1
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Halter K, Chen J, Priklopil T, Monfort A, Wutz A. Cdk8 and Hira mutations trigger X chromosome elimination in naive female hybrid mouse embryonic stem cells. Chromosome Res 2024; 32:12. [PMID: 39390295 PMCID: PMC11467062 DOI: 10.1007/s10577-024-09756-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 09/11/2024] [Accepted: 09/18/2024] [Indexed: 10/12/2024]
Abstract
Mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) possess a pluripotent developmental potential and a stable karyotype. An exception is the frequent loss of one X chromosome in female ESCs derived from inbred mice. In contrast, female ESCs from crosses between different Mus musculus subspecies often maintain two X chromosomes and can model X chromosome inactivation. Here we report that combined mutations of Hira and Cdk8 induce rapid loss of one X chromosome in a Mus musculus castaneus hybrid female ESC line that originally maintains two X chromosomes. We show that MEK1 inhibition, which is used for culturing naive pluripotent ESCs is sufficient to induce X chromosome loss. In conventional ESC media, Hira and Cdk8 mutant ESCs maintain both X chromosomes. Induction of X chromosome loss by switching to naive culture media allows us to perform kinetic measurements for calculating the chromosome loss rate. Our analysis shows that X chromosome loss is not explained by selection of XO cells, but likely driven by a process of chromosome elimination. We show that elimination of the X chromosome occurs with a rate of 0.3% per cell per division, which exceeds reported autosomal loss rates by 3 orders of magnitude. We show that chromosomes 8 and 11 are stably maintained. Notably, Xist expression from one of the two X chromosomes rescues X chromosomal instability in ΔHiraΔCdk8 ESCs. Our study defines mutations of Hira and Cdk8 as molecular drivers for X chromosome elimination in naive female ESCs and describes a cell system for elucidating the underlying mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Halter
- Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, Department of Biology, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, ETH Hönggerberg, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jingyi Chen
- Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, Department of Biology, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, ETH Hönggerberg, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Tadeas Priklopil
- Department of Biology and Department of Environmental Systems Science, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Asun Monfort
- Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, Department of Biology, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, ETH Hönggerberg, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Anton Wutz
- Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, Department of Biology, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, ETH Hönggerberg, Zurich, Switzerland.
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2
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Grundy EE, Shaw LC, Wang L, Lee AV, Argueta JC, Powell DJ, Ostrowski M, Jones RB, Cruz CRY, Gordish-Dressman H, Chappell NP, Bollard CM, Chiappinelli KB. A T cell receptor specific for an HLA-A*03:01-restricted epitope in the endogenous retrovirus ERV-K-Env exhibits limited recognition of its cognate epitope. Mob DNA 2024; 15:19. [PMID: 39385229 PMCID: PMC11462856 DOI: 10.1186/s13100-024-00333-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 10/04/2024] [Indexed: 10/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Transposable elements (TEs) are often expressed at higher levels in tumor cells than normal cells, implicating these genomic regions as an untapped pool of tumor-associated antigens. In ovarian cancer (OC), protein from the TE ERV-K is frequently expressed by tumor cells. Here we determined whether the targeting of previously identified epitope in the envelope gene (env) of ERV-K resulted in target antigen specificity against cancer cells. We found that transducing healthy donor T cells with an ERV-K-Env-specific T cell receptor construct resulted in antigen specificity only when co-cultured with HLA-A*03:01 B lymphoblastoid cells. Furthermore, in vitro priming of several healthy donors with this epitope of ERV-K-Env did not result in target antigen specificity. These data suggest that the T cell receptor is a poor candidate for targeting this specific ERV-K-Env epitope and has limited potential as a T cell therapy for OC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin E Grundy
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Tropical Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
- The George Washington University Cancer Center, Washington, DC, USA
- The Integrated Biomedical Sciences at the George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Lauren C Shaw
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine, Ovarian Cancer Research Center, The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Loretta Wang
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Tropical Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
- The George Washington University Cancer Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Abigail V Lee
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Tropical Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
- The George Washington University Cancer Center, Washington, DC, USA
- The Integrated Biomedical Sciences at the George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - James Castro Argueta
- The George Washington School of Medicine and Health Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Daniel J Powell
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine, Ovarian Cancer Research Center, The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Mario Ostrowski
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - R Brad Jones
- Weill Cornell Medicine Graduate School of Medical Sciences, New York, NY, USA
| | - C Russell Y Cruz
- The George Washington University Cancer Center, Washington, DC, USA
- The Integrated Biomedical Sciences at the George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
- Center for Cancer and Immunology, , Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Heather Gordish-Dressman
- The George Washington School of Medicine and Health Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
- The Center for Translational Research, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | - Catherine M Bollard
- The George Washington University Cancer Center, Washington, DC, USA
- The Integrated Biomedical Sciences at the George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
- Center for Cancer and Immunology, , Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Katherine B Chiappinelli
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Tropical Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
- The George Washington University Cancer Center, Washington, DC, USA.
- The Integrated Biomedical Sciences at the George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
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3
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Katsanou A, Kostoulas C, Liberopoulos E, Tsatsoulis A, Georgiou I, Tigas S. Retrotransposons and Diabetes Mellitus. EPIGENOMES 2024; 8:35. [PMID: 39311137 PMCID: PMC11417941 DOI: 10.3390/epigenomes8030035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2024] [Revised: 08/01/2024] [Accepted: 09/04/2024] [Indexed: 09/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Retrotransposons are invasive genetic elements, which replicate by copying and pasting themselves throughout the genome in a process called retrotransposition. The most abundant retrotransposons by number in the human genome are Alu and LINE-1 elements, which comprise approximately 40% of the human genome. The ability of retrotransposons to expand and colonize eukaryotic genomes has rendered them evolutionarily successful and is responsible for creating genetic alterations leading to significant impacts on their hosts. Previous research suggested that hypomethylation of Alu and LINE-1 elements is associated with global hypomethylation and genomic instability in several types of cancer and diseases, such as neurodegenerative diseases, obesity, osteoporosis, and diabetes mellitus (DM). With the advancement of sequencing technologies and computational tools, the study of the retrotransposon's association with physiology and diseases is becoming a hot topic among researchers. Quantifying Alu and LINE-1 methylation is thought to serve as a surrogate measurement of global DNA methylation level. Although Alu and LINE-1 hypomethylation appears to serve as a cellular senescence biomarker promoting genomic instability, there is sparse information available regarding their potential functional and biological significance in DM. This review article summarizes the current knowledge on the involvement of the main epigenetic alterations in the methylation status of Alu and LINE-1 retrotransposons and their potential role as epigenetic markers of global DNA methylation in the pathogenesis of DM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andromachi Katsanou
- Department of Endocrinology, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; (A.K.); (A.T.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hatzikosta General Hospital, 45445 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Charilaos Kostoulas
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; (C.K.); (I.G.)
| | - Evangelos Liberopoulos
- First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laiko General Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Agathocles Tsatsoulis
- Department of Endocrinology, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; (A.K.); (A.T.)
| | - Ioannis Georgiou
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; (C.K.); (I.G.)
| | - Stelios Tigas
- Department of Endocrinology, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; (A.K.); (A.T.)
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4
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Sereshki S, Lonardi S. Predicting Differentially Methylated Cytosines in TET and DNMT3 Knockout Mutants via a Large Language Model. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.02.592257. [PMID: 39282350 PMCID: PMC11398415 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.02.592257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/22/2024]
Abstract
DNA cytosine methylation is an epigenetic marker which regulates many cellular processes. Mammalian genomes typically maintain consistent methylation patterns over time, except in specific regulatory regions like promoters and certain types of enhancers. The dynamics of DNA methylation is controlled by a complex cellular machinery, in which the enzymes DNMT3 and TET play a major role. This study explores the identification of differentially methylated cytosines (DMCs) in TET and DNMT3 knockout mutants in mice and human embryonic stem cells. We investigate (i) whether a large language model can be trained to recognize DMCs in human and mouse from the sequence surrounding the cytosine of interest, (ii) whether a classifier trained on human knockout data can predict DMCs in the mouse genome (and vice versa), (iii) whether a classifier trained on DNMT3 knockout can predict DMCs for TET knockout (and vice versa). Our study identifies statistically significant motifs associated with the prediction of DMCs each mutant, casting a new light on the understanding of DNA methylation dynamics in stem cells. Our software tool is available at https://github.com/ucrbioinfo/dmc_prediction .
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Bonder MJ, Clark SJ, Krueger F, Luo S, Agostinho de Sousa J, Hashtroud AM, Stubbs TM, Stark AK, Rulands S, Stegle O, Reik W, von Meyenn F. scEpiAge: an age predictor highlighting single-cell ageing heterogeneity in mouse blood. Nat Commun 2024; 15:7567. [PMID: 39217176 PMCID: PMC11366017 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-51833-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Ageing is the accumulation of changes and decline of function of organisms over time. The concept and biomarkers of biological age have been established, notably DNA methylation-based clocks. The emergence of single-cell DNA methylation profiling methods opens the possibility of studying the biological age of individual cells. Here, we generate a large single-cell DNA methylation and transcriptome dataset from mouse peripheral blood samples, spanning a broad range of ages. The number of genes expressed increases with age, but gene-specific changes are small. We next develop scEpiAge, a single-cell DNA methylation age predictor, which can accurately predict age in (very sparse) publicly available datasets, and also in single cells. DNA methylation age distribution is wider than technically expected, indicating epigenetic age heterogeneity and functional differences. Our work provides a foundation for single-cell and sparse data epigenetic age predictors, validates their functionality and highlights epigenetic heterogeneity during ageing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Jan Bonder
- Division of Computational Genomics and Systems Genetics, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany.
- Genome Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany.
- Department of Genetics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands.
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Stephen J Clark
- Altos Labs, Cambridge Institute of Science, Cambridge, UK.
- Epigenetics Programme, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Felix Krueger
- Altos Labs, Cambridge Institute of Science, Cambridge, UK
- Bioinformatics Group, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Siyuan Luo
- Laboratory of Nutrition and Metabolic Epigenetics, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - João Agostinho de Sousa
- Laboratory of Nutrition and Metabolic Epigenetics, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Aida M Hashtroud
- Max Planck Institute for the Physics of Complex Systems, Dresden, Germany
- Arnold Sommerfeld Center for Theoretical Physics and Center for NanoScience, Department of Physics, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
| | - Thomas M Stubbs
- Epigenetics Programme, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
- Chronomics Limited, London, UK
| | | | - Steffen Rulands
- Max Planck Institute for the Physics of Complex Systems, Dresden, Germany
- Arnold Sommerfeld Center for Theoretical Physics and Center for NanoScience, Department of Physics, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
| | - Oliver Stegle
- Division of Computational Genomics and Systems Genetics, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
- Genome Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Wolf Reik
- Altos Labs, Cambridge Institute of Science, Cambridge, UK.
- Epigenetics Programme, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK.
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Ferdinand von Meyenn
- Laboratory of Nutrition and Metabolic Epigenetics, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, King's College London, London, UK.
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6
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Zhakula-Kostadinova N, Taylor AM. Patterns of Aneuploidy and Signaling Consequences in Cancer. Cancer Res 2024; 84:2575-2587. [PMID: 38924459 PMCID: PMC11325152 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-24-0169] [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: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Aneuploidy, or a change in the number of whole chromosomes or chromosome arms, is a near-universal feature of cancer. Chromosomes affected by aneuploidy are not random, with observed cancer-specific and tissue-specific patterns. Recent advances in genome engineering methods have allowed the creation of models with targeted aneuploidy events. These models can be used to uncover the downstream effects of individual aneuploidies on cancer phenotypes including proliferation, apoptosis, metabolism, and immune signaling. Here, we review the current state of research into the patterns of aneuploidy in cancer and their impact on signaling pathways and biological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadja Zhakula-Kostadinova
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
- Department of Genetics and Development, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Alison M Taylor
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York
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7
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Jarosiewicz M, Krześlak A. Epigenetic implications of common brominated flame retardants (PBDEs and TBBPA): Understanding the health risks of BFRs exposure. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 361:142488. [PMID: 38821124 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
Brominated flame retardants (BFRs) are synthetic chemicals incorporated into a wide variety of products, both for industrial applications and everyday use, with the primary aim of reducing their flammability or reducing the material burning rate. These compounds find widespread use in plastics, textiles, and electrical/electronic devices. However, BFRs can be released from products and, thus are determined in many environmental matrices such as soil, water and air.This review discuss the potential health implications of selected BFRs (PBDEs and TBBPA) exposure arising from their impact on the epigenetic mechanisms. Epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation and histone acetylation or methylation, as well as changes in miRNA pattern, play significant roles in gene expression and cell function and can be influenced by environmental factors.The studies indicate that PBDEs exposure can lead to global DNA hypomethylation, disrupting normal gene regulation and contributing to genomic instability. In animal models, PBDEs have been associated with adverse effects on neurodevelopment, including impairments in memory and learning. TBBPA exposure has also been linked to changes in DNA methylation patterns, alterations in histone posttranslational modifications and non-coding RNA expression. These epigenetic changes may contribute to health issues related to growth, development, and endocrine functions.The growing evidence of epigenetic modifications induced by BFRs exposure highlights the importance of understanding their potential risks to human health. Further investigations are needed to fully elucidate the long-term consequences of altered epigenetic marks and their impact on human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Jarosiewicz
- Department of Cytobiochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, 90-236, Lodz, Poland.
| | - Anna Krześlak
- Department of Cytobiochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, 90-236, Lodz, Poland
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8
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Wei X, Li J, Cheng Z, Wei S, Yu G, Olsen ML. Decoding the Epigenetic Landscape: Insights into 5mC and 5hmC Patterns in Mouse Cortical Cell Types. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.07.06.602342. [PMID: 39026756 PMCID: PMC11257419 DOI: 10.1101/2024.07.06.602342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
The DNA modifications, 5-methylcytosine (5mC) and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC), represent powerful epigenetic regulators of temporal and spatial gene expression. Yet, how the cooperation of these genome-wide, epigenetic marks determine unique transcriptional signatures across different brain cell populations is unclear. Here we applied Nanopore sequencing of native DNA to obtain a complete, genome-wide, single-base resolution atlas of 5mC and 5hmC modifications in neurons, astrocytes and microglia in the mouse cortex (99% genome coverage, 40 million CpG sites). In tandem with RNA sequencing, analysis of 5mC and 5hmC patterns across cell types reveals astrocytes drive uniquely high brain 5hmC levels and support two decades of research regarding methylation patterns, gene expression and alternative splicing, benchmarking this resource. As such, we provide the most comprehensive DNA methylation data in mouse brain as an interactive, online tool (NAM-Me, https://olsenlab.shinyapps.io/NAMME/) to serve as a resource dataset for those interested in the methylome landscape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoran Wei
- Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences Graduate Program, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, the United States
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, the United States
| | - Jiangtao Li
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, the United States
- Genetics, Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Graduate Program, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, the United States
| | - Zuolin Cheng
- Bradley Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Virginia Tech, Arlington, VA, the United States
| | - Songtao Wei
- Bradley Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Virginia Tech, Arlington, VA, the United States
| | - Guoqiang Yu
- Bradley Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Virginia Tech, Arlington, VA, the United States
| | - Michelle L Olsen
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, the United States
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9
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Grundy EE, Shaw LC, Wang L, Powell DJ, Ostrowski M, Jones RB, Cruz CRY, Gordish-Dressman H, Bollard CM, Chiappinelli KB. Limited Immunogenicity of an HLA-A*03:01-restricted Epitope of Erv-k-env in Non-hiv-1 Settings: Implications for Adoptive Cell Therapy in Cancer. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-4432372. [PMID: 38854052 PMCID: PMC11160923 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4432372/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Repetitive elements (REs) are often expressed at higher levels in tumor cells than normal cells, implicating these genomic regions as an untapped pool of tumor-associated antigens. In ovarian cancer (OC), protein from the RE ERV-K is frequently expressed by tumor cells. Here we determined whether the targeting of a previously identified immunogenic epitope in the envelope gene (env) of ERV-K resulted in target antigen specificity in non-HIV-1 settings. We found that transducing healthy donor T cells with an ERV-K-Env-specific T cell receptor construct resulted in antigen specificity only when co-cultured with HLA-A*03:01 B lymphoblastoid cells. Furthermore, these transduced T cells were not specific for HLA-A*03:01 + OC cells nor for the cognate peptide in HLA-matched systems from multiple healthy donors. These data suggest that the ERV-K-Env epitope recognized by this T cell receptor is of low immunogenicity and has limited potential as a T cell target for OC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - R Brad Jones
- Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Medical Sciences
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10
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Prasasya RD, Caldwell BA, Liu Z, Wu S, Leu NA, Fowler JM, Cincotta SA, Laird DJ, Kohli RM, Bartolomei MS. Iterative oxidation by TET1 is required for reprogramming of imprinting control regions and patterning of mouse sperm hypomethylated regions. Dev Cell 2024; 59:1010-1027.e8. [PMID: 38569549 PMCID: PMC11042979 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2024.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Ten-eleven translocation (TET) enzymes iteratively oxidize 5-methylcytosine (5mC) to generate 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC), 5-formylcytosine, and 5-carboxylcytosine to facilitate active genome demethylation. Whether these bases are required to promote replication-coupled dilution or activate base excision repair during mammalian germline reprogramming remains unresolved due to the inability to decouple TET activities. Here, we generated two mouse lines expressing catalytically inactive TET1 (Tet1-HxD) and TET1 that stalls oxidation at 5hmC (Tet1-V). Tet1 knockout and catalytic mutant primordial germ cells (PGCs) fail to erase methylation at select imprinting control regions and promoters of meiosis-associated genes, validating the requirement for the iterative oxidation of 5mC for complete germline reprogramming. TET1V and TET1HxD rescue most hypermethylation of Tet1-/- sperm, suggesting the role of TET1 beyond its oxidative capability. We additionally identify a broader class of hypermethylated regions in Tet1 mutant mouse sperm that depend on TET oxidation for reprogramming. Our study demonstrates the link between TET1-mediated germline reprogramming and sperm methylome patterning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rexxi D Prasasya
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Blake A Caldwell
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Zhengfeng Liu
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Songze Wu
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - N Adrian Leu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Center for Animal Transgenesis and Germ Cell Research, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Johanna M Fowler
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Steven A Cincotta
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science, Center for Reproductive Sciences, Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 84143, USA
| | - Diana J Laird
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science, Center for Reproductive Sciences, Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 84143, USA
| | - Rahul M Kohli
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Penn Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| | - Marisa S Bartolomei
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Penn Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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11
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Smith ME, Wahl D, Cavalier AN, McWilliams GT, Rossman MJ, Giordano GR, Bryan AD, Seals DR, LaRocca TJ. Repetitive element transcript accumulation is associated with inflammaging in humans. GeroScience 2024:10.1007/s11357-024-01126-y. [PMID: 38641753 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-024-01126-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic, low-grade inflammation increases with aging, contributing to functional declines and diseases that reduce healthspan. Growing evidence suggests that transcripts from repetitive elements (RE) in the genome contribute to this "inflammaging" by stimulating innate immune activation, but evidence of RE-associated inflammation with aging in humans is limited. Here, we present transcriptomic and clinical data showing that RE transcript levels are positively related to gene expression of innate immune sensors, and to serum interleukin 6 (a marker of systemic inflammation), in a large group of middle-aged and older adults. We also: (1) use transcriptomics and whole-genome bisulfite (methylation) sequencing to show that many RE may be hypomethylated with aging, and that aerobic exercise, a healthspan-extending intervention, reduces RE transcript levels and increases RE methylation in older adults; and (2) extend our findings in a secondary dataset demonstrating age-related changes in RE chromatin accessibility. Collectively, our data support the idea that age-related RE transcript accumulation may play a role in inflammaging in humans, and that RE dysregulation with aging may be due in part to upstream epigenetic changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan E Smith
- Department of Health and Exercise Science, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Devin Wahl
- Department of Health and Exercise Science, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Alyssa N Cavalier
- Department of Health and Exercise Science, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Gabriella T McWilliams
- Department of Health and Exercise Science, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Matthew J Rossman
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Gregory R Giordano
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Angela D Bryan
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Douglas R Seals
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Thomas J LaRocca
- Department of Health and Exercise Science, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA.
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12
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Huang C, Aghaei-Zarch SM. From molecular pathogenesis to therapy: Unraveling non-coding RNAs/DNMT3A axis in human cancers. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 222:116107. [PMID: 38438051 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
Cancer is a comprehensive classification encompassing more than 100 forms of malignancies that manifest in diverse tissues within the human body. Recent studies have provided evidence that aberrant epigenetic modifications are pivotal indicators of cancer. Epigenetics encapsulates DNA methyltransferases as a crucial class of modifiers. DNMTs, including DNMT3A, assume central roles in DNA methylation processes that orchestrate normal biological functions, such as gene transcription, predominantly in mammals. Typically, deviations in DNMT3A function engender distortions in factors that drive tumor growth and progression, thereby exacerbating the malignant phenotype of tumors. Consequently, such abnormalities pose significant challenges in cancer therapy because they impede treatment efficacy. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) represent a group of RNA molecules that cannot encode functional proteins. Recent investigation attests to the crucial significance of regulatory ncRNAs in epigenetic regulation. Notably, recent reports have illuminated the complex interplay between ncRNA expression and epigenetic regulatory machinery, including DNMT3A, particularly in cancer. Recent findings have demonstrated that miRNAs, namely miR-770-5p, miR-101, and miR-145 exhibit the capability to target DNMT3A directly, and their aberration is implicated in diverse cellular abnormalities that predispose to cancer development. This review aims to articulate the interplay between DNMT3A and the ncRNAs, focusing on its impact on the development and progression of cancer, cancer therapy resistance, cancer stem cells, and prognosis. Importantly, the emergence of such reports that suggest a connection between DNMT3A and ncRNAs in several cancers indicates that this connecting axis offers a valuable target with significant therapeutic potential that might be exploited for cancer management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunjie Huang
- School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Seyed Mohsen Aghaei-Zarch
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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13
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Brenner LM, Meyer F, Yang H, Köhler AR, Bashtrykov P, Guo M, Jeltsch A, Lungu C, Olayioye MA. Repeat DNA methylation is modulated by adherens junction signaling. Commun Biol 2024; 7:286. [PMID: 38454140 PMCID: PMC10920906 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-05990-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Through its involvement in gene transcription and heterochromatin formation, DNA methylation regulates how cells interact with their environment. Nevertheless, the extracellular signaling cues that modulate the distribution of this central chromatin modification are largely unclear. DNA methylation is highly abundant at repetitive elements, but its investigation in live cells has been complicated by methodological challenges. Utilizing a CRISPR/dCas9 biosensor that reads DNA methylation of human α-satellite repeats in live cells, we here uncover a signaling pathway linking the chromatin and transcriptional state of repetitive elements to epithelial adherens junction integrity. Specifically, we find that in confluent breast epithelial cell monolayers, α-satellite repeat methylation is reduced by comparison to low density cultures. This is coupled with increased transcriptional activity at repeats. Through comprehensive perturbation experiments, we identify the junctional protein E-cadherin, which links to the actin cytoskeleton, as a central molecular player for signal relay into the nucleus. Furthermore, we find that this pathway is impaired in cancer cells that lack E-cadherin and are not contact-inhibited. This suggests that the molecular connection between cell density and repetitive element methylation could play a role in the maintenance of epithelial tissue homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa-Marie Brenner
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Florian Meyer
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Haiqian Yang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, 02139, MA, USA
| | - Anja R Köhler
- Institute of Biochemistry and Technical Biochemistry, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Pavel Bashtrykov
- Institute of Biochemistry and Technical Biochemistry, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Ming Guo
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, 02139, MA, USA
| | - Albert Jeltsch
- Institute of Biochemistry and Technical Biochemistry, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Cristiana Lungu
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany.
- Stuttgart Research Center Systems Biology (SRCSB), University of Stuttgart, Nobelstraße 15, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany.
| | - Monilola A Olayioye
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany.
- Stuttgart Research Center Systems Biology (SRCSB), University of Stuttgart, Nobelstraße 15, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany.
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14
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Mecca M, Picerno S, Cortellino S. The Killer's Web: Interconnection between Inflammation, Epigenetics and Nutrition in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2750. [PMID: 38473997 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052750] [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: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Inflammation is a key contributor to both the initiation and progression of tumors, and it can be triggered by genetic instability within tumors, as well as by lifestyle and dietary factors. The inflammatory response plays a critical role in the genetic and epigenetic reprogramming of tumor cells, as well as in the cells that comprise the tumor microenvironment. Cells in the microenvironment acquire a phenotype that promotes immune evasion, progression, and metastasis. We will review the mechanisms and pathways involved in the interaction between tumors, inflammation, and nutrition, the limitations of current therapies, and discuss potential future therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisabel Mecca
- Laboratory of Preclinical and Translational Research, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico della Basilicata (IRCCS-CROB), 85028 Rionero in Vulture, PZ, Italy
| | - Simona Picerno
- Laboratory of Preclinical and Translational Research, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico della Basilicata (IRCCS-CROB), 85028 Rionero in Vulture, PZ, Italy
| | - Salvatore Cortellino
- Laboratory of Preclinical and Translational Research, Responsible Research Hospital, 86100 Campobasso, CB, Italy
- Scuola Superiore Meridionale (SSM), Clinical and Translational Oncology, 80138 Naples, NA, Italy
- S.H.R.O. Italia Foundation ETS, 10060 Candiolo, TO, Italy
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15
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Papadaki S, Piperi C. Impact of Histone Lysine Methyltransferase SUV4-20H2 on Cancer Onset and Progression with Therapeutic Potential. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2498. [PMID: 38473745 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052498] [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: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Histone lysine methyltransferase SUV4-20H2, a member of the suppressor of variegation 4-20 homolog (SUV4-20) family, has a critical impact on the regulation of chromatin structure and gene expression. This methyltransferase establishes the trimethylation of histone H4 lysine 20 (H4K20me3), a repressive histone mark that affects several cellular processes. Deregulated SUV4-20H2 activity has been associated with altered chromatin dynamics, leading to the misregulation of key genes involved in cell cycle control, apoptosis and DNA repair. Emerging research evidence indicates that SUV4-20H2 acts as a potential epigenetic modifier, contributing to the development and progression of several malignancies, including breast, colon and lung cancer, as well as renal, hepatocellular and pancreatic cancer. Understanding the molecular mechanisms that underlie SUV4-20H2-mediated effects on chromatin structure and gene expression may provide valuable insights into novel therapeutic strategies for targeting epigenetic alterations in cancer. Herein, we discuss structural and functional aspects of SUV4-20H2 in cancer onset, progression and prognosis, along with current targeting options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stela Papadaki
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 M. Asias Street, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Christina Piperi
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 M. Asias Street, 11527 Athens, Greece
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16
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Ramirez P, Sun W, Kazempour Dehkordi S, Zare H, Fongang B, Bieniek KF, Frost B. Nanopore-based DNA long-read sequencing analysis of the aged human brain. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.01.578450. [PMID: 38370753 PMCID: PMC10871260 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.01.578450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Aging disrupts cellular processes such as DNA repair and epigenetic control, leading to a gradual buildup of genomic alterations that can have detrimental effects in post-mitotic cells. Genomic alterations in regions of the genome that are rich in repetitive sequences, often termed "dark loci," are difficult to resolve using traditional sequencing approaches. New long-read technologies offer promising avenues for exploration of previously inaccessible regions of the genome. Using nanopore-based long-read whole-genome sequencing of DNA extracted from aged 18 human brains, we identify previously unreported structural variants and methylation patterns within repetitive DNA, focusing on transposable elements ("jumping genes") as crucial sources of variation, particularly in dark loci. Our analyses reveal potential somatic insertion variants and provides DNA methylation frequencies for many retrotransposon families. We further demonstrate the utility of this technology for the study of these challenging genomic regions in brains affected by Alzheimer's disease and identify significant differences in DNA methylation in pathologically normal brains versus those affected by Alzheimer's disease. Highlighting the power of this approach, we discover specific polymorphic retrotransposons with altered DNA methylation patterns. These retrotransposon loci have the potential to contribute to pathology, warranting further investigation in Alzheimer's disease research. Taken together, our study provides the first long-read DNA sequencing-based analysis of retrotransposon sequences, structural variants, and DNA methylation in the aging brain affected with Alzheimer's disease neuropathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulino Ramirez
- Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
- Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Wenyan Sun
- Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
- Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
- School of Pharmacy, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri
| | - Shiva Kazempour Dehkordi
- Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Habil Zare
- Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Bernard Fongang
- Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
- Department of Biochemistry & Structural Biology, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Kevin F. Bieniek
- Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Bess Frost
- Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
- Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
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17
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Somarathne RP, Misra SK, Kariyawasam CS, Kessl JJ, Sharp JS, Fitzkee NC. Exploring Residue-Level Interactions between the Biofilm-Driving R2ab Protein and Polystyrene Nanoparticles. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2024; 40:1213-1222. [PMID: 38174900 PMCID: PMC10843815 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.3c02609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
In biological systems, proteins can bind to nanoparticles to form a "corona" of adsorbed molecules. The nanoparticle corona is of significant interest because it impacts an organism's response to a nanomaterial. Understanding the corona requires knowledge of protein structure, orientation, and dynamics at the surface. A residue-level mapping of protein behavior on nanoparticle surfaces is needed, but this mapping is difficult to obtain with traditional approaches. Here, we have investigated the interaction between R2ab and polystyrene nanoparticles (PSNPs) at the level of individual residues. R2ab is a bacterial surface protein from Staphylococcus epidermidis and is known to interact strongly with polystyrene, leading to biofilm formation. We have used mass spectrometry after lysine methylation and hydrogen-deuterium exchange (HDX) NMR spectroscopy to understand how the R2ab protein interacts with PSNPs of different sizes. Lysine methylation experiments reveal subtle but statistically significant changes in methylation patterns in the presence of PSNPs, indicating altered protein surface accessibility. HDX rates become slower overall in the presence of PSNPs. However, some regions of the R2ab protein exhibit faster than average exchange rates in the presence of PSNPs, while others are slower than the average behavior, suggesting conformational changes upon binding. HDX rates and methylation ratios support a recently proposed "adsorbotope" model for PSNPs, wherein adsorbed proteins consist of unfolded anchor points interspersed with partially structured regions. Our data also highlight the challenges of characterizing complex protein-nanoparticle interactions using these techniques, such as fast exchange rates. While providing insights into how R2ab adsorbs onto PSNP surfaces, this research emphasizes the need for advanced methods to comprehend residue-level interactions in the nanoparticle corona.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radha P Somarathne
- Department of Chemistry, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi 39762, United States
| | - Sandeep K Misra
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, University of Mississippi, University, Mississippi 38677, United States
| | - Chathuri S Kariyawasam
- Department of Chemistry, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi 39762, United States
| | - Jacques J Kessl
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, Mississippi 39406, United States
| | - Joshua S Sharp
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, University of Mississippi, University, Mississippi 38677, United States
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Mississippi, University, Mississippi 38677, United States
| | - Nicholas C Fitzkee
- Department of Chemistry, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi 39762, United States
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18
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Switzer CH. Non-canonical nitric oxide signalling and DNA methylation: Inflammation induced epigenetic alterations and potential drug targets. Br J Pharmacol 2023. [PMID: 38116806 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16302] [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: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation controls DNA accessibility to transcription factors and other regulatory proteins, thereby affecting gene expression and hence cellular identity and function. As epigenetic modifications control the transcriptome, epigenetic dysfunction is strongly associated with pathological conditions and ageing. The development of pharmacological agents that modulate the activity of major epigenetic proteins are in pre-clinical development and clinical use. However, recent publications have identified novel redox-based signalling pathways, and therefore novel drug targets, that may exert epigenetic effects. This review will discuss the recent developments in nitric oxide (NO) signalling on DNA methylation as well as potential epigenetic drug targets that have emerged from the intersection of inflammation/redox biology and epigenetic regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher H Switzer
- William Harvey Research Institute, Barts & The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
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19
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Kulski JK, Pfaff AL, Marney LD, Fröhlich A, Bubb VJ, Quinn JP, Koks S. Regulation of expression quantitative trait loci by SVA retrotransposons within the major histocompatibility complex. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2023; 248:2304-2318. [PMID: 38031415 PMCID: PMC10903234 DOI: 10.1177/15353702231209411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Genomic and transcriptomic studies of expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) revealed that SINE-VNTR-Alu (SVA) retrotransposon insertion polymorphisms (RIPs) within human genomes markedly affect the co-expression of many coding and noncoding genes by coordinated regulatory processes. This study examined the polymorphic SVA modulation of gene co-expression within the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genomic region where more than 160 coding genes are involved in innate and adaptive immunity. We characterized the modulation of SVA RIPs utilizing the genomic and transcriptomic sequencing data obtained from whole blood of 1266 individuals in the Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) cohort that included an analysis of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-A regulation in a subpopulation of the cohort. The regulatory properties of eight SVAs located within the class I and class II MHC regions were associated with differential co-expression of 71 different genes within and 75 genes outside the MHC region. Some of the same genes were affected by two or more different SVA. Five SVA are annotated in the human genomic reference sequence GRCh38.p14/hg38, whereas the other three were novel insertions within individuals. We also examined and found distinct structural effects (long and short variants and the CT internal variants) for one of the SVA (R_SVA_24) insertions on the differential expression of the HLA-A gene within a subpopulation (550 individuals) of the PPMI cohort. This is the first time that many HLA and non-HLA genes (multilocus expression units) and splicing mechanisms have been shown to be regulated by eight structurally polymorphic SVA within the MHC genomic region by applying precise statistical analysis of RNA data derived from the blood samples of a human cohort population. This study shows that SVA within the MHC region are important regulators or rheostats of gene co-expression that might have potential roles in diversity, health, and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerzy K Kulski
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, School of Medicine, Tokai University, Isehara, Kanagawa 259–1193, Japan
- Health and Medical Science. Division of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Abigail L Pfaff
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Perth, WA 6150, Australia
| | - Luke D Marney
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 3BX, UK
| | - Alexander Fröhlich
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 3BX, UK
| | - Vivien J Bubb
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 3BX, UK
| | - John P Quinn
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 3BX, UK
| | - Sulev Koks
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Perth, WA 6150, Australia
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20
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Zhu L, Tillquist N, Scatolin G, Gately R, Kawaida M, Reiter A, Reed S, Zinn S, Govoni K, Jiang Z. Maternal restricted- and over- feeding during gestation perturb offspring sperm epigenome in sheep. Reproduction 2023; 166:311-322. [PMID: 37647207 PMCID: PMC10962644 DOI: 10.1530/rep-23-0074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
In brief Inadequate maternal nutrition during gestation can have immediate and lifelong effects on offspring. This study shows that maternal restricted - and over- nutrition during gestation do not affect semen characteristics in F1 male offspring but alters offspring sperm sncRNA profiles and DNA methylome in sheep. Abstract There is a growing body of evidence that inadequate maternal nutrition during gestation can have immediate and lifelong effects on offspring. However, little is known about the effects of maternal nutrition during gestation on male offspring reproduction. Here, using a sheep model of maternal restricted - and over - nutrition (60 or 140% of the National Research Council requirements) during gestation, we found that maternal restricted - and over - nutrition do not affect semen characteristics (i.e. volume, sperm concentration, pH, sperm motility, sperm morphology) or scrotal circumference in male F1 offspring. However, using small RNA sequencing analysis, we demonstrated that both restricted - and over - nutrition during gestation induced marked changes in composition and expression of sperm small noncoding RNAs (sncRNAs) subpopulations including in male F1 offspring. Whole-genome bisulfite sequencing analysis further identified specific genomic loci where poor maternal nutrition resulted in alterations in DNA methylation. These findings indicate that maternal restricted - and over - nutrition during gestation induce epigenetic modifications in sperm of F1 offspring sperm in sheep, which may contribute to environmentally influenced phenotypes in ruminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linkai Zhu
- Department of Animal Sciences, Genetics Institute, University of Florida, FL 32610, USA
| | - Nicole Tillquist
- Department of Animal Science, University of Connecticut, CT, 06269, USA
| | - Giovanna Scatolin
- Department of Animal Sciences, Genetics Institute, University of Florida, FL 32610, USA
| | - Rachael Gately
- Department of Ambulatory Medicine and Theriogenology, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, MA 01536
| | - Mia Kawaida
- Department of Animal Science, University of Connecticut, CT, 06269, USA
| | - Amanda Reiter
- Department of Animal Science, University of Connecticut, CT, 06269, USA
| | - Sarah Reed
- Department of Animal Science, University of Connecticut, CT, 06269, USA
| | - Steven Zinn
- Department of Animal Science, University of Connecticut, CT, 06269, USA
| | - Kristen Govoni
- Department of Animal Science, University of Connecticut, CT, 06269, USA
| | - Zongliang Jiang
- Department of Animal Sciences, Genetics Institute, University of Florida, FL 32610, USA
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21
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Marson F, Zampieri M, Verdone L, Bacalini MG, Ravaioli F, Morandi L, Chiarella SG, Vetriani V, Venditti S, Caserta M, Raffone A, Dotan Ben-Soussan T, Reale A. Quadrato Motor Training (QMT) is associated with DNA methylation changes at DNA repeats: A pilot study. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0293199. [PMID: 37878626 PMCID: PMC10599555 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0293199] [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: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The control of non-coding repeated DNA by DNA methylation plays an important role in genomic stability, contributing to health and healthy aging. Mind-body practices can elicit psychophysical wellbeing via epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation. However, in this context the effects of movement meditations have rarely been examined. Consequently, the current study investigates the effects of a specifically structured movement meditation, called the Quadrato Motor Training (QMT) on psychophysical wellbeing and on the methylation level of repeated sequences. An 8-week daily QMT program was administered to healthy women aged 40-60 years and compared with a passive control group matched for gender and age. Psychological well-being was assessed within both groups by using self-reporting scales, including the Meaning in Life Questionnaire [MLQ] and Psychological Wellbeing Scale [PWB]). DNA methylation profiles of repeated sequences (ribosomal DNA, LINE-1 and Alu) were determined in saliva samples by deep-sequencing. In contrast to controls, the QMT group exhibited increased Search for Meaning, decreased Presence of Meaning and increased Positive Relations, suggesting that QMT may lessen the automatic patterns of thinking. In the QMT group, we also found site-specific significant methylation variations in ribosomal DNA and LINE-1 repeats, consistent with increased genome stability. Finally, the correlations found between changes in methylation and psychometric indices (MLQ and PWB) suggest that the observed epigenetic and psychological changes are interrelated. Collectively, the current results indicate that QMT may improve psychophysical health trajectories by influencing the DNA methylation of specific repetitive sequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Marson
- Research Institute for Neuroscience, Education and Didactics, Fondazione Patrizio Paoletti, Assisi, Italy
- Neuroimaging Laboratory, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Michele Zampieri
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Loredana Verdone
- CNR Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, National Council of Research (CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Giulia Bacalini
- Brain Aging Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesco Ravaioli
- Dep. of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Morandi
- Dep. of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Functional and Molecular Neuroimaging Unit, IRCCS Istituto Delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Salvatore Gaetano Chiarella
- Institute of Sciences and Technologies of Cognition (ISTC), National Council of Research (CNR), Rome, Italy
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Valerio Vetriani
- Dept. of Biology and biotechnologies “Charles Darwin”, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Sabrina Venditti
- Dept. of Biology and biotechnologies “Charles Darwin”, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Micaela Caserta
- CNR Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, National Council of Research (CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Antonino Raffone
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Tal Dotan Ben-Soussan
- Research Institute for Neuroscience, Education and Didactics, Fondazione Patrizio Paoletti, Assisi, Italy
| | - Anna Reale
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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22
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Radhakrishna U, Ratnamala U, Jhala DD, Uppala LV, Vedangi A, Patel M, Vadsaria N, Shah S, Saiyed N, Rawal RM, Mercuri SR, Jemec GBE, Damiani G. Hidradenitis suppurativa presents a methylome dysregulation capable to explain the pro-inflammatory microenvironment: Are these DNA methylations potential therapeutic targets? J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2023; 37:2109-2123. [PMID: 37338327 DOI: 10.1111/jdv.19286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, systemic, inflammatory skin condition with elusive pathogenesis that affects therapeutic intervention directly. OBJECTIVE To characterize epigenetic variations in cytokines genes contributing to HS. METHODS Epigenome-wide DNA methylation profiling with the Illumina Epic array was performed on blood DNA samples from 24 HS patients and 24 age- and sex-matched controls to explore DNA methylation changes in cytokine genes. RESULTS We identified 170 cytokine genes including 27 hypermethylated CpG sites and 143 genes with hypomethylated sites respectively. Hypermethylated genes, including LIF, HLA-DRB1, HLA-G, MTOR, FADD, TGFB3, MALAT1 and CCL28; hypomethylated genes, including NCSTN, SMAD3, IGF1R, IL1F9, NOD2, NOD1, YY1, DLL1 and BCL2 may contribute to the pathogenesis of HS. These genes were enriched in the 117 different pathways (FDR p-values ≤ 0.05), including IL-4/IL-13 pathways and Wnt/β-catenin signalling. CONCLUSIONS The lack of wound healing, microbiome dysbiosis and increased tumour susceptibility are all sustained by these dysfunctional methylomes, hopefully, capable to be targeted in the next future. Since methylome describes and summarizes genetic and environmental contributions, these data may represent a further step towards a feasible precision medicine also for HS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uppala Radhakrishna
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Royal Oak, Michigan, USA
| | - Uppala Ratnamala
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Sciences, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, India
| | - Devendrasinh D Jhala
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Sciences, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, India
- Department of Zoology, School of Sciences, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, India
| | - Lavanya V Uppala
- College of Information Science & Technology, The University of Nebraska at Omaha, Peter Kiewit Institute, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Aaren Vedangi
- Department of Clinical Research, KIMS ICON Hospital, A Unit of ICON Krishi Institute Medical Sciences, Visakhapatnam, India
| | | | | | - Sushma Shah
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, B.J. Medical College, Ahmedabad, India
| | - Nazia Saiyed
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Sciences, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, India
| | - Rakesh M Rawal
- College of Information Science & Technology, The University of Nebraska at Omaha, Peter Kiewit Institute, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Santo Raffaele Mercuri
- Unit of Clinical Dermatology, Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- Italian Center of Precisione Medicine and Chronic Inflammation, Milan, Italy
| | - Gregor B E Jemec
- Department of Dermatology, Zealand University Hospital, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Giovanni Damiani
- Unit of Clinical Dermatology, Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- Italian Center of Precisione Medicine and Chronic Inflammation, Milan, Italy
- Clinical Dermatology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Young Dermatologists Italian Network, Milan, Italy
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23
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Somarathne RP, Misra SK, Kariyawasam CS, Kessl JJ, Sharp JS, Fitzkee NC. Exploring the Residue-Level Interactions between the R2ab Protein and Polystyrene Nanoparticles. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.28.554951. [PMID: 37693402 PMCID: PMC10491123 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.28.554951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
In biological systems, proteins can bind to nanoparticles to form a "corona" of adsorbed molecules. The nanoparticle corona is of high interest because it impacts the organism's response to the nanomaterial. Understanding the corona requires knowledge of protein structure, orientation, and dynamics at the surface. Ultimately, a residue-level mapping of protein behavior on nanoparticle surfaces is needed, but this mapping is difficult to obtain with traditional approaches. Here, we have investigated the interaction between R2ab and polystyrene nanoparticles (PSNPs) at the level of individual residues. R2ab is a bacterial surface protein from Staphylococcus epidermidis and is known to interact strongly with polystyrene, leading to biofilm formation. We have used mass spectrometry after lysine methylation and hydrogen-deuterium exchange (HDX) NMR spectroscopy to understand how the R2ab protein interacts with PSNPs of different sizes. Through lysine methylation, we observe subtle but statistically significant changes in methylation patterns in the presence of PSNPs, indicating altered protein surface accessibility. HDX measurements reveal that certain regions of the R2ab protein undergo faster exchange rates in the presence of PSNPs, suggesting conformational changes upon binding. Both results support a recently proposed "adsorbotope" model, wherein adsorbed proteins consist of unfolded anchor points interspersed with regions of partial structure. Our data also highlight the challenges of characterizing complex protein-nanoparticle interactions using these techniques, such as fast exchange rates. While providing insights into how proteins respond to nanoparticle surfaces, this research emphasizes the need for advanced methods to comprehend these intricate interactions fully at the residue level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radha P. Somarathne
- Department of Chemistry, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS 39762
| | - Sandeep K. Misra
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677
| | | | - Jacques J. Kessl
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS 39406
| | - Joshua S. Sharp
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677
| | - Nicholas C. Fitzkee
- Department of Chemistry, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS 39762
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24
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Jeremic D, Jiménez-Díaz L, Navarro-López JD. Targeting epigenetics: A novel promise for Alzheimer's disease treatment. Ageing Res Rev 2023; 90:102003. [PMID: 37422087 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2023.102003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023]
Abstract
So far, the search for a cure for Alzheimer Disease (AD) has been unsuccessful. The only approved drugs attenuate some symptoms, but do not halt the progress of this disease, which affects 50 million people worldwide and will increase its incidence in the coming decades. Such scenario demands new therapeutic approaches to fight against this devastating dementia. In recent years, multi-omics research and the analysis of differential epigenetic marks in AD subjects have contributed to our understanding of AD; however, the impact of epigenetic research is yet to be seen. This review integrates the most recent data on pathological processes and epigenetic changes relevant for aging and AD, as well as current therapies targeting epigenetic machinery in clinical trials. Evidence shows that epigenetic modifications play a key role in gene expression, which could provide multi-target preventative and therapeutic approaches in AD. Both novel and repurposed drugs are employed in AD clinical trials due to their epigenetic effects, as well as increasing number of natural compounds. Given the reversible nature of epigenetic modifications and the complexity of gene-environment interactions, the combination of epigenetic-based therapies with environmental strategies and drugs with multiple targets might be needed to properly help AD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danko Jeremic
- University of Castilla-La Mancha, NeuroPhysiology & Behavior Lab, Biomedical Research Center (CRIB), School of Medicine of Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Lydia Jiménez-Díaz
- University of Castilla-La Mancha, NeuroPhysiology & Behavior Lab, Biomedical Research Center (CRIB), School of Medicine of Ciudad Real, Spain.
| | - Juan D Navarro-López
- University of Castilla-La Mancha, NeuroPhysiology & Behavior Lab, Biomedical Research Center (CRIB), School of Medicine of Ciudad Real, Spain.
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25
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Tejedor JR, Peñarroya A, Gancedo-Verdejo J, Santamarina-Ojeda P, Pérez RF, López-Tamargo S, Díez-Borge A, Alba-Linares JJ, González-Del-Rey N, Urdinguio RG, Mangas C, Roberti A, López V, Morales-Ruiz T, Ariza RR, Roldán-Arjona T, Meijón M, Valledor L, Cañal MJ, Fernández-Martínez D, Fernández-Hevia M, Jiménez-Fonseca P, García-Flórez LJ, Fernández AF, Fraga MF. CRISPR/dCAS9-mediated DNA demethylation screen identifies functional epigenetic determinants of colorectal cancer. Clin Epigenetics 2023; 15:133. [PMID: 37612734 PMCID: PMC10464368 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-023-01546-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Promoter hypermethylation of tumour suppressor genes is frequently observed during the malignant transformation of colorectal cancer (CRC). However, whether this epigenetic mechanism is functional in cancer or is a mere consequence of the carcinogenic process remains to be elucidated. RESULTS In this work, we performed an integrative multi-omic approach to identify gene candidates with strong correlations between DNA methylation and gene expression in human CRC samples and a set of 8 colon cancer cell lines. As a proof of concept, we combined recent CRISPR-Cas9 epigenome editing tools (dCas9-TET1, dCas9-TET-IM) with a customized arrayed gRNA library to modulate the DNA methylation status of 56 promoters previously linked with strong epigenetic repression in CRC, and we monitored the potential functional consequences of this DNA methylation loss by means of a high-content cell proliferation screen. Overall, the epigenetic modulation of most of these DNA methylated regions had a mild impact on the reactivation of gene expression and on the viability of cancer cells. Interestingly, we found that epigenetic reactivation of RSPO2 in the tumour context was associated with a significant impairment in cell proliferation in p53-/- cancer cell lines, and further validation with human samples demonstrated that the epigenetic silencing of RSPO2 is a mid-late event in the adenoma to carcinoma sequence. CONCLUSIONS These results highlight the potential role of DNA methylation as a driver mechanism of CRC and paves the way for the identification of novel therapeutic windows based on the epigenetic reactivation of certain tumour suppressor genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Ramón Tejedor
- Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology Research Center (CINN), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), 33940, El Entrego, Asturias, Spain
- Health Research Institute of the Principality of Asturias (ISPA), Avenida de Roma S/N, 33011, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
- Spanish Biomedical Research Network in Rare Diseases (CIBERER), 28029, Madrid, Spain
- Institute of Oncology of Asturias (IUOPA), University of Oviedo, 33006, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - Alfonso Peñarroya
- Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology Research Center (CINN), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), 33940, El Entrego, Asturias, Spain
- Health Research Institute of the Principality of Asturias (ISPA), Avenida de Roma S/N, 33011, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - Javier Gancedo-Verdejo
- Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology Research Center (CINN), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), 33940, El Entrego, Asturias, Spain
- Health Research Institute of the Principality of Asturias (ISPA), Avenida de Roma S/N, 33011, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
- Spanish Biomedical Research Network in Rare Diseases (CIBERER), 28029, Madrid, Spain
- Institute of Oncology of Asturias (IUOPA), University of Oviedo, 33006, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - Pablo Santamarina-Ojeda
- Health Research Institute of the Principality of Asturias (ISPA), Avenida de Roma S/N, 33011, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
- Spanish Biomedical Research Network in Rare Diseases (CIBERER), 28029, Madrid, Spain
- Institute of Oncology of Asturias (IUOPA), University of Oviedo, 33006, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - Raúl F Pérez
- Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology Research Center (CINN), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), 33940, El Entrego, Asturias, Spain
- Health Research Institute of the Principality of Asturias (ISPA), Avenida de Roma S/N, 33011, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
- Spanish Biomedical Research Network in Rare Diseases (CIBERER), 28029, Madrid, Spain
- Institute of Oncology of Asturias (IUOPA), University of Oviedo, 33006, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - Sara López-Tamargo
- Health Research Institute of the Principality of Asturias (ISPA), Avenida de Roma S/N, 33011, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
- Institute of Oncology of Asturias (IUOPA), University of Oviedo, 33006, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - Ana Díez-Borge
- Health Research Institute of the Principality of Asturias (ISPA), Avenida de Roma S/N, 33011, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
- Viralgen Vector Core, 20009, San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa, Spain
| | - Juan J Alba-Linares
- Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology Research Center (CINN), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), 33940, El Entrego, Asturias, Spain
- Health Research Institute of the Principality of Asturias (ISPA), Avenida de Roma S/N, 33011, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
- Institute of Oncology of Asturias (IUOPA), University of Oviedo, 33006, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - Nerea González-Del-Rey
- Department of Organisms and Systems Biology, Institute of Biotechnology of Asturias, University of Oviedo, 33071, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine, The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rocío G Urdinguio
- Health Research Institute of the Principality of Asturias (ISPA), Avenida de Roma S/N, 33011, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
- Spanish Biomedical Research Network in Rare Diseases (CIBERER), 28029, Madrid, Spain
- Institute of Oncology of Asturias (IUOPA), University of Oviedo, 33006, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - Cristina Mangas
- Health Research Institute of the Principality of Asturias (ISPA), Avenida de Roma S/N, 33011, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
- Institute of Oncology of Asturias (IUOPA), University of Oviedo, 33006, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - Annalisa Roberti
- Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology Research Center (CINN), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), 33940, El Entrego, Asturias, Spain
- Health Research Institute of the Principality of Asturias (ISPA), Avenida de Roma S/N, 33011, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - Virginia López
- Health Research Institute of the Principality of Asturias (ISPA), Avenida de Roma S/N, 33011, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
- Institute of Oncology of Asturias (IUOPA), University of Oviedo, 33006, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - Teresa Morales-Ruiz
- Maimónides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba (IMIBIC), 14071, Córdoba, Spain
- Department of Genetics, University of Córdoba, 14071, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Rafael R Ariza
- Maimónides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba (IMIBIC), 14071, Córdoba, Spain
- Department of Genetics, University of Córdoba, 14071, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Teresa Roldán-Arjona
- Maimónides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba (IMIBIC), 14071, Córdoba, Spain
- Department of Genetics, University of Córdoba, 14071, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Mónica Meijón
- Department of Organisms and Systems Biology, Institute of Biotechnology of Asturias, University of Oviedo, 33071, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - Luis Valledor
- Department of Organisms and Systems Biology, Institute of Biotechnology of Asturias, University of Oviedo, 33071, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - María Jesús Cañal
- Department of Organisms and Systems Biology, Institute of Biotechnology of Asturias, University of Oviedo, 33071, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - Daniel Fernández-Martínez
- Health Research Institute of the Principality of Asturias (ISPA), Avenida de Roma S/N, 33011, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
- Institute of Oncology of Asturias (IUOPA), University of Oviedo, 33006, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Colorectal Surgery, Central University Hospital of Asturias (HUCA), 33011, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - María Fernández-Hevia
- Health Research Institute of the Principality of Asturias (ISPA), Avenida de Roma S/N, 33011, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
- Institute of Oncology of Asturias (IUOPA), University of Oviedo, 33006, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Colorectal Surgery, Central University Hospital of Asturias (HUCA), 33011, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - Paula Jiménez-Fonseca
- Health Research Institute of the Principality of Asturias (ISPA), Avenida de Roma S/N, 33011, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medical Oncology, Central University Hospital of Asturias (HUCA), 33011, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - Luis J García-Flórez
- Health Research Institute of the Principality of Asturias (ISPA), Avenida de Roma S/N, 33011, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
- Institute of Oncology of Asturias (IUOPA), University of Oviedo, 33006, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Colorectal Surgery, Central University Hospital of Asturias (HUCA), 33011, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
- Department of Surgery and Medical Surgical Specialties, University of Oviedo, 33006, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - Agustín F Fernández
- Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology Research Center (CINN), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), 33940, El Entrego, Asturias, Spain.
- Health Research Institute of the Principality of Asturias (ISPA), Avenida de Roma S/N, 33011, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain.
- Spanish Biomedical Research Network in Rare Diseases (CIBERER), 28029, Madrid, Spain.
- Institute of Oncology of Asturias (IUOPA), University of Oviedo, 33006, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain.
| | - Mario F Fraga
- Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology Research Center (CINN), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), 33940, El Entrego, Asturias, Spain.
- Health Research Institute of the Principality of Asturias (ISPA), Avenida de Roma S/N, 33011, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain.
- Spanish Biomedical Research Network in Rare Diseases (CIBERER), 28029, Madrid, Spain.
- Institute of Oncology of Asturias (IUOPA), University of Oviedo, 33006, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain.
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26
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Li N, Wang J, Li K, Yang P, Wang Y, Xu C, He N, Ji K, Song H, Zhang M, Du L, Liu Q. Influence of e-waste exposure on DNA damage and DNA methylation in people living near recycling sites. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:88744-88756. [PMID: 37442932 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-28591-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
The association between long-term exposure to e-waste and poor health is well established, but how e-waste exposure affects DNA methylation is understudied. In this study, we measured the DNA damage levels and the alternation of DNA methylation in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) collected from a population exposed to e-waste. The concentration of 28 PCB congeners in the blood samples of e-waste recycling workers was elevated than those of the reference group. DNA damage levels were significantly higher than that of samples from the reference group by detecting the SCGE, CA, and CBMN assays. Eventually, we found that the methylation level of 1233 gene loci was changed in the exposure group. Bioinformatic analysis of differential genes revealed that the hypermethylated genes were enriched in cell component movement and regulation of cell function, and hypomethylated genes were involved in the cellular metabolic process. Among the 30 genes we tested, 14 genes showed a negative correlation between methylation level and expression level. Therefore, e-waste exposure potentially increased the levels of DNA damage and alters DNA methylation, which would likely impact human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Li
- Institute of Radiation Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Jinhan Wang
- Institute of Radiation Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Kejun Li
- Institute of Radiation Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Ping Yang
- Tianjin Institute of Medical and Pharmaceutical Science, Tianjin, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Institute of Radiation Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Chang Xu
- Institute of Radiation Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Ningning He
- Institute of Radiation Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Kaihua Ji
- Institute of Radiation Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Huijuan Song
- Institute of Radiation Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Manman Zhang
- Institute of Radiation Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Liqing Du
- Institute of Radiation Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Qiang Liu
- Institute of Radiation Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Tianjin, China.
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27
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Baechle JJ, Chen N, Makhijani P, Winer S, Furman D, Winer DA. Chronic inflammation and the hallmarks of aging. Mol Metab 2023; 74:101755. [PMID: 37329949 PMCID: PMC10359950 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2023.101755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recently, the hallmarks of aging were updated to include dysbiosis, disabled macroautophagy, and chronic inflammation. In particular, the low-grade chronic inflammation during aging, without overt infection, is defined as "inflammaging," which is associated with increased morbidity and mortality in the aging population. Emerging evidence suggests a bidirectional and cyclical relationship between chronic inflammation and the development of age-related conditions, such as cardiovascular diseases, neurodegeneration, cancer, and frailty. How the crosstalk between chronic inflammation and other hallmarks of aging underlies biological mechanisms of aging and age-related disease is thus of particular interest to the current geroscience research. SCOPE OF REVIEW This review integrates the cellular and molecular mechanisms of age-associated chronic inflammation with the other eleven hallmarks of aging. Extra discussion is dedicated to the hallmark of "altered nutrient sensing," given the scope of Molecular Metabolism. The deregulation of hallmark processes during aging disrupts the delicate balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory signaling, leading to a persistent inflammatory state. The resultant chronic inflammation, in turn, further aggravates the dysfunction of each hallmark, thereby driving the progression of aging and age-related diseases. MAIN CONCLUSIONS The crosstalk between chronic inflammation and other hallmarks of aging results in a vicious cycle that exacerbates the decline in cellular functions and promotes aging. Understanding this complex interplay will provide new insights into the mechanisms of aging and the development of potential anti-aging interventions. Given their interconnectedness and ability to accentuate the primary elements of aging, drivers of chronic inflammation may be an ideal target with high translational potential to address the pathological conditions associated with aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan J Baechle
- Buck Artificial Intelligence Platform, the Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA, USA
| | - Nan Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Division of Cellular & Molecular Biology, Diabetes Research Group, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute (TGHRI), University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Priya Makhijani
- Buck Artificial Intelligence Platform, the Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA, USA; Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Shawn Winer
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - David Furman
- Buck Artificial Intelligence Platform, the Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA, USA; Stanford 1000 Immunomes Project, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA; Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional (IIMT), Universidad Austral, CONICET, Pilar, Argentina.
| | - Daniel A Winer
- Buck Artificial Intelligence Platform, the Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA, USA; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Division of Cellular & Molecular Biology, Diabetes Research Group, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute (TGHRI), University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada; Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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28
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Qin T, Li S, Henry LE, Chou E, Cavalcante RG, Garb BF, D'Silva NJ, Rozek LS, Sartor MA. Whole-genome CpG-resolution DNA Methylation Profiling of HNSCC Reveals Distinct Mechanisms of Carcinogenesis for Fine-scale HPV+ Cancer Subtypes. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2023; 3:1701-1715. [PMID: 37654626 PMCID: PMC10467604 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-23-0009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
DNA methylation is a vital early step in carcinogenesis. Most findings of aberrant DNA methylation in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) are array based with limited coverage and resolution, and mainly explored by human papillomavirus (HPV) status, ignoring the high heterogeneity of this disease. In this study, we performed whole-genome bisulfite sequencing on a well-studied HNSCC cohort (n = 36) and investigated the methylation changes between fine-scaled HNSCC subtypes in relation to genomic instability, repetitive elements, gene expression, and key carcinogenic pathways. The previously observed hypermethylation phenotype in HPV-positive (HPV+) tumors compared with HPV-negative tumors was robustly present in the immune-strong (IMU) HPV+ subtype but absent in the highly keratinized (KRT) HPV+ subtype. Methylation levels of IMU tumors were significantly higher in repetitive elements, and methylation showed a significant correlation with genomic stability, consistent with the IMU subtype having more genomic stability and better prognosis. Expression quantitative trait methylation (cis-eQTM) analysis revealed extensive functionally-relevant differences, and differential methylation pathway analysis recapitulated gene expression pathway differences between subtypes. Consistent with their characteristics, KRT and HPV-negative tumors had high regulatory potential for multiple regulators of keratinocyte differentiation, which positively correlated with an expression-based keratinization score. Together, our findings revealed distinct mechanisms of carcinogenesis between subtypes in HPV+ HNSCC and uncovered previously ignored epigenomic differences and clinical implications, illustrating the importance of fine-scale subtype analysis in cancer. Significance This study revealed that the previously observed hypermethylation of HPV(+) HNSCC is due solely to the IMU subtype, illustrating the importance of fine-scale subtype analysis in such a heterogeneous disease. Particularly, IMU has significantly higher methylation of transposable elements, which can be tested as a prognosis biomarker in future translational studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Qin
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Shiting Li
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Leanne E. Henry
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Elysia Chou
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Raymond G. Cavalcante
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Bailey F. Garb
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Nisha J. D'Silva
- Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, School of Dentistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Laura S. Rozek
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Maureen A. Sartor
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
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29
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Majumder A. Targeting Homocysteine and Hydrogen Sulfide Balance as Future Therapeutics in Cancer Treatment. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1520. [PMID: 37627515 PMCID: PMC10451792 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12081520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
A high level of homocysteine (Hcy) is associated with oxidative/ER stress, apoptosis, and impairment of angiogenesis, whereas hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has been found to reverse this condition. Recent studies have shown that cancer cells need to produce a high level of endogenous H2S to maintain cell proliferation, growth, viability, and migration. However, any novel mechanism that targets this balance of Hcy and H2S production has yet to be discovered or exploited. Cells require homocysteine metabolism via the methionine cycle for nucleotide synthesis, methylation, and reductive metabolism, and this pathway supports the high proliferative rate of cancer cells. Although the methionine cycle favors cancer cells for their survival and growth, this metabolism produces a massive amount of toxic Hcy that somehow cancer cells handle very well. Recently, research showed specific pathways important for balancing the antioxidative defense through H2S production in cancer cells. This review discusses the relationship between Hcy metabolism and the antiapoptotic, antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and angiogenic effects of H2S in different cancer types. It also summarizes the historical understanding of targeting antioxidative defense systems, angiogenesis, and other protective mechanisms of cancer cells and the role of H2S production in the genesis, progression, and metastasis of cancer. This review defines a nexus of diet and precision medicine in targeting the delicate antioxidative system of cancer and explores possible future therapeutics that could exploit the Hcy and H2S balance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avisek Majumder
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
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Coppedè F, Bhaduri U, Stoccoro A, Nicolì V, Di Venere E, Merla G. DNA Methylation in the Fields of Prenatal Diagnosis and Early Detection of Cancers. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11715. [PMID: 37511475 PMCID: PMC10380460 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The central objective of the metamorphosis of discovery science into biomedical applications is to serve the purpose of patients and curtail the global disease burden. The journey from the discovery of DNA methylation (DNAm) as a biological process to its emergence as a diagnostic tool is one of the finest examples of such metamorphosis and has taken nearly a century. Particularly in the last decade, the application of DNA methylation studies in the clinic has been standardized more than ever before, with great potential to diagnose a multitude of diseases that are associated with a burgeoning number of genes with this epigenetic alteration. Fetal DNAm detection is becoming useful for noninvasive prenatal testing, whereas, in very preterm infants, DNAm is also shown to be a potential biological indicator of prenatal risk factors. In the context of cancer, liquid biopsy-based DNA-methylation profiling is offering valuable epigenetic biomarkers for noninvasive early-stage diagnosis. In this review, we focus on the applications of DNA methylation in prenatal diagnosis for delivering timely therapy before or after birth and in detecting early-stage cancers for better clinical outcomes. Furthermore, we also provide an up-to-date commercial landscape of DNAm biomarkers for cancer detection and screening of cancers of unknown origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Coppedè
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Center of Biology and Pathology of Aging, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Utsa Bhaduri
- Laboratory of Regulatory & Functional Genomics, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, 71013 Foggia, Italy
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Andrea Stoccoro
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Vanessa Nicolì
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Eleonora Di Venere
- Department of Molecular Medicine & Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Merla
- Laboratory of Regulatory & Functional Genomics, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, 71013 Foggia, Italy
- Department of Molecular Medicine & Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
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Vlasac IM, Christensen BC, Salas LA. Normal gastric tissue Helicobacter pylori infection is associated with epigenetic age acceleration, increased mitotic tick rate, tissue cell composition, and Natural Killer cell methylation alterations. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.28.546926. [PMID: 37425894 PMCID: PMC10327075 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.28.546926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Background Gastric adenocarcinomas are a leading cause of global mortality, associated with chronic infection with Helicobacter pylori. The mechanisms by which infection with H. pylori contributes to carcinogenesis are not well understood. Recent studies from subjects with and without gastric cancer have identified significant DNA methylation alterations in normal gastric mucosa associated with H. pylori infection and gastric cancer risk. Here we further investigated DNA methylation alterations in normal gastric mucosa in gastric cancer cases (n = 42) and control subjects (n = 42) with H. pylori infection data. We assessed tissue cell type composition, DNA methylation alterations within cell populations, epigenetic aging, and repetitive element methylation. Results In normal gastric mucosa of both gastric cancer cases and control subjects, we observed increased epigenetic age acceleration associated with H. pylori infection. We also observed an increased mitotic tick rate associated with H. pylori infection in both gastric cancer cases and controls. Significant differences in immune cell populations associated with H. pylori infection in normal tissue from cancer cases and controls were identified using DNA methylation cell type deconvolution. We also found natural killer cell-specific methylation alterations in normal mucosa from gastric cancer patients with H. pylori infection. Conclusions Our findings from normal gastric mucosa provide insight into underlying cellular composition and epigenetic aspects of H. pylori associated gastric cancer etiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irma M. Vlasac
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA
| | - Brock C. Christensen
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA
| | - Lucas A. Salas
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA
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Zhang M, Sun W, You X, Xu D, Wang L, Yang J, Li E, He S. LINE-1 repression in Epstein-Barr virus-associated gastric cancer through viral-host genome interaction. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:4867-4880. [PMID: 36942479 PMCID: PMC10250212 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad203] [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: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Long INterspersed Element 1 (LINE-1 or L1) acts as a major remodeling force in genome regulation and evolution. Accumulating evidence shows that virus infection impacts L1 expression, potentially impacting host antiviral response and diseases. The underlying regulation mechanism is unclear. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a double-stranded DNA virus linked to B-cell and epithelial malignancies, is known to have viral-host genome interaction, resulting in transcriptional rewiring in EBV-associated gastric cancer (EBVaGC). By analyzing publicly available datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), we found that EBVaGC has L1 transcriptional repression compared with EBV-negative gastric cancer (EBVnGC). More specifically, retrotransposition-associated young and full-length L1s (FL-L1s) were among the most repressed L1s. Epigenetic alterations, especially increased H3K9me3, were observed on FL-L1s. H3K9me3 deposition was potentially attributed to increased TASOR expression, a key component of the human silencing hub (HUSH) complex for H3K9 trimethylation. The 4C- and HiC-seq data indicated that the viral DNA interacted in the proximity of the TASOR enhancer, strengthening the loop formation between the TASOR enhancer and its promoter. These results indicated that EBV infection is associated with increased H3K9me3 deposition, leading to L1 repression. This study uncovers a regulation mechanism of L1 expression by chromatin topology remodeling associated with viral-host genome interaction in EBVaGC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
- Yancheng Medical Research Center, Medical School, Nanjing University, Yancheng 224000, China
| | - Weikang Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Xiaoxin You
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Dongge Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Lingling Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Jingping Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Erguang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
- Institute of Medical Virology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
- Shenzhen Research Institute of Nanjing University, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Susu He
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
- Yancheng Medical Research Center, Medical School, Nanjing University, Yancheng 224000, China
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Sun S, Hong J, You E, Tsanov KM, Chacon-Barahona J, Gioacchino AD, Hoyos D, Li H, Jiang H, Ly H, Marhon S, Murali R, Chanda P, Karacay A, Vabret N, De Carvalho DD, LaCava J, Lowe SW, Ting DT, Iacobuzio-Donahue CA, Solovyov A, Greenbaum BD. Cancer cells co-evolve with retrotransposons to mitigate viral mimicry. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.19.541456. [PMID: 37292765 PMCID: PMC10245669 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.19.541456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Overexpression of repetitive elements is an emerging hallmark of human cancers 1 . Diverse repeats can mimic viruses by replicating within the cancer genome through retrotransposition, or presenting pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) to the pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) of the innate immune system 2-5 . Yet, how specific repeats affect tumor evolution and shape the tumor immune microenvironment (TME) in a pro- or anti-tumorigenic manner remains poorly defined. Here, we integrate whole genome and total transcriptome data from a unique autopsy cohort of multiregional samples collected in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients, into a comprehensive evolutionary analysis. We find that more recently evolved S hort I nterspersed N uclear E lements (SINE), a family of retrotransposable repeats, are more likely to form immunostimulatory double-strand RNAs (dsRNAs). Consequently, younger SINEs are strongly co-regulated with RIG-I like receptor associated type-I interferon genes but anti-correlated with pro-tumorigenic macrophage infiltration. We discover that immunostimulatory SINE expression in tumors is regulated by either L ong I nterspersed N uclear E lements 1 (LINE1/L1) mobility or ADAR1 activity in a TP53 mutation dependent manner. Moreover, L1 retrotransposition activity tracks with tumor evolution and is associated with TP53 mutation status. Altogether, our results suggest pancreatic tumors actively evolve to modulate immunogenic SINE stress and induce pro-tumorigenic inflammation. Our integrative, evolutionary analysis therefore illustrates, for the first time, how dark matter genomic repeats enable tumors to co-evolve with the TME by actively regulating viral mimicry to their selective advantage.
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Martino S, Carollo PS, Barra V. A Glimpse into Chromatin Organization and Nuclear Lamina Contribution in Neuronal Differentiation. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14051046. [PMID: 37239406 DOI: 10.3390/genes14051046] [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: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
During embryonic development, stem cells undergo the differentiation process so that they can specialize for different functions within the organism. Complex programs of gene transcription are crucial for this process to happen. Epigenetic modifications and the architecture of chromatin in the nucleus, through the formation of specific regions of active as well as inactive chromatin, allow the coordinated regulation of the genes for each cell fate. In this mini-review, we discuss the current knowledge regarding the regulation of three-dimensional chromatin structure during neuronal differentiation. We also focus on the role the nuclear lamina plays in neurogenesis to ensure the tethering of the chromatin to the nuclear envelope.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore Martino
- Department of Biological Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Pietro Salvatore Carollo
- Department of Biological Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy
- Institute of Molecular Bioimaging and Physiology, National Research Council (IBFM-CNR), 90015 Cefalù, Italy
| | - Viviana Barra
- Department of Biological Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy
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Besselink N, Keijer J, Vermeulen C, Boymans S, de Ridder J, van Hoeck A, Cuppen E, Kuijk E. The genome-wide mutational consequences of DNA hypomethylation. Sci Rep 2023; 13:6874. [PMID: 37106015 PMCID: PMC10140063 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-33932-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation is important for establishing and maintaining cell identity and for genomic stability. This is achieved by regulating the accessibility of regulatory and transcriptional elements and the compaction of subtelomeric, centromeric, and other inactive genomic regions. Carcinogenesis is accompanied by a global loss in DNA methylation, which facilitates the transformation of cells. Cancer hypomethylation may also cause genomic instability, for example through interference with the protective function of telomeres and centromeres. However, understanding the role(s) of hypomethylation in tumor evolution is incomplete because the precise mutational consequences of global hypomethylation have thus far not been systematically assessed. Here we made genome-wide inventories of all possible genetic variation that accumulates in single cells upon the long-term global hypomethylation by CRISPR interference-mediated conditional knockdown of DNMT1. Depletion of DNMT1 resulted in a genomewide reduction in DNA methylation. The degree of DNA methylation loss was similar to that observed in many cancer types. Hypomethylated cells showed reduced proliferation rates, increased transcription of genes, reactivation of the inactive X-chromosome and abnormal nuclear morphologies. Prolonged hypomethylation was accompanied by increased chromosomal instability. However, there was no increase in mutational burden, enrichment for certain mutational signatures or accumulation of structural variation to the genome. In conclusion, the primary consequence of hypomethylation is genomic instability, which in cancer leads to increased tumor heterogeneity and thereby fuels cancer evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolle Besselink
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Oncode Institute, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Janneke Keijer
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Oncode Institute, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Carlo Vermeulen
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Oncode Institute, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Sander Boymans
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Oncode Institute, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen de Ridder
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Oncode Institute, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Arne van Hoeck
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Oncode Institute, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Edwin Cuppen
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Oncode Institute, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Hartwig Medical Foundation, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ewart Kuijk
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Oncode Institute, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
- Regenerative Medicine Center Utrecht, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584 CT, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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Ilan Y. Constrained disorder principle-based variability is fundamental for biological processes: Beyond biological relativity and physiological regulatory networks. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 180-181:37-48. [PMID: 37068713 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2023.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
The constrained disorder principle (CDP) defines systems based on their degree of disorder bounded by dynamic boundaries. The principle explains stochasticity in living and non-living systems. Denis Noble described the importance of stochasticity in biology, emphasizing stochastic processes at molecular, cellular, and higher levels in organisms as having a role beyond simple noise. The CDP and Noble's theories (NT) claim that biological systems use stochasticity. This paper presents the CDP and NT, discussing common notions and differences between the two theories. The paper presents the CDP-based concept of taking the disorder beyond its role in nature to correct malfunctions of systems and improve the efficiency of biological systems. The use of CDP-based algorithms embedded in second-generation artificial intelligence platforms is described. In summary, noise is inherent to complex systems and has a functional role. The CDP provides the option of using noise to improve functionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaron Ilan
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University, Department of Medicine, Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel.
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Moshi JM, Ummelen M, Broers JLV, Ramaekers FCS, Hopman AHN. Impact of antigen retrieval protocols on the immunohistochemical detection of epigenetic DNA modifications. Histochem Cell Biol 2023:10.1007/s00418-023-02187-4. [PMID: 37010548 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-023-02187-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023]
Abstract
This study compares three different pretreatment protocols for the immunohistochemical detection of 5-methylcytosine (5-mC) and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5-hmC) in nuclear DNA. The human biological samples analyzed included formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) normal squamous epithelium, ethanol-fixed cultured cells, and metaphase chromosomes. The antigen retrieval methods included low pH Citrate and high pH Tris-ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) protocols, as well as a method using Pepsin pretreatment combined with HCl for DNA denaturation. A gradual increase in the detection levels of 5-mC and 5-hmC was observed when going from Citrate via Tris/EDTA to Pepsin/HCl retrieval. While the Citrate retrieval protocol was the least efficient for the detection of 5-mC and 5-hmC, it did preserve nuclear morphology and enabled visualization of differences in intra- and internuclear distribution patterns in tissue and cell culture samples by single- and double-fluorescence detection. Quantification of (hydroxy)methylation levels in FFPE material demonstrated a significant heterogeneity and differences in 5-mC and 5-hmC levels within and between nuclei in the different compartments of normal squamous epithelium. It was concluded that immunohistochemical detection of 5-mC and 5-hmC enables the correlation of these DNA modifications with histomorphological features in heterogeneous tissues, but this is influenced by different pretreatment protocols that must be carefully chosen to allow an appropriate interpretation of these epigenetic switches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jobran M Moshi
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, GROW-School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University Medical Center, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Monique Ummelen
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, GROW-School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University Medical Center, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Jos L V Broers
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, GROW-School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University Medical Center, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Frans C S Ramaekers
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, GROW-School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University Medical Center, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Anton H N Hopman
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, GROW-School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University Medical Center, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
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Pezone A, Olivieri F, Napoli MV, Procopio A, Avvedimento EV, Gabrielli A. Inflammation and DNA damage: cause, effect or both. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2023; 19:200-211. [PMID: 36750681 DOI: 10.1038/s41584-022-00905-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Inflammation is a biological response involving immune cells, blood vessels and mediators induced by endogenous and exogenous stimuli, such as pathogens, damaged cells or chemicals. Unresolved (chronic) inflammation is characterized by the secretion of cytokines that maintain inflammation and redox stress. Mitochondrial or nuclear redox imbalance induces DNA damage, which triggers the DNA damage response (DDR) that is orchestrated by ATM and ATR kinases, which modify gene expression and metabolism and, eventually, establish the senescent phenotype. DDR-mediated senescence is induced by the signalling proteins p53, p16 and p21, which arrest the cell cycle in G1 or G2 and promote cytokine secretion, producing the senescence-associated secretory phenotype. Senescence and inflammation phenotypes are intimately associated, but highly heterogeneous because they vary according to the cell type that is involved. The vicious cycle of inflammation, DNA damage and DDR-mediated senescence, along with the constitutive activation of the immune system, is the core of an evolutionarily conserved circuitry, which arrests the cell cycle to reduce the accumulation of mutations generated by DNA replication during redox stress caused by infection or inflammation. Evidence suggests that specific organ dysfunctions in apparently unrelated diseases of autoimmune, rheumatic, degenerative and vascular origins are caused by inflammation resulting from DNA damage-induced senescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Pezone
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università Federico II, Napoli, Italy.
| | - Fabiola Olivieri
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche e Molecolari, DISCLIMO, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
- Clinica di Medicina di Laboratorio e di Precisione, IRCCS INRCA, Ancona, Italy
| | - Maria Vittoria Napoli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche e Molecolari, DISCLIMO, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Antonio Procopio
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche e Molecolari, DISCLIMO, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
- Clinica di Medicina di Laboratorio e di Precisione, IRCCS INRCA, Ancona, Italy
| | - Enrico Vittorio Avvedimento
- Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Istituto di Endocrinologia ed Oncologia Sperimentale del C.N.R., Università Federico II, Napoli, Italy.
| | - Armando Gabrielli
- Fondazione di Medicina Molecolare e Terapia Cellulare, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy.
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Effendi WI, Nagano T. Epigenetics Approaches toward Precision Medicine for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: Focus on DNA Methylation. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11041047. [PMID: 37189665 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11041047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic information is not transmitted solely by DNA but by the epigenetics process. Epigenetics describes molecular missing link pathways that could bridge the gap between the genetic background and environmental risk factors that contribute to the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis. Specific epigenetic patterns, especially DNA methylation, histone modifications, long non-coding, and microRNA (miRNAs), affect the endophenotypes underlying the development of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Among all the epigenetic marks, DNA methylation modifications have been the most widely studied in IPF. This review summarizes the current knowledge concerning DNA methylation changes in pulmonary fibrosis and demonstrates a promising novel epigenetics-based precision medicine.
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40
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Wright SE, Todd PK. Native functions of short tandem repeats. eLife 2023; 12:e84043. [PMID: 36940239 PMCID: PMC10027321 DOI: 10.7554/elife.84043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Over a third of the human genome is comprised of repetitive sequences, including more than a million short tandem repeats (STRs). While studies of the pathologic consequences of repeat expansions that cause syndromic human diseases are extensive, the potential native functions of STRs are often ignored. Here, we summarize a growing body of research into the normal biological functions for repetitive elements across the genome, with a particular focus on the roles of STRs in regulating gene expression. We propose reconceptualizing the pathogenic consequences of repeat expansions as aberrancies in normal gene regulation. From this altered viewpoint, we predict that future work will reveal broader roles for STRs in neuronal function and as risk alleles for more common human neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon E Wright
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan–Ann ArborAnn ArborUnited States
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan–Ann ArborAnn ArborUnited States
- Department of Neuroscience, Picower InstituteCambridgeUnited States
| | - Peter K Todd
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan–Ann ArborAnn ArborUnited States
- VA Ann Arbor Healthcare SystemAnn ArborUnited States
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41
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Kello E, Vieira AR, Rivas-Tumanyan S, Campos-Rivera M, Martinez-Gonzalez KG, Buxó CJ, Morou-Bermúdez E. Pre- and peri-natal hurricane exposure alters DNA methylation patterns in children. Sci Rep 2023; 13:3875. [PMID: 36890172 PMCID: PMC9995354 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-30645-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Hurricane Maria was the worst recorded natural disaster to affect Puerto Rico. Increased stress in pregnant women during and in the aftermath of the hurricane may have induced epigenetic changes in their infants, which could affect gene expression. Stage of gestation at the time of the event was associated with significant differences in DNA methylation in the infants, especially those who were at around 20-25 weeks of gestation when the hurricane struck. Significant differences in DNA methylation were also associated with maternal mental status assessed after the hurricane, and with property damage. Hurricane Maria could have long lasting consequences to children who were exposed to this disaster during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Kello
- University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Carmen J Buxó
- University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico
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Asif H, Foley G, Simon M, Roque D, Kim JJ. Analysis of endometrial carcinoma TCGA reveals differences in DNA methylation in tumors from Black and White women. Gynecol Oncol 2023; 170:1-10. [PMID: 36580834 PMCID: PMC10023328 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2022.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Racial disparities exist in cancer patients both in incidence and death rates. In endometrial cancer, Black patients are reported to have higher incidence of aggressive endometrial cancer subtypes and higher death rates than White women. To date, diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers associated with race-specific methylation driven genes have yet to be identified. The objective of this study was to explore DNA methylation patterns in endometrial tumor samples from White and Black women. METHODS Differentially methylated CpGs (DMCs) and differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were identified in White tumor samples compared to Black tumor samples using Endometrial Carcinoma (EC) methylation and clinical data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Survival analysis was performed using survival R package and results were visualized using Kaplan-Meier plots. To access the correlation between changes in methylation and gene expression, we downloaded raw RNA-sequencing by Expectation-Maximization (RSEM) counts data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) using TCGABiolinks package (v2.18.0). RESULTS Our analysis revealed 704 differentially methylated CpGs in tumors from Black and White women. These differentially methylated genes showed strong negative correlation with gene expression and statistically significant enrichment in regulatory regions such as DNase I hypersensitivity sites (DHSs) and transcription factor binding sites (TFBSs). Increased variability in methylation occurred in genes such as the insulin signaling pathway in Black tumor samples. CONCLUSION By using two independent statistical method based on means (DMR, DMCs) and variances (DVCs) on the endometrial carcinoma TCGA data, we showed that endometrial tumors from Black women are hypomethylated and more hypervariable than tumors from White women. In-depth investigation of these methylation driven markers can aid in successful management of endometrial cancer disparities and improved overall survival in Black and White populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huma Asif
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, USA
| | - Grace Foley
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, USA
| | - Melissa Simon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, USA
| | - Dario Roque
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, USA
| | - J Julie Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, USA.
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Xie S, Choudhari S, Wu CL, Abramson K, Corcoran D, Gregory SG, Thimmapuram J, Guilak F, Little D. Aging and obesity prime the methylome and transcriptome of adipose stem cells for disease and dysfunction. FASEB J 2023; 37:e22785. [PMID: 36794668 PMCID: PMC10561192 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202201413r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
The epigenome of stem cells occupies a critical interface between genes and environment, serving to regulate expression through modification by intrinsic and extrinsic factors. We hypothesized that aging and obesity, which represent major risk factors for a variety of diseases, synergistically modify the epigenome of adult adipose stem cells (ASCs). Using integrated RNA- and targeted bisulfite-sequencing in murine ASCs from lean and obese mice at 5- and 12-months of age, we identified global DNA hypomethylation with either aging or obesity, and a synergistic effect of aging combined with obesity. The transcriptome of ASCs in lean mice was relatively stable to the effects of age, but this was not true in obese mice. Functional pathway analyses identified a subset of genes with critical roles in progenitors and in diseases of obesity and aging. Specifically, Mapt, Nr3c2, App, and Ctnnb1 emerged as potential hypomethylated upstream regulators in both aging and obesity (AL vs. YL and AO vs. YO), and App, Ctnnb1, Hipk2, Id2, and Tp53 exhibited additional effects of aging in obese animals. Furthermore, Foxo3 and Ccnd1 were potential hypermethylated upstream regulators of healthy aging (AL vs. YL), and of the effects of obesity in young animals (YO vs. YL), suggesting that these factors could play a role in accelerated aging with obesity. Finally, we identified candidate driver genes that appeared recurrently in all analyses and comparisons undertaken. Further mechanistic studies are needed to validate the roles of these genes capable of priming ASCs for dysfunction in aging- and obesity-associated pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaojun Xie
- Bioinformatics Core, Purdue University, 1022 Young Hall, 155 S. Grant Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907
| | - Sulbha Choudhari
- Bioinformatics Core, Purdue University, 1022 Young Hall, 155 S. Grant Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907
- Advanced Biomedical Computational Science, Bioinformatics and Computational Science, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, 8560 Progress Drive, Frederick, MD 2170
| | - Chia-Lung Wu
- Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Center for Musculoskeletal Research, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, 14611
| | - Karen Abramson
- Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, 300 North Duke Street, Durham, NC 27701
| | - David Corcoran
- Genomic Analysis and Bioinformatics Shared Resource, Duke Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, 101 Science Drive, Duke University Medical Center Box 3382, Durham, NC 27708
- Lineberger Bioinformatics Core, 5200 Marsico Hall, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27516
| | - Simon G. Gregory
- Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, 300 North Duke Street, Durham, NC 27701
- Department of Neurology, Duke University School of Medicine, 311 Research Drive, Durham, NC 27710
| | - Jyothi Thimmapuram
- Bioinformatics Core, Purdue University, 1022 Young Hall, 155 S. Grant Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907
| | - Farshid Guilak
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Washington University in St. Louis, 4515 McKinley Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110
- Shriners Hospitals for Children – St. Louis, 4400 Clayton Ave, St. Louis Missouri 63110
| | - Dianne Little
- Departments of Basic Medical Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, 2186 Lynn Hall, 625 Harrison St, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2026
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Prasasya RD, Caldwell BA, Liu Z, Wu S, Leu NA, Fowler JM, Cincotta SA, Laird DJ, Kohli RM, Bartolomei MS. TET1 Catalytic Activity is Required for Reprogramming of Imprinting Control Regions and Patterning of Sperm-Specific Hypomethylated Regions. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.21.529426. [PMID: 36865267 PMCID: PMC9980038 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.21.529426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
DNA methylation erasure is required for mammalian primordial germ cell reprogramming. TET enzymes iteratively oxidize 5-methylcytosine to generate 5-hyroxymethylcytosine (5hmC), 5-formylcytosine, and 5-carboxycytosine to facilitate active genome demethylation. Whether these bases are required to promote replication-coupled dilution or activate base excision repair during germline reprogramming remains unresolved due to the lack of genetic models that decouple TET activities. Here, we generated two mouse lines expressing catalytically inactive TET1 ( Tet1-HxD ) and TET1 that stalls oxidation at 5hmC ( Tet1-V ). Tet1 -/- , Tet1 V/V , and Tet1 HxD/HxD sperm methylomes show that TET1 V and TET1 HxD rescue most Tet1 -/- hypermethylated regions, demonstrating the importance of TET1’s extra-catalytic functions. Imprinted regions, in contrast, require iterative oxidation. We further reveal a broader class of hypermethylated regions in sperm of Tet1 mutant mice that are excluded from de novo methylation during male germline development and depend on TET oxidation for reprogramming. Our study underscores the link between TET1-mediated demethylation during reprogramming and sperm methylome patterning.
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Contribution of Retrotransposons to the Pathogenesis of Type 1 Diabetes and Challenges in Analysis Methods. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043104. [PMID: 36834511 PMCID: PMC9966460 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is one of the most common chronic diseases of the endocrine system, associated with several life-threatening comorbidities. While the etiopathogenesis of T1D remains elusive, a combination of genetic susceptibility and environmental factors, such as microbial infections, are thought to be involved in the development of the disease. The prime model for studying the genetic component of T1D predisposition encompasses polymorphisms within the HLA (human leukocyte antigen) region responsible for the specificity of antigen presentation to lymphocytes. Apart from polymorphisms, genomic reorganization caused by repeat elements and endogenous viral elements (EVEs) might be involved in T1D predisposition. Such elements are human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) and non-long terminal repeat (non-LTR) retrotransposons, including long and short interspersed nuclear elements (LINEs and SINEs). In line with their parasitic origin and selfish behaviour, retrotransposon-imposed gene regulation is a major source of genetic variation and instability in the human genome, and may represent the missing link between genetic susceptibility and environmental factors long thought to contribute to T1D onset. Autoreactive immune cell subtypes with differentially expressed retrotransposons can be identified with single-cell transcriptomics, and personalized assembled genomes can be constructed, which can then serve as a reference for predicting retrotransposon integration/restriction sites. Here we review what is known to date about retrotransposons, we discuss the involvement of viruses and retrotransposons in T1D predisposition, and finally we consider challenges in retrotransposons analysis methods.
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Sehgal P, Chaturvedi P. Chromatin and Cancer: Implications of Disrupted Chromatin Organization in Tumorigenesis and Its Diversification. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15020466. [PMID: 36672415 PMCID: PMC9856863 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15020466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
A hallmark of cancers is uncontrolled cell proliferation, frequently associated with an underlying imbalance in gene expression. This transcriptional dysregulation observed in cancers is multifaceted and involves chromosomal rearrangements, chimeric transcription factors, or altered epigenetic marks. Traditionally, chromatin dysregulation in cancers has been considered a downstream effect of driver mutations. However, here we present a broader perspective on the alteration of chromatin organization in the establishment, diversification, and therapeutic resistance of cancers. We hypothesize that the chromatin organization controls the accessibility of the transcriptional machinery to regulate gene expression in cancerous cells and preserves the structural integrity of the nucleus by regulating nuclear volume. Disruption of this large-scale chromatin in proliferating cancerous cells in conventional chemotherapies induces DNA damage and provides a positive feedback loop for chromatin rearrangements and tumor diversification. Consequently, the surviving cells from these chemotherapies become tolerant to higher doses of the therapeutic reagents, which are significantly toxic to normal cells. Furthermore, the disorganization of chromatin induced by these therapies accentuates nuclear fragility, thereby increasing the invasive potential of these tumors. Therefore, we believe that understanding the changes in chromatin organization in cancerous cells is expected to deliver more effective pharmacological interventions with minimal effects on non-cancerous cells.
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Higashimoto K, Hara S, Soejima H. DNA Methylation Analysis Using Bisulfite Pyrosequencing. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2577:3-20. [PMID: 36173562 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2724-2_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Pyrosequencing is a DNA sequencing-by-synthesis technique that can quantitatively detect single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). With pyrosequencing, the level of DNA methylation can be calculated according to the ratio of artificial cytosine/thymine SNPs produced by bisulfite conversion at each CpG site. This analysis method provides a reproducible and accurate measurement of methylation levels at CpG sites near sequencing primers with high quantitative resolution. DNA methylation plays an important role in mammalian development and cellular physiology; alterations in DNA methylation patterns have been implicated in several common diseases as well as cancers and imprinting disorders. Evaluating DNA methylation levels via pyrosequencing is useful for identifying biomarkers that could help with the diagnosis, prognosis, treatment selection, and onset risk assessment for several diseases. We describe the principles of pyrosequencing and detail a bisulfite pyrosequencing protocol based on our experience and the PyroMark Q24 User Manual.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken Higashimoto
- Division of Molecular Genetics and Epigenetics, Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga, Japan.
| | - Satoshi Hara
- Division of Molecular Genetics and Epigenetics, Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga, Japan
| | - Hidenobu Soejima
- Division of Molecular Genetics and Epigenetics, Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga, Japan
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Mishra S, Raval M, Kachhawaha AS, Tiwari BS, Tiwari AK. Aging: Epigenetic modifications. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2023; 197:171-209. [PMID: 37019592 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2023.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/15/2023]
Abstract
Aging is one of the most complex and irreversible health conditions characterized by continuous decline in physical/mental activities that eventually poses an increased risk of several diseases and ultimately death. These conditions cannot be ignored by anyone but there are evidences that suggest that exercise, healthy diet and good routines may delay the Aging process significantly. Several studies have demonstrated that Epigenetics plays a key role in Aging and Aging-associated diseases through methylation of DNA, histone modification and non-coding RNA (ncRNA). Comprehension and relevant alterations in these epigenetic modifications can lead to new therapeutic avenues of age-delaying contrivances. These processes affect gene transcription, DNA replication and DNA repair, comprehending epigenetics as a key factor in understanding Aging and developing new avenues for delaying Aging, clinical advancements in ameliorating aging-related diseases and rejuvenating health. In the present article, we have described and advocated the epigenetic role in Aging and associated diseases.
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Mani N, Daiya A, Chowdhury R, Mukherjee S, Chowdhury S. Epigenetic adaptations in drug-tolerant tumor cells. Adv Cancer Res 2023; 158:293-335. [PMID: 36990535 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2022.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Traditional chemotherapy against cancer is often severely hampered by acquired resistance to the drug. Epigenetic alterations and other mechanisms like drug efflux, drug metabolism, and engagement of survival pathways are crucial in evading drug pressure. Herein, growing evidence suggests that a subpopulation of tumor cells can often tolerate drug onslaught by entering a "persister" state with minimal proliferation. The molecular features of these persister cells are gradually unraveling. Notably, the "persisters" act as a cache of cells that can eventually re-populate the tumor post-withdrawal drug pressure and contribute to acquiring stable drug-resistant features. This underlines the clinical significance of the tolerant cells. Accumulating evidence highlights the importance of modulation of the epigenome as a critical adaptive strategy for evading drug pressure. Chromatin remodeling, altered DNA methylation, and de-regulation of non-coding RNA expression and function contribute significantly to this persister state. No wonder targeting adaptive epigenetic modifications is increasingly recognized as an appropriate therapeutic strategy to sensitize them and restore drug sensitivity. Furthermore, manipulating the tumor microenvironment and "drug holiday" is also explored to maneuver the epigenome. However, heterogeneity in adaptive strategies and lack of targeted therapies have significantly hindered the translation of epigenetic therapy to the clinics. In this review, we comprehensively analyze the epigenetic alterations adapted by the drug-tolerant cells, the therapeutic strategies employed to date, and their limitations and future prospects.
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50
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Wang Q, Xiong F, Wu G, Liu W, Chen J, Wang B, Chen Y. Gene body methylation in cancer: molecular mechanisms and clinical applications. Clin Epigenetics 2022; 14:154. [PMID: 36443876 PMCID: PMC9706891 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-022-01382-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation is an important epigenetic mechanism that regulates gene expression. To date, most DNA methylation studies have focussed on CpG islands in the gene promoter region, and the mechanism of methylation and the regulation of gene expression after methylation have been clearly elucidated. However, genome-wide methylation studies have shown that DNA methylation is widespread not only in promoters but also in gene bodies. Gene body methylation is widely involved in the expression regulation of many genes and is closely related to the occurrence and progression of malignant tumours. This review focusses on the formation of gene body methylation patterns, its regulation of transcription, and its relationship with tumours, providing clues to explore the mechanism of gene body methylation in regulating gene transcription and its significance and application in the field of oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Wang
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095 Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430074 Hubei Province China
| | - Fei Xiong
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095 Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430074 Hubei Province China
| | - Guanhua Wu
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095 Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430074 Hubei Province China
| | - Wenzheng Liu
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095 Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430074 Hubei Province China
| | - Junsheng Chen
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095 Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430074 Hubei Province China
| | - Bing Wang
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095 Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430074 Hubei Province China
| | - Yongjun Chen
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095 Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430074 Hubei Province China
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