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Szukiewicz D. Reproductive Immunology and Pregnancy 2.0. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5132. [PMID: 38791171 PMCID: PMC11121238 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
This Special Issue comprises original articles in the field of clinical studies whose major topics concern the genetic and immunological aspects of miscarriage and pre-eclampsia, the isolation of decidua macrophages and Hofbauer cells in the placenta for diagnostic purposes, and epigenetic mechanisms that trigger labor [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Dariusz Szukiewicz
- Department of Biophysics, Physiology & Pathophysiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-004 Warsaw, Poland
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Shin W, Mun S, Han K. Human Endogenous Retrovirus-K (HML-2)-Related Genetic Variation: Human Genome Diversity and Disease. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:2150. [PMID: 38136972 PMCID: PMC10742618 DOI: 10.3390/genes14122150] [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: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) comprise a significant portion of the human genome, making up roughly 8%, a notable comparison to the 2-3% represented by coding sequences. Numerous studies have underscored the critical role and importance of HERVs, highlighting their diverse and extensive influence on the evolution of the human genome and establishing their complex correlation with various diseases. Among HERVs, the HERV-K (HML-2) subfamily has recently attracted significant attention, integrating into the human genome after the divergence between humans and chimpanzees. Its insertion in the human genome has received considerable attention due to its structural and functional characteristics and the time of insertion. Originating from ancient exogenous retroviruses, these elements succeeded in infecting germ cells, enabling vertical transmission and existing as proviruses within the genome. Remarkably, these sequences have retained the capacity to form complete viral sequences, exhibiting activity in transcription and translation. The HERV-K (HML-2) subfamily is the subject of active debate about its potential positive or negative effects on human genome evolution and various pathologies. This review summarizes the variation, regulation, and diseases in human genome evolution arising from the influence of HERV-K (HML-2).
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Affiliation(s)
- Wonseok Shin
- NGS Clinical Laboratory, Division of Cancer Research, Dankook University Hospital, Cheonan 31116, Republic of Korea;
- Smart Animal Bio Institute, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Republic of Korea;
| | - Seyoung Mun
- Smart Animal Bio Institute, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Republic of Korea;
- College of Science & Technology, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Republic of Korea
- Center for Bio-Medical Engineering Core Facility, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyudong Han
- Smart Animal Bio Institute, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Republic of Korea;
- Center for Bio-Medical Engineering Core Facility, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Republic of Korea
- Department of Microbiology, College of Science & Technology, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Republic of Korea
- Department of Bioconvergence Engineering, Dankook University, Yongin 16890, Republic of Korea
- R&D Center, HuNBiome Co., Ltd., Seoul 08507, Republic of Korea
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Temerozo JR, Fintelman-Rodrigues N, Dos Santos MC, Hottz ED, Sacramento CQ, de Paula Dias da Silva A, Mandacaru SC, Dos Santos Moraes EC, Trugilho MRO, Gesto JSM, Ferreira MA, Saraiva FB, Palhinha L, Martins-Gonçalves R, Azevedo-Quintanilha IG, Abrantes JL, Righy C, Kurtz P, Jiang H, Tan H, Morel C, Bou-Habib DC, Bozza FA, Bozza PT, Souza TML. Human endogenous retrovirus K in the respiratory tract is associated with COVID-19 physiopathology. MICROBIOME 2022; 10:65. [PMID: 35459226 PMCID: PMC9024070 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-022-01260-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Critically ill 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) patients under invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) are 10 to 40 times more likely to die than the general population. Although progression from mild to severe COVID-19 has been associated with hypoxia, uncontrolled inflammation, and coagulopathy, the mechanisms involved in the progression to severity are poorly understood. METHODS The virome of tracheal aspirates (TA) from 25 COVID-19 patients under IMV was assessed through unbiased RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), and correlation analyses were conducted using available clinical data. Unbiased sequences from nasopharyngeal swabs (NS) from mild cases and TA from non-COVID patients were included in our study for further comparisons. RESULTS We found higher levels and differential expression of human endogenous retrovirus K (HERV-K) genes in TA from critically ill and deceased patients when comparing nasopharyngeal swabs from mild cases to TA from non-COVID patients. In critically ill patients, higher HERV-K levels were associated with early mortality (within 14 days of diagnosis) in the intensive care unit. Increased HERV-K expression in deceased patients was associated with IL-17-related inflammation, monocyte activation, and an increased consumption of clotting/fibrinolysis factors. Moreover, increased HERV-K expression was detected in human primary monocytes from healthy donors after experimental SARS-CoV-2 infection in vitro. CONCLUSION Our data implicate the levels of HERV-K transcripts in the physiopathology of COVID-19 in the respiratory tract of patients under invasive mechanical ventilation. Video abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jairo R Temerozo
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute (IOC), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- National Institute for Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT/NIM), Oswaldo Cruz Institute (IOC), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute (IOC), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- Center for Technological Development in Health (CDTS), National Institute for Science and Technology on Innovation on Disease Of Neglected Poppulations (INCT/IDPN), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Natalia Fintelman-Rodrigues
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute (IOC), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- Center for Technological Development in Health (CDTS), National Institute for Science and Technology on Innovation on Disease Of Neglected Poppulations (INCT/IDPN), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Monique Cristina Dos Santos
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute (IOC), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Eugenio D Hottz
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute (IOC), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- Laboratory of Immunothrombosis, Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Juiz de Fora (UFJF), Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Carolina Q Sacramento
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute (IOC), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- Center for Technological Development in Health (CDTS), National Institute for Science and Technology on Innovation on Disease Of Neglected Poppulations (INCT/IDPN), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Aline de Paula Dias da Silva
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute (IOC), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- Center for Technological Development in Health (CDTS), National Institute for Science and Technology on Innovation on Disease Of Neglected Poppulations (INCT/IDPN), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Samuel Coelho Mandacaru
- Center for Technological Development in Health (CDTS), National Institute for Science and Technology on Innovation on Disease Of Neglected Poppulations (INCT/IDPN), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- Laboratory of Toxinology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute (IOC), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Emilly Caroline Dos Santos Moraes
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute (IOC), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- Laboratory of Toxinology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute (IOC), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Monique R O Trugilho
- Center for Technological Development in Health (CDTS), National Institute for Science and Technology on Innovation on Disease Of Neglected Poppulations (INCT/IDPN), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- Laboratory of Toxinology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute (IOC), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - João S M Gesto
- Center for Technological Development in Health (CDTS), National Institute for Science and Technology on Innovation on Disease Of Neglected Poppulations (INCT/IDPN), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Alves Ferreira
- Center for Technological Development in Health (CDTS), National Institute for Science and Technology on Innovation on Disease Of Neglected Poppulations (INCT/IDPN), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Felipe Betoni Saraiva
- Instituto de Tecnologia em Imunobiológicos (Bio-Manguinhos), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Lohanna Palhinha
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute (IOC), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Remy Martins-Gonçalves
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute (IOC), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | | | - Juliana L Abrantes
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Cássia Righy
- Paulo Niemeyer State Brain Institute (IECPN), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Pedro Kurtz
- Paulo Niemeyer State Brain Institute (IECPN), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- D'Or Institute for Research and Education, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Hui Jiang
- MGI Tech Co. Ltd, Building No.11, Beishan Industrial Zone, Yantian District, Shenzhen, 518083, China
| | - Hongdong Tan
- MGI Tech Co. Ltd, Building No.11, Beishan Industrial Zone, Yantian District, Shenzhen, 518083, China
| | - Carlos Morel
- Center for Technological Development in Health (CDTS), National Institute for Science and Technology on Innovation on Disease Of Neglected Poppulations (INCT/IDPN), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Dumith Chequer Bou-Habib
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute (IOC), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- National Institute for Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT/NIM), Oswaldo Cruz Institute (IOC), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Fernando A Bozza
- Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- D'Or Institute for Research and Education, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Patrícia T Bozza
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute (IOC), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Thiago Moreno L Souza
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute (IOC), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
- Center for Technological Development in Health (CDTS), National Institute for Science and Technology on Innovation on Disease Of Neglected Poppulations (INCT/IDPN), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
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Tovo P, Monti G, Daprà V, Montanari P, Calvi C, Alliaudi C, Sardo A, Galliano I, Bergallo M. Enhanced expression of endogenous retroviruses and of TRIM28 and SETDB1 in children with food allergy. Clin Transl Allergy 2022; 12:e12124. [PMID: 35344298 PMCID: PMC8967271 DOI: 10.1002/clt2.12124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) represent 8% of our genome. They originate from ancestral infections and although no longer contagious they can regulate transcription of adjacent cellular genes, produce viral RNAs sensed as non‐self by pattern recognition receptors, and encode viral proteins, such as Syncytin (SYN) 1 and 2, that exhibit potent immunomodulatory properties. Based on this, HERVs have been studied and proposed as relevant cofactors in several chronic inflammatory and immune‐mediated diseases. HERV transcription is regulated by host TRIM28 and SET domain bifurcated histone lysine methyltransferase 1 (SETDB1), which in turn exert crucial regulatory functions on the host immune system. No studies explored the expression of HERVs, TRIM28, and SETDB1 in allergic patients. Methods We assessed, through a polymerase chain reaction real time Taqman amplification assay, the transcription levels of pol genes of HERV‐H, HERV‐K, HERV‐W, and of env genes of SYN1 and SYN2, as well as of TRIM28 and SETDB1 in whole blood from 32 children with IgE‐mediated food allergy, 19 with food protein‐induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES), and in healthy control children. Results The expression levels of pol genes of HERV‐H, ‐K, and ‐W were significantly enhanced in patients with IgE‐mediated FA or FPIES as compared to control subjects, while the mRNA concentrations of SYN1 and SYN2 were comparable in each group of children. Both TRIM28 and SETDB1 mRNA levels were significantly higher in allergic patients. Conclusions Given the influence of HERVs and of TRIM28 and SETDB1 on innate and adaptive immune responses, their transcriptional activation in children with food allergies suggest that they might play important roles in the development of these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pier‐Angelo Tovo
- Department of Pediatric Sciences and Public Health University of Turin Turin Italy
| | - Giovanna Monti
- Pediatric Allergy Unit Regina Margherita Children's Hospital Turin Italy
| | - Valentina Daprà
- Pediatric Laboratory Department of Pediatric Sciences and Public Health University of Turin Turin Italy
| | - Paola Montanari
- Department of Pediatric Sciences and Public Health University of Turin Turin Italy
- Pediatric Laboratory Department of Pediatric Sciences and Public Health University of Turin Turin Italy
| | - Cristina Calvi
- Department of Pediatric Sciences and Public Health University of Turin Turin Italy
- Pediatric Laboratory Department of Pediatric Sciences and Public Health University of Turin Turin Italy
| | - Carla Alliaudi
- Department of Pediatric Sciences and Public Health University of Turin Turin Italy
- Pediatric Laboratory Department of Pediatric Sciences and Public Health University of Turin Turin Italy
| | - Allegra Sardo
- Department of Pediatric Sciences and Public Health University of Turin Turin Italy
| | - Ilaria Galliano
- Department of Pediatric Sciences and Public Health University of Turin Turin Italy
- Pediatric Laboratory Department of Pediatric Sciences and Public Health University of Turin Turin Italy
| | - Massimiliano Bergallo
- Department of Pediatric Sciences and Public Health University of Turin Turin Italy
- Pediatric Laboratory Department of Pediatric Sciences and Public Health University of Turin Turin Italy
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Boso G, Fleck K, Carley S, Liu Q, Buckler-White A, Kozak CA. The Oldest Co-opted gag Gene of a Human Endogenous Retrovirus Shows Placenta-Specific Expression and Is Upregulated in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphomas. Mol Biol Evol 2021; 38:5453-5471. [PMID: 34410386 PMCID: PMC8662612 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msab245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Vertebrate genomes contain endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) that represent remnants of past germline infections by ancient retroviruses. Despite comprising 8% of the human genome, the human ERVs (HERVs) do not encode a replication competent retrovirus. However, some HERV genes have been co-opted to serve host functions, most notably the viral envelope-derived syncytins involved in placentation. Here, we identify the oldest HERV intact gag gene with an open reading frame, gagV1. Its provirus contains an intact env, envV1, and the first open reading frame found in an HERV gag leader, pre-gagV1, which encodes a novel protein. This HERV is linked to a related gag gene, gagV3, and these three genes all show patterns of evolutionary conservation in primates. gagV1 and pre-gagV1 orthologs are present in all simian primate lineages indicating that this HERV entered the germline of the common simian primate ancestor at least 43 Ma, whereas gagV3 is found in Old and New World monkeys. gagV1 and gagV3 have undergone recurrent gene conversion events and positive selection. Expression of gagV1, gagV3, and pre-gagV1 is restricted to the placenta in humans and macaques suggesting co-option for placenta-specific host functions. Transcriptomic analysis of human tumors also found upregulated levels of gagV1 transcripts in diffuse large B-cell lymphomas. These findings suggest that these HERV-V genes may be useful markers for the most common type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and that they may have contributed to the successive domestications of env and gag genes in eutherians involved in the ongoing ERV-driven evolution of the placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guney Boso
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Katherine Fleck
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Samuel Carley
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Qingping Liu
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Alicia Buckler-White
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Christine A Kozak
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Kitsou K, Iliopoulou M, Spoulou V, Lagiou P, Magiorkinis G. Viral Causality of Human Cancer and Potential Roles of Human Endogenous Retroviruses in the Multi-Omics Era: An Evolutionary Epidemiology Review. Front Oncol 2021; 11:687631. [PMID: 34778024 PMCID: PMC8586426 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.687631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Being responsible for almost 12% of cancers worldwide, viruses are among the oldest known and most prevalent oncogenic agents. The quality of the evidence for the in vivo tumorigenic potential of microorganisms varies, thus accordingly, viruses were classified in 4 evidence-based categories by the International Agency for Research on Cancer in 2009. Since then, our understanding of the role of viruses in cancer has significantly improved, firstly due to the emergence of high throughput sequencing technologies that allowed the “brute-force” recovery of unknown viral genomes. At the same time, multi-omics approaches unravelled novel virus-host interactions in stem-cell biology. We now know that viral elements, either exogenous or endogenous, have multiple sometimes conflicting roles in human pathophysiology and the development of cancer. Here we integrate emerging evidence on viral causality in human cancer from basic mechanisms to clinical studies. We analyze viral tumorigenesis under the scope of deep-in-time human-virus evolutionary relationships and critically comment on the evidence through the eyes of clinical epidemiology, firstly by reviewing recognized oncoviruses and their mechanisms of inducing tumorigenesis, and then by examining the potential role of integrated viruses in our genome in the process of carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantina Kitsou
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.,Immunobiology and Vaccinology Research Laboratory, First Department of Peadiatrics, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Iliopoulou
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Vana Spoulou
- Immunobiology and Vaccinology Research Laboratory, First Department of Peadiatrics, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Pagona Lagiou
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Gkikas Magiorkinis
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Impaired transcription of human endogenous retroviruses in the sperm with exception of syncytin 1: short communication. Mol Biol Rep 2021; 48:5803-5808. [PMID: 34302264 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-021-06577-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs), remnants of ancestral infections, represent 8% of the human genome. HERVs are co-opted for important physiological functions during embryogenesis; however, little is known about their expression in human gametes. We evaluated the transcriptional levels of several retroviral sequences in human spermatozoa. METHODS AND RESULTS We assessed, through a Real-Time PCR assay, the transcription levels of the pol genes of HERV-H, -K and -W families and of env genes of syncytin (Syn)1 and Syn2 in the spermatozoa from 8 normospermic subjects. The entity and distribution of their expressions were compared to values found in white blood cells (WBCs) from 16 healthy volunteers. The level of HERV transcripts was significantly lower in spermatozoa than in WBCs for HERV-H-pol, HERV-K-pol, HERV-W-pol, and Syn2.In contrast, the level of expression of Syn1 in the sperm was similar to that found in WBCs and it was significantly higher than the mRNA concentrations of other HERV genes in spermatozoa. CONCLUSIONS Our findings show, for the first time, the presence of several retroviral mRNAs in the sperm, although in low amounts. The higher concentration of Syn1 suggests that it could play a key role in the fusion process between gametes during fertilization and, perhaps, be involved in embryo development. Further studies could clarify whether aberrant HERV expressions, in particular of Syn1, negatively affect fertilization and embryo growth and whether sperm manipulation procedures, such as cryopreservation, may potentially influence HERV transcription in the human male gamete.
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Galliano I, Daprà V, Ponti R, Alliaudi C, Fierro MT, Quaglino P, Bergallo M. CD27 mRNA expression in mycosis fungoides. Ital J Dermatol Venerol 2021; 157:275-280. [PMID: 34282858 DOI: 10.23736/s2784-8671.21.06953-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The etiopathogenesis of MF remains obscure. CD27 is a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily (TNFRS) that regulates lymphocyte function4. Expression of CD27 protein and mRNA has been reported in B-cell lymphomas5 and adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma6. In this study, we examined the expression of CD27 in the skin of MF patients by real time PCR. The amount of CD27 was measured in MF patients and healthy controls. METHODS A total of 98 skin biopsies were analyzed: 12 obtained from healthy donors and 86 obtained Cryostatic sections OCT-embedded affected by MF. Relative quantification of mRNA CD27 expression was achieved by means of TaqMan amplification and normalization to glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH). RESULTS Housekeeping gene was detectable in all Skin samples and there isn't difference between healthy control and MF p value 0.1564. CD27 mRNA sequences were found in 3 of 12 (25%) of skin obtained from healthy donors and in 59 of 86 (68%) of skin obtained from Cryostatic sections OCT-embedded affected by MF. The chi-square statistic with Yates correction is 6.8413 and the p-value is 0.0089. When we compared the CD27 expression in MF and controls the RQ analysis show a value of 9.12±14.13. A RQ of 9.12 means that this gene is 9.12 times more expressed in MF skin samples then in the healthy skin samples. No difference were observed in the MF clustered by stages. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicates that CD27 can be used as diagnostic/prognostic markers, and whether anti-CD27 antibodies can be used in therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Galliano
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Regina Margherita Children's Hospital, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Valentina Daprà
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Regina Margherita Children's Hospital, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Renata Ponti
- Dermatology Section, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Carla Alliaudi
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Regina Margherita Children's Hospital, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Maria T Fierro
- Dermatology Section, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Pietro Quaglino
- Dermatology Section, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Bergallo
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Regina Margherita Children's Hospital, University of Turin, Turin, Italy -
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Tovo PA, Garazzino S, Daprà V, Pruccoli G, Calvi C, Mignone F, Alliaudi C, Denina M, Scolfaro C, Zoppo M, Licciardi F, Ramenghi U, Galliano I, Bergallo M. COVID-19 in Children: Expressions of Type I/II/III Interferons, TRIM28, SETDB1, and Endogenous Retroviruses in Mild and Severe Cases. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:7481. [PMID: 34299101 PMCID: PMC8303145 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Children with the new coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have milder symptoms and a better prognosis than adult patients. Several investigations assessed type I, II, and III interferon (IFN) signatures in SARS-CoV-2 infected adults, however no data are available for pediatric patients. TRIM28 and SETDB1 regulate the transcription of multiple genes involved in the immune response as well as of human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs). Exogenous viral infections can trigger the activation of HERVs, which in turn can induce inflammatory and immune reactions. Despite the potential cross-talks between SARS-CoV-2 infection and TRIM28, SETDB1, and HERVs, information on their expressions in COVID-19 patients is lacking. We assessed, through a PCR real time Taqman amplification assay, the transcription levels of six IFN-I stimulated genes, IFN-II and three of its sensitive genes, three IFN-lIIs, as well as of TRIM28, SETDB1, pol genes of HERV-H, -K, and -W families, and of env genes of Syncytin (SYN)1, SYN2, and multiple sclerosis-associated retrovirus (MRSV) in peripheral blood from COVID-19 children and in control uninfected subjects. Higher expression levels of IFN-I and IFN-II inducible genes were observed in 36 COVID-19 children with mild or moderate disease as compared to uninfected controls, whereas their concentrations decreased in 17 children with severe disease and in 11 with multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C). Similar findings were found for the expression of TRIM-28, SETDB1, and every HERV gene. Positive correlations emerged between the transcriptional levels of type I and II IFNs, TRIM28, SETDB1, and HERVs in COVID-19 patients. IFN-III expressions were comparable in each group of subjects. This preserved induction of IFN-λs could contribute to the better control of the infection in children as compared to adults, in whom IFN-III deficiency has been reported. The upregulation of IFN-I, IFN-II, TRIM28, SETDB1, and HERVs in children with mild symptoms, their declines in severe cases or with MIS-C, and the positive correlations of their transcription in SARS-CoV-2-infected children suggest that they may play important roles in conditioning the evolution of the infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pier-Angelo Tovo
- Department of Pediatric Sciences and Public Health, University of Turin, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126 Turin, Italy; (G.P.); (C.C.); (C.A.); (M.D.); (F.L.); (U.R.); (I.G.)
| | - Silvia Garazzino
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Regina Margherita Children’s Hospital, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126 Turin, Italy; (S.G.); (F.M.); (C.S.); (M.Z.)
| | - Valentina Daprà
- Pediatric Laboratory, Department of Pediatric Sciences and Public Health, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy;
| | - Giulia Pruccoli
- Department of Pediatric Sciences and Public Health, University of Turin, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126 Turin, Italy; (G.P.); (C.C.); (C.A.); (M.D.); (F.L.); (U.R.); (I.G.)
| | - Cristina Calvi
- Department of Pediatric Sciences and Public Health, University of Turin, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126 Turin, Italy; (G.P.); (C.C.); (C.A.); (M.D.); (F.L.); (U.R.); (I.G.)
- Pediatric Laboratory, Department of Pediatric Sciences and Public Health, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy;
| | - Federica Mignone
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Regina Margherita Children’s Hospital, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126 Turin, Italy; (S.G.); (F.M.); (C.S.); (M.Z.)
| | - Carla Alliaudi
- Department of Pediatric Sciences and Public Health, University of Turin, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126 Turin, Italy; (G.P.); (C.C.); (C.A.); (M.D.); (F.L.); (U.R.); (I.G.)
- Pediatric Laboratory, Department of Pediatric Sciences and Public Health, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy;
| | - Marco Denina
- Department of Pediatric Sciences and Public Health, University of Turin, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126 Turin, Italy; (G.P.); (C.C.); (C.A.); (M.D.); (F.L.); (U.R.); (I.G.)
| | - Carlo Scolfaro
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Regina Margherita Children’s Hospital, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126 Turin, Italy; (S.G.); (F.M.); (C.S.); (M.Z.)
| | - Marisa Zoppo
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Regina Margherita Children’s Hospital, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126 Turin, Italy; (S.G.); (F.M.); (C.S.); (M.Z.)
| | - Francesco Licciardi
- Department of Pediatric Sciences and Public Health, University of Turin, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126 Turin, Italy; (G.P.); (C.C.); (C.A.); (M.D.); (F.L.); (U.R.); (I.G.)
| | - Ugo Ramenghi
- Department of Pediatric Sciences and Public Health, University of Turin, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126 Turin, Italy; (G.P.); (C.C.); (C.A.); (M.D.); (F.L.); (U.R.); (I.G.)
| | - Ilaria Galliano
- Department of Pediatric Sciences and Public Health, University of Turin, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126 Turin, Italy; (G.P.); (C.C.); (C.A.); (M.D.); (F.L.); (U.R.); (I.G.)
- Pediatric Laboratory, Department of Pediatric Sciences and Public Health, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy;
| | - Massimiliano Bergallo
- Department of Pediatric Sciences and Public Health, University of Turin, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126 Turin, Italy; (G.P.); (C.C.); (C.A.); (M.D.); (F.L.); (U.R.); (I.G.)
- Pediatric Laboratory, Department of Pediatric Sciences and Public Health, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy;
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Kristensen MK, Christensen T. Regulation of the expression of human endogenous retroviruses: elements in fetal development and a possible role in the development of cancer and neurological diseases. APMIS 2021; 129:241-253. [PMID: 33683784 DOI: 10.1111/apm.13130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are remnants of ancient retroviral germline infections. Most HERV sequences are silenced in somatic cells, but interest is emerging on the involvement of HERV derived transcripts and proteins in human physiology and disease. A HERV-W encoded protein, syncytin-1, has been co-opted into fetal physiology, where it plays a role in trophoblast formation. Altered HERV transcription and expression of HERV derived proteins are associated with various cancer types and neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS). The implication of HERVs as potential mediators of both health and disease suggests important roles of regulatory mechanisms and alterations of these in physiological and pathological processes. The regulation of HERV sequences is mediated by a wide variety of mechanisms, and the focus of this review is on selected aspects of these, including epigenetic mechanisms such as CpG methylation and histone modifications of the HP1-H3K9me axis, viral transactivation events, and regulatory perspectives of transient stimuli in the microenvironment. Increasing knowledge of the regulation of HERV sequences will not only contribute to the understanding of complex pathogeneses, but also may pinpoint potential targets for better diagnosis and treatment in complex diseases as MS.
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Serati M, Esposito CM, Grassi S, Bollati V, Barkin JL, Buoli M. The Association between Plasma ERVWE1 Concentrations and Affective Symptoms during Pregnancy: Is This a Friendly Alien? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17249217. [PMID: 33317172 PMCID: PMC7763945 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17249217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) comprise 8% of the human genome, and HERV DNA was reported to be essential in human embryonic development. Specifically, HERV-W encodes a protein, syncytin-1, alternatively known as ERVWE1 (Human Endogenous Retrovirus W EnvC7-1 Envelope Protein), participating in human placental morphogenesis and having a role in immune system regulation. Syncytin-1 activity is increased in neuropsychiatric disorders, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. In our study, forty-four women in the third trimester of pregnancy were tested for ERVWE1 plasma levels. In concomitance with blood samples the following rating scales were administered to women: the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), State Anxiety Inventory (STAI-S), Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-T), and Prenatal Attachment Inventory (PAI). We found that higher ERVWE1 protein plasma levels were significantly associated with higher PAI scores (p = 0.02), an earlier gestational age at the time of blood collection (p = 0.01), a longer duration of symptoms (p = 0.03), and fewer lifetime attempted suicides (p = 0.02). Our results seem to support the role of ERVWE1 in maintaining clinical psychiatric symptoms as a result of potential prolonged inflammation. At the same time, this protein may have a protective role in pregnant women by a reduction of suicidal behavior and a better mother-fetus relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Serati
- Department of Mental Health, ASST RHODENSE, 20024 Rho, Italy;
| | - Cecilia Maria Esposito
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; (C.M.E.); (S.G.)
| | - Silvia Grassi
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; (C.M.E.); (S.G.)
| | - Valentina Bollati
- EPIGET-Epidemiology, Epigenetics and Toxicology Lab-Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy;
| | - Jennifer Lynn Barkin
- Department of Community Medicine, Mercer University School of Medicine, Macon, GA 31207, USA;
| | - Massimiliano Buoli
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; (C.M.E.); (S.G.)
- Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via F. Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-02-55035983; Fax: +39-02-55033140
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12
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Chronic HCV Infection Is Associated with Overexpression of Human Endogenous Retroviruses that Persists after Drug-Induced Viral Clearance. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21113980. [PMID: 32492928 PMCID: PMC7313012 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21113980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is associated with several hepatic and extrahepatic complications, including cancers and autoimmune disorders, whose frequency is reduced but not abolished after drug-induced viral clearance. The causes of these complications and of their persistence are ill-defined. Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are remnants of ancestral infections and constitute 8% of the human genome. Most HERV elements are inactive, but some are transcribed. HERV overexpression is associated with many cancers and autoimmune diseases with a putative pathogenetic role. Several viral infections trigger HERV activation, but there are no studies on HCV-infected subjects. We assessed, through a PCR real-time amplification assay, the transcription levels of the pol genes of HERV-H, -K, and -W, and of their repressor TRIM28 in white blood cells (WBCs) of vertically infected children, both before and after therapy with direct-acting antivirals (DAAs). The results documented significantly higher expressions of HERV-H-pol and HERV-K-pol, not of HERV-W-pol, in HCV-infected subjects as compared to age-matched controls. HERV RNA levels remained unchanged after DAA-driven viral clearance. No significant variations in transcription levels of TRIM28 were observed in infected subjects. Our findings demonstrate HERV-H-pol and HERV-K-pol overexpression in subjects with chronic HCV infection, without variations after a positive response to DAAs; this might justify their predisposition to cancers and autoimmune disorders that persist after a DAA-induced resolution of viremia.
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