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Cahill KM, Gartia MR, Sahu S, Bergeron SR, Heffernan LM, Paulsen DB, Penn AL, Noël A. In utero exposure to electronic-cigarette aerosols decreases lung fibrillar collagen content, increases Newtonian resistance and induces sex-specific molecular signatures in neonatal mice. Toxicol Res 2022; 38:205-224. [PMID: 35415078 PMCID: PMC8960495 DOI: 10.1007/s43188-021-00103-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Approximately 7% of pregnant women in the United States use electronic-cigarette (e-cig) devices during pregnancy. There is, however, no scientific evidence to support e-cig use as being 'safe' during pregnancy. Little is known about the effects of fetal exposures to e-cig aerosols on lung alveologenesis. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that in utero exposure to e-cig aerosol impairs lung alveologenesis and pulmonary function in neonates. Pregnant BALB/c mice were exposed 2 h a day for 20 consecutive days during gestation to either filtered air or cinnamon-flavored e-cig aerosol (36 mg/mL of nicotine). Lung tissue was collected in offspring during lung alveologenesis on postnatal day (PND) 5 and PND11. Lung function was measured at PND11. Exposure to e-cig aerosol in utero led to a significant decrease in body weights at birth which was sustained through PND5. At PND5, in utero e-cig exposures dysregulated genes related to Wnt signaling and epigenetic modifications in both females (~ 120 genes) and males (40 genes). These alterations were accompanied by reduced lung fibrillar collagen content at PND5-a time point when collagen content is close to its peak to support alveoli formation. In utero exposure to e-cig aerosol also increased the Newtonian resistance of offspring at PND11, suggesting a narrowing of the conducting airways. At PND11, in females, transcriptomic dysregulation associated with epigenetic alterations was sustained (17 genes), while WNT signaling dysregulation was largely resolved (10 genes). In males, at PND11, the expression of only 4 genes associated with epigenetics was dysregulated, while 16 Wnt related-genes were altered. These data demonstrate that in utero exposures to cinnamon-flavored e-cig aerosols alter lung structure and function and induce sex-specific molecular signatures during lung alveologenesis in neonatal mice. This may reflect epigenetic programming affecting lung disease development later in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerin M. Cahill
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Skip Bertman Dr., Baton Rouge, LA 70803 USA
| | - Manas R. Gartia
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803 USA
| | - Sushant Sahu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lafayette, LA 70504 USA
| | - Sarah R. Bergeron
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Skip Bertman Dr., Baton Rouge, LA 70803 USA
| | - Linda M. Heffernan
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Skip Bertman Dr., Baton Rouge, LA 70803 USA
| | - Daniel B. Paulsen
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803 USA
| | - Arthur L. Penn
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Skip Bertman Dr., Baton Rouge, LA 70803 USA
| | - Alexandra Noël
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Skip Bertman Dr., Baton Rouge, LA 70803 USA
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de Pontual L, Tomé S. Overview of the Complex Relationship between Epigenetics Markers, CTG Repeat Instability and Symptoms in Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073477. [PMID: 35408837 PMCID: PMC8998570 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Among the trinucleotide repeat disorders, myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is one of the most complex neuromuscular diseases caused by an unstable CTG repeat expansion in the DMPK gene. DM1 patients exhibit high variability in the dynamics of CTG repeat instability and in the manifestations and progression of the disease. The largest expanded alleles are generally associated with the earliest and most severe clinical form. However, CTG repeat length alone is not sufficient to predict disease severity and progression, suggesting the involvement of other factors. Several data support the role of epigenetic alterations in clinical and genetic variability. By highlighting epigenetic alterations in DM1, this review provides a new avenue on how these changes can serve as biomarkers to predict clinical features and the mutation behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stéphanie Tomé
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-1-42-16-57-16; Fax: +33-1-42-16-57-00
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Kader F, Ghai M, Olaniran AO. Characterization of DNA methylation-based markers for human body fluid identification in forensics: a critical review. Int J Legal Med 2019; 134:1-20. [PMID: 31713682 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-019-02181-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Body fluid identification in crime scene investigations aids in reconstruction of crime scenes. Several studies have identified and reported differentially methylated sites (DMSs) and regions (DMRs) which differ between forensically relevant tissues (tDMRs) and body fluids. Diverse factors affect methylation patterns such as the environment, diets, lifestyle, disease, ethnicity, genetic variation, amongst others. Thus, it is important to analyse the stability of markers employed for forensic identification. Furthermore, even though epigenetic modifications are described as stable and heritable, epigenetic inheritance of potential markers for body fluid identification needs to be assessed in the long term. Here, we discuss the current status of reported DNA methylation-based markers and their verification studies. Such thorough investigation is crucial to develop a stable panel of DNA methylation-based markers for accurate body fluid identification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farzeen Kader
- Discipline of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal (Westville Campus), Private Bag X54001, Durban, Republic of South Africa
| | - Meenu Ghai
- Discipline of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal (Westville Campus), Private Bag X54001, Durban, Republic of South Africa.
| | - Ademola O Olaniran
- Discipline of Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal (Westville Campus), Private Bag X54001, Durban, Republic of South Africa
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Tissue-Specific Monoallelic Expression of Bovine AXL is Associated with DNA Methylation of Promoter DMR. Biochem Genet 2019; 57:801-812. [PMID: 31073794 DOI: 10.1007/s10528-019-09925-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2018] [Accepted: 05/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The AXL protein is a receptor tyrosine kinase and is often implicated in proliferation, migration and therapy resistance in various cancers. The AXL gene in humans is maternally expressed and paternally imprinted with differentially methylated regions (DMR) surrounding the promoter region. However, the imprinting status and epigenetic regulation of AXL gene in cattle remain unclear. Therefore, we explored the molecular structure along with the patterns of allelic expression and DNA methylation of the bovine AXL gene. First, the complete cDNA sequence of bovine AXL was gathered by Sanger method, from transcripts obtained from RT-PCR, 5' and 3' -RACE. In silico BLAST alignments showed that the longest mRNA sequence of bovine AXL consists of 19 exons and encodes a protein of 887 amino acids. We further analyzed the allelic expression of bovine AXL by employing single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-based sequencing method. A SNP site (GenBank Accession no: rs210020651) found in exon 7 allowed us to distinguish the two parental alleles. Monoallelic expression of AXL was observed in four adult bovine tissues (heart, liver, spleen and fat), while biallelic expression was found in the other adult tissues such as the lung, kidney, muscle, brain and placenta. To determine whether the DNA methylation played a role in the tissue-specific imprinting of bovine AXL, we performed bisulfite sequencing of two regions: region 1 was a CpG island (CGI) in AXL promoter, mapping to 643 bp upstream of the transcription start site of AXL 5'-v1 transcripts, while region two was homologous to the region of human AXL DMR, with 10 CpG sites overlapping the first translation start site (TSS1) of bovine AXL. In region 2, DNA from both monoallelic and biallelic expressed tissues were mostly found to be completely unmethylated. However, tissue-specific differential methylation patterns were found in monoallelic expressed tissues such as the heart and liver while hypomethylation was noted in the promoter CpG island in biallelic expressed tissues such as the lung. These observations demonstrated that the tissue-specific monoallelic expression of bovine AXL is dependent on the DNA methylation of its promoter region.
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Gao L, Urman R, Millstein J, Siegmund KD, Dubeau L, Breton CV. Association between AXL promoter methylation and lung function growth during adolescence. Epigenetics 2018; 13:1027-1038. [PMID: 30277126 PMCID: PMC6342069 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2018.1529517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2018] [Revised: 08/19/2018] [Accepted: 09/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
AXL is one of the TAM (TYRO3, AXL and MERTK) receptor tyrosine kinases and may be involved in airway inflammation. Little is known about how epigenetic changes in AXL may affect lung development during adolescence. We investigated the association between AXL DNA methylation at birth and lung function growth from 10 to 18 years of age in 923 subjects from the Children's Health Study (CHS). DNA methylation from newborn bloodspots was measured at multiple CpG loci across the regulatory regions of AXL using Pyrosequencing. Linear spline mixed-effects models were fitted to assess the association between DNA methylation and 8-year lung function growth. Findings were evaluated for replication in a separate population of 237 CHS subjects using methylation data from the Illumina HumanMethylation450 (HM450) array when possible. A 5% higher average methylation level of the AXL promoter region at birth was associated with a 48.4 ml decrease in mean FEV1 growth from 10 to 18 years of age in the primary study population (95% CI: -100.2, 3.4), and a 53.9 ml decrease in mean FEV1 growth from 11 to 15 years of age in the replication population (95% CI: -104.3, -3.5). One CpG locus in the promoter region, cg10564498, was significantly associated with decreased growth in FEV1, FVC and MMEF from 10 to 18 years of age and the negative associations were observed in a similar age range in the replication population. These findings suggest a potential association between AXL promoter methylation at birth and lower lung function growth during adolescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Gao
- Department of Preventive Medicine, USC Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Robert Urman
- Department of Preventive Medicine, USC Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Joshua Millstein
- Department of Preventive Medicine, USC Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Kimberly D. Siegmund
- Department of Preventive Medicine, USC Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Louis Dubeau
- Department of Preventive Medicine, USC Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Carrie V. Breton
- Department of Preventive Medicine, USC Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Gao L, Liu X, Millstein J, Siegmund KD, Dubeau L, Maguire RL, (Jim) Zhang J, Fuemmeler BF, Kollins SH, Hoyo C, Murphy SK, Breton CV. Self-reported prenatal tobacco smoke exposure, AXL gene-body methylation, and childhood asthma phenotypes. Clin Epigenetics 2018; 10:98. [PMID: 30029617 PMCID: PMC6054742 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-018-0532-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2018] [Accepted: 07/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation, act as one potential mechanism underlying the detrimental effects associated with prenatal tobacco smoke (PTS) exposure. Methylation in a gene called AXL was previously reported to differ in response to PTS. METHODS We investigated the association between PTS and epigenetic changes in AXL and how this was related to childhood asthma phenotypes. We tested the association between PTS and DNA methylation at multiple CpG loci of AXL at birth using Pyrosequencing in two separate study populations, the Children's Health Study (CHS, n = 799) and the Newborn Epigenetic Study (NEST, n = 592). Plasma cotinine concentration was used to validate findings with self-reported smoking status. The inter-relationships among AXL mRNA and miR-199a1 expression, PTS, and AXL methylation were examined. Lastly, we evaluated the joint effects of AXL methylation and PTS on the risk of asthma and related symptoms at age 10 years old. RESULTS PTS was associated with higher methylation level in the AXL gene body in both CHS and NEST subjects. In the pooled analysis, exposed subjects had a 0.51% higher methylation level in this region compared to unexposed subjects (95% CI 0.29, 0.74; p < 0.0001). PTS was also associated with 21.2% lower expression of miR-199a1 (95% CI - 37.9, - 0.1; p = 0.05), a microRNA known to regulate AXL expression. Furthermore, the combination of higher AXL methylation and PTS exposure at birth increased the risk of recent episodes of bronchitic symptoms in childhood. CONCLUSIONS PTS was associated with methylation level of AXL and the combination altered the risk of childhood bronchitic symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Gao
- Department of Preventive Medicine, USC Keck School of Medicine, 2001 N. Soto Street, Los Angeles, CA 90032 USA
| | - Xiaochen Liu
- Department of Preventive Medicine, USC Keck School of Medicine, 2001 N. Soto Street, Los Angeles, CA 90032 USA
| | - Joshua Millstein
- Department of Preventive Medicine, USC Keck School of Medicine, 2001 N. Soto Street, Los Angeles, CA 90032 USA
| | - Kimberly D. Siegmund
- Department of Preventive Medicine, USC Keck School of Medicine, 2001 N. Soto Street, Los Angeles, CA 90032 USA
| | - Louis Dubeau
- Department of Preventive Medicine, USC Keck School of Medicine, 2001 N. Soto Street, Los Angeles, CA 90032 USA
| | - Rachel L. Maguire
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695 USA
| | - Junfeng (Jim) Zhang
- Nicholas School of the Environment and Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC 27701 USA
| | - Bernard F. Fuemmeler
- Department of Health Behavior and Policy, Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23219 USA
| | - Scott H. Kollins
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27705 USA
| | - Cathrine Hoyo
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695 USA
| | - Susan K. Murphy
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27708 USA
| | - Carrie V. Breton
- Department of Preventive Medicine, USC Keck School of Medicine, 2001 N. Soto Street, Los Angeles, CA 90032 USA
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Fa S, Larsen TV, Bilde K, Daugaard TF, Ernst EH, Lykke-Hartmann K, Olesen RH, Mamsen LS, Ernst E, Larsen A, Nielsen AL. Changes in first trimester fetal CYP1A1 and AHRR DNA methylation and mRNA expression in response to exposure to maternal cigarette smoking. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2018; 57:19-27. [PMID: 29169084 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2017.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2017] [Accepted: 11/15/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Prenatal exposure to maternal cigarette smoking increases the risk of intrauterine growth retardation, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and diseases later in life. Exposure can result in postnatal global and gene-specific DNA methylation changes, with the latter well documented for the CYP1A1 and AHRR genes involved in the detoxification of xenobiotic substances. This study assessed the impact of exposure to maternal smoking on first trimester fetal CYP1A1 and AHRR mRNA expression and DNA methylation for CpG-sites displaying maternal smoking during pregnancy-mediated methylation changes at birth. The analyses included first trimester (6-12 weeks) placentas (N=39) and livers (N=43). For AHRR, exposure to maternal smoking was associated with increased DNA methylation in the placentas of female fetuses; mRNA expression, however, was unchanged. While exposure to maternal smoking was not associated with AHRR DNA methylation changes in fetal livers; mRNA expression was increased. For CYP1A1, exposure to maternal smoking was not associated with fetal DNA methylation changes whereas mRNA expression increased in placentas and male fetal livers. These results show that first trimester exposure to maternal smoking is associated with CYP1A1 and AHRR DNA methylation and mRNA expression changes. However, the results also indicate that maternal smoking during pregnancy-mediated postnatal CYP1A1 and AHRR DNA methylation changes are not imprinted during the first trimester.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svetlana Fa
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Denmark; Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad, Serbia
| | | | - Katrine Bilde
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Denmark
| | | | - Emil H Ernst
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Denmark
| | - Karin Lykke-Hartmann
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Denmark
| | | | - Linn S Mamsen
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, The Juliane Marie Centre for Women, Children and Reproduction, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet, Denmark
| | - Erik Ernst
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Denmark; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital of Aarhus, Skejby Sygehus, Denmark
| | - Agnete Larsen
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Denmark
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Gao L, Millstein J, Siegmund KD, Dubeau L, Maguire R, Gilliland FD, Murphy SK, Hoyo C, Breton CV. Epigenetic regulation of AXL and risk of childhood asthma symptoms. Clin Epigenetics 2017; 9:121. [PMID: 29177020 PMCID: PMC5688797 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-017-0421-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2017] [Accepted: 11/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background AXL is one of the TAM (TYRO3, AXL and MERTK) receptor tyrosine kinases and may affect numerous immune-related health conditions. However, the role for AXL in asthma, including its epigenetic regulation, has not been extensively studied. Methods We investigated the association between AXL DNA methylation at birth and risk of childhood asthma symptoms at age 6 years. DNA methylation of multiple CpG loci across the regulatory regions of AXL was measured in newborn bloodspots using the Illumina HumanMethylation450 array on a subset of 246 children from the Children's Health Study (CHS). Logistic regression models were fitted to assess the association between asthma symptoms and DNA methylation. Findings were evaluated for replication in a separate population of 1038 CHS subjects using Pyrosequencing on newborn bloodspot samples. AXL genotypes were extracted from genome-wide data. Results Higher average methylation of CpGs in the AXL gene at birth was associated with higher risk of parent-reported wheezing, and the association was stronger in girls than in boys. This relationship reflected the methylation status of the gene-body region near the 5' end, for which a 1% higher methylation level was significantly associated with a 72% increased risk of ever having wheezed by 6 years. The association of one CpG locus, cg00360107 was replicated using Pyrosequencing. Increased AXL methylation was also associated with lower mRNA expression level of this gene in lung tissue from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset. Furthermore, AXL DNA methylation was strongly linked to underlying genetic polymorphisms. Conclusions AXL DNA methylation at birth was associated with higher risk for asthma-related symptoms in early childhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Gao
- 0000 0001 2156 6853grid.42505.36Department of Preventive Medicine, USC Keck School of Medicine, 2001 N. Soto Street, Los Angeles, CA 90032 USA
| | - Joshua Millstein
- 0000 0001 2156 6853grid.42505.36Department of Preventive Medicine, USC Keck School of Medicine, 2001 N. Soto Street, Los Angeles, CA 90032 USA
| | - Kimberly D. Siegmund
- 0000 0001 2156 6853grid.42505.36Department of Preventive Medicine, USC Keck School of Medicine, 2001 N. Soto Street, Los Angeles, CA 90032 USA
| | - Louis Dubeau
- 0000 0001 2156 6853grid.42505.36Department of Preventive Medicine, USC Keck School of Medicine, 2001 N. Soto Street, Los Angeles, CA 90032 USA
| | - Rachel Maguire
- 0000 0001 2173 6074grid.40803.3fDepartment of Biological Sciences, Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695 USA
| | - Frank D. Gilliland
- 0000 0001 2156 6853grid.42505.36Department of Preventive Medicine, USC Keck School of Medicine, 2001 N. Soto Street, Los Angeles, CA 90032 USA
| | - Susan K. Murphy
- 0000 0004 1936 7961grid.26009.3dDivision of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710 USA
| | - Cathrine Hoyo
- 0000 0001 2173 6074grid.40803.3fDepartment of Biological Sciences, Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695 USA
| | - Carrie V. Breton
- 0000 0001 2156 6853grid.42505.36Department of Preventive Medicine, USC Keck School of Medicine, 2001 N. Soto Street, Los Angeles, CA 90032 USA
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Lee J, Kalia V, Perera F, Herbstman J, Li T, Nie J, Qu LR, Yu J, Tang D. Prenatal airborne polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon exposure, LINE1 methylation and child development in a Chinese cohort. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2017; 99:315-320. [PMID: 28027800 PMCID: PMC5810919 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2016.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2016] [Revised: 11/15/2016] [Accepted: 12/11/2016] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) are carcinogenic, neurotoxic environmental pollutants generated during incomplete combustion of fossil fuel and other organic material. PAH exposure has been associated with adverse fetal development and epigenetic alterations in cord blood. Several molecular epidemiology studies have established PAH-DNA adducts as biomarkers of PAH exposure. OBJECTIVES We investigated the relationship between LINE1 DNA methylation and PAH-DNA adduct levels in cord blood, and with neurodevelopmental outcomes. METHODS In Tongliang County, China, the current study enrolled two population-based cohorts of nonsmoking pregnant women before (2002) and after (2005) the closure of a local coal-fired power plant in May 2004. We analyzed cord blood samples collected from mothers in the two cohorts (n=110 from 2002 cohort and n=107 from 2005 cohort) for PAH-DNA adducts and genomic LINE1 DNA methylation. Neurodevelopmental data on children were collected using the Gesell Developmental Scales (GDS) at age 2 and using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC) at age 5. RESULTS A significant inverse relationship was observed between PAH-DNA adducts and LINE1 DNA methylation (β=-0.010, p<0.038). A significant, positive association between LINE1 methylation and scores on WISC full scale and verbal (β=85.31, p<0.005; β=94.36, p<0.003) but not on the GDS. Mediation analysis did not find LINE1 to be a direct mediator between PAH-DNA adducts and IQ score. CONCLUSION LINE1 methylation in cord blood DNA was a positive predictor of IQ at age 5 and was decreased at higher levels of prenatal PAH exposure measured by PAH-DNA adducts in cord blood. However, the adverse effects of prenatal exposure to PAH on IQ scores did not appear to be directly mediated by altered LINE1 methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan Lee
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Vrinda Kalia
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Frederica Perera
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Julie Herbstman
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Tingyu Li
- Chirdren's Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | | | - L R Qu
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Jie Yu
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Deliang Tang
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States.
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Epigenetic basis of cancer health disparities: Looking beyond genetic differences. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2017; 1868:16-28. [PMID: 28108348 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2017.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2016] [Revised: 01/07/2017] [Accepted: 01/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Despite efforts at various levels, racial health disparities still exist in cancer patients. These inequalities in incidence and/or clinical outcome can only be explained by a multitude of factors, with genetic basis being one of them. Several investigations have provided convincing evidence to support epigenetic regulation of cancer-associated genes, which results in the differential transcriptome and proteome, and may be linked to a pre-disposition of individuals of certain race/ethnicity to early or more aggressive cancers. Recent technological advancements and the ability to quickly analyze whole genome have aided in these efforts, and owing to their relatively easy detection, methylation events are much well-characterized, than the acetylation events, across human populations. The early trend of investigating a pre-determined set of genes for differential epigenetic regulation is paving way for more unbiased screening. This review summarizes our current understanding of the epigenetic events that have been tied to the racial differences in cancer incidence and mortality. A better understanding of the epigenetics of racial diversity holds promise for the design and execution of novel strategies targeting the human epigenome for reducing the disparity gaps.
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11
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Fa S, Larsen TV, Bilde K, Daugaard TF, Ernst EH, Olesen RH, Mamsen LS, Ernst E, Larsen A, Nielsen AL. Assessment of global DNA methylation in the first trimester fetal tissues exposed to maternal cigarette smoking. Clin Epigenetics 2016; 8:128. [PMID: 27924165 PMCID: PMC5123323 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-016-0296-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2016] [Accepted: 11/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Maternal cigarette smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of negative health consequences for the exposed child. Epigenetic mechanisms constitute a likely link between the prenatal exposure to maternal cigarette smoking and the increased risk in later life for diverse pathologies. Maternal smoking induces gene-specific DNA methylation alterations as well as global DNA hypermethylation in the term placentas and hypomethylation in the cord blood. Early pregnancy represents a developmental time where the fetal epigenome is remodeled and accordingly can be expected to be highly prone to exposures with an epigenetic impact. We have assessed the influence of maternal cigarette smoking during the first trimester for fetal global DNA methylation. METHODS AND RESULTS We analyzed the human fetal intestines and livers as well as the placentas from the first trimester pregnancies. Global DNA methylation levels were quantified with ELISA using a methylcytosine antibody as well as with the bisulfite pyrosequencing of surrogate markers for global methylation status, LINE-1, and AluYb8. We identified gender-specific differences in global DNA methylation levels, but no significant DNA methylation changes in exposure responses to the first trimester maternal cigarette smoking. CONCLUSIONS Acknowledging that only examining subsets of global DNA methylation markers and fetal sample availability represents possible limitations for the analyses, our presented results indicate that the first trimester maternal cigarette smoking is not manifested in immediate aberrations of fetal global DNA methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svetlana Fa
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Bartholin building, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.,Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Trine Vilsbøll Larsen
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Bartholin building, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Katrine Bilde
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Bartholin building, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Tina F Daugaard
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Bartholin building, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Emil H Ernst
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Bartholin building, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Rasmus H Olesen
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Bartholin building, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Linn S Mamsen
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, The Juliane Marie Centre for Women, Children and Reproduction, University Hospital of Copenhagen, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Erik Ernst
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Bartholin building, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital of Aarhus, Skejby Sygehus, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Agnete Larsen
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Bartholin building, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Anders L Nielsen
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Bartholin building, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
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12
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Morales E, Vilahur N, Salas LA, Motta V, Fernandez MF, Murcia M, Llop S, Tardon A, Fernandez-Tardon G, Santa-Marina L, Gallastegui M, Bollati V, Estivill X, Olea N, Sunyer J, Bustamante M. Genome-wide DNA methylation study in human placenta identifies novel loci associated with maternal smoking during pregnancy. Int J Epidemiol 2016; 45:1644-1655. [PMID: 27591263 DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyw196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We conducted an epigenome-wide association study (EWAS) of DNA methylation in placenta in relation to maternal tobacco smoking during pregnancy and examined whether smoking-induced changes lead to low birthweight. METHODS DNA methylation in placenta was measured using the Illumina HumanMethylation450 BeadChip in 179 participants from the INfancia y Medio Ambiente (INMA) birth cohort. Methylation levels across 431 311 CpGs were tested for differential methylation between smokers and non-smokers in pregnancy. We took forward three top-ranking loci for further validation and replication by bisulfite pyrosequencing using data of 248 additional participants of the INMA cohort. We examined the association of methylation at smoking-associated loci with birthweight by applying a mediation analysis and a two-sample Mendelian randomization approach. RESULTS Fifty CpGs were differentially methylated in placenta between smokers and non-smokers during pregnancy [false discovery rate (FDR) < 0.05]. We validated and replicated differential methylation at three top-ranking loci: cg27402634 located between LINC00086 and LEKR1, a gene previously related to birthweight in genome-wide association studies; cg20340720 (WBP1L); and cg25585967 and cg12294026 (TRIO). Dose-response relationships with maternal urine cotinine concentration during pregnancy were confirmed. Differential methylation at cg27402634 explained up to 36% of the lower birthweight in the offspring of smokers (Sobel P-value < 0.05). A two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis provided evidence that decreases in methylation levels at cg27402634 lead to decreases in birthweight. CONCLUSIONS We identified novel loci differentially methylated in placenta in relation to maternal smoking during pregnancy. Adverse effects of maternal smoking on birthweight of the offspring may be mediated by alterations in the placental methylome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Morales
- IMIB-Arrixaca Biomedical Research Institute, Virgen de la Arrixaca University Hospital, 30120 Murcia, Spain, .,CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Nadia Vilahur
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain.,Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), 08003 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.,Genomics and Disease Group, Bioinformatics and Genomics Program, Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, 08003 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.,Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), 08003 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Lucas A Salas
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain.,Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), 08003 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.,Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), 08003 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.,Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA
| | - Valeria Motta
- EPIGET-Epidemiology, Epigenetics and Toxicology Lab-Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milano, Italy
| | - Mariana F Fernandez
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria (ibs.GRANADA), University of Granada, San Cecilio University Hospital, 18012 Granada, Spain
| | - Mario Murcia
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain.,FISABIO-Universitat de València-Universitat Jaume I Joint Research Unit of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, 46020 Valencia, Spain
| | - Sabrina Llop
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain.,FISABIO-Universitat de València-Universitat Jaume I Joint Research Unit of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, 46020 Valencia, Spain
| | - Adonina Tardon
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain.,Molecular Epidemiology of Cancer Unit, University Institute of Oncology, University of Oviedo, 33003 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Guillermo Fernandez-Tardon
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain.,Molecular Epidemiology of Cancer Unit, University Institute of Oncology, University of Oviedo, 33003 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Loreto Santa-Marina
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain.,Subdirección de Salud Pública y Adicciones de Gipuzkoa, 20010 Donostia/San Sebastián, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria BIODONOSTIA, 20014 Donostia/San Sebastián, Spain and
| | - Mara Gallastegui
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria BIODONOSTIA, 20014 Donostia/San Sebastián, Spain and.,Faculty of Pharmacy, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Valentina Bollati
- EPIGET-Epidemiology, Epigenetics and Toxicology Lab-Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milano, Italy
| | - Xavier Estivill
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain.,Genomics and Disease Group, Bioinformatics and Genomics Program, Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, 08003 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.,Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), 08003 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Nicolas Olea
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria (ibs.GRANADA), University of Granada, San Cecilio University Hospital, 18012 Granada, Spain
| | - Jordi Sunyer
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain.,Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), 08003 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.,Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), 08003 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Mariona Bustamante
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain.,Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), 08003 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.,Genomics and Disease Group, Bioinformatics and Genomics Program, Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, 08003 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.,Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), 08003 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
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13
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Leone FT, Carlsen KH, Folan P, Latzka K, Munzer A, Neptune E, Pakhale S, Sachs DPL, Samet J, Upson D, White A. An Official American Thoracic Society Research Statement: Current Understanding and Future Research Needs in Tobacco Control and Treatment. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2015; 192:e22-41. [PMID: 26230245 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.201506-1081st] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Since the mid-20th century, the scientific community has substantially improved its understanding of the worldwide tobacco epidemic. Although significant progress has been made, the sheer enormity and scope of the global problem put it on track to take a billion lives this century. Curbing the epidemic will require maximizing the impact of proven tools as well as the development of new, breakthrough methods to help interrupt the spread of nicotine addiction and reduce the downstream morbidity. METHODS Members of the Tobacco Action Committee of the American Thoracic Society queried bibliographic databases, including Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Collaborative, to identify primary sources and reviews relevant to the epidemic. Exploded search terms were used to identify evidence, including tobacco, addiction, smoking, cigarettes, nicotine, and smoking cessation. Evidence was consolidated into three thematic areas: (1) determinants of risk, (2) maternal-fetal exposure, and (3) current tobacco users. Expert panel consensus regarding current gaps in understanding and recommendations for future research priorities was generated through iterative discussion. RESULTS Although much has been accomplished, significant gaps in understanding remain. Implementation often lags well behind insight. This report identifies a number of investigative opportunities for significantly reducing the toll of tobacco use, including: (1) the need for novel, nonlinear models of population-based disease control; (2) refinement of "real-world" models of clinical intervention in trial design; and (3) understanding of mechanisms by which intrauterine smoke exposure may lead to persistent, tobacco-related chronic disease. DISCUSSION In the coming era of tobacco research, pooled talent from multiple disciplines will be required to further illuminate the complex social, environmental and biological codeterminants of tobacco dependence.
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Abstract
Rapidly growing evidences link maternal lifestyle and prenatal factors with serious health consequences and diseases later in life. Extensive epidemiological studies have identified a number of factors such as diet, stress, gestational diabetes, exposure to tobacco and alcohol during gestation as influencing normal fetal development. In light of recent discoveries, epigenetic mechanisms such as alteration of DNA methylation, chromatin modifications and modulation of gene expression during gestation are believed to possibly account for various types of plasticity such as neural tube defects, autism spectrum disorder, congenital heart defects, oral clefts, allergies and cancer. The purpose of this article is to review a number of published studies to fill the gap in our understanding of how maternal lifestyle and intrauterine environment influence molecular modifications in the offspring, with an emphasis on epigenetic alterations. To support these associations, we highlighted laboratory studies of rodents and epidemiological studies of human based on sampling population cohorts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subit Barua
- Structural Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Developmental Biochemistry, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, 1050 Forest Hill Road, Staten Island, NY 10314, USA
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15
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Chhabra D, Sharma S, Kho AT, Gaedigk R, Vyhlidal CA, Leeder JS, Morrow J, Carey VJ, Weiss ST, Tantisira KG, DeMeo DL. Fetal lung and placental methylation is associated with in utero nicotine exposure. Epigenetics 2015; 9:1473-84. [PMID: 25482056 DOI: 10.4161/15592294.2014.971593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
In utero smoke exposure has been shown to have detrimental effects on lung function and to be associated with persistent wheezing and asthma in children. One potential mechanism of IUS effects could be alterations in DNA methylation, which may have life-long implications. The goal of this study was to examine the association between DNA methylation and nicotine exposure in fetal lung and placental tissue in early development; nicotine exposure in this analysis represents a likely surrogate for in-utero smoke. We performed an epigenome-wide analysis of DNA methylation in fetal lung tissue (n = 85, 41 smoke exposed (48%), 44 controls) and the corresponding placental tissue samples (n = 80, 39 smoke exposed (49%), 41 controls) using the Illumina HumanMethylation450 BeadChip array. Differential methylation analyses were conducted to evaluate the variation associated with nicotine exposure. The most significant CpG sites in the fetal lung analysis mapped to the PKP3 (P = 2.94 × 10(-03)), ANKRD33B (P = 3.12 × 10(-03)), CNTD2 (P = 4.9 × 10(-03)) and DPP10 (P = 5.43 × 10(-03)) genes. In the placental methylome, the most significant CpG sites mapped to the GTF2H2C and GTF2H2D genes (P = 2.87 × 10(-06) - 3.48 × 10(-05)). One hundred and one unique CpG sites with P-values < 0.05 were concordant between lung and placental tissue analyses. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis demonstrated enrichment of specific disorders, such as asthma and immune disorders. Our findings demonstrate an association between in utero nicotine exposure and variable DNA methylation in fetal lung and placental tissues, suggesting a role for DNA methylation variation in the fetal origins of chronic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divya Chhabra
- a Channing Division of Network Medicine; Brigham and Women's Hospital ; Boston , MA USA
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16
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Environmental Impact on DNA Methylation in the Germline: State of the Art and Gaps of Knowledge. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 2015:123484. [PMID: 26339587 PMCID: PMC4538313 DOI: 10.1155/2015/123484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2015] [Accepted: 05/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The epigenome consists of chemical changes in DNA and chromatin that without modifying the DNA sequence modulate gene expression and cellular phenotype. The epigenome is highly plastic and reacts to changing external conditions with modifications that can be inherited to daughter cells and across generations. Whereas this innate plasticity allows for adaptation to a changing environment, it also implies the potential of epigenetic derailment leading to so-called epimutations. DNA methylation is the most studied epigenetic mark. DNA methylation changes have been associated with cancer, infertility, cardiovascular, respiratory, metabolic, immunologic, and neurodegenerative pathologies. Experiments in rodents demonstrate that exposure to a variety of chemical stressors, occurring during the prenatal or the adult life, may induce DNA methylation changes in germ cells, which may be transmitted across generations with phenotypic consequences. An increasing number of human biomonitoring studies show environmentally related DNA methylation changes mainly in blood leukocytes, whereas very few data have been so far collected on possible epigenetic changes induced in the germline, even by the analysis of easily accessible sperm. In this paper, we review the state of the art on factors impinging on DNA methylation in the germline, highlight gaps of knowledge, and propose priorities for future studies.
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17
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Conway K, Edmiston SN, Tse CK, Bryant C, Kuan PF, Hair BY, Parrish EA, May R, Swift-Scanlan T. Racial variation in breast tumor promoter methylation in the Carolina Breast Cancer Study. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2015; 24:921-30. [PMID: 25809865 PMCID: PMC4452445 DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.epi-14-1228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2014] [Accepted: 03/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND African American (AA) women are diagnosed with more advanced breast cancers and have worse survival than white women, but a comprehensive understanding of the basis for this disparity remains unclear. Analysis of DNA methylation, an epigenetic mechanism that can regulate gene expression, could help to explain racial differences in breast tumor clinical biology and outcomes. METHODS DNA methylation was evaluated at 1,287 CpGs in the promoters of cancer-related genes in 517 breast tumors of AA (n = 216) or non-AA (n = 301) cases in the Carolina Breast Cancer Study (CBCS). RESULTS Multivariable linear regression analysis of all tumors, controlling for age, menopausal status, stage, intrinsic subtype, and multiple comparisons [false discovery rate (FDR)], identified seven CpG probes that showed significant (adjusted P < 0.05) differential methylation between AAs and non-AAs. Stratified analyses detected an additional four CpG probes differing by race within hormone receptor-negative (HR(-)) tumors. Genes differentially methylated by race included DSC2, KCNK4, GSTM1, AXL, DNAJC15, HBII-52, TUSC3, and TES; the methylation state of several of these genes may be associated with worse survival in AAs. TCGA breast tumor data confirmed the differential methylation by race and negative correlations with expression for most of these genes. Several loci also showed racial differences in methylation in peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL) from CBCS cases, indicating that these variations were not necessarily tumor-specific. CONCLUSIONS Racial differences in the methylation of cancer-related genes are detectable in both tumors and PBLs from breast cancer cases. IMPACT Epigenetic variation could contribute to differences in breast tumor development and outcomes between AAs and non-AAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen Conway
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
| | - Sharon N Edmiston
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Chiu-Kit Tse
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Christopher Bryant
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Pei Fen Kuan
- Department of Applied Mathematics and Statistics, State University of New York, Stony Brook, New York
| | - Brionna Y Hair
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Eloise A Parrish
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Ryan May
- The EMMES Corporation, Rockville, Maryland
| | - Theresa Swift-Scanlan
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina. School of Nursing, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
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18
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Jiménez-Chillarón JC, Nijland MJ, Ascensão AA, Sardão VA, Magalhães J, Hitchler MJ, Domann FE, Oliveira PJ. Back to the future: transgenerational transmission of xenobiotic-induced epigenetic remodeling. Epigenetics 2015; 10:259-73. [PMID: 25774863 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2015.1020267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetics, or regulation of gene expression independent of DNA sequence, is the missing link between genotype and phenotype. Epigenetic memory, mediated by histone and DNA modifications, is controlled by a set of specialized enzymes, metabolite availability, and signaling pathways. A mostly unstudied subject is how sub-toxic exposure to several xenobiotics during specific developmental stages can alter the epigenome and contribute to the development of disease phenotypes later in life. Furthermore, it has been shown that exposure to low-dose xenobiotics can also result in further epigenetic remodeling in the germ line and contribute to increase disease risk in the next generation (multigenerational and transgenerational effects). We here offer a perspective on current but still incomplete knowledge of xenobiotic-induced epigenetic alterations, and their possible transgenerational transmission. We also propose several molecular mechanisms by which the epigenetic landscape may be altered by environmental xenobiotics and hypothesize how diet and physical activity may counteract epigenetic alterations.
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19
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Harb H, Renz H. Update on epigenetics in allergic disease. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2015; 135:15-24. [PMID: 25567039 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2014.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2014] [Revised: 11/04/2014] [Accepted: 11/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Chronic inflammatory diseases, including allergies and asthma, are the result of complex gene-environment interactions. One of the most challenging questions in this regard relates to the biochemical mechanism of how exogenous environmental trigger factors modulate and modify gene expression, subsequently leading to the development of chronic inflammatory conditions. Epigenetics comprises the umbrella of biochemical reactions and mechanisms, such as DNA methylation and chromatin modifications on histones and other structures. Recently, several lifestyle and environmental factors have been investigated in terms of such biochemical interactions with the gene expression-regulating machinery: allergens; microbes and microbial compounds; dietary factors, including vitamin B12, folic acid, and fish oil; obesity; and stress. This article aims to update recent developments in this context with an emphasis on allergy and asthma research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hani Harb
- Institute for Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, Molecular Diagnostics, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Harald Renz
- Institute for Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, Molecular Diagnostics, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg, Germany.
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20
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DNA methylation alterations in response to prenatal exposure of maternal cigarette smoking: A persistent epigenetic impact on health from maternal lifestyle? Arch Toxicol 2014; 90:231-45. [DOI: 10.1007/s00204-014-1426-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2014] [Accepted: 11/25/2014] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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21
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Klingbeil EC, Hew KM, Nygaard UC, Nadeau KC. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, tobacco smoke, and epigenetic remodeling in asthma. Immunol Res 2014; 58:369-73. [PMID: 24760221 PMCID: PMC4161467 DOI: 10.1007/s12026-014-8508-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Environmental determinants including aerosolized pollutants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and tobacco smoke have been associated with exacerbation and increased incidence of asthma. The influence of aerosolized pollutants on the development of immune dysfunction in asthmatics has been suggested to be mediated through epigenetic remodeling. Genome accessibility and transcription are regulated primarily through DNA methylation, histone modification, and microRNA transcript silencing. Epigenetic remodeling has been shown in studies to be associated with Th2 polarization and associated cytokine and chemokine regulation in the development of asthma. This review will present evidence for the contribution of the aerosolized pollutants PAH and environmental tobacco smoke to epigenetic remodeling in asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- E C Klingbeil
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, Rm. S-303, Stanford, CA, 94305-5107, USA,
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22
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Ganu RS, Harris RA, Collins K, Aagaard KM. Early origins of adult disease: approaches for investigating the programmable epigenome in humans, nonhuman primates, and rodents. ILAR J 2014; 53:306-21. [PMID: 23744969 DOI: 10.1093/ilar.53.3-4.306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
According to the developmental origins of health and disease hypothesis, in utero experiences reprogram an individual for immediate adaptation to gestational perturbations, with the sequelae of later-in-life risk of metabolic disease. An altered gestational milieu with resultant adult metabolic disease has been observed in instances of both in utero constraint (e.g., from famine or uteroplacental insufficiency) and overt caloric abundance (e.g., from a maternal high-fat, caloric-dense diet). The commonality of the adult metabolic phenotype begs the question of how diverse in utero experiences (i.e., reprogramming events) converge on common metabolic pathways and how the memory of these events is maintained across the lifespan. We and others have investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying fetal programming and observed that epigenetic modifications to the fetal and placental epigenome accompany these reprogramming events. Based on several lines of emerging data in human and nonhuman primates, it is now felt that modified epigenetic signature--and the histone code in particular--underlies alterations in postnatal gene expression and metabolic pathways central to accurate functioning and maintenance of health. Because of the tissue lineage specificity of many of these modifications, nonhuman primates serve as an apt model system for the capacity to recapitulate human gene expression and regulation during development. This review summarizes recent epigenetic advances using rodent and primate (both human and nonhuman) models during in utero development and contributing to adult diseases later in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radhika S Ganu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
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23
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Genetic effects on DNA methylation and its potential relevance for obesity in Mexican Americans. PLoS One 2013; 8:e73950. [PMID: 24058506 PMCID: PMC3772804 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0073950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2013] [Accepted: 07/23/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Several studies have identified effects of genetic variation on DNA methylation patterns and associated heritability, with research primarily focused on Caucasian individuals. In this paper, we examine the evidence for genetic effects on DNA methylation in a Mexican American cohort, a population burdened by a high prevalence of obesity. Using an Illumina-based platform and following stringent quality control procedures, we assessed a total of 395 CpG sites in peripheral blood samples obtained from 183 Mexican American individuals for evidence of heritability, proximal genetic regulation and association with age, sex and obesity measures (i.e. waist circumference and body mass index). We identified 16 CpG sites (∼4%) that were significantly heritable after Bonferroni correction for multiple testing and 27 CpG sites (∼6.9%) that showed evidence of genetic effects. Six CpG sites (∼2%) were associated with age, primarily exhibiting positive relationships, including CpG sites in two genes that have been implicated in previous genome-wide methylation studies of age (FZD9 and MYOD1). In addition, we identified significant associations between three CpG sites (∼1%) and sex, including DNA methylation in CASP6, a gene that may respond to estradiol treatment, and in HSD17B12, which encodes a sex steroid hormone. Although we did not identify any significant associations between DNA methylation and the obesity measures, several nominally significant results were observed in genes related to adipogenesis, obesity, energy homeostasis and glucose homeostasis (ARHGAP9, CDKN2A, FRZB, HOXA5, JAK3, MEST, NPY, PEG3 and SMARCB1). In conclusion, we were able to replicate several findings from previous studies in our Mexican American cohort, supporting an important role for genetic effects on DNA methylation. In addition, we found a significant influence of age and sex on DNA methylation, and report on trend-level, novel associations between DNA methylation and measures of obesity.
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Jackson FLC, Niculescu MD, Jackson RT. Conceptual shifts needed to understand the dynamic interactions of genes, environment, epigenetics, social processes, and behavioral choices. Am J Public Health 2013; 103 Suppl 1:S33-42. [PMID: 23927503 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2013.301221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Social and behavioral research in public health is often intimately tied to profound, but frequently neglected, biological influences from underlying genetic, environmental, and epigenetic events. The dynamic interplay between the life, social, and behavioral sciences often remains underappreciated and underutilized in addressing complex diseases and disorders and in developing effective remediation strategies. Using a case-study format, we present examples as to how the inclusion of genetic, environmental, and epigenetic data can augment social and behavioral health research by expanding the parameters of such studies, adding specificity to phenotypic assessments, and providing additional internal control in comparative studies. We highlight the important roles of gene-environment interactions and epigenetics as sources of phenotypic change and as a bridge between the life and social and behavioral sciences in the development of robust interdisciplinary analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatimah L C Jackson
- Fatimah L. C. Jackson, and Mihai D. Niculescu are with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Robert T. Jackson is with the University of Maryland at College Park
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25
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Morrill BH, Cox L, Ward A, Heywood S, Prather RS, Isom SC. Targeted DNA methylation analysis by high throughput sequencing in porcine peri-attachment embryos. J Reprod Dev 2013; 59:314-20. [PMID: 23428632 PMCID: PMC3934139 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2012-144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this experiment was to implement and evaluate the effectiveness of a next-generation sequencing-based method for DNA methylation analysis in porcine embryonic samples. Fourteen discrete genomic regions were amplified by PCR using bisulfite-converted genomic DNA derived from day 14 in vivo-derived (IVV) and parthenogenetic (PA) porcine embryos as template DNA. Resulting PCR products were subjected to high-throughput sequencing using the Illumina Genome Analyzer IIx platform. The average depth of sequencing coverage was 14,611 for IVV and 17,068 for PA. Quantitative analysis of the methylation profiles of both input samples for each genomic locus showed distinct differences in methylation profiles between IVV and PA samples for six of the target loci, and subtle differences in four loci. It was concluded that high throughput sequencing technologies can be effectively applied to provide a powerful, cost-effective approach to targeted DNA methylation analysis of embryonic and other reproductive tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benson H Morrill
- Animal Dairy & Veterinary Sciences Department, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322, USA
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Quon G, Lippert C, Heckerman D, Listgarten J. Patterns of methylation heritability in a genome-wide analysis of four brain regions. Nucleic Acids Res 2013; 41:2095-104. [PMID: 23303775 PMCID: PMC3575819 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gks1449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2012] [Revised: 12/07/2012] [Accepted: 12/12/2012] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation has been implicated in a number of diseases and other phenotypes. It is, therefore, of interest to identify and understand the genetic determinants of methylation and epigenomic variation. We investigated the extent to which genetic variation in cis-DNA sequence explains variation in CpG dinucleotide methylation in publicly available data for four brain regions from unrelated individuals, finding that 3-4% of CpG loci assayed were heritable, with a mean estimated narrow-sense heritability of 30% over the heritable loci. Over all loci, the mean estimated heritability was 3%, as compared with a recent twin-based study reporting 18%. Heritable loci were enriched for open chromatin regions and binding sites of CTCF, an influential regulator of transcription and chromatin architecture. Additionally, heritable loci were proximal to genes enriched in several known pathways, suggesting a possible functional role for these loci. Our estimates of heritability are conservative, and we suspect that the number of identified heritable loci will increase as the methylome is assayed across a broader range of cell types and the density of the tested loci is increased. Finally, we show that the number of heritable loci depends on the window size parameter commonly used to identify candidate cis-acting single-nucleotide polymorphism variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerald Quon
- eScience Group, Microsoft Research, 1100 Glendon Avenue, Suite PH1, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA and Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 32 Vassar Street, Room 32-D516, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Christoph Lippert
- eScience Group, Microsoft Research, 1100 Glendon Avenue, Suite PH1, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA and Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 32 Vassar Street, Room 32-D516, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - David Heckerman
- eScience Group, Microsoft Research, 1100 Glendon Avenue, Suite PH1, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA and Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 32 Vassar Street, Room 32-D516, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Jennifer Listgarten
- eScience Group, Microsoft Research, 1100 Glendon Avenue, Suite PH1, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA and Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 32 Vassar Street, Room 32-D516, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
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Yang IV, Schwartz DA. Epigenetic mechanisms and the development of asthma. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2012; 130:1243-55. [PMID: 23026498 PMCID: PMC3518374 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2012.07.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2012] [Revised: 07/26/2012] [Accepted: 07/27/2012] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Asthma is heritable, influenced by the environment, and modified by in utero exposures and aging; all of these features are also common to epigenetic regulation. Furthermore, the transcription factors that are involved in the development of mature T cells that are critical to the T(H)2 immune phenotype in asthmatic patients are regulated by epigenetic mechanisms. Epigenetic marks (DNA methylation, modifications of histone tails, and noncoding RNAs) work in concert with other components of the cellular regulatory machinery to control the spatial and temporal levels of expressed genes. Technology to measure epigenetic marks on a genomic scale and comprehensive approaches to data analysis have recently emerged and continue to improve. Alterations in epigenetic marks have been associated with exposures relevant to asthma, particularly air pollution and tobacco smoke, as well as asthma phenotypes, in a few population-based studies. On the other hand, animal studies have begun to decipher the role of epigenetic regulation of gene expression associated with the development of allergic airway disease. Epigenetic mechanisms represent a promising line of inquiry that might, in part, explain the inheritance and immunobiology of asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana V Yang
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
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Suter MA, Anders AM, Aagaard KM. Maternal smoking as a model for environmental epigenetic changes affecting birthweight and fetal programming. Mol Hum Reprod 2012; 19:1-6. [PMID: 23139402 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gas050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the association between maternal smoking and low birthweight infants has been well established, the mechanisms behind reduced fetal growth are still being elucidated. While many infants are exposed to tobacco smoke in utero, not all are born growth restricted or small for gestational age. Many hypotheses have emerged to explain the differential response to in utero maternal tobacco smoke exposure (MTSE). Studies have shown that both maternal and fetal genotypes may contribute to the discrepant outcomes. However, the contribution of epigenetic changes cannot be ignored. In this review we address two important questions regarding the effect of MTSE on the fetal epigenome. First, does exposure to maternal tobacco smoke in utero alter the fetal epigenome? Secondly, could these alterations be associated with the reduced fetal growth observed with MTSE?
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa A Suter
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Jones 314, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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Ott M, Litzenburger UM, Sahm F, Rauschenbach KJ, Tudoran R, Hartmann C, Marquez VE, von Deimling A, Wick W, Platten M. Promotion of glioblastoma cell motility by enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is mediated by AXL receptor kinase. PLoS One 2012; 7:e47663. [PMID: 23077658 PMCID: PMC3471855 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0047663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2012] [Accepted: 09/14/2012] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is the catalytic subunit of the Polycomb-repressive complex 2 (PRC2) that epigenetically silences gene transcription through histone H3 lysine trimethylation (H3K27me3). EZH2 has been implicated in stem cell maintenance and is overexpressed in hematological and solid malignancie`s including malignant glioma. EZH2 is thought to promote tumor progression by silencing tumor suppressor genes. Hence pharmacological disruption of the PRC2 is an attractive therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment. Here we show that EZH2 is expressed in human glioma and correlates with malignancy. Silencing of EZH2 reduced glioma cell proliferation and invasiveness. While we did not observe induction of cell cycle-associated tumor suppressor genes by silencing or pharmacological inhibition of EZH2, microarray analyses demonstrated a strong transcriptional reduction of the AXL receptor kinase. Neither histone nor DNA methylation appeared to be involved in the positive regulation of AXL by EZH2. Silencing AXL mimicked the antiinvasive effects of EZH2 knockdown. Finally, AXL expression is found in human gliomas with high EZH2 expression. Collectively these data suggest that EZH2 drives glioma invasiveness via transcriptional control of AXL independent of histone or DNA methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Ott
- Department of Neurooncology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Helmholtz Group Experimental Neuroimmunology and Clinical Cooperation Unit, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ulrike M. Litzenburger
- Department of Neurooncology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Helmholtz Group Experimental Neuroimmunology and Clinical Cooperation Unit, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Felix Sahm
- Institute for Neuropathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Neuropathology, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Katharina J. Rauschenbach
- Department of Neurooncology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Helmholtz Group Experimental Neuroimmunology and Clinical Cooperation Unit, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ruxandra Tudoran
- Department of Neurooncology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Helmholtz Group Experimental Neuroimmunology and Clinical Cooperation Unit, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christian Hartmann
- Institute for Neuropathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Neuropathology, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Neuropathology, Institute for Pathology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Victor E. Marquez
- Chemical Biology Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Andreas von Deimling
- Institute for Neuropathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Neuropathology, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Wick
- Department of Neurooncology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Neurooncology, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael Platten
- Department of Neurooncology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Helmholtz Group Experimental Neuroimmunology and Clinical Cooperation Unit, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
- * E-mail:
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Salam MT, Zhang Y, Begum K. Epigenetics and childhood asthma: current evidence and future research directions. Epigenomics 2012; 4:415-29. [PMID: 22920181 PMCID: PMC3458510 DOI: 10.2217/epi.12.32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Asthma is the most common chronic disease of childhood, affecting one in eight children in the USA and worldwide. It is a complex disease, influenced by both environmental exposures and genetic factors. Although epigenetic modifications (DNA methylation, histone modification and miRNA) can affect transcriptional activity in multiple genetic pathways relevant for asthma development, very limited work has been carried out so far to examine the role of epigenetic variations on asthma development and management. This review provides a brief overview of epigenetic modifications, summarizes recent findings, and discusses some of the major methodological concerns that are relevant for asthma epigenetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad T Salam
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
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Suter MA, Aagaard K. What changes in DNA methylation take place in individuals exposed to maternal smoking in utero? Epigenomics 2012; 4:115-8. [PMID: 22449181 DOI: 10.2217/epi.12.7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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Cortessis VK, Thomas DC, Levine AJ, Breton CV, Mack TM, Siegmund KD, Haile RW, Laird PW. Environmental epigenetics: prospects for studying epigenetic mediation of exposure-response relationships. Hum Genet 2012; 131:1565-89. [PMID: 22740325 PMCID: PMC3432200 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-012-1189-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 194] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2012] [Accepted: 06/07/2012] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Changes in epigenetic marks such as DNA methylation and histone acetylation are associated with a broad range of disease traits, including cancer, asthma, metabolic disorders, and various reproductive conditions. It seems plausible that changes in epigenetic state may be induced by environmental exposures such as malnutrition, tobacco smoke, air pollutants, metals, organic chemicals, other sources of oxidative stress, and the microbiome, particularly if the exposure occurs during key periods of development. Thus, epigenetic changes could represent an important pathway by which environmental factors influence disease risks, both within individuals and across generations. We discuss some of the challenges in studying epigenetic mediation of pathogenesis and describe some unique opportunities for exploring these phenomena.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria K. Cortessis
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1441 Eastlake Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90089 USA
| | - Duncan C. Thomas
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 2001 N. Soto St., SSB-202F, Los Angeles, CA 90089-9234 USA
| | - A. Joan Levine
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1441 Eastlake Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90089 USA
| | - Carrie V. Breton
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 2001 N. Soto St., Los Angeles, CA 90089-9234 USA
| | - Thomas M. Mack
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1441 Eastlake Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90089 USA
| | - Kimberly D. Siegmund
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 2001 N. Soto St., Los Angeles, CA 90089-9234 USA
| | - Robert W. Haile
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1441 Eastlake Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90089 USA
| | - Peter W. Laird
- Departments of Surgery, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Epigenome Center, 1441 Eastlake Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90089-9601 USA
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Effect of secondhand smoke on asthma control among black and Latino children. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2012; 129:1478-83.e7. [PMID: 22552109 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2012.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2011] [Revised: 03/05/2012] [Accepted: 03/06/2012] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Among patients with asthma, the clinical effect and relative contribution of maternal smoking during pregnancy (in utero smoking) and current secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure on asthma control is poorly documented, and there is a paucity of research involving minority populations. OBJECTIVES We sought to examine the association between poor asthma control and in utero smoking and current SHS exposure among Latino and black children with asthma. METHODS We performed a case-only analysis of 2 multicenter case-control studies conducted from 2008-2010 with similar protocols. We recruited 2481 Latino and black subjects with asthma (ages 8-17 years) from the mainland United States and Puerto Rico. Ordinal logistic regression was used to estimate the effect of in utero smoking and current SHS exposures on National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute-defined asthma control. RESULTS Poor asthma control among children 8 to 17 years of age was independently associated with in utero smoking (odds ratio [OR], 1.5; 95% CI, 1.1-2.0). In utero smoking through the mother was also associated with secondary asthma outcomes, including early-onset asthma (OR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.1-2.4), daytime symptoms (OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.1-2.1), and asthma-related limitation of activities (OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.2-2.2). CONCLUSIONS Maternal smoking while in utero is associated with poor asthma control in black and Latino subjects assessed at 8-17 years of age.
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