1
|
da Silva Santos R, Pascoalino Pinheiro D, Gustavo Hirth C, Barbosa Bezerra MJ, Joyce de Lima Silva-Fernandes I, Andréa da Silva Oliveira F, Viana de Holanda Barros M, Silveira Ramos E, A. Moura A, Filho ODMM, Pessoa C, Miranda Furtado CL. Hypomethylation at H19DMR in penile squamous cell carcinoma is not related to HPV infection. Epigenetics 2024; 19:2305081. [PMID: 38245880 PMCID: PMC10802203 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2024.2305081] [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: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Penile squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a rare and aggressive tumour mainly related to lifestyle behaviour and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Environmentally induced loss of imprinting (LOI) at the H19 differentially methylated region (H19DMR) is associated with many cancers in the early events of tumorigenesis and may be involved in the pathogenesis of penile SCC. We sought to evaluate the DNA methylation pattern at H19DMR and its association with HPV infection in men with penile SCC by bisulfite sequencing (bis-seq). We observed an average methylation of 32.2% ± 11.6% at the H19DMR of penile SCC and did not observe an association between the p16INK4a+ (p = 0.59) and high-risk HPV+ (p = 0.338) markers with methylation level. The average methylation did not change according to HPV positive for p16INK4a+ or hrHPV+ (35.4% ± 10%) and negative for both markers (32.4% ± 10.1%) groups. As the region analysed has a binding site for the CTCF protein, the hypomethylation at the surrounding CpG sites might alter its insulator function. In addition, there was a positive correlation between intense polymorphonuclear cell infiltration and hypomethylation at H19DMR (p = 0.035). Here, we report that hypomethylation at H19DMR in penile SCC might contribute to tumour progression and aggressiveness regardless of HPV infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Renan da Silva Santos
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Drug Research and Development Center, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Maisa Viana de Holanda Barros
- Postgraduate Program in Translational Medicine, Drug Research and Development Center, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Ester Silveira Ramos
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Arlindo A. Moura
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Drug Research and Development Center, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
- Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Odorico de Moraes Manoel Filho
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Drug Research and Development Center, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Translational Medicine, Drug Research and Development Center, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Claudia Pessoa
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Drug Research and Development Center, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Cristiana Libardi Miranda Furtado
- Postgraduate Program in Translational Medicine, Drug Research and Development Center, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
- Experimental Biology Center, University of Fortaleza, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Medical Sciences, Universidade de Fortaleza, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Smolarz B, Szaflik T, Romanowicz H, Bryś M, Forma E, Szyłło K. Analysis of VEGF, IGF1/2 and the Long Noncoding RNA (lncRNA) H19 Expression in Polish Women with Endometriosis. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5271. [PMID: 38791310 PMCID: PMC11121376 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105271] [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: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The coordinated action of VEGF, IGF1/2 and H19 factors influences the development of endometriosis. The aim of this study was to analyze the expression level of these genes in patients with endometriosis. The study group consisted of 100 patients who were diagnosed with endometriosis on laparoscopic and pathological examination. The control group consisted of 100 patients who were found to be free of endometriosis during the surgical procedure and whose eutopic endometrium wasnormal on histopathological examination. These patients were operated on for uterine fibroids. Gene expression was determined by RT-PCR. The expression of the VEGF gene was significantly higher in the samples classified as clinical stage 1-2 compared to the control material (p < 0.05). There was also a statistically significant difference between the samples studied at clinical stages 1-2 and 3-4 (p < 0.01). The expression of the VEGF gene in the group classified as 1-2 was significantly higher. IGF1 gene expression was significantly lower both in the group of samples classified as clinical stages 1-2 and 3-4 compared to the control group (p < 0.05 in both cases). The expression of the H19 gene was significantly lower in the group of samples classified as clinical stage 3-4 compared to the control group (p < 0.01). The reported studies suggest significant roles of VEGF, IGF and H19 expression in the pathogenesis of endometriosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Beata Smolarz
- Laboratory of Cancer Genetics, Department of Pathology, Polish Mother’s Memorial Hospital Research Institute, Rzgowska 281/289, 93-338 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Tomasz Szaflik
- Department of Gynecology, Oncological Gynecology and Endometriosis Treatment, Polish Mother’s Memorial Hospital Research Institute, 93-338 Rzgowska-Lodz, Poland; (T.S.); (K.S.)
| | - Hanna Romanowicz
- Laboratory of Cancer Genetics, Department of Pathology, Polish Mother’s Memorial Hospital Research Institute, Rzgowska 281/289, 93-338 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Magdalena Bryś
- Department of Cytobiochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Pomorska 141/143, 90-237 Lodz, Poland; (M.B.); (E.F.)
| | - Ewa Forma
- Department of Cytobiochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Pomorska 141/143, 90-237 Lodz, Poland; (M.B.); (E.F.)
| | - Krzysztof Szyłło
- Department of Gynecology, Oncological Gynecology and Endometriosis Treatment, Polish Mother’s Memorial Hospital Research Institute, 93-338 Rzgowska-Lodz, Poland; (T.S.); (K.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ning H, Tao H. Small RNA sequencing of exosomal microRNAs reveals differential expression of microRNAs in preeclampsia. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e35597. [PMID: 37861520 PMCID: PMC10589583 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000035597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) is one of the most common hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. It is a dangerous condition with a high mortality rate in mothers and fetuses and is associated with a lack of early diagnosis and effective treatment. While the etiology of the disease is complex and obscure, it is now clear that the placenta is central to disease progression. Exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs) are possible mediators that regulate placenta-related physiological and pathological processes. Placental mesenchymal stem cells have considerable potential to help us understand the pathogenesis and treatment of pregnancy-related diseases. Here, we investigate the exosomal miRNA profiles of human placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells between healthy pregnant women and those with PE. We performed small RNA sequencing to obtain miRNA profiles, and conducted enrichment analysis of the miRNA target genes to identify differentially expressed miRNAs associated with PE. Overall, we detected 1795 miRNAs; among them, 206 were differentially expressed in women with PE, including 35 upregulated and 171 downregulated miRNAs, when compared with healthy pregnant women. Moreover, we identified possible functions and pathways associated with PE, including angiogenesis, cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and the coagulation-fibrinolysis balance. Eventually, we proposed hsa-miR-675-5p, hsa-miR-3614-5p, and hsa-miR-615-5p as potential regulators of the pathogenesis of PE, and constructed a miRNA-target gene network. Our study identifies possible candidate biomarkers for the diagnosis of PE, and introduces a new direction for further understanding the pathogenesis of PE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui Ning
- Department of Obstetrics, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao, China
| | - Hong Tao
- Department of Obstetrics, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Peng Y, Guo R, Shi B, Li D. The role of long non-coding RNA H19 in infertility. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:268. [PMID: 37507391 PMCID: PMC10382492 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01567-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Infertility is defined as the failure to conceive after at least one year of unprotected intercourse. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are transcripts that contain more than 200 nucleotides but do not convert into proteins. LncRNAs, particularly lncRNA H19, have been linked to the emergence and progression of various diseases. This review focuses on the role of H19 in infertility caused by polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, diminished ovarian reserve, male factor, and assisted reproductive technology-related pathology, highlighting the potential of H19 as a molecular target for the future treatment of infertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Peng
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Advanced Reproductive Medicine and Fertility (China Medical University), National Health Commission, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Renhao Guo
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Bei Shi
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China.
- NHC Key Laboratory of Advanced Reproductive Medicine and Fertility (China Medical University), National Health Commission, Shenyang, 110004, China.
- Department of Physiology, School of Life Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, China.
| | - Da Li
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China.
- NHC Key Laboratory of Advanced Reproductive Medicine and Fertility (China Medical University), National Health Commission, Shenyang, 110004, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Yong HEJ, Maksym K, Yusoff MAB, Salazar-Petres E, Nazarenko T, Zaikin A, David AL, Hillman SL, Sferruzzi-Perri AN. Integrated Placental Modelling of Histology with Gene Expression to Identify Functional Impact on Fetal Growth. Cells 2023; 12:1093. [PMID: 37048166 PMCID: PMC10093760 DOI: 10.3390/cells12071093] [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: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a leading cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality. Altered placental formation and functional capacity are major contributors to FGR pathogenesis. Relating placental structure to function across the placenta in healthy and FGR pregnancies remains largely unexplored but could improve understanding of placental diseases. We investigated integration of these parameters spatially in the term human placenta using predictive modelling. Systematic sampling was able to overcome heterogeneity in placental morphological and molecular features. Defects in villous development, elevated fibrosis, and reduced expression of growth and functional marker genes (IGF2, VEGA, SLC38A1, and SLC2A3) were seen in age-matched term FGR versus healthy control placentas. Characteristic histopathological changes with specific accompanying molecular signatures could be integrated through computational modelling to predict if the placenta came from a healthy or FGR pregnancy. Our findings yield new insights into the spatial relationship between placental structure and function and the etiology of FGR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Ee Juen Yong
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences (SICS), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 30 Medical Drive, Brenner Centre for Molecular Medicine, Singapore 117609, Singapore
| | - Katarzyna Maksym
- Elizabeth Gareth Anderson Institute for Women’s Health, University College London, 84-86 Chenies Mews, London WC1E 6HU, UK
- Fetal Medicine Unit Elizabeth Gareth Anderson Wing, University College Hospitals NHS Trust, 25 Grafton Way, London WC1E 6DB, UK
| | - Muhammad Ashraf Bin Yusoff
- Elizabeth Gareth Anderson Institute for Women’s Health, University College London, 84-86 Chenies Mews, London WC1E 6HU, UK
| | - Esteban Salazar-Petres
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Tatiana Nazarenko
- Elizabeth Gareth Anderson Institute for Women’s Health, University College London, 84-86 Chenies Mews, London WC1E 6HU, UK
- Department of Mathematics, University College London, London WC1E 6AE, UK
| | - Alexey Zaikin
- Elizabeth Gareth Anderson Institute for Women’s Health, University College London, 84-86 Chenies Mews, London WC1E 6HU, UK
- Department of Mathematics, University College London, London WC1E 6AE, UK
| | - Anna L. David
- Elizabeth Gareth Anderson Institute for Women’s Health, University College London, 84-86 Chenies Mews, London WC1E 6HU, UK
- Fetal Medicine Unit Elizabeth Gareth Anderson Wing, University College Hospitals NHS Trust, 25 Grafton Way, London WC1E 6DB, UK
- National Institute for Health Research University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre, 149 Tottenham Court Road, London W1T 7DN, UK
| | - Sara L. Hillman
- Elizabeth Gareth Anderson Institute for Women’s Health, University College London, 84-86 Chenies Mews, London WC1E 6HU, UK
- Fetal Medicine Unit Elizabeth Gareth Anderson Wing, University College Hospitals NHS Trust, 25 Grafton Way, London WC1E 6DB, UK
| | - Amanda N. Sferruzzi-Perri
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Wu Z, Hu G, Zhang Y, Ao Z. IGF2 May Enhance Placental Fatty Acid Metabolism by Regulating Expression of Fatty Acid Carriers in the Growth of Fetus and Placenta during Late Pregnancy in Pigs. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14040872. [PMID: 37107630 PMCID: PMC10137774 DOI: 10.3390/genes14040872] [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: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Fatty acids (FAs) are essential substances for the growth and development of the fetus and placenta. The growing fetus and placenta must obtain adequate FAs received from the maternal circulation and facilitated by various placental FA carriers, including FA transport proteins (FATPs), FA translocase (FAT/CD36), and cytoplasmic FA binding proteins (FABPs). Placental nutrition transport was regulated by imprinted genes H19 and insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2). Nevertheless, the relationship between the expression patterns of H19/IGF2 and placental fatty acid metabolism throughout pig pregnancy remains poorly studied and unclear. We investigated the placental fatty acid profile, expression patterns of FA carriers, and H19/IGF2 in the placentae on Days 40 (D40), 65 (D65), and 95 (D95) of pregnancy. The results showed that the width of the placental folds and the number of trophoblast cells of D65 placentae were significantly increased than those of D40 placentae. Several important long-chain FAs (LCFAs), including oleic acid, linoleic acid, arachidonatic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, and docosatetraenoic acid, in the pig placenta showed dramatically increased levels throughout pregnancy. The pig placenta possessed higher expression levels of CD36, FATP4, and FABP5 compared with other FA carriers, and their expression levels had significantly upregulated 2.8-, 5.6-, and 12.0-fold from D40 to D95, respectively. The transcription level of IGF2 was dramatically upregulated and there were corresponding lower DNA methylation levels in the IGF2 DMR2 in D95 placentae relative to D65 placentae. Moreover, in vitro experimentation revealed that the overexpression of IGF2 resulted in a significant increase in fatty acid uptake and expression levels of CD36, FATP4, and FABP5 in PTr2 cells. In conclusion, our results indicate that CD36, FATP4, and FABP5 may be important regulators that enhance the transport of LCFAs in the pig placenta and that IGF2 may be involved in FA metabolism by affecting the FA carriers expression to support the growth of the fetus and placenta during late pregnancy in pigs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhimin Wu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction in the Plateau Mountainous Region, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Guangling Hu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction in the Plateau Mountainous Region, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Yiyu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction in the Plateau Mountainous Region, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Zheng Ao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction in the Plateau Mountainous Region, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Salmeri N, Carbone IF, Cavoretto PI, Farina A, Morano D. Epigenetics Beyond Fetal Growth Restriction: A Comprehensive Overview. Mol Diagn Ther 2022; 26:607-626. [PMID: 36028645 DOI: 10.1007/s40291-022-00611-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Fetal growth restriction is a pathological condition occurring when the fetus does not reach the genetically determined growth potential. The etiology of fetal growth restriction is expected to be multifactorial and include fetal, maternal, and placental factors, the latter being the most frequent cause of isolated fetal growth restriction. Severe fetal growth restriction has been related to both an increased risk of perinatal morbidity and mortality, and also a greater susceptibility to developing diseases (especially cardio-metabolic and neurological disorders) later in life. In the last decade, emerging evidence has supported the hypothesis of the Developmental Origin of Health and Disease, which states that individual developmental 'programming' takes place via a delicate fine tuning of fetal genetic and epigenetic marks in response to a large variety of 'stressor' exposures during pregnancy. As the placenta is the maternal-fetal interface, it has a crucial role in fetal programming, such that any perturbation altering placental function interferes with both in-utero fetal growth and also with the adult life phenotype. Several epigenetic mechanisms have been highlighted in modulating the dynamic placental epigenome, including alterations in DNA methylation status, post-translational modification of histones, and non-coding RNAs. This review aims to provide a comprehensive and critical overview of the available literature on the epigenetic background of fetal growth restriction. A targeted research strategy was performed using PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, and The Cochrane Library up to January 2022. A detailed and fully referenced synthesis of available literature following the Scale for the Assessment of Narrative Review Articles guidelines is provided. A variety of epigenetic marks predominantly interfering with placental development, function, and metabolism were found to be potentially associated with fetal growth restriction. Available evidence on the role of environmental exposures in shaping the placental epigenome and the fetal phenotype were also critically discussed. Because of the highly dynamic crosstalk between epigenetic mechanisms and the extra level of complexity in interpreting the final placental transcriptome, a full comprehension of these phenomenon is still lacking and advances in multi-omics approaches are urgently needed. Elucidating the role of epigenetics in the developmental origins of health and disease represents a new challenge for the coming years, with the goal of providing early interventions and prevention strategies and, hopefully, new treatment opportunities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Noemi Salmeri
- Gynecology/Obstetrics Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Ilma Floriana Carbone
- Unit of Obstetrics, Department of Woman, Child and Neonate, Mangiagalli Center, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Ivo Cavoretto
- Gynecology/Obstetrics Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonio Farina
- Division of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Department of Medicine and Surgery (DIMEC), IRCCS Sant'Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, 40138, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Danila Morano
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria S. Anna, University of Ferrara, Cona, Ferrara, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Non-Coding RNAs and Prediction of Preeclampsia in the First Trimester of Pregnancy. Cells 2022; 11:cells11152428. [PMID: 35954272 PMCID: PMC9368389 DOI: 10.3390/cells11152428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) is a major cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. The only fundamental treatment for PE is the termination of pregnancy. Therefore, not only severe maternal complications but also perinatal complications due to immaturity of the infant associated with early delivery are serious issues. The treatment and prevention of preterm onset preeclampsia (POPE) are challenging. In 2017, the ASPRE trial showed that a low oral dose of aspirin administered to POPE high-risk women in early pregnancy reduced POPE by 62%. A prediction algorithm at 11–13 weeks of gestation identifies POPE with 75% sensitivity when the false positive rate is set at 10%. New biomarkers to increase the accuracy of the prediction model for POPE high-risk women in early pregnancy are needed. In this review, we focused on non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) as potential biomarkers for the prediction of POPE. Highly expressed ncRNAs in the placenta in early pregnancy may play crucial roles in placentation. Furthermore, placenta-specific ncRNAs have been detected in maternal blood. In this review, we summarized ncRNAs that were highly expressed in the primary human placenta in early pregnancy. We also presented highly expressed ncRNAs in the placenta that were associated with or predictive of the development of PE in an expression analysis of maternal blood during the first trimester of pregnancy. These previous studies showed that the chromosome 19 microRNA (miRNA) -derived miRNAs (e.g., miR-517-5p, miR-518b, and miR-520h), the hypoxia-inducible miRNA (miR-210), and long non-coding RNA H19, were not only highly expressed in the early placenta but were also significantly up-regulated in the blood at early gestation in pregnant women who later developed PE. These maternal circulating ncRNAs in early pregnancy are expected to be possible biomarkers for POPE.
Collapse
|
9
|
Kamrani S, Amirchaghmaghi E, Ghaffari F, Shahhoseini M, Ghaedi K. Altered gene expression of VEGF, IGFs and H19 lncRNA and epigenetic profile of H19-DMR region in endometrial tissues of women with endometriosis. Reprod Health 2022; 19:100. [PMID: 35459174 PMCID: PMC9034598 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-022-01406-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Endometriosis, as chronic estrogen-dependent disease, is defined by the presence of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus. Proliferation of endometrial tissue and neoangiogenesis are critical factors in development of endometriosis. Hence, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) as well as insulin‐like growth factor 1 and 2 (IGF1, 2) may be involved as inducers of cellular proliferation or neoangiogenesis. Imprinted long noncoding RNA H19 (lncRNA H19) has been suggested to be involved in pathogenesis of endometriosis via regulation of cellular proliferation and differentiation. Epigenetic aberrations appear to play an important role in its pathogenesis. The present study was designed to elucidate VEGF, IGF1, IGF2 and H19 lncRNA genes expression and epigenetic alterations of differentially methylated region (DMR) of H19 (H19-DMR) regulatory region in endometrial tissues of patients with endometriosis, in comparison with control women. Methods In this case–control study, 24 women with and without endometriosis were studied for the relative expression of VEGF, IGF1, IGF2 and H19 lncRNA genes using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. Occupancy of the MeCP2 on DMR region of H19 gene was assessed using chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), followed by real-time PCR. Results Genes expression profile of H19, IGF1 and IGF2 was decreased in eutopic and ectopic endometrial tissues of endometriosis group, compared to the control tissues. Decreased expression of H19 in ectopic samples was significant in comparison with the controls (P < 0.05). Gene expression of VEGF was increased in eutopic tissues of endometriosis group, compared to control group. Whereas its expression level was lower in ectopic lesions versus eutopic and control endometrial samples. ChIP analysis revealed significant and nearly significant hypomethylation of H19-DMR region II in eutopic and ectopic samples, compared to the control group respectively. This epigenetic change was aligned with expression of IGF2. While methylation of H19-DMR region I was not significantly different between the eutopic, ectopic and control endometrial samples. Conclusion These data showed that VEGF, IGF1, IGF2 and H19 lncRNA genes expression and epigenetic alterations of H19 lncRNA have dynamic role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis, specifically in the way that hypomethylation of H19-DMR region II can be involved in IGF2 dysregulation in endometriosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sedigheh Kamrani
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, University of Isfahan, Hezar Jerib Ave, Azadi Square, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Elham Amirchaghmaghi
- Department of Endocrinology and Female Infertility, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Regenerative Biomedicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Firouzeh Ghaffari
- Department of Endocrinology and Female Infertility, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Shahhoseini
- Department of Genetics, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, P.O.Box: 19395-4644, Tehran, Iran. .,Reproductive Epidemiology Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran. .,Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Kamran Ghaedi
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, University of Isfahan, Hezar Jerib Ave, Azadi Square, Isfahan, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Zaletaev DV, Nemtsova MV, Strelnikov VV. Epigenetic Regulation Disturbances on Gene Expression in Imprinting Diseases. Mol Biol 2022. [DOI: 10.1134/s0026893321050149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
|
11
|
Reijnders IF, Mulders AGMGJ, Koster MPH, Kropman ATM, de Vos ES, Koning AHJ, Willemsen SP, Rousian M, Steegers EAP, Steegers-Theunissen RPM. First-trimester utero-placental (vascular) development and embryonic and fetal growth: The Rotterdam periconception cohort. Placenta 2021; 108:81-90. [PMID: 33823358 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2021.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Impaired placental development is a major cause of fetal growth restriction (FGR) and early detection will therefore improve antenatal care and birth outcomes. Here we aim to investigate serial first-trimester ultrasound markers of utero-placental (vascular) development in association with embryonic and fetal growth. METHODS In a prospective cohort, we periconceptionally included 214 pregnant women. Three-dimensional power Doppler ultrasonography at 7, 9 and 11 weeks gestational age (GA) was used to measure placental volumes (PV) and basal plate surface area by Virtual Organ Computer-aided AnaLysis™, and utero-placental vascular volume (uPVV), crown-rump length (CRL) and embryonic volume (EV) by a V-scope volume rendering application. Estimated fetal weight (EFW) was measured by ultrasound at 22 and 32 weeks GA and birth weight percentile (BW) was recorded. Linear mixed models and regression analyses were applied and appropriately adjusted. All analyses were stratified for fetal sex. RESULTS PV trajectories were positively associated with CRL (βadj = 0.416, 95%CI:0.255; 0.576, p < 0.001), EV (βadj = 0.220, 95%CI:0.058; 0.381, p = 0.008) and EFW (βadj = 0.182, 95%CI:0.012; 0.352, p = 0.037). uPVV trajectories were positively associated with CRL (βadj = 0.203, 95%CI 0.021; 0.384, p = 0.029). In girls, PV trajectories were positively associated with CRL (p < 0.001), EV (p = 0.018), EFW (p = 0.026), and uPVV trajectories were positively associated with BW (p = 0.040). In boys, positive associations were shown between PV trajectories and CRL (p = 0.002), and between uPVV trajectories and CRL (p = 0.046). DISCUSSION First-trimester utero-placental (vascular) development is associated with embryonic and fetal growth, with fetal sex specific modifications. This underlines the opportunity to monitor first-trimester placental development and supports the associations with embryonic and fetal growth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- I F Reijnders
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, PO Box 2040, 3000, CA, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - A G M G J Mulders
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, PO Box 2040, 3000, CA, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - M P H Koster
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, PO Box 2040, 3000, CA, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - A T M Kropman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, PO Box 2040, 3000, CA, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - E S de Vos
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, PO Box 2040, 3000, CA, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - A H J Koning
- Department of Pathology, Clinical Bioinformatics Unit Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, PO Box 2040, 3000, CA, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - S P Willemsen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, PO Box 2040, 3000, CA, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Biostatistics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, PO Box 2040, 3000, CA, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - M Rousian
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, PO Box 2040, 3000, CA, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - E A P Steegers
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, PO Box 2040, 3000, CA, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - R P M Steegers-Theunissen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, PO Box 2040, 3000, CA, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Ogoyama M, Ohkuchi A, Takahashi H, Zhao D, Matsubara S, Takizawa T. LncRNA H19-Derived miR-675-5p Accelerates the Invasion of Extravillous Trophoblast Cells by Inhibiting GATA2 and Subsequently Activating Matrix Metalloproteinases. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22031237. [PMID: 33513878 PMCID: PMC7866107 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22031237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The invasion of extravillous trophoblast (EVT) cells into the maternal decidua, which plays a crucial role in the establishment of a successful pregnancy, is highly orchestrated by a complex array of regulatory mechanisms. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) that fine-tune gene expression at epigenetic, transcriptional, and post-transcriptional levels are involved in the regulatory mechanisms of EVT cell invasion. However, little is known about the characteristic features of EVT-associated ncRNAs. To elucidate the gene expression profiles of both coding and non-coding transcripts (i.e., mRNAs, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and microRNAs (miRNAs)) expressed in EVT cells, we performed RNA sequencing analysis of EVT cells isolated from first-trimester placentae. RNA sequencing analysis demonstrated that the lncRNA H19 and its derived miRNA miR-675-5p were enriched in EVT cells. Although miR-675-5p acts as a placental/trophoblast growth suppressor, there is little information on the involvement of miR-675-5p in trophoblast cell invasion. Next, we evaluated a possible role of miR-675-5p in EVT cell invasion using the EVT cell lines HTR-8/SVneo and HChEpC1b; overexpression of miR-675-5p significantly promoted the invasion of both EVT cell lines. The transcription factor gene GATA2 was shown to be a target of miR-675-5p; moreover, small interfering RNA-mediated GATA2 knockdown significantly promoted cell invasion. Furthermore, we identified MMP13 and MMP14 as downstream effectors of miR-675-5p/GATA2-dependent EVT cell invasion. These findings suggest that miR-675-5p-mediated GATA2 inhibition accelerates EVT cell invasion by upregulating matrix metalloproteinases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manabu Ogoyama
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jichi Medical University, 3311-1 Yakushiji, Shimotsuke-shi, Tochigi 329-0498, Japan; (M.O.); (A.O.); (H.T.); (S.M.)
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Anatomy, Nippon Medical School, 1-1-5 Sendagi, Tokyo 113-8602, Japan;
| | - Akihide Ohkuchi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jichi Medical University, 3311-1 Yakushiji, Shimotsuke-shi, Tochigi 329-0498, Japan; (M.O.); (A.O.); (H.T.); (S.M.)
| | - Hironori Takahashi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jichi Medical University, 3311-1 Yakushiji, Shimotsuke-shi, Tochigi 329-0498, Japan; (M.O.); (A.O.); (H.T.); (S.M.)
| | - Dongwei Zhao
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Anatomy, Nippon Medical School, 1-1-5 Sendagi, Tokyo 113-8602, Japan;
| | - Shigeki Matsubara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jichi Medical University, 3311-1 Yakushiji, Shimotsuke-shi, Tochigi 329-0498, Japan; (M.O.); (A.O.); (H.T.); (S.M.)
| | - Toshihiro Takizawa
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Anatomy, Nippon Medical School, 1-1-5 Sendagi, Tokyo 113-8602, Japan;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-3-3822-2131
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Li J, Quan XJ, Chen G, Hong JW, Wang Q, Xu LL, Wang BH, Yu ZH, Yu HM. PFOS-induced placental cell growth inhibition is partially mediated by lncRNA H19 through interacting with miR-19a and miR-19b. CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 261:127640. [PMID: 32738709 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.127640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/05/2020] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), a persistent environmental pollutant, has been associated with decreased birth weight. The dysregulation of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) H19 has been implicated in pregnancy complications such as intra-uterine growth retardation (IUGR), preeclampsia (PE), however, the expression and function of H19 in PFOS-exerted detrimental effects in the placenta remains to be unveiled. Here, we explored the role of H19 in PFOS-induced placental toxicity. Results showed that PFOS caused decreased cell growth in human HTR-8/SVneo cells. Expression of H19 was increased, while miR-19a and miR-19b expression were decreased in mice placenta tissues and in HTR-8/SVneo cells exposed to PFOS. A significant hypomethylation was observed at the H19 promoter in the placentas of mice that were gestational exposed to high dose of PFOS. H19 was confirmed to bind with miR-19a and miR-19b, targeting SMAD4. Furthermore, H19 appeared to partially improve the cell growth of HTR-8/SVneo cells exposed to PFOS via upregulation of miR-19a and miR-19b. In summary, our findings revealed that H19/miR-19a and miR-19b/SMAD4 axis exerted important functions in PFOS-induced placenta cell toxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Li
- School of Public Health, Xuzhou Medical College, 209 Tong-Shan Road, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221002, China.
| | - Xiao-Jie Quan
- School of Public Health, Xuzhou Medical College, 209 Tong-Shan Road, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221002, China.
| | - Gang Chen
- School of Public Health, Xuzhou Medical College, 209 Tong-Shan Road, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221002, China.
| | - Jia-Wei Hong
- School of Public Health, Xuzhou Medical College, 209 Tong-Shan Road, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221002, China.
| | - Qi Wang
- School of Public Health, Xuzhou Medical College, 209 Tong-Shan Road, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221002, China.
| | - Lin-Lin Xu
- School of Public Health, Xuzhou Medical College, 209 Tong-Shan Road, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221002, China.
| | - Bing-Hua Wang
- School of Public Health, Xuzhou Medical College, 209 Tong-Shan Road, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221002, China.
| | - Ze-Hua Yu
- School of Public Health, Xuzhou Medical College, 209 Tong-Shan Road, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221002, China.
| | - Hong-Min Yu
- School of Public Health, Xuzhou Medical College, 209 Tong-Shan Road, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221002, China.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Yang M, He T, Jiang L, Wang H, Zhang J, Chai J, Li Z, Zhang Y, Zhou G, Ba Y. The role of maternal methylation in the association between prenatal meteorological conditions and neonatal H19/H19-DMR methylation. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2020; 197:110643. [PMID: 32315786 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.110643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2020] [Revised: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/12/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Meteorological conditions during pregnancy can affect birth outcome, which has been linked to the H19/H19-differentially methylated region (DMR). However, the detailed mechanisms underlying this association are unclear. This was investigated in the present study to provide epidemiological evidence for elucidating the pathogenesis of adverse birth outcomes. A total of 550 mother-newborn pairs were recruited in Zhengzhou, China from January 2010 to January 2012. Meteorological data including temperature (T), relative humidity (RH), and sunshine duration (SSD) were obtained from the China Meteorological Data Sharing Service System. Bisulfite sequencing PCR was performed to determine the methylation levels of H19/H19-DMR using genomic DNA extracted from maternal peripheral and umbilical cord blood. The results showed that H19-DMR methylation status in cord blood was positively associated with that in maternal blood. Neonatal H19-DMR methylation was negatively associated with T and RH during the first trimester and positively associated with these variables during the third trimester. There was a positive correlation between neonatal H19-DMR methylation and SSD during the second trimester and a negative correlation during the third trimester. Similar associations were observed between maternal H19-DMR methylation and prenatal meteorological conditions. We also observed significant interaction effects of maternal H19/H19-DMR methylation and most prenatal meteorological factors on neonatal methylation, and found that changes in the methylation status of maternal H19-DMR were responsible for the effects of prenatal meteorological conditions on neonatal methylation. In summary, neonatal H19-DMR methylation was significantly associated with prenatal meteorological conditions, which was modified and mediated by maternal H19-DMR methylation changes. These findings provide insights into the relationship between meteorological factors during pregnancy and adverse birth outcomes or disease susceptibility in offspring, and can serve as a reference for environmental policy-making.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meng Yang
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, PR China; Environment and Health Innovation Team, School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, PR China
| | - Tongkun He
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, PR China
| | - Lifang Jiang
- Center for Social Medicine Research, Henan Provincial Research Institute for Population and Family Planning, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450002, PR China; National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Birth Defects Prevention, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450002, PR China; Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Intervention Technology for Birth Defects, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450002, PR China
| | - Hao Wang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Junxi Zhang
- Center for Social Medicine Research, Henan Provincial Research Institute for Population and Family Planning, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450002, PR China; National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Birth Defects Prevention, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450002, PR China; Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Intervention Technology for Birth Defects, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450002, PR China
| | - Jian Chai
- Center for Social Medicine Research, Henan Provincial Research Institute for Population and Family Planning, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450002, PR China; National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Birth Defects Prevention, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450002, PR China; Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Intervention Technology for Birth Defects, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450002, PR China
| | - Zhiyuan Li
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, PR China
| | - Yawei Zhang
- Department of Environment Health Science, Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Guoyu Zhou
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, PR China; Environment and Health Innovation Team, School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, PR China.
| | - Yue Ba
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, PR China; Environment and Health Innovation Team, School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Elbracht M, Mackay D, Begemann M, Kagan KO, Eggermann T. Disturbed genomic imprinting and its relevance for human reproduction: causes and clinical consequences. Hum Reprod Update 2020; 26:197-213. [DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmz045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Revised: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Human reproductive issues affecting fetal and maternal health are caused by numerous exogenous and endogenous factors, of which the latter undoubtedly include genetic changes. Pathogenic variants in either maternal or offspring DNA are associated with effects on the offspring including clinical disorders and nonviable outcomes. Conversely, both fetal and maternal factors can affect maternal health during pregnancy. Recently, it has become evident that mammalian reproduction is influenced by genomic imprinting, an epigenetic phenomenon that regulates the expression of genes according to their parent from whom they are inherited. About 1% of human genes are normally expressed from only the maternally or paternally inherited gene copy. Since numerous imprinted genes are involved in (embryonic) growth and development, disturbance of their balanced expression can adversely affect these processes.
OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE
This review summarises current our understanding of genomic imprinting in relation to human ontogenesis and pregnancy and its relevance for reproductive medicine.
SEARCH METHODS
Literature databases (Pubmed, Medline) were thoroughly searched for the role of imprinting in human reproductive failure. In particular, the terms ‘multilocus imprinting disturbances, SCMC, NLRP/NALP, imprinting and reproduction’ were used in various combinations.
OUTCOMES
A range of molecular changes to specific groups of imprinted genes are associated with imprinting disorders, i.e. syndromes with recognisable clinical features including distinctive prenatal features. Whereas the majority of affected individuals exhibit alterations at single imprinted loci, some have multi-locus imprinting disturbances (MLID) with less predictable clinical features. Imprinting disturbances are also seen in some nonviable pregnancy outcomes, such as (recurrent) hydatidiform moles, which can therefore be regarded as a severe form of imprinting disorders. There is growing evidence that MLID can be caused by variants in the maternal genome altering the imprinting status of the oocyte and the embryo, i.e. maternal effect mutations. Pregnancies of women carrying maternal affect mutations can have different courses, ranging from miscarriages to birth of children with clinical features of various imprinting disorders.
WIDER IMPLICATIONS
Increasing understanding of imprinting disturbances and their clinical consequences have significant impacts on diagnostics, counselling and management in the context of human reproduction. Defining criteria for identifying pregnancies complicated by imprinting disorders facilitates early diagnosis and personalised management of both the mother and offspring. Identifying the molecular lesions underlying imprinting disturbances (e.g. maternal effect mutations) allows targeted counselling of the family and focused medical care in further pregnancies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Elbracht
- Institute of Human Genetics, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Deborah Mackay
- Human Genetics and Genomic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Matthias Begemann
- Institute of Human Genetics, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Karl Oliver Kagan
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Thomas Eggermann
- Institute of Human Genetics, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|