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Chapelle V, Silvestre F. Population Epigenetics: The Extent of DNA Methylation Variation in Wild Animal Populations. EPIGENOMES 2022; 6:31. [PMID: 36278677 PMCID: PMC9589984 DOI: 10.3390/epigenomes6040031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Population epigenetics explores the extent of epigenetic variation and its dynamics in natural populations encountering changing environmental conditions. In contrast to population genetics, the basic concepts of this field are still in their early stages, especially in animal populations. Epigenetic variation may play a crucial role in phenotypic plasticity and local adaptation as it can be affected by the environment, it is likely to have higher spontaneous mutation rate than nucleotide sequences do, and it may be inherited via non-mendelian processes. In this review, we aim to bring together natural animal population epigenetic studies to generate new insights into ecological epigenetics and its evolutionary implications. We first provide an overview of the extent of DNA methylation variation and its autonomy from genetic variation in wild animal population. Second, we discuss DNA methylation dynamics which create observed epigenetic population structures by including basic population genetics processes. Then, we highlight the relevance of DNA methylation variation as an evolutionary mechanism in the extended evolutionary synthesis. Finally, we suggest new research directions by highlighting gaps in the knowledge of the population epigenetics field. As for our results, DNA methylation diversity was found to reveal parameters that can be used to characterize natural animal populations. Some concepts of population genetics dynamics can be applied to explain the observed epigenetic structure in natural animal populations. The set of recent advancements in ecological epigenetics, especially in transgenerational epigenetic inheritance in wild animal population, might reshape the way ecologists generate predictive models of the capacity of organisms to adapt to changing environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentine Chapelle
- Laboratory of Evolutionary and Adaptive Physiology, Institute of Life, Earth, and Environment, University of Namur, 61 Rue de Bruxelles, 5000 Namur, Belgium
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Kim S, Hwang S. G-Quadruplex Matters in Tissue-Specific Tumorigenesis by BRCA1 Deficiency. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13030391. [PMID: 35327946 PMCID: PMC8948836 DOI: 10.3390/genes13030391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
How and why distinct genetic alterations, such as BRCA1 mutation, promote tumorigenesis in certain tissues, but not others, remain an important issue in cancer research. The underlying mechanisms may reveal tissue-specific therapeutic vulnerabilities. Although the roles of BRCA1, such as DNA damage repair and stalled fork stabilization, obviously contribute to tumor suppression, these ubiquitously important functions cannot explain tissue-specific tumorigenesis by BRCA1 mutations. Recent advances in our understanding of the cancer genome and fundamental cellular processes on DNA, such as transcription and DNA replication, have provided new insights regarding BRCA1-associated tumorigenesis, suggesting that G-quadruplex (G4) plays a critical role. In this review, we summarize the importance of G4 structures in mutagenesis of the cancer genome and cell type-specific gene regulation, and discuss a recently revealed molecular mechanism of G4/base excision repair (BER)-mediated transcriptional activation. The latter adequately explains the correlation between the accumulation of unresolved transcriptional regulatory G4s and multi-level genomic alterations observed in BRCA1-associated tumors. In summary, tissue-specific tumorigenesis by BRCA1 deficiency can be explained by cell type-specific levels of transcriptional regulatory G4s and the role of BRCA1 in resolving it. This mechanism would provide an integrated understanding of the initiation and development of BRCA1-associated tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanghyun Kim
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Life Science, CHA University, Sungnam 13488, Korea;
| | - Sohyun Hwang
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Life Science, CHA University, Sungnam 13488, Korea;
- Department of Pathology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Sungnam 13496, Korea
- Correspondence:
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Torcivia JP, Mazumder R. Scanning window analysis of non-coding regions within normal-tumor whole-genome sequence samples. Brief Bioinform 2021; 22:bbaa203. [PMID: 32940334 PMCID: PMC8138877 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbaa203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Revised: 08/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Genomics has benefited from an explosion in affordable high-throughput technology for whole-genome sequencing. The regulatory and functional aspects in non-coding regions may be an important contributor to oncogenesis. Whole-genome tumor-normal paired alignments were used to examine the non-coding regions in five cancer types and two races. Both a sliding window and a binning strategy were introduced to uncover areas of higher than expected variation for additional study. We show that the majority of cancer associated mutations in 154 whole-genome sequences covering breast invasive carcinoma, colon adenocarcinoma, kidney renal papillary cell carcinoma, lung adenocarcinoma and uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma cancers and two races are found outside of the coding region (4 432 885 in non-gene regions versus 1 412 731 in gene regions). A pan-cancer analysis found significantly mutated windows (292 to 3881 in count) demonstrating that there are significant numbers of large mutated regions in the non-coding genome. The 59 significantly mutated windows were found in all studied races and cancers. These offer 16 regions ripe for additional study within 12 different chromosomes-2, 4, 5, 7, 10, 11, 16, 18, 20, 21 and X. Many of these regions were found in centromeric locations. The X chromosome had the largest set of universal windows that cluster almost exclusively in Xq11.1-an area linked to chromosomal instability and oncogenesis. Large consecutive clusters (super windows) were found (19 to 114 in count) providing further evidence that large mutated regions in the genome are influencing cancer development. We show remarkable similarity in highly mutated non-coding regions across both cancer and race.
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Affiliation(s)
- J P Torcivia
- The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, The George Washington University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - R Mazumder
- The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, The George Washington University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
- McCormick Genomic and Proteomic Center, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
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Azawi S, Rincic M, Liehr T. Cytogenomic characteristics of murine breast cancer cell line JC. Mol Cytogenet 2021; 14:7. [PMID: 33526060 PMCID: PMC7852212 DOI: 10.1186/s13039-020-00524-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Breast cancer (BC), one of the most frequent human tumors, is genetically and histologically heterogeneous. Treatment options can be adapted according to BC subtype. Still, research is necessary to characterize BC biology better and to study potential new treatment options. Murine BC-cell lines can be used as model systems in this respect. Results Here for the first time murine BC-cell line JC was cytogenomically characterized as being complex rearranged and near-tetraploid. Multicolor banding and array comparative genomic hybridization were applied and the result was in silico translated to the human genome. Conclusions Even though being commercially available, cell line JC was yet not much included in BC-research, most likely due to a lack of cytogenomic data. Thus, here comprehensive data is provided on chromosomal aberrations, genomic imbalances and involved breakpoints of JC cell line. Also JC could be characterized as a model for BC of luminal B type, basal-like tumor rather than for luminal A type. Supplementary information The online version of this article (10.1186/s13039-020-00524-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaymaa Azawi
- Institute of Human Genetics, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University, Am Klinikum 1, 07747, Jena, Germany
| | - Martina Rincic
- Croatian Institute for Brain Research, School of Medicine University of Zagreb, Salata 12, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Thomas Liehr
- Institute of Human Genetics, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University, Am Klinikum 1, 07747, Jena, Germany.
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Azawi S, Liehr T, Rincic M, Manferrari M. Molecular Cytogenomic Characterization of the Murine Breast Cancer Cell Lines C-127I, EMT6/P and TA3 Hauschka. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21134716. [PMID: 32630352 PMCID: PMC7369978 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21134716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To test and introduce effective and less toxic breast cancer (BC) treatment strategies, animal models, including murine BC cell lines, are considered as perfect platforms. Strikingly, the knowledge on the genetic background of applied BC cell lines is often sparse though urgently necessary for their targeted and really justified application. METHODS In this study, we performed the first molecular cytogenetic characterization for three murine BC cell lines C-127I, EMT6/P and TA3 Hauschka. Besides fluorescence in situ hybridization-banding, array comparative genomic hybridization was also applied. Thus, overall, an in silico translation for the detected imbalances and chromosomal break events in the murine cell lines to the corresponding homologous imbalances in humans could be provided. The latter enabled a comparison of the murine cell line with human BC cytogenomics. RESULTS All three BC cell lines showed a rearranged karyotype at different stages of complexity, which can be interpreted carefully as reflectance of more or less advanced tumor stages. CONCLUSIONS Accordingly, the C-127I cell line would represent the late stage BC while the cell lines EMT6/P and TA3 Hauschka would be models for the premalignant or early BC stage and an early or benign BC, respectively. With this cytogenomic information provided, these cell lines now can be applied really adequately in future research studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaymaa Azawi
- Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University, Institute of Human Genetics, Am Klinikum 1, D-07747 Jena, Germany
| | - Thomas Liehr
- Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University, Institute of Human Genetics, Am Klinikum 1, D-07747 Jena, Germany
| | - Martina Rincic
- Croatian Institute for Brain Research, School of Medicine University of Zagreb, Salata 12, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Mattia Manferrari
- Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University, Institute of Human Genetics, Am Klinikum 1, D-07747 Jena, Germany
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Zhang W, Klinkebiel D, Barger CJ, Pandey S, Guda C, Miller A, Akers SN, Odunsi K, Karpf AR. Global DNA Hypomethylation in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer: Passive Demethylation and Association with Genomic Instability. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12030764. [PMID: 32213861 PMCID: PMC7140107 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12030764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
A hallmark of human cancer is global DNA hypomethylation (GDHO), but the mechanisms accounting for this defect and its pathological consequences have not been investigated in human epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). In EOC, GDHO was associated with advanced disease and reduced overall and disease-free survival. GDHO (+) EOC tumors displayed a proliferative gene expression signature, including FOXM1 and CCNE1 overexpression. Furthermore, DNA hypomethylation in these tumors was enriched within genomic blocks (hypomethylated blocks) that overlapped late-replicating regions, lamina-associated domains, PRC2 binding sites, and the H3K27me3 histone mark. Increased proliferation coupled with hypomethylated blocks at late-replicating regions suggests a passive hypomethylation mechanism. This hypothesis was further supported by our observation that cytosine DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) and UHRF1 showed significantly reduced expression in GDHO (+) EOC after normalization to canonical proliferation markers, including MKI67. Finally, GDHO (+) EOC tumors had elevated chromosomal instability (CIN), and copy number alterations (CNA) were enriched at the DNA hypomethylated blocks. Together, these findings implicate a passive DNA demethylation mechanism in ovarian cancer that is associated with genomic instability and poor prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wa Zhang
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (W.Z.); (C.J.B.)
| | - David Klinkebiel
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (D.K.); (C.G.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Carter J. Barger
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (W.Z.); (C.J.B.)
| | - Sanjit Pandey
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA;
| | - Chittibabu Guda
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (D.K.); (C.G.)
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA;
| | - Austin Miller
- Department of Biostatistics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA;
| | - Stacey N. Akers
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA; (S.N.A.); (K.O.)
| | - Kunle Odunsi
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA; (S.N.A.); (K.O.)
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
- Center for Immunotherapy, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Adam R. Karpf
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (W.Z.); (C.J.B.)
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (D.K.); (C.G.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-402-559-6115; Fax: +1-402-599-4651
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Xavier MJ, Roman SD, Aitken RJ, Nixon B. Transgenerational inheritance: how impacts to the epigenetic and genetic information of parents affect offspring health. Hum Reprod Update 2019; 25:518-540. [DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmz017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2017] [Revised: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
BACKGROUND
A defining feature of sexual reproduction is the transmission of genomic information from both parents to the offspring. There is now compelling evidence that the inheritance of such genetic information is accompanied by additional epigenetic marks, or stable heritable information that is not accounted for by variations in DNA sequence. The reversible nature of epigenetic marks coupled with multiple rounds of epigenetic reprogramming that erase the majority of existing patterns have made the investigation of this phenomenon challenging. However, continual advances in molecular methods are allowing closer examination of the dynamic alterations to histone composition and DNA methylation patterns that accompany development and, in particular, how these modifications can occur in an individual’s germline and be transmitted to the following generation. While the underlying mechanisms that permit this form of transgenerational inheritance remain unclear, it is increasingly apparent that a combination of genetic and epigenetic modifications plays major roles in determining the phenotypes of individuals and their offspring.
OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE
Information pertaining to transgenerational inheritance was systematically reviewed focusing primarily on mammalian cells to the exclusion of inheritance in plants, due to inherent differences in the means by which information is transmitted between generations. The effects of environmental factors and biological processes on both epigenetic and genetic information were reviewed to determine their contribution to modulating inheritable phenotypes.
SEARCH METHODS
Articles indexed in PubMed were searched using keywords related to transgenerational inheritance, epigenetic modifications, paternal and maternal inheritable traits and environmental and biological factors influencing transgenerational modifications. We sought to clarify the role of epigenetic reprogramming events during the life cycle of mammals and provide a comprehensive review of how the genomic and epigenomic make-up of progenitors may determine the phenotype of its descendants.
OUTCOMES
We found strong evidence supporting the role of DNA methylation patterns, histone modifications and even non-protein-coding RNA in altering the epigenetic composition of individuals and producing stable epigenetic effects that were transmitted from parents to offspring, in both humans and rodent species. Multiple genomic domains and several histone modification sites were found to resist demethylation and endure genome-wide reprogramming events. Epigenetic modifications integrated into the genome of individuals were shown to modulate gene expression and activity at enhancer and promoter domains, while genetic mutations were shown to alter sequence availability for methylation and histone binding. Fundamentally, alterations to the nuclear composition of the germline in response to environmental factors, ageing, diet and toxicant exposure have the potential to become hereditably transmitted.
WIDER IMPLICATIONS
The environment influences the health and well-being of progeny by working through the germline to introduce spontaneous genetic mutations as well as a variety of epigenetic changes, including alterations in DNA methylation status and the post-translational modification of histones. In evolutionary terms, these changes create the phenotypic diversity that fuels the fires of natural selection. However, rather than being adaptive, such variation may also generate a plethora of pathological disease states ranging from dominant genetic disorders to neurological conditions, including spontaneous schizophrenia and autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel João Xavier
- Reproductive Science Group, Faculty of Science, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Shaun D Roman
- Reproductive Science Group, Faculty of Science, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
- Priority Research Centre for Chemical Biology and Clinical Pharmacology, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - R John Aitken
- Reproductive Science Group, Faculty of Science, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Brett Nixon
- Reproductive Science Group, Faculty of Science, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
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Salas-Huetos A, Moraleda R, Giardina S, Anton E, Blanco J, Salas-Salvadó J, Bulló M. Effect of nut consumption on semen quality and functionality in healthy men consuming a Western-style diet: a randomized controlled trial. Am J Clin Nutr 2018; 108:953-962. [PMID: 30475967 DOI: 10.1093/ajcn/nqy181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2018] [Accepted: 07/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Human semen quality has declined in industrialized countries. Pollution, smoking, and the consumption of a Western-style diet are all hypothesized as potential causes. Objective We evaluated the effect of chronic consumption of nuts on changes in conventional semen parameters and the potential mechanisms implicated. Design The FERTINUTS study was a 14-wk randomized, controlled, parallel trial. A total of 119 healthy men, aged 18-35 y, were allocated to 1 of 2 intervention groups: one group was fed the usual Western-style diet enriched with 60 g of a mixture of nuts/d (nut group), and the other was fed the usual Western-style diet avoiding nuts (control group). Semen and blood samples were collected at baseline and at the end of the intervention. Dietary information was recorded throughout the trial. Changes in conventional semen parameters (pH, volume, sperm count and concentration, motility, and morphology) were determined as primary outcomes. The effect of nut consumption on sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF), reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, chromosome anomalies (X, Y, and 18), total DNA methylation, and microRNA expression were measured in sperm samples as potential causes of the changes in the seminogram. Results Compared with the control group, improvements in total sperm count (P = 0.002) and vitality (P = 0.003), total motility (P = 0.006), progressive motility (P = 0.036), and morphology of sperm (P = 0.008) were observed in the nut group. Participants in the nut group showed an increase in the consumption of total fat, monounsaturated fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, magnesium, vitamin E, α-linolenic acid, total omega-3 (n-3) and ω-3:ω-6 ratio intake during the intervention. Participants in the nut group showed a significant reduction in SDF (P < 0.001) and in the expression of hsa-miR-34b-3p (P = 0.036). No significant changes in ROS, sperm chromosome anomalies, or DNA methylation were observed between groups. Conclusions The inclusion of nuts in a Western-style diet significantly improves the total sperm count and the vitality, motility, and morphology of the sperm. These findings could be partly explained by a reduction in the sperm DNA fragmentation. This trial was registered at ISRCTN as ISRCTN12857940.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Salas-Huetos
- Human Nutrition Unit, Biochemistry and Biotechnology Department, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Spain.,Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Pere i Virgili, Reus, Spain.,Consorcio CIBER, M.P., Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rocío Moraleda
- Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Pere i Virgili, Reus, Spain.,Hospital Universitari Sant Joan de Reus, Reus, Spain
| | - Simona Giardina
- Human Nutrition Unit, Biochemistry and Biotechnology Department, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Spain.,Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Pere i Virgili, Reus, Spain.,Consorcio CIBER, M.P., Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ester Anton
- Genetics of Male Fertility Group, Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joan Blanco
- Genetics of Male Fertility Group, Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Salas-Salvadó
- Human Nutrition Unit, Biochemistry and Biotechnology Department, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Spain.,Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Pere i Virgili, Reus, Spain.,Consorcio CIBER, M.P., Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Hospital Universitari Sant Joan de Reus, Reus, Spain
| | - Mònica Bulló
- Human Nutrition Unit, Biochemistry and Biotechnology Department, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Spain.,Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Pere i Virgili, Reus, Spain.,Consorcio CIBER, M.P., Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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Deconvolution of DNA methylation identifies differentially methylated gene regions on 1p36 across breast cancer subtypes. Sci Rep 2017; 7:11594. [PMID: 28912426 PMCID: PMC5599639 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-10199-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2017] [Accepted: 08/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is a complex disease consisting of four distinct molecular subtypes. DNA methylation-based (DNAm) studies in tumors are complicated further by disease heterogeneity. In the present study, we compared DNAm in breast tumors with normal-adjacent breast samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). We constructed models stratified by tumor stage and PAM50 molecular subtype and performed cell-type reference-free deconvolution to control for cellular heterogeneity. We identified nineteen differentially methylated gene regions (DMGRs) in early stage tumors across eleven genes (AGRN, C1orf170, FAM41C, FLJ39609, HES4, ISG15, KLHL17, NOC2L, PLEKHN1, SAMD11, WASH5P). These regions were consistently differentially methylated in every subtype and all implicated genes are localized to the chromosomal cytoband 1p36.3. Seventeen of these DMGRs were independently validated in a similar analysis of an external data set. The identification and validation of shared DNAm alterations across tumor subtypes in early stage tumors advances our understanding of common biology underlying breast carcinogenesis and may contribute to biomarker development. We also discuss evidence of the specific importance and potential function of 1p36 in cancer.
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Gapp K, Bohacek J. Epigenetic germline inheritance in mammals: looking to the past to understand the future. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2017; 17:e12407. [PMID: 28782190 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2017] [Revised: 07/15/2017] [Accepted: 08/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Life experiences can induce epigenetic changes in mammalian germ cells, which can influence the developmental trajectory of the offspring and impact health and disease across generations. While this concept of epigenetic germline inheritance has long been met with skepticism, evidence in support of this route of information transfer is now overwhelming, and some key mechanisms underlying germline transmission of acquired information are emerging. This review focuses specifically on sperm RNAs as causal vectors of inheritance. We examine how they might become altered in the germline, and how different classes of sperm RNAs might interact with other epimodifications in germ cells or in the zygote. We integrate the latest findings with earlier pioneering work in this field, point out major questions and challenges, and suggest how new experiments could address them.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Gapp
- Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, UK
| | - J Bohacek
- Laboratory of Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience, Department of Health Sciences and Technology of ETH Zurich, Neuroscience Center Zurich, Switzerland
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11
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Shalaby NA, Sayed R, Zhang Q, Scoggin S, Eliazer S, Rothenfluh A, Buszczak M. Systematic discovery of genetic modulation by Jumonji histone demethylases in Drosophila. Sci Rep 2017; 7:5240. [PMID: 28701701 PMCID: PMC5507883 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-05004-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2016] [Accepted: 05/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Jumonji (JmjC) domain proteins influence gene expression and chromatin organization by way of histone demethylation, which provides a means to regulate the activity of genes across the genome. JmjC proteins have been associated with many human diseases including various cancers, developmental and neurological disorders, however, the shared biology and possible common contribution to organismal development and tissue homeostasis of all JmjC proteins remains unclear. Here, we systematically tested the function of all 13 Drosophila JmjC genes. Generation of molecularly defined null mutants revealed that loss of 8 out of 13 JmjC genes modify position effect variegation (PEV) phenotypes, consistent with their ascribed role in regulating chromatin organization. However, most JmjC genes do not critically regulate development, as 10 members are viable and fertile with no obvious developmental defects. Rather, we find that different JmjC mutants specifically alter the phenotypic outcomes in various sensitized genetic backgrounds. Our data demonstrate that, rather than controlling essential gene expression programs, Drosophila JmjC proteins generally act to “fine-tune” different biological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nevine A Shalaby
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA.,Institute for Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Raheel Sayed
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Qiao Zhang
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Shane Scoggin
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Susan Eliazer
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Adrian Rothenfluh
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA. .,Neuroscience Program, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA. .,Department of Psychiatry, Molecular Medicine Program, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, 84112, USA.
| | - Michael Buszczak
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA.
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McCarrey JR, Lehle JD, Raju SS, Wang Y, Nilsson EE, Skinner MK. Tertiary Epimutations - A Novel Aspect of Epigenetic Transgenerational Inheritance Promoting Genome Instability. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0168038. [PMID: 27992467 PMCID: PMC5167269 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0168038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2016] [Accepted: 11/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Exposure to environmental factors can induce the epigenetic transgenerational inheritance of disease. Alterations to the epigenome termed “epimutations” include “primary epimutations” which are epigenetic alterations in the absence of genetic change and “secondary epimutations” which form following an initial genetic change. To determine if secondary epimutations contribute to transgenerational transmission of disease following in utero exposure to the endocrine disruptor vinclozolin, we exposed pregnant female rats carrying the lacI mutation-reporter transgene to vinclozolin and assessed the frequency of mutations in kidney tissue and sperm recovered from F1 and F3 generation progeny. Our results confirm that vinclozolin induces primary epimutations rather than secondary epimutations, but also suggest that some primary epimutations can predispose a subsequent accelerated accumulation of genetic mutations in F3 generation descendants that have the potential to contribute to transgenerational phenotypes. We therefore propose the existence of “tertiary epimutations” which are initial primary epimutations that promote genome instability leading to an accelerated accumulation of genetic mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- John R. McCarrey
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Jake D. Lehle
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX United States of America
| | - Seetha S. Raju
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX United States of America
| | - Yufeng Wang
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX United States of America
| | - Eric E. Nilsson
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA United States of America
| | - Michael K. Skinner
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA United States of America
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13
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Cappi C, Diniz JB, Requena GL, Lourenço T, Lisboa BCG, Batistuzzo MC, Marques AH, Hoexter MQ, Pereira CA, Miguel EC, Brentani H. Epigenetic evidence for involvement of the oxytocin receptor gene in obsessive-compulsive disorder. BMC Neurosci 2016; 17:79. [PMID: 27903255 PMCID: PMC5131547 DOI: 10.1186/s12868-016-0313-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2015] [Accepted: 11/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
Obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic neurodevelopmental disorder that affects up to 3% of the general population. Although epigenetic mechanisms play a role in neurodevelopment disorders, epigenetic pathways associated with OCD have rarely been investigated. Oxytocin is a neuropeptide involved in neurobehavioral functions. Oxytocin has been shown to be associated with the regulation of complex socio-cognitive processes such as attachment, social exploration, and social recognition, as well as anxiety and other stress-related behaviors. Oxytocin has also been linked to the pathophysiology of OCD, albeit inconsistently. The aim of this study was to investigate methylation in two targets sequences located in the exon III of the oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR), in OCD patients and healthy controls. We used bisulfite sequencing to quantify DNA methylation in peripheral blood samples collected from 42 OCD patients and 31 healthy controls.
Results We found that the level of methylation of the cytosine-phosphate-guanine sites in two targets sequences analyzed was greater in the OCD patients than in the controls. The higher methylation in the OCD patients correlated with OCD severity. We measured DNA methylation in the peripheral blood, which prevented us from drawing any conclusions about processes in the central nervous system. Conclusion To our knowledge, this is the first study investigating DNA methylation of the OXTR in OCD. Further studies are needed to evaluate the roles that DNA methylation and oxytocin play in OCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Cappi
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, R. Dr. Ovídio Pires de Campos, 785, 3º andar, sala 9, São Paulo, SP, 05403-010, Brazil.
| | - Juliana Belo Diniz
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, R. Dr. Ovídio Pires de Campos, 785, 3º andar, sala 9, São Paulo, SP, 05403-010, Brazil
| | - Guaraci L Requena
- Institute of Mathematics and Statistics, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Tiaya Lourenço
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, R. Dr. Ovídio Pires de Campos, 785, 3º andar, sala 9, São Paulo, SP, 05403-010, Brazil
| | - Bianca Cristina Garcia Lisboa
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, R. Dr. Ovídio Pires de Campos, 785, 3º andar, sala 9, São Paulo, SP, 05403-010, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Camargo Batistuzzo
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, R. Dr. Ovídio Pires de Campos, 785, 3º andar, sala 9, São Paulo, SP, 05403-010, Brazil
| | - Andrea H Marques
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, R. Dr. Ovídio Pires de Campos, 785, 3º andar, sala 9, São Paulo, SP, 05403-010, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Q Hoexter
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, R. Dr. Ovídio Pires de Campos, 785, 3º andar, sala 9, São Paulo, SP, 05403-010, Brazil
| | - Carlos A Pereira
- Institute of Mathematics and Statistics, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Euripedes Constantino Miguel
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, R. Dr. Ovídio Pires de Campos, 785, 3º andar, sala 9, São Paulo, SP, 05403-010, Brazil
| | - Helena Brentani
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, R. Dr. Ovídio Pires de Campos, 785, 3º andar, sala 9, São Paulo, SP, 05403-010, Brazil
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14
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Kaveh F, Baumbusch LO, Nebdal D, Børresen-Dale AL, Lingjærde OC, Edvardsen H, Kristensen VN, Solvang HK. A systematic comparison of copy number alterations in four types of female cancer. BMC Cancer 2016; 16:913. [PMID: 27876019 PMCID: PMC5120489 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-016-2899-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2016] [Accepted: 10/30/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Detection and localization of genomic alterations and breakpoints are crucial in cancer research. The purpose of this study was to investigate, in a methodological and biological perspective, different female, hormone-dependent cancers to identify common and diverse DNA aberrations, genes, and pathways. Methods In this work, we analyzed tissue samples from patients with breast (n = 112), ovarian (n = 74), endometrial (n = 84), or cervical (n = 76) cancer. To identify genomic aberrations, the Circular Binary Segmentation (CBS) and Piecewise Constant Fitting (PCF) algorithms were used and segmentation thresholds optimized. The Genomic Identification of Significant Targets in Cancer (GISTIC) algorithm was applied to the segmented data to identify significantly altered regions and the associated genes were analyzed by Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) to detect over-represented pathways and functions within the identified gene sets. Results and Discussion Analyses of high-resolution copy number alterations in four different female cancer types are presented. For appropriately adjusted segmentation parameters the two segmentation algorithms CBS and PCF performed similarly. We identified one region at 8q24.3 with focal aberrations that was altered at significant frequency across all four cancer types. Considering both, broad regions and focal peaks, three additional regions with gains at significant frequency were revealed at 1p21.1, 8p22, and 13q21.33, respectively. Several of these events involve known cancer-related genes, like PPP2R2A, PSCA, PTP4A3, and PTK2. In the female reproductive system (ovarian, endometrial, and cervix [OEC]), we discovered three common events: copy number gains at 5p15.33 and 15q11.2, further a copy number loss at 8p21.2. Interestingly, as many as 75% of the aberrations (75% amplifications and 86% deletions) identified by GISTIC were specific for just one cancer type and represented distinct molecular pathways. Conclusions Our results disclose that some prominent copy number changes are shared in the four examined female, hormone-dependent cancer whereas others are definitive to specific cancer types. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12885-016-2899-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Kaveh
- Department of Genetics, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital Radiumhospitalet, Oslo, Norway.,Medical Genetics Department, Oslo University Hospital Ullevål, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Pediatric Research, Division of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | - Lars O Baumbusch
- Department of Genetics, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital Radiumhospitalet, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Pediatric Research, Division of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | - Daniel Nebdal
- Department of Genetics, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital Radiumhospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anne-Lise Børresen-Dale
- Department of Genetics, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital Radiumhospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ole Christian Lingjærde
- Department of Genetics, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital Radiumhospitalet, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Computer Science, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Hege Edvardsen
- Department of Genetics, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital Radiumhospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | - Vessela N Kristensen
- Department of Genetics, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital Radiumhospitalet, Oslo, Norway. .,Department of Clinical Molecular Biology (EpiGen), Medical Division, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway.
| | - Hiroko K Solvang
- Marine Mammals Research Group, Institute of Marine Research, Bergen, Norway
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15
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Lando M, Fjeldbo CS, Wilting SM, C Snoek B, Aarnes EK, Forsberg MF, Kristensen GB, Steenbergen RD, Lyng H. Interplay between promoter methylation and chromosomal loss in gene silencing at 3p11-p14 in cervical cancer. Epigenetics 2016; 10:970-80. [PMID: 26291246 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2015.1085140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Loss of 3p11-p14 is a frequent event in epithelial cancer and a candidate prognostic biomarker in cervical cancer. In addition to loss, promoter methylation can participate in gene silencing and promote tumor aggressiveness. We have performed a complete mapping of promoter methylation at 3p11-p14 in two independent cohorts of cervical cancer patients (n = 149, n = 121), using Illumina 450K methylation arrays. The aim was to investigate whether hyperm-ethylation was frequent and could contribute to gene silencing and disease aggressiveness either alone or combined with loss. By comparing the methylation level of individual CpG sites with corresponding data of normal cervical tissue, 26 out of 41 genes were found to be hypermethylated in both cohorts. The frequency of patients with hypermethylation of these genes was found to be higher at tumor stages of 3 and 4 than in stage 1 tumors. Seventeen of the 26 genes were transcriptionally downregulated in cancer compared to normal tissue, whereof 6 genes showed a significant correlation between methylation and expression. Integrated analysis of methylation, gene dosage, and expression of the 26 hypermethylated genes identified 3 regulation patterns encompassing 8 hypermethylated genes; a methylation driven pattern (C3orf14, GPR27, ZNF717), a gene dosage driven pattern (THOC7, PSMD6), and a combined methylation and gene dosage driven pattern (FHIT, ADAMTS9, LRIG1). In survival analysis, patients with both hypermethylation and loss of LRIG1 had a worse outcome compared to those harboring only hypermethylation or none of the events. C3orf14 emerged as a novel methylation regulated suppressor gene, for which knockdown was found to promote invasive growth in human papilloma virus (HPV)-transformed keratinocytes. In conclusion, hypermethylation at 3p11-p14 is common in cervical cancer and may exert a selection pressure during carcinogenesis alone or combined with loss. Information on both events could lead to improved prognostic markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malin Lando
- a Department of Radiation Biology ; Norwegian Radium Hospital; Oslo University Hospital ; Oslo , Norway
| | - Christina S Fjeldbo
- a Department of Radiation Biology ; Norwegian Radium Hospital; Oslo University Hospital ; Oslo , Norway
| | - Saskia M Wilting
- b Department of Pathology ; VU University Medical Center ; Amsterdam , the Netherlands
| | - Barbara C Snoek
- b Department of Pathology ; VU University Medical Center ; Amsterdam , the Netherlands
| | - Eva-Katrine Aarnes
- a Department of Radiation Biology ; Norwegian Radium Hospital; Oslo University Hospital ; Oslo , Norway
| | - Malin F Forsberg
- a Department of Radiation Biology ; Norwegian Radium Hospital; Oslo University Hospital ; Oslo , Norway
| | - Gunnar B Kristensen
- c Department of Gynecologic Oncology ; Norwegian Radium Hospital; Oslo University Hospital ; Oslo , Norway.,d Institute for Cancer Genetics and Informatics; Oslo University Hospital ; Oslo , Norway.,e Faculty of Medicine; University of Oslo ; Oslo , Norway
| | - Renske Dm Steenbergen
- b Department of Pathology ; VU University Medical Center ; Amsterdam , the Netherlands
| | - Heidi Lyng
- a Department of Radiation Biology ; Norwegian Radium Hospital; Oslo University Hospital ; Oslo , Norway
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16
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Skinner MK, Guerrero-Bosagna C, Haque MM. Environmentally induced epigenetic transgenerational inheritance of sperm epimutations promote genetic mutations. Epigenetics 2016; 10:762-71. [PMID: 26237076 PMCID: PMC4622673 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2015.1062207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
A variety of environmental factors have been shown to induce the epigenetic transgenerational inheritance of disease and phenotypic variation. This involves the germline transmission of epigenetic information between generations. Exposure specific transgenerational sperm epimutations have been previously observed. The current study was designed to investigate the potential role genetic mutations have in the process, using copy number variations (CNV). In the first (F1) generation following exposure, negligible CNV were identified; however, in the transgenerational F3 generation, a significant increase in CNV was observed in the sperm. The genome-wide locations of differential DNA methylation regions (epimutations) and genetic mutations (CNV) were investigated. Observations suggest the environmental induction of the epigenetic transgenerational inheritance of sperm epimutations promote genome instability, such that genetic CNV mutations are acquired in later generations. A combination of epigenetics and genetics is suggested to be involved in the transgenerational phenotypes. The ability of environmental factors to promote epigenetic inheritance that subsequently promotes genetic mutations is a significant advance in our understanding of how the environment impacts disease and evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael K Skinner
- a Center for Reproductive Biology; School of Biological Sciences; Washington State University ; Pullman , WA USA
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17
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Meles S, Adega F, Castro J, Chaves R. Cytogenetic Assessment of the Rat Cell Line CLS-ACI-1: An in vitro Cell Model for Mycn Overexpression. Cytogenet Genome Res 2015; 146:285-95. [PMID: 26536200 DOI: 10.1159/000441374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is a complex and heterogeneous disease, and the establishment of cell models in order to properly study the disease at the molecular and cellular level is of utmost importance. Here, we present the cytogenetic characterization and gene expression analysis of the tumoral mammary rat cell line CLS-ACI-1. The use of banding and molecular cytogenetic techniques allowed the description of the complex CLS-ACI-1 karyotype and the identification of breakpoints in clonal chromosome rearrangements. Moreover, a Mycn and Erbb2 comparative expression analysis by RT-qPCR was performed, revealing a high expression level of Mycn in CLS-ACI-1 cells. Moreover, a considerable number of putative mutated genes and chromosome alterations detected through cytogenetic analysis seem to be in the MYCN biological network. Therefore, the CLS-ACI-1 cell line is presented as a promising cell model for the study of the role of MYCN in breast cancer and also as a tool for developing appropriate cancer therapies, namely for Mycn targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana Meles
- University of Trx00E1;s-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Department of Genetics and Biotechnology (DGB), Laboratory of Cytogenomics and Animal Genomics, Vila Real, Portugal
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18
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Skinner MK, Gurerrero-Bosagna C, Haque MM, Nilsson EE, Koop JAH, Knutie SA, Clayton DH. Epigenetics and the evolution of Darwin's Finches. Genome Biol Evol 2014; 6:1972-89. [PMID: 25062919 PMCID: PMC4159007 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evu158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevailing theory for the molecular basis of evolution involves genetic mutations that ultimately generate the heritable phenotypic variation on which natural selection acts. However, epigenetic transgenerational inheritance of phenotypic variation may also play an important role in evolutionary change. A growing number of studies have demonstrated the presence of epigenetic inheritance in a variety of different organisms that can persist for hundreds of generations. The possibility that epigenetic changes can accumulate over longer periods of evolutionary time has seldom been tested empirically. This study was designed to compare epigenetic changes among several closely related species of Darwin's finches, a well-known example of adaptive radiation. Erythrocyte DNA was obtained from five species of sympatric Darwin's finches that vary in phylogenetic relatedness. Genome-wide alterations in genetic mutations using copy number variation (CNV) were compared with epigenetic alterations associated with differential DNA methylation regions (epimutations). Epimutations were more common than genetic CNV mutations among the five species; furthermore, the number of epimutations increased monotonically with phylogenetic distance. Interestingly, the number of genetic CNV mutations did not consistently increase with phylogenetic distance. The number, chromosomal locations, regional clustering, and lack of overlap of epimutations and genetic mutations suggest that epigenetic changes are distinct and that they correlate with the evolutionary history of Darwin's finches. The potential functional significance of the epimutations was explored by comparing their locations on the genome to the location of evolutionarily important genes and cellular pathways in birds. Specific epimutations were associated with genes related to the bone morphogenic protein, toll receptor, and melanogenesis signaling pathways. Species-specific epimutations were significantly overrepresented in these pathways. As environmental factors are known to result in heritable changes in the epigenome, it is possible that epigenetic changes contribute to the molecular basis of the evolution of Darwin's finches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael K Skinner
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University
| | - Carlos Gurerrero-Bosagna
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State UniversityPresent address: Department of Physics, Biology and Chemistry (IFM), Linköping University, Sweden
| | - M Muksitul Haque
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University
| | - Eric E Nilsson
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University
| | - Jennifer A H Koop
- Department of Biology, University of UtahPresent address: Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
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Bilke S, Gindin Y. Evidence for a Functional Link between Chromosomal Breakpoints and Aberrant DNA Methylation in Cancer. Front Oncol 2014; 4:46. [PMID: 24653980 PMCID: PMC3949317 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2014.00046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2014] [Accepted: 02/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sven Bilke
- Cancer Genetics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, MD , USA
| | - Yevgeniy Gindin
- Cancer Genetics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, MD , USA
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20
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Johansson C, Tumber A, Che K, Cain P, Nowak R, Gileadi C, Oppermann U. The roles of Jumonji-type oxygenases in human disease. Epigenomics 2014; 6:89-120. [PMID: 24579949 PMCID: PMC4233403 DOI: 10.2217/epi.13.79] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The iron- and 2-oxoglutarate-dependent oxygenases constitute a phylogenetically conserved class of enzymes that catalyze hydroxylation reactions in humans by acting on various types of substrates, including metabolic intermediates, amino acid residues in different proteins and various types of nucleic acids. The discovery of jumonji (Jmj), the founding member of a class of Jmj-type chromatin modifying enzymes and transcriptional regulators, has culminated in the discovery of several branches of histone lysine demethylases, with essential functions in regulating the epigenetic landscape of the chromatin environment. This work has now been considerably expanded into other aspects of epigenetic biology and includes the discovery of enzymatic steps required for methyl-cytosine demethylation as well as modification of RNA and ribosomal proteins. This overview aims to summarize the current knowledge on the human Jmj-type enzymes and their involvement in human pathological processes, including development, cancer, inflammation and metabolic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catrine Johansson
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Drive, Headington, OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Anthony Tumber
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Drive, Headington, OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - KaHing Che
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Drive, Headington, OX3 7DQ, UK
- Botnar Research Center, NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Unit, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology & Musculoskeletal Sciences, Oxford, OX3 7LD, UK
| | - Peter Cain
- Botnar Research Center, NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Unit, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology & Musculoskeletal Sciences, Oxford, OX3 7LD, UK
| | - Radoslaw Nowak
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Drive, Headington, OX3 7DQ, UK
- Botnar Research Center, NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Unit, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology & Musculoskeletal Sciences, Oxford, OX3 7LD, UK
- Systems Approaches to Biomedical Sciences, Industrial Doctorate Center (SABS IDC) Oxford, UK
| | - Carina Gileadi
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Drive, Headington, OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Udo Oppermann
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Drive, Headington, OX3 7DQ, UK
- Botnar Research Center, NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Unit, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology & Musculoskeletal Sciences, Oxford, OX3 7LD, UK
- Systems Approaches to Biomedical Sciences, Industrial Doctorate Center (SABS IDC) Oxford, UK
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