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Mallick R, Duttaroy AK. Epigenetic modification impacting brain functions: Effects of physical activity, micronutrients, caffeine, toxins, and addictive substances. Neurochem Int 2023; 171:105627. [PMID: 37827244 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2023.105627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Changes in gene expression are involved in many brain functions. Epigenetic processes modulate gene expression by histone modification and DNA methylation or RNA-mediated processes, which is important for brain function. Consequently, epigenetic changes are also a part of brain diseases such as mental illness and addiction. Understanding the role of different factors on the brain epigenome may help us understand the function of the brain. This review discussed the effects of caffeine, lipids, addictive substances, physical activity, and pollutants on the epigenetic changes in the brain and their modulatory effects on brain function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul Mallick
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Finland
| | - Asim K Duttaroy
- Department of Nutrition, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, POB 1046 Blindern, Oslo, Norway.
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2
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Orton SM, Millis K, Choate P. Epigenetics of Trauma Transmission and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: What Does the Evidence Support? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6706. [PMID: 37681846 PMCID: PMC10487479 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20176706] [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: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) results from teratogenic impacts of alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Trauma and prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) can both cause neurodevelopmental impairment, and it has been proposed that FASD can amplify effects of trauma. Certain PAE and trauma effects are mediated via epigenetic mechanisms. The objective of this review is to present the current evidence for epigenetics in trauma transmission as it relates to FASD, to help bridge a potential knowledge gap for social workers and related health professionals. We include a primer on epigenetic mechanisms and inheritance, followed by a summary of the current biomedical evidence supporting intergenerational and transgenerational epigenetic transmission of trauma, its relevance to FASD, the intersection with social transmission, and finally the application to social work. We propose potential models of transmission, considering where social and epigenetic pathways may intersect and/or compound across generations. Overall, we aim to provide a better understanding of epigenetic-trauma transmission for its application to health professions, in particular which beliefs are (and are not) evidence-based. We discuss the lack of research and challenges of studying epigenetic transmission in humans and identify the need for public health interventions and best practices that are based on the current evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M. Orton
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Biology, Mount Royal University, Calgary, AB T3E 6K6, Canada;
| | - Kimberly Millis
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Biology, Mount Royal University, Calgary, AB T3E 6K6, Canada;
| | - Peter Choate
- Faculty of Health, Community & Education, Department of Child Studies and Social Work, Mount Royal University, Calgary, AB T3E 6K6, Canada;
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3
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Kable JA, Jones KL. Identifying Prenatal Alcohol Exposure and Children Affected by It: A Review of Biomarkers and Screening Tools. Alcohol Res 2023; 43:03. [PMID: 37260694 PMCID: PMC10229137 DOI: 10.35946/arcr.v43.1.03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Early identification of prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) and of those in need of services resulting from this exposure is an important public health concern. This study reviewed the existing literature on potential biomarkers and screening tools of PAE and its impact. SEARCH METHODS Electronic databases were searched for articles published between January 1, 1996, and November 30, 2021, using the following search terms: ("fetal alcohol" or "prenatal alcohol" or "FASD" or "alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder" or "ARND" or "ND-PAE") and ("screening" or "identification" or "biomarker"). Duplicate articles were electronically eliminated. Titles and abstracts were reviewed for appropriateness, and selected articles were retrieved for further analysis. Additional articles were added that were referenced in the reviewed articles or identified from expert knowledge. Information about the characteristics of the sample, the biomarker or screening tool, and the predictive validity outcome data were abstracted. A narrative analysis of the studies was then performed on the data. SEARCH RESULTS A total of 3,813 articles were initially identified, and 1,215 were removed as duplicates. Of the remaining articles, 182 were identified as being within the scope of the review based on title and abstract inspection, and 181 articles were successfully retrieved. Of these, additional articles were removed because they were preclinical (3), were descriptive only (13), included only self-report of PAE (42), included only mean group comparison (17), were additional duplicates (2), focused on cost analysis (9), missed predictive validity data (24), or for other reasons (23). The remaining articles (n = 48) were abstracted. An additional 13 manuscripts were identified from these articles, and two more from expert knowledge. A total of 63 articles contributed to the review. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Biomarkers and screening tools of PAE and its impact fall short of ideal predictive validity characteristics. Higher specificity than sensitivity was found for many of the biomarkers and screening tools used to identify PAE and its impact, suggesting that current methods continue to under-identify the full range of individuals impacted by PAE. Exceptions to this were found in recent investigations using microRNAs related to growth and vascular development, proteomic changes associated with PAE, and combinations of markers estimating levels of various cytokines. Replications of these findings are needed across other samples to confirm the limited data available. Future research on biomarkers and screening tools should attend to feasibility and scalability of implementation. This article also recommends a systematic process of evaluation to improve early identification of individuals impacted by PAE so that harm reduction and habilitative care efforts can be implemented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie A. Kable
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Kenneth Lyons Jones
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
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4
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Schriml LM, Lichenstein R, Bisordi K, Bearer C, Baron JA, Greene C. Modeling the enigma of complex disease etiology. J Transl Med 2023; 21:148. [PMID: 36829165 PMCID: PMC9957692 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-03987-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Complex diseases often present as a diagnosis riddle, further complicated by the combination of multiple phenotypes and diseases as features of other diseases. With the aim of enhancing the determination of key etiological factors, we developed and tested a complex disease model that encompasses diverse factors that in combination result in complex diseases. This model was developed to address the challenges of classifying complex diseases given the evolving nature of understanding of disease and interaction and contributions of genetic, environmental, and social factors. METHODS Here we present a new approach for modeling complex diseases that integrates the multiple contributing genetic, epigenetic, environmental, host and social pathogenic effects causing disease. The model was developed to provide a guide for capturing diverse mechanisms of complex diseases. Assessment of disease drivers for asthma, diabetes and fetal alcohol syndrome tested the model. RESULTS We provide a detailed rationale for a model representing the classification of complex disease using three test conditions of asthma, diabetes and fetal alcohol syndrome. Model assessment resulted in the reassessment of the three complex disease classifications and identified driving factors, thus improving the model. The model is robust and flexible to capture new information as the understanding of complex disease improves. CONCLUSIONS The Human Disease Ontology's Complex Disease model offers a mechanism for defining more accurate disease classification as a tool for more precise clinical diagnosis. This broader representation of complex disease, therefore, has implications for clinicians and researchers who are tasked with creating evidence-based and consensus-based recommendations and for public health tracking of complex disease. The new model facilitates the comparison of etiological factors between complex, common and rare diseases and is available at the Human Disease Ontology website.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynn M. Schriml
- grid.411024.20000 0001 2175 4264University of Maryland School of Medicine, Institute for Genome Sciences, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Richard Lichenstein
- grid.411024.20000 0001 2175 4264University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Katharine Bisordi
- grid.411024.20000 0001 2175 4264University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Cynthia Bearer
- grid.67105.350000 0001 2164 3847Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH USA
| | - J. Allen Baron
- grid.411024.20000 0001 2175 4264University of Maryland School of Medicine, Institute for Genome Sciences, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Carol Greene
- grid.411024.20000 0001 2175 4264University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD USA
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Polverino A, Sorrentino P, Pesoli M, Mandolesi L. Nutrition and cognition across the lifetime: an overview on epigenetic mechanisms. AIMS Neurosci 2021; 8:448-476. [PMID: 34877399 PMCID: PMC8611190 DOI: 10.3934/neuroscience.2021024] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The functioning of our brain depends on both genes and their interactions with environmental factors. The close link between genetics and environmental factors produces structural and functional cerebral changes early on in life. Understanding the weight of environmental factors in modulating neuroplasticity phenomena and cognitive functioning is relevant for potential interventions. Among these, nutrition plays a key role. In fact, the link between gut and brain (the gut-brain axis) is very close and begins in utero, since the Central Nervous System (CNS) and the Enteric Nervous System (ENS) originate from the same germ layer during the embryogenesis. Here, we investigate the epigenetic mechanisms induced by some nutrients on the cognitive functioning, which affect the cellular and molecular processes governing our cognitive functions. Furthermore, epigenetic phenomena can be positively affected by specific healthy nutrients from diet, with the possibility of preventing or modulating cognitive impairments. Specifically, we described the effects of several nutrients on diet-dependent epigenetic processes, in particular DNA methylation and histones post-translational modifications, and their potential role as therapeutic target, to describe how some forms of cognitive decline could be prevented or modulated from the early stages of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Polverino
- Institute of Diagnosis and Treatment Hermitage Capodimonte, Naples, Italy.,Department of Motor and Wellness Sciences, University of Naples "Parthenope", Naples, Italy
| | - Pierpaolo Sorrentino
- Institut de Neurosciences des Systèmes, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France.,Institute of Applied Sciences and Intelligent Systems, National Research Council, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Matteo Pesoli
- Department of Motor and Wellness Sciences, University of Naples "Parthenope", Naples, Italy
| | - Laura Mandolesi
- Department of Humanities Studies, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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Heimdahl Vepsä K. Is it FASD? And does it matter? Swedish perspectives on diagnosing fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. DRUGS: EDUCATION, PREVENTION AND POLICY 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/09687637.2020.1841117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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7
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Martins J, Czamara D, Sauer S, Rex-Haffner M, Dittrich K, Dörr P, de Punder K, Overfeld J, Knop A, Dammering F, Entringer S, Winter SM, Buss C, Heim C, Binder EB. Childhood adversity correlates with stable changes in DNA methylation trajectories in children and converges with epigenetic signatures of prenatal stress. Neurobiol Stress 2021; 15:100336. [PMID: 34095363 PMCID: PMC8163992 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2021.100336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Childhood maltreatment (CM) is an established major risk factor for a number of negative health outcomes later in life. While epigenetic mechanisms, such as DNA methylation (DNAm), have been proposed as a means of embedding this environmental risk factor, little is known about its timing and trajectory, especially in very young children. It is also not clear whether additional environmental adversities, often experienced by these children, converge on similar DNAm changes. Here, we calculated a cumulative adversity score, which additionally to CM includes socioeconomic status (SES), other life events, parental psychopathology and epigenetic biomarkers of prenatal smoking and alcohol consumption. We investigated the effects of CM alone as well as the adversity score on longitudinal DNAm trajectories in the Berlin Longitudinal Child Study. This is a cohort of 173 children aged 3-5 years at baseline of whom 86 were exposed to CM. These children were followed-up for 2 years with extensive psychometric and biological assessments as well as saliva collection at 5 time points providing genome-wide DNAm levels. Overall, only a few DNAm patterns were stable over this timeframe, but less than 10 DNAm regions showed significant changes. At baseline, neither CM nor the adversity score associated with DNAm changes. However, in 6 differentially methylated regions (DMRs), CM and the adversity score significantly moderated DNAm trajectories over time. A number of these DMRs have previously been associated with adverse prenatal exposures. In our study, children exposed to CM also presented with epigenetic signatures indicative of increased prenatal exposure to tobacco and alcohol, as compared to non-CM exposed children. These epigenetic signatures of prenatal exposure strongly correlate with DNAm regions associated with CM and the adversity score. Finally, weighted correlation network analysis revealed a module of CpGs exclusively associated with CM. While our study identifies DNAm loci specifically associated with CM, especially within long non-coding RNAs, the majority of associations were found with the adversity score with convergent association with indicators of adverse prenatal exposures. This study highlights the importance of mapping not only of the epigenome but also the exposome and extending the observational timeframe to well before birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jade Martins
- Dept. of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
| | - Darina Czamara
- Dept. of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
| | - Susann Sauer
- Dept. of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
| | - Monika Rex-Haffner
- Dept. of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
| | - Katja Dittrich
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Campus Virchow, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Augustenburger Platz 1, D-13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Peggy Dörr
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Campus Virchow, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Augustenburger Platz 1, D-13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Karin de Punder
- Natura Foundation, Research and Development, Numansdrop, 3281, NC, Netherlands
| | - Judith Overfeld
- Charité − Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Medical Psychology, Campus Charité Mitte, Luisenstraße 57, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Andrea Knop
- Charité − Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Medical Psychology, Campus Charité Mitte, Luisenstraße 57, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Felix Dammering
- Charité − Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Medical Psychology, Campus Charité Mitte, Luisenstraße 57, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Sonja Entringer
- Charité − Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Medical Psychology, Campus Charité Mitte, Luisenstraße 57, 10117 Berlin, Germany
- University of California, Irvine, Development, Health, and Disease Research Program, Orange, CA, USA
| | - Sibylle M. Winter
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Campus Virchow, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Augustenburger Platz 1, D-13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Claudia Buss
- Charité − Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Medical Psychology, Campus Charité Mitte, Luisenstraße 57, 10117 Berlin, Germany
- University of California, Irvine, Development, Health, and Disease Research Program, Orange, CA, USA
| | - Christine Heim
- Charité − Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Medical Psychology, Campus Charité Mitte, Luisenstraße 57, 10117 Berlin, Germany
- Dept. of Biobehavioral Health, College of Health & Human Development, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Elisabeth B. Binder
- Dept. of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
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Cantacorps L, Alfonso-Loeches S, Guerri C, Valverde O. Long-term epigenetic changes in offspring mice exposed to alcohol during gestation and lactation. J Psychopharmacol 2019; 33:1562-1572. [PMID: 31210079 DOI: 10.1177/0269881119856001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol exposure impairs brain development and leads to a range of behavioural and cognitive dysfunctions, termed as foetal alcohol spectrum disorders. Although different mechanisms have been proposed to participate in foetal alcohol spectrum disorders, the molecular insights of such effects are still uncertain. Using a mouse model of foetal alcohol spectrum disorder, we have previously shown that maternal binge-like alcohol drinking causes persistent effects on motor, cognitive and emotional-related behaviours associated with neuroimmune dysfunctions. AIMS In this study, we sought to evaluate whether the long-term behavioural alterations found in offspring with early exposure to alcohol are associated with epigenetic changes in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. METHODS Pregnant C57BL/6 female mice underwent a model procedure for binge alcohol drinking throughout both the gestation and lactation periods. Subsequently, adult offspring were assessed for their cognitive function in a reversal learning task and brain areas were extracted for epigenetic analyses. RESULTS The results demonstrated that early binge alcohol exposure induces long-term behavioural effects along with alterations in histone acetylation (histone H4 lysine 5 and histone H4 lysine 12) in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. The epigenetic effects were linked with an imbalance in histone acetyltransferase activity that was found to be increased in the prefrontal cortex of mice exposed to alcohol. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, our results reveal that maternal binge-like alcohol consumption induces persistent epigenetic modifications, effects that might be associated with the long-term cognitive and behavioural impairments observed in foetal alcohol spectrum disorder models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lídia Cantacorps
- Neurobiology of Behaviour Research Group (GReNeC-NeuroBio), Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Silvia Alfonso-Loeches
- Molecular and Cellular Pathology of Alcohol, Prince Felipe Research Centre, Valencia, Spain
| | - Consuelo Guerri
- Molecular and Cellular Pathology of Alcohol, Prince Felipe Research Centre, Valencia, Spain
| | - Olga Valverde
- Neurobiology of Behaviour Research Group (GReNeC-NeuroBio), Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain.,Neuroscience Research Programme, IMIM-Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
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Roozen S, Peters GJY, Kok G, Townend D, Nijhuis J, Koek G, Curfs L. Systematic literature review on which maternal alcohol behaviours are related to fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). BMJ Open 2018; 8:e022578. [PMID: 30573481 PMCID: PMC6303602 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-022578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2018] [Revised: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 11/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) is a worldwide problem. Maternal alcohol consumption is an important risk factor for FASD. It remains unknown which alcohol consumption patterns most strongly predict FASD. The objective of this study was to identify these. DESIGN Systematic literature review. METHODS We searched in PubMed, PsychINFO, PsycARTICLES, ERIC, CINAHL, Embase and MEDLINE up to August 2018. The query consisted of keywords and their synonyms related to FASD, pregnancy and behaviour. Studies were excluded when not published in English, were reviews or involved non-human subjects. Substantial heterogeneity precluded aggregation or meta-analysis of the data. Instead, data were qualitatively inspected. RESULTS In total, 21 studies were eligible for further data analysis. All studies that measured both maternal alcohol drinking behaviours and FASD reported retrospective data on maternal drinking patterns, employing both continuous and categorical measures and exhibiting substantial heterogeneity in measures of alcohol consumption (eg, timing of exposure, quantification of alcohol measure and definition of a standard drink). Study quality improved over time and appeared higher for studies based on active case ascertainment, especially when conducted in schools and when behaviour was assessed through interviews. CONCLUSIONS We aimed to identify specific maternal drinking behaviour(s) related to FASD. The state of the literature precludes such conclusions. Evidence-based preventive measures necessitate identifying which prenatal alcohol drinking behaviour(s) are most in need of intervention. Therefore, we formulate three recommendations for future research. First, future studies can optimise the value of the collected dataset through specifying measurements and reporting of maternal drinking behaviours and avoiding categorised measures (nominal or ordinal) whenever possible. Second, samples should not be selected based on FASD status, but instead, FASD status as well as maternal alcohol consumption should both be measured in a general population sample. Finally, we provide 10 reporting guidelines for FASD research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvia Roozen
- Governor Kremers Centre, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Work and Social Psychology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Gjalt-Jorn Ygram Peters
- Department of Work and Social Psychology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Faculty of Psychology and Education Science, Open University of The Netherlands, Heerlen, The Netherlands
| | - Gerjo Kok
- Governor Kremers Centre, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Work and Social Psychology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - David Townend
- Governor Kremers Centre, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Health, Ethics & Society, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Nijhuis
- Governor Kremers Centre, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Obstretrics and Gynaecology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Ger Koek
- Governor Kremers Centre, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Leopold Curfs
- Governor Kremers Centre, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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10
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Ornoy A, Koren G, Yanai J. Is post exposure prevention of teratogenic damage possible: Studies on diabetes, valproic acid, alcohol and anti folates in pregnancy: Animal studies with reflection to human. Reprod Toxicol 2018; 80:92-104. [DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2018.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2018] [Revised: 05/06/2018] [Accepted: 05/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Nonprotein-coding RNAs in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2018; 157:299-342. [PMID: 29933954 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2017.11.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Early developmental exposure to ethanol, a known teratogen, can result in a range of neurodevelopmental disorders, collectively referred to as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs). Changes in the environment, including exposure to teratogens, can result in long term alterations to the epigenetic landscape of a cell, thereby altering gene expression. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) can affect transcription and translation of networks of genes. ncRNAs are dynamically expressed during development and have been identified as a target of alcohol. ncRNAs therefore make for attractive targets for novel therapeutics to address the developmental deficits associated with FASDs.
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Comasco E, Rangmar J, Eriksson UJ, Oreland L. Neurological and neuropsychological effects of low and moderate prenatal alcohol exposure. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2018; 222. [PMID: 28470828 DOI: 10.1111/apha.12892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2017] [Revised: 02/17/2017] [Accepted: 04/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Several explanations for the diverse results in research on foetal alcohol spectrum disorders or alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder might be at hand: timing, amount and patterns of alcohol exposure, as well as complex epigenetic responses. The genetic background of the offspring and its interaction with other prenatal and post-natal environmental cues are likely also of importance. In the present report, key findings about the possible effects of low and moderate doses of maternal alcohol intake on the neuropsychological development of the offspring are reviewed and plausible mechanisms discussed. Special focus is put on the serotonergic system within developmental and gene-environment frameworks. The review also suggests guidelines for future studies and also summarizes some of to-be-answered questions of relevance to clinical practice. Contradictory findings and paucity of studies on the effects of exposure to low alcohol levels during foetal life for the offspring's neuropsychological development call for large prospective studies, as well as for studies including neuroimaging and multi-omics analyses to dissect the neurobiological underpinnings of alcohol exposure-related phenotypes and to identify biomarkers. Finally, it remains to be investigated whether any safe threshold of alcohol drinking during pregnancy can be identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- E. Comasco
- Department of Neuroscience; Uppsala University; Uppsala Sweden
| | - J. Rangmar
- Department of Psychology; University of Gothenburg; Gothenburg Sweden
| | - U. J. Eriksson
- Department of Medical Cell Biology; Uppsala University; Uppsala Sweden
| | - L. Oreland
- Department of Neuroscience; Uppsala University; Uppsala Sweden
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Banik A, Kandilya D, Ramya S, Stünkel W, Chong YS, Dheen ST. Maternal Factors that Induce Epigenetic Changes Contribute to Neurological Disorders in Offspring. Genes (Basel) 2017; 8:E150. [PMID: 28538662 PMCID: PMC5485514 DOI: 10.3390/genes8060150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2017] [Revised: 05/06/2017] [Accepted: 05/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
It is well established that the regulation of epigenetic factors, including chromatic reorganization, histone modifications, DNA methylation, and miRNA regulation, is critical for the normal development and functioning of the human brain. There are a number of maternal factors influencing epigenetic pathways such as lifestyle, including diet, alcohol consumption, and smoking, as well as age and infections (viral or bacterial). Genetic and metabolic alterations such as obesity, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and thyroidism alter epigenetic mechanisms, thereby contributing to neurodevelopmental disorders (NDs) such as embryonic neural tube defects (NTDs), autism, Down's syndrome, Rett syndrome, and later onset of neuropsychological deficits. This review comprehensively describes the recent findings in the epigenetic landscape contributing to altered molecular profiles resulting in NDs. Furthermore, we will discuss potential avenues for future research to identify diagnostic markers and therapeutic epi-drugs to reverse these abnormalities in the brain as epigenetic marks are plastic and reversible in nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avijit Banik
- Department of Anatomy, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117594, Singapore.
| | - Deepika Kandilya
- Department of Anatomy, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117594, Singapore.
| | - Seshadri Ramya
- Department of Anatomy, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117594, Singapore.
| | - Walter Stünkel
- Singapore Institute of Clinical Sciences, A*STAR, Singapore 117609, Singapore.
| | - Yap Seng Chong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119228, Singapore.
| | - S Thameem Dheen
- Department of Anatomy, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117594, Singapore.
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Öztürk NC, Resendiz M, Öztürk H, Zhou FC. DNA Methylation program in normal and alcohol-induced thinning cortex. Alcohol 2017; 60:135-147. [PMID: 28433420 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2017.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2016] [Revised: 01/03/2017] [Accepted: 01/03/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
While cerebral underdevelopment is a hallmark of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), the mechanism(s) guiding the broad cortical neurodevelopmental deficits are not clear. DNA methylation is known to regulate early development and tissue specification through gene regulation. Here, we examined DNA methylation in the onset of alcohol-induced cortical thinning in a mouse model of FASD. C57BL/6 (B6) mice were administered a 4% alcohol (v/v) liquid diet from embryonic (E) days 7-16, and their embryos were harvested at E17, along with isocaloric liquid diet and lab chow controls. Cortical neuroanatomy, neural phenotypes, and epigenetic markers of methylation were assessed using immunohistochemistry, Western blot, and methyl-DNA assays. We report that cortical thickness, neuroepithelial proliferation, and neuronal migration and maturity were found to be deterred by alcohol at E17. Simultaneously, DNA methylation, including 5-methylcytosine (5mC) and 5-hydroxcylmethylcytosine (5hmC), which progresses as an intrinsic program guiding normal embryonic cortical development, was severely affected by in utero alcohol exposure. The intricate relationship between cortical thinning and this DNA methylation program disruption is detailed and illustrated. DNA methylation, dynamic across the multiple cortical layers during the late embryonic stage, is highly disrupted by fetal alcohol exposure; this disruption occurs in tandem with characteristic developmental abnormalities, ranging from structural to molecular. Finally, our findings point to a significant question for future exploration: whether epigenetics guides neurodevelopment or whether developmental conditions dictate epigenetic dynamics in the context of alcohol-induced cortical teratogenesis.
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15
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Doehner W, Praße L, Wolpers J, Brückner MK, Ueberham U, Arendt T. Transgenerational transmission of an anticholinergic endophenotype with memory dysfunction. Neurobiol Aging 2016; 51:19-30. [PMID: 28033505 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2016.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2016] [Revised: 11/21/2016] [Accepted: 11/26/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Impaired cholinergic neurotransmission associated with cognitive dysfunction occurs in various mental disorders of different etiologies including Alzheimer's disease and postalcoholic dementia and others. To address the question whether there exists a common endophenotype with a defined genetic and/or epigenetic signature causing mental dysfunction in these disorders, we investigated 2 generations of offspring born to alcohol-treated mothers. Here, we show that memory impairment and reduced synthesis of acetylcholine occurs in both F1 (exposed to ethanol in utero) and F2 generation (never been exposed to ethanol). Effects in the F2 generation are most likely consequences of transgenerationally transmitted epigenetic modifications in stem cells induced by alcohol. This clearly documents the role of ancestral history of drug abuse on the brain development of subsequent generations. The results further suggest an epigenetic trait for an anticholinergic endophenotype associated with cognitive dysfunction which might be relevant to our understanding of mental impairment in neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfram Doehner
- Paul Flechsig Institute of Brain Research, Universität Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Lieselotte Praße
- Paul Flechsig Institute of Brain Research, Universität Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - James Wolpers
- Paul Flechsig Institute of Brain Research, Universität Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Martina K Brückner
- Paul Flechsig Institute of Brain Research, Universität Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Uwe Ueberham
- Paul Flechsig Institute of Brain Research, Universität Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Thomas Arendt
- Paul Flechsig Institute of Brain Research, Universität Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.
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16
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Abstract
Fetal alcohol-spectrum disorders (FASDs) are a collection of physical and neurobehavioral disabilities caused by prenatal exposure to alcohol. To prevent or mitigate the costly effects of FASD, we must identify mothers at risk for having a child with FASD, so that we may reach them with interventions. Identifying mothers at risk is beneficial at all time points, whether prior to pregnancy, during pregnancy, or following the birth of the child. In this review, three approaches to identifying mothers at risk are explored: using characteristics of the mother and her pregnancy, using laboratory biomarkers, and using self-report assessment of alcohol-consumption risk. At present, all approaches have serious limitations. Research is needed to improve the sensitivity and specificity of biomarkers and screening instruments, and to link them to outcomes as opposed to exposure. Universal self-report screening of all women of childbearing potential should ideally be incorporated into routine obstetric and gynecologic care, followed by brief interventions, including education and personalized feedback for all who consume alcohol, and referral to treatment as indicated. Effective biomarkers or combinations of biomarkers may be used during pregnancy and at birth to determine maternal and fetal alcohol exposure. The combination of self-report and biomarker screening may help identify a greater proportion of women at risk for having a child with FASD, allowing them to access information and treatment, and empowering them to make decisions that benefit their children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika C Montag
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Dysmorphology and Teratology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
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17
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Portales-Casamar E, Lussier AA, Jones MJ, MacIsaac JL, Edgar RD, Mah SM, Barhdadi A, Provost S, Lemieux-Perreault LP, Cynader MS, Chudley AE, Dubé MP, Reynolds JN, Pavlidis P, Kobor MS. DNA methylation signature of human fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. Epigenetics Chromatin 2016; 9:25. [PMID: 27358653 PMCID: PMC4926300 DOI: 10.1186/s13072-016-0074-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2016] [Accepted: 06/17/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Prenatal alcohol exposure is the leading preventable cause of behavioral and cognitive deficits, which may affect between 2 and 5 % of children in North America. While the underlying mechanisms of alcohol’s effects on development remain relatively unknown, emerging evidence implicates epigenetic mechanisms in mediating the range of symptoms observed in children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). Thus, we investigated the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure on genome-wide DNA methylation in the NeuroDevNet FASD cohort, the largest cohort of human FASD samples to date. Methods Genome-wide DNA methylation patterns of buccal epithelial cells (BECs) were analyzed using the Illumina HumanMethylation450 array in a Canadian cohort of 206 children (110 FASD and 96 controls). Genotyping was performed in parallel using the Infinium HumanOmni2.5-Quad v1.0 BeadChip. Results After correcting for the effects of genetic background, we found 658 significantly differentially methylated sites between FASD cases and controls, with 41 displaying differences in percent methylation change >5 %. Furthermore, 101 differentially methylated regions containing two or more CpGs were also identified, overlapping with 95 different genes. The majority of differentially methylated genes were highly expressed at the level of mRNA in brain samples from the Allen Brain Atlas, and independent DNA methylation data from cortical brain samples showed high correlations with BEC DNA methylation patterns. Finally, overrepresentation analysis of genes with up-methylated CpGs revealed a significant enrichment for neurodevelopmental processes and diseases, such as anxiety, epilepsy, and autism spectrum disorders. Conclusions These findings suggested that prenatal alcohol exposure is associated with distinct DNA methylation patterns in children and adolescents, raising the possibility of an epigenetic biomarker of FASD. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13072-016-0074-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alexandre A Lussier
- Department of Medical Genetics, Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Child and Family Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada
| | - Meaghan J Jones
- Department of Medical Genetics, Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Child and Family Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada
| | - Julia L MacIsaac
- Department of Medical Genetics, Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Child and Family Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada
| | - Rachel D Edgar
- Department of Medical Genetics, Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Child and Family Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada
| | - Sarah M Mah
- Department of Medical Genetics, Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Child and Family Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada
| | - Amina Barhdadi
- Beaulieu-Saucier Pharmacogenomics Centre, Montreal Heart Institute, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC Canada
| | - Sylvie Provost
- Beaulieu-Saucier Pharmacogenomics Centre, Montreal Heart Institute, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC Canada
| | | | - Max S Cynader
- Brain Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada
| | - Albert E Chudley
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB Canada.,Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB Canada
| | - Marie-Pierre Dubé
- Beaulieu-Saucier Pharmacogenomics Centre, Montreal Heart Institute, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC Canada.,Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC Canada
| | - James N Reynolds
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, ON Canada
| | - Paul Pavlidis
- Centre for High-Throughput Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada
| | - Michael S Kobor
- Department of Medical Genetics, Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Child and Family Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada.,Human Early Learning Partnership, School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia Canada
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18
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Stueve TR, Marconett CN, Zhou B, Borok Z, Laird-Offringa IA. The importance of detailed epigenomic profiling of different cell types within organs. Epigenomics 2016; 8:817-29. [PMID: 27305639 PMCID: PMC5066118 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2016-0005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The human body consists of hundreds of kinds of cells specified from a single genome overlaid with cell type-specific epigenetic information. Comprehensively profiling the body's distinct epigenetic landscapes will allow researchers to verify cell types used in regenerative medicine and to determine the epigenetic effects of disease, environmental exposures and genetic variation. Key marks/factors that should be investigated include regions of nucleosome-free DNA accessible to regulatory factors, histone marks defining active enhancers and promoters, DNA methylation levels, regulatory RNAs, and factors controlling the three-dimensional conformation of the genome. Here we use the lung to illustrate the importance of investigating an organ's purified cell epigenomes, and outline the challenges and promise of realizing a comprehensive catalog of primary cell epigenomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Ryan Stueve
- Department of Surgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA.,Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA.,Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Crystal N Marconett
- Department of Surgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA.,Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Beiyun Zhou
- Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA.,Division of Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Will Rogers Institute Pulmonary Research Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Zea Borok
- Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA.,Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA.,Division of Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Will Rogers Institute Pulmonary Research Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Ite A Laird-Offringa
- Department of Surgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA.,Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA.,Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
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19
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Hodjat M, Rezvanfar MA, Abdollahi M. A systematic review on the role of environmental toxicants in stem cells aging. Food Chem Toxicol 2015; 86:298-308. [PMID: 26582272 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2015.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2015] [Revised: 10/29/2015] [Accepted: 11/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Stem cells are an important target for environmental toxicants. As they are the main source for replenishing of organs in the body, any changes in their normal function could affect the regenerative potential of organs, leading to the appearance of age-related disease and acceleration of the aging process. Environmental toxicants could exert their adverse effect on stem cell function via multiple cellular and molecular mechanisms, resulting in changes in the stem cell differentiation fate and cell transformation, and reduced self-renewal capacity, as well as induction of stress-induced cellular senescence. The present review focuses on the effect of environmental toxicants on stem cell function associated with the aging process. We categorized environmental toxicants according to their preferred molecular mechanism of action on stem cells, including changes in genomic, epigenomic, and proteomic levels and enhancing oxidative stress. Pesticides, tobacco smoke, radiation and heavy metals are well-studied toxicants that cause stem cell dysfunction via induction of oxidative stress. Transgenerational epigenetic changes are the most important effects of a variety of toxicants on germ cells and embryos that are heritable and could affect health in the next several generations. A better understanding of the underlying mechanisms of toxicant-induced stem cell aging will help us to develop therapeutic intervention strategies against environmental aging. Meanwhile, more efforts are required to find the direct in vivo relationship between adverse effect of environmental toxicants and stem cell aging, leading to organismal aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahshid Hodjat
- Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center (PSRC), Endocrinology & Metabolism Research Center (EMRC), Toxicology & Poisoning Research Center (TPRC), Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran 1417614411, Iran
| | - Mohammad Amin Rezvanfar
- Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center (PSRC), Endocrinology & Metabolism Research Center (EMRC), Toxicology & Poisoning Research Center (TPRC), Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran 1417614411, Iran
| | - Mohammad Abdollahi
- Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center (PSRC), Endocrinology & Metabolism Research Center (EMRC), Toxicology & Poisoning Research Center (TPRC), Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran 1417614411, Iran.
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20
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Varadinova M, Boyadjieva N. Epigenetic mechanisms: A possible link between autism spectrum disorders and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. Pharmacol Res 2015; 102:71-80. [PMID: 26408203 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2015.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2015] [Revised: 09/12/2015] [Accepted: 09/13/2015] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The etiology of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) still remains unclear and seems to involve a considerable overlap between polygenic, epigenetic and environmental factors. We have summarized the current understanding of the interplay between gene expression dysregulation via epigenetic modifications and the potential epigenetic impact of environmental factors in neurodevelopmental deficits. Furthermore, we discuss the scientific controversies of the relationship between prenatal exposure to alcohol and alcohol-induced epigenetic dysregulations, and gene expression alterations which are associated with disrupted neural plasticity and causal pathways for ASDs. The review of the literature suggests that a better understanding of developmental epigenetics should contribute to furthering our comprehension of the etiology and pathogenesis of ASDs and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miroslava Varadinova
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical Faculty, Medical University, Sofia, Bulgaria.
| | - Nadka Boyadjieva
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical Faculty, Medical University, Sofia, Bulgaria.
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21
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Abstract
Rapidly growing evidences link maternal lifestyle and prenatal factors with serious health consequences and diseases later in life. Extensive epidemiological studies have identified a number of factors such as diet, stress, gestational diabetes, exposure to tobacco and alcohol during gestation as influencing normal fetal development. In light of recent discoveries, epigenetic mechanisms such as alteration of DNA methylation, chromatin modifications and modulation of gene expression during gestation are believed to possibly account for various types of plasticity such as neural tube defects, autism spectrum disorder, congenital heart defects, oral clefts, allergies and cancer. The purpose of this article is to review a number of published studies to fill the gap in our understanding of how maternal lifestyle and intrauterine environment influence molecular modifications in the offspring, with an emphasis on epigenetic alterations. To support these associations, we highlighted laboratory studies of rodents and epidemiological studies of human based on sampling population cohorts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subit Barua
- Structural Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Developmental Biochemistry, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, 1050 Forest Hill Road, Staten Island, NY 10314, USA
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22
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Himeda CL, Jones TI, Jones PL. Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy as a model for epigenetic regulation and disease. Antioxid Redox Signal 2015; 22:1463-82. [PMID: 25336259 PMCID: PMC4432493 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2014.6090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
SIGNIFICANCE Aberrant epigenetic regulation is an integral aspect of many diseases and complex disorders. Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD), a progressive myopathy that afflicts individuals of all ages, is caused by disrupted genetic and epigenetic regulation of a macrosatellite repeat. FSHD provides a powerful model to investigate disease-relevant epigenetic modifiers and general mechanisms of epigenetic regulation that govern gene expression. RECENT ADVANCES In the context of a genetically permissive allele, the one aspect of FSHD that is consistent across all known cases is the aberrant epigenetic state of the disease locus. In addition, certain mutations in the chromatin regulator SMCHD1 (structural maintenance of chromosomes hinge-domain protein 1) are sufficient to cause FSHD2 and enhance disease severity in FSHD1. Thus, there are multiple pathways to generate the epigenetic dysregulation required for FSHD. CRITICAL ISSUES Why do some individuals with the genetic requirements for FSHD develop disease pathology, while others remain asymptomatic? Similarly, disease progression is highly variable among individuals. What are the relative contributions of genetic background and environmental factors in determining disease manifestation, progression, and severity in FSHD? What is the interplay between epigenetic factors regulating the disease locus and which, if any, are viable therapeutic targets? FUTURE DIRECTIONS Epigenetic regulation represents a potentially powerful therapeutic target for FSHD. Determining the epigenetic signatures that are predictive of disease severity and identifying the spectrum of disease modifiers in FSHD are vital to the development of effective therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charis L Himeda
- The Wellstone Program and the Departments of Cell and Developmental Biology and Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School , Worcester, Massachusetts
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23
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Zhou FC. Dissecting FASD through the global transcriptome. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2015; 39:408-12. [PMID: 25702586 DOI: 10.1111/acer.12655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2014] [Accepted: 12/12/2014] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Feng C Zhou
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Stark Research Institute of Neuroscience, Indiana Alcohol Research Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana; Department of Psychology, Indiana University & Purdue University at Indianapolis (IUPUI), Indianapolis, Indiana
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24
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Dobrowolski SF, Lyons-Weiler J, Biery A, Spridik K, Vockley G, Kranik E, Skvorak K, Sultana T. Methylome repatterning in a mouse model of Maternal PKU Syndrome. Mol Genet Metab 2014; 113:194-9. [PMID: 25218179 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2014.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2014] [Revised: 08/11/2014] [Accepted: 08/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Maternal PKU Syndrome (MPKU) is an embryopathy resulting from in utero phenylalanine (PHE) toxicity secondary to maternal phenylalanine hydroxylase deficient phenylketonuria (PKU). Clinical phenotypes in MPKU include mental retardation, microcephaly, in utero growth restriction, and congenital heart defects. Numerous in utero toxic exposures alter DNA methylation in the fetus. The PAH(enu2) mouse is a model of classical PKU while offspring born of hyperphenylalaninemic dams model MPKU. We investigated offspring of PAH(enu2) dams to determine if altered patterns of DNA methylation occurred in response to in utero PHE exposure. As neurologic deficit is the most prominent MPKU phenotype, methylome patterns were assessed in brain tissue using methylated DNA immunoprecipitation and paired-end sequencing. Brain tissues were assessed in E18.5-19 fetuses of PHE unrestricted PAH(enu2) dams, PHE restricted PAH(enu2) dams, and heterozygous(wt/enu2) control dams. Extensive methylome repatterning was observed in offspring of hyperphenylalaninemic dams while the offspring of PHE restricted dams displayed attenuated methylome repatterning. Methylation within coding regions was dominated by noncoding RNA genes. Differential methylation of promoters targeted protein coding genes. To assess the impact of methylome repatterning on gene expression, brain tissue in experimental and control animals were queried with microarrays assessing expression of microRNAs and protein coding genes. Altered expression of methylome-modified microRNAs and protein coding genes was extensive in offspring of hyperphenylalaninemic dams while minimal changes were observed in offspring of PHE restricted dams. Several genes displaying significantly reduced expression have roles in neurological function or genetic disease with neurological phenotypes. These data indicate in utero PHE toxicity alters DNA methylation in the brain which has downstream impact upon gene expression. Altered gene expression may contribute to pathophysiology of neurologic presentation in MPKU.
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Affiliation(s)
- S F Dobrowolski
- Department of Pathology, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, 4401 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA
| | - J Lyons-Weiler
- Genomics and Proteomics Core Laboratories, Bioinformatics Core, University of Pittsburgh, 3343 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - A Biery
- Department of Pathology, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, 4401 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA
| | - K Spridik
- Department of Pathology, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, 4401 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA
| | - G Vockley
- Division of Medical Genetics, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, 4401 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA
| | - E Kranik
- Department of Pathology, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, 4401 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA
| | - K Skvorak
- Division of Medical Genetics, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, 4401 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA
| | - T Sultana
- Genomics and Proteomics Core Laboratories, Bioinformatics Core, University of Pittsburgh, 3343 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
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25
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Resendiz M, Mason S, Lo CL, Zhou FC. Epigenetic regulation of the neural transcriptome and alcohol interference during development. Front Genet 2014; 5:285. [PMID: 25206361 PMCID: PMC4144008 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2014.00285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2014] [Accepted: 08/02/2014] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Alcohol intoxicated cells broadly alter their metabolites – among them methyl and acetic acid can alter the DNA and histone epigenetic codes. Together with the promiscuous effect of alcohol on enzyme activities (including DNA methyltransferases) and the downstream effect on microRNA and transposable elements, alcohol is well placed to affect intrinsic transcriptional programs of developing cells. Considering that the developmental consequences of early alcohol exposure so profoundly affect neural systems, it is not unfounded to reason that alcohol exploits transcriptional regulators to challenge canonical gene expression and in effect, intrinsic developmental pathways to achieve widespread damage in the developing nervous system. To fully evaluate the role of epigenetic regulation in alcohol-related developmental disease, it is important to first gather the targets of epigenetic players in neurodevelopmental models. Here, we attempt to review the cellular and genomic windows of opportunity for alcohol to act on intrinsic neurodevelopmental programs. We also discuss some established targets of fetal alcohol exposure and propose pathways for future study. Overall, this review hopes to illustrate the known epigenetic program and its alterations in normal neural stem cell development and further, aims to depict how alcohol, through neuroepigenetics, may lead to neurodevelopmental deficits observed in fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisol Resendiz
- Stark Neuroscience Research Institute Indianapolis, IN, USA ; Indiana Alcohol Research Center, Indiana University School of Medicine Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Stephen Mason
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Chiao-Ling Lo
- Indiana Alcohol Research Center, Indiana University School of Medicine Indianapolis, IN, USA ; Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Feng C Zhou
- Stark Neuroscience Research Institute Indianapolis, IN, USA ; Indiana Alcohol Research Center, Indiana University School of Medicine Indianapolis, IN, USA ; Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine Indianapolis, IN, USA
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26
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Lossie AC, Muir WM, Lo CL, Timm F, Liu Y, Gray W, Zhou FC. Implications of genomic signatures in the differential vulnerability to fetal alcohol exposure in C57BL/6 and DBA/2 mice. Front Genet 2014; 5:173. [PMID: 24966868 PMCID: PMC4052096 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2014.00173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2014] [Accepted: 05/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Maternal alcohol consumption inflicts a multitude of phenotypic consequences that range from undetectable changes to severe dysmorphology. Using tightly controlled murine studies that deliver precise amounts of alcohol at discrete developmental stages, our group and other labs demonstrated in prior studies that the C57BL/6 and DBA/2 inbred mouse strains display differential susceptibility to the teratogenic effects of alcohol. Since the phenotypic diversity extends beyond the amount, dosage and timing of alcohol exposure, it is likely that an individual's genetic background contributes to the phenotypic spectrum. To identify the genomic signatures associated with these observed differences in alcohol-induced dysmorphology, we conducted a microarray-based transcriptome study that also interrogated the genomic signatures between these two lines based on genetic background and alcohol exposure. This approach is called a gene x environment (GxE) analysis; one example of a GxE interaction would be a gene whose expression level increases in C57BL/6, but decreases in DBA/2 embryos, following alcohol exposure. We identified 35 candidate genes exhibiting GxE interactions. To identify cis-acting factors that mediated these interactions, we interrogated the proximal promoters of these 35 candidates and found 241 single nucleotide variants (SNVs) in 16 promoters. Further investigation indicated that 186 SNVs (15 promoters) are predicted to alter transcription factor binding. In addition, 62 SNVs created, removed or altered the placement of a CpG dinucleotide in 13 of the proximal promoters, 53 of which overlapped putative transcription factor binding sites. These 53 SNVs are also our top candidates for future studies aimed at examining the effects of alcohol on epigenetic gene regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy C Lossie
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - William M Muir
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University West Lafayette, IN, USA ; Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Chiao-Ling Lo
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Floyd Timm
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Yunlong Liu
- Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Whitney Gray
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Feng C Zhou
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine Indianapolis, IN, USA ; Stark Neuroscience Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine Indianapolis, IN, USA
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27
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Kleiber ML, Diehl EJ, Laufer BI, Mantha K, Chokroborty-Hoque A, Alberry B, Singh SM. Long-term genomic and epigenomic dysregulation as a consequence of prenatal alcohol exposure: a model for fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. Front Genet 2014; 5:161. [PMID: 24917881 PMCID: PMC4040446 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2014.00161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2014] [Accepted: 05/15/2014] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
There is abundant evidence that prenatal alcohol exposure leads to a range of behavioral and cognitive impairments, categorized under the term fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs). These disorders are pervasive in Western cultures and represent the most common preventable source of neurodevelopmental disabilities. The genetic and epigenetic etiology of these phenotypes, including those factors that may maintain these phenotypes throughout the lifetime of an affected individual, has become a recent topic of investigation. This review integrates recent data that has progressed our understanding FASD as a continuum of molecular events, beginning with cellular stress response and ending with a long-term “footprint” of epigenetic dysregulation across the genome. It reports on data from multiple ethanol-treatment paradigms in mouse models that identify changes in gene expression that occur with respect to neurodevelopmental timing of exposure and ethanol dose. These studies have identified patterns of genomic alteration that are dependent on the biological processes occurring at the time of ethanol exposure. This review also adds to evidence that epigenetic processes such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNA regulation may underlie long-term changes to gene expression patterns. These may be initiated by ethanol-induced alterations to DNA and histone methylation, particularly in imprinted regions of the genome, affecting transcription which is further fine-tuned by altered microRNA expression. These processes are likely complex, genome-wide, and interrelated. The proposed model suggests a potential for intervention, given that epigenetic changes are malleable and may be altered by postnatal environment. This review accentuates the value of mouse models in deciphering the molecular etiology of FASD, including those processes that may provide a target for the ammelioration of this common yet entirely preventable disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan L Kleiber
- Molecular Genetics Unit, Department of Biology, University of Western Ontario , London, ON, Canada
| | - Eric J Diehl
- Molecular Genetics Unit, Department of Biology, University of Western Ontario , London, ON, Canada
| | - Benjamin I Laufer
- Molecular Genetics Unit, Department of Biology, University of Western Ontario , London, ON, Canada
| | - Katarzyna Mantha
- Molecular Genetics Unit, Department of Biology, University of Western Ontario , London, ON, Canada
| | | | - Bonnie Alberry
- Molecular Genetics Unit, Department of Biology, University of Western Ontario , London, ON, Canada
| | - Shiva M Singh
- Molecular Genetics Unit, Department of Biology, University of Western Ontario , London, ON, Canada
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28
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Morozova TV, Mackay TFC, Anholt RRH. Genetics and genomics of alcohol sensitivity. Mol Genet Genomics 2014; 289:253-69. [PMID: 24395673 PMCID: PMC4037586 DOI: 10.1007/s00438-013-0808-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2013] [Accepted: 12/22/2013] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Alcohol abuse and alcoholism incur a heavy socioeconomic cost in many countries. Both genetic and environmental factors contribute to variation in the inebriating effects of alcohol and alcohol addiction among individuals within and across populations. From a genetics perspective, alcohol sensitivity is a quantitative trait determined by the cumulative effects of multiple segregating genes and their interactions with the environment. This review summarizes insights from model organisms as well as human populations that represent our current understanding of the genetic and genomic underpinnings that govern alcohol metabolism and the sedative and addictive effects of alcohol on the nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana V. Morozova
- Department of Biological Sciences and W. M. Keck Center for Behavioral Biology, North Carolina State University, Box 7617, Raleigh, NC 27695-7617 USA
| | - Trudy F. C. Mackay
- Department of Biological Sciences and W. M. Keck Center for Behavioral Biology, North Carolina State University, Box 7617, Raleigh, NC 27695-7617 USA
| | - Robert R. H. Anholt
- Department of Biological Sciences and W. M. Keck Center for Behavioral Biology, North Carolina State University, Box 7617, Raleigh, NC 27695-7617 USA
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29
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Cheng Y, Bernstein A, Chen D, Jin P. 5-Hydroxymethylcytosine: A new player in brain disorders? Exp Neurol 2014; 268:3-9. [PMID: 24845851 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2014.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2014] [Revised: 04/30/2014] [Accepted: 05/07/2014] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
5-Hydroxymethylcytosine (5 hmC), a novel modified cytosine, is oxidized from 5-methylcytosine (5 mC) by the ten-eleven translocation (Tet) protein family. The specific distribution of 5 hmC in mammalian brain and its roles in gene regulation suggest that 5 hmC is important in brain development. 5 hmC may also contribute to the mechanisms underlying neurological diseases. Here, we summarize the current knowledge of 5 hmC, with an emphasis on its roles in neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Cheng
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, PR China
| | - Alison Bernstein
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Dahua Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, PR China
| | - Peng Jin
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
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30
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Chen Y, Damayanti NP, Irudayaraj J, Dunn K, Zhou FC. Diversity of two forms of DNA methylation in the brain. Front Genet 2014; 5:46. [PMID: 24653733 PMCID: PMC3948076 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2014.00046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2013] [Accepted: 02/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation 5-methylcytosine (5mC) predicts a compacting chromatin inaccessible to transcription. The discovery of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC), which is derived from 5mC, adds a new dimension to the mechanism and role of DNA methylation in epigenetics. Genomic evidence indicates that the 5hmC is located in the alternate regions to 5mC. However, the nature of 5hmC, as compared with classical 5mC remains unclear. Observing the mouse brain through embryonic development to the adult, first, we found that 5hmC is not merely an intermediate metabolite of demethylation, but is long lasting, chromatically distinct, and dynamically changing during neurodevelopment. Second, we found that 5hmC distinctly differs from 5mC in its chromatin affiliation during neural stem cell (NSC) development. Thirdly, we found both 5mC and 5hmC to be uniquely polarized and dynamic through the NSC development. 5mC was found to progressively polarize with MBD1 and MeCP2, and recruits H3K9me3 and H3K27me3; while 5hmC progressively co-localizes with MBD3 and recruits H3K4me2. Critical differential binding of 5mC with MBD1, and 5hmC with MBD3 was validated by Resonance Energy Transfer technique FLIM-FRET. This transition and polarization coincides with neuroprogenitor differentiation. Finally, at the time of synaptogenesis, 5mC gradually accumulates in the heterochromatin while 5hmC accumulates in the euchromatin, which is consistent with the co-localization of 5hmC with PolII, which mediates RNA transcription. Our data indicate that 5mC and 5hmC are diverse in their functional interactions with chromatin. This diversity is likely to contribute to the versatile epigenetic control of transcription mediating brain development and functional maintenance of adult brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Chen
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Nur P Damayanti
- Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Bindley Bioscience Center, Purdue University West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Joseph Irudayaraj
- Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Bindley Bioscience Center, Purdue University West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Kenneth Dunn
- Division of Nephology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Feng C Zhou
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine Indianapolis, IN, USA ; Stark Neuroscience Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine Indianapolis, IN, USA
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31
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Kruman II, Fowler AK. Impaired one carbon metabolism and DNA methylation in alcohol toxicity. J Neurochem 2014; 129:770-80. [PMID: 24521073 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.12677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2013] [Revised: 01/30/2014] [Accepted: 02/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Excessive alcohol consumption is a prominent problem and one of the major causes of mortality and morbidity around the world. Long-term, heavy alcohol consumption is associated with a number of deleterious health consequences, such as cancer, heart and liver disease, a variety of neurological, cognitive, and behavioral deficits. Alcohol consumption is also associated with developmental defects. The causes of alcohol-induced toxicity are presently unclear. One of the mechanisms underlying alcohol toxicity has to do with its interaction with folic acid/homocysteine or one-carbon metabolism (OCM). OCM is a major donor of methyl groups for methylation, particularly DNA methylation critical for epigenetic regulation of gene expression, and its disturbance may compromise DNA methylation, thereby affecting gene expression. OCM disturbance mediated by nutrient deficits is a well-known risk factor for various disorders and developmental defects (e.g., neural tube defects). In this review, we summarize the role of OCM disturbance and associated epigenetic aberrations in chronic alcohol-induced toxicity. In this review, we summarize the role of one-carbon metabolism (OCM) aberrations in chronic alcohol-induced toxicity. OCM is a major donor of methyl groups for methylation reactions, particularly DNA methylation critical for epigenetic regulation of gene expression. Alcohol interference with OCM and consequent reduced availability of methyl groups, improper DNA methylation, and aberrant gene expression can play a causative role in alcohol toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inna I Kruman
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas, USA
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32
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Krishnan HR, Sakharkar AJ, Teppen TL, Berkel TDM, Pandey SC. The epigenetic landscape of alcoholism. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2014; 115:75-116. [PMID: 25131543 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-801311-3.00003-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Alcoholism is a complex psychiatric disorder that has a multifactorial etiology. Epigenetic mechanisms are uniquely capable of accounting for the multifactorial nature of the disease in that they are highly stable and are affected by environmental factors, including alcohol itself. Chromatin remodeling causes changes in gene expression in specific brain regions contributing to the endophenotypes of alcoholism such as tolerance and dependence. The epigenetic mechanisms that regulate changes in gene expression observed in addictive behaviors respond not only to alcohol exposure but also to comorbid psychopathology such as the presence of anxiety and stress. This review summarizes recent developments in epigenetic research that may play a role in alcoholism. We propose that pharmacologically manipulating epigenetic targets, as demonstrated in various preclinical models, hold great therapeutic potential in the treatment and prevention of alcoholism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harish R Krishnan
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA; Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Amul J Sakharkar
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA; Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Tara L Teppen
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA; Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Tiffani D M Berkel
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA; Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Subhash C Pandey
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA; Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA; Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
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33
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Abstract
The etiology of many brain diseases remains allusive to date after intensive investigation of genomic background and symptomatology from the day of birth. Emerging evidences indicate that a third factor, epigenetics prior to the birth, can exert profound influence on the development and functioning of the brain and over many neurodevelopmental syndromes. This chapter reviews how aversive environmental exposure to parents might predispose or increase vulnerability of offspring to neurodevelopmental deficit through alteration of epigenetics. These epigenetic altering environmental factors will be discussed in the category of addictive agents, nutrition or diet, prescriptive medicine, environmental pollutant, and stress. Epigenetic alterations induced by these aversive environmental factors cover all aspects of epigenetics including DNA methylation, histone modification, noncoding RNA, and chromatin modification. Next, the mechanisms how these environmental inputs influence epigenetics will be discussed. Finally, how environmentally altered epigenetic marks affect neurodevelopment is exemplified by the alcohol-induced fetal alcohol syndrome. It is hoped that a thorough understanding of the nature of prenatal epigenetic inputs will enable researchers with a clear vision to better unravel neurodevelopmental deficit, late-onset neuropsychiatric diseases, or idiosyncratic mental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiao-Ling Lo
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Stark Neuroscience Research Institute, Indiana Alcohol Research Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, and Department of Psychology, Indiana University Purdue University at Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Feng C Zhou
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Stark Neuroscience Research Institute, Indiana Alcohol Research Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, and Department of Psychology, Indiana University Purdue University at Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.
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34
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Muralidharan P, Sarmah S, Zhou FC, Marrs JA. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Associated Neural Defects: Complex Mechanisms and Potential Therapeutic Targets. Brain Sci 2013; 3:964-91. [PMID: 24961433 PMCID: PMC4061856 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci3020964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2013] [Revised: 06/03/2013] [Accepted: 06/04/2013] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), caused by prenatal alcohol exposure, can result in craniofacial dysmorphism, cognitive impairment, sensory and motor disabilities among other defects. FASD incidences are as high as 2% to 5 % children born in the US, and prevalence is higher in low socioeconomic populations. Despite various mechanisms being proposed to explain the etiology of FASD, the molecular targets of ethanol toxicity during development are unknown. Proposed mechanisms include cell death, cell signaling defects and gene expression changes. More recently, the involvement of several other molecular pathways was explored, including non-coding RNA, epigenetic changes and specific vitamin deficiencies. These various pathways may interact, producing a wide spectrum of consequences. Detailed understanding of these various pathways and their interactions will facilitate the therapeutic target identification, leading to new clinical intervention, which may reduce the incidence and severity of these highly prevalent preventable birth defects. This review discusses manifestations of alcohol exposure on the developing central nervous system, including the neural crest cells and sensory neural placodes, focusing on molecular neurodevelopmental pathways as possible therapeutic targets for prevention or protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooja Muralidharan
- Department of Biology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
| | - Swapnalee Sarmah
- Department of Biology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
| | - Feng C Zhou
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Stark Neuroscience Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
| | - James A Marrs
- Department of Biology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
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35
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Chen Y, Ozturk NC, Zhou FC. DNA methylation program in developing hippocampus and its alteration by alcohol. PLoS One 2013; 8:e60503. [PMID: 23544149 PMCID: PMC3609790 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0060503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2012] [Accepted: 02/27/2013] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
During hippocampal development, the Cornus Ammonis (CA) and the dentate gyrus (DG) undergo waves of neurogenesis and neuronal migration and maturation independently. This stage is widely known to be vulnerable to environmental stresses, but its underlying mechanism is unclear. Alcohol exposure has been shown to alter the expression of genes that regulate the fate, survival, migration and differentiation of pyramidal and granule cells. Undermining this process might compromise hippocampal development underlying the learning and memory deficits known in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). We have previously demonstrated that DNA methylation was programmed along with neural tube development. Here, we demonstrated that DNA methylation program (DMP) proceeded along with hippocampal neuronal differentiation and maturation, and how this DMP was affected by fetal alcohol exposure. C57BL/6 mice were treated with 4% v/v ethanol through a liquid diet along with pair-fed and chow-fed controls from gestation day (E) 7 to E16. We found that a characteristic DMP, including 5-methylcytidine (5mC), 5-hydroxylmethylcytidine (5hmC) and their binding proteins, led the hippocampal neuronal differentiation and maturation spatiotemporally as indicated by their phenotypic marks in the CA and DG pre- and post-natally. Alcohol hindered the acquisition and progression of methylation marks, and altered the chromatin translocation of these marks in the nucleus, which was correlated with developmental retardation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Chen
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | | | - Feng C. Zhou
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
- Stark Neuroscience Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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