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Jedynak P, Siroux V, Broséus L, Tost J, Busato F, Gabet S, Thomsen C, Sakhi AK, Sabaredzovic A, Lyon-Caen S, Bayat S, Slama R, Philippat C, Lepeule J. Epigenetic footprints: Investigating placental DNA methylation in the context of prenatal exposure to phenols and phthalates. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 189:108763. [PMID: 38824843 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108763] [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: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) such as phthalates and phenols can affect placental functioning and fetal health, potentially via epigenetic modifications. We investigated the associations between pregnancy exposure to synthetic phenols and phthalates estimated from repeated urine sampling and genome wide placental DNA methylation. METHODS The study is based on 387 women with placental DNA methylation assessed with Infinium MethylationEPIC arrays and with 7 phenols, 13 phthalates, and two non-phthalate plasticizer metabolites measured in pools of urine samples collected twice during pregnancy. We conducted an exploratory analysis on individual CpGs (EWAS) and differentially methylated regions (DMRs) as well as a candidate analysis focusing on 20 previously identified CpGs. Sex-stratified analyses were also performed. RESULTS In the exploratory analysis, when both sexes were studied together no association was observed in the EWAS. In the sex-stratified analysis, 114 individual CpGs (68 in males, 46 in females) were differentially methylated, encompassing 74 genes (36 for males and 38 for females). We additionally identified 28 DMRs in the entire cohort, 40 for females and 42 for males. Associations were mostly positive (for DMRs: 93% positive associations in the entire cohort, 60% in the sex-stratified analysis), with the exception of several associations for bisphenols and DINCH metabolites that were negative. Biomarkers associated with most DMRs were parabens, DEHP, and DiNP metabolite concentrations. Some DMRs encompassed imprinted genes including APC (associated with parabens and DiNP metabolites), GNAS (bisphenols), ZIM2;PEG3;MIMT1 (parabens, monoethyl phthalate), and SGCE;PEG10 (parabens, DINCH metabolites). Terms related to adiposity, lipid and glucose metabolism, and cardiovascular function were among the enriched phenotypes associated with differentially methylated CpGs. The candidate analysis identified one CpG mapping to imprinted LGALS8 gene, negatively associated with ethylparaben. CONCLUSIONS By combining improved exposure assessment and extensive placental epigenome coverage, we identified several novel genes associated with the exposure, possibly in a sex-specific manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Jedynak
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Team of Environmental Epidemiology Applied to Development and Respiratory Health, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, France; ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Valérie Siroux
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Team of Environmental Epidemiology Applied to Development and Respiratory Health, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, France
| | - Lucile Broséus
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Team of Environmental Epidemiology Applied to Development and Respiratory Health, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, France
| | - Jörg Tost
- Laboratory for Epigenetics and Environment, Centre National de Recherche en Génomique Humaine, CEA - Institut de Biologie François Jacob, University Paris Saclay, Evry, France
| | - Florence Busato
- Laboratory for Epigenetics and Environment, Centre National de Recherche en Génomique Humaine, CEA - Institut de Biologie François Jacob, University Paris Saclay, Evry, France
| | - Stephan Gabet
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Team of Environmental Epidemiology Applied to Development and Respiratory Health, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, France; Univ. Lille, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, ULR 4483-IMPacts de l'Environnement Chimique sur la Santé (IMPECS), 59000 Lille, France
| | - Cathrine Thomsen
- Department of Food Safety, Norwegian Institue of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Amrit K Sakhi
- Department of Food Safety, Norwegian Institue of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Sarah Lyon-Caen
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Team of Environmental Epidemiology Applied to Development and Respiratory Health, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, France
| | - Sam Bayat
- Department of Pulmonology and Physiology, CHU Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Rémy Slama
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Team of Environmental Epidemiology Applied to Development and Respiratory Health, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, France
| | - Claire Philippat
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Team of Environmental Epidemiology Applied to Development and Respiratory Health, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, France.
| | - Johanna Lepeule
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Team of Environmental Epidemiology Applied to Development and Respiratory Health, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, France
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Meza-León A, Montoya-Estrada A, Reyes-Muñoz E, Romo-Yáñez J. Diabetes Mellitus and Pregnancy: An Insight into the Effects on the Epigenome. Biomedicines 2024; 12:351. [PMID: 38397953 PMCID: PMC10886464 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12020351] [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: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Worldwide, diabetes mellitus represents a growing health problem. If it occurs during pregnancy, it can increase the risk of various abnormalities in early and advanced life stages of exposed individuals due to fetal programming occurring in utero. Studies have determined that maternal conditions interfere with the genotypes and phenotypes of offspring. Researchers are now uncovering the mechanisms by which epigenetic alterations caused by diabetes affect the expression of genes and, therefore, the development of various diseases. Among the numerous possible epigenetic changes in this regard, the most studied to date are DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation, as well as histone acetylation and methylation. This review article addresses critical findings in epigenetic studies involving diabetes mellitus, including variations reported in the expression of specific genes and their transgenerational effects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - José Romo-Yáñez
- Coordinación de Endocrinología Ginecológica y Perinatal, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología, Montes Urales 800, Lomas Virreyes, Mexico City 11000, Mexico
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3
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Harris HA, Friedman C, Starling AP, Dabelea D, Johnson SL, Fuemmeler BF, Jima D, Murphy SK, Hoyo C, Jansen PW, Felix JF, Mulder RH. An epigenome-wide association study of child appetitive traits and DNA methylation. Appetite 2023; 191:107086. [PMID: 37844693 PMCID: PMC11156223 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2023.107086] [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: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
The etiology of childhood appetitive traits is poorly understood. Early-life epigenetic processes may be involved in the developmental programming of appetite regulation in childhood. One such process is DNA methylation (DNAm), whereby a methyl group is added to a specific part of DNA, where a cytosine base is next to a guanine base, a CpG site. We meta-analyzed epigenome-wide association studies (EWASs) of cord blood DNAm and early-childhood appetitive traits. Data were from two independent cohorts: the Generation R Study (n = 1,086, Rotterdam, the Netherlands) and the Healthy Start study (n = 236, Colorado, USA). DNAm at autosomal methylation sites in cord blood was measured using the Illumina Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChip. Parents reported on their child's food responsiveness, emotional undereating, satiety responsiveness and food fussiness using the Children's Eating Behaviour Questionnaire at age 4-5 years. Multiple regression models were used to examine the association of DNAm (predictor) at the individual site- and regional-level (using DMRff) with each appetitive trait (outcome), adjusting for covariates. Bonferroni-correction was applied to adjust for multiple testing. There were no associations of DNAm and any appetitive trait when examining individual CpG-sites. However, when examining multiple CpGs jointly in so-called differentially methylated regions, we identified 45 associations of DNAm with food responsiveness, 7 associations of DNAm with emotional undereating, 13 associations of DNAm with satiety responsiveness, and 9 associations of DNAm with food fussiness. This study shows that DNAm in the newborn may partially explain variation in appetitive traits expressed in early childhood and provides preliminary support for early programming of child appetitive traits through DNAm. Investigating differential DNAm associated with appetitive traits could be an important first step in identifying biological pathways underlying the development of these behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly A Harris
- Department of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Erasmus University Rotterdam, Department of Psychology, Education & Child Studies, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Chloe Friedman
- Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA; Lifecourse Epidemiology of Adiposity and Diabetes (LEAD) Center, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.
| | - Anne P Starling
- Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA; Lifecourse Epidemiology of Adiposity and Diabetes (LEAD) Center, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | - Dana Dabelea
- Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA; Lifecourse Epidemiology of Adiposity and Diabetes (LEAD) Center, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA; Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.
| | - Susan L Johnson
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Nutrition, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.
| | - Bernard F Fuemmeler
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, Richmond, VA, USA.
| | - Dereje Jima
- Bioinformatics Research Center, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA; Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA.
| | - Susan K Murphy
- Duke University Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Sciences, Durham, NC, USA.
| | - Cathrine Hoyo
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA.
| | - Pauline W Jansen
- Department of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Erasmus University Rotterdam, Department of Psychology, Education & Child Studies, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Janine F Felix
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Rosa H Mulder
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
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Merrill AK, Sobolewski M, Susiarjo M. Exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals impacts immunological and metabolic status of women during pregnancy. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2023; 577:112031. [PMID: 37506868 PMCID: PMC10592265 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2023.112031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa K Merrill
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Marissa Sobolewski
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Martha Susiarjo
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine, Rochester, NY, USA.
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5
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Jedynak P, Broséus L, Tost J, Busato F, Gabet S, Thomsen C, Sakhi AK, Pin I, Slama R, Lepeule J, Philippat C. Prenatal exposure to triclosan assessed in multiple urine samples and placental DNA methylation. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 335:122197. [PMID: 37481027 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
A previous study reported positive associations of maternal urinary concentrations of triclosan, a synthetic phenol with widespread exposure in the general population, with placental DNA methylation of male fetuses. Given the high number of comparisons performed in -omic research, further studies were needed to validate and extend on these findings. Using a cohort of male and female fetuses with repeated maternal urine samples to assess exposure, we studied the associations between triclosan and placental DNA methylation. We assessed triclosan concentrations in two pools of 21 urine samples collected among 395 women from the SEPAGES cohort. We used Infinium Methylation EPIC arrays to measure DNA methylation in placental biopsies collected at delivery. We performed a candidate study restricted to a set of candidate CpGs (n = 500) identified in a previous work as well as an exploratory epigenome-wide association study to investigate the associations between triclosan and differentially methylated probes and regions. Analyses were conducted on the whole population and stratified by child's sex. Mediation analysis was performed to test whether heterogeneity of placental tissue may mediate the observed associations. In the candidate approach, we confirmed 18 triclosan-associated genes when both sexes were considered. After stratification for child's sex, triclosan was associated with 72 genes in females and three in males. Most of the associations were positive and several CpGs mapped to imprinted genes: FBRSL1, KCNQ1, RHOBTB3, and SMOC1. A mediation effect by placental tissue heterogeneity was identified for most of the observed associations. In the exploratory analysis, we identified a few isolated associations in the sex-stratified analysis. In line with a previous study on male placentas, our approach revealed several positive associations between triclosan exposure and placental DNA methylation. Several identified loci mapped to imprinted genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Jedynak
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Team of Environmental Epidemiology applied to Development and Respiratory Health, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, France
| | - Lucile Broséus
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Team of Environmental Epidemiology applied to Development and Respiratory Health, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, France
| | - Jörg Tost
- Laboratory for Epigenetics and Environment, Centre National de Recherche en Génomique Humaine, CEA - Institut de Biologie François Jacob, University Paris Saclay, Evry, France
| | - Florence Busato
- Laboratory for Epigenetics and Environment, Centre National de Recherche en Génomique Humaine, CEA - Institut de Biologie François Jacob, University Paris Saclay, Evry, France
| | - Stephan Gabet
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Team of Environmental Epidemiology applied to Development and Respiratory Health, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, France; University Lille, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, ULR 4483-IMPacts de L'Environnement Chimique sur La Santé (IMPECS), Lille, France
| | - Cathrine Thomsen
- Division of Climate and Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Amrit K Sakhi
- Division of Climate and Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Isabelle Pin
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Team of Environmental Epidemiology applied to Development and Respiratory Health, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, France; Pediatric Department, Grenoble Alpes University Hospital, La Tronche, France
| | - Rémy Slama
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Team of Environmental Epidemiology applied to Development and Respiratory Health, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, France
| | - Johanna Lepeule
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Team of Environmental Epidemiology applied to Development and Respiratory Health, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, France.
| | - Claire Philippat
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Team of Environmental Epidemiology applied to Development and Respiratory Health, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, France
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6
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Harris HA, Friedman C, Starling AP, Dabelea D, Johnson SL, Fuemmeler BF, Jima D, Murphy SK, Hoyo C, Jansen PW, Felix JF, Mulder R. An epigenome-wide association study of child appetitive traits and DNA methylation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.17.549289. [PMID: 37503194 PMCID: PMC10370073 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.17.549289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Childhood appetitive traits are consistently associated with obesity risk, and yet their etiology is poorly understood. Appetitive traits are complex phenotypes which are hypothesized to be influenced by both genetic and environmental factors, as well as their interactions. Early-life epigenetic processes, such as DNA methylation (DNAm), may be involved in the developmental programming of appetite regulation in childhood. In the current study, we meta-analyzed epigenome-wide association studies (EWASs) of cord blood DNAm and early-childhood appetitive traits. Data were from two independent cohorts: the Generation R Study (n=1,086, Rotterdam, the Netherlands) and the Healthy Start study (n=236, Colorado, USA). DNAm at autosomal methylation sites in cord blood was measured using the Illumina Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChip. Parents reported on their child's food responsiveness, emotional undereating, satiety responsiveness and food fussiness using the Children's Eating Behaviour Questionnaire at age 4-5 years. Multiple regression models were used to examine the association of DNAm (predictor) at the individual site- and regional-level (using DMRff) with each appetitive trait (outcome), adjusting for covariates. Bonferroni-correction was applied to adjust for multiple testing. There were no associations of DNAm and any appetitive trait at the individual site-level. However, at the regional level, we identified 45 associations of DNAm with food responsiveness, 7 associations of DNAm with emotional undereating, 13 associations of DNAm with satiety responsiveness, and 9 associations of DNAm with food fussiness. This study shows that DNAm in the newborn may partially explain variation in appetitive traits expressed in early childhood and provides preliminary support for early programming of child appetitive traits through DNAm. Investigating differential DNAm associated with appetitive traits could be an important first step in identifying biological pathways underlying the development of these behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly A. Harris
- Department of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Erasmus University Rotterdam, Department of Psychology, Education & Child Studies, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Chloe Friedman
- Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Lifecourse Epidemiology of Adiposity and Diabetes (LEAD) Center, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Anne P. Starling
- Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Lifecourse Epidemiology of Adiposity and Diabetes (LEAD) Center, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Dana Dabelea
- Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Lifecourse Epidemiology of Adiposity and Diabetes (LEAD) Center, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Susan L. Johnson
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Nutrition, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Bernard F. Fuemmeler
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Mase Comprehensive Cancer Center, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Dereje Jima
- Bioinformatics Research Center, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Susan K. Murphy
- Duke University Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Sciences, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Cathrine Hoyo
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Pauline W. Jansen
- Department of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Erasmus University Rotterdam, Department of Psychology, Education & Child Studies, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Janine F. Felix
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Rosa Mulder
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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7
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Maternal Over- and Malnutrition and Increased Risk for Addictive and Eating Disorders in the Offspring. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15051095. [PMID: 36904093 PMCID: PMC10004806 DOI: 10.3390/nu15051095] [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: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Evidence from human and animal studies has shown that maternal overnutrition and/or obesity are linked with neurobehavioral changes in the offspring. This fetal programming is characterized by adaptive responses to changes in the nutritional state during early life. In the past decade, an association has been made between overconsumption of highly-palatable food by the mother during fetal development and abnormal behaviors resembling addiction in the offspring. Maternal overnutrition can lead to alterations in the offspring's brain reward circuitry leading to hyperresponsiveness of this circuit following exposure to calorie-dense foods later in life. Given the accumulating evidence indicating that the central nervous system plays a pivotal role in regulating food intake, energy balance, and the motivation to seek food, a dysfunction in the reward circuitry may contribute to the addiction-like behaviors observed in the offspring. However, the underlying mechanisms leading to these alterations in the reward circuitry during fetal development and their relevance to the increased risk for the offspring to later develop addictive-like behaviors is still unclear. Here, we review the most relevant scientific reports about the impact of food overconsumption during fetal development and its effect on addictive-like behaviors of the offspring in the context of eating disorders and obesity.
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Kedziora SM, Obermayer B, Sugulle M, Herse F, Kräker K, Haase N, Langmia IM, Müller DN, Staff AC, Beule D, Dechend R. Placental Transcriptome Profiling in Subtypes of Diabetic Pregnancies Is Strongly Confounded by Fetal Sex. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232315388. [PMID: 36499721 PMCID: PMC9740420 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232315388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The placenta is a temporary organ with a unique structure and function to ensure healthy fetal development. Placental dysfunction is involved in pre-eclampsia (PE), fetal growth restriction, preterm birth, and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). A diabetic state affects maternal and fetal health and may lead to functional alterations of placental metabolism, inflammation, hypoxia, and weight, amplifying the fetal stress. The placental molecular adaptations to the diabetic environment and the adaptive spatio-temporal consequences to elevated glucose or insulin are largely unknown (2). We aimed to identify gene expression signatures related to the diabetic placental pathology of placentas from women with diabetes mellitus. Human placenta samples (n = 77) consisting of healthy controls, women with either gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), type 1 or type 2 diabetes, and women with GDM, type 1 or type 2 diabetes and superimposed PE were collected. Interestingly, gene expression differences quantified by total RNA sequencing were mainly driven by fetal sex rather than clinical diagnosis. Association of the principal components with a full set of clinical patient data identified fetal sex as the single main explanatory variable. Accordingly, placentas complicated by type 1 and type 2 diabetes showed only few differentially expressed genes, while possible effects of GDM and diabetic pregnancy complicated by PE were not identifiable in this cohort. We conclude that fetal sex has a prominent effect on the placental transcriptome, dominating and confounding gene expression signatures resulting from diabetes mellitus in settings of well-controlled diabetic disease. Our results support the notion of placenta as a sexual dimorphic organ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M. Kedziora
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center (ECRC), a Joint Cooperation between the Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin and Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine, 13125 Berlin, Germany
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), 13125 Berlin, Germany
- Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, 10178 Berlin, Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site, 10785 Berlin, Germany
| | - Benedikt Obermayer
- Berlin Institute of Health, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Core Unit Bioinformatics, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Meryam Sugulle
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, 0372 Oslo, Norway
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Oslo University Hospital, 0424 Oslo, Norway
| | - Florian Herse
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center (ECRC), a Joint Cooperation between the Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin and Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine, 13125 Berlin, Germany
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), 13125 Berlin, Germany
- Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, 10178 Berlin, Germany
| | - Kristin Kräker
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center (ECRC), a Joint Cooperation between the Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin and Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine, 13125 Berlin, Germany
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), 13125 Berlin, Germany
- Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, 10178 Berlin, Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site, 10785 Berlin, Germany
| | - Nadine Haase
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center (ECRC), a Joint Cooperation between the Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin and Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine, 13125 Berlin, Germany
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), 13125 Berlin, Germany
- Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, 10178 Berlin, Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site, 10785 Berlin, Germany
| | - Immaculate M. Langmia
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center (ECRC), a Joint Cooperation between the Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin and Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine, 13125 Berlin, Germany
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), 13125 Berlin, Germany
- Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, 10178 Berlin, Germany
| | - Dominik N. Müller
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center (ECRC), a Joint Cooperation between the Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin and Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine, 13125 Berlin, Germany
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), 13125 Berlin, Germany
- Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, 10178 Berlin, Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site, 10785 Berlin, Germany
| | - Anne Cathrine Staff
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, 0372 Oslo, Norway
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Oslo University Hospital, 0424 Oslo, Norway
| | - Dieter Beule
- Berlin Institute of Health, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Core Unit Bioinformatics, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Ralf Dechend
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center (ECRC), a Joint Cooperation between the Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin and Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine, 13125 Berlin, Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site, 10785 Berlin, Germany
- HELIOS Clinic, Department of Cardiology and Nephrology, 13125 Berlin, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-30-4505-40301
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9
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Dias S, Willmer T, Adam S, Pheiffer C. The role of maternal DNA methylation in pregnancies complicated by gestational diabetes. FRONTIERS IN CLINICAL DIABETES AND HEALTHCARE 2022; 3:982665. [PMID: 36992770 PMCID: PMC10012132 DOI: 10.3389/fcdhc.2022.982665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Diabetes in pregnancy is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes and poses a serious threat to the health of mother and child. Although the pathophysiological mechanisms that underlie the association between maternal diabetes and pregnancy complications have not yet been elucidated, it has been suggested that the frequency and severity of pregnancy complications are linked to the degree of hyperglycemia. Epigenetic mechanisms reflect gene-environment interactions and have emerged as key players in metabolic adaptation to pregnancy and the development of complications. DNA methylation, the best characterized epigenetic mechanism, has been reported to be dysregulated during various pregnancy complications, including pre-eclampsia, hypertension, diabetes, early pregnancy loss and preterm birth. The identification of altered DNA methylation patterns may serve to elucidate the pathophysiological mechanisms that underlie the different types of maternal diabetes during pregnancy. This review aims to provide a summary of existing knowledge on DNA methylation patterns in pregnancies complicated by pregestational type 1 (T1DM) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Four databases, CINAHL, Scopus, PubMed and Google Scholar, were searched for studies on DNA methylation profiling in pregnancies complicated with diabetes. A total of 1985 articles were identified, of which 32 met the inclusion criteria and are included in this review. All studies profiled DNA methylation during GDM or impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), while no studies investigated T1DM or T2DM. We highlight the increased methylation of two genes, Hypoxia‐inducible Factor‐3α (HIF3α) and Peroxisome Proliferator-activated Receptor Gamma-coactivator-Alpha (PGC1-α), and the decreased methylation of one gene, Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptor Alpha (PPARα), in women with GDM compared to pregnant women with normoglycemia that were consistently methylated across diverse populations with varying pregnancy durations, and using different diagnostic criteria, methodologies and biological sources. These findings support the candidacy of these three differentially methylated genes as biomarkers for GDM. Furthermore, these genes may provide insight into the pathways that are epigenetically influenced during maternal diabetes and which should be prioritized and replicated in longitudinal studies and in larger populations to ensure their clinical applicability. Finally, we discuss the challenges and limitations of DNA methylation analysis, and the need for DNA methylation profiling to be conducted in different types of maternal diabetes in pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Dias
- Biomedical Research and Innovation Platform, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Tarryn Willmer
- Biomedical Research and Innovation Platform, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
- Centre for Cardio-Metabolic Research in Africa, Division of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sumaiya Adam
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Diabetes Research Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Carmen Pheiffer
- Biomedical Research and Innovation Platform, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
- Centre for Cardio-Metabolic Research in Africa, Division of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
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10
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Meyrueix LP, Gharaibeh R, Xue J, Brouwer C, Jones C, Adair L, Norris SA, Ideraabdullah F. Gestational diabetes mellitus placentas exhibit epimutations at placental development genes. Epigenetics 2022; 17:2157-2177. [DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2022.2111751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Raad Gharaibeh
- Department of Bioinformatics and Genomics, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, NC, USA
- Bioinformatics Service Division, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, NC, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Jing Xue
- Genetics Department, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Cory Brouwer
- Department of Bioinformatics and Genomics, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, NC, USA
- Bioinformatics Service Division, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, NC, USA
| | - Corbin Jones
- Department of Biology and Integrative Program for Biological and Genome Sciences, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Linda Adair
- Nutrition Department, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Shane A. Norris
- SAMRC Developmental Health Pathways for Health Research Unit, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Folami Ideraabdullah
- Nutrition Department, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Genetics Department, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- SAMRC Developmental Health Pathways for Health Research Unit, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Nutrition Research Institute, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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11
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Hjort L, Novakovic B, Cvitic S, Saffery R, Damm P, Desoye G. Placental DNA Methylation in pregnancies complicated by maternal diabetes and/or obesity: State of the Art and research gaps. Epigenetics 2022; 17:2188-2208. [PMID: 35950598 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2022.2111755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
SUMMARYMaternal diabetes and/or obesity in pregnancy are undoubtedly associated with later disease-risk in the offspring. The placenta, interposed between the mother and the fetus, is a potential mediator of this risk through epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation. In recent years, multiple studies have identified differentially methylated CpG sites in the placental tissue DNA in pregnancies complicated by diabetes and obesity. We reviewed all published original research relevant to this topic and analyzed our findings with the focus of identifying overlaps, contradictions and gaps. Most studies focused on the association of gestational diabetes and/or hyperglycemia in pregnancy and DNA methylation in placental tissue at term. We identified overlaps in results related to specific candidate genes, but also observed a large research gap of pregnancies affected by type 1 diabetes. Other unanswered questions relate to analysis of specific placental cell types and the timing of DNA methylation change in response to diabetes and obesity during pregnancy. Maternal metabolism is altered already in the first trimester involving structural and functional changes in the placenta, but studies into its effects on placental DNA methylation during this period are lacking and urgently needed. Fetal sex is also an important determinant of pregnancy outcome, but only few studies have taken this into account. Collectively, we provide a reference work for researchers working in this large and evolving field. Based on the results of the literature review, we formulate suggestions for future focus of placental DNA methylation studies in pregnancies complicated by diabetes and obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Line Hjort
- Dept. of Obstetrics, Center for Pregnant Women with Diabetes, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Environmental Epigenetics Group, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Boris Novakovic
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Flemington Road, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia.,Dept. of Pediatrics, Melbourne University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Silvija Cvitic
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Research Unit of Analytical Mass Spectrometry, Cell Biology and Biochemistry of Inborn Errors of Metabolism, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | - Richard Saffery
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Flemington Road, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia.,Dept. of Pediatrics, Melbourne University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Peter Damm
- Dept. of Obstetrics, Center for Pregnant Women with Diabetes, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Dept of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Gernot Desoye
- Dept. of Obstetrics, Center for Pregnant Women with Diabetes, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
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12
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England-Mason G, Merrill SM, Gladish N, Moore SR, Giesbrecht GF, Letourneau N, MacIsaac JL, MacDonald AM, Kinniburgh DW, Ponsonby AL, Saffery R, Martin JW, Kobor MS, Dewey D. Prenatal exposure to phthalates and peripheral blood and buccal epithelial DNA methylation in infants: An epigenome-wide association study. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 163:107183. [PMID: 35325772 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal exposure to phthalates has been associated with adverse health and neurodevelopmental outcomes. DNA methylation (DNAm) alterations may be a mechanism underlying these effects, but prior investigations of prenatal exposure to phthalates and neonatal DNAm profiles are limited to placental tissue and umbilical cord blood. OBJECTIVE Conduct an epigenome-wide association study (EWAS) of the associations between prenatal exposure to phthalates and DNAm in two accessible infant tissues, venous buffy coat blood and buccal epithelial cells (BECs). METHODS Participants included 152 maternal-infant pairs from the Alberta Pregnancy Outcomes and Nutrition (APrON) study. Maternal second trimester urine samples were analyzed for nine phthalate metabolites. Blood (n = 74) or BECs (n = 78) were collected from 3-month-old infants and profiled for DNAm using the Infinium HumanMethylation450 (450K) BeadChip. Robust linear regressions were used to investigate the associations between high (HMWPs) and low molecular weight phthalates (LMWPs) and change in methylation levels at variable Cytosine-phosphate-Guanine (CpG) sites in infant tissues, as well as the sensitivity of associations to potential confounders. RESULTS One candidate CpG in gene RNF39 reported by a previous study examining prenatal exposure to phthalates and cord blood DNAm was replicated. The EWAS identified 12 high-confidence CpGs in blood and another 12 in BECs associated with HMWPs and/or LMWPs. Prenatal exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) associated with two of the CpGs associated with HMWPs in BECs. DISCUSSION Prenatal exposure to phthalates was associated with DNAm variation at CpGs annotated to genes associated with endocrine hormone activity (i.e., SLCO4A1, TPO), immune pathways and DNA damage (i.e., RASGEF1B, KAZN, HLA-A, MYO18A, DIP2C, C1or109), and neurodevelopment (i.e., AMPH, NOTCH3, DNAJC5). Future studies that characterize the stability of these associations in larger samples, multiple cohorts, across tissues, and investigate the potential associations between these biomarkers and relevant health and neurodevelopmental outcomes are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gillian England-Mason
- Department of Paediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Owerko Centre, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Sarah M Merrill
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Nicole Gladish
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Sarah R Moore
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Gerald F Giesbrecht
- Department of Paediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Owerko Centre, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Nicole Letourneau
- Department of Paediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Owerko Centre, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Julia L MacIsaac
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Amy M MacDonald
- Alberta Centre for Toxicology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - David W Kinniburgh
- Alberta Centre for Toxicology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Anne-Louise Ponsonby
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Richard Saffery
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jonathan W Martin
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Södermanland, Sweden
| | - Michael S Kobor
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Program in Child and Brain Development, CIFAR, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Deborah Dewey
- Department of Paediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Owerko Centre, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
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13
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Kaimala S, Kumar CA, Allouh MZ, Ansari SA, Emerald BS. Epigenetic modifications in pancreas development, diabetes, and therapeutics. Med Res Rev 2022; 42:1343-1371. [PMID: 34984701 PMCID: PMC9306699 DOI: 10.1002/med.21878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
A recent International Diabetes Federation report suggests that more than 463 million people between 20 and 79 years have diabetes. Of the 20 million women affected by hyperglycemia during pregnancy, 84% have gestational diabetes. In addition, more than 1.1 million children or adolescents are affected by type 1 diabetes. Factors contributing to the increase in diabetes prevalence are complex and include contributions from genetic, environmental, and epigenetic factors. However, molecular regulatory mechanisms influencing the progression of an individual towards increased susceptibility to metabolic diseases such as diabetes are not fully understood. Recent studies suggest that the pathogenesis of diabetes involves epigenetic changes, resulting in a persistently dysregulated metabolic phenotype. This review summarizes the role of epigenetic mechanisms, mainly DNA methylation and histone modifications, in the development of the pancreas, their contribution to the development of diabetes, and the potential employment of epigenetic modulators in diabetes treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suneesh Kaimala
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Challagandla Anil Kumar
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Mohammed Z Allouh
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Suraiya Anjum Ansari
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, UAE.,Zayed Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Bright Starling Emerald
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, UAE.,Zayed Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, UAE
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14
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Yong HEJ, Chan SY. Current approaches and developments in transcript profiling of the human placenta. Hum Reprod Update 2021; 26:799-840. [PMID: 33043357 PMCID: PMC7600289 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmaa028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The placenta is the active interface between mother and foetus, bearing the molecular marks of rapid development and exposures in utero. The placenta is routinely discarded at delivery, providing a valuable resource to explore maternal-offspring health and disease in pregnancy. Genome-wide profiling of the human placental transcriptome provides an unbiased approach to study normal maternal–placental–foetal physiology and pathologies. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE To date, many studies have examined the human placental transcriptome, but often within a narrow focus. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of human placental transcriptome studies, encompassing those from the cellular to tissue levels and contextualize current findings from a broader perspective. We have consolidated studies into overarching themes, summarized key research findings and addressed important considerations in study design, as a means to promote wider data sharing and support larger meta-analysis of already available data and greater collaboration between researchers in order to fully capitalize on the potential of transcript profiling in future studies. SEARCH METHODS The PubMed database, National Center for Biotechnology Information and European Bioinformatics Institute dataset repositories were searched, to identify all relevant human studies using ‘placenta’, ‘decidua’, ‘trophoblast’, ‘transcriptome’, ‘microarray’ and ‘RNA sequencing’ as search terms until May 2019. Additional studies were found from bibliographies of identified studies. OUTCOMES The 179 identified studies were classifiable into four broad themes: healthy placental development, pregnancy complications, exposures during pregnancy and in vitro placental cultures. The median sample size was 13 (interquartile range 8–29). Transcriptome studies prior to 2015 were predominantly performed using microarrays, while RNA sequencing became the preferred choice in more recent studies. Development of fluidics technology, combined with RNA sequencing, has enabled transcript profiles to be generated of single cells throughout pregnancy, in contrast to previous studies relying on isolated cells. There are several key study aspects, such as sample selection criteria, sample processing and data analysis methods that may represent pitfalls and limitations, which need to be carefully considered as they influence interpretation of findings and conclusions. Furthermore, several areas of growing importance, such as maternal mental health and maternal obesity are understudied and the profiling of placentas from these conditions should be prioritized. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Integrative analysis of placental transcriptomics with other ‘omics’ (methylome, proteome and metabolome) and linkage with future outcomes from longitudinal studies is crucial in enhancing knowledge of healthy placental development and function, and in enabling the underlying causal mechanisms of pregnancy complications to be identified. Such understanding could help in predicting risk of future adversity and in designing interventions that can improve the health outcomes of both mothers and their offspring. Wider collaboration and sharing of placental transcriptome data, overcoming the challenges in obtaining sufficient numbers of quality samples with well-defined clinical characteristics, and dedication of resources to understudied areas of pregnancy will undoubtedly help drive the field forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah E J Yong
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shiao-Yng Chan
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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15
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Inkster AM, Yuan V, Konwar C, Matthews AM, Brown CJ, Robinson WP. A cross-cohort analysis of autosomal DNA methylation sex differences in the term placenta. Biol Sex Differ 2021; 12:38. [PMID: 34044884 PMCID: PMC8162041 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-021-00381-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human placental DNA methylation (DNAme) data is a valuable resource for studying sex differences during gestation, as DNAme profiles after delivery reflect the cumulative effects of gene expression patterns and exposures across gestation. Here, we present an analysis of sex differences in autosomal DNAme in the uncomplicated term placenta (n = 343) using the Illumina 450K array. RESULTS At a false discovery rate < 0.05 and a mean sex difference in DNAme beta value of > 0.10, we identified 162 autosomal CpG sites that were differentially methylated by sex and replicated in an independent cohort of samples (n = 293). Several of these differentially methylated CpG sites were part of larger correlated regions of sex differential DNAme. Although global DNAme levels did not differ by sex, the majority of significantly differentially methylated CpGs were more highly methylated in male placentae, the opposite of what is seen in differential methylation analyses of somatic tissues. Patterns of autosomal DNAme at these 162 CpGs were significantly associated with maternal age (in males) and newborn birthweight standard deviation (in females). CONCLUSIONS Our results provide a comprehensive analysis of sex differences in autosomal DNAme in the term human placenta. We report a list of high-confidence autosomal sex-associated differentially methylated CpGs and identify several key features of these loci that suggest their relevance to sex differences observed in normative and complicated pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy M. Inkster
- BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, 950 W 28th Ave, Vancouver, V6H 3N1 Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, 4500 Oak St, Vancouver, V6H 3N1 Canada
| | - Victor Yuan
- BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, 950 W 28th Ave, Vancouver, V6H 3N1 Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, 4500 Oak St, Vancouver, V6H 3N1 Canada
| | - Chaini Konwar
- BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, 950 W 28th Ave, Vancouver, V6H 3N1 Canada
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, 950 W 28th Ave, Vancouver, V6H 3N1 Canada
| | - Allison M. Matthews
- BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, 950 W 28th Ave, Vancouver, V6H 3N1 Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, 4500 Oak St, Vancouver, V6H 3N1 Canada
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, 950 W 28th Ave, Vancouver, V6H 3N1 Canada
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, 2211 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, V6T 1Z7 Canada
| | - Carolyn J. Brown
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, 4500 Oak St, Vancouver, V6H 3N1 Canada
| | - Wendy P. Robinson
- BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, 950 W 28th Ave, Vancouver, V6H 3N1 Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, 4500 Oak St, Vancouver, V6H 3N1 Canada
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16
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Awamleh Z, Butcher DT, Hanley A, Retnakaran R, Haertle L, Haaf T, Hamilton J, Weksberg R. Exposure to Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) alters DNA methylation in placenta and fetal cord blood. Diabetes Res Clin Pract 2021; 174:108690. [PMID: 33549677 DOI: 10.1016/j.diabres.2021.108690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fetal exposure to maternal GDM increases offspring risk for adult-onset metabolic syndromes. Epigenetic modifications such as DNA methylation are modulators for fetal metabolic programming and susceptibility to adult-onset disease. This study investigates genome-wide DNA methylation in GDM exposed cord blood and placenta. METHODS Oral glucose tolerance testing between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy was used to determine severity of glucose intolerance. We measured DNA methylation (DNAm) using the Illumina Infinium 450 K array in 42 fetal cord blood and 36 placenta samples. RESULTS We identified 662 and 99 CpG sites in GDM placenta and cord blood, respectively at p-value <0.01 and a methylation difference >5% after adjustment for confounders. Annotated sites for AHRR and PTPRN2 were common to cord blood and placenta. Adding published GDM cord blood DNAm data we segregated patients based on treatment (Diet Only vs. +Insulin) and identified altered CpG sites to be unique to each GDM treatment group. CONCLUSION Consistency in findings with other studies provides evidence for the role of DNAm in placental and fetal responses to hyperglycemia. However, segregating DNAm analysis of GDM samples based on treatment may help delineate whether observed DNAm alterations are reflective of adaptive responses or treatment effects in utero.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zain Awamleh
- Genetics and Genome Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Darci T Butcher
- Head of Molecular Genomics, Hamilton Regional Laboratory Medicine Program, Hamilton Health Sciences, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anthony Hanley
- Leadership Sinai Centre for Diabetes, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Division of Endocrinology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ravi Retnakaran
- Leadership Sinai Centre for Diabetes, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Division of Endocrinology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Larissa Haertle
- Institute of Human Genetics, Julius Maximilians University, Würzburg, Germany; Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Haaf
- Institute of Human Genetics, Julius Maximilians University, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jill Hamilton
- Division of Endocrinology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Rosanna Weksberg
- Genetics and Genome Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Division of Clinical and Metabolic Genetics, Department of Paediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Institute of Medical Science, School of Graduate Studies, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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17
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Quan Y, Liang F, Deng SM, Zhu Y, Chen Y, Xiong J. Mining the Selective Remodeling of DNA Methylation in Promoter Regions to Identify Robust Gene-Level Associations With Phenotype. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:597513. [PMID: 33842534 PMCID: PMC8034267 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.597513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetics is an essential biological frontier linking genetics to the environment, where DNA methylation is one of the most studied epigenetic events. In recent years, through the epigenome-wide association study (EWAS), researchers have identified thousands of phenotype-related methylation sites. However, the overlaps of identified phenotype-related DNA methylation sites between various studies are often quite small, and it might be due to the fact that methylation remodeling has a certain degree of randomness within the genome. Thus, the identification of robust gene-phenotype associations is crucial to interpreting pathogenesis. How to integrate the methylation values of different sites on the same gene and to mine the DNA methylation at the gene level remains a challenge. A recent study found that the DNA methylation difference of the gene body and promoter region has a strong correlation with gene expression. In this study, we proposed a Statistical difference of DNA Methylation between Promoter and Other Body Region (SIMPO) algorithm to extract DNA methylation values at the gene level. First, by choosing to smoke as an environmental exposure factor, our method led to significant improvements in gene overlaps (from 5 to 17%) between different datasets. In addition, the biological significance of phenotype-related genes identified by SIMPO algorithm is comparable to that of the traditional probe-based methods. Then, we selected two disease contents (e.g., insulin resistance and Parkinson's disease) to show that the biological efficiency of disease-related gene identification increased from 15.43 to 44.44% (p-value = 1.20e-28). In summary, our results declare that mining the selective remodeling of DNA methylation in promoter regions can identify robust gene-level associations with phenotype, and the characteristic remodeling of a given gene's promoter region can reflect the essence of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Quan
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Agricultural Bioinformatics, College of Informatics, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Lab of Epigenetics and Advanced Health Technology, Space Science and Technology Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Fengji Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China
| | - Si-Min Deng
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Agricultural Bioinformatics, College of Informatics, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuexing Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China
- Aromability Inc., Beijing, China
| | - Ying Chen
- Lab of Epigenetics and Advanced Health Technology, Space Science and Technology Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jianghui Xiong
- Lab of Epigenetics and Advanced Health Technology, Space Science and Technology Institute, Shenzhen, China
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China
- Aromability Inc., Beijing, China
- Jiangsu Industrial Technology Research Institute (JITRI), Applied Adaptome Immunology Institute, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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18
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Moccia C, Popovic M, Isaevska E, Fiano V, Trevisan M, Rusconi F, Polidoro S, Richiardi L. Birthweight DNA methylation signatures in infant saliva. Clin Epigenetics 2021; 13:57. [PMID: 33741061 PMCID: PMC7980592 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-021-01053-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Low birthweight has been repeatedly associated with long-term adverse health outcomes and many non-communicable diseases. Our aim was to look-up cord blood birthweight-associated CpG sites identified by the PACE Consortium in infant saliva, and to explore saliva-specific DNA methylation signatures of birthweight. Methods DNA methylation was assessed using Infinium HumanMethylation450K array in 135 saliva samples collected from children of the NINFEA birth cohort at an average age of 10.8 (range 7–17) months. The association analyses between birthweight and DNA methylation variations were carried out using robust linear regression models both in the exploratory EWAS analyses and in the look-up of the PACE findings in infant saliva. Results None of the cord blood birthweight-associated CpGs identified by the PACE Consortium was associated with birthweight when analysed in infant saliva. In saliva EWAS analyses, considering a false discovery rate p-values < 0.05, birthweight as continuous variable was associated with DNA methylation in 44 CpG sites; being born small for gestational age (SGA, lower 10th percentile of birthweight for gestational age according to WHO reference charts) was associated with DNA methylation in 44 CpGs, with only one overlapping CpG between the two analyses. Despite no overlap with PACE results at the CpG level, two of the top saliva birthweight CpGs mapped at genes associated with birthweight with the same direction of the effect also in the PACE Consortium (MACROD1 and RPTOR). Conclusion Our study provides an indication of the birthweight and SGA epigenetic salivary signatures in children around 10 months of age. DNA methylation signatures in cord blood may not be comparable with saliva DNA methylation signatures at about 10 months of age, suggesting that the birthweight epigenetic marks are likely time and tissue specific. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13148-021-01053-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Moccia
- Cancer Epidemiology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin and CPO Piemonte, Via Santena 7, 10126, Turin, Italy.
| | - Maja Popovic
- Cancer Epidemiology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin and CPO Piemonte, Via Santena 7, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Elena Isaevska
- Cancer Epidemiology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin and CPO Piemonte, Via Santena 7, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Valentina Fiano
- Cancer Epidemiology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin and CPO Piemonte, Via Santena 7, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Morena Trevisan
- Cancer Epidemiology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin and CPO Piemonte, Via Santena 7, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Franca Rusconi
- Unit of Epidemiology, 'Anna Meyer' Children's University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Silvia Polidoro
- Italian Institute for Genomic Medicine (IIGM), Candiolo, Italy.,MRC-PHE Centre for Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - Lorenzo Richiardi
- Cancer Epidemiology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin and CPO Piemonte, Via Santena 7, 10126, Turin, Italy
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19
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Worsham W, Dalton S, Bilder DA. The Prenatal Hormone Milieu in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:655438. [PMID: 34276434 PMCID: PMC8280339 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.655438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Though the etiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) remains largely unknown, recent findings suggest that hormone dysregulation within the prenatal environment, in conjunction with genetic factors, may alter fetal neurodevelopment. Early emphasis has been placed on the potential role of in utero exposure to androgens, particularly testosterone, to theorize ASD as the manifestation of an "extreme male brain." The relationship between autism risk and obstetric conditions associated with inflammation and steroid dysregulation merits a much broader understanding of the in utero steroid environment and its potential influence on fetal neuroendocrine development. The exploration of hormone dysregulation in the prenatal environment and ASD development builds upon prior research publishing associations with obstetric conditions and ASD risk. The insight gained may be applied to the development of chronic adult metabolic diseases that share prenatal risk factors with ASD. Future research directions will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Whitney Worsham
- University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Susan Dalton
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Deborah A Bilder
- Division of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
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20
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Pinney SE, Joshi A, Yin V, Min SW, Rashid C, Condon DE, Wang PZ. Exposure to Gestational Diabetes Enriches Immune-Related Pathways in the Transcriptome and Methylome of Human Amniocytes. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2020; 105:5873862. [PMID: 32687192 PMCID: PMC7451504 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgaa466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Gestational diabetes (GDM) has profound effects on the intrauterine metabolic milieu and is linked to obesity and diabetes in offspring, but the mechanisms driving these effects remain largely unknown. Alterations in DNA methylation and gene expression in amniocytes exposed to GDM in utero represent a potential mechanism leading to metabolic dysfunction later in life. OBJECTIVE To profile changes in genome-wide DNA methylation and expression in human amniocytes exposed to GDM. DESIGN A nested case-control study (n = 14 pairs) was performed in amniocytes matched for offspring sex, maternal race/ethnicity, maternal age, gestational age at amniocentesis, and gestational age at birth. Sex-specific genome-wide DNA methylation analysis and RNA-sequencing were completed and differentially methylated regions (DMRs) and gene expression changes were identified. Ingenuity pathway analysis identified biologically relevant pathways enriched after GDM exposure. In silico high-throughput chromosome conformation capture (Hi-C) analysis identified potential chromatin interactions with DMRs. RESULTS Expression of interferon-stimulated genes was increased in GDM amniocytes, accounting for 6 of the top 10 altered genes (q < 0.05). Enriched biological pathways in GDM amniocytes included pathways involving inflammation, the interferon response, fatty liver disease, monogenic diabetes, and atherosclerosis. Forty-two DMRs were identified in male GDM-exposed amniocytes and 20 in female amniocyte analysis (q < 0.05). Hi-C analysis identified interactions between DMRs and 11 genes with significant expression changes in male amniocytes and 9 in female amniocytes (P < .05). CONCLUSION In a unique repository of human amniocytes exposed to GDM in utero, transcriptome analysis identified enrichment of inflammation and interferon-related pathways and novel DMRs with potential distal regulatory functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara E Pinney
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Center for Research on Reproduction and Women’s Health, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Center of Excellence in Environmental Toxicology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Correspondence and Reprint Requests: Sara E. Pinney, MD, MS, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Children’s Hospital Philadelphia, 3615 Civic Center Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. E-mail:
| | - Apoorva Joshi
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Victoria Yin
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - So Won Min
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Cetewayo Rashid
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
| | | | - Paul Zhipang Wang
- Center of Excellence in Environmental Toxicology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Penn Bioinformatics Core, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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21
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Jiang S, Teague AM, Tryggestad JB, Jensen ME, Chernausek SD. Role of metformin in epigenetic regulation of placental mitochondrial biogenesis in maternal diabetes. Sci Rep 2020; 10:8314. [PMID: 32433500 PMCID: PMC7239922 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-65415-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Adverse maternal environments, such as diabetes and obesity, impair placental mitochondrial function, which affects fetal development and offspring long-term health. The underlying mechanisms and effective interventions to abrogate such effect remain unclear. Our previous studies demonstrated impaired mitochondrial biogenesis in male human placenta of diabetic mothers. In the present studies, epigenetic marks possibly related to mitochondrial biogenesis in placentae of women with diabetes (n = 23) and controls (n = 23) were analyzed. Effects of metformin were examined in human placental explants from a subgroup of diabetic women and in a mouse model of maternal high fat diet feeding. We found that maternal diabetes was associated with epigenetic regulation of mitochondrial biogenesis in human placenta in a fetal sex-dependent manner, including decreased histone acetylation (H3K27 acetylation) and increased promoter methylation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α). In male placenta, the levels of H3K27 acetylation and PGC-1α promoter methylation correlated significantly with the activity of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Metformin treatment on male diabetic placental explant activated AMPK and stimulated PGC-1α expression, concomitant with increased H3K27 acetylation and decreased PGC-1α promoter methylation. In vivo, we show that maternal metformin treatment along with maternal high fat diet significantly increased mouse placental abundance of PGC-1α expression and downstream mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) and inhibited maternal high fat diet-impaired placental efficiency and glucose tolerance in offspring. Together, these findings suggest the capability of metformin to stimulate placental mitochondrial biogenesis and inhibit the aberrant epigenetic alterations occurring in maternal diabetes during pregnancy, conferring protective effects on offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoning Jiang
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Harold Hamm Diabetes Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.
| | - April M Teague
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Harold Hamm Diabetes Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Jeanie B Tryggestad
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Harold Hamm Diabetes Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Mary E Jensen
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Harold Hamm Diabetes Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Steven D Chernausek
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Harold Hamm Diabetes Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
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22
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Krishna RG, Vishnu Bhat B, Bobby Z, Papa D, Badhe B, Kalidoss VK, Karli S. Identification of differentially methylated candidate genes and their biological significance in IUGR neonates by methylation EPIC array. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2020; 35:525-533. [PMID: 32091279 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2020.1727881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Background: Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a pregnancy-associated disease manifested by decreased growth rate of fetus than the normal genetic growth potential. It is associated with increased susceptibility to metabolic diseases later in life. Although the mechanisms underlying the origin of metabolic diseases are poorly understood, DNA methylation is a crucial investigation for the identification of epigenetic changes.Objectives: To assess the degree of change of DNA methylation in IUGR neonates and compare with that of appropriate for gestational age (AGA) neonates and to explore the differentially methylated candidate genes and their biological significance.Methods: This cohort study was conducted in the Neonatology Department of JIPMER during the period of November 2017 to December 2018. Forty each of IUGR and gestation matched AGA neonates were recruited. Umbilical cord blood samples were collected at birth. DNA was separated from the blood samples; and, using 5-mC DNA ELISA method, the percentage of genomic DNA methylated in these neonates was established. Data were expressed as mean ± standard deviation. Methylation EPIC array was performed to identify the differentially methylated candidate genes. David analysis was used to find out the functional annotation chart by KEGG pathway.Results: Genomic DNA methylation varied significantly between IUGR and AGA neonates (IUGR: 3.12 ± 1.24; AGA: 4.40 ± 2.03; p value: <.01). A global shift toward hypomethylation was seen in IUGR compared with AGA, targeted to regulatory regions of the genome, and specifically promoters. Pathway analysis identified deregulation of pathways involved in metabolic diseases. Altered methylation of PTPRN2 & HLADQB1 genes leads to dysregulation of T-cells and reactive oxygen species (ROS). These changes may lead to complications later among these neonates subjected to IUGR.Conclusion: Our findings show significant changes in the methylation pattern of genes among IUGR and AGA babies. Steps for correcting the changes may help in reducing later complications among IUGR babies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rao Gurugubelli Krishna
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Mangalagiri, Andhra Pradesh, India.,Department of Neonatology, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry, India
| | - Ballambattu Vishnu Bhat
- Department of Neonatology, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry, India.,Department of Pediatrics, AVMC, Puducherry, India
| | | | - Dasari Papa
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, JIPMER, Puducherry, India
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23
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Wang G, Yu J, Yang Y, Liu X, Zhao X, Guo X, Duan T, Lu C, Kang J. Whole-transcriptome sequencing uncovers core regulatory modules and gene signatures of human fetal growth restriction. Clin Transl Med 2020; 9:9. [PMID: 31993806 PMCID: PMC6987274 DOI: 10.1186/s40169-020-0259-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Fetal growth restriction (FGR) contributes the primary cause of perinatal mortality and morbidity with impacts on the long-term health. To determine the core gene expression network and gene signatures, which in combination with ultrasound confirmation will more effectively differentiate constitutionally normal small for gestational age and pathological FGR groups, we performed RNA sequencing for protein-coding genes, lncRNAs, and small RNAs in a case–control study of umbilical cord blood. Results Five pairs of FGR case and control umbilical cord blood samples were used for RNA sequencing and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). Results showed that 339 mRNAs, 295 lncRNAs, and 13 miRNAs were significantly differentially expressed between FGR cases and controls. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that these differentially expressed molecules were mainly involved in metabolism, neural, cardiac, and immune systems, and identified 18 WGCNA modules for FGR. Further quantitative verification was performed using umbilical cord blood and maternal peripheral blood from 12 pairs of FGR cases and controls. The logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic curve indicated that RP11_552M6.1, LINC01291, and Asgr1 in umbilical cord blood, while Sfrp2, miR-432-5p, and miR-1306-3p in maternal peripheral blood had potential significance for FGR. Conclusions We comprehensively profiled the whole-transcriptome landscape of human umbilical cord blood with FGR, constructed the core WGCNA modules, and delineated the critical gene signatures of FGR. These findings provide key insight into intrauterine perturbations and candidate signatures for FGR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guiying Wang
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Yu
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiwei Yang
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoqin Liu
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaobo Zhao
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xudong Guo
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tao Duan
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China. .,Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Chenqi Lu
- Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Jiuhong Kang
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.
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24
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Scarpato R, Testi S, Colosimo V, Garcia Crespo C, Micheli C, Azzarà A, Tozzi MG, Ghirri P. Role of oxidative stress, genome damage and DNA methylation as determinants of pathological conditions in the newborn: an overview from conception to early neonatal stage. MUTATION RESEARCH-REVIEWS IN MUTATION RESEARCH 2020; 783:108295. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mrrev.2019.108295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2019] [Revised: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 12/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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25
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Joshi A, Azuma R, Akumuo R, Goetzl L, Pinney SE. Gestational diabetes and maternal obesity are associated with sex-specific changes in miRNA and target gene expression in the fetus. Int J Obes (Lond) 2019; 44:1497-1507. [PMID: 31852997 PMCID: PMC7299738 DOI: 10.1038/s41366-019-0485-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2019] [Revised: 10/14/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Background/Objective Pregnancies complicated by gestational diabetes (GDM) or maternal
obesity have been linked to the development of diabetes, obesity and fatty
liver disease later in life with sex-specific manifestations. Alterations in
miRNA expression in offspring exposed to GDM and maternal obesity and
effects on hepatic development are unknown. Here we describe how exposure to
maternal obesity in utero leads to sex-specific changes in
miRNA and target gene expression in human fetal liver. Methods Candidate miRNA expression was measured in 2nd trimester
amniotic fluid (AF) from women with GDM. Targets of differentially expressed
miRNAs were determined and pathway enrichment of target genes was performed.
MiRNA and target gene expression were measured in a separate cohort of
2nd trimester primary human fetal hepatocytes (PHFH) exposed
to maternal obesity via QPCR and western blot. All studies were IRB
approved. Results GDM exposed AF had significant increases in miRNAs 199a-3p, 503-5p,
and 1268a (fold change (FC) ≥1.5, p<0.05). Female offspring
specific analysis showed enrichment in miRNAs 378a-3p, 885-5p, and 7-1-3p
(p<0.05). MiRNA gene targets were enriched in hepatic pathways. Key
genes regulating de novo lipogenesis were upregulated in
obesity exposed PHFH, especially in males. Significantly altered miRNAs in
GDM AF were measured in obese exposed PHFH, with consistent increases in
miRNAs 885-5p, 199-3p, 503-5p, 1268a and 7-1-3p (FC ≥1.5,
p<0.05). Female PHFH exposed to maternal obesity had increased
expression of miR-885-5p, miR-199-3p, miR-503-5p, miR-1268s and miR-7-1-3p,
(p<0.05), corresponding to decreased target genes expression for
ABCA1, PAK4 and INSR.
In male PHFHs, no miRNA changes were measured but there was increased
expression of ABCA1, PAK4, and
INSR (p<0.05). Conclusion Our data suggest sex-specific changes in miRNA and gene expression in
PHFH may be one mechanism contributing to the sexual dimorphism of metabolic
disease in offspring exposed to GDM and maternal obesity in
utero.
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Affiliation(s)
- Apoorva Joshi
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Rikka Azuma
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Rita Akumuo
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Laura Goetzl
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, McGovern School of Medicine, University of Texas, Health Sciences Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sara E Pinney
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA. .,Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA. .,Center for Research in Reproduction and Women's Health, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA. .,Center of Excellence in Environmental Toxicology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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Epigenetic Profiles Reveal That ADCYAP1 Serves as Key Molecule in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus. COMPUTATIONAL AND MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN MEDICINE 2019; 2019:6936175. [PMID: 31485258 PMCID: PMC6710731 DOI: 10.1155/2019/6936175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2018] [Revised: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) refers to the condition which shows abnormal glucose metabolism that occurs during pregnancy, while normal glucose metabolism before pregnancy. In the present study, a novel analytical procedure was used to explore the key molecule of gestational diabetes mellitus. First, the weighted pathway model was carried out subsequently to eliminate the gene-overlapping effects among pathways. Second, we assessed the enriched pathways by a combination of Fisher's t-test and the Mann–Whitney U test. We carried out the functional principal component analysis by estimating F values of genes to identify the hub genes in the enriched pathways. Results showed that a total of 4 differential pathways were enriched. The key pathway was considered as the insulin secretion pathway. F values of each gene in the key pathway were calculated. Three hub molecules were identified as hub differentially methylated genes, namely, CAMK2B, ADCYAP1, and KCNN2. In addition, by further comparing the gene expression data in a validation cohort, one key molecule was obtained, ADCYAP1. Therefore, ADCYAP1 may serve as a potential target for the treatment of GDM.
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Human placental methylome in the interplay of adverse placental health, environmental exposure, and pregnancy outcome. PLoS Genet 2019; 15:e1008236. [PMID: 31369552 PMCID: PMC6675049 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1008236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The placenta is the interface between maternal and fetal circulations, integrating maternal and fetal signals to selectively regulate nutrient, gas, and waste exchange, as well as secrete hormones. In turn, the placenta helps create the in utero environment and control fetal growth and development. The unique epigenetic profile of the human placenta likely reflects its early developmental separation from the fetus proper and its role in mediating maternal–fetal exchange that leaves it open to a range of exogenous exposures in the maternal circulation. In this review, we cover recent advances in DNA methylation in the context of placental function and development, as well as the interaction between the pregnancy and the environment.
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28
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Triggering method in assisted reproduction alters the cumulus cell transcriptome. Reprod Biomed Online 2019; 39:211-224. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2019.03.213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2018] [Revised: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Chadwick JQ, Copeland KC, Branam DE, Erb-Alvarez JA, Khan SI, Peercy MT, Rogers ME, Saunkeah BR, Tryggestad JB, Wharton DF. Genomic Research and American Indian Tribal Communities in Oklahoma: Learning From Past Research Misconduct and Building Future Trusting Partnerships. Am J Epidemiol 2019; 188:1206-1212. [PMID: 31081852 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwz062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2018] [Revised: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Research misconduct and consequential harms have been inflicted upon American Indian/Alaska Native communities for decades. To protect their people and culture and to retain oversight over research, many Native communities have established tribal health research and institutional review boards. The Treatment Options for Type 2 Diabetes in Adolescents and Youth (TODAY) Study showcases a successful, trusting research collaboration with tribal nations and academic investigators in Oklahoma. In 2006, the TODAY Study investigators proposed a modification of the study protocol to collect biological specimens from participants for genomic analyses and indefinite storage. Partnering American Indian tribal nations elected not to participate in the genomics collection and repository proposal. Reasons included 1) protection of cultural values, 2) concerns regarding community anonymity, 3) a potential threat to tribal services eligibility, 4) broad informed consent language, and 5) vague definitions of data access and usage. The nations believed the proposed genomics analyses presented a risk of harm to their people and nations without clear benefit. Since the 2006 proposal and the advancement of genomics research, many tribal communities in Oklahoma, appreciating the potential benefits of genomic research, are developing policies regarding oversight of/access to data and biological specimens to mitigate risks and provide members and communities with opportunities to participate in safe and meaningful genomic research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Q Chadwick
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Diabetes and Endocrinology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Kenneth C Copeland
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Diabetes and Endocrinology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | | | | | - Sohail I Khan
- Department of Health Research, Cherokee Nation, Tahlequah, Oklahoma
| | - Michael T Peercy
- Department of Health, Division of Research and Public Health, The Chickasaw Nation, Ada, Oklahoma
| | - Mark E Rogers
- Tribal Health System, Absentee Shawnee Tribe, Shawnee, Oklahoma
| | - Bobby R Saunkeah
- Department of Health, Division of Research and Public Health, The Chickasaw Nation, Ada, Oklahoma
| | - Jeanie B Tryggestad
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Diabetes and Endocrinology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - David F Wharton
- Heath Services Authority, Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, Durant, Oklahoma
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Hepp P, Hutter S, Knabl J, Hofmann S, Kuhn C, Mahner S, Jeschke U. Histone H3 lysine 9 acetylation is downregulated in GDM Placentas and Calcitriol supplementation enhanced this effect. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19124061. [PMID: 30558244 PMCID: PMC6321349 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19124061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2018] [Revised: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the ever-rising incidence of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) and its implications for long-term health of mothers and offspring, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain to be elucidated. To contribute to this, the present study's objectives are to conduct a sex-specific analysis of active histone modifications in placentas affected by GDM and to investigate the effect of calcitriol on trophoblast cell's transcriptional status. The expression of Histone H3 lysine 9 acetylation (H3K9ac) and Histone H3 lysine 4 trimethylation (H3K4me3) was evaluated in 40 control and 40 GDM (20 male and 20 female each) placentas using immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. The choriocarcinoma cell line BeWo and primary human villous trophoblast cells were treated with calcitriol (48 h). Thereafter, western blots were used to quantify concentrations of H3K9ac and the transcription factor FOXO1. H3K9ac expression was downregulated in GDM placentas, while H3K4me3 expression was not significantly different. Cell culture experiments showed a slight downregulation of H3K9ac after calcitriol stimulation at the highest concentration. FOXO1 expression showed a dose-dependent increase. Our data supports previous research suggesting that epigenetic dysregulations play a key role in gestational diabetes mellitus. Insufficient transcriptional activity may be part of its pathophysiology and this cannot be rescued by calcitriol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Hepp
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Maistraße 11, 80337 Munich, Germany.
| | - Stefan Hutter
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Maistraße 11, 80337 Munich, Germany.
| | - Julia Knabl
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Maistraße 11, 80337 Munich, Germany.
- Department of Obstetrics, Klinik Hallerwiese, 90419 Nürnberg, Germany.
| | - Simone Hofmann
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Maistraße 11, 80337 Munich, Germany.
| | - Christina Kuhn
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Maistraße 11, 80337 Munich, Germany.
| | - Sven Mahner
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Maistraße 11, 80337 Munich, Germany.
| | - Udo Jeschke
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Maistraße 11, 80337 Munich, Germany.
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Genetic variants influence on the placenta regulatory landscape. PLoS Genet 2018; 14:e1007785. [PMID: 30452450 PMCID: PMC6277118 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1007785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2018] [Revised: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 10/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
From genomic association studies, quantitative trait loci analysis, and epigenomic mapping, it is evident that significant efforts are necessary to define genetic-epigenetic interactions and understand their role in disease susceptibility and progression. For this reason, an analysis of the effects of genetic variation on gene expression and DNA methylation in human placentas at high resolution and whole-genome coverage will have multiple mechanistic and practical implications. By producing and analyzing DNA sequence variation (n = 303), DNA methylation (n = 303) and mRNA expression data (n = 80) from placentas from healthy women, we investigate the regulatory landscape of the human placenta and offer analytical approaches to integrate different types of genomic data and address some potential limitations of current platforms. We distinguish two profiles of interaction between expression and DNA methylation, revealing linear or bimodal effects, reflecting differences in genomic context, transcription factor recruitment, and possibly cell subpopulations. These findings help to clarify the interactions of genetic, epigenetic, and transcriptional regulatory mechanisms in normal human placentas. They also provide strong evidence for genotype-driven modifications of transcription and DNA methylation in normal placentas. In addition to these mechanistic implications, the data and analytical methods presented here will improve the interpretability of genome-wide and epigenome-wide association studies for human traits and diseases that involve placental functions. The placenta is a critical organ playing multiple roles including oxygen and metabolite transfer from mother to fetus, hormone production, and vascular perfusion. With this study, we aimed to deliver a placenta-specific regulatory map based on a combination of publicly available and newly generated data. To complete this reference, we obtained genotype information (n = 303), DNA methylation (n = 303) and expression data (n = 80) for placentas from healthy women. Our analysis of methylation and expression quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and correlations between methylation and expression data were designed to identify fundamental associations between genome, transcriptome, and epigenome in this key fetal organ. The results provide high-resolution genetic and epigenetic maps specific to the placenta based on a representative ethnically diverse cohort. As interest and efforts are growing to better understand the etiology of placental disease and the impact of the environment on placental function these data will provide a reference and enhance future investigations.
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Gestational Diabetes Alters the Metabolomic Profile in 2nd Trimester Amniotic Fluid in a Sex-Specific Manner. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19092696. [PMID: 30201937 PMCID: PMC6165183 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19092696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Revised: 09/02/2018] [Accepted: 09/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Maternal diabetes and obesity induce marked abnormalities in glucose homeostasis and insulin secretion in the fetus, and are linked to obesity, diabetes, and metabolic disease in the offspring, with specific metabolic characterization based on offspring sex. Gestational diabetes (GDM) has profound effects on the intrauterine milieu, which may reflect and/or modulate the function of the maternal–fetal unit. In order to characterize metabolic factors that affect offspring development, we profiled the metabolome of second trimester amniotic fluid (AF) from women who were subsequently diagnosed with gestational diabetes (GDM) using a targeted metabolomics approach, profiling 459 known biochemicals through gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) assays. Using a nested case-control study design, we identified 69 total biochemicals altered by GDM exposure, while sex-specific analysis identified 44 and 58 metabolites in male and female offspring, respectively. The most significant changes were in glucose, amino acid, glutathione, fatty acid, sphingolipid, and bile acid metabolism with specific changes identified based on the offspring sex. Targeted isotope dilution LC/MS confirmatory assays measured significant changes in docosahexaenoic acid and arachidonic acid. We conclude that the sex-specific alterations in GDM maternal–fetal metabolism may begin to explain the sex-specific metabolic outcomes seen in offspring exposed to GDM in utero.
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Maternal Overnutrition Programs Central Inflammation and Addiction-Like Behavior in Offspring. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 2018:8061389. [PMID: 30027100 PMCID: PMC6031166 DOI: 10.1155/2018/8061389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2018] [Revised: 05/18/2018] [Accepted: 05/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Obesity or maternal overnutrition during pregnancy and lactation might have long-term consequences in offspring health. Fetal programming is characterized by adaptive responses to specific environmental conditions during early life stages. Programming alters gene expression through epigenetic modifications leading to a transgenerational effect of behavioral phenotypes in the offspring. Maternal intake of hypercaloric diets during fetal development programs aberrant behaviors resembling addiction in offspring. Programming by hypercaloric surplus sets a gene expression pattern modulating axonal pruning, synaptic signaling, and synaptic plasticity in selective regions of the reward system. Likewise, fetal programming can promote an inflammatory phenotype in peripheral and central sites through different cell types such as microglia and T and B cells, which contribute to disrupted energy sensing and behavioral pathways. The molecular mechanism that regulates the central and peripheral immune cross-talk during fetal programming and its relevance on offspring's addictive behavior susceptibility is still unclear. Here, we review the most relevant scientific reports about the impact of hypercaloric nutritional fetal programming on central and peripheral inflammation and its effects on addictive behavior of the offspring.
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