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Chen Y, Ye Z, Lin M, Zhu L, Xu L, Wang X. Deciphering the Epigenetic Landscape: Placental Development and Its Role in Pregnancy Outcomes. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2024; 20:996-1014. [PMID: 38457061 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-024-10699-2] [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] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
The placenta stands out as a unique, transitory, and multifaceted organ, essential to the optimal growth and maturation of the fetus. Functioning as a vital nexus between the maternal and fetal circulatory systems, it oversees the critical exchange of nutrients and waste. This exchange is facilitated by placental cells, known as trophoblasts, which adeptly invade and remodel uterine blood vessels. Deviations in placental development underpin a slew of pregnancy complications, notably fetal growth restriction (FGR), preeclampsia (PE), recurrent spontaneous abortions (RSA), and preterm birth. Central to placental function and development is epigenetic regulation. Despite its importance, the intricate mechanisms by which epigenetics influence the placenta are not entirely elucidated. Recently, the scientific community has turned its focus to parsing out the epigenetic alterations during placental development, such as variations in promoter DNA methylation, genomic imprints, and shifts in non-coding RNA expression. By establishing correlations between epigenetic shifts in the placenta and pregnancy complications, researchers are unearthing invaluable insights into the biology and pathophysiology of these conditions. This review seeks to synthesize the latest findings on placental epigenetic regulation, spotlighting its crucial role in shaping fetal growth trajectories and development. Through this lens, we underscore the overarching significance of the placenta in the larger narrative of gestational health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujia Chen
- Medical Research Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- National Health Commission (NHC), Key Laboratory of Technical Evaluation of Fertility Regulation for Non-Human Primate, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zhoujie Ye
- Medical Research Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- National Health Commission (NHC), Key Laboratory of Technical Evaluation of Fertility Regulation for Non-Human Primate, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Meijia Lin
- Department of Pathology, Fujian Medical University Cancer Hospital, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Liping Zhu
- Medical Research Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- National Health Commission (NHC), Key Laboratory of Technical Evaluation of Fertility Regulation for Non-Human Primate, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Liangpu Xu
- Medical Genetic Diagnosis and Therapy Center of Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics and Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Prenatal Diagnosis and Birth Defect, Fuzhou, China.
| | - Xinrui Wang
- Medical Research Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.
- National Health Commission (NHC), Key Laboratory of Technical Evaluation of Fertility Regulation for Non-Human Primate, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fuzhou, China.
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2
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Oomen ME, Torres-Padilla ME. Jump-starting life: balancing transposable element co-option and genome integrity in the developing mammalian embryo. EMBO Rep 2024; 25:1721-1733. [PMID: 38528171 PMCID: PMC11015026 DOI: 10.1038/s44319-024-00118-5] [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: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Remnants of transposable elements (TEs) are widely expressed throughout mammalian embryo development. Originally infesting our genomes as selfish elements and acting as a source of genome instability, several of these elements have been co-opted as part of a complex system of genome regulation. Many TEs have lost transposition ability and their transcriptional potential has been tampered as a result of interactions with the host throughout evolutionary time. It has been proposed that TEs have been ultimately repurposed to function as gene regulatory hubs scattered throughout our genomes. In the early embryo in particular, TEs find a perfect environment of naïve chromatin to escape transcriptional repression by the host. As a consequence, it is thought that hosts found ways to co-opt TE sequences to regulate large-scale changes in chromatin and transcription state of their genomes. In this review, we discuss several examples of TEs expressed during embryo development, their potential for co-option in genome regulation and the evolutionary pressures on TEs and on our genomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlies E Oomen
- Institute of Epigenetics and Stem Cells, Helmholtz Zentrum München, München, Germany
| | - Maria-Elena Torres-Padilla
- Institute of Epigenetics and Stem Cells, Helmholtz Zentrum München, München, Germany.
- Faculty of Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians Universität, München, Germany.
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3
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Fang S, Chang KW, Lefebvre L. Roles of endogenous retroviral elements in the establishment and maintenance of imprinted gene expression. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1369751. [PMID: 38505259 PMCID: PMC10948482 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1369751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation (DNAme) has long been recognized as a host defense mechanism, both in the restriction modification systems of prokaryotes as well as in the transcriptional silencing of repetitive elements in mammals. When DNAme was shown to be implicated as a key epigenetic mechanism in the regulation of imprinted genes in mammals, a parallel with host defense mechanisms was drawn, suggesting perhaps a common evolutionary origin. Here we review recent work related to this hypothesis on two different aspects of the developmental imprinting cycle in mammals that has revealed unexpected roles for long terminal repeat (LTR) retroelements in imprinting, both canonical and noncanonical. These two different forms of genomic imprinting depend on different epigenetic marks inherited from the mature gametes, DNAme and histone H3 lysine 27 trimethylation (H3K27me3), respectively. DNAme establishment in the maternal germline is guided by transcription during oocyte growth. Specific families of LTRs, evading silencing mechanisms, have been implicated in this process for specific imprinted genes. In noncanonical imprinting, maternally inherited histone marks play transient roles in transcriptional silencing during preimplantation development. These marks are ultimately translated into DNAme, notably over LTR elements, for the maintenance of silencing of the maternal alleles in the extraembryonic trophoblast lineage. Therefore, LTR retroelements play important roles in both establishment and maintenance of different epigenetic pathways leading to imprinted expression during development. Because such elements are mobile and highly polymorphic among different species, they can be coopted for the evolution of new species-specific imprinted genes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Louis Lefebvre
- Department of Medical Genetics, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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4
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Aizawa E, Ozonov EA, Kawamura YK, Dumeau C, Nagaoka S, Kitajima TS, Saitou M, Peters AHFM, Wutz A. Epigenetic regulation limits competence of pluripotent stem cell-derived oocytes. EMBO J 2023; 42:e113955. [PMID: 37850882 PMCID: PMC10690455 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2023113955] [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: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have reported the differentiation of pluripotent cells into oocytes in vitro. However, the developmental competence of in vitro-generated oocytes remains low. Here, we perform a comprehensive comparison of mouse germ cell development in vitro over all culture steps versus in vivo with the goal to understand mechanisms underlying poor oocyte quality. We show that the in vitro differentiation of primordial germ cells to growing oocytes and subsequent follicle growth is critical for competence for preimplantation development. Systematic transcriptome analysis of single oocytes that were subjected to different culture steps identifies genes that are normally upregulated during oocyte growth to be susceptible for misregulation during in vitro oogenesis. Many misregulated genes are Polycomb targets. Deregulation of Polycomb repression is therefore a key cause and the earliest defect known in in vitro oocyte differentiation. Conversely, structurally normal in vitro-derived oocytes fail at zygotic genome activation and show abnormal acquisition of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine on maternal chromosomes. Our data identify epigenetic regulation at an early stage of oogenesis limiting developmental competence and suggest opportunities for future improvements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eishi Aizawa
- Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of TechnologyETH ZurichZurichSwitzerland
- RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics ResearchKobeJapan
| | - Evgeniy A Ozonov
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical ResearchBaselSwitzerland
| | - Yumiko K Kawamura
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical ResearchBaselSwitzerland
| | - Charles‐Etienne Dumeau
- Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of TechnologyETH ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - So Nagaoka
- Department of EmbryologyNara Medical UniversityNaraJapan
| | | | - Mitinori Saitou
- Institute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology (ASHBi)Kyoto UniversityKyotoJapan
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Graduate School of MedicineKyoto UniversityKyotoJapan
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA)Kyoto UniversityKyotoJapan
| | - Antoine HFM Peters
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical ResearchBaselSwitzerland
- Faculty of SciencesUniversity of BaselBaselSwitzerland
| | - Anton Wutz
- Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of TechnologyETH ZurichZurichSwitzerland
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5
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Koseki H, Sharif J. Editorial overview: Epigenetic inheritance: A shortcut to environmental adaptation? Curr Opin Genet Dev 2023; 82:102094. [PMID: 37579622 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2023.102094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Haruhiko Koseki
- Laboratory for Developmental Genetics, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama 230-0045, Japan; Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8670, Japan.
| | - Jafar Sharif
- Laboratory for Developmental Genetics, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama 230-0045, Japan
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6
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Matsuzaki H, Takahashi T, Kuramochi D, Hirakawa K, Tanimoto K. Five nucleotides found in RCTG motifs are essential for post-fertilization methylation imprinting of the H19 ICR in YAC transgenic mice. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:7236-7253. [PMID: 37334871 PMCID: PMC10415150 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Genomic imprinting at the mouse Igf2/H19 locus is controlled by the H19 ICR, within which paternal allele-specific DNA methylation originating in sperm is maintained throughout development in offspring. We previously found that a 2.9 kb transgenic H19 ICR fragment in mice can be methylated de novo after fertilization only when paternally inherited, despite its unmethylated state in sperm. When the 118 bp sequence responsible for this methylation in transgenic mice was deleted from the endogenous H19 ICR, the methylation level of its paternal allele was significantly reduced after fertilization, suggesting the activity involving this 118 bp sequence is required for methylation maintenance at the endogenous locus. Here, we determined protein binding to the 118 bp sequence using an in vitro binding assay and inferred the binding motif to be RCTG by using a series of mutant competitors. Furthermore, we generated H19 ICR transgenic mice with a 5-bp substitution mutation that disrupts the RCTG motifs within the 118 bp sequence, and observed loss of methylation from the paternally inherited transgene. These results indicate that imprinted methylation of the H19 ICR established de novo during the post-fertilization period involves binding of specific factors to distinct sequence motifs within the 118 bp sequence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hitomi Matsuzaki
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, Life Science Center for Survival Dynamics, Tsukuba Advanced Research Alliance (TARA), University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8577, Japan
| | - Takuya Takahashi
- Graduate school of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8577, Japan
| | - Daichi Kuramochi
- Graduate school of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8577, Japan
| | - Katsuhiko Hirakawa
- Graduate school of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8577, Japan
| | - Keiji Tanimoto
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, Life Science Center for Survival Dynamics, Tsukuba Advanced Research Alliance (TARA), University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8577, Japan
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7
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Senner CE, Dong Z, Prater M, Branco MR, Watson ED. One-carbon metabolism is required for epigenetic stability in the mouse placenta. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1209928. [PMID: 37440923 PMCID: PMC10333575 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1209928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
One-carbon metabolism, including the folate cycle, has a crucial role in fetal development though its molecular function is complex and unclear. The hypomorphic Mtrr gt allele is known to disrupt one-carbon metabolism, and thus methyl group availability, leading to several developmental phenotypes (e.g., neural tube closure defects, fetal growth anomalies). Remarkably, previous studies showed that some of the phenotypes were transgenerationally inherited. Here, we explored the genome-wide epigenetic impact of one-carbon metabolism in placentas associated with fetal growth phenotypes and determined whether specific DNA methylation changes were inherited. Firstly, methylome analysis of Mtrr gt/gt homozygous placentas revealed genome-wide epigenetic instability. Several differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were identified including at the Cxcl1 gene promoter and at the En2 gene locus, which may have phenotypic implications. Importantly, we discovered hypomethylation and ectopic expression of a subset of ERV elements throughout the genome of Mtrr gt/gt placentas with broad implications for genomic stability. Next, we determined that known spermatozoan DMRs in Mtrr gt/gt males were reprogrammed in the placenta with little evidence of direct or transgenerational germline DMR inheritance. However, some spermatozoan DMRs were associated with placental gene misexpression despite normalisation of DNA methylation, suggesting the inheritance of an alternative epigenetic mechanism. Integration of published wildtype histone ChIP-seq datasets with Mtrr gt/gt spermatozoan methylome and placental transcriptome datasets point towards H3K4me3 deposition at key loci. These data suggest that histone modifications might play a role in epigenetic inheritance in this context. Overall, this study sheds light on the mechanistic complexities of one-carbon metabolism in development and epigenetic inheritance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire E. Senner
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Department of Physiology, Development, and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Ziqi Dong
- Department of Physiology, Development, and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Malwina Prater
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Miguel R. Branco
- Centre for Genomics and Child Health, Blizard Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Erica D. Watson
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Department of Physiology, Development, and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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8
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Lismer A, Kimmins S. Emerging evidence that the mammalian sperm epigenome serves as a template for embryo development. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2142. [PMID: 37059740 PMCID: PMC10104880 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37820-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Although more studies are demonstrating that a father's environment can influence child health and disease, the molecular mechanisms underlying non-genetic inheritance remain unclear. It was previously thought that sperm exclusively contributed its genome to the egg. More recently, association studies have shown that various environmental exposures including poor diet, toxicants, and stress, perturbed epigenetic marks in sperm at important reproductive and developmental loci that were associated with offspring phenotypes. The molecular and cellular routes that underlie how epigenetic marks are transmitted at fertilization, to resist epigenetic reprogramming in the embryo, and drive phenotypic changes are only now beginning to be unraveled. Here, we provide an overview of the state of the field of intergenerational paternal epigenetic inheritance in mammals and present new insights into the relationship between embryo development and the three pillars of epigenetic inheritance: chromatin, DNA methylation, and non-coding RNAs. We evaluate compelling evidence of sperm-mediated transmission and retention of paternal epigenetic marks in the embryo. Using landmark examples, we discuss how sperm-inherited regions may escape reprogramming to impact development via mechanisms that implicate transcription factors, chromatin organization, and transposable elements. Finally, we link paternally transmitted epigenetic marks to functional changes in the pre- and post-implantation embryo. Understanding how sperm-inherited epigenetic factors influence embryo development will permit a greater understanding related to the developmental origins of health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariane Lismer
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3G 1Y6, Canada
| | - Sarah Kimmins
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3G 1Y6, Canada.
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, QC, H2X 0A9, Canada.
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9
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Richard Albert J, Kobayashi T, Inoue A, Monteagudo-Sánchez A, Kumamoto S, Takashima T, Miura A, Oikawa M, Miura F, Takada S, Hirabayashi M, Korthauer K, Kurimoto K, Greenberg MVC, Lorincz M, Kobayashi H. Conservation and divergence of canonical and non-canonical imprinting in murids. Genome Biol 2023; 24:48. [PMID: 36918927 PMCID: PMC10012579 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-023-02869-1] [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: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genomic imprinting affects gene expression in a parent-of-origin manner and has a profound impact on complex traits including growth and behavior. While the rat is widely used to model human pathophysiology, few imprinted genes have been identified in this murid. To systematically identify imprinted genes and genomic imprints in the rat, we use low input methods for genome-wide analyses of gene expression and DNA methylation to profile embryonic and extraembryonic tissues at allele-specific resolution. RESULTS We identify 14 and 26 imprinted genes in these tissues, respectively, with 10 of these genes imprinted in both tissues. Comparative analyses with mouse reveal that orthologous imprinted gene expression and associated canonical DNA methylation imprints are conserved in the embryo proper of the Muridae family. However, only 3 paternally expressed imprinted genes are conserved in the extraembryonic tissue of murids, all of which are associated with non-canonical H3K27me3 imprints. The discovery of 8 novel non-canonical imprinted genes unique to the rat is consistent with more rapid evolution of extraembryonic imprinting. Meta-analysis of novel imprinted genes reveals multiple mechanisms by which species-specific imprinted expression may be established, including H3K27me3 deposition in the oocyte, the appearance of ZFP57 binding motifs, and the insertion of endogenous retroviral promoters. CONCLUSIONS In summary, we provide an expanded list of imprinted loci in the rat, reveal the extent of conservation of imprinted gene expression, and identify potential mechanisms responsible for the evolution of species-specific imprinting.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Toshihiro Kobayashi
- Division of Mammalian Embryology, Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Azusa Inoue
- YCI Laboratory for Metabolic Epigenetics, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan
| | | | - Soichiro Kumamoto
- NODAI Genome Research Center, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Asuka Miura
- NODAI Genome Research Center, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mami Oikawa
- Division of Mammalian Embryology, Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Fumihito Miura
- Department of Biochemistry, Kyushu University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Shuji Takada
- Department of Systems BioMedicine, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masumi Hirabayashi
- Center for Genetic Analysis of Behavior, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Okazaki, Japan
| | - Keegan Korthauer
- Department of Statistics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.,BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Kazuki Kurimoto
- Department of Embryology, Nara Medical University, Nara, Japan
| | | | - Matthew Lorincz
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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10
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Ye Y, Zhang S, Gao L, Zhu Y, Zhang J. Deciphering Hierarchical Chromatin Domains and Preference of Genomic Position Forming Boundaries in Single Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2205162. [PMID: 36658736 PMCID: PMC10015865 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202205162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The exploration of single-cell 3D genome maps reveals that chromatin domains are indeed physical structures presenting in single cells, and domain boundaries vary from cell to cell. However, systematic analysis of the association between regulatory factor binding and elements and the formation of chromatin domains in single cells has not yet emerged. To this end, a hierarchical chromatin domain structure identification algorithm (named as HiCS) is first developed from individual single-cell Hi-C maps, with superior performance in both accuracy and efficiency. The results suggest that in addition to the known CTCF-cohesin complex, Polycomb, TrxG, pluripotent protein families, and other multiple factors also contribute to shaping chromatin domain boundaries in single embryonic stem cells. Different cooperation patterns of these regulatory factors drive genomic position categories with differential preferences forming boundaries, and the most extensive six types of retrotransposons are differentially distributed in these genomic position categories with preferential localization. The above results suggest that these different retrotransposons within genomic regions interplay with regulatory factors navigating the preference of genomic positions forming boundaries, driving the formation of higher-order chromatin structures, and thus regulating cell functions in single mouse embryonic stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusen Ye
- School of Computer Science and TechnologyXidian UniversityXi'anShaanxi710071P. R. China
| | - Shihua Zhang
- NCMISCEMSRCSDSAcademy of Mathematics and Systems ScienceChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100190P. R. China
- School of Mathematical SciencesUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100049P. R. China
- Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and GeneticsChinese Academy of SciencesKunming650223P. R. China
| | - Lin Gao
- School of Computer Science and TechnologyXidian UniversityXi'anShaanxi710071P. R. China
| | - Yuqing Zhu
- Center for Stem Cell and Translational MedicineSchool of Life SciencesAnhui UniversityHefeiAnhui230601P. R. China
| | - Jin Zhang
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative MedicineDepartment of Basic Medical Sciences, and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiang310003P. R. China
- Zhejiang Laboratory for Systems and Precision MedicineZhejiang University Medical CenterHangzhouZhejiang311121P. R. China
- Institute of HematologyZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310058P. R. China
- Center of Gene/Cell Engineering and Genome MedicineHangzhouZhejiang310058P. R. China
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11
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Inoue A. Noncanonical imprinting: intergenerational epigenetic inheritance mediated by Polycomb complexes. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2023; 78:102015. [PMID: 36577293 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2022.102015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Genomic imprinting is illustrative of intergenerational epigenetic inheritance. The passage of parental genomes into the embryo is accompanied by epigenetic modifications, resulting in imprinted monoallelic gene expression in mammals. Some imprinted genes are regulated by maternal inheritance of H3K27me3, which is termed noncanonical imprinting. Noncanonical imprinting is established by Polycomb repressive complexes during oogenesis and maintained in preimplantation embryos and extraembryonic tissues, including the placenta. Recent studies of noncanonical imprinting have contributed to our understanding of chromatin regulation in oocytes and early embryos, imprinted X-chromosome inactivation, secondary differentially DNA-methylated regions, and the anomalies of cloned mice. Here, I summarize the current knowledge of noncanonical imprinting and remark on analogous mechanisms in invertebrates and plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azusa Inoue
- Laboratory for Epigenome Inheritance, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama 230-0045, Japan; Tokyo Metropolitan University, Hachioji 192-0397, Japan.
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12
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Andrews S, Krueger C, Mellado-Lopez M, Hemberger M, Dean W, Perez-Garcia V, Hanna CW. Mechanisms and function of de novo DNA methylation in placental development reveals an essential role for DNMT3B. Nat Commun 2023; 14:371. [PMID: 36690623 PMCID: PMC9870994 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36019-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation is a repressive epigenetic modification that is essential for development, exemplified by the embryonic and perinatal lethality observed in mice lacking de novo DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs). Here we characterise the role for DNMT3A, 3B and 3L in gene regulation and development of the mouse placenta. We find that each DNMT establishes unique aspects of the placental methylome through targeting to distinct chromatin features. Loss of Dnmt3b results in de-repression of germline genes in trophoblast lineages and impaired formation of the maternal-foetal interface in the placental labyrinth. Using Sox2-Cre to delete Dnmt3b in the embryo, leaving expression intact in placental cells, the placental phenotype was rescued and, consequently, the embryonic lethality, as Dnmt3b null embryos could now survive to birth. We conclude that de novo DNA methylation by DNMT3B during embryogenesis is principally required to regulate placental development and function, which in turn is critical for embryo survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Andrews
- Bioinformatics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Christel Krueger
- Bioinformatics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
- Bioinformatics Innovation Hub, Altos Labs Cambridge Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Myriam Hemberger
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Wendy Dean
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | | | - Courtney W Hanna
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK.
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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13
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Vargas LN, Silveira MM, Franco MM. Epigenetic Reprogramming and Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2647:37-58. [PMID: 37041328 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3064-8_2] [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: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetics is an area of genetics that studies the heritable modifications in gene expression and phenotype that are not controlled by the primary sequence of DNA. The main epigenetic mechanisms are DNA methylation, post-translational covalent modifications in histone tails, and non-coding RNAs. During mammalian development, there are two global waves of epigenetic reprogramming. The first one occurs during gametogenesis and the second one begins immediately after fertilization. Environmental factors such as exposure to pollutants, unbalanced nutrition, behavioral factors, stress, in vitro culture conditions can negatively affect epigenetic reprogramming events. In this review, we describe the main epigenetic mechanisms found during mammalian preimplantation development (e.g., genomic imprinting, X chromosome inactivation). Moreover, we discuss the detrimental effects of cloning by somatic cell nuclear transfer on the reprogramming of epigenetic patterns and some molecular alternatives to minimize these negative impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luna N Vargas
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil
- Institute of Biotechnology, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Márcia M Silveira
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil
- Institute of Biotechnology, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Maurício M Franco
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil.
- Institute of Biotechnology, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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14
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Demond H, Hanna CW, Castillo-Fernandez J, Santos F, Papachristou EK, Segonds-Pichon A, Kishore K, Andrews S, D'Santos CS, Kelsey G. Multi-omics analyses demonstrate a critical role for EHMT1 methyltransferase in transcriptional repression during oogenesis. Genome Res 2023; 33:18-31. [PMID: 36690445 PMCID: PMC9977154 DOI: 10.1101/gr.277046.122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
EHMT1 (also known as GLP) is a multifunctional protein, best known for its role as an H3K9me1 and H3K9me2 methyltransferase through its reportedly obligatory dimerization with EHMT2 (also known as G9A). Here, we investigated the role of EHMT1 in the oocyte in comparison to EHMT2 using oocyte-specific conditional knockout mouse models (Ehmt2 cKO, Ehmt1 cKO, Ehmt1/2 cDKO), with ablation from the early phase of oocyte growth. Loss of EHMT1 in Ehmt1 cKO and Ehmt1/2 cDKO oocytes recapitulated meiotic defects observed in the Ehmt2 cKO; however, there was a significant impairment in oocyte maturation and developmental competence in Ehmt1 cKO and Ehmt1/2 cDKO oocytes beyond that observed in the Ehmt2 cKO. Consequently, loss of EHMT1 in oogenesis results, upon fertilization, in mid-gestation embryonic lethality. To identify H3K9 methylation and other meaningful biological changes in each mutant to explore the molecular functions of EHMT1 and EHMT2, we performed immunofluorescence imaging, multi-omics sequencing, and mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteome analyses in cKO oocytes. Although H3K9me1 was depleted only upon loss of EHMT1, H3K9me2 was decreased, and H3K9me2-enriched domains were eliminated equally upon loss of EHMT1 or EHMT2. Furthermore, there were more significant changes in the transcriptome, DNA methylome, and proteome in Ehmt1/2 cDKO than Ehmt2 cKO oocytes, with transcriptional derepression leading to increased protein abundance and local changes in genic DNA methylation in Ehmt1/2 cDKO oocytes. Together, our findings suggest that EHMT1 contributes to local transcriptional repression in the oocyte, partially independent of EHMT2, and is critical for oogenesis and oocyte developmental competence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Demond
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, United Kingdom;,Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Laboratory of Integrative Biology (LIBi), Centro de Excelencia en Medicina Traslacional (CEMT), Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus (BIOREN), Universidad de La Frontera, 4810296, Temuco, Chile
| | - Courtney W. Hanna
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, United Kingdom;,Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, United Kingdom;,Department of Physiology, Development, and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, United Kingdom
| | | | - Fátima Santos
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, United Kingdom;,Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, United Kingdom
| | - Evangelia K. Papachristou
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0RE, United Kingdom
| | - Anne Segonds-Pichon
- Bioinformatics Group, Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, United Kingdom
| | - Kamal Kishore
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0RE, United Kingdom
| | - Simon Andrews
- Bioinformatics Group, Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, United Kingdom
| | - Clive S. D'Santos
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0RE, United Kingdom
| | - Gavin Kelsey
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, United Kingdom;,Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, United Kingdom;,Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science–Metabolic Research Laboratories, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, United Kingdom
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15
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Wanigasuriya I, Kinkel SA, Beck T, Roper EA, Breslin K, Lee HJ, Keniry A, Ritchie ME, Blewitt ME, Gouil Q. Maternal SMCHD1 controls both imprinted Xist expression and imprinted X chromosome inactivation. Epigenetics Chromatin 2022; 15:26. [PMID: 35843975 PMCID: PMC9290310 DOI: 10.1186/s13072-022-00458-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryonic development is dependent on the maternal supply of proteins through the oocyte, including factors setting up the adequate epigenetic patterning of the zygotic genome. We previously reported that one such factor is the epigenetic repressor SMCHD1, whose maternal supply controls autosomal imprinted expression in mouse preimplantation embryos and mid-gestation placenta. In mouse preimplantation embryos, X chromosome inactivation is also an imprinted process. Combining genomics and imaging, we show that maternal SMCHD1 is required not only for the imprinted expression of Xist in preimplantation embryos, but also for the efficient silencing of the inactive X in both the preimplantation embryo and mid-gestation placenta. These results expand the role of SMCHD1 in enforcing the silencing of Polycomb targets. The inability of zygotic SMCHD1 to fully restore imprinted X inactivation further points to maternal SMCHD1’s role in setting up the appropriate chromatin environment during preimplantation development, a critical window of epigenetic remodelling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iromi Wanigasuriya
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Australia.,The Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Sarah A Kinkel
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Australia.,The Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Tamara Beck
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Australia.,The Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Ellise A Roper
- The School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia
| | - Kelsey Breslin
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Australia.,The Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Heather J Lee
- The School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia
| | - Andrew Keniry
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Australia.,The Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Matthew E Ritchie
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Australia.,The Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia.,The Department of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Marnie E Blewitt
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Australia. .,The Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia.
| | - Quentin Gouil
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Australia. .,The Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia.
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16
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Abstract
Dramatic nuclear reorganization occurs during early development to convert terminally differentiated gametes to a totipotent zygote, which then gives rise to an embryo. Aberrant epigenome resetting severely impairs embryo development and even leads to lethality. How the epigenomes are inherited, reprogrammed, and reestablished in this critical developmental period has gradually been unveiled through the rapid development of technologies including ultrasensitive chromatin analysis methods. In this review, we summarize the latest findings on epigenetic reprogramming in gametogenesis and embryogenesis, and how it contributes to gamete maturation and parental-to-zygotic transition. Finally, we highlight the key questions that remain to be answered to fully understand chromatin regulation and nuclear reprogramming in early development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenhai Du
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Ke Zhang
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Wei Xie
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing 100084, China
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17
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Bai D, Sun J, Chen C, Jia Y, Li Y, Liu K, Zhang Y, Yin J, Liu Y, Han X, Ruan J, Kou X, Zhao Y, Wang H, Wang Z, Chen M, Teng X, Jiang C, Gao S, Liu W. Aberrant H3K4me3 modification of epiblast genes of extraembryonic tissue causes placental defects and implantation failure in mouse IVF embryos. Cell Rep 2022; 39:110784. [PMID: 35508139 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.110784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Assisted reproductive technology has been widely applied in the treatment of human infertility. However, accumulating evidence indicates that in vitro fertilization (IVF) is associated with a low pregnancy rate, placental defects, and metabolic diseases in offspring. Here, we find that IVF manipulation notably disrupts extraembryonic tissue-specific gene expression, and 334 epiblast (Epi)-specific genes and 24 Epi-specific transcription factors are abnormally expressed in extraembryonic ectoderm (ExE) of IVF embryos at embryonic day 7.5. Combined histone modification analysis reveals that aberrant H3K4me3 modification at the Epi active promoters results in increased expression of these genes in ExE. Importantly, we demonstrate that knockdown of the H3K4me3-recruited regulator Kmt2e, which is highly expressed in IVF embryos, greatly improves the development of IVF embryos and reduces abnormal gene expression in ExE. Our study therefore identifies that abnormal H3K4me3 modification in extraembryonic tissue is a major cause of implantation failure and abnormal placental development of IVF embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Bai
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Jin Sun
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of Ministry of Education, Orthopaedic Department of Tongji Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Chuan Chen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yanping Jia
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yanhe Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Kuisheng Liu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yalin Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Jiqing Yin
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yingdong Liu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Han
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Jingling Ruan
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Xiaochen Kou
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yanhong Zhao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Hong Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Zheng Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Miaoxin Chen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Xiaoming Teng
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Cizhong Jiang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of Ministry of Education, Orthopaedic Department of Tongji Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China.
| | - Shaorong Gao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China.
| | - Wenqiang Liu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China.
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18
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Matoba S, Kozuka C, Miura K, Inoue K, Kumon M, Hayashi R, Ohhata T, Ogura A, Inoue A. Noncanonical imprinting sustains embryonic development and restrains placental overgrowth. Genes Dev 2022; 36:483-494. [PMID: 35483741 PMCID: PMC9067403 DOI: 10.1101/gad.349390.122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
In this study, Matoba et al. use a combinatorial maternal KO of Xist, a noncanonical imprinted gene whose LOI causes aberrant transient maternal X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) at preimplantation, and show that prevention of the transient maternal XCI greatly restores the development of Eed matKO embryos. Their findings provide evidence that Xist imprinting sustains embryonic development and that autosomal noncanonical imprinting restrains placental overgrowth. Genomic imprinting regulates parental origin-dependent monoallelic gene expression. It is mediated by either germline differential methylation of DNA (canonical imprinting) or oocyte-derived H3K27me3 (noncanonical imprinting) in mice. Depletion of Eed, an essential component of Polycomb repressive complex 2, results in genome-wide loss of H3K27me3 in oocytes, which causes loss of noncanonical imprinting (LOI) in embryos. Although Eed maternal KO (matKO) embryos show partial lethality after implantation, it is unknown whether LOI itself contributes to the developmental phenotypes of these embryos, which makes it unclear whether noncanonical imprinting is developmentally relevant. Here, by combinatorial matKO of Xist, a noncanonical imprinted gene whose LOI causes aberrant transient maternal X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) at preimplantation, we show that prevention of the transient maternal XCI greatly restores the development of Eed matKO embryos. Moreover, we found that the placentae of Eed matKO embryos are remarkably enlarged in a manner independent of Xist LOI. Heterozygous deletion screening of individual autosomal noncanonical imprinted genes suggests that LOI of the Sfmbt2 miRNA cluster chromosome 2 miRNA cluster (C2MC), solute carrier family 38 member 4 (Slc38a4), and Gm32885 contributes to the placental enlargement. Taken together, our study provides evidence that Xist imprinting sustains embryonic development and that autosomal noncanonical imprinting restrains placental overgrowth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shogo Matoba
- Bioresource Engineering Division, RIKEN Bioresource Research Center, Tsukuba 305-0074, Japan.,Cooperative Division of Veterinary Sciences, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Fuchu 183-8509, Japan
| | - Chisayo Kozuka
- Young Chief Investigator (YCI) Laboratory for Metabolic Epigenetics, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama 230-0045, Japan
| | - Kento Miura
- Bioresource Engineering Division, RIKEN Bioresource Research Center, Tsukuba 305-0074, Japan.,Department of Disease Model, Research Institute of Radiation Biology and Medicine, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734-8553, Japan
| | - Kimiko Inoue
- Bioresource Engineering Division, RIKEN Bioresource Research Center, Tsukuba 305-0074, Japan.,Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8572, Japan
| | - Mami Kumon
- Young Chief Investigator (YCI) Laboratory for Metabolic Epigenetics, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama 230-0045, Japan
| | - Ryoya Hayashi
- Young Chief Investigator (YCI) Laboratory for Metabolic Epigenetics, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama 230-0045, Japan.,Tokyo Metropolitan University, Hachioji 192-0397, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Ohhata
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu 431-3192, Japan
| | - Atsuo Ogura
- Bioresource Engineering Division, RIKEN Bioresource Research Center, Tsukuba 305-0074, Japan.,Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8572, Japan.,The Center for Disease Biology and Integrative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan.,RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research, Wako 351-0198, Japan
| | - Azusa Inoue
- Young Chief Investigator (YCI) Laboratory for Metabolic Epigenetics, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama 230-0045, Japan.,Tokyo Metropolitan University, Hachioji 192-0397, Japan
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19
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Kaneko-Ishino T, Ishino F. The Evolutionary Advantage in Mammals of the Complementary Monoallelic Expression Mechanism of Genomic Imprinting and Its Emergence From a Defense Against the Insertion Into the Host Genome. Front Genet 2022; 13:832983. [PMID: 35309133 PMCID: PMC8928582 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.832983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In viviparous mammals, genomic imprinting regulates parent-of-origin-specific monoallelic expression of paternally and maternally expressed imprinted genes (PEGs and MEGs) in a region-specific manner. It plays an essential role in mammalian development: aberrant imprinting regulation causes a variety of developmental defects, including fetal, neonatal, and postnatal lethality as well as growth abnormalities. Mechanistically, PEGs and MEGs are reciprocally regulated by DNA methylation of germ-line differentially methylated regions (gDMRs), thereby exhibiting eliciting complementary expression from parental genomes. The fact that most gDMR sequences are derived from insertion events provides strong support for the claim that genomic imprinting emerged as a host defense mechanism against the insertion in the genome. Recent studies on the molecular mechanisms concerning how the DNA methylation marks on the gDMRs are established in gametes and maintained in the pre- and postimplantation periods have further revealed the close relationship between genomic imprinting and invading DNA, such as retroviruses and LTR retrotransposons. In the presence of gDMRs, the monoallelic expression of PEGs and MEGs confers an apparent advantage by the functional compensation that takes place between the two parental genomes. Thus, it is likely that genomic imprinting is a consequence of an evolutionary trade-off for improved survival. In addition, novel genes were introduced into the mammalian genome via this same surprising and complex process as imprinted genes, such as the genes acquired from retroviruses as well as those that were duplicated by retropositioning. Importantly, these genes play essential/important roles in the current eutherian developmental system, such as that in the placenta and/or brain. Thus, genomic imprinting has played a critically important role in the evolutionary emergence of mammals, not only by providing a means to escape from the adverse effects of invading DNA with sequences corresponding to the gDMRs, but also by the acquisition of novel functions in development, growth and behavior via the mechanism of complementary monoallelic expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoko Kaneko-Ishino
- School of Medicine, Tokai University, Isehara, Japan
- *Correspondence: Tomoko Kaneko-Ishino, ; Fumitoshi Ishino,
| | - Fumitoshi Ishino
- Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
- *Correspondence: Tomoko Kaneko-Ishino, ; Fumitoshi Ishino,
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20
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Carlini V, Policarpi C, Hackett JA. Epigenetic inheritance is gated by naïve pluripotency and Dppa2. EMBO J 2022; 41:e108677. [PMID: 35199868 PMCID: PMC8982627 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2021108677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental factors can trigger cellular responses that propagate across mitosis or even generations. Perturbations to the epigenome could underpin such acquired changes, however, the extent and contexts in which modified chromatin states confer heritable memory in mammals is unclear. Here, we exploit a precision epigenetic editing strategy and forced Xist activity to programme de novo heterochromatin domains (epialleles) at endogenous loci and track their inheritance in a developmental model. We find that naïve pluripotent phases systematically erase ectopic domains of heterochromatin via active mechanisms, which likely acts as an intergenerational safeguard against transmission of epialleles. Upon lineage specification, however, acquired chromatin states can be probabilistically inherited under selectively favourable conditions, including propagation of p53 silencing through in vivo development. Using genome‐wide CRISPR screening, we identify molecular factors that restrict heritable memory of epialleles in naïve pluripotent cells, and demonstrate that removal of chromatin factor Dppa2 unlocks the potential for epigenetic inheritance uncoupled from DNA sequence. Our study outlines a mechanistic basis for how epigenetic inheritance is constrained in mammals, and reveals genomic and developmental contexts in which heritable memory is feasible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Carlini
- Epigenetics & Neurobiology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Rome, Italy.,Faculty of Biosciences, Collaboration for Joint PhD Degree between EMBL and Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Cristina Policarpi
- Epigenetics & Neurobiology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Rome, Italy
| | - Jamie A Hackett
- Epigenetics & Neurobiology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Rome, Italy
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21
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Pastor WA, Kwon SY. Distinctive aspects of the placental epigenome and theories as to how they arise. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:569. [PMID: 36287261 PMCID: PMC9606139 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04568-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The placenta has a methylome dramatically unlike that of any somatic cell type. Among other distinctions, it features low global DNA methylation, extensive “partially methylated domains” packed in dense heterochromatin and methylation of hundreds of CpG islands important in somatic development. These features attract interest in part because a substantial fraction of human cancers feature the exact same phenomena, suggesting parallels between epigenome formation in placentation and cancer. Placenta also features an expanded set of imprinted genes, some of which come about by distinctive developmental pathways. Recent discoveries, some from far outside the placental field, shed new light on how the unusual placental epigenetic state may arise. Nonetheless, key questions remain unresolved.
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Affiliation(s)
- William A Pastor
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3G 1Y6, Canada.
- Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3A 1A3, Canada.
| | - Sin Young Kwon
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3G 1Y6, Canada
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22
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Genetic Studies on Mammalian DNA Methyltransferases. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 1389:111-136. [PMID: 36350508 PMCID: PMC9815518 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-11454-0_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Cytosine methylation at the C5-position-generating 5-methylcytosine (5mC)-is a DNA modification found in many eukaryotic organisms, including fungi, plants, invertebrates, and vertebrates, albeit its levels vary greatly in different organisms. In mammals, cytosine methylation occurs predominantly in the context of CpG dinucleotides, with the majority (60-80%) of CpG sites in their genomes being methylated. DNA methylation plays crucial roles in the regulation of chromatin structure and gene expression and is essential for mammalian development. Aberrant changes in DNA methylation and genetic alterations in enzymes and regulators involved in DNA methylation are associated with various human diseases, including cancer and developmental disorders. In mammals, DNA methylation is mediated by two families of DNA methyltransferases (Dnmts), namely Dnmt1 and Dnmt3 proteins. Over the last three decades, genetic manipulations of these enzymes, as well as their regulators, in mice have greatly contributed to our understanding of the biological functions of DNA methylation in mammals. In this chapter, we discuss genetic studies on mammalian Dnmts, focusing on their roles in embryogenesis, cellular differentiation, genomic imprinting, and human diseases.
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Matsuzaki H, Miyajima Y, Fukamizu A, Tanimoto K. Orientation of mouse H19 ICR affects imprinted H19 gene expression through promoter methylation-dependent and -independent mechanisms. Commun Biol 2021; 4:1410. [PMID: 34921234 PMCID: PMC8683476 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02939-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The mouse Igf2/H19 locus is regulated by genomic imprinting, in which the paternally methylated H19 imprinting control region (ICR) plays a critical role in mono-allelic expression of the genes in the locus. Although the maternal allele-specific insulator activity of the H19 ICR in regulating imprinted Igf2 expression has been well established, the detailed mechanism by which the H19 ICR controls mono-allelic H19 gene expression has not been fully elucidated. In this study, we evaluated the effect of H19 ICR orientation on imprinting regulation in mutant mice in which the H19 ICR sequence was inverted at the endogenous locus. When the inverted-ICR allele was paternally inherited, the methylation level of the H19 promoter was decreased and the H19 gene was derepressed, suggesting that methylation of the H19 promoter is essential for complete repression of H19 gene expression. Unexpectedly, when the inverted allele was maternally inherited, the expression level of the H19 gene was lower than that of the WT allele, even though the H19 promoter remained fully hypomethylated. These observations suggested that the polarity of the H19 ICR is involved in controlling imprinted H19 gene expression on each parental allele, dependent or independent on DNA methylation of the H19 promoter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hitomi Matsuzaki
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan.
- Life Science Center for Survival Dynamics, Tsukuba Advanced Research Alliance (TARA), University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan.
| | - Yu Miyajima
- Graduate school of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Akiyoshi Fukamizu
- Life Science Center for Survival Dynamics, Tsukuba Advanced Research Alliance (TARA), University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Keiji Tanimoto
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
- Life Science Center for Survival Dynamics, Tsukuba Advanced Research Alliance (TARA), University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
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24
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Lu X, Zhang Y, Wang L, Wang L, Wang H, Xu Q, Xiang Y, Chen C, Kong F, Xia W, Lin Z, Ma S, Liu L, Wang X, Ni H, Li W, Guo Y, Xie W. Evolutionary epigenomic analyses in mammalian early embryos reveal species-specific innovations and conserved principles of imprinting. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:eabi6178. [PMID: 34818044 PMCID: PMC8612685 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abi6178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
While mouse remains the most popular model, the conservation of parental-to-embryonic epigenetic transition across mammals is poorly defined. Through analysis of oocytes and early embryos in human, bovine, porcine, rat, and mouse, we revealed remarkable species-specific innovations as no single animal model fully recapitulates the human epigenetic transition. In rodent oocytes, transcription-dependent DNA methylation allows methylation of maternal imprints but not intergenic paternal imprints. Unexpectedly, prevalent DNA hypermethylation, paralleled by H3K36me2/3, also occurs in nontranscribed regions in porcine and bovine oocytes, except for megabase-long “CpG continents (CGCs)” where imprinting control regions preferentially reside. Broad H3K4me3 and H3K27me3 domains exist in nonhuman oocytes, yet only rodent H3K27me3 survives beyond genome activation. Coincidently, regulatory elements preferentially evade H3K27me3 in rodent oocytes, and failure to do so causes aberrant embryonic gene repression. Hence, the diverse mammalian innovations of parental-to-embryonic transition center on a delicate “to-methylate-or-not” balance in establishing imprints while protecting other regulatory regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xukun Lu
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing 100084, China
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing 100084, China
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Lijuan Wang
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Leyun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Huili Wang
- Institute of Animal Science, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210014, China
| | - Qianhua Xu
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing 100084, China
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yunlong Xiang
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing 100084, China
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Chaolei Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Feng Kong
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Weikun Xia
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing 100084, China
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Zili Lin
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing 100084, China
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Sinan Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Ling Liu
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Xiangguo Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Hemin Ni
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Wei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Yong Guo
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Wei Xie
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing 100084, China
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
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25
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Starks RR, Kaur H, Tuteja G. Mapping cis-regulatory elements in the midgestation mouse placenta. Sci Rep 2021; 11:22331. [PMID: 34785717 PMCID: PMC8595355 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-01664-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The placenta is a temporary organ that provides the developing fetus with nutrients, oxygen, and protection in utero. Defects in its development, which may be caused by misregulated gene expression, can lead to devastating outcomes for the mother and fetus. In mouse, placental defects during midgestation commonly lead to embryonic lethality. However, the regulatory mechanisms controlling expression of genes during this period have not been thoroughly investigated. Therefore, we generated and analyzed ChIP-seq data for multiple histone modifications known to mark cis-regulatory regions. We annotated active and poised promoters and enhancers, as well as regions generally associated with repressed gene expression. We found that poised promoters were associated with neuronal development genes, while active promoters were largely associated with housekeeping genes. Active and poised enhancers were associated with placental development genes, though only active enhancers were associated with genes that have placenta-specific expression. Motif analysis within active enhancers identified a large network of transcription factors, including those that have not been previously studied in the placenta and are candidates for future studies. The data generated and genomic regions annotated provide researchers with a foundation for future studies, aimed at understanding how specific genes in the midgestation mouse placenta are regulated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebekah R Starks
- Genetics, Development, and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA.,Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA
| | - Haninder Kaur
- Genetics, Development, and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA
| | - Geetu Tuteja
- Genetics, Development, and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA. .,Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA.
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26
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Andergassen D, Smith ZD, Kretzmer H, Rinn JL, Meissner A. Diverse epigenetic mechanisms maintain parental imprints within the embryonic and extraembryonic lineages. Dev Cell 2021; 56:2995-3005.e4. [PMID: 34752748 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2021.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Genomic imprinting and X chromosome inactivation (XCI) require epigenetic mechanisms to encode allele-specific expression, but how these specific tasks are accomplished at single loci or across chromosomal scales remains incompletely understood. Here, we systematically disrupt essential epigenetic pathways within polymorphic embryos in order to examine canonical and non-canonical genomic imprinting as well as XCI. We find that DNA methylation and Polycomb group repressors are indispensable for autosomal imprinting, albeit at distinct gene sets. Moreover, the extraembryonic ectoderm relies on a broader spectrum of imprinting mechanisms, including non-canonical targeting of maternal endogenous retrovirus (ERV)-driven promoters by the H3K9 methyltransferase G9a. We further identify Polycomb-dependent and -independent gene clusters on the imprinted X chromosome, which appear to reflect distinct domains of Xist-mediated suppression. From our data, we assemble a comprehensive inventory of the epigenetic pathways that maintain parent-specific imprinting in eutherian mammals, including an expanded view of the placental lineage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Andergassen
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Technical University Munich (TUM), Munich 80802, Germany
| | - Zachary D Smith
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Yale Stem Cell Center, Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06519, USA
| | - Helene Kretzmer
- Department of Genome Regulation, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin 14195, Germany
| | - John L Rinn
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder 80303, USA
| | - Alexander Meissner
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Department of Genome Regulation, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin 14195, Germany; Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin 14195, Germany.
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27
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Senft AD, Macfarlan TS. Transposable elements shape the evolution of mammalian development. Nat Rev Genet 2021; 22:691-711. [PMID: 34354263 DOI: 10.1038/s41576-021-00385-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Transposable elements (TEs) promote genetic innovation but also threaten genome stability. Despite multiple layers of host defence, TEs actively shape mammalian-specific developmental processes, particularly during pre-implantation and extra-embryonic development and at the maternal-fetal interface. Here, we review how TEs influence mammalian genomes both directly by providing the raw material for genetic change and indirectly via co-evolving TE-binding Krüppel-associated box zinc finger proteins (KRAB-ZFPs). Throughout mammalian evolution, individual activities of ancient TEs were co-opted to enable invasive placentation that characterizes live-born mammals. By contrast, the widespread activity of evolutionarily young TEs may reflect an ongoing co-evolution that continues to impact mammalian development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna D Senft
- The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, The National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Todd S Macfarlan
- The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, The National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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28
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Zeng TB, Pierce N, Liao J, Szabó PE. H3K9 methyltransferase EHMT2/G9a controls ERVK-driven noncanonical imprinted genes. Epigenomics 2021; 13:1299-1314. [PMID: 34519223 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2021-0168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: Paternal allele-specific expression of noncanonical imprinted genes in the extraembryonic lineages depends on an H3K27me3-based imprint in the oocyte, which is not a lasting mark. We hypothesized that EHMT2, the main euchromatic H3K9 dimethyltransferase, also has a role in controlling noncanonical imprinting. Methods: We carried out allele-specific total RNA-seq analysis in the ectoplacental cone of somite-matched 8.5 days post coitum embryos using reciprocal mouse crosses. Results: We found that the maternal allele of noncanonical imprinted genes was derepressed from its ERVK promoter in the Ehmt2-/- ectoplacental cone. In Ehmt2-/- embryos, loss of DNA methylation accompanied biallelic derepression of the ERVK promoters. Canonical imprinting and imprinted X chromosome inactivation were generally undisturbed. Conclusion: EHMT2 is essential for repressing the maternal allele in noncanonical imprinting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tie-Bo Zeng
- Center for Epigenetics, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Nicholas Pierce
- Center for Epigenetics, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Ji Liao
- Center for Epigenetics, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Piroska E Szabó
- Center for Epigenetics, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
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29
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Kobayashi H. Canonical and Non-canonical Genomic Imprinting in Rodents. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:713878. [PMID: 34422832 PMCID: PMC8375499 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.713878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Genomic imprinting is an epigenetic phenomenon that results in unequal expression of homologous maternal and paternal alleles. This process is initiated in the germline, and the parental epigenetic memories can be maintained following fertilization and induce further allele-specific transcription and chromatin modifications of single or multiple neighboring genes, known as imprinted genes. To date, more than 260 imprinted genes have been identified in the mouse genome, most of which are controlled by imprinted germline differentially methylated regions (gDMRs) that exhibit parent-of-origin specific DNA methylation, which is considered primary imprint. Recent studies provide evidence that a subset of gDMR-less, placenta-specific imprinted genes is controlled by maternal-derived histone modifications. To further understand DNA methylation-dependent (canonical) and -independent (non-canonical) imprints, this review summarizes the loci under the control of each type of imprinting in the mouse and compares them with the respective homologs in other rodents. Understanding epigenetic systems that differ among loci or species may provide new models for exploring genetic regulation and evolutionary divergence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hisato Kobayashi
- Department of Embryology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Japan
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30
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Sato H, Santos-González J, Köhler C. Combinations of maternal-specific repressive epigenetic marks in the endosperm control seed dormancy. eLife 2021; 10:e64593. [PMID: 34427186 PMCID: PMC8456740 DOI: 10.7554/elife.64593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2)-mediated trimethylation of histone H3 on lysine 27 (H3K27me3) and methylation of histone 3 on lysine 9 (H3K9me) are two repressive epigenetic modifications that are typically localized in distinct regions of the genome. For reasons unknown, however, they co-occur in some organisms and special tissue types. In this study, we show that maternal alleles marked by H3K27me3 in the Arabidopsis endosperm were targeted by the H3K27me3 demethylase REF6 and became activated during germination. In contrast, maternal alleles marked by H3K27me3, H3K9me2, and CHG methylation (CHGm) are likely to be protected from REF6 targeting and remained silenced. Our study unveils that combinations of different repressive epigenetic modifications time a key adaptive trait by modulating access of REF6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hikaru Sato
- Department of Plant Biology, Uppsala BioCenter, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and Linnean Centre for Plant BiologyUppsalaSweden
| | - Juan Santos-González
- Department of Plant Biology, Uppsala BioCenter, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and Linnean Centre for Plant BiologyUppsalaSweden
| | - Claudia Köhler
- Department of Plant Biology, Uppsala BioCenter, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and Linnean Centre for Plant BiologyUppsalaSweden
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant PhysiologyPotsdam-GolmGermany
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31
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Hermant C, Torres-Padilla ME. TFs for TEs: the transcription factor repertoire of mammalian transposable elements. Genes Dev 2021; 35:22-39. [PMID: 33397727 PMCID: PMC7778262 DOI: 10.1101/gad.344473.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In this review, Hermant and Torres-Padilla summarize and discuss the transcription factors known to be involved in the sequence-specific recognition and transcriptional activation of specific transposable element families or subfamilies. Transposable elements (TEs) are genetic elements capable of changing position within the genome. Although their mobilization can constitute a threat to genome integrity, nearly half of modern mammalian genomes are composed of remnants of TE insertions. The first critical step for a successful transposition cycle is the generation of a full-length transcript. TEs have evolved cis-regulatory elements enabling them to recruit host-encoded factors driving their own, selfish transcription. TEs are generally transcriptionally silenced in somatic cells, and the mechanisms underlying their repression have been extensively studied. However, during germline formation, preimplantation development, and tumorigenesis, specific TE families are highly expressed. Understanding the molecular players at stake in these contexts is of utmost importance to establish the mechanisms regulating TEs, as well as the importance of their transcription to the biology of the host. Here, we review the transcription factors known to be involved in the sequence-specific recognition and transcriptional activation of specific TE families or subfamilies. We discuss the diversity of TE regulatory elements within mammalian genomes and highlight the importance of TE mobilization in the dispersal of transcription factor-binding sites over the course of evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Hermant
- Institute of Epigenetics and Stem Cells (IES), Helmholtz Zentrum München, D-81377 München, Germany
| | - Maria-Elena Torres-Padilla
- Institute of Epigenetics and Stem Cells (IES), Helmholtz Zentrum München, D-81377 München, Germany.,Faculty of Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians Universität München, D-82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
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32
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Exploring chromatin structural roles of non-coding RNAs at imprinted domains. Biochem Soc Trans 2021; 49:1867-1879. [PMID: 34338292 PMCID: PMC8421051 DOI: 10.1042/bst20210758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Different classes of non-coding RNA (ncRNA) influence the organization of chromatin. Imprinted gene domains constitute a paradigm for exploring functional long ncRNAs (lncRNAs). Almost all express an lncRNA in a parent-of-origin dependent manner. The mono-allelic expression of these lncRNAs represses close by and distant protein-coding genes, through diverse mechanisms. Some control genes on other chromosomes as well. Interestingly, several imprinted chromosomal domains show a developmentally regulated, chromatin-based mechanism of imprinting with apparent similarities to X-chromosome inactivation. At these domains, the mono-allelic lncRNAs show a relatively stable, focal accumulation in cis. This facilitates the recruitment of Polycomb repressive complexes, lysine methyltranferases and other nuclear proteins — in part through direct RNA–protein interactions. Recent chromosome conformation capture and microscopy studies indicate that the focal aggregation of lncRNA and interacting proteins could play an architectural role as well, and correlates with close positioning of target genes. Higher-order chromatin structure is strongly influenced by CTCF/cohesin complexes, whose allelic association patterns and actions may be influenced by lncRNAs as well. Here, we review the gene-repressive roles of imprinted non-coding RNAs, particularly of lncRNAs, and discuss emerging links with chromatin architecture.
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33
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Raas MWD, Zijlmans DW, Vermeulen M, Marks H. There is another: H3K27me3-mediated genomic imprinting. Trends Genet 2021; 38:82-96. [PMID: 34304914 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2021.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
DNA methylation has long been considered the primary epigenetic mediator of genomic imprinting in mammals. Recent epigenetic profiling during early mouse development revealed the presence of domains of trimethylation of lysine 27 on histone H3 (H3K27me3) and chromatin compaction specifically at the maternally derived allele, independent of DNA methylation. Within these domains, genes are exclusively expressed from the paternally derived allele. This novel mechanism of noncanonical imprinting plays a key role in the development of mouse extraembryonic tissues and in the regulation of imprinted X-chromosome inactivation, highlighting the importance of parentally inherited epigenetic histone modifications. Here, we discuss the mechanisms underlying H3K27me3-mediated noncanonical imprinting in perspective of the dynamic chromatin landscape during early mouse development and explore evolutionary origins of noncanonical imprinting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian W D Raas
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS), Radboud University, 6525GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Dick W Zijlmans
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS), Oncode Institute, Radboud University, 6525GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Michiel Vermeulen
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS), Oncode Institute, Radboud University, 6525GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Hendrik Marks
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS), Radboud University, 6525GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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34
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Abstract
Genomic imprinting is the monoallelic expression of a gene based on parent of origin and is a consequence of differential epigenetic marking between the male and female germlines. Canonically, genomic imprinting is mediated by allelic DNA methylation. However, recently it has been shown that maternal H3K27me3 can result in DNA methylation-independent imprinting, termed "noncanonical imprinting." In this review, we compare and contrast what is currently known about the underlying mechanisms, the role of endogenous retroviral elements, and the conservation of canonical and noncanonical genomic imprinting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney W Hanna
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, United Kingdom
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, United Kingdom
| | - Gavin Kelsey
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, United Kingdom
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, United Kingdom
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35
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Human Endogenous Retroviruses as Biomedicine Markers. Virol Sin 2021; 36:852-858. [PMID: 33905075 DOI: 10.1007/s12250-021-00387-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) were formed via ancient integration of exogenous retroviruses into the human genome and are considered to be viral "fossils". The human genome is embedded with a considerable amount of HERVs, witnessing the long-term evolutionary history of the viruses and the host. Most HERVs have lost coding capability during selection but still function in terms of HERV-mediated regulation of host gene expression. In this review, we summarize the roles of HERV activation in response to viral infections and diseases, and emphasize the potential use of HERVs as biomedicine markers in the early diagnosis of diseases such as cancer, which provides a new perspective for the clinical application of HERVs.
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36
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H2AK119ub1 guides maternal inheritance and zygotic deposition of H3K27me3 in mouse embryos. Nat Genet 2021; 53:539-550. [PMID: 33821003 DOI: 10.1038/s41588-021-00820-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Parental epigenomes are established during gametogenesis. While they are largely reset after fertilization, broad domains of Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2)-mediated formation of lysine 27-trimethylated histone H3 (H3K27me3) are inherited from oocytes in mice. How maternal H3K27me3 is established and inherited by embryos remains elusive. Here, we show that PRC1-mediated formation of lysine 119-monoubiquititinated histone H2A (H2AK119ub1) confers maternally heritable H3K27me3. Temporal profiling of H2AK119ub1 dynamics revealed that atypically broad H2AK119ub1 domains are established, along with H3K27me3, during oocyte growth. From the two-cell stage, H2AK119ub1 is progressively deposited at typical Polycomb targets and precedes H3K27me3. Reduction of H2AK119ub1 by depletion of Polycomb group ring finger 1 (PCGF1) and PCGF6-essential components of variant PRC1 (vPRC1)-leads to H3K27me3 loss at a subset of genes in oocytes. The gene-selective H3K27me3 deficiency is irreversibly inherited by embryos, causing loss of maternal H3K27me3-dependent imprinting, embryonic sublethality and placental enlargement at term. Collectively, our study unveils preceding dynamics of H2AK119ub1 over H3K27me3 at the maternal-to-zygotic transition, and identifies PCGF1/6-vPRC1 as an essential player in maternal epigenetic inheritance.
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Zhang X, Muglia LJ. Baby's best Foe-riend: Endogenous retroviruses and the evolution of eutherian reproduction. Placenta 2021; 113:1-7. [PMID: 33685754 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2021.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Revised: 02/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
High maternal investment in pregnancy and the perinatal period are prominent features of eutherian reproduction. Viviparity increases offspring survival, favoring high maternal prenatal investment. Matrotrophy through the placenta reduces maternal investment at early pregnancy, allowing the mother to abort embryos of subpar quality, therefore reducing resources wastage. On the other hand, intimate maternal-fetal interplay enables the fetus to manipulate maternal physiology to acquire more resources. This parent-offspring conflict likely drives the evolution of eutherian placentation, which is facilitated by the endogenous retroviruses (ERVs), ancient retroviruses that invaded host genome millions of years ago. ERVs bring new genes and novel regulatory elements into host genome, contribute to maternal-fetal tolerance, placenta-specific cell type formation, trophoblast gene expression network rewiring, and the establishment of imprinting. However, retroviruses/ERVs can function as infectious pathogens that interfere with host immune and inflammation pathways and cause genomic instability. In addition, ERVs coopted for host function may contribute to pathogenesis during infections due to their susceptibility to mechanisms activated by the invading pathogens. ERVs have been implicated in multiple perinatal adverse outcomes, therefore, eutherians must have evolved control mechanisms to regulate their function. Here we propose the TRIM family as an important participant of host antiviral defense and a likely candidate that mediates the coevolution of ERVs and their eutherian host. TRIMs have been shown to interact with retroviruses during each step of the infectious cycle. Understanding TRIMs' role in ERV regulation in the placenta may provide insight to both the physiology and pathology of eutherian reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuzhe Zhang
- March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center Ohio Collaborative, Cincinnati, OH, USA; Division of Human Genetics, Center for Prevention of Preterm Birth, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
| | - Louis J Muglia
- March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center Ohio Collaborative, Cincinnati, OH, USA; Division of Human Genetics, Center for Prevention of Preterm Birth, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA; Burroughs Wellcome Fund, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
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38
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Advance in the Role of Epigenetic Reprogramming in Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer-Mediated Embryonic Development. Stem Cells Int 2021; 2021:6681337. [PMID: 33628270 PMCID: PMC7880704 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6681337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) enables terminally differentiated somatic cells to gain totipotency. Many species are successfully cloned up to date, including nonhuman primate. With this technology, not only the protection of endangered animals but also human therapeutics is going to be a reality. However, the low efficiency of the SCNT-mediated reprogramming and the defects of extraembryonic tissues as well as abnormalities of cloned individuals limit the application of reproductive cloning on animals. Also, due to the scarcity of human oocytes, low efficiency of blastocyst development and embryonic stem cell line derivation from nuclear transfer embryo (ntESCs), it is far away from the application of this technology on human therapeutics to date. In recent years, multiple epigenetic barriers are reported, which gives us clues to improve reprogramming efficiency. Here, we reviewed the reprogramming process and reprogramming defects of several important epigenetic marks and highlighted epigenetic barriers that may lead to the aberrant reprogramming. Finally, we give our insights into improving the efficiency and quality of SCNT-mediated reprogramming.
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39
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Monteagudo-Sánchez A, Hernandez Mora JR, Simon C, Burton A, Tenorio J, Lapunzina P, Clark S, Esteller M, Kelsey G, López-Siguero JP, de Nanclares GP, Torres-Padilla ME, Monk D. The role of ZFP57 and additional KRAB-zinc finger proteins in the maintenance of human imprinted methylation and multi-locus imprinting disturbances. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:11394-11407. [PMID: 33053156 PMCID: PMC7672439 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Genomic imprinting is an epigenetic process regulated by germline-derived DNA methylation that is resistant to embryonic reprogramming, resulting in parental origin-specific monoallelic gene expression. A subset of individuals affected by imprinting disorders (IDs) displays multi-locus imprinting disturbances (MLID), which may result from aberrant establishment of imprinted differentially methylated regions (DMRs) in gametes or their maintenance in early embryogenesis. Here we investigated the extent of MLID in a family harbouring a ZFP57 truncating variant and characterize the interactions between human ZFP57 and the KAP1 co-repressor complex. By ectopically targeting ZFP57 to reprogrammed loci in mouse embryos using a dCas9 approach, we confirm that ZFP57 recruitment is sufficient to protect oocyte-derived methylation from reprogramming. Expression profiling in human pre-implantation embryos and oocytes reveals that unlike in mice, ZFP57 is only expressed following embryonic-genome activation, implying that other KRAB-zinc finger proteins (KZNFs) recruit KAP1 prior to blastocyst formation. Furthermore, we uncover ZNF202 and ZNF445 as additional KZNFs likely to recruit KAP1 to imprinted loci during reprogramming in the absence of ZFP57. Together, these data confirm the perplexing link between KZFPs and imprint maintenance and highlight the differences between mouse and humans in this respect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Monteagudo-Sánchez
- Imprinting and Cancer group, Bellvitge Institute for Biomedical Research, Gran via, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jose Ramon Hernandez Mora
- Imprinting and Cancer group, Bellvitge Institute for Biomedical Research, Gran via, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carlos Simon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Valencia University and INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, BIDMC, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Adam Burton
- Institute of Epigenetics and Stem Cells, Helmholtz Zentrum München, München, Germany
| | - Jair Tenorio
- Medical and Molecular Genetics Institute, University Hospital La Paz, Madrid, Spain.,CIBERER, Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red de Enfermedades Raras, ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pablo Lapunzina
- Medical and Molecular Genetics Institute, University Hospital La Paz, Madrid, Spain.,CIBERER, Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red de Enfermedades Raras, ISCIII, Madrid, Spain.,ITHACA, European Reference Network on Rare Congenital Malformations and Rare Intellectual Disability
| | - Stephen Clark
- Epigenetics Programme, The Babraham Institute, Babraham, Cambridge, UK
| | - Manel Esteller
- Josep Carreras Leukeamia Research Institute, Can Ruti, Cami de les Escoles, Badalona, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Physiological Sciences II, School of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.,Institucio Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.,Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red Cancer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Gavin Kelsey
- Epigenetics Programme, The Babraham Institute, Babraham, Cambridge, UK.,Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Guiomar Perez de Nanclares
- (Epi)Genetics Laboratory, BioAraba Research Health Institute, Araba University Hospital, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Alava, Spain
| | | | - David Monk
- Imprinting and Cancer group, Bellvitge Institute for Biomedical Research, Gran via, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.,Biomedical Research Centre, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK
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40
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Abstract
Abstract
Genomic imprinting ensures the parent-specific expression of either the maternal or the paternal allele, by different epigenetic processes (DNA methylation and histone modifications) that confer parent-specific marks (imprints) in the paternal and maternal germline, respectively. Most protein-coding imprinted genes are involved in embryonic growth, development, and behavior. They are usually organized in genomic domains that are regulated by differentially methylated regions (DMRs). Genomic imprints are erased in the primordial germ cells and then reset in a gene-specific manner according to the sex of the germline. The imprinted genes regulate and interact with other genes, consistent with the existence of an imprinted gene network. Defects of genomic imprinting result in syndromal imprinting disorders. To date a dozen congenital imprinting disorders are known. Usually, a given imprinting disorder can be caused by different types of defects, including point mutations, deletions/duplications, uniparental disomy, and epimutations. Causative trans-acting factors in imprinting disorders, including ZFP57 and the subcortical maternal complex (SCMC), have the potential to affect multiple DMRs across the genome, resulting in a multi-locus imprinting disturbance. There is evidence that mutations in components of the SCMC can confer an increased risk for imprinting disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dirk Prawitt
- Center for Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine , University Medical Centre Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz , Obere Zahlbacher Str. 63 , Mainz , Germany
| | - Thomas Haaf
- Institute of Human Genetics , Julius Maximilians University , Würzburg , Germany
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41
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Wanigasuriya I, Gouil Q, Kinkel SA, Tapia Del Fierro A, Beck T, Roper EA, Breslin K, Stringer J, Hutt K, Lee HJ, Keniry A, Ritchie ME, Blewitt ME. Smchd1 is a maternal effect gene required for genomic imprinting. eLife 2020; 9:55529. [PMID: 33186096 PMCID: PMC7665889 DOI: 10.7554/elife.55529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Genomic imprinting establishes parental allele-biased expression of a suite of mammalian genes based on parent-of-origin specific epigenetic marks. These marks are under the control of maternal effect proteins supplied in the oocyte. Here we report epigenetic repressor Smchd1 as a novel maternal effect gene that regulates the imprinted expression of ten genes in mice. We also found zygotic SMCHD1 had a dose-dependent effect on the imprinted expression of seven genes. Together, zygotic and maternal SMCHD1 regulate three classic imprinted clusters and eight other genes, including non-canonical imprinted genes. Interestingly, the loss of maternal SMCHD1 does not alter germline DNA methylation imprints pre-implantation or later in gestation. Instead, what appears to unite most imprinted genes sensitive to SMCHD1 is their reliance on polycomb-mediated methylation as germline or secondary imprints, therefore we propose that SMCHD1 acts downstream of polycomb imprints to mediate its function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iromi Wanigasuriya
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Australia.,The Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Quentin Gouil
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Australia.,The Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Sarah A Kinkel
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Australia.,The Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Andrés Tapia Del Fierro
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Australia.,The Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Tamara Beck
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Australia
| | - Ellise A Roper
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia
| | - Kelsey Breslin
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Australia
| | - Jessica Stringer
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery institute, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Karla Hutt
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery institute, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Heather J Lee
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia
| | - Andrew Keniry
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Australia.,The Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Matthew E Ritchie
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Australia.,The Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia.,The Department of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Marnie E Blewitt
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Australia.,The Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
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42
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Antunez-Sanchez J, Naish M, Ramirez-Prado JS, Ohno S, Huang Y, Dawson A, Opassathian K, Manza-Mianza D, Ariel F, Raynaud C, Wibowo A, Daron J, Ueda M, Latrasse D, Slotkin RK, Weigel D, Benhamed M, Gutierrez-Marcos J. A new role for histone demethylases in the maintenance of plant genome integrity. eLife 2020. [PMID: 33107825 DOI: 10.7554/elife.58533.sa2] [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] [Indexed: 05/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Histone modifications deposited by the Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) play a critical role in the control of growth, development, and adaptation to environmental fluctuations of most multicellular eukaryotes. The catalytic activity of PRC2 is counteracted by Jumonji-type (JMJ) histone demethylases, which shapes the genomic distribution of H3K27me3. Here, we show that two JMJ histone demethylases in Arabidopsis, EARLY FLOWERING 6 (ELF6) and RELATIVE OF EARLY FLOWERING 6 (REF6), play distinct roles in H3K27me3 and H3K27me1 homeostasis. We show that failure to reset these chromatin marks during sexual reproduction results in the transgenerational inheritance of histone marks, which cause a loss of DNA methylation at heterochromatic loci and transposon activation. Thus, Jumonji-type histone demethylases play a dual role in plants by helping to maintain transcriptional states through development and safeguard genome integrity during sexual reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Matthew Naish
- School of Life Science, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | | | - Sho Ohno
- School of Life Science, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kitashirakawa Oiwake-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Ying Huang
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, INRAE, Univ Evry, Institute of Plant Sciences Paris-Saclay (IPS2), Orsay, France
| | - Alexander Dawson
- School of Life Science, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | | | - Deborah Manza-Mianza
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, INRAE, Univ Evry, Institute of Plant Sciences Paris-Saclay (IPS2), Orsay, France
| | - Federico Ariel
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, INRAE, Univ Evry, Institute of Plant Sciences Paris-Saclay (IPS2), Orsay, France
| | - Cecile Raynaud
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, INRAE, Univ Evry, Institute of Plant Sciences Paris-Saclay (IPS2), Orsay, France
| | - Anjar Wibowo
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Josquin Daron
- Department of Molecular Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, United States
| | - Minako Ueda
- Institute of Transformative Bio-Molecules, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
- Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - David Latrasse
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, INRAE, Univ Evry, Institute of Plant Sciences Paris-Saclay (IPS2), Orsay, France
| | - R Keith Slotkin
- Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, St. Louis, United States
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, United States
| | - Detlef Weigel
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Moussa Benhamed
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, INRAE, Univ Evry, Institute of Plant Sciences Paris-Saclay (IPS2), Orsay, France
- Université de Paris, Institute of Plant Sciences Paris-Saclay (IPS2), F-75006, Paris, France
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43
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Antunez-Sanchez J, Naish M, Ramirez-Prado JS, Ohno S, Huang Y, Dawson A, Opassathian K, Manza-Mianza D, Ariel F, Raynaud C, Wibowo A, Daron J, Ueda M, Latrasse D, Slotkin RK, Weigel D, Benhamed M, Gutierrez-Marcos J. A new role for histone demethylases in the maintenance of plant genome integrity. eLife 2020; 9:e58533. [PMID: 33107825 PMCID: PMC7671693 DOI: 10.7554/elife.58533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Histone modifications deposited by the Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) play a critical role in the control of growth, development, and adaptation to environmental fluctuations of most multicellular eukaryotes. The catalytic activity of PRC2 is counteracted by Jumonji-type (JMJ) histone demethylases, which shapes the genomic distribution of H3K27me3. Here, we show that two JMJ histone demethylases in Arabidopsis, EARLY FLOWERING 6 (ELF6) and RELATIVE OF EARLY FLOWERING 6 (REF6), play distinct roles in H3K27me3 and H3K27me1 homeostasis. We show that failure to reset these chromatin marks during sexual reproduction results in the transgenerational inheritance of histone marks, which cause a loss of DNA methylation at heterochromatic loci and transposon activation. Thus, Jumonji-type histone demethylases play a dual role in plants by helping to maintain transcriptional states through development and safeguard genome integrity during sexual reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Matthew Naish
- School of Life Science, University of WarwickCoventryUnited Kingdom
| | | | - Sho Ohno
- School of Life Science, University of WarwickCoventryUnited Kingdom
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kitashirakawa Oiwake-cho, Sakyo-kuKyotoJapan
| | - Ying Huang
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, INRAE, Univ Evry, Institute of Plant Sciences Paris-Saclay (IPS2)OrsayFrance
| | - Alexander Dawson
- School of Life Science, University of WarwickCoventryUnited Kingdom
| | | | - Deborah Manza-Mianza
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, INRAE, Univ Evry, Institute of Plant Sciences Paris-Saclay (IPS2)OrsayFrance
| | - Federico Ariel
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, INRAE, Univ Evry, Institute of Plant Sciences Paris-Saclay (IPS2)OrsayFrance
| | - Cecile Raynaud
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, INRAE, Univ Evry, Institute of Plant Sciences Paris-Saclay (IPS2)OrsayFrance
| | - Anjar Wibowo
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Developmental BiologyTübingenGermany
| | - Josquin Daron
- Department of Molecular Genetics, The Ohio State UniversityColumbusUnited States
| | - Minako Ueda
- Institute of Transformative Bio-Molecules, Nagoya UniversityNagoyaJapan
- Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya UniversityNagoyaJapan
| | - David Latrasse
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, INRAE, Univ Evry, Institute of Plant Sciences Paris-Saclay (IPS2)OrsayFrance
| | - R Keith Slotkin
- Donald Danforth Plant Science CenterSt. LouisUnited States
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of MissouriColumbiaUnited States
| | - Detlef Weigel
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Developmental BiologyTübingenGermany
| | - Moussa Benhamed
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, INRAE, Univ Evry, Institute of Plant Sciences Paris-Saclay (IPS2)OrsayFrance
- Université de Paris, Institute of Plant Sciences Paris-Saclay (IPS2), F-75006ParisFrance
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44
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Host Gene Regulation by Transposable Elements: The New, the Old and the Ugly. Viruses 2020; 12:v12101089. [PMID: 32993145 PMCID: PMC7650545 DOI: 10.3390/v12101089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The human genome has been under selective pressure to evolve in response to emerging pathogens and other environmental challenges. Genome evolution includes the acquisition of new genes or new isoforms of genes and changes to gene expression patterns. One source of genome innovation is from transposable elements (TEs), which carry their own promoters, enhancers and open reading frames and can act as ‘controlling elements’ for our own genes. TEs include LINE-1 elements, which can retrotranspose intracellularly and endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) that represent remnants of past retroviral germline infections. Although once pathogens, ERVs also represent an enticing source of incoming genetic material that the host can then repurpose. ERVs and other TEs have coevolved with host genes for millions of years, which has allowed them to become embedded within essential gene expression programmes. Intriguingly, these host genes are often subject to the same epigenetic control mechanisms that evolved to combat the TEs that now regulate them. Here, we illustrate the breadth of host gene regulation through TEs by focusing on examples of young (The New), ancient (The Old), and disease-causing (The Ugly) TE integrants.
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45
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Cullen H, Schorn AJ. Endogenous Retroviruses Walk a Fine Line between Priming and Silencing. Viruses 2020; 12:v12080792. [PMID: 32718022 PMCID: PMC7472051 DOI: 10.3390/v12080792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) in mammals are closely related to infectious retroviruses and utilize host tRNAs as a primer for reverse transcription and replication, a hallmark of long terminal repeat (LTR) retroelements. Their dependency on tRNA makes these elements vulnerable to targeting by small RNAs derived from the 3′-end of mature tRNAs (3′-tRFs), which are highly expressed during epigenetic reprogramming and potentially protect many tissues in eukaryotes. Here, we review some key functions of ERV reprogramming during mouse and human development and discuss how small RNA-mediated silencing maintains genome stability when ERVs are temporarily released from heterochromatin repression. In particular, we take a closer look at the tRNA primer binding sites (PBS) of two highly active ERV families in mice and their sequence variation that is shaped by the conflict of successful tRNA priming for replication versus evasion of silencing by 3′-tRFs.
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46
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Żylicz JJ, Heard E. Molecular Mechanisms of Facultative Heterochromatin Formation: An X-Chromosome Perspective. Annu Rev Biochem 2020; 89:255-282. [PMID: 32259458 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-biochem-062917-012655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Facultative heterochromatin (fHC) concerns the developmentally regulated heterochromatinization of different regions of the genome and, in the case of the mammalian X chromosome and imprinted loci, of only one allele of a homologous pair. The formation of fHC participates in the timely repression of genes, by resisting strong trans activators. In this review, we discuss the molecular mechanisms underlying the establishment and maintenance of fHC in mammals using a mouse model. We focus on X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) as a paradigm for fHC but also relate it to genomic imprinting and homeobox (Hox) gene cluster repression. A vital role for noncoding transcription and/or transcripts emerges as the general principle of triggering XCI and canonical imprinting. However, other types of fHC are established through an unknown mechanism, independent of noncoding transcription (Hox clusters and noncanonical imprinting). We also extensively discuss polycomb-group repressive complexes (PRCs), which frequently play a vital role in fHC maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan J Żylicz
- Mammalian Developmental Epigenetics Group, Institut Curie, CNRS UMR 3215, INSERM U934, PSL University, 75248 Paris Cedex 05, France.,Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EL, United Kingdom
| | - Edith Heard
- Directors' Research, EMBL Heidelberg, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany;
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47
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Chen Z, Zhang Y. Maternal H3K27me3-dependent autosomal and X chromosome imprinting. Nat Rev Genet 2020; 21:555-571. [PMID: 32514155 DOI: 10.1038/s41576-020-0245-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Genomic imprinting and X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) are classic epigenetic phenomena that involve transcriptional silencing of one parental allele. Germline-derived differential DNA methylation is the best-studied epigenetic mark that initiates imprinting, but evidence indicates that other mechanisms exist. Recent studies have revealed that maternal trimethylation of H3 on lysine 27 (H3K27me3) mediates autosomal maternal allele-specific gene silencing and has an important role in imprinted XCI through repression of maternal Xist. Furthermore, loss of H3K27me3-mediated imprinting contributes to the developmental defects observed in cloned embryos. This novel maternal H3K27me3-mediated non-canonical imprinting mechanism further emphasizes the important role of parental chromatin in development and could provide the basis for improving the efficiency of embryo cloning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyuan Chen
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yi Zhang
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA. .,Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA. .,Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA. .,Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA. .,Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Boston, MA, USA.
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48
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Abstract
As the maternal–foetal interface, the placenta is essential for the establishment and progression of healthy pregnancy, regulating both foetal growth and maternal adaptation to pregnancy. The evolution and functional importance of genomic imprinting are inextricably linked to mammalian placentation. Recent technological advances in mapping and manipulating the epigenome in embryogenesis in mouse models have revealed novel mechanisms regulating genomic imprinting in placental trophoblast, the physiological implications of which are only just beginning to be explored. This review will highlight important recent discoveries and exciting new directions in the study of placental imprinting. The placenta is essential for healthy pregnancy because it supports the growth of the baby, helps the mother’s body adapt, and provides a connection between mother and the developing baby. Studying gene regulation and the early steps in placental development is challenging in human pregnancy, so mouse models have been key in building our understanding of these processes. In particular, these studies have identified a subset of genes that are essential for placentation, termed imprinted genes. Imprinted genes are those that are expressed from only one copy, depending on whether they were inherited from mom or dad. In this review, I describe recent novel approaches used to study the mechanisms regulating these imprinted genes in mouse models, and I highlight several new discoveries. It has become apparent that the regulation of imprinted genes in placenta is often unique from other tissues and that there are species-specific mechanisms allowing the evolution of new imprinted genes specifically in the placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney W. Hanna
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development, and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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Farhadova S, Gomez-Velazquez M, Feil R. Stability and Lability of Parental Methylation Imprints in Development and Disease. Genes (Basel) 2019; 10:genes10120999. [PMID: 31810366 PMCID: PMC6947649 DOI: 10.3390/genes10120999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Revised: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation plays essential roles in mammals. Of particular interest are parental methylation marks that originate from the oocyte or the sperm, and bring about mono-allelic gene expression at defined chromosomal regions. The remarkable somatic stability of these parental imprints in the pre-implantation embryo—where they resist global waves of DNA demethylation—is not fully understood despite the importance of this phenomenon. After implantation, some methylation imprints persist in the placenta only, a tissue in which many genes are imprinted. Again here, the underlying epigenetic mechanisms are not clear. Mouse studies have pinpointed the involvement of transcription factors, covalent histone modifications, and histone variants. These and other features linked to the stability of methylation imprints are instructive as concerns their conservation in humans, in which different congenital disorders are caused by perturbed parental imprints. Here, we discuss DNA and histone methylation imprints, and why unravelling maintenance mechanisms is important for understanding imprinting disorders in humans.
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Hanna CW, Pérez-Palacios R, Gahurova L, Schubert M, Krueger F, Biggins L, Andrews S, Colomé-Tatché M, Bourc’his D, Dean W, Kelsey G. Endogenous retroviral insertions drive non-canonical imprinting in extra-embryonic tissues. Genome Biol 2019; 20:225. [PMID: 31665063 PMCID: PMC6819472 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-019-1833-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genomic imprinting is an epigenetic phenomenon that allows a subset of genes to be expressed mono-allelically based on the parent of origin and is typically regulated by differential DNA methylation inherited from gametes. Imprinting is pervasive in murine extra-embryonic lineages, and uniquely, the imprinting of several genes has been found to be conferred non-canonically through maternally inherited repressive histone modification H3K27me3. However, the underlying regulatory mechanisms of non-canonical imprinting in post-implantation development remain unexplored. RESULTS We identify imprinted regions in post-implantation epiblast and extra-embryonic ectoderm (ExE) by assaying allelic histone modifications (H3K4me3, H3K36me3, H3K27me3), gene expression, and DNA methylation in reciprocal C57BL/6 and CAST hybrid embryos. We distinguish loci with DNA methylation-dependent (canonical) and independent (non-canonical) imprinting by assaying hybrid embryos with ablated maternally inherited DNA methylation. We find that non-canonical imprints are localized to endogenous retrovirus-K (ERVK) long terminal repeats (LTRs), which act as imprinted promoters specifically in extra-embryonic lineages. Transcribed ERVK LTRs are CpG-rich and located in close proximity to gene promoters, and imprinting status is determined by their epigenetic patterning in the oocyte. Finally, we show that oocyte-derived H3K27me3 associated with non-canonical imprints is not maintained beyond pre-implantation development at these elements and is replaced by secondary imprinted DNA methylation on the maternal allele in post-implantation ExE, while being completely silenced by bi-allelic DNA methylation in the epiblast. CONCLUSIONS This study reveals distinct epigenetic mechanisms regulating non-canonical imprinted gene expression between embryonic and extra-embryonic development and identifies an integral role for ERVK LTR repetitive elements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney W. Hanna
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Lenka Gahurova
- University of South Bohemia, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, ASCR, Libechov, Czech Republic
| | - Michael Schubert
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - Maria Colomé-Tatché
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Institute of Computational Biology, Neuherberg, Germany
- TUM School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | | | - Wendy Dean
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
- Present Address: Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Gavin Kelsey
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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