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Deane C, Piasecki M, Atherton P. Skeletal muscle immobilisation-induced atrophy: mechanistic insights from human studies. Clin Sci (Lond) 2024; 138:741-756. [PMID: 38895777 PMCID: PMC11186857 DOI: 10.1042/cs20231198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Periods of skeletal muscle disuse lead to rapid declines in muscle mass (atrophy), which is fundamentally underpinned by an imbalance between muscle protein synthesis (MPS) and muscle protein breakdown (MPB). The complex interplay of molecular mechanisms contributing to the altered regulation of muscle protein balance during disuse have been investigated but rarely synthesised in the context of humans. This narrative review discusses human models of muscle disuse and the ensuing inversely exponential rate of muscle atrophy. The molecular processes contributing to altered protein balance are explored, with a particular focus on growth and breakdown signalling pathways, mitochondrial adaptations and neuromuscular dysfunction. Finally, key research gaps within the disuse atrophy literature are highlighted providing future avenues to enhance our mechanistic understanding of human disuse atrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colleen S. Deane
- Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, U.K
| | - Matthew Piasecki
- Centre of Metabolism, Ageing and Physiology (CoMAP), Medical Research Council/Versus Arthritis UK Centre of Excellence for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research (CMAR), National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), University of Nottingham, U.K
| | - Philip J. Atherton
- Centre of Metabolism, Ageing and Physiology (CoMAP), Medical Research Council/Versus Arthritis UK Centre of Excellence for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research (CMAR), National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), University of Nottingham, U.K
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2
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Manea M, Apostol D, Constantinescu I. A MicroRNA-Based Method for High-Viremia Detection-A New Approach on a Romanian Lot of Chronically Infected Patients with Hepatitis B Virus. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:3425. [PMID: 37998561 PMCID: PMC10670501 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13223425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The HBV (hepatitis B virus) infection is intended for elimination, but evaluating patients is both costly and insufficiently applied in several countries. An expensive analysis in Romania is HBV-DNA quantification, with a limited prognostic potential. Our study intended to find new predictors for high viremia in HBV patients, using molecules involved in the multiple assessment of various HBV complications, such as microRNAs. A total of 61 subjects (48 patients with chronic HBV infection and 13 healthy subjects) were generally evaluated. Using a RT-PCR method, with a 2-ΔΔCT algorithm, we detected the expressions of miR-122 and miR-146a in 33 subjects. MiR-21 was the internal control. The results were analyzed with the R 4.2.2. software. Kruskal-Wallis's comparisons, Spearman correlations, and several logistic regression methods were applied. The median age of the patients was over 40 years. Without microRNAs, we could not obtain a good prediction formula. The combination of miR-122 and age proved to be the best prediction method for high viremia, with an AUC of 0.827, and a sensitivity of 89.5%. This is the first study which included age and miR-122 as independent predictors for high viremia in Romanian HBV-positive patients. MiR-122 is a new potential biomarker in the evaluation of Romanian patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Manea
- Deparment of Immunology and Transplant Immunology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Dimitri Apostol
- Deparment of Immunology and Transplant Immunology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ileana Constantinescu
- Deparment of Immunology and Transplant Immunology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- Centre of Immunogenetics and Virology, Fundeni Clinical Institute, 022328 Bucharest, Romania
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3
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Wang X, Ran X, Niu X, Huang S, Li S, Wang J. Whole-genome sequence analysis reveals selection signatures for important economic traits in Xiang pigs. Sci Rep 2022; 12:11823. [PMID: 35821031 PMCID: PMC9276726 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-14686-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Xiang pig (XP) is one of the best-known indigenous pig breeds in China, which is characterized by its small body size, strong disease resistance, high adaptability, favorite meat quality, small litter sizes, and early sexual maturity. However, the genomic evidence that links these unique traits of XP is still poorly understood. To identify the genomic signatures of selection in XP, we performed whole-genome resequencing on 25 unrelated individual XPs. We obtained 876.70 Gb of raw data from the genomic libraries. The LD analysis showed that the lowest level of linkage disequilibrium was observed in Xiang pig. Comparative genomic analysis between XPs and other breeds including Tibetan, Meishan, Duroc and Landrace revealed 3062, 1228, 907 and 1519 selected regions, respectively. The genes identified in selected regions of XPs were associated with growth and development processes (IGF1R, PROP1, TBX19, STAC3, RLF, SELENOM, MSTN), immunity and disease resistance (ZCCHC2, SERPINB2, ADGRE5, CYP7B1, STAT6, IL2, CD80, RHBDD3, PIK3IP1), environmental adaptation (NR2E1, SERPINB8, SERPINB10, SLC26A7, MYO1A, SDR9C7, UVSSA, EXPH5, VEGFC, PDE1A), reproduction (CCNB2, TRPM6, EYA3, CYP7B1, LIMK2, RSPO1, ADAM32, SPAG16), meat quality traits (DECR1, EWSR1), and early sexual maturity (TAC3). Through the absolute allele frequency difference (ΔAF) analysis, we explored two population-specific missense mutations occurred in NR6A1 and LTBP2 genes, which well explained that the vertebrae numbers of Xiang pigs were less than that of the European pig breeds. Our results indicated that Xiang pigs were less affected by artificial selection than the European and Meishan pig breeds. The selected candidate genes were mainly involved in growth and development, disease resistance, reproduction, meat quality, and early sexual maturity. This study provided a list of functional candidate genes, as well as a number of genetic variants, which would provide insight into the molecular basis for the unique traits of Xiang pig.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiying Wang
- Institute of Agro-Bioengineering/Key Laboratory of Plant Resource Conservative and Germplasm Innovation in Mountainous Region and Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction in the Plateau Mountainous Region (Ministry of Education), College of Life Science and College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China.,Tongren University, Tongren, 554300, China
| | - Xueqin Ran
- Institute of Agro-Bioengineering/Key Laboratory of Plant Resource Conservative and Germplasm Innovation in Mountainous Region and Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction in the Plateau Mountainous Region (Ministry of Education), College of Life Science and College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China.
| | - Xi Niu
- Institute of Agro-Bioengineering/Key Laboratory of Plant Resource Conservative and Germplasm Innovation in Mountainous Region and Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction in the Plateau Mountainous Region (Ministry of Education), College of Life Science and College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Shihui Huang
- Institute of Agro-Bioengineering/Key Laboratory of Plant Resource Conservative and Germplasm Innovation in Mountainous Region and Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction in the Plateau Mountainous Region (Ministry of Education), College of Life Science and College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Sheng Li
- Institute of Agro-Bioengineering/Key Laboratory of Plant Resource Conservative and Germplasm Innovation in Mountainous Region and Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction in the Plateau Mountainous Region (Ministry of Education), College of Life Science and College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Jiafu Wang
- Institute of Agro-Bioengineering/Key Laboratory of Plant Resource Conservative and Germplasm Innovation in Mountainous Region and Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction in the Plateau Mountainous Region (Ministry of Education), College of Life Science and College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China.
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4
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An N-ethyl-N-Nitrosourea Mutagenesis Screen in Mice Reveals a Mutation in Nuclear Respiratory Factor 1 ( Nrf1) Altering the DNA Methylation State and Correct Embryonic Development. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11072103. [PMID: 34359231 PMCID: PMC8300126 DOI: 10.3390/ani11072103] [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: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In this work, we aimed to discover unknown genes that are important in the regulation of other genes. These genes often play an important role during the development of the embryo. By screening thousands of mice, we found a gene, namely, Nuclear Respiratory Factor 1 (Nrf1), that controls the switching on and off of other genes. Mice with a defective Nrf1 present lesser levels of the gene and embryonic delay. When the mutation is in both chains of the DNA, mice are not born and die in the uterus. Our work unveils a novel, previously unknown functionality of Nrf1 and provides a new mice model for the study of diseases caused by a defective Nrf1. Abstract We have established a genome-wide N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU) mutagenesis screen to identify novel genes playing a role in epigenetic regulation in mammals. We hypothesize that the ENU mutagenesis screen will lead to the discovery of unknown genes responsible of the maintenance of the epigenetic state as the genes found are modifiers of variegation of the transgene green fluorescent protein (GFP) expression in erythrocytes, which are named MommeD. Here we report the generation of a novel mutant mouse line, MommeD46, that carries a new missense mutation producing an amino acid transversion (L71P) in the dimerization domain of Nuclear Respiratory Factor 1 (Nrf1). The molecular characterization of the mutation reveals a decrease in the Nrf1 mRNA levels and a novel role of Nrf1 in the maintenance of the DNA hypomethylation in vivo. The heritability of the mutation is consistent with paternal imprinting and haploinsufficiency. Homozygous mutants display embryonic lethality at 14.5 days post-coitum and developmental delay. This work adds a new epi-regulatory role to Nrf1 and uncovers unknown phenotypical defects of the Nrf1 hypomorph. The generated mouse line represents a valuable resource for studying NRF1-related diseases.
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Key Genes Regulating Skeletal Muscle Development and Growth in Farm Animals. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11030835. [PMID: 33809500 PMCID: PMC7999090 DOI: 10.3390/ani11030835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Skeletal muscle mass is an important economic trait, and muscle development and growth is a crucial factor to supply enough meat for human consumption. Thus, understanding (candidate) genes regulating skeletal muscle development is crucial for understanding molecular genetic regulation of muscle growth and can be benefit the meat industry toward the goal of increasing meat yields. During the past years, significant progress has been made for understanding these mechanisms, and thus, we decided to write a comprehensive review covering regulators and (candidate) genes crucial for muscle development and growth in farm animals. Detection of these genes and factors increases our understanding of muscle growth and development and is a great help for breeders to satisfy demands for meat production on a global scale. Abstract Farm-animal species play crucial roles in satisfying demands for meat on a global scale, and they are genetically being developed to enhance the efficiency of meat production. In particular, one of the important breeders’ aims is to increase skeletal muscle growth in farm animals. The enhancement of muscle development and growth is crucial to meet consumers’ demands regarding meat quality. Fetal skeletal muscle development involves myogenesis (with myoblast proliferation, differentiation, and fusion), fibrogenesis, and adipogenesis. Typically, myogenesis is regulated by a convoluted network of intrinsic and extrinsic factors monitored by myogenic regulatory factor genes in two or three phases, as well as genes that code for kinases. Marker-assisted selection relies on candidate genes related positively or negatively to muscle development and can be a strong supplement to classical selection strategies in farm animals. This comprehensive review covers important (candidate) genes that regulate muscle development and growth in farm animals (cattle, sheep, chicken, and pig). The identification of these genes is an important step toward the goal of increasing meat yields and improves meat quality.
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Weighted Single-Step Genome-Wide Association Study for Growth Traits in Chinese Simmental Beef Cattle. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:genes11020189. [PMID: 32053968 PMCID: PMC7074168 DOI: 10.3390/genes11020189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Revised: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Improving the genetic process of growth traits is one of the major goals in the beef cattle industry, as it can increase meat production and reduce the cost of raising animals. Although several quantitative trait loci affecting growth traits in beef cattle have been identified, the genetic architecture of these economically important traits remains elusive. This study aims to map single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and genes associated with birth weight (BW), yearling weight (YW), average daily gain from birth to yearling (BYADG), and body weight at the age of 18 months (18MW) in a Chinese Simmental beef cattle population using a weighted, single-step, genome-wide association study (wssGWAS). Phenotypic and pedigree data from 6022 animals and genotypes from 744 animals (596,297 SNPs) were used for an association analysis. The results showed that 66 genomic windows explained 1.01-20.15% of the genetic variance for the four examined traits, together with the genes near the top SNP within each window. Furthermore, the identified genomic windows (>1%) explained 50.56%, 57.71%, 61.78%, and 37.82% of the genetic variances for BW, YW, BYADG, and 18MW, respectively. Genes with potential functions in muscle development and regulation of cell growth were highlighted as candidates for growth traits in Simmental cattle (SQOR and TBCB for BW, MYH10 for YW, RLF for BYADG, and ARHGAP31 for 18MW). Moreover, we found 40 SNPs that had not previously been identified as being associated with growth traits in cattle. These findings will further advance our understanding of the genetic basis for growth traits and will be useful for the molecular breeding of BW, YW, BYADG, and 18MW in the context of genomic selection in beef cattle.
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7
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Bertozzi TM, Ferguson-Smith AC. Metastable epialleles and their contribution to epigenetic inheritance in mammals. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2020; 97:93-105. [PMID: 31551132 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2019.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2018] [Revised: 08/15/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Many epigenetic differences between individuals are driven by genetic variation. Mammalian metastable epialleles are unusual in that they show variable DNA methylation states between genetically identical individuals. The occurrence of such states across generations has resulted in their consideration by many as strong evidence for epigenetic inheritance in mammals, with the classic Avy and AxinFu mouse models - each products of repeat element insertions - being the most widely accepted examples. Equally, there has been interest in exploring their use as epigenetic biosensors given their susceptibility to environmental compromise. Here we review the classic murine metastable epialleles as well as more recently identified candidates, with the aim of providing a more holistic understanding of their biology. We consider the extent to which epigenetic inheritance occurs at metastable epialleles and explore the limited mechanistic insights into the establishment of their variable epigenetic states. We discuss their environmental modulation and their potential relevance in genome regulation. In light of recent whole-genome screens for novel metastable epialleles, we point out the need to reassess their biological relevance in multi-generational studies and we highlight their value as a model to study repeat element silencing as well as the mechanisms and consequences of mammalian epigenetic stochasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tessa M Bertozzi
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EH, UK
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8
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Bogutz AB, Brind'Amour J, Kobayashi H, Jensen KN, Nakabayashi K, Imai H, Lorincz MC, Lefebvre L. Evolution of imprinting via lineage-specific insertion of retroviral promoters. Nat Commun 2019; 10:5674. [PMID: 31831741 PMCID: PMC6908575 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-13662-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Imprinted genes are expressed from a single parental allele, with the other allele often silenced by DNA methylation (DNAme) established in the germline. While species-specific imprinted orthologues have been documented, the molecular mechanisms underlying the evolutionary switch from biallelic to imprinted expression are unknown. During mouse oogenesis, gametic differentially methylated regions (gDMRs) acquire DNAme in a transcription-guided manner. Here we show that oocyte transcription initiating in lineage-specific endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) is likely responsible for DNAme establishment at 4/6 mouse-specific and 17/110 human-specific imprinted gDMRs. The latter are divided into Catarrhini- or Hominoidea-specific gDMRs embedded within transcripts initiating in ERVs specific to these primate lineages. Strikingly, imprinting of the maternally methylated genes Impact and Slc38a4 was lost in the offspring of female mice harboring deletions of the relevant murine-specific ERVs upstream of these genes. Our work reveals an evolutionary mechanism whereby maternally silenced genes arise from biallelically expressed progenitors. Although many species-specific imprinted genes have been identified, how the evolutionary switch from biallelic to imprinted expression occurs is still unknown. Here authors find that lineage-specific ERVs active as oocyte promoters can induce de novo DNA methylation at gDMRs and imprinting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron B Bogutz
- Department of Medical Genetics, Molecular Epigenetics Group, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Julie Brind'Amour
- Department of Medical Genetics, Molecular Epigenetics Group, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Hisato Kobayashi
- Department of Embryology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, 634-8521, Japan
| | - Kristoffer N Jensen
- Department of Medical Genetics, Molecular Epigenetics Group, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Kazuhiko Nakabayashi
- Division of Developmental Genomics, Research Institute, National Center for Child Health and Development, Setagaya, Tokyo, 157-8535, Japan
| | - Hiroo Imai
- Molecular Biology Section, Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Primate Research Institute, Kyoto University, Inuyama, Aichi, 484-8506, Japan
| | - Matthew C Lorincz
- Department of Medical Genetics, Molecular Epigenetics Group, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada.
| | - Louis Lefebvre
- Department of Medical Genetics, Molecular Epigenetics Group, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada.
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Maghool S, Cooray NDG, Stroud DA, Aragão D, Ryan MT, Maher MJ. Structural and functional characterization of the mitochondrial complex IV assembly factor Coa6. Life Sci Alliance 2019; 2:2/5/e201900458. [PMID: 31515291 PMCID: PMC6743065 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.201900458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2019] [Revised: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Assembly factors play key roles in the biogenesis of many multi-subunit protein complexes regulating their stability, activity, and the incorporation of essential cofactors. The human assembly factor Coa6 participates in the biogenesis of the CuA site in complex IV (cytochrome c oxidase, COX). Patients with mutations in Coa6 suffer from mitochondrial disease due to complex IV deficiency. Here, we present the crystal structures of human Coa6 and the pathogenic W59CCoa6-mutant protein. These structures show that Coa6 has a 3-helical bundle structure, with the first 2 helices tethered by disulfide bonds, one of which likely provides the copper-binding site. Disulfide-mediated oligomerization of the W59CCoa6 protein provides a structural explanation for the loss-of-function mutation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shadi Maghool
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - N Dinesha G Cooray
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - David A Stroud
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and The Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - David Aragão
- Australian Synchrotron, Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Clayton, Australia
| | - Michael T Ryan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Megan J Maher
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia,School of Chemistry and The Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia,Correspondence:
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Decato BE, Lopez-Tello J, Sferruzzi-Perri AN, Smith AD, Dean MD. DNA Methylation Divergence and Tissue Specialization in the Developing Mouse Placenta. Mol Biol Evol 2017; 34:1702-1712. [PMID: 28379409 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msx112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The placental epigenome plays a vital role in regulating mammalian growth and development. Aberrations in placental DNA methylation are linked to several disease states, including intrauterine growth restriction and preeclampsia. Studying the evolution and development of the placental epigenome is critical to understanding the origin and progression of such diseases. Although high-resolution studies have found substantial variation between placental methylomes of different species, the nature of methylome variation has yet to be characterized within any individual species. We conducted a study of placental DNA methylation at high resolution in multiple strains and closely related species of house mice (Mus musculus musculus, Mus m. domesticus, and M. spretus), across developmental timepoints (embryonic days 15-18), and between two distinct layers (labyrinthine transport and junctional endocrine). We observed substantial genome-wide methylation heterogeneity in mouse placenta compared with other differentiated tissues. Species-specific methylation profiles were concentrated in retrotransposon subfamilies, specifically RLTR10 and RLTR20 subfamilies. Regulatory regions such as gene promoters and CpG islands displayed cross-species conservation, but showed strong differences between layers and developmental timepoints. Partially methylated domains exist in the mouse placenta and widen during development. Taken together, our results characterize the mouse placental methylome as a highly heterogeneous and deregulated landscape globally, intermixed with actively regulated promoter and retrotransposon sequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin E Decato
- Molecular and Computational Biology, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Jorge Lopez-Tello
- Department of Physiology, Development, and Neuroscience, Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Amanda N Sferruzzi-Perri
- Department of Physiology, Development, and Neuroscience, Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew D Smith
- Molecular and Computational Biology, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Matthew D Dean
- Molecular and Computational Biology, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
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Bourke L, del Monte-Nieto G, Outhwaite J, Bharti V, Pollock P, Simmons D, Adam A, Hur S, Maghzal G, Whitelaw E, Stocker R, Suter C, Harvey R, Harten S. Loss of Rearranged L-Myc Fusion (RLF) results in defects in heart development in the mouse. Differentiation 2017; 94:8-20. [DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2016.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2016] [Revised: 10/25/2016] [Accepted: 11/16/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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12
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Christensen JB, Soares da Costa TP, Faou P, Pearce FG, Panjikar S, Perugini MA. Structure and Function of Cyanobacterial DHDPS and DHDPR. Sci Rep 2016; 6:37111. [PMID: 27845445 PMCID: PMC5109050 DOI: 10.1038/srep37111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2016] [Accepted: 10/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Lysine biosynthesis in bacteria and plants commences with a condensation reaction catalysed by dihydrodipicolinate synthase (DHDPS) followed by a reduction reaction catalysed by dihydrodipicolinate reductase (DHDPR). Interestingly, both DHDPS and DHDPR exist as different oligomeric forms in bacteria and plants. DHDPS is primarily a homotetramer in all species, but the architecture of the tetramer differs across kingdoms. DHDPR also exists as a tetramer in bacteria, but has recently been reported to be dimeric in plants. This study aimed to characterise for the first time the structure and function of DHDPS and DHDPR from cyanobacteria, which is an evolutionary important phylum that evolved at the divergence point between bacteria and plants. We cloned, expressed and purified DHDPS and DHDPR from the cyanobacterium Anabaena variabilis. The recombinant enzymes were shown to be folded by circular dichroism spectroscopy, enzymatically active employing the quantitative DHDPS-DHDPR coupled assay, and form tetramers in solution using analytical ultracentrifugation. Crystal structures of DHDPS and DHDPR from A. variabilis were determined at 1.92 Å and 2.83 Å, respectively, and show that both enzymes adopt the canonical bacterial tetrameric architecture. These studies indicate that the quaternary structure of bacterial and plant DHDPS and DHDPR diverged after cyanobacteria evolved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janni B. Christensen
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria 3086, Australia
| | - T. P. Soares da Costa
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria 3086, Australia
| | - Pierre Faou
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria 3086, Australia
| | - F. Grant Pearce
- Biomolecular Interaction Centre and School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand
| | - Santosh Panjikar
- Australian Synchrotron, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Matthew A. Perugini
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria 3086, Australia
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Isbel L, Prokopuk L, Wu H, Daxinger L, Oey H, Spurling A, Lawther AJ, Hale MW, Whitelaw E. Wiz binds active promoters and CTCF-binding sites and is required for normal behaviour in the mouse. eLife 2016; 5. [PMID: 27410475 PMCID: PMC4977153 DOI: 10.7554/elife.15082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2016] [Accepted: 07/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
We previously identified Wiz in a mouse screen for epigenetic modifiers. Due to its known association with G9a/GLP, Wiz is generally considered a transcriptional repressor. Here, we provide evidence that it may also function as a transcriptional activator. Wiz levels are high in the brain, but its function and direct targets are unknown. ChIP-seq was performed in adult cerebellum and Wiz peaks were found at promoters and transcription factor CTCF binding sites. RNA-seq in Wiz mutant mice identified genes differentially regulated in adult cerebellum and embryonic brain. In embryonic brain most decreased in expression and included clustered protocadherin genes. These also decreased in adult cerebellum and showed strong Wiz ChIP-seq enrichment. Because a precise pattern of protocadherin gene expression is required for neuronal development, behavioural tests were carried out on mutant mice, revealing an anxiety-like phenotype. This is the first evidence of a role for Wiz in neural function. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.15082.001
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke Isbel
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Lexie Prokopuk
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Haoyu Wu
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Lucia Daxinger
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Harald Oey
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Alex Spurling
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Adam J Lawther
- Department of Psychology and Counselling, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia.,School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Matthew W Hale
- Department of Psychology and Counselling, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia.,School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Emma Whitelaw
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, Melbourne, Australia
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Oey H, Isbel L, Hickey P, Ebaid B, Whitelaw E. Genetic and epigenetic variation among inbred mouse littermates: identification of inter-individual differentially methylated regions. Epigenetics Chromatin 2015; 8:54. [PMID: 26692901 PMCID: PMC4676890 DOI: 10.1186/s13072-015-0047-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2015] [Accepted: 11/23/2015] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Phenotypic variability among inbred littermates reared in controlled environments remains poorly understood. Metastable epialleles refer to loci that intrinsically behave in this way and a few examples have been described. They display differential methylation in association with differential expression. For example, inbred mice carrying the agouti viable yellow (Avy) allele show a range of coat colours associated with different DNA methylation states at the locus. The availability of next-generation sequencing, in particular whole genome sequencing of bisulphite converted DNA, allows us, for the first time, to search for metastable epialleles at base pair resolution. Results Using whole genome bisulphite sequencing of DNA from the livers of five mice from the Avy colony, we searched for sites at which DNA methylation differed among the mice. A small number of loci, 356, were detected and we call these inter-individual Differentially Methylated Regions, iiDMRs, 55 of which overlap with endogenous retroviral elements (ERVs). Whole genome resequencing of two mice from the colony identified very few differences and these did not occur at or near the iiDMRs. Further work suggested that the majority of ERV iiDMRs are metastable epialleles; the level of methylation was maintained in tissue from other germ layers and the level of mRNA from the neighbouring gene inversely correlated with methylation state. Most iiDMRs that were not overlapping ERV insertions occurred at tissue-specific DMRs and it cannot be ruled out that these are driven by changes in the ratio of cell types in the tissues analysed. Conclusions Using the most thorough genome-wide profiling technologies for differentially methylated regions, we find very few intrinsically epigenetically variable regions that we term iiDMRs. The most robust of these are at retroviral elements and appear to be metastable epialleles. The non-ERV iiDMRs cannot be described as metastable epialleles at this stage but provide a novel class of variably methylated elements for further study. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13072-015-0047-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harald Oey
- Department of Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Melbourne, VIC 3086 Australia.,University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, QLD 4102 Australia
| | - Luke Isbel
- Department of Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Melbourne, VIC 3086 Australia
| | - Peter Hickey
- Bioinformatics Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052 Australia
| | - Basant Ebaid
- Department of Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Melbourne, VIC 3086 Australia
| | - Emma Whitelaw
- Department of Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Melbourne, VIC 3086 Australia
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