Gestational age-related patterns of AMOT methylation are revealed in preterm infant endothelial progenitors

Fetal endothelial colony-forming cells: Possible targets for prevention of the fetal origins of adult diseases

Endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFCs), a subset of circulating and resident endothelial progenitor cells, are capable of self-renewal and de novo vessel formation, and are known key regulators of vascular integrity and homeostasis. Numerous studies have found that exposure to hostile environment during the fetal development exerts a profound influence on the level and function of ECFCs, which may be the underlying factor linking endothelial dysfunction to cardiovascular disease of the offspring in later life. Herein, we focus on the latest findings regarding the effects of pregnancy-related disorders on the frequency and function of fetal ECFCs. Subsequently, we discuss about placental ECFCs and put forward some details that should be paid attention to in the process of ECFC isolation and culture. Overall, the information presented in this review highlight the potential of ECFCs as a future biomarker or even therapeutic targets for the pregnancy-related adverse maternal and fetal outcomes.

Locus-Specific Bisulfate NGS Sequencing of GSTP1, RNF219, and KIAA1539 Genes in the Total Pool of Cell-Free and Cell-Surface-Bound DNA in Prostate Cancer: A Novel Approach for Prostate Cancer Diagnostics

The locus-specific methylation of three genes (GSTP1, RNF219, and KIAA1539, also known as FAM214B) in the total pool of blood cell-free DNA, including cell-free DNA from plasma and cell-surface-bound DNA, of patients with prostate cancer and healthy donors was studied on the MiSeq platform. Our study found a higher methylation index of loci for total cell-free DNA compared with cell-free DNA. For total cell-free DNA, the methylation of GSTP1 in each of the 11 positions provided a complete separation of cancer patients from healthy donors, whereas for cell-free DNA, there were no positions in the three genes allowing for such separation. Among the prostate cancer patients, the minimum proportion of GSTP1 genes methylated in any of the 17 positions was 12.1% of the total circulated DNA fragments, and the minimum proportion of GSTP1 genes methylated in any of the 11 diagnostically specific positions was 8.4%. Total cell-free DNA was shown to be more convenient and informative as a source of methylated DNA molecules circulating in the blood than cell-free DNA.

Hippo signaling pathway: A comprehensive gene expression profile analysis in breast cancer

Breast cancer (BC) is the most frequently diagnosed malignancy in women and a major public health concern. The Hippo pathway is an evolutionarily conserved signaling pathway that serves as a key regulator for a wide variety of biological processes. Hippo signaling has been shown to have both oncogenic and tumor-suppressive functions in various cancers. Core components of the Hippo pathway consist of various kinases and downstream effectors such as YAP/TAZ. In the current report, differential expression of Hippo pathway elements as well as the correlation of Hippo pathway mRNAs with various clinicopathologic characteristics, including molecular subtypes, receptor status, and methylation status, has been investigated in BC using METABRIC and TCGA datasets. In this review, we note deregulation of several Hippo signaling elements in BC patients. Moreover, we see examples of negative correlations between methylation of Hippo genes and mRNA expression. The expression of Hippo genes significantly varies between different receptor subgroups. Because of the clear associations between mRNA expression and methylation status, DNA methylation may be one of the mechanisms that regulate the Hippo pathway in BC cells. Differential expression of Hippo genes among various BC molecular subtypes suggests that Hippo signaling may function differently in different subtypes of BC. Our data also highlights an interesting link between Hippo components' transcription and ER negativity in BC. In conclusion, substantial deregulation of Hippo signaling components suggests an important role of these genes in breast cancer.

Locus-Specific Methylation of GSTP1, RNF219, and KIAA1539 Genes with Single Molecule Resolution in Cell-Free DNA from Healthy Donors and Prostate Tumor Patients: Application in Diagnostics

Simple Summary

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in men, which is constantly accompanied by benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). To reach a 100% 5-year survival rate in PCa, which is characteristic for PCa if it is diagnosed in early stages, efficient PCa diagnostics against the background of BPH are demanded. The article describes a liquid biopsy approach to differential PCa diagnostics based on the data on locus-specific methylation of the three genes (GSTP1, RNF219, and KIAA1539) obtained with NGS of cell-free DNA from blood plasma of PCa, BPH, and healthy individuals. We offered a diagnostic approach including the analysis of simultaneous methylation status of two CpGs in one cell-free DNA molecule, allowing the discrimination of all patients with absolute sensitivity and specificity.

Abstract

The locus-specific methylation of three genes (GSTP1, RNF219, and KIAA1539 (also known as FAM214B)) in the blood plasma cell-free DNA (cfDNA) of 20 patients with prostate cancer (PCa), 18 healthy donors (HDs), and 17 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) was studied via the MiSeq platform. The methylation status of two CpGs within the same loci were used as the diagnostic feature for discriminating the patient groups. Many variables had good diagnostic characteristics, e.g., each of the variables GSTP1.C3.C9, GSTP1.C9, and GSTP1.C9.T17 demonstrated an 80% sensitivity at a 100% specificity for PCa patients vs. the others comparison. The analysis of RNF219 gene loci methylation allowed discriminating BPH patients with absolute sensitivity and specificity. The data on the methylation of the genes GSTP1 and RNF219 allowed discriminating PCa patients, as well as HDs, with absolute sensitivity and specificity. Thus, the data on the locus-specific methylation of cfDNA (with single-molecule resolution) combined with a diagnostic approach considering the simultaneous methylation of several CpGs in one locus enabled the discrimination of HD, BPH, and PCa patients.

Novel insights for the role of nitric oxide in placental vascular function during and beyond pregnancy

More than 30 years have passed since endothelial nitric oxide synthesis was described using the umbilical artery and vein endothelium. That seminal report set the cornerstone for unveiling the molecular aspects of endothelial function. In parallel, the understanding of placental physiology has gained growing interest, due to its crucial role in intrauterine development, with considerable long-term health consequences. This review discusses the evidence for nitric oxide (NO) as a critical player of placental development and function, with a special focus on endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) vascular effects. Also, the regulation of eNOS-dependent vascular responses in normal pregnancy and pregnancy-related diseases and their impact on prenatal and postnatal vascular health are discussed. Recent and compelling evidence has reinforced that eNOS regulation results from a complex network of processes, with novel data concerning mechanisms such as mechano-sensing, epigenetic, posttranslational modifications, and the expression of NO- and l-arginine-related pathways. In this regard, most of these mechanisms are expressed in an arterial-venous-specific manner and reflect traits of the fetal systemic circulation. Several studies using umbilical endothelial cells are not aimed to understand placental function but general endothelial function, reinforcing the influence of the placenta on general knowledge in physiology.

AMOT suppresses tumor progression via regulating DNA damage response signaling in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

Angiomotin (AMOT) is a membrane protein that is aberrantly expressed in a variety of solid tumors. Accumulating evidence support that AMOT is involved in the pathological processes of tumor proliferation, apoptosis, and invasion. However, the potential role of AMOT in the pathogenesis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) remains elusive. In the present study, we investigated the expression level and biological function of AMOT in DLBCL. AMOT expression was significantly reduced in DLBCL biopsy section, and low AMOT expression was associated with poor clinical prognosis. Overexpression of AMOT by lentivirus in human DLBCL cells induced cell viability inhibition concomitant with an increased percentage of cells in G1 phase and decreased percentage in S phase. Moreover, AMOT upregulation increased the sensitivity of DLBCL cells to doxorubicin. Furthermore, overexpression of AMOT led to reduced activation of key kinases for the DNA damage response (DDR). The above results indicated that AMOT acts as a tumor suppressor via inhibition of the DDR, thus reducing the viability while increasing the chemosensitivity in DLBCL. In summary, AMOT may be a novel potential target for DLBCL therapeutic intervention.

Developmental and Early Life Origins of Cardiometabolic Risk Factors: Novel Findings and Implications

The intent of this review is to critically consider the data that support the concept of programming and its implications. Birth weight and growth trajectories during childhood are associated with cardiometabolic disease in adult life. Both extremes, low and high birth weight coupled with postnatal growth increase the early presence of cardiometabolic risk factors and vascular imprinting, crucial elements of this framework. Data coming from epigenetics, proteomics, metabolomics, and microbiota added relevant information and contribute to better understanding of mechanisms as well as development of biomarkers helping to move forward to take actions. Research has reached a stage in which sufficiently robust data calls for new initiatives focused on early life. Prevention starting early in life is likely to have a very large impact on reducing disease incidence and its associated effects at the personal, economic, and social levels.

Physical activity intervention improved the number and functionality of endothelial progenitor cells in low birth weight children

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether an intervention with physical activity (PA) would promote positive effects on the angiogenic factors, mobilization, and functionality of circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in children with low birth weight (LBW).

METHODS AND RESULTS

Thirty-five children participated in a 10-week PA program (intensity: 75-85% of heart rate reserve, frequency: four times/week, and duration: 45 min). Before and after the PA program, we evaluated anthropometric parameters, blood pressure levels, biochemical profile, number of EPCs, number of EPC colony forming units, and plasma levels of vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A), nitric oxide (NO), and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) 2 and 9. We found a significant main effect of the PA program on waist circumference (η_p² = 0.489), cardiorespiratory fitness (η_p² = 0.463), and MMP-9 (η_p² = 0.582). Birth weight or the PA program produced significant independent effects on systolic blood pressure (birth weight: η_p² = 0.431; PA program: η_p² = 0.615) and EPC colony forming units (birth weight: η_p² = 0.541; PA program: η_p² = 0.698) with no significant interactions. The combination of birth weight and the PA program produced a significant interaction effect on the number of circulating EPCs (η_p² = 0.123), NO (η_p² = 0.258), and VEGF-A (η_p² = 0.175). The variation in the number of EPCs from baseline to 10 weeks of the PA program correlated positively with the change in NO (P = 0.002) and VEGF-A (P = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

A 10-week PA program attenuates the adverse effect of LBW on the number and functionality of EPCs; this effect occurs through an improvement in circulating levels of NO and VEGF-A. CLINICAL TRIALS: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique Identifier: NCT02982967. Date: December/2016.

Developmental features of DNA methylation in CpG islands of human gametes and preimplantation embryos

The aim of current study was to apply the methylated DNA immunoprecipitation (MeDIP)-Chip method to investigate dynamic changes in CpG island methylation in human sperm, oocytes and various developmental stages of preimplantation embryos. Samples were divided into eight groups: 1, sperm (n=30); 2, MII oocyte (n=25); 3, two-pronuclear (2PN) period zygote (n=25); 4, 4-cell stage embryo (n=5); 5, 8-cell stage embryo (n=4); 6, morula embryo (n=6); 7, blastular inner cell mass (ICM) group (n=5); 8, blastular trophoblastic cells (TE) (n=5). DNA was extracted and hybridized to NimbleGen Human DNA microarray. Following this, chip methylation data were read and analyzed. The CpG island methylation level of sperm was highest (peak value=15604), followed by oocytes (peak value=6062). The methylation level of zygotes decreased from 2PN stage (peak value=3744) to 4-cell stage (peak value=2826). This methylation level began to rise from 8-cell stage (peak value=3073) to morula stage (peak value=5374), ICM stage (peak value=5706) and TE stage (peak value=8376). The proportion of sperm methylation signal that was in the promoter region was 73.7%, and that in the oocyte was 60.8%, 2PN stage was 57.9%, 4-cell stage was 52.2%, 8-cell stage was 50.3%, morula was 50.3%, ICM was 66.6% and TE was 66.8%. In conclusion, the current study indicated that CpG island methylation changes in human preimplantation embryos were divided into three stages. In the first stage from fertilization to 2PN, the level of CpG island methylation declined sharply. In the second stage from morula to blastular ICM, methylation rapidly increased. In the third stage, methylation was reestablished in the TE. Dynamic CpG island methylation changes were derived primarily from methylation in the promoter region.

Associations between preterm infant stress, epigenetic alteration, telomere length and neurodevelopmental outcomes: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Every year, an estimated 15 million babies are born preterm (<37 weeks' gestational age [GA]) globally. These preterm infants are exposed to repeated stressful and often painful procedures as part of routine life-saving care within the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Preterm birth continues to be a major health issue associated with increased risk of neurodevelopmental and behavioral disorders such as cerebral palsy, cognitive impairment, autism spectrum disorders and psychiatric disease.

OBJECTIVE

This paper identifies epigenetic alterations and incidence of telomere erosion that have been studied in preterm infants while in the NICU and as a long-term outcome measure. Better understanding of epigenetic alterations and telomere erosion might aid in early detection and prevention/alleviation of the negative effects of cumulative painful/stressful experiences in this population.

METHODS

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) standards were used to guide this review. Systematic searches of databases included PubMed, CINAHL, SCOPUS and PsychInfo.

RESULTS

Twenty-one studies were included, appraised and then synthesized into a narrative summary.

DISCUSSION

Several putative epigenetic markers were identified although there was a paucity of studies related to telomere length. The interaction of disease entity combined with therapeutic interventions intended to treat may inadvertently increase infant allostatic load or ability to adapt to stress. Future research should include not only human studies but leverage newly available large data sets to conduct additional analysis.

Detrimental Impact of Low Birth Weight on Circulating Number and Functional Capacity of Endothelial Progenitor Cells in Healthy Children: Role of Angiogenic Factors

OBJECTIVE

To provide a comprehensive assessment of the relationship of birth weight with both endothelial progenitor cell function and angiogenic factors in children.

STUDY DESIGN

Anthropometric measures, biochemical profile, endothelial progenitor cell number, endothelial progenitor cell colony-forming units, vascular endothelial growth factor-A, and nitric oxide plasma levels of 58 children aged 7-11 years were determined.

RESULTS

A positive correlation was observed between birth weight and circulating endothelial progenitor cell number (r= 0.461; P= .001), endothelial progenitor cell colony-forming units (r= 0.512; P < .001), vascular endothelial growth factor-A (r= 0.407; P= .002), and nitric oxide (r= 0.547; P < .001) levels, whereas the adjustment for prematurity, family history of cardiovascular disease, and systolic blood pressure levels did not modify these associations.

CONCLUSION

Low birth weight was associated with a decrease in the circulating/functional capacity of endothelial progenitor cells among healthy children, independent of traditional cardiovascular risk factors. This detrimental impact was accompanied by lower circulating levels of angiogenic factors.

Preterm Birth: Long Term Cardiovascular and Renal Consequences

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular and chronic kidney diseases are a part of noncommunicable chronic diseases, the leading causes of premature death worldwide. They are recognized as having early origins through altered developmental programming, due to adverse environmental conditions during development. Preterm birth is such an adverse factor. Rates of preterm birth increased in the last decades, however, with the improvement in perinatal and neonatal care, a growing number of preterm born subjects has now entered adulthood. Clinical and experimental evidence suggests that preterm birth is associated with impaired or arrested structural or functional development of key organs/systems making preterm infants vulnerable to cardiovascular and chronic renal diseases at adulthood. This review analyzes the evidence of such cardiovascular and renal changes, the role of perinatal and neonatal factors such as antenatal steroids and potential pathogenic mechanisms, including developmental programming and epigenetic alterations.

CONCLUSION

Preterm born subjects are exposed to a significantly increased risk for altered cardiovascular and renal functions at young adulthood. Adequate, specific follow-up measures remain to be determined. While antenatal steroids have considerably improved preterm birth outcomes, repeated therapy should be considered with caution, as antenatal steroids induce long-term cardiovascular and metabolic alterations in animals' models and their involvement in the accelerated cellular senescence observed in human studies cannot be excluded.