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Tisato V, Silva JA, Scarpellini F, Capucci R, Marci R, Gallo I, Salvatori F, D'Aversa E, Secchiero P, Serino ML, Zauli G, Singh AV, Gemmati D. Epigenetic role of LINE-1 methylation and key genes in pregnancy maintenance. Sci Rep 2024; 14:3275. [PMID: 38332006 PMCID: PMC10853191 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-53737-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Spontaneous abortion is a pregnancy complication characterized by complex and multifactorial etiology. About 5% of childbearing women are globally affected by early pregnancy loss (EPL) and most of them experience recurrence (RPL). Epigenetic mechanisms and controlled inflammation are crucial for pregnancy maintenance and genetic predispositions may increase the risk affecting the maternal-fetal crosstalk. Combined analyses of global methylation, inflammation and inherited predispositions may contribute to define pregnancy loss etiopathogenesis. LINE-1 epigenetic regulation plays crucial roles during embryo implantation, and its hypomethylation has been associated with senescence and several complex diseases. By analysing a group of 230 women who have gone through pregnancy interruption and comparing those experiencing spontaneous EPL (n = 123; RPL, 54.5%) with a group of normal pregnant who underwent to voluntary interruption (VPI, n = 107), the single statistical analysis revealed significant lower (P < 0.00001) LINE-1 methylation and higher (P < 0.0001) mean cytokine levels (CKs: IL6, IL10, IL17A, IL23) in EPL. Genotyping of the following SNPs accounted for different EPL/RPL risk odds ratio: F13A1 rs5985 (OR = 0.24; 0.06-0.90); F13B rs6003 (OR = 0.23; 0.047-1.1); FGA rs6050 (OR = 0.58; 0.33-1.0); CRP rs2808635/rs876538 (OR = 0.15; 0.014-0.81); ABO rs657152 (OR = 0.48; 0.22-1.08); TP53 rs1042522 (OR = 0.54; 0.32-0.92); MTHFR rs1801133/rs1801131 (OR = 2.03; 1.2-3.47) and FGB rs1800790 (OR = 1.97; 1.01-3.87), although Bonferroni correction did not reach significant outputs. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and logistic regression disclosed further SNPs positive/negative associations (e.g. APOE rs7412/rs429358; FGB rs1800790; CFH rs1061170) differently arranged and sorted in four significant PCs: PC1 (F13A, methylation, CKs); PC3 (CRP, MTHFR, age, methylation); PC4 (F13B, FGA, FGB, APOE, TP53, age, methylation); PC6 (F13A, CFH, ABO, MTHFR, TP53, age), yielding further statistical power to the association models. In detail, positive EPL risk association was with PC1 (OR = 1.81; 1.33-2.45; P < 0.0001) and negative associations with PC3 (OR = 0.489; 0.37-0.66; P < 0.0001); PC4 (OR = 0.72; 0.55-0.94; P = 0.018) and PC6 (OR = 0.61; 0.46-0.81; P = 0.001). Moreover, significant inverse associations were detected between methylation and CKs levels in the whole group (rIL10 = - 0.22; rIL17A = - 0.25; rIL23 = - 0.19; rIL6 = - 0.22), and methylation with age in the whole group, EPL and RPL subgroups (r2TOT = 0.147; r2EPL = 0.136; r2 RPL = 0.248), while VPI controls lost significance (r2VPI = 0.011). This study provides a valuable multilayer approach for investigating epigenetic abnormalities in pregnancy loss suggesting genetic-driven dysregulations and anomalous epigenetic mechanisms potentially mediated by LINE-1 hypomethylation. Women with unexplained EPL might benefit of such investigations, providing new insights for predicting the pregnancy outcome and for treating at risk women with novel targeted epidrugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Tisato
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
- University Strategic Centre for Studies On Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
- Centre Haemostasis & Thrombosis, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
- LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Juliana A Silva
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | - Roberta Capucci
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberto Marci
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Ines Gallo
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Francesca Salvatori
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Elisabetta D'Aversa
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Paola Secchiero
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Maria L Serino
- Centre Haemostasis & Thrombosis, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giorgio Zauli
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Prevention, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Ajay V Singh
- Department of Chemical and Product Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), 10589, Berlin, Germany
| | - Donato Gemmati
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
- University Strategic Centre for Studies On Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
- Centre Haemostasis & Thrombosis, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
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Palazzo A, Marsano RM. Transposable elements: a jump toward the future of expression vectors. Crit Rev Biotechnol 2021; 41:792-808. [PMID: 33622117 DOI: 10.1080/07388551.2021.1888067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Expression vectors (EVs) are artificial nucleic acid molecules with a modular structure that allows for the transcription of DNA sequences of interest in either cellular or cell-free environments. These vectors have emerged as cross-disciplinary tools with multiple applications in an expanding Life Sciences market. The cis-regulatory sequences (CRSs) that control the transcription in EVs are typically sourced from either viruses or from characterized genes. However, the recent advancement in transposable elements (TEs) technology provides attractive alternatives that may enable a significant improvement in the design of EVs. Commonly known as "jumping genes," due to their ability to move between genetic loci, TEs are constitutive components of both eukaryotic and prokaryotic genomes. TEs harbor native CRSs that allow the regulated transcription of transposition-related genes. However, some TE-related CRSs display striking characteristics, which provides the opportunity to reconsider TEs as lead actors in the design of EVs. In this article, we provide a synopsis of the transcriptional control elements commonly found in EVs together with an extensive discussion of their advantages and limitations. We also highlight the latest findings that may allow for the implementation of TE-derived sequences in the EVs feasible, possibly improving existing vectors. By introducing this new concept of TEs as a source of regulatory sequences, we aim to stimulate a profitable discussion of the potential advantages and benefits of developing a new generation of EVs based on the use of TE-derived control sequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Palazzo
- Laboratory of Translational Nanotechnology, "Istituto Tumori Giovanni Paolo II" I.R.C.C.S, Bari, Italy
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Tian T, Lai X, Xiang K, Han X, Yin S, Cabrera RM, Steele JW, Lei Y, Cao X, Finnell RH, Wang L, Ren A. Hypermethylation of PI3K-AKT signalling pathway genes is associated with human neural tube defects. Epigenetics 2021; 17:133-146. [PMID: 33491544 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2021.1878725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Neural tube defects (NTDs) are a group of common and severe congenital malformations. The PI3K-AKT signalling pathway plays a crucial role in the neural tube development. There is limited evidence concerning any possible association between aberrant methylation in PI3K-AKT signalling pathway genes and NTDs. Therefore, we aimed to investigate potential associations between aberrant methylation of PI3K-AKT pathway genes and NTDs. Methylation studies of PI3K-AKT pathway genes utilizing microarray genome-methylation data derived from neural tissues of ten NTD cases and eight non-malformed controls were performed. Targeted DNA methylation analysis was subsequently performed in an independent cohort of 73 NTD cases and 32 controls to validate the methylation levels of identified genes. siRNAs were used to pull-down the target genes in human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) to examine the effects of the aberrant expression of target genes on neural cells. As a result, 321 differentially hypermethylated CpG sites in the promoter regions of 30 PI3K-AKT pathway genes were identified in the microarray data. In target methylation analysis, CHRM1, FGF19, and ITGA7 were confirmed to be significantly hypermethylated in NTD cases and were associated with increased risk for NTDs. The down-regulation of FGF19, CHRM1, and ITGA7 impaired the formation of rosette-like cell aggregates. The down-regulation of those three genes affected the expression of PAX6, SOX2 and MAP2, implying their influence on the differentiation of neural cells. This study for the first time reported that hypermethylation of PI3K-AKT pathway genes such as CHRM1, FGF19, and ITGA7 is associated with human NTDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Tian
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Xinyuan Lai
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Kuanhui Xiang
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao Han
- Center for Precision Environmental Health, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Shengju Yin
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Robert M Cabrera
- Center for Precision Environmental Health, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - John W Steele
- Center for Precision Environmental Health, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yunping Lei
- Center for Precision Environmental Health, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Xuanye Cao
- Center for Precision Environmental Health, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Richard H Finnell
- Center for Precision Environmental Health, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Departments of Molecular and Human Genetics and Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Linlin Wang
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Aiguo Ren
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
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Kohlrausch FB, Berteli TS, Wang F, Navarro PA, Keefe DL. Control of LINE-1 Expression Maintains Genome Integrity in Germline and Early Embryo Development. Reprod Sci 2021; 29:328-340. [PMID: 33481218 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00461-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Maintenance of genome integrity in the germline and in preimplantation embryos is crucial for mammalian development. Epigenetic remodeling during primordial germ cell (PGC) and preimplantation embryo development may contribute to genomic instability in these cells, since DNA methylation is an important mechanism to silence retrotransposons. Long interspersed elements 1 (LINE-1 or L1) are the most common autonomous retrotransposons in mammals, corresponding to approximately 17% of the human genome. Retrotransposition events are more frequent in germ cells and in early stages of embryo development compared with somatic cells. It has been shown that L1 activation and expression occurs in germline and is essential for preimplantation development. In this review, we focus on the role of L1 retrotransposon in mouse and human germline and early embryo development and discuss the possible relationship between L1 expression and genomic instability during these stages. Although several studies have addressed L1 expression at different stages of development, the developmental consequences of this expression remain poorly understood. Future research is still needed to highlight the relationship between L1 retrotransposition events and genomic instability during germline and early embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiana B Kohlrausch
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York University Langone Medical Center, 462 1st Avenue, New York, NY, 10016, USA.,Departamento de Biologia Geral, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - Thalita S Berteli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York University Langone Medical Center, 462 1st Avenue, New York, NY, 10016, USA.,Departamento de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Fang Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York University Langone Medical Center, 462 1st Avenue, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Paula A Navarro
- Departamento de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - David L Keefe
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York University Langone Medical Center, 462 1st Avenue, New York, NY, 10016, USA.
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Cáceres-Rojas G, Salamanca C, Krause BJ, Recabarren AS, Recabarren PA, Pantoja R, Leiva N, Pardo R, Santos JL, Suazo J. Nonsyndromic orofacial clefts in Chile: LINE-1 methylation and MTHFR variants. Epigenomics 2020; 12:1783-1791. [PMID: 33147056 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2020-0021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: To evaluate the risk of nonsyndromic orofacial clefts (NSOFCs) associated with LINE-1 methylation, as a marker of global DNA methylation, and the effect of MTHFR functional variants on this variable. Patients & methods: LINE-1 methylation was evaluated by bisulfite modification coupled to DNA pyrosequencing in 95 NSOFC cases and 95 controls. In these subjects, MTHFR genotypes for variants c.C677T (rs1801133) and c.A1298C (rs1801131) were obtained. Results: Middle levels (second tertile) of LINE-1 methylation increase the risk of NSOFCs. In addition, LINE-1 methylation depends on c.A1298C genotypes in controls but not in cases. Conclusion: A nonlinear association between global DNA methylation and NSOFCs was detected in this Chilean population, which appears to be influenced by MTHFR functional variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Cáceres-Rojas
- Institute for Research in Dental Sciences, School of Dentistry, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Carlos Salamanca
- Institute for Research in Dental Sciences, School of Dentistry, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Research Centre in Dental Sciences (CICO), Dental School, Universidad de La Frontera, Chile.,Universidad Adventista de Chile, Chillán, Chile
| | - Bernardo J Krause
- Instituto de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de O'Higgins, Rancagua, Chile
| | - Andrea S Recabarren
- Institute for Research in Dental Sciences, School of Dentistry, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Pamela A Recabarren
- Institute for Research in Dental Sciences, School of Dentistry, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Roberto Pantoja
- Maxillofacial Surgery Service, Cleft Lip & Palate Unit, Hospital Clínico San Borja-Arriaran. Santiago de Chile, Chile.,Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Dentistry, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Noemi Leiva
- Unit of Maxillofacial Malformations, School of Dentistry, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Rosa Pardo
- Section of Genetics, Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Unit of Neonatology, Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Unit of Genetics, Hospital Dr Sótero del Río, Santiago, Chile
| | - José Luis Santos
- Department of Nutrition, Diabetes & Metabolism, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - José Suazo
- Institute for Research in Dental Sciences, School of Dentistry, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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Chang S, Jing J, Shangguan S, Li B, Yao X, Liu X, Zhang T, Wu J, Wang L. The effect of folic acid deficiency on Mest/Peg1 in neural tube defects. Int J Neurosci 2020; 131:468-477. [PMID: 32241207 DOI: 10.1080/00207454.2020.1750386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Neural tube defects (NTDs) are one of the most common and serious birth defects in human beings caused by genetic and environmental factors. Folate insufficiency is involved in the occurrence of NTDs and folic acid supplementation can prevent NTDs occurrence, however, the underlying mechanism remains poorly understood. METHODS We established cell and animal models of folic acid deficiency to detect the methylation modification and expression levels of genes by MassARRAY and real-time PCR, respectively. Results and conclusion: In the present study, we found firstly that in human folic acid-insufficient NTDs, the methylation level of imprinted gene Mest/Peg1 was decreased. By using a folic acid-deficient cell model, we demonstrated that Mest/Peg1 methylation was descended. Meanwhile, the mRNA level of Mest/Peg1 was up-regulated via hypomethylation modification under low folic acid conditions. Consistent with the results in cell models, Mest/Peg1 expression was elevated through hypomethylation regulation in folate-deficient animal models. Furthermore, the up-regulation of Mest/Peg1 inhibited the expression of Lrp6 gene, a crucial component of Wnt pathway. Similar results with Lrp6 down-regulation of fetal brain were verified in animal models under folic acid-deficient condition. Taken together, our findings indicated folic acid increased the expression of Mest/Peg1 via hypomethylation modification, and then inhibited Lrp6 expression, which may ultimately impact on the development of nervous system through the inactivation of Wnt pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoyan Chang
- Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Child Development and Nutriomics, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - Jia Jing
- Pediatrics Department, Qingdao Hiser Medical Group, Shandong Province, China
| | - Shaofang Shangguan
- Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Child Development and Nutriomics, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - Baiyi Li
- Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Child Development and Nutriomics, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - Xiuying Yao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, PLA Army General Hospital 263th Clinical Department, Beijing, China
| | - Xinli Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, PLA Army General Hospital 263th Clinical Department, Beijing, China
| | - Ting Zhang
- Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Child Development and Nutriomics, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - Jianxin Wu
- Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Child Development and Nutriomics, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - Li Wang
- Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Child Development and Nutriomics, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
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Maternal Folic Acid Supplementation Mediates Offspring Health via DNA Methylation. Reprod Sci 2020; 27:963-976. [PMID: 32124397 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-020-00161-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The clinical significance of periconceptional folic acid supplementation (FAS) in the prevention of neonatal neural tube defects (NTDs) has been recognized for decades. Epidemiological data and experimental findings have consistently been indicating an association between folate deficiency in the first trimester of pregnancy and poor fetal development as well as offspring health (i.e., NTDs, isolated orofacial clefts, neurodevelopmental disorders). Moreover, compelling evidence has suggested adverse effects of folate overload during perinatal period on offspring health (i.e., immune diseases, autism, lipid disorders). In addition to several single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes related to folate one-carbon metabolism (FOCM), folate concentrations in maternal serum/plasma/red blood cells must be considered when counseling FAS. Epigenetic information encoded by 5-methylcytosines (5mC) plays a critical role in fetal development and offspring health. S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), a methyl donor for 5mC, could be derived from FOCM. As such, folic acid plays a double-edged sword role in offspring health via mediating DNA methylation. However, the underlying epigenetic mechanism is still largely unclear. In this review, we summarized the link across DNA methylation, maternal FAS, and offspring health to provide more evidence for clinical guidance in terms of precise FAS dosage and time point. Future studies are, therefore, required to set up the reference intervals of folate concentrations at different trimesters of pregnancy for different populations and to clarify the epigenetic mechanism for specific offspring diseases.
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Li B, Chang S, Liu C, Zhang M, Zhang L, Liang L, Li R, Wang X, Qin C, Zhang T, Niu B, Wang L. Low Maternal Dietary Folate Alters Retrotranspose by Methylation Regulation in Intrauterine Growth Retardation (IUGR) Fetuses in a Mouse Model. Med Sci Monit 2019; 25:3354-3365. [PMID: 31061382 PMCID: PMC6519683 DOI: 10.12659/msm.914292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Maternal folate deficiency-mediated metabolic disruption is considered to be associated with the risk of intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR), but the exact mechanism remains unclear. The retrotransposon long interspersed nucleotide element-1 (LINE-1), which can induce birth defects via RNA intermediates, plays crucial roles during embryonic development. We investigated potential relationships between maternal folate and DNA methylation, and possible roles of LINE-1 in IUGR. Material/Methods The IUGR model was established by feeding female mice 1 of 3 diets – control diet (CD), folate-deficient diet for 2 weeks (FD2w), and folate-deficient diet for 4 weeks (FD4w) – prior to mating. Maternal serum folate, 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MeTHF), S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), and S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) concentrations and global DNA methylation were assessed by LC/MS/MS method. LINE-1 methylation levels in fetuses were examined by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. LINE-1 expression levels were validated by real-time PCR. Results Maternal folate deficiency caused plasma folate and 5-MeTHF levels to decrease and SAH level to increase in the FD4w group. Compared with the CD group, methylation levels of genomic DNA and LINE-1 decreased significantly in placenta and fetal tissues from the FD4w group. Expression of LINE-1 open reading frame 1 (ORF1) protein was elevated in fetal liver tissues. Furthermore, a strong correlation was found between methylation and disrupted one-carbon metabolism, implying that dietary folate plays important roles during embryogenesis. Conclusions Maternal dietary folate deficiency impaired one-carbon metabolism, leading to global DNA and LINE-1 hypomethylation, and then increased retrotransposition in fetuses, which can lead to IUGR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baiyi Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China (mainland)
| | - Shaoyan Chang
- Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Child Development and Nutriomics, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China (mainland)
| | - Chi Liu
- Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Child Development and Nutriomics, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China (mainland)
| | - Min Zhang
- Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Child Development and Nutriomics, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China (mainland)
| | - Lianfeng Zhang
- Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China (mainland)
| | - Liang Liang
- Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China (mainland)
| | - Rui Li
- Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Child Development and Nutriomics, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China (mainland)
| | - Xiuwei Wang
- Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Child Development and Nutriomics, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China (mainland)
| | - Chuan Qin
- Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China (mainland)
| | - Ting Zhang
- Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Child Development and Nutriomics, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China (mainland)
| | - Bo Niu
- Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Child Development and Nutriomics, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China (mainland)
| | - Li Wang
- Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Child Development and Nutriomics, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China (mainland)
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Zhang HN, Guo Y, Ma W, Xue J, Wang WL, Yuan ZW. MGMT is down-regulated independently of promoter DNA methylation in rats with all-trans retinoic acid-induced spina bifida aperta. Neural Regen Res 2019; 14:361-368. [PMID: 30531021 PMCID: PMC6301176 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.244799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
O6-methylguanine DNA methyltransferase (MGMT), a DNA repair enzyme, has been reported in some congenital malformations, but it is less frequently reported in neural tube defects. This study investigated MGMT mRNA expression and methylation levels in the early embryo and in different embryonic stages, as well as the relationship between MGMT and neural tube defects. Spina bifida aperta was induced in rats by a single intragastric administration of all-trans retinoic acid on embryonic day (E) 10, whereas normal control rats received the same amount of olive oil on the same embryonic day. DNA damage was assessed by detecting γ-H2A.X in spina bifida aperta rats. Real time-polymerase chain reaction was used to examine mRNA expression of MGMT in normal control and spina bifida aperta rats. In normal controls, the MGMT mRNA expression decreased with increasing embryonic days, and was remarkably reduced from E11 to E14, reaching a minimum at E18. In the spina bifida aperta model, γ-H2A.X protein expression was increased, and mRNA expression of MGMT was markedly decreased on E14, E16, and E18. Bisulfite sequencing polymerase chain reaction for MGMT promoter methylation demonstrated that almost all CpG sites in the MGMT promoter remained unmethylated in both spina bifida aperta rats and normal controls, and there was no significant difference in methylation level between the two groups on either E14 or E18. Our results show that DNA damage occurs in spina bifida aperta rats. The mRNA expression of MGMT is downregulated, and this downregulation is independent of promoter DNA methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- He-Nan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Yi Guo
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Wei Ma
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Jia Xue
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Wei-Lin Wang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Zheng-Wei Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
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Chang S, Lu X, Wang S, Wang Z, Huo J, Huang J, Shangguan S, Li S, Zou J, Bao Y, Guo J, Wang F, Niu B, Zhang T, Qiu Z, Wu J, Wang L. The effect of folic acid deficiency on FGF pathway via Brachyury regulation in neural tube defects. FASEB J 2018; 33:4688-4702. [PMID: 30592646 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201801536r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Folate deficiency in early development leads to disturbance in multiple processes, including neurogenesis during which fibroblast growth factor (FGF) pathway is one of the crucial pathways. Whether folic acid (FA) directly affects FGF pathways to influence neurodevelopment and the possible mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we presented evidence that in human FA-insufficient encephalocele, the FGF pathway was interfered. Furthermore, in Brachyury knockout mice devoid of such T-box transcription factors regulating embryonic neuromesodermal bipotency and a key component of FGF pathway, change in expression of Brachyury downstream targets, activator Fgf8 and suppressor dual specificity phosphatase 6 was detected, along with the reduction in expression of other key FGF pathway genes. By using a FA-deficient cell model, we further demonstrated that decrease in Brachyury expression was through alteration in hypermethylation at the Brachyury promoter region under FA deficiency conditions, and suppression of Brachyury promoted the inactivation of the FGF pathway. Correspondingly, FA supplementation partially reverses the effects seen in FA-deficient embryoid bodies. Lastly, in mice with maternal folate-deficient diets, aberrant FGF pathway activity was found in fetal brain dysplasia. Taken together, our findings highlight the effect of FA on FGF pathways during neurogenesis, and the mechanism may be due to the low expression of Brachyury gene via hypermethylation under FA-insufficient conditions.-Chang, S., Lu, X., Wang, S., Wang, Z., Huo, J., Huang, J., Shangguan, S., Li, S., Zou, J., Bao, Y., Guo, J., Wang, F., Niu, B., Zhang, T., Qiu, Z., Wu, J., Wang, L. The effect of folic acid deficiency on FGF pathway via Brachyury regulation in neural tube defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoyan Chang
- Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Child Development and Nutriomics, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaolin Lu
- Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Child Development and Nutriomics, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - Shan Wang
- Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Child Development and Nutriomics, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - Zhigang Wang
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Junsheng Huo
- Key Laboratory of Trace Element Nutrition of National Health and Family Planning Commission of the People's Republic of China, National Institute for Nutrition and Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China; and
| | - Jian Huang
- Key Laboratory of Trace Element Nutrition of National Health and Family Planning Commission of the People's Republic of China, National Institute for Nutrition and Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China; and
| | - Shaofang Shangguan
- Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Child Development and Nutriomics, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - Shen Li
- Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Child Development and Nutriomics, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - Jizhen Zou
- Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Child Development and Nutriomics, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - Yihua Bao
- Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Child Development and Nutriomics, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - Jin Guo
- Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Child Development and Nutriomics, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - Fang Wang
- Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Child Development and Nutriomics, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - Bo Niu
- Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Child Development and Nutriomics, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - Ting Zhang
- Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Child Development and Nutriomics, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiyong Qiu
- Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Child Development and Nutriomics, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - Jianxin Wu
- Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Child Development and Nutriomics, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - Li Wang
- Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Child Development and Nutriomics, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
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