1
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Alexanian AR. Epigenetic inheritance of acquired traits via stem cells dedifferentiation/differentiation or transdifferentiation cycles. Cells Dev 2024:203928. [PMID: 38768658 DOI: 10.1016/j.cdev.2024.203928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 04/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Inheritance of acquired characteristics is the once widely accepted idea that multiple modifications acquired by an organism during its life, can be inherited by the offspring. This belief is at least as old as Hippocrates and became popular in early 19th century, leading Lamarck to suggest his theory of evolution. Charles Darwin, along with other thinkers of the time attempted to explain the mechanism of acquired traits' inheritance by proposing the theory of pangenesis. While later this and similar theories were rejected because of the lack of hard evidence, the studies aimed at revealing the mechanism by which somatic information can be passed to germ cells have continued up to the present. In this paper, we present a new theory and provide supporting literature to explain this phenomenon. We hypothesize existence of pluripotent adult stem cells that can serve as collectors and carriers of new epigenetic traits by entering different developmentally active organ/tissue compartments through blood circulation and acquiring new epigenetic marks though cycles of differentiation/dedifferentiation or transdifferentiation. During gametogenesis, these epigenetically modified cells are attracted by gonads, transdifferentiate into germ cells, and pass the acquired epigenetic modifications collected from the entire body's somatic cells to the offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arshak R Alexanian
- Cell Reprogramming & Therapeutics LLC, Wauwatosa (Milwaukee County), WI 53226, USA.
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2
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Arzate-Mejia RG, Carullo NVN, Mansuy IM. The epigenome under pressure: On regulatory adaptation to chronic stress in the brain. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2024; 84:102832. [PMID: 38141414 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2023.102832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
Chronic stress (CS) can have long-lasting consequences on behavior and cognition, that are associated with stable changes in gene expression in the brain. Recent work has examined the role of the epigenome in the effects of CS on the brain. This review summarizes experimental evidence in rodents showing that CS can alter the epigenome and the expression of epigenetic modifiers in brain cells, and critically assesses their functional effect on genome function. It discusses the influence of the developmental time of stress exposure on the type of epigenetic changes, and proposes new lines of research that can help clarify these changes and their causal involvement in the impact of CS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo G Arzate-Mejia
- Laboratory of Neuroepigenetics, Brain Research Institute, Medical Faculty of the University of Zurich and Institute of Neurosciences, Department of Health Science and Technology of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Neuroscience Center Zurich, Switzerland. https://twitter.com/RodrigoArzt
| | - Nancy V N Carullo
- Laboratory of Neuroepigenetics, Brain Research Institute, Medical Faculty of the University of Zurich and Institute of Neurosciences, Department of Health Science and Technology of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Neuroscience Center Zurich, Switzerland. https://twitter.com/DrNancyCarullo
| | - Isabelle M Mansuy
- Laboratory of Neuroepigenetics, Brain Research Institute, Medical Faculty of the University of Zurich and Institute of Neurosciences, Department of Health Science and Technology of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Neuroscience Center Zurich, Switzerland.
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3
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Kretschmer M, Fischer V, Gapp K. When Dad's Stress Gets under Kid's Skin-Impacts of Stress on Germline Cargo and Embryonic Development. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1750. [PMID: 38136621 PMCID: PMC10742275 DOI: 10.3390/biom13121750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple lines of evidence suggest that paternal psychological stress contributes to an increased prevalence of neuropsychiatric and metabolic diseases in the progeny. While altered paternal care certainly plays a role in such transmitted disease risk, molecular factors in the germline might additionally be at play in humans. This is supported by findings on changes to the molecular make up of germ cells and suggests an epigenetic component in transmission. Several rodent studies demonstrate the correlation between paternal stress induced changes in epigenetic modifications and offspring phenotypic alterations, yet some intriguing cases also start to show mechanistic links in between sperm and the early embryo. In this review, we summarise efforts to understand the mechanism of intergenerational transmission from sperm to the early embryo. In particular, we highlight how stress alters epigenetic modifications in sperm and discuss the potential for these modifications to propagate modified molecular trajectories in the early embryo to give rise to aberrant phenotypes in adult offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Kretschmer
- Laboratory of Epigenetics and Neuroendocrinology, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Institute for Neuroscience, ETH Zürich, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland; (M.K.); (V.F.)
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, ETH Zürich and University of Zürich, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Vincent Fischer
- Laboratory of Epigenetics and Neuroendocrinology, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Institute for Neuroscience, ETH Zürich, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland; (M.K.); (V.F.)
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, ETH Zürich and University of Zürich, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Katharina Gapp
- Laboratory of Epigenetics and Neuroendocrinology, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Institute for Neuroscience, ETH Zürich, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland; (M.K.); (V.F.)
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, ETH Zürich and University of Zürich, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland
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4
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Fallet M, Wilson R, Sarkies P. Cisplatin exposure alters tRNA-derived small RNAs but does not affect epimutations in C. elegans. BMC Biol 2023; 21:276. [PMID: 38031056 PMCID: PMC10688063 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-023-01767-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The individual lifestyle and environment of an organism can influence its phenotype and potentially the phenotype of its offspring. The different genetic and non-genetic components of the inheritance system and their mutual interactions are key mechanisms to generate inherited phenotypic changes. Epigenetic changes can be transmitted between generations independently from changes in DNA sequence. In Caenorhabditis elegans, epigenetic differences, i.e. epimutations, mediated by small non-coding RNAs, particularly 22G-RNAs, as well as chromatin have been identified, and their average persistence is three to five generations. In addition, previous research showed that some epimutations had a longer duration and concerned genes that were enriched for multiple components of xenobiotic response pathways. These results raise the possibility that environmental stresses might change the rate at which epimutations occur, with potential significance for adaptation. RESULTS In this work, we explore this question by propagating C. elegans lines either in control conditions or in moderate or high doses of cisplatin, which introduces genotoxic stress by damaging DNA. Our results show that cisplatin has a limited effect on global small non-coding RNA epimutations and epimutations in gene expression levels. However, cisplatin exposure leads to increased fluctuations in the levels of small non-coding RNAs derived from tRNA cleavage. We show that changes in tRNA-derived small RNAs may be associated with gene expression changes. CONCLUSIONS Our work shows that epimutations are not substantially altered by cisplatin exposure but identifies transient changes in tRNA-derived small RNAs as a potential source of variation induced by genotoxic stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manon Fallet
- Department of Biochemistry, Evolutionary Epigenetics Group, Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin Building, University of Oxford, South Parks Rd., Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK.
- Man-Technology-Environment Research Centre (MTM), School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, Fakultetsgatan 1, 70182, Örebro, Sweden.
| | - Rachel Wilson
- Department of Biochemistry, Evolutionary Epigenetics Group, Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin Building, University of Oxford, South Parks Rd., Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, Imperial College London, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Peter Sarkies
- Department of Biochemistry, Evolutionary Epigenetics Group, Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin Building, University of Oxford, South Parks Rd., Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK.
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Tando Y, Matsui Y. Inheritance of environment-induced phenotypic changes through epigenetic mechanisms. ENVIRONMENTAL EPIGENETICS 2023; 9:dvad008. [PMID: 38094661 PMCID: PMC10719065 DOI: 10.1093/eep/dvad008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Growing evidence suggests that epigenetic changes through various parental environmental factors alter the phenotypes of descendants in various organisms. Environmental factors, including exposure to chemicals, stress and abnormal nutrition, affect the epigenome in parental germ cells by different epigenetic mechanisms, such as DNA methylation, histone modification as well as small RNAs via metabolites. Some current remaining questions are the causal relationship between environment-induced epigenetic changes in germ cells and altered phenotypes of descendants, and the molecular basis of how the abnormal epigenetic changes escape reprogramming in germ cells. In this review, we introduce representative examples of intergenerational and transgenerational inheritance of phenotypic changes through parental environmental factors and the accompanied epigenetic and metabolic changes, with a focus on animal species. We also discuss the molecular mechanisms of epigenomic inheritance and their possible biological significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukiko Tando
- Cell Resource Center for Biomedical Research, Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8575, Japan
- Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8577, Japan
- Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8575, Japan
| | - Yasuhisa Matsui
- Cell Resource Center for Biomedical Research, Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8575, Japan
- Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8577, Japan
- Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8575, Japan
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David I, Ricard A. An improved transmissibility model to detect transgenerational transmitted environmental effects. Genet Sel Evol 2023; 55:66. [PMID: 37735633 PMCID: PMC10512618 DOI: 10.1186/s12711-023-00833-y] [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: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evolutionary studies have reported that non-genetic information can be inherited across generations (epigenetic marks, microbiota, cultural inheritance). Non-genetic information is considered to be a key element to explain the adaptation of wild species to environmental constraints because it lies at the root of the transgenerational transmission of environmental effects. The "transmissibility model" was proposed several years ago to better predict the transmissible potential of each animal by taking these diverse sources of inheritance into account in a global transmissible potential. We propose to improve this model to account for the influence of the environment on the global transmissible potential as well. This extension of the transmissibility model is the "transmissibility model with environment" that considers a covariance between transmissibility samplings of animals sharing the same environment. The null hypothesis of "no transmitted environmental effect" can be tested by comparing the two models using a likelihood ratio test (LRT). RESULTS We performed simulations that mimicked an experimental design consisting of two lines of animals with one exposed to a particular environment at a given generation. This enabled us to evaluate the performances of the transmissibility model with environment so as to detect and quantify transgenerational transmitted environmental effects. The power and the realized type I error of the LRT were compared to those of a T-test comparing the phenotype of the two lines, three generations after the environmental exposure for different sets of parameters. The power of the LRT ranged from 45 to 94%, whereas that of the T-test was always lower than 26%. In addition, the realized type I error of the T-test was 15% and that of the LRT was 5%, as expected. Variances, the covariance between transmissibility samplings, and path coefficients of transmission estimated with the transmissibility model with environment were close to their true values for all sets of parameters. CONCLUSIONS The transmissibility model with environment is effective in modeling vertical transmission of environmental effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid David
- GenPhySE, Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, 31326, Castanet Tolosan, France.
| | - Anne Ricard
- INRAE, AgroParisTech, GABI, Université Paris Saclay, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
- Département Recherche et Innovation, Institut Français du Cheval et de l'équitation, 61310, Exmes, France
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Sakashita A, Ooga M, Otsuka K, Maezawa S, Takeuchi C, Wakayama S, Wakayama T, Namekawa S. Polycomb protein SCML2 mediates paternal epigenetic inheritance through sperm chromatin. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:6668-6683. [PMID: 37283086 PMCID: PMC10359620 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Sperm chromatin retains small amounts of histones, and chromatin states of sperm mirror gene expression programs of the next generation. However, it remains largely unknown how paternal epigenetic information is transmitted through sperm chromatin. Here, we present a novel mouse model of paternal epigenetic inheritance, in which deposition of Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) mediated-repressive H3K27me3 is attenuated in the paternal germline. By applying modified methods of assisted reproductive technology using testicular sperm, we rescued infertility of mice missing Polycomb protein SCML2, which regulates germline gene expression by establishing H3K27me3 on bivalent promoters with other active marks H3K4me2/3. We profiled epigenomic states (H3K27me3 and H3K4me3) of testicular sperm and epididymal sperm, demonstrating that the epididymal pattern of the sperm epigenome is already established in testicular sperm and that SCML2 is required for this process. In F1 males of X-linked Scml2-knockout mice, which have a wild-type genotype, gene expression is dysregulated in the male germline during spermiogenesis. These dysregulated genes are targets of SCML2-mediated H3K27me3 in F0 sperm. Further, dysregulation of gene expression was observed in the mutant-derived wild-type F1 preimplantation embryos. Together, we present functional evidence that the classic epigenetic regulator Polycomb mediates paternal epigenetic inheritance through sperm chromatin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akihiko Sakashita
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Division of Developmental Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH45229, USA
- Department of Molecular Biology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo160-8582, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Ooga
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Science, University of Yamanashi, Kofu400-8510, Japan
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California Davis, Davis, CA95616, USA
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Kanagawa252-5201, Japan
| | - Kai Otsuka
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California Davis, Davis, CA95616, USA
| | - So Maezawa
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Division of Developmental Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH45229, USA
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Kanagawa252-5201, Japan
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Applied Biological Science, Tokyo University of Science, Chiba278-8510, Japan
| | - Chikara Takeuchi
- Department of Molecular Biology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo160-8582, Japan
| | - Sayaka Wakayama
- Advanced Biotechnology Center, University of Yamanashi, Kofu400-8510, Japan
| | - Teruhiko Wakayama
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Science, University of Yamanashi, Kofu400-8510, Japan
- Advanced Biotechnology Center, University of Yamanashi, Kofu400-8510, Japan
| | - Satoshi H Namekawa
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Division of Developmental Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH45229, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California Davis, Davis, CA95616, USA
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Arzate-Mejia RG, Mansuy IM. Remembering through the genome: the role of chromatin states in brain functions and diseases. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:122. [PMID: 37041131 PMCID: PMC10090084 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02415-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Chromatin is the physical substrate of the genome that carries the DNA sequence and ensures its proper functions and regulation in the cell nucleus. While a lot is known about the dynamics of chromatin during programmed cellular processes such as development, the role of chromatin in experience-dependent functions remains not well defined. Accumulating evidence suggests that in brain cells, environmental stimuli can trigger long-lasting changes in chromatin structure and tri-dimensional (3D) organization that can influence future transcriptional programs. This review describes recent findings suggesting that chromatin plays an important role in cellular memory, particularly in the maintenance of traces of prior activity in the brain. Inspired by findings in immune and epithelial cells, we discuss the underlying mechanisms and the implications for experience-dependent transcriptional regulation in health and disease. We conclude by presenting a holistic view of chromatin as potential molecular substrate for the integration and assimilation of environmental information that may constitute a conceptual basis for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo G Arzate-Mejia
- Laboratory of Neuroepigenetics, Brain Research Institute, Medical Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Health Science and Technology, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zürich (ETHZ), Zurich, Switzerland
- Center for Neuroscience Zürich, University Zürich and ETHZ, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Isabelle M Mansuy
- Laboratory of Neuroepigenetics, Brain Research Institute, Medical Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
- Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Health Science and Technology, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zürich (ETHZ), Zurich, Switzerland.
- Center for Neuroscience Zürich, University Zürich and ETHZ, Zürich, Switzerland.
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Zhang X, Chen Q. EDC exposure in 3D genome memory in transgenerational obesity. Nat Rev Endocrinol 2023; 19:192-193. [PMID: 36792712 PMCID: PMC11144478 DOI: 10.1038/s41574-023-00810-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
A new study reveals that exposure of pregnant mice to an endocrine disrupting chemical, bisphenol A, induces multi-transgenerational (up to six) inheritance of obesity in their descendants. This effect depends on CTCF-dependent chromatin reorganization in the sperm, a synergistic outcome of altered DNA methylation, RNA modification and long-range chromatin interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xudong Zhang
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery and Molecular Medicine Program, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Qi Chen
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery and Molecular Medicine Program, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
- Center for RNA Biology and Medicine, Division of Biomedical Sciences, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA.
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10
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Fallet M, Blanc M, Di Criscio M, Antczak P, Engwall M, Guerrero Bosagna C, Rüegg J, Keiter SH. Present and future challenges for the investigation of transgenerational epigenetic inheritance. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 172:107776. [PMID: 36731188 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.107776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetic pathways are essential in different biological processes and in phenotype-environment interactions in response to different stressors and they can induce phenotypic plasticity. They encompass several processes that are mitotically and, in some cases, meiotically heritable, so they can be transferred to subsequent generations via the germline. Transgenerational Epigenetic Inheritance (TEI) describes the phenomenon that phenotypic traits, such as changes in fertility, metabolic function, or behavior, induced by environmental factors (e.g., parental care, pathogens, pollutants, climate change), can be transferred to offspring generations via epigenetic mechanisms. Investigations on TEI contribute to deciphering the role of epigenetic mechanisms in adaptation, adversity, and evolution. However, molecular mechanisms underlying the transmission of epigenetic changes between generations, and the downstream chain of events leading to persistent phenotypic changes, remain unclear. Therefore, inter-, (transmission of information between parental and offspring generation via direct exposure) and transgenerational (transmission of information through several generations with disappearance of the triggering factor) consequences of epigenetic modifications remain major issues in the field of modern biology. In this article, we review and describe the major gaps and issues still encountered in the TEI field: the general challenges faced in epigenetic research; deciphering the key epigenetic mechanisms in inheritance processes; identifying the relevant drivers for TEI and implement a collaborative and multi-disciplinary approach to study TEI. Finally, we provide suggestions on how to overcome these challenges and ultimately be able to identify the specific contribution of epigenetics in transgenerational inheritance and use the correct tools for environmental science investigation and biomarkers identification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manon Fallet
- Man-Technology-Environment Research Centre (MTM), School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, Fakultetsgatan 1, 70182 Örebro, Sweden; Department of Biochemistry, Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin Building, University of Oxford, South Parks Rd, Oxford OX1 3QU, United Kingdom.
| | - Mélanie Blanc
- MARBEC, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, IRD, INRAE, Palavas, France
| | - Michela Di Criscio
- Department of Organismal Biology, Uppsala University, Norbyv. 18A, 75236 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Philipp Antczak
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and Cologne University Hospital, Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, Germany; Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging Associated Diseases, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Magnus Engwall
- Man-Technology-Environment Research Centre (MTM), School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, Fakultetsgatan 1, 70182 Örebro, Sweden
| | | | - Joëlle Rüegg
- Department of Organismal Biology, Uppsala University, Norbyv. 18A, 75236 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Steffen H Keiter
- Man-Technology-Environment Research Centre (MTM), School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, Fakultetsgatan 1, 70182 Örebro, Sweden
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Niu H, Lei A, Tian H, Yao W, Liu Y, Li C, An X, Chen X, Zhang Z, Wu J, Yang M, Huang J, Cheng F, Zhao J, Hua J, Liu S, Luo J. Scd1 Deficiency in Early Embryos Affects Blastocyst ICM Formation through RPs-Mdm2-p53 Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021750. [PMID: 36675264 PMCID: PMC9864350 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2022] [Revised: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Embryos contain a large number of lipid droplets, and lipid metabolism is gradually activated during embryonic development to provide energy. However, the regulatory mechanisms remain to be investigated. Stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (Scd1) is a fatty acid desaturase gene that is mainly involved in intracellular monounsaturated fatty acid production, which takes part in many physiological processes. Analysis of transcripts at key stages of embryo development revealed that Scd1 was important and expressed at an increased level during the cleavage and blastocyst stages. Knockout Scd1 gene by CRISPR/Cas9 from zygotes revealed a decrease in lipid droplets (LDs) and damage in the inner cell mass (ICM) formation of blastocyst. Comparative analysis of normal and knockout embryo transcripts showed a suppression of ribosome protein (RPs) genes, leading to the arrest of ribosome biogenesis at the 2-cell stage. Notably, the P53-related pathway was further activated at the blastocyst stage, which eventually caused embryonic development arrest and apoptosis. In summary, Scd1 helps in providing energy for embryonic development by regulating intra-embryonic lipid droplet formation. Moreover, deficiency activates the RPs-Mdm2-P53 pathway due to ribosomal stress and ultimately leads to embryonic development arrest. The present results suggested that Scd1 gene is essential to maintain healthy development of embryos by regulating energy support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huimin Niu
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Anmin Lei
- Shaanxi Stem Cell Engineering and Technology Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Huibin Tian
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Weiwei Yao
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Cong Li
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Xuetong An
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Xiaoying Chen
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Zhifei Zhang
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Jiao Wu
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Min Yang
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Jiangtao Huang
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Fei Cheng
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Jianqing Zhao
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Jinlian Hua
- Shaanxi Stem Cell Engineering and Technology Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Shimin Liu
- UWA Institute of Agriculture, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6018, Australia
| | - Jun Luo
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
- Correspondence:
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12
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Švorcová J. Transgenerational Epigenetic Inheritance of Traumatic Experience in Mammals. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:120. [PMID: 36672861 PMCID: PMC9859285 DOI: 10.3390/genes14010120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, we have seen an increasing amount of evidence pointing to the existence of a non-genetic heredity of the effects of events such as separation from parents, threat to life, or other traumatising experiences such as famine. This heredity is often mediated by epigenetic regulations of gene expression and may be transferred even across several generations. In this review, we focus on studies which involve transgenerational epigenetic inheritance (TEI), with a short detour to intergenerational studies focused on the inheritance of trauma or stressful experiences. The reviewed studies show a plethora of universal changes which stress exposure initiates on multiple levels of organisation ranging from hormonal production and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis modulation all the way to cognition, behaviour, or propensity to certain psychiatric or metabolic disorders. This review will also provide an overview of relevant methodology and difficulties linked to implementation of epigenetic studies. A better understanding of these processes may help us elucidate the evolutionary pathways which are at work in the course of emergence of the diseases and disorders associated with exposure to trauma, either direct or in a previous generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Švorcová
- Department of Philosophy and History of Science, Faculty of Science, Charles University, 128 00 Prague, Czech Republic
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13
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Jung YH, Wang HLV, Ruiz D, Bixler BJ, Linsenbaum H, Xiang JF, Forestier S, Shafik AM, Jin P, Corces VG. Recruitment of CTCF to an Fto enhancer is responsible for transgenerational inheritance of BPA-induced obesity. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2214988119. [PMID: 36469784 PMCID: PMC9897486 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2214988119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms by which environmentally-induced epiphenotypes are transmitted transgenerationally in mammals are poorly understood. Here we show that exposure of pregnant mouse females to bisphenol A (BPA) results in obesity in the F2 progeny due to increased food intake. This epiphenotype can be transmitted up to the F6 generation. Analysis of chromatin accessibility in sperm of the F1-F6 generations reveals alterations at sites containing binding motifs for CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF) at two cis-regulatory elements (CREs) of the Fto gene that correlate with transmission of obesity. These CREs show increased interactions in sperm of obese mice with the Irx3 and Irx5 genes, which are involved in the differentiation of appetite-controlling neurons. Deletion of the CTCF site in Fto results in mice that have normal food intake and fail to become obese when ancestrally exposed to BPA. The results suggest that epigenetic alterations of Fto can lead to the same phenotypes as genetic variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoon Hee Jung
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA30322
| | - Hsiao-Lin V. Wang
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA30322
| | - Daniel Ruiz
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA30322
| | - Brianna J. Bixler
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA30322
| | - Hannah Linsenbaum
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA30322
| | - Jian-Feng Xiang
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA30322
| | - Samantha Forestier
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA30322
| | - Andrew M. Shafik
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA30322
| | - Peng Jin
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA30322
| | - Victor G. Corces
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA30322
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Grandmaternal smoking during pregnancy is associated with differential DNA methylation in peripheral blood of their grandchildren. Eur J Hum Genet 2022; 30:1373-1379. [PMID: 35347270 PMCID: PMC9712525 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-022-01081-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The idea that information can be transmitted to subsequent generation(s) by epigenetic means has been studied for decades but remains controversial in humans. Epidemiological studies have established that grandparental exposures are associated with health outcomes in their grandchildren, often with sex-specific effects; however, the mechanism of transmission is still unclear. We conducted Epigenome Wide Association Studies (EWAS) to test whether grandmaternal smoking during pregnancy is associated with altered DNA methylation (DNAm) in peripheral blood from their adolescent grandchildren. We used data from a birth cohort, with discovery and replication datasets of up to 1225 and 708 individuals (respectively, for the maternal line), aged 15-17 years, and tested replication in the same individuals at birth and 7 years. We show for the first time that DNAm at a small number of loci in cord blood is associated with grandmaternal smoking in humans. In adolescents we see suggestive associations in regions of the genome which we hypothesised a priori could be involved in transgenerational transmission - we observe sex-specific associations at two sites on the X chromosome and one in an imprinting control region. All are within transcription factor binding sites (TFBSs), and we observe enrichment for TFBS among the CpG sites with the strongest associations; however, there is limited evidence that the associations we see replicate between timepoints. The implication of this work is that effects of smoking during pregnancy may induce DNAm changes in later generations and that these changes are often sex-specific, in line with epidemiological associations.
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15
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Verdikt R, Armstrong AA, Allard P. Transgenerational inheritance and its modulation by environmental cues. Curr Top Dev Biol 2022; 152:31-76. [PMID: 36707214 PMCID: PMC9940302 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2022.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The epigenome plays an important role in shaping phenotypes. However, whether the environment can alter an organism's phenotype across several generations through epigenetic remodeling in the germline is still a highly debated topic. In this chapter, we briefly review the mechanisms of epigenetic inheritance and their connection with germline development before highlighting specific developmental windows of susceptibility to environmental cues. We further discuss the evidence of transgenerational inheritance to a range of different environmental cues, both epidemiological in humans and experimental in rodent models. Doing so, we pinpoint the current challenges in demonstrating transgenerational inheritance to environmental cues and offer insight in how recent technological advances may help deciphering the epigenetic mechanisms at play. Together, we draw a detailed picture of how our environment can influence our epigenomes, ultimately reshaping our phenotypes, in an extended theory of inheritance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roxane Verdikt
- Institute for Society and Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States.
| | - Abigail A Armstrong
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology and Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Patrick Allard
- Institute for Society and Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States; Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States.
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16
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Pierron F, Heroin D, Daffe G, Daramy F, Barré A, Bouchez O, Romero-Ramirez A, Gonzalez P, Nikolski M. Genetic and epigenetic interplay allows rapid transgenerational adaptation to metal pollution in zebrafish. ENVIRONMENTAL EPIGENETICS 2022; 8:dvac022. [PMID: 36474803 PMCID: PMC9716877 DOI: 10.1093/eep/dvac022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Despite still being a matter of debate, there is growing evidence that pollutant-induced epigenetic changes can be propagated across generations. Whereas such modifications could have long-lasting effects on organisms and even on population, environmentally relevant data from long-term exposure combined with follow-up through multiple generations remain scarce for non-mammalian species. We performed a transgenerational experiment comprising four successive generations of zebrafish. Only fish from the first generation were exposed to an environmentally realistic concentration of cadmium (Cd). Using a whole methylome analysis, we first identified the DNA regions that were differentially methylated in response to Cd exposure and common to fish of the first two generations. Among them, we then focused our investigations on the exon 3 (ex3) of the cep19 gene. We indeed recorded transgenerational growth disorders in Cd-exposed fish, and a mutation in this exon is known to cause morbid obesity in mammals. Its methylation level was thus determined in zebrafish from all the four generations by means of a targeted and base resolution method. We observed a transgenerational inheritance of Cd-induced DNA methylation changes up to the fourth generation. However, these changes were closely associated with genetic variations, mainly a single nucleotide polymorphism. This single nucleotide polymorphism was itself at the origin of the creation or deletion of a methylation site and deeply impacted the methylation level of neighboring methylation sites. Cd-induced epigenetic changes were associated with different mRNA transcripts and an improved condition of Cd fish. Our results emphasize a tight relationship between genetic and epigenetic mechanisms and suggest that their interplay and pre-existing diversity can allow rapid adaptation to anthropogenic environmental changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabien Pierron
- *Correspondence address. UMR 5805 EPOC – OASU, Station Marine d’Arcachon, Université de Bordeaux, Place du Docteur Bertrand Peyneau, Arcachon 33120, France. Tel: +335 56 22 39 33; Fax: +335 40 70 85 04; E-mail:
| | - Débora Heroin
- University of Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, EPOC, UMR 5805, Pessac 33600, France
| | - Guillemine Daffe
- University of Bordeaux, CNRS, INRAE, La Rochelle University, UMS 2567 POREA, Pessac 33615, France
| | - Flore Daramy
- University of Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, EPOC, UMR 5805, Pessac 33600, France
| | - Aurélien Barré
- University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux Bioinformatics Center, Bordeaux, 33076, France
| | - Olivier Bouchez
- INRAE, US 1426, GeT-PlaGe, Genotoul, Castanet-Tolosan 31326, France
| | | | - Patrice Gonzalez
- University of Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, EPOC, UMR 5805, Pessac 33600, France
| | - Macha Nikolski
- University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux Bioinformatics Center, Bordeaux, 33076, France
- University of Bordeaux, CNRS, IBGC, UMR 5095, Bordeaux 33077, France
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17
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Missing Causality and Heritability of Autoimmune Hepatitis. Dig Dis Sci 2022; 68:1585-1604. [PMID: 36261672 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-022-07728-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autoimmune hepatitis has an unknown cause and genetic associations that are not disease-specific or always present. Clarification of its missing causality and heritability could improve prevention and management strategies. AIMS Describe the key epigenetic and genetic mechanisms that could account for missing causality and heritability in autoimmune hepatitis; indicate the prospects of these mechanisms as pivotal factors; and encourage investigations of their pathogenic role and therapeutic potential. METHODS English abstracts were identified in PubMed using multiple key search phases. Several hundred abstracts and 210 full-length articles were reviewed. RESULTS Environmental induction of epigenetic changes is the prime candidate for explaining the missing causality of autoimmune hepatitis. Environmental factors (diet, toxic exposures) can alter chromatin structure and the production of micro-ribonucleic acids that affect gene expression. Epistatic interaction between unsuspected genes is the prime candidate for explaining the missing heritability. The non-additive, interactive effects of multiple genes could enhance their impact on the propensity and phenotype of autoimmune hepatitis. Transgenerational inheritance of acquired epigenetic marks constitutes another mechanism of transmitting parental adaptations that could affect susceptibility. Management strategies could range from lifestyle adjustments and nutritional supplements to precision editing of the epigenetic landscape. CONCLUSIONS Autoimmune hepatitis has a missing causality that might be explained by epigenetic changes induced by environmental factors and a missing heritability that might reflect epistatic gene interactions or transgenerational transmission of acquired epigenetic marks. These unassessed or under-evaluated areas warrant investigation.
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18
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Escher J, Yan W, Rissman EF, Wang HLV, Hernandez A, Corces VG. Beyond Genes: Germline Disruption in the Etiology of Autism Spectrum Disorders. J Autism Dev Disord 2022; 52:4608-4624. [PMID: 34596807 PMCID: PMC9035896 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-021-05304-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Investigations into the etiology of autism spectrum disorders have been largely confined to two realms: variations in DNA sequence and somatic developmental exposures. Here we suggest a third route-disruption of the germline epigenome induced by exogenous toxicants during a parent's gamete development. Similar to cases of germline mutation, these molecular perturbations may produce dysregulated transcription of brain-related genes during fetal and early development, resulting in abnormal neurobehavioral phenotypes in offspring. Many types of exposures may have these impacts, and here we discuss examples of anesthetic gases, tobacco components, synthetic steroids, and valproic acid. Alterations in parental germline could help explain some unsolved phenomena of autism, including increased prevalence, missing heritability, skewed sex ratio, and heterogeneity of neurobiology and behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill Escher
- Escher Fund for Autism, 1590 Calaveras Avenue, San Jose, CA, USA.
| | - Wei Yan
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Emilie F Rissman
- Center for Human Health and the Environment and Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Hsiao-Lin V Wang
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Arturo Hernandez
- Maine Medical Center Research Institute, MaineHealth, Scarborough, ME, USA
- Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Victor G Corces
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
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19
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Comas-Armangue G, Makharadze L, Gomez-Velazquez M, Teperino R. The Legacy of Parental Obesity: Mechanisms of Non-Genetic Transmission and Reversibility. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10102461. [PMID: 36289722 PMCID: PMC9599218 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10102461] [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: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
While a dramatic increase in obesity and related comorbidities is being witnessed, the underlying mechanisms of their spread remain unresolved. Epigenetic and other non-genetic mechanisms tend to be prominent candidates involved in the establishment and transmission of obesity and associated metabolic disorders to offspring. Here, we review recent findings addressing those candidates, in the context of maternal and paternal influences, and discuss the effectiveness of preventive measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gemma Comas-Armangue
- German Research Center for Environmental Health Neuherberg, Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD) Neuherberg, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Lela Makharadze
- German Research Center for Environmental Health Neuherberg, Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD) Neuherberg, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Melisa Gomez-Velazquez
- German Research Center for Environmental Health Neuherberg, Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD) Neuherberg, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
- Correspondence: (M.G.-V.); (R.T.)
| | - Raffaele Teperino
- German Research Center for Environmental Health Neuherberg, Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD) Neuherberg, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
- Correspondence: (M.G.-V.); (R.T.)
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20
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Stein A, Platzbecker U, Cross M. How Azanucleosides Affect Myeloid Cell Fate. Cells 2022; 11:cells11162589. [PMID: 36010665 PMCID: PMC9406747 DOI: 10.3390/cells11162589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The azanucleosides decitabine and azacytidine are used widely in the treatment of myeloid neoplasia and increasingly in the context of combination therapies. Although they were long regarded as being largely interchangeable in their function as hypomethylating agents, the azanucleosides actually have different mechanisms of action; decitabine interferes primarily with the methylation of DNA and azacytidine with that of RNA. Here, we examine the role of DNA methylation in the lineage commitment of stem cells during normal hematopoiesis and consider how mutations in epigenetic regulators such as DNMT3A and TET2 can lead to clonal expansion and subsequent neoplastic progression. We also consider why the efficacy of azanucleoside treatment is not limited to neoplasias carrying mutations in epigenetic regulators. Finally, we summarise recent data describing a role for azacytidine-sensitive RNA methylation in lineage commitment and in the cellular response to stress. By summarising and interpreting evidence for azanucleoside involvement in a range of cellular processes, our review is intended to illustrate the need to consider multiple modes of action in the design and stratification of future combination therapies.
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21
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Sharma S, Yang IV, Schwartz DA. Epigenetic regulation of immune function in asthma. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2022; 150:259-265. [PMID: 35717251 PMCID: PMC9378596 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2022.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Asthma is a common complex respiratory disease characterized by chronic airway inflammation and partially reversible airflow obstruction resulting from genetic and environmental determinants. Because epigenetic marks influence gene expression and can be modified by both environmental exposures and genetic variation, they are increasingly recognized as relevant to the pathogenesis of asthma and may be a key link between environmental exposures and asthma susceptibility. Unlike changes to DNA sequence, epigenetic signatures are dynamic and reversible, creating an opportunity for not only therapeutic targets but may serve as biomarkers to follow disease course and identify molecular subtypes in heterogeneous diseases such as asthma. In this review, we will examine the relationship between asthma and 3 key epigenetic processes that modify gene expression: DNA methylation, modification of histone tails, and noncoding RNAs. In addition to presenting a comprehensive assessment of the existing epigenetic studies focusing on immune regulation in asthma, we will discuss future directions for epigenetic investigation in allergic airway disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunita Sharma
- Divisions of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colo.
| | - Ivana V Yang
- Divisions of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colo; Divisions of Biomedical Informatics and Personalized Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colo
| | - David A Schwartz
- Divisions of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colo
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22
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Nicolella HD, de Assis S. Epigenetic Inheritance: Intergenerational Effects of Pesticides and Other Endocrine Disruptors on Cancer Development. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:4671. [PMID: 35563062 PMCID: PMC9102839 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23094671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Parental environmental experiences affect disease susceptibility in the progeny through epigenetic inheritance. Pesticides are substances or mixtures of chemicals-some of which are persistent environmental pollutants-that are used to control pests. This review explores the evidence linking parental exposure to pesticides and endocrine disruptors to intergenerational and transgenerational susceptibility of cancer in population studies and animal models. We also discuss the impact of pesticides and other endocrine disruptors on the germline epigenome as well as the emerging evidence for how epigenetic information is transmitted between generations. Finally, we discuss the importance of this mode of inheritance in the context of cancer prevention and the challenges ahead.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heloiza Diniz Nicolella
- Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA;
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Sonia de Assis
- Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA;
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA
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23
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Mouat JS, LaSalle JM. The Promise of DNA Methylation in Understanding Multigenerational Factors in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Front Genet 2022; 13:831221. [PMID: 35242170 PMCID: PMC8886225 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.831221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by impairments in social reciprocity and communication, restrictive interests, and repetitive behaviors. Most cases of ASD arise from a confluence of genetic susceptibility and environmental risk factors, whose interactions can be studied through epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation. While various parental factors are known to increase risk for ASD, several studies have indicated that grandparental and great-grandparental factors may also contribute. In animal studies, gestational exposure to certain environmental factors, such as insecticides, medications, and social stress, increases risk for altered behavioral phenotypes in multiple subsequent generations. Changes in DNA methylation, gene expression, and chromatin accessibility often accompany these altered behavioral phenotypes, with changes often appearing in genes that are important for neurodevelopment or have been previously implicated in ASD. One hypothesized mechanism for these phenotypic and methylation changes includes the transmission of DNA methylation marks at individual chromosomal loci from parent to offspring and beyond, called multigenerational epigenetic inheritance. Alternatively, intermediate metabolic phenotypes in the parental generation may confer risk from the original grandparental exposure to risk for ASD in grandchildren, mediated by DNA methylation. While hypothesized mechanisms require further research, the potential for multigenerational epigenetics assessments of ASD risk has implications for precision medicine as the field attempts to address the variable etiology and clinical signs of ASD by incorporating genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. In this review, we discuss the promise of multigenerational DNA methylation investigations in understanding the complex etiology of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia S Mouat
- LaSalle Laboratory, Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
- Perinatal Origins of Disparities Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
- MIND Institute, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
- Genome Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Janine M LaSalle
- LaSalle Laboratory, Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
- Perinatal Origins of Disparities Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
- MIND Institute, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
- Genome Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
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24
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Harney E, Paterson S, Collin H, Chan BH, Bennett D, Plaistow SJ. Pollution induces epigenetic effects that are stably transmitted across multiple generations. Evol Lett 2022; 6:118-135. [PMID: 35386832 PMCID: PMC8966472 DOI: 10.1002/evl3.273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
It has been hypothesized that the effects of pollutants on phenotypes can be passed to subsequent generations through epigenetic inheritance, affecting populations long after the removal of a pollutant. But there is still little evidence that pollutants can induce persistent epigenetic effects in animals. Here, we show that low doses of commonly used pollutants induce genome‐wide differences in cytosine methylation in the freshwater crustacean Daphnia pulex. Uniclonal populations were either continually exposed to pollutants or switched to clean water, and methylation was compared to control populations that did not experience pollutant exposure. Although some direct changes to methylation were only present in the continually exposed populations, others were present in both the continually exposed and switched to clean water treatments, suggesting that these modifications had persisted for 7 months (>15 generations). We also identified modifications that were only present in the populations that had switched to clean water, indicating a long‐term legacy of pollutant exposure distinct from the persistent effects. Pollutant‐induced differential methylation tended to occur at sites that were highly methylated in controls. Modifications that were observed in both continually and switched treatments were highly methylated in controls and showed reduced methylation in the treatments. On the other hand, modifications found just in the switched treatment tended to have lower levels of methylation in the controls and showed increase methylation in the switched treatment. In a second experiment, we confirmed that sublethal doses of the same pollutants generate effects on life histories for at least three generations following the removal of the pollutant. Our results demonstrate that even low doses of pollutants can induce transgenerational epigenetic effects that are stably transmitted over many generations. Persistent effects are likely to influence phenotypic development, which could contribute to the rapid adaptation, or extinction, of populations confronted by anthropogenic stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewan Harney
- Evolution, Ecology and Behaviour, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences University of Liverpool Liverpool L69 7ZB United Kingdom
- Current address: Institute of Evolutionary Biology (CSIC‐UPF) CMIMA Building Barcelona 08003 Spain
| | - Steve Paterson
- Evolution, Ecology and Behaviour, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences University of Liverpool Liverpool L69 7ZB United Kingdom
| | - Hélène Collin
- Evolution, Ecology and Behaviour, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences University of Liverpool Liverpool L69 7ZB United Kingdom
| | - Brian H.K. Chan
- Evolution, Ecology and Behaviour, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences University of Liverpool Liverpool L69 7ZB United Kingdom
- Current address: Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health The University of Manchester Manchester M13 9PT United Kingdom
| | - Daimark Bennett
- Molecular and Physiology Cell Signalling, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology University of Liverpool Liverpool L69 7ZB United Kingdom
| | - Stewart J. Plaistow
- Evolution, Ecology and Behaviour, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences University of Liverpool Liverpool L69 7ZB United Kingdom
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25
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Abstract
Increasing evidence indicates that non-DNA sequence-based epigenetic information can be inherited across several generations in organisms ranging from yeast to plants to humans. This raises the possibility of heritable 'epimutations' contributing to heritable phenotypic variation and thus to evolution. Recent work has shed light on both the signals that underpin these epimutations, including DNA methylation, histone modifications and non-coding RNAs, and the mechanisms by which they are transmitted across generations at the molecular level. These mechanisms can vary greatly among species and have a more limited effect in mammals than in plants and other animal species. Nevertheless, common principles are emerging, with transmission occurring either via direct replicative mechanisms or indirect reconstruction of the signal in subsequent generations. As these processes become clearer we continue to improve our understanding of the distinctive features and relative contribution of DNA sequence and epigenetic variation to heritable differences in phenotype.
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26
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Moore SR, Merrill SM, Sekhon B, MacIsaac JL, Kobor MS, Giesbrecht GF, Letourneau N. Infant DNA methylation: an early indicator of intergenerational trauma? Early Hum Dev 2022; 164:105519. [PMID: 34890904 DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2021.105519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) increases risk for mental and physical health problems. Intergenerationally, mothers' ACEs predict children's health problems including neurodevelopmental and behavioural problems and poorer physical health. Theories of intergenerational trauma suggest that ACEs experienced in one generation negatively affect the health and well-being of future generations, with DNA methylation (DNAm) being one of several potential biological explanations. To begin exploring this hypothesis, we tested whether infant DNA methylation associated with intergenerational trauma. Secondary analysis employed data from the Alberta Pregnancy Outcomes and Nutrition (APrON) study. Subsample data were collected from mothers during pregnancy and postpartum on measures of distress, stress and ACEs and from infants at 3 months of age on DNAm from blood (n = 92) and buccal epithelial cells (BECs; n = 124; primarily nonoverlapping individuals between tissues). Blood and BECs were examined in separate analyses. Preliminary associations identified in blood and BECs suggest that infant DNAm patterns may relate to maternal ACEs. For the majority of ACE-related DNAm sites, neither maternal perinatal distress, nor maternal cortisol awakening response (CAR; a measure of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis function), substantially reduced associations between maternal ACEs and infant DNAm. However, accounting for maternal perinatal distress and cortisol substantially changed the effect of ACEs in a greater proportion of blood DNAm sites than BEC DNAm sites in the top ACEs-associated correlated methylated regions (CMRs), as well as across all CMRs and all remaining CpGs (that did not fall into CMRs). Possible DNAm patterns in infants, thus, might capture a signature of maternal intergenerational trauma, and this effect appears to be more dependent on maternal perinatal distress and CAR in blood relative to BECs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah R Moore
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute and Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Sarah M Merrill
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute and Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Bikram Sekhon
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Julia L MacIsaac
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute and Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Michael S Kobor
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute and Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Gerald F Giesbrecht
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Pediatrics & Owerko Centre at the Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Nicole Letourneau
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Pediatrics & Owerko Centre at the Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Psychiatry and Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
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27
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Kiefer H, Sellem E, Bonnet-Garnier A, Pannetier M, Costes V, Schibler L, Jammes H. The epigenome of male germ cells and the programming of phenotypes in cattle. Anim Front 2021; 11:28-38. [PMID: 34934527 PMCID: PMC8683155 DOI: 10.1093/af/vfab062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hélène Kiefer
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France.,Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Eli Sellem
- R&D Department, ALLICE, 149 rue de Bercy, 75012, Paris, France
| | - Amélie Bonnet-Garnier
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France.,Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Maëlle Pannetier
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France.,Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Valentin Costes
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France.,Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France.,R&D Department, ALLICE, 149 rue de Bercy, 75012, Paris, France
| | | | - Hélène Jammes
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France.,Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
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28
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Verdikt R, Allard P. Metabolo-epigenetics: the interplay of metabolism and epigenetics during early germ cells development. Biol Reprod 2021; 105:616-624. [PMID: 34132770 PMCID: PMC8444669 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolites control epigenetic mechanisms, and conversly, cell metabolism is regulated at the epigenetic level in response to changes in the cellular environment. In recent years, this metabolo-epigenetic control of gene expression has been implicated in the regulation of multiple stages of embryonic development. The developmental potency of stem cells and their embryonic counterparts is directly determined by metabolic rewiring. Here, we review the current knowledge on the interplay between epigenetics and metabolism in the specific context of early germ cell development. We explore the implications of metabolic rewiring in primordial germ cells in light of their epigenetic remodeling during cell fate determination. Finally, we discuss the relevance of concerted metabolic and epigenetic regulation of primordial germ cells in the context of mammalian transgenerational epigenetic inheritance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roxane Verdikt
- Institute for Society and Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Patrick Allard
- Institute for Society and Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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29
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The information continuum model of evolution. Biosystems 2021; 209:104510. [PMID: 34416317 DOI: 10.1016/j.biosystems.2021.104510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Most biologists agree that evolution is contingent on inherited information shaped by natural selection. This apparent consensus could be taken to indicate agreement on the forces shaping evolution, but vivid discussions reveal divergences on how evolution is perceived. The predominant Modern Synthesis (MS) paradigm holds the position that evolution occurs through random changes acting on genomic inheritance. However, studies from recent decades have revealed that evolutionary inheritance also includes DNA-methylation, RNA, symbionts, and culture, among other factors. This has fueled a demand of a broader evolutionary perspective, for example from the proponents of the Extended Evolutionary Synthesis (EES). Despite fundamental disagreements the different views agree that natural selection happens through dissimilar perpetuation of inheritable information. Yet, neither the MS, nor the ESS dwell extensively on the nature of hereditary information. We do - and conclude that information in and of itself is immaterial. We then argue that the quality upon which natural selection acts henceforth is also immaterial. Based on these notions, we arrive at the information-centric Information Continuum Model (ICM) of evolution. The ICM asserts that hereditary information is embedded in diverse physical forms (DNA, RNA, symbionts etc.) representing a continuum of evolutionary qualities, and that information may migrate between these physical forms. The ICM leaves theoretical exploration of evolution unrestricted by the limitations imposed by the individual physical forms wherein the hereditary information is embedded (e.g. genomes). ICM bestows us with a simple heuristic model that adds explanatory dimensions to be considered in the evolution of biological systems.
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30
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Tando Y, Hiura H, Takehara A, Ito-Matsuoka Y, Arima T, Matsui Y. Epi-mutations for spermatogenic defects by maternal exposure to di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate. eLife 2021; 10:70322. [PMID: 34319233 PMCID: PMC8318585 DOI: 10.7554/elife.70322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Exposure to environmental factors during fetal development may lead to epigenomic modifications in fetal germ cells, altering gene expression and promoting diseases in successive generations. In mouse, maternal exposure to di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is known to induce defects in spermatogenesis in successive generations, but the mechanism(s) of impaired spermatogenesis are unclear. Here, we showed that maternal DEHP exposure results in DNA hypermethylation of promoters of spermatogenesis-related genes in fetal testicular germ cells in F1 mice, and hypermethylation of Hist1h2ba, Sycp1, and Taf7l, which are crucial for spermatogenesis, persisted from fetal testicular cells to adult spermatogonia, resulting in the downregulation of expression of these genes. Forced methylation of these gene promoters silenced expression of these loci in a reporter assay. These results suggested that maternal DEHP exposure-induced hypermethylation of Hist1h2ba, Sycp1, and Taf7l results in downregulation of these genes in spermatogonia and subsequent defects in spermatogenesis, at least in the F1 generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukiko Tando
- Cell Resource Center for Biomedical Research, Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan.,Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Hiura
- Department of Bioscience, Faculty of Life Sciences, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Asuka Takehara
- Cell Resource Center for Biomedical Research, Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Yumi Ito-Matsuoka
- Cell Resource Center for Biomedical Research, Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Takahiro Arima
- Department of Informative Genetics, Environment and Genome Research Center, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Yasuhisa Matsui
- Cell Resource Center for Biomedical Research, Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan.,Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan.,Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
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31
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Abstract
Epigenetic modifications are emerging as important regulatory mechanisms of gene expression in lung disease, given that they are influenced by environmental exposures and genetic variants, and that they regulate immune and fibrotic processes. In this review, we introduce these concepts with a focus on the study of DNA methylation and histone modifications and discuss how they have been applied to lung disease, and how they can be applied to sarcoidosis. This information has implications for other exposure and immunologically mediated lung diseases, such as chronic beryllium disease, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and asbestosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iain R Konigsberg
- Human Medical Genetics and Genomics Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Dept of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Lisa A Maier
- Dept of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Dept of Medicine, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO, USA
- Dept of Environmental and Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Ivana V Yang
- Human Medical Genetics and Genomics Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Dept of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Dept of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, CO, USA
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32
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Vanzan L, Soldati H, Ythier V, Anand S, Braun SMG, Francis N, Murr R. High throughput screening identifies SOX2 as a super pioneer factor that inhibits DNA methylation maintenance at its binding sites. Nat Commun 2021; 12:3337. [PMID: 34099689 PMCID: PMC8184831 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-23630-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Binding of mammalian transcription factors (TFs) to regulatory regions is hindered by chromatin compaction and DNA methylation of their binding sites. Nevertheless, pioneer transcription factors (PFs), a distinct class of TFs, have the ability to access nucleosomal DNA, leading to nucleosome remodelling and enhanced chromatin accessibility. Whether PFs can bind to methylated sites and induce DNA demethylation is largely unknown. Using a highly parallelized approach to investigate PF ability to bind methylated DNA and induce DNA demethylation, we show that the interdependence between DNA methylation and TF binding is more complex than previously thought, even within a select group of TFs displaying pioneering activity; while some PFs do not affect the methylation status of their binding sites, we identified PFs that can protect DNA from methylation and others that can induce DNA demethylation at methylated binding sites. We call the latter super pioneer transcription factors (SPFs), as they are seemingly able to overcome several types of repressive epigenetic marks. Finally, while most SPFs induce TET-dependent active DNA demethylation, SOX2 binding leads to passive demethylation, an activity enhanced by the co-binding of OCT4. This finding suggests that SPFs could interfere with epigenetic memory during DNA replication. The functional relevance of epigenetic modifications on transcription regulation has been an important question since their discovery. Here, the authors investigate the effect of DNA methylation on Pioneer Transcription Factor (PF) binding and distinguish between PFs that protect their binding sites from methylation and those that bind to methylated DNA and induce DNA demethylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludovica Vanzan
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva Medical School, Geneva, Switzerland.,Institute of Bioengineering, School of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Hadrien Soldati
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva Medical School, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Victor Ythier
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva Medical School, Geneva, Switzerland.,Diagnostic Department, Clinical Pathology Division, University Hospital of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Santosh Anand
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva Medical School, Geneva, Switzerland.,Department of Informatics, Systems and Communications (DISCo), University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Simon M G Braun
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva Medical School, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Nicole Francis
- Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal (IRCM) and Département de Biochimie et Médecine Moléculaire, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Rabih Murr
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva Medical School, Geneva, Switzerland. .,Institute for Genetics and Genomics of Geneva (iGE3), University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
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33
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Wang HLV, Forestier S, Corces VG. Exposure to sevoflurane results in changes of transcription factor occupancy in sperm and inheritance of autism. Biol Reprod 2021; 105:705-719. [PMID: 33982067 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
One in 54 children in the U.S. is diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). De novo germline and somatic mutations cannot account for all cases of ASD, suggesting that epigenetic alterations triggered by environmental exposures may be responsible for a subset of ASD cases. Human and animal studies have shown that exposure of the developing brain to general anesthetic (GA) agents can trigger neurodegeneration and neurobehavioral abnormalities but the effects of general anesthetics on the germ line have not been explored in detail. We exposed pregnant mice to sevoflurane during the time of embryonic development when the germ cells undergo epigenetic reprogramming and found that more than 38% of the directly exposed F1 animals exhibit impairments in anxiety and social interactions. Strikingly, 44-47% of the F2 and F3 animals, which were not directly exposed to sevoflurane, show the same behavioral problems. We performed ATAC-seq and identified more than 1200 differentially accessible sites in the sperm of F1 animals, 69 of which are also present in the sperm of F2 animals. These sites are located in regulatory regions of genes strongly associated with ASD, including Arid1b, Ntrk2, and Stmn2. These findings suggest that epimutations caused by exposing germ cells to sevoflurane can lead to ASD in the offspring, and this effect can be transmitted through the male germline inter and trans-generationally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsiao-Lin V Wang
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, 615 Michael St, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Samantha Forestier
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, 615 Michael St, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Victor G Corces
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, 615 Michael St, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
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34
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Escher J. How Family Histories Can Inform Research About Germ Cell Exposures: The Example of Autism. Biol Reprod 2021; 105:767-773. [PMID: 33959752 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Throughout the scientific literature, heritable traits are routinely presumed to be genetic in origin. However, as emerging evidence from the realms of genetic toxicology and epigenomics demonstrate, heritability may be better understood as encompassing not only DNA sequence passed down through generations, but also disruptions to the parental germ cells causing de novo mutations or epigenetic alterations, with subsequent shifts in gene expression and functions in offspring. The Beyond Genes conference highlighted advances in understanding these aspects at molecular, experimental and epidemiological levels. In this commentary I suggest that future research on this topic could be inspired by collecting parents' germ cell exposure histories, with particular attention to cases of families with multiple children suffering idiopathic disorders. In so doing I focus on the endpoint of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Rates of this serious neurodevelopment disability have climbed around the world, a growing crisis that cannot be explained by diagnostic shifts. ASD's strong heritability has prompted a research program largely focused on DNA sequencing to locate rare and common variants, but decades of this gene-focused research have revealed surprisingly little about the molecular origins of the disorder. Based on my experience as the mother of two children with idiopathic autism, and as a research philanthropist and autism advocate, I suggest ways researchers might probe parental germ cell exposure histories to develop new hypotheses that may ultimately reveal sources of non-genetic heritability in a subset of idiopathic heritable pathologies.
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35
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Greenberg MVC. Get Out and Stay Out: New Insights Into DNA Methylation Reprogramming in Mammals. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 8:629068. [PMID: 33490089 PMCID: PMC7817772 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.629068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Vertebrate genomes are marked by notably high levels of 5-cytosine DNA methylation (5meC). The clearest function of DNA methylation among members of the subphylum is repression of potentially deleterious transposable elements (TEs). However, enrichment in the bodies of protein coding genes and pericentromeric heterochromatin indicate an important role for 5meC in those genomic compartments as well. Moreover, DNA methylation plays an important role in silencing of germline-specific genes. Impaired function of major components of DNA methylation machinery results in lethality in fish, amphibians and mammals. Despite such apparent importance, mammals exhibit a dramatic loss and regain of DNA methylation in early embryogenesis prior to implantation, and then again in the cells specified for the germline. In this minireview we will highlight recent studies that shine light on two major aspects of embryonic DNA methylation reprogramming: (1) The mechanism of DNA methylation loss after fertilization and (2) the protection of discrete loci from ectopic DNA methylation deposition during reestablishment. Finally, we will conclude with some extrapolations for the evolutionary underpinnings of such extraordinary events that seemingly put the genome under unnecessary risk during a particularly vulnerable window of development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxim V C Greenberg
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut Jacques Monod, Université de Paris, Paris, France
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36
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Adrian-Kalchhauser I, Sultan SE, Shama LNS, Spence-Jones H, Tiso S, Keller Valsecchi CI, Weissing FJ. Understanding 'Non-genetic' Inheritance: Insights from Molecular-Evolutionary Crosstalk. Trends Ecol Evol 2020; 35:1078-1089. [PMID: 33036806 DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2020.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the evolutionary and ecological roles of 'non-genetic' inheritance (NGI) is daunting due to the complexity and diversity of epigenetic mechanisms. We draw on insights from molecular and evolutionary biology perspectives to identify three general features of 'non-genetic' inheritance systems: (i) they are functionally interdependent with, rather than separate from, DNA sequence; (ii) precise mechanisms vary phylogenetically and operationally; and (iii) epigenetic elements are probabilistic, interactive regulatory factors and not deterministic 'epialleles' with defined genomic locations and effects. We discuss each of these features and offer recommendations for future empirical and theoretical research that implements a unifying inherited gene regulation (IGR) approach to studies of 'non-genetic' inheritance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Adrian-Kalchhauser
- Centre for Fish and Wildlife Health, Department for Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Sonia E Sultan
- Biology Department, Wesleyan University, Middletown, CT 06459, USA
| | - Lisa N S Shama
- Coastal Ecology Section, Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Wadden Sea Station Sylt, Hafenstrasse 43, 25992 List, Germany
| | - Helen Spence-Jones
- Centre for Biological Diversity, School of Biology, University of St Andrews, St. Andrews, UK
| | - Stefano Tiso
- Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB), Ackermannweg 4, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | | | - Franz J Weissing
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747, AG, Groningen, The Netherlands
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