunghi B, Balestra D, Laino LA, Bozzini N, Guidi I, Salvi F, Straudi S, Gemmati D, Menegatti E, Zamboni P, Bernardi F. C6orf10 Low-Frequency and Rare Variants in Italian Multiple Sclerosis Patients. Front Genet 2019; 10:573. [PMID: 31297130 PMCID: PMC6607989 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.00573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In light of the complex nature of multiple sclerosis (MS) and the recently estimated contribution of low-frequency variants into disease, decoding its genetic risk components requires novel variant prioritization strategies. We selected, by reviewing MS Genome Wide Association Studies (GWAS), 107 candidate loci marked by intragenic single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with a remarkable association (p-value ≤ 5 × 10-6). A whole exome sequencing (WES)-based pilot study of SNPs with minor allele frequency (MAF) ≤ 0.04, conducted in three Italian families, revealed 15 exonic low-frequency SNPs with affected parent-child transmission. These variants were detected in 65/120 Italian unrelated MS patients, also in combination (22 patients). Compared with databases (controls gnomAD, dbSNP150, ExAC, Tuscany-1000 Genome), the allelic frequencies of C6orf10 rs16870005 and IL2RA rs12722600 were significantly higher (i.e., controls gnomAD, p = 9.89 × 10-7 and p < 1 × 10-20). TET2 rs61744960 and TRAF3 rs138943371 frequencies were also significantly higher, except in Tuscany-1000 Genome. Interestingly, the association of C6orf10 rs16870005 (Ala431Thr) with MS did not depend on its linkage disequilibrium with the HLA-DRB1 locus. Sequencing in the MS cohort of the C6orf10 3′ region revealed 14 rare mutations (10 not previously reported). Four variants were null, and significantly more frequent than in the databases. Further, the C6orf10 rare variants were observed in combinations, both intra-locus and with other low-frequency SNPs. The C6orf10 Ser389Xfr was found homozygous in a patient with early onset of the MS. Taking into account the potentially functional impact of the identified exonic variants, their expression in combination at the protein level could provide functional insights in the heterogeneous pathogenetic mechanisms contributing to MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Ziliotto
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giovanna Marchetti
- Department of Biomedical and Specialty Surgical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Chiara Scapoli
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Matteo Bovolenta
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Silvia Meneghetti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Andrea Benazzo
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Barbara Lunghi
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Dario Balestra
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Lorenza Anna Laino
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Nicolò Bozzini
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Irene Guidi
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Salvi
- IRCCS Institute of Neurological Sciences, Hospital Bellaria, Bologna, Italy
| | - Sofia Straudi
- Department of Neurosciences and Rehabilitation, S. Anna University Hospital, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Donato Gemmati
- Department of Biomedical & Specialty Surgical Sciences and Centre Haemostasis & Thrombosis, Section of Medical Biochemistry, Molecular Biology & Genetics, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Erica Menegatti
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Vascular Diseases Center, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Paolo Zamboni
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Vascular Diseases Center, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Francesco Bernardi
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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