1
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Inserra A, Campanale A, Rezai T, Romualdi P, Rubino T. Epigenetic mechanisms of rapid-acting antidepressants. Transl Psychiatry 2024; 14:359. [PMID: 39231927 PMCID: PMC11375021 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-024-03055-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 08/19/2024] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rapid-acting antidepressants (RAADs), including dissociative anesthetics, psychedelics, and empathogens, elicit rapid and sustained therapeutic improvements in psychiatric disorders by purportedly modulating neuroplasticity, neurotransmission, and immunity. These outcomes may be mediated by, or result in, an acute and/or sustained entrainment of epigenetic processes, which remodel chromatin structure and alter DNA accessibility to regulate gene expression. METHODS In this perspective, we present an overview of the known mechanisms, knowledge gaps, and future directions surrounding the epigenetic effects of RAADs, with a focus on the regulation of stress-responsive DNA and brain regions, and on the comparison with conventional antidepressants. MAIN BODY Preliminary correlative evidence indicates that administration of RAADs is accompanied by epigenetic effects which are similar to those elicited by conventional antidepressants. These include changes in DNA methylation, post-translational modifications of histones, and differential regulation of non-coding RNAs in stress-responsive chromatin areas involved in neurotrophism, neurotransmission, and immunomodulation, in stress-responsive brain regions. Whether these epigenetic changes causally contribute to the therapeutic effects of RAADs, are a consequence thereof, or are unrelated, remains unknown. Moreover, the potential cell type-specificity and mechanisms involved are yet to be fully elucidated. Candidate mechanisms include neuronal activity- and serotonin and Tropomyosine Receptor Kinase B (TRKB) signaling-mediated epigenetic changes, and direct interaction with DNA, histones, or chromatin remodeling complexes. CONCLUSION Correlative evidence suggests that epigenetic changes induced by RAADs accompany therapeutic and side effects, although causation, mechanisms, and cell type-specificity remain largely unknown. Addressing these research gaps may lead to the development of novel neuroepigenetics-based precision therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Inserra
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Behavioral Neuroscience Laboratory, University of South Santa Catarina (UNISUL), Tubarão, Brazil., Tubarão, Brazil.
| | | | - Tamim Rezai
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Patrizia Romualdi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Tiziana Rubino
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences and Neuroscience Center, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
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2
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Vullioud C, Benhaiem S, Meneghini D, Szyf M, Shao Y, Hofer H, East ML, Fickel J, Weyrich A. Epigenetic signatures of social status in wild female spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta). Commun Biol 2024; 7:313. [PMID: 38548860 PMCID: PMC10978994 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-05926-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024] Open
Abstract
In mammalian societies, dominance hierarchies translate into inequalities in health, reproductive performance and survival. DNA methylation is thought to mediate the effects of social status on gene expression and phenotypic outcomes, yet a study of social status-specific DNA methylation profiles in different age classes in a wild social mammal is missing. We tested for social status signatures in DNA methylation profiles in wild female spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta), cubs and adults, using non-invasively collected gut epithelium samples. In spotted hyena clans, female social status influences access to resources, foraging behavior, health, reproductive performance and survival. We identified 149 differentially methylated regions between 42 high- and low-ranking female spotted hyenas (cubs and adults). Differentially methylated genes were associated with energy conversion, immune function, glutamate receptor signalling and ion transport. Our results provide evidence that socio-environmental inequalities are reflected at the molecular level in cubs and adults in a wild social mammal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin Vullioud
- Department of Evolutionary Genetics, Leibniz-Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW), Berlin, Germany
| | - Sarah Benhaiem
- Department of Ecological Dynamics, Leibniz-Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW), Berlin, Germany
| | - Dorina Meneghini
- Department of Evolutionary Genetics, Leibniz-Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW), Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Yong Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Heribert Hofer
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW), Berlin, Germany
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Biology, Chemistry, Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Marion L East
- Department of Ecological Dynamics, Leibniz-Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW), Berlin, Germany
| | - Jörns Fickel
- Department of Evolutionary Genetics, Leibniz-Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW), Berlin, Germany
- University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Alexandra Weyrich
- Department of Evolutionary Genetics, Leibniz-Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW), Berlin, Germany.
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.
- Universität Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.
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3
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Anderson JA, Lin D, Lea AJ, Johnston RA, Voyles T, Akinyi MY, Archie EA, Alberts SC, Tung J. DNA methylation signatures of early-life adversity are exposure-dependent in wild baboons. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2309469121. [PMID: 38442181 PMCID: PMC10945818 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2309469121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The early-life environment can profoundly shape the trajectory of an animal's life, even years or decades later. One mechanism proposed to contribute to these early-life effects is DNA methylation. However, the frequency and functional importance of DNA methylation in shaping early-life effects on adult outcomes is poorly understood, especially in natural populations. Here, we integrate prospectively collected data on fitness-associated variation in the early environment with DNA methylation estimates at 477,270 CpG sites in 256 wild baboons. We find highly heterogeneous relationships between the early-life environment and DNA methylation in adulthood: aspects of the environment linked to resource limitation (e.g., low-quality habitat, early-life drought) are associated with many more CpG sites than other types of environmental stressors (e.g., low maternal social status). Sites associated with early resource limitation are enriched in gene bodies and putative enhancers, suggesting they are functionally relevant. Indeed, by deploying a baboon-specific, massively parallel reporter assay, we show that a subset of windows containing these sites are capable of regulatory activity, and that, for 88% of early drought-associated sites in these regulatory windows, enhancer activity is DNA methylation-dependent. Together, our results support the idea that DNA methylation patterns contain a persistent signature of the early-life environment. However, they also indicate that not all environmental exposures leave an equivalent mark and suggest that socioenvironmental variation at the time of sampling is more likely to be functionally important. Thus, multiple mechanisms must converge to explain early-life effects on fitness-related traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan A. Anderson
- Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, Duke University, Durham, NC27708
| | - Dana Lin
- Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, Duke University, Durham, NC27708
| | - Amanda J. Lea
- Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Child & Brain Development Program, Toronto, ONM5G 1M1, Canada
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN37235
| | | | - Tawni Voyles
- Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, Duke University, Durham, NC27708
| | - Mercy Y. Akinyi
- Institute of Primate Research, National Museums of Kenya, Nairobi00502, Kenya
| | - Elizabeth A. Archie
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN46556
| | - Susan C. Alberts
- Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, Duke University, Durham, NC27708
- Department of Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC27708
- Duke Population Research Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC27708
| | - Jenny Tung
- Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, Duke University, Durham, NC27708
- Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Child & Brain Development Program, Toronto, ONM5G 1M1, Canada
- Department of Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC27708
- Duke Population Research Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC27708
- Department of Primate Behavior and Evolution, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig04103, Germany
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4
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Siller Wilks SJ, Heidinger BJ, Westneat DF, Solomon J, Rubenstein DR. The impact of parental and developmental stress on DNA methylation in the avian hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Mol Ecol 2024; 33:e17291. [PMID: 38343177 DOI: 10.1111/mec.17291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis coordinates an organism's response to environmental stress. The responsiveness and sensitivity of an offspring's stress response may be shaped not only by stressors encountered in their early post-natal environment but also by stressors in their parent's environment. Yet, few studies have considered how stressors encountered in both of these early life environments may function together to impact the developing HPA axis. Here, we manipulated stressors in the parental and post-natal environments in a population of house sparrows (Passer domesticus) to assess their impact on changes in DNA methylation (and corresponding gene expression) in a suite of genes within the HPA axis. We found that nestlings that experienced early life stress across both life-history periods had higher DNA methylation in a critical HPA axis gene, the glucocorticoid receptor (NR3C1). In addition, we found that the life-history stage when stress was encountered impacted some genes (HSD11B1, NR3C1 and NR3C2) differently. We also found evidence for the mitigation of parental stress by post-natal stress (in HSD11B1 and NR3C2). Finally, by assessing DNA methylation in both the brain and blood, we were able to evaluate cross-tissue patterns. While some differentially methylated regions were tissue-specific, we found cross-tissue changes in NR3C2 and NR3C1, suggesting that blood is a suitable tissue for assessing DNA methylation as a biomarker of early life stress. Our results provide a crucial first step in understanding the mechanisms by which early life stress in different life-history periods contributes to changes in the epigenome of the HPA axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie J Siller Wilks
- Department of Ecology Evolution and Environmental Biology, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Britt J Heidinger
- Biological Sciences Department, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota, USA
| | - David F Westneat
- Department of Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Joseph Solomon
- Department of Ecology Evolution and Environmental Biology, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Dustin R Rubenstein
- Department of Ecology Evolution and Environmental Biology, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
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5
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Liang A, Gomaa N. Social Capital Associates With Better Cognitive Health, Oral Health and Epigenetic Age Deceleration: Findings From the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging. Int J Aging Hum Dev 2023:914150231208689. [PMID: 37974418 DOI: 10.1177/00914150231208689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Background: Social exposures are linked to an array of health outcomes, especially around aging. In this study, we examined the association of social capital, defined as social relationships and networks, with clinical and biological outcomes including cognitive health, oral inflammation, and epigenetic aging. Methods: We used data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA) (n = 1,479; aged 45-85 years), categorizing social capital as structural and cognitive capital. Oral inflammation was determined as the presence of gum bleeding. Epigenetic aging was computed as the difference between chronological age and DNA methylation age. We constructed multivariable regression models adjusted for covariates to assess the relationships of interest. Results: Higher structural social capital was associated with decelerated epigenetic aging and better cognitive health outcomes, while higher cognitive social capital was associated with better cognitive outcomes and less oral inflammation. Conclusion: Enhanced social capital may contribute to better clinical and biological outcomes around aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aileen Liang
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Canada
| | - Noha Gomaa
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Canada
- Children's Health Research Institute, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Canada
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6
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Yang Z, Kubant R, Cho CE, Kranenburg E, Beaudry J, Bottiglieri T, Anderson GH. Micronutrients in High-Fat Diet Modify Insulin Resistance and Its Regulatory Genes in Adult Male Mice. Mol Nutr Food Res 2023; 67:e2300199. [PMID: 37526337 DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.202300199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
SCOPE Obesity and insulin resistance (IR) are associated with epigenetic changes of gene expression. However, the relationship between micronutrients, epigenetic regulation of gene expression, and IR during development of diet-induced obesity has yet to be defined. Our objective is to describe the effect of micronutrient addition to diets on IR and its related genes during obesity development. METHODS AND RESULTS Male C57BL/6J mice are fed a high-fat (HFD) or low-fat (LFD) diets with or without a multi-vitamin mineral mix (MVM) addition containing vitamins A, B1, B6, B12, and Zn, and Se for 9 weeks. Compared to LFD mice, HFD mice have higher body weight, IR, fasting glucose, insulin, C-peptide, leptin, and hepatic triglyceride concentrations, and dysregulated gene expression in liver, muscle, pancreas, and fat tissues (p < 0.05). The addition of MVM reduces these HFD-induced effects. HFD downregulates 27 genes associated with insulin regulation and adipose tissue function across all tissues by an average of 47% and upregulates five genes by 230% (p < 0.001). Adding MVM downregulates five genes and upregulates one in HFD-fed mice. Both HFD and MVM alter one-carbon metabolites. CONCLUSION Addition of micronutrients to the HFD decreases IR and modifies associated gene expression in obese and lean mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeyu Yang
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ruslan Kubant
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Clara E Cho
- Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, College of Biological Science, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Eva Kranenburg
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jacqueline Beaudry
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Teodoro Bottiglieri
- Institute of Metabolic Disease, Baylor Scott & White Health, Austin, TX, USA
| | - G Harvey Anderson
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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7
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Anderson JA, Lin D, Lea AJ, Johnston RA, Voyles T, Akinyi MY, Archie EA, Alberts SC, Tung J. DNA methylation signatures of early life adversity are exposure-dependent in wild baboons. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.05.542485. [PMID: 37333311 PMCID: PMC10274726 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.05.542485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
The early life environment can profoundly shape the trajectory of an animal's life, even years or decades later. One mechanism proposed to contribute to these early life effects is DNA methylation. However, the frequency and functional importance of DNA methylation in shaping early life effects on adult outcomes is poorly understood, especially in natural populations. Here, we integrate prospectively collected data on fitness-associated variation in the early environment with DNA methylation estimates at 477,270 CpG sites in 256 wild baboons. We find highly heterogeneous relationships between the early life environment and DNA methylation in adulthood: aspects of the environment linked to resource limitation (e.g., low-quality habitat, early life drought) are associated with many more CpG sites than other types of environmental stressors (e.g., low maternal social status). Sites associated with early resource limitation are enriched in gene bodies and putative enhancers, suggesting they are functionally relevant. Indeed, by deploying a baboon-specific, massively parallel reporter assay, we show that a subset of windows containing these sites are capable of regulatory activity, and that, for 88% of early drought-associated sites in these regulatory windows, enhancer activity is DNA methylation-dependent. Together, our results support the idea that DNA methylation patterns contain a persistent signature of the early life environment. However, they also indicate that not all environmental exposures leave an equivalent mark and suggest that socioenvironmental variation at the time of sampling is more likely to be functionally important. Thus, multiple mechanisms must converge to explain early life effects on fitness-related traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan A Anderson
- Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, USA
| | - Dana Lin
- Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, USA
| | - Amanda J Lea
- Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Toronto, Canada M5G 1M1, Canada
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, 37235, USA
| | - Rachel A Johnston
- Zoo New England, Stoneham, Massachusetts, 02180
- Broad Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02142
| | - Tawni Voyles
- Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, USA
| | - Mercy Y Akinyi
- Institute of Primate Research, National Museums of Kenya, Nairobi 00502, Kenya
| | - Elizabeth A Archie
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, USA
| | - Susan C Alberts
- Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, USA
- Department of Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, USA
- Duke Population Research Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Jenny Tung
- Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, USA
- Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Toronto, Canada M5G 1M1, Canada
- Department of Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, USA
- Duke Population Research Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
- Department of Primate Behavior and Evolution, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
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8
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Apsley AT, Etzel L, Hastings WJ, Heim CC, Noll JG, O'Donnell KJ, Schreier HMC, Shenk CE, Ye Q, Shalev I. Investigating the effects of maltreatment and acute stress on the concordance of blood and DNA methylation methods of estimating immune cell proportions. Clin Epigenetics 2023; 15:33. [PMID: 36855187 PMCID: PMC9976543 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-023-01437-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immune cell proportions can be used to detect pathophysiological states and are also critical covariates in genomic analyses. The complete blood count (CBC) is the most common method of immune cell proportion estimation, but immune cell proportions can also be estimated using whole-genome DNA methylation (DNAm). Although the concordance of CBC and DNAm estimations has been validated in various adult and clinical populations, less is known about the concordance of existing estimators among stress-exposed individuals. As early life adversity and acute psychosocial stress have both been associated with unique DNAm alterations, the concordance of CBC and DNAm immune cell proportion needs to be validated in various states of stress. RESULTS We report the correlation and concordance between CBC and DNAm estimates of immune cell proportions using the Illumina EPIC DNAm array within two unique studies: Study 1, a high-risk pediatric cohort of children oversampled for exposure to maltreatment (N = 365, age 8 to 14 years), and Study 2, a sample of young adults who have participated in an acute laboratory stressor with four pre- and post-stress measurements (N = 28, number of observations = 100). Comparing CBC and DNAm proportions across both studies, estimates of neutrophils (r = 0.948, p < 0.001), lymphocytes (r = 0.916, p < 0.001), and eosinophils (r = 0.933, p < 0.001) were highly correlated, while monocyte estimates were moderately correlated (r = 0.766, p < 0.001) and basophil estimates were weakly correlated (r = 0.189, p < 0.001). In Study 1, we observed significant deviations in raw values between the two approaches for some immune cell subtypes; however, the observed differences were not significantly predicted by exposure to child maltreatment. In Study 2, while significant changes in immune cell proportions were observed in response to acute psychosocial stress for both CBC and DNAm estimates, the observed changes were similar for both approaches. CONCLUSIONS Although significant differences in immune cell proportion estimates between CBC and DNAm exist, as well as stress-induced changes in immune cell proportions, neither child maltreatment nor acute psychosocial stress alters the concordance of CBC and DNAm estimation methods. These results suggest that the agreement between CBC and DNAm estimators of immune cell proportions is robust to exposure to child maltreatment and acute psychosocial stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abner T Apsley
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, 219 Biobehavioral Health Building, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Integrated Biosciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Laura Etzel
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, 219 Biobehavioral Health Building, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Waylon J Hastings
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, 219 Biobehavioral Health Building, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Christine C Heim
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, 219 Biobehavioral Health Building, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
- Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, and Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Institute of Medical Psychology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jennie G Noll
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Kieran J O'Donnell
- Yale Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Obstetrics Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Hannah M C Schreier
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, 219 Biobehavioral Health Building, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Chad E Shenk
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Qiaofeng Ye
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, 219 Biobehavioral Health Building, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Idan Shalev
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, 219 Biobehavioral Health Building, University Park, PA, 16802, USA.
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9
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Bekdash RA. Methyl Donors, Epigenetic Alterations, and Brain Health: Understanding the Connection. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032346. [PMID: 36768667 PMCID: PMC9917111 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Methyl donors such as choline, betaine, folic acid, methionine, and vitamins B6 and B12 are critical players in the one-carbon metabolism and have neuroprotective functions. The one-carbon metabolism comprises a series of interconnected chemical pathways that are important for normal cellular functions. Among these pathways are those of the methionine and folate cycles, which contribute to the formation of S-adenosylmethionine (SAM). SAM is the universal methyl donor of methylation reactions such as histone and DNA methylation, two epigenetic mechanisms that regulate gene expression and play roles in human health and disease. Epigenetic mechanisms have been considered a bridge between the effects of environmental factors, such as nutrition, and phenotype. Studies in human and animal models have indicated the importance of the optimal levels of methyl donors on brain health and behavior across the lifespan. Imbalances in the levels of these micronutrients during critical periods of brain development have been linked to epigenetic alterations in the expression of genes that regulate normal brain function. We present studies that support the link between imbalances in the levels of methyl donors, epigenetic alterations, and stress-related disorders. Appropriate levels of these micronutrients should then be monitored at all stages of development for a healthier brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rola A Bekdash
- Department of Biological Sciences, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ 07102, USA
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10
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No evidence for intervention-associated DNA methylation changes in monocytes of patients with posttraumatic stress disorder. Sci Rep 2022; 12:17347. [PMID: 36253434 PMCID: PMC9576776 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-22177-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation patterns can be responsive to environmental influences. This observation has sparked interest in the potential for psychological interventions to influence epigenetic processes. Recent studies have observed correlations between DNA methylation changes and therapy outcome. However, most did not control for changes in cell composition. This study had two aims: first, we sought to replicate therapy-associated changes in DNA methylation of commonly assessed candidate genes in isolated monocytes from 60 female patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Our second, exploratory goal was to identify novel genomic regions with substantial pre-to-post intervention DNA methylation changes by performing whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) in two patients with PTSD. Equivalence testing and Bayesian analyses provided evidence against physiologically meaningful intervention-associated DNA methylation changes in monocytes of PTSD patients in commonly investigated target genes (NR3C1, FKBP5, SLC6A4, OXTR). Furthermore, WGBS yielded only a limited set of candidate regions with suggestive evidence of differential DNA methylation pre- to post-therapy. These differential DNA methylation patterns did not prove replicable when investigated in the entire cohort. We conclude that there is no evidence for major, recurrent intervention-associated DNA methylation changes in the investigated genes in monocytes of patients with PTSD.
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11
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Pallier PN, Ferrara M, Romagnolo F, Ferretti MT, Soreq H, Cerase A. Chromosomal and environmental contributions to sex differences in the vulnerability to neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders: Implications for therapeutic interventions. Prog Neurobiol 2022; 219:102353. [PMID: 36100191 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2022.102353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders affect men and women differently. Multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, anxiety disorders, depression, meningiomas and late-onset schizophrenia affect women more frequently than men. By contrast, Parkinson's disease, autism spectrum condition, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, Tourette's syndrome, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and early-onset schizophrenia are more prevalent in men. Women have been historically under-recruited or excluded from clinical trials, and most basic research uses male rodent cells or animals as disease models, rarely studying both sexes and factoring sex as a potential source of variation, resulting in a poor understanding of the underlying biological reasons for sex and gender differences in the development of such diseases. Putative pathophysiological contributors include hormones and epigenetics regulators but additional biological and non-biological influences may be at play. We review here the evidence for the underpinning role of the sex chromosome complement, X chromosome inactivation, and environmental and epigenetic regulators in sex differences in the vulnerability to brain disease. We conclude that there is a pressing need for a better understanding of the genetic, epigenetic and environmental mechanisms sustaining sex differences in such diseases, which is critical for developing a precision medicine approach based on sex-tailored prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick N Pallier
- Blizard Institute, Centre for Neuroscience, Surgery and Trauma, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 2AT, UK.
| | - Maria Ferrara
- Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy; Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States; Women's Brain Project (WBP), Switzerland
| | - Francesca Romagnolo
- Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | - Hermona Soreq
- The Edmond and Lily Safra Center of Brain Science, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 9190401, Israel
| | - Andrea Cerase
- EMBL-Rome, Via Ramarini 32, 00015 Monterotondo, RM, Italy; Blizard Institute, Centre for Genomics and Child Health, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 2AT, UK; Department of Biology, University of Pisa, SS12 Abetone e Brennero 4, 56127 Pisa, Italy.
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12
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Lloyd DT, Skinner HG, Maguire R, Murphy SK, Motsinger-Reif AA, Hoyo C, House JS. Clomifene and Assisted Reproductive Technology in Humans Are Associated with Sex-Specific Offspring Epigenetic Alterations in Imprinted Control Regions. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:10450. [PMID: 36142363 PMCID: PMC9499479 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Children conceived with assisted reproductive technology (ART) have an increased risk of adverse outcomes, including congenital malformations and imprinted gene disorders. In a retrospective North Carolina-based-birth-cohort, we examined the effect of ovulation drugs and ART on CpG methylation in differentially methylated CpGs in known imprint control regions (ICRs). Nine ICRs containing 48 CpGs were assessed for methylation status by pyrosequencing in mixed leukocytes from cord blood. After restricting to non-smoking, college-educated participants who agreed to follow-up, ART-exposed (n = 27), clomifene-only-exposed (n = 22), and non-exposed (n = 516) groups were defined. Associations of clomifene and ART with ICR CpG methylation were assessed with linear regression and stratifying by offspring sex. In males, ART was associated with hypomethylation of the PEG3 ICR [β(95% CI) = -1.46 (-2.81, -0.12)] and hypermethylation of the MEG3 ICR [3.71 (0.01, 7.40)]; clomifene-only was associated with hypomethylation of the NNAT ICR [-5.25 (-10.12, -0.38)]. In female offspring, ART was associated with hypomethylation of the IGF2 ICR [-3.67 (-6.79, -0.55)]. Aberrant methylation of these ICRs has been associated with cardiovascular disease and metabolic and behavioral outcomes in children. The results suggest that the increased risk of adverse outcomes in offspring conceived through ART may be due in part to altered methylation of ICRs. Larger studies utilizing epigenome-wide interrogation are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dillon T. Lloyd
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
- Bioinformatics Research Center, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA
| | - Harlyn G. Skinner
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA
| | - Rachel Maguire
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA
| | - Susan K. Murphy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University Medical Center, Duke University, Durham, NC 27701, USA
| | - Alison A. Motsinger-Reif
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Cathrine Hoyo
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA
| | - John S. House
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
- Bioinformatics Research Center, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA
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13
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Weyrich A, Guerrero-Altamirano TP, Yasar S, Czirják GÁ, Wachter B, Fickel J. First Steps towards the Development of Epigenetic Biomarkers in Female Cheetahs ( Acinonyx jubatus). LIFE (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:life12060920. [PMID: 35743950 PMCID: PMC9225391 DOI: 10.3390/life12060920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Free-ranging cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) are generally healthy, whereas cheetahs under human care, such as those in zoological gardens, suffer from ill-defined infectious and degenerative pathologies. These differences are only partially explained by husbandry management programs because both groups share low genetic diversity. However, mounting evidence suggests that physiological differences between populations in different environments can be tracked down to differences in epigenetic signatures. Here, we identified differentially methylated regions (DMRs) between free-ranging cheetahs and conspecifics in zoological gardens and prospect putative links to pathways relevant to immunity, energy balance and homeostasis. Comparing epigenomic DNA methylation profiles obtained from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from eight free-ranging female cheetahs from Namibia and seven female cheetahs living in zoological gardens within Europe, we identified DMRs of which 22 were hypermethylated and 23 hypomethylated. Hypermethylated regions in cheetahs under human care were located in the promoter region of a gene involved in host-pathogen interactions (KLC1) and in an intron of a transcription factor relevant for the development of pancreatic β-cells, liver, and kidney (GLIS3). The most canonical mechanism of DNA methylation in promoter regions is assumed to repress gene transcription. Taken together, this could indicate that hypermethylation at the promoter region of KLC1 is involved in the reduced immunity in cheetahs under human care. This approach can be generalized to characterize DNA methylation profiles in larger cheetah populations under human care with a more granular longitudinal data collection, which, in the future, could be used to monitor the early onset of pathologies, and ultimately translate into the development of biomarkers with prophylactic and/or therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Weyrich
- Department of Evolutionary Genetics, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Str. 17, 10315 Berlin, Germany; (T.P.G.-A.); (S.Y.)
- Correspondence: (A.W.); (B.W.); (J.F.)
| | - Tania P. Guerrero-Altamirano
- Department of Evolutionary Genetics, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Str. 17, 10315 Berlin, Germany; (T.P.G.-A.); (S.Y.)
- Program in Genetics and Genomics, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Selma Yasar
- Department of Evolutionary Genetics, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Str. 17, 10315 Berlin, Germany; (T.P.G.-A.); (S.Y.)
- Institute for Biochemistry and Biology, University of Potsdam, Karl-Liebknecht-Str. 24-25, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Gábor Á. Czirják
- Department of Wildlife Diseases, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Str. 17, 10315 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Bettina Wachter
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Str. 17, 10315 Berlin, Germany
- Correspondence: (A.W.); (B.W.); (J.F.)
| | - Jörns Fickel
- Department of Evolutionary Genetics, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Str. 17, 10315 Berlin, Germany; (T.P.G.-A.); (S.Y.)
- Institute for Biochemistry and Biology, University of Potsdam, Karl-Liebknecht-Str. 24-25, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
- Correspondence: (A.W.); (B.W.); (J.F.)
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14
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Lai W, Li W, Du X, Guo Y, Wang W, Guo L, Lu C. Association Between Childhood Maltreatment, FKBP5 Gene Methylation, and Anxiety Symptoms Among Chinese Adolescents: A Nested Case-Control Study. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:761898. [PMID: 35185646 PMCID: PMC8850925 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.761898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anxiety symptoms are common mental health problems among adolescents worldwide. This study aimed to explore (1) the longitudinal association between childhood maltreatment and anxiety symptoms, (2) the association between childhood maltreatment and DNA methylation of the FKBP5 gene, and (3) the association of DNA methylation of the FKBP5 gene with anxiety symptoms at follow-up. METHODS A nested case-control design was conducted to identify a case group and control group from a longitudinal study of adolescents aged 13-18 years in Guangzhou from 2019 to 2020. Adolescents with anxiety symptoms at baseline and follow-up were considered the case group, while those without anxiety symptoms at baseline and follow-up were considered the control group. The case and control groups were matched according to age and sex. Our study finally included 97 cases and 141 controls. RESULTS After adjusting for significant covariates, childhood emotional abuse was associated with subsequent anxiety symptoms (β = 0.146, 95% CI = 0.010~0.283); students with physical and emotional neglect were more likely to get a lower level of DNA methylation at most CpG units of FKBP5 gene (P < 0.05); FKBP5-12 CpG 15 methylation was associated with anxiety symptoms at follow-up (β = -0.263, 95% CI = -0.458~-0.069). However, after multiple hypothesis testing, childhood maltreatment was not associated with FKBP5 DNA methylation (q > 0.10); FKBP5 DNA methylation did not show an association with subsequent anxiety symptoms (q > 0.10). CONCLUSIONS Childhood emotional abuse was associated with an increased risk of anxiety symptoms among Chinese adolescents. After multiple hypothesis testing, childhood maltreatment was not significantly associated with FKBP5 DNA methylation. DNA methylation of the promoter region of the FKBP5 gene was not a significant predictor of anxiety symptoms. More attention should be paid to the mental health of adolescents with childhood maltreatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjian Lai
- Department of Medical Statistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenyan Li
- Department of Medical Statistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xueying Du
- Health Promotion Center for Primary and Secondary Schools of Guangzhou Municipality, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yangfeng Guo
- Health Promotion Center for Primary and Secondary Schools of Guangzhou Municipality, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wanxin Wang
- Department of Medical Statistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lan Guo
- Department of Medical Statistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ciyong Lu
- Department of Medical Statistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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15
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Physical abuse during childhood predicts IL-2R levels in adult panic disorder patients. J Affect Disord 2021; 295:1440-1444. [PMID: 34565594 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2021.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Childhood maltreatment confers higher risk of adulthood mental disease. However, the biological mechanism mediating this association remains largely unknown, with evidence suggesting dysregulation of the immune system as a possible biological mediator. The present paper conducted a case-control study to establish whether early-life adversity contributes to potentially pathogenic pro-inflammatory phenotypes in adult Panic Disorder (PD) individuals. METHODS Eighty-four PD patients and seventy-eight matched healthy controls were assessed for peripheral serum levels of interleukin (IL)-2R, IL-1β, IL-10, and for specific trauma types through child trauma questionnaire evaluation. RESULTS Analyses for specific types of trauma (sexual, physical or emotional abuse or neglect) revealed that these impact differentially the single inflammatory markers, and a significant association between physical abuse and the inflammatory marker IL-2R in PD patients was observed (β = 0.40, p = 0.013). The analysis demonstrates that childhood trauma contributes to a proinflammatory state in adulthood, with specific inflammatory profiles counting on the specific type of traumatic event. CONCLUSION This study is unique in providing inflammatory biomarkers evidence of distinct biological modifications in PD in the presence or absence of exposure to childhood abuse. These results contribute to a better understanding of the extent of influence of differences in trauma exposure on pathophysiological processes in PD and may have implications for personalized medicine.
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16
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Fang X, Poulsen R, Zhao L, Wang J, Rivkees SA, Wendler CC. Knockdown of DNA methyltransferase 1 reduces DNA methylation and alters expression patterns of cardiac genes in embryonic cardiomyocytes. FEBS Open Bio 2021. [PMID: 34235895 PMCID: PMC8329956 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.13252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
We previously found that DNA methyltransferase 3a (DNMT3a) plays an important role in regulating embryonic cardiomyocyte gene expression, morphology, and function. In this study, we investigated the role of the most abundant DNMT in mammalian cells, DNMT1, in these processes. It is known that DNMT1 is essential for embryonic development, during which it is involved in regulating cardiomyocyte DNA methylation and gene expression. We used siRNA to knock down DNMT1 expression in primary cultures of mouse embryonic cardiomyocytes. Immunofluorescence staining and multielectrode array were, respectively, utilized to evaluate cardiomyocyte growth and electrophysiology. RNA sequencing (RNA‐Seq) and multiplex bisulfite sequencing were, respectively, performed to examine gene expression and promoter methylation. At 72 h post‐transfection, reduction of DNMT1 expression decreased the number and increased the size of embryonic cardiomyocytes. Beat frequency and the amplitude of field action potentials were decreased by DNMT1 siRNA. RNA‐Seq analysis identified 801 up‐regulated genes and 494 down‐regulated genes in the DNMT1 knockdown cells when compared to controls. Pathway analysis of the differentially expressed genes revealed pathways that were associated with cell death and survival, cell morphology, cardiac function, and cardiac disease. Alternative splicing analysis identified 929 differentially expressed exons, including 583 up‐regulated exons and 308 down‐regulated exons. Moreover, decreased methylation levels were found in the promoters of cardiac genes Myh6, Myh7, Myh7b, Tnnc1, Tnni3, Tnnt2, Nppa, Nppb, mef2c, mef2d, Camta2, Cdkn1A, and Cdkn1C. Of these 13 genes, 6 (Myh6, Tnnc1, Tnni3, Tnnt2, Nppa, Nppb) and 1 (Cdkn1C) had increased or decreased gene expression, respectively. Altogether, these data show that DNMT1 is important in embryonic cardiomyocytes by regulating DNA methylation, gene expression, gene splicing, and cell function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiefan Fang
- Department of Pediatrics, Child Health Research Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.,Charles River Laboratories, Inc., Reno, NV, USA
| | - Ryan Poulsen
- Department of Pediatrics, Child Health Research Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Lu Zhao
- Charles River Laboratories, Inc., Reno, NV, USA
| | | | - Scott A Rivkees
- Department of Pediatrics, Child Health Research Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Christopher C Wendler
- Department of Pediatrics, Child Health Research Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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17
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The role of DNA methylation in syndromic and non-syndromic congenital heart disease. Clin Epigenetics 2021; 13:93. [PMID: 33902696 PMCID: PMC8077695 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-021-01077-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Congenital heart disease (CHD) is a common structural birth defect worldwide, and defects typically occur in the walls and valves of the heart or enlarged blood vessels. Chromosomal abnormalities and genetic mutations only account for a small portion of the pathogenic mechanisms of CHD, and the etiology of most cases remains unknown. The role of epigenetics in various diseases, including CHD, has attracted increased attention. The contributions of DNA methylation, one of the most important epigenetic modifications, to CHD have not been illuminated. Increasing evidence suggests that aberrant DNA methylation is related to CHD. Here, we briefly introduce DNA methylation and CHD and then review the DNA methylation profiles during cardiac development and in CHD, abnormalities in maternal genome-wide DNA methylation patterns are also described. Whole genome methylation profile and important differentially methylated genes identified in recent years are summarized and clustered according to the sample type and methodologies. Finally, we discuss the novel technology for and prospects of CHD-related DNA methylation.
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18
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Baiden P, Tarbet Z, Chakravarty S, LaBrenz CA, Okumu M. Functional difficulties mediate the association between exposure to adverse childhood experiences and headaches among children: Findings from a population-based study. Headache 2021; 61:673-682. [PMID: 33891349 DOI: 10.1111/head.14098] [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: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are commonly observed in the general population and often have lasting neurological and physiological effects. Previous studies have found links between exposure to ACEs, headaches, and functional difficulties in adults. However, little is known about the mechanisms through which exposure to ACEs is associated with headaches among children. OBJECTIVE To examine the association between exposure to ACEs and headaches in children, and whether functional difficulties mediate this association. METHODS Data for this cross-sectional secondary analysis study came from the 2017-2018 National Survey of Children's Health. The sample analyzed in this study was 40,953 children who were between ages 3 and 17 years. We adjusted for the complexity of the sampling design and used structural equation modeling to examine the mediating effect of functional difficulties in the association between exposure to ACEs and headaches. RESULTS Based on parent reports, we found that 4.1% (1697/40,953) of the children reported frequent or severe headaches, and 9.5% (3906/40,953) were exposed to three or more ACEs. About one in four children (23.4%; 9601/40,953) had at least one functional difficulty. The results show that exposure to ACEs was directly positively associated with functional difficulties (β = 0.16, p < 0.001, 95% CI = 0.15-0.17), and functional difficulties were in turn positively associated with headaches (β = 0.17, p < 0.001, 95% CI = 0.12-0.22). The Sobel test of indirect effect showed that functional difficulties partially mediated the association between exposure to ACEs and headaches (β = 0.027, p < 0.001, 95% CI = 0.022-0.029). Also, older children and children with brain injury were more likely to report experiencing headaches. CONCLUSIONS The findings from this study suggest an association between exposure to ACEs and headaches among children, and functional difficulties partially mediate this association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Baiden
- School of Social Work, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, USA
| | - Zachary Tarbet
- School of Social Work, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, USA
| | | | - Catherine A LaBrenz
- School of Social Work, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, USA
| | - Moses Okumu
- University of North Carolina, at Chapel Hill, School of Social Work, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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19
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Lundgaard Donovan L, Henningsen K, Flou Kristensen A, Wiborg O, Nieland JD, Lichota J. Maternal Separation Followed by Chronic Mild Stress in Adulthood Is Associated with Concerted Epigenetic Regulation of AP-1 Complex Genes. J Pers Med 2021; 11:jpm11030209. [PMID: 33809485 PMCID: PMC8002051 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11030209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Depression is one of the most prevalent mental diseases worldwide. Patients with psychiatric diseases often have a history of childhood neglect, indicating that early-life experiences predispose to psychiatric diseases in adulthood. Two strong models were used in the present study: the maternal separation/early deprivation model (MS) and the chronic mild stress model (CMS). In both models, we found changes in the expression of a number of genes such as Creb and Npy. Strikingly, there was a clear regulation of expression of four genes involved in the AP-1 complex: c-Fos, c-Jun, FosB, and Jun-B. Interestingly, different expression levels were observed depending on the model, whereas the combination of the models resulted in a normal level of gene expression. The effects of MS and CMS on gene expression were associated with distinct histone methylation/acetylation patterns of all four genes. The epigenetic changes, like gene expression, were also dependent on the specific stressor or their combination. The obtained results suggest that single life events leave a mark on gene expression and the epigenetic signature of gene promoters, but a combination of different stressors at different life stages can further change gene expression through epigenetic factors, possibly causing the long-lasting adverse effects of stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lene Lundgaard Donovan
- Neurobiology Research and Drug Delivery Group, Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, 9220 Aalborg Øst, Denmark; (L.L.D.); (A.F.K.); (O.W.)
| | - Kim Henningsen
- Department of Biomedicine-Dandrite, Takeuchi Team, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark;
| | - Anne Flou Kristensen
- Neurobiology Research and Drug Delivery Group, Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, 9220 Aalborg Øst, Denmark; (L.L.D.); (A.F.K.); (O.W.)
| | - Ove Wiborg
- Neurobiology Research and Drug Delivery Group, Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, 9220 Aalborg Øst, Denmark; (L.L.D.); (A.F.K.); (O.W.)
| | - John Dirk Nieland
- Molecular Pharmacology Group, Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, 9220 Aalborg Øst, Denmark;
| | - Jacek Lichota
- Molecular Pharmacology Group, Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, 9220 Aalborg Øst, Denmark;
- Correspondence:
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20
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Richetto J, Meyer U. Epigenetic Modifications in Schizophrenia and Related Disorders: Molecular Scars of Environmental Exposures and Source of Phenotypic Variability. Biol Psychiatry 2021; 89:215-226. [PMID: 32381277 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2020.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Revised: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic modifications are increasingly recognized to play a role in the etiology and pathophysiology of schizophrenia and other psychiatric disorders with developmental origins. Here, we summarize clinical and preclinical findings of epigenetic alterations in schizophrenia and relevant disease models and discuss their putative origin. Recent findings suggest that certain schizophrenia risk loci can influence stochastic variation in gene expression through epigenetic processes, highlighting the intricate interaction between genetic and epigenetic control of neurodevelopmental trajectories. In addition, a substantial portion of epigenetic alterations in schizophrenia and related disorders may be acquired through environmental factors and may be manifested as molecular "scars." Some of these scars can influence brain functions throughout the entire lifespan and may even be transmitted across generations via epigenetic germline inheritance. Epigenetic modifications, whether caused by genetic or environmental factors, are plausible molecular sources of phenotypic heterogeneity and offer a target for therapeutic interventions. The further elucidation of epigenetic modifications thus may increase our knowledge regarding schizophrenia's heterogeneous etiology and pathophysiology and, in the long term, may advance personalized treatments through the use of biomarker-guided epigenetic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliet Richetto
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich-Vetsuisse, and Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Urs Meyer
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich-Vetsuisse, and Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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21
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Matheson K, Asokumar A, Anisman H. Resilience: Safety in the Aftermath of Traumatic Stressor Experiences. Front Behav Neurosci 2020; 14:596919. [PMID: 33408619 PMCID: PMC7779406 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2020.596919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The relationship between adverse experiences and the emergence of pathology has often focused on characteristics of the stressor or of the individual (stressor appraisals, coping strategies). These features are thought to influence multiple biological processes that favor the development of mental and physical illnesses. Less often has attention focused on the aftermath of traumatic experiences, and the importance of safety and reassurance that is necessary for longer-term well-being. In some cases (e.g., post-traumatic stress disorder) this may be reflected by a failure of fear extinction, whereas in other instances (e.g., historical trauma), the uncertainty about the future might foster continued anxiety. In essence, the question becomes one of how individuals attain feelings of safety when it is fully understood that the world is not necessarily a safe place, uncertainties abound, and feelings of agency are often illusory. We consider how individuals acquire resilience in the aftermath of traumatic and chronic stressors. In this respect, we review characteristics of stressors that may trigger particular biological and behavioral coping responses, as well as factors that undermine their efficacy. To this end, we explore stressor dynamics and social processes that foster resilience in response to specific traumatic, chronic, and uncontrollable stressor contexts (intimate partner abuse; refugee migration; collective historical trauma). We point to resilience factors that may comprise neurobiological changes, such as those related to various stressor-provoked hormones, neurotrophins, inflammatory immune, microbial, and epigenetic processes. These behavioral and biological stress responses may influence, and be influenced by, feelings of safety that come about through relationships with others, spiritual and place-based connections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly Matheson
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,The Royal Ottawa's Institute of Mental Health Research, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Ajani Asokumar
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Hymie Anisman
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,The Royal Ottawa's Institute of Mental Health Research, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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22
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Alberca CD, Papale LA, Madrid A, Gianatiempo O, Cánepa ET, Alisch RS, Chertoff M. Perinatal protein malnutrition results in genome-wide disruptions of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine at regions that can be restored to control levels by an enriched environment. Epigenetics 2020; 16:1085-1101. [PMID: 33172347 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2020.1841871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Maternal malnutrition remains one of the major adversities affecting brain development and long-term mental health outcomes, increasing the risk to develop anxiety and depressive disorders. We have previously shown that malnutrition-induced anxiety-like behaviours can be rescued by a social and sensory stimulation (enriched environment) in male mice. Here, we expand these findings to adult female mice and profiled genome-wide ventral hippocampal 5hmC levels related to malnutrition-induced anxiety-like behaviours and their rescue by an enriched environment. This approach revealed 508 differentially hydroxymethylated genes associated with protein malnutrition and that several genes (N = 34) exhibited a restored 5hmC abundance to control levels following exposure to an enriched environment, including genes involved in neuronal functions like dendrite outgrowth, axon guidance, and maintenance of neuronal circuits (e.g. Fltr3, Itsn1, Lman1, Lsamp, Nav, and Ror1) and epigenetic mechanisms (e.g. Hdac9 and Dicer1). Sequence motif predictions indicated that 5hmC may be modulating the binding of transcription factors for several of these transcripts, suggesting a regulatory role for 5hmC in response to perinatal malnutrition and exposure to an enriched environment. Together, these findings establish a role for 5hmC in early-life malnutrition and reveal genes linked to malnutrition-induced anxious behaviours that are mitigated by an enriched environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina D Alberca
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Química Biológica, Laboratorio de Neuroepigenetica, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ligia A Papale
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Andy Madrid
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA.,Neuroscience Training Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Octavio Gianatiempo
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Química Biológica, Laboratorio de Neuroepigenetica, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales - CONICET (IQUIBICEN), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Eduardo T Cánepa
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Química Biológica, Laboratorio de Neuroepigenetica, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales - CONICET (IQUIBICEN), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Reid S Alisch
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Mariela Chertoff
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Química Biológica, Laboratorio de Neuroepigenetica, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales - CONICET (IQUIBICEN), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Cerniglia L, Cimino S, Bevilacqua A, Ballarotto G, Marzilli E, Adriani W, Tambelli R. Patterns of DNA methylation at specific loci of the dopamine transporter 1 gene and psychopathological risk in trios of mothers, fathers and children. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/17405629.2020.1816166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Luca Cerniglia
- Faculty of Psychology, International Telematic University Uninettuno, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Cimino
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Arturo Bevilacqua
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Research Center in Neurobiology Daniel Bovet” (Crin), Rome, Italy
- Systems Biology Group Lab, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Ballarotto
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Eleonora Marzilli
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Walter Adriani
- Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore Di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Renata Tambelli
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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24
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Liu L, Li J, Qing L, Yan M, Xiong G, Lian X, Hu L, Nie S. Glucocorticoid receptor gene (NR3C1) is hypermethylated in adult males with aggressive behaviour. Int J Legal Med 2020; 135:43-51. [PMID: 32577827 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-020-02328-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Aggressive behaviour is a serious threat to the personal safety and property of others due to the potential that the assailant may hurt people, himself/herself or objects, and aggression has always been one of the focuses of research and concern. Accumulating evidence suggests that the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis plays a major role in the development, elicitation, enhancement and genetic susceptibility of aggressive behaviour in humans and animals. GR (NR3C1) plays a crucial role in controlling HPA activity, which directly affects aggressive behaviour. Here, we investigated the methylation state of the NR3C1 gene promoter region and its role in aggressive behaviour in adult males for the first time by applying a case-control approach (N = 106 controls, N = 104 patients). Methylation of NR3C1 was measured in peripheral blood samples at exons 1D, 1B and 1F via sodium bisulfite treatment combined with the MethylTarget method. Methylation of the NR3C1 gene was significantly correlated with aggressive behaviour, and the methylation levels of 1D, 1B and 1F were upregulated in the aggressive behaviour group, intentional injury subgroup and robbery subgroup, and the significance varied. In addition, multiple CpG sites were found to be significantly associated with aggressive behaviour. These results suggest that epigenetic aberrations of NR3C1 are associated with aggressive behaviour, and epigenetic processes might mediate aggressive behaviour by affecting the activity of the HPA axis. This correlative study between DNA methylation of the NR3C1 gene and aggressive behaviour in patients may be helpful for forensic assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linlin Liu
- School of Forensic Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiajue Li
- School of Forensic Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Lili Qing
- School of Forensic Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming Yan
- School of Forensic Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Gen Xiong
- School of Forensic Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinqing Lian
- School of Forensic Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Liping Hu
- School of Forensic Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, People's Republic of China.
| | - Shengjie Nie
- School of Forensic Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, People's Republic of China.
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25
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Guerrero TP, Fickel J, Benhaiem S, Weyrich A. Epigenomics and gene regulation in mammalian social systems. Curr Zool 2020; 66:307-319. [PMID: 32440291 PMCID: PMC7233906 DOI: 10.1093/cz/zoaa005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Social epigenomics is a new field of research that studies how the social environment shapes the epigenome and how in turn the epigenome modulates behavior. We focus on describing known gene-environment interactions (GEIs) and epigenetic mechanisms in different mammalian social systems. To illustrate how epigenetic mechanisms integrate GEIs, we highlight examples where epigenetic mechanisms are associated with social behaviors and with their maintenance through neuroendocrine, locomotor, and metabolic responses. We discuss future research trajectories and open questions for the emerging field of social epigenomics in nonmodel and naturally occurring social systems. Finally, we outline the technological advances that aid the study of epigenetic mechanisms in the establishment of GEIs and vice versa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania P Guerrero
- Department Evolutionary Genetics, Leibniz-Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW), Alfred-Kowalke-Str. 17, Berlin, D-10315, Germany
- Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources, Albert Ludwig University of Freiburg, Tennenbacher Str. 4, Freiburg, D-79085, Germany
| | - Jörns Fickel
- Department Evolutionary Genetics, Leibniz-Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW), Alfred-Kowalke-Str. 17, Berlin, D-10315, Germany
- Institute for Biochemistry and Biology, University of Potsdam, Karl-Liebknecht-Str. 24-25, Potsdam, 14476, Germany
| | - Sarah Benhaiem
- Department Ecological Dynamics, Leibniz-Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW), Alfred-Kowalke-Str. 17, Berlin, D-10315, Germany
| | - Alexandra Weyrich
- Department Evolutionary Genetics, Leibniz-Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW), Alfred-Kowalke-Str. 17, Berlin, D-10315, Germany
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26
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Géranton SM. Does epigenetic 'memory' of early-life stress predispose to chronic pain in later life? A potential role for the stress regulator FKBP5. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2019; 374:20190283. [PMID: 31544613 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2019.0283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Animal behaviours are affected not only by inherited genes but also by environmental experiences. For example, in both rats and humans, stressful early-life events such as being reared by an inattentive mother can leave a lasting trace and affect later stress response in adult life. This is owing to a chemical trace left on the chromatin attributed to so-called epigenetic mechanisms. Such an epigenetic trace often has consequences, sometimes long-lasting, on the functioning of our genes, thereby allowing individuals to rapidly adapt to a new environment. One gene under such epigenetic control is FKBP5, the gene that encodes the protein FKPB51, a crucial regulator of the stress axis and a significant driver of chronic pain states. In this article, we will discuss the possibility that exposure to stress could drive the susceptibly to chronic pain via epigenetic modifications of genes within the stress axis such as FKBP5. The possibility that such modifications, and therefore, the susceptibility to chronic pain, could be transmitted across generations in mammals and whether such mechanisms may be evolutionarily conserved across phyla will also be debated. This article is part of the Theo Murphy meeting issue 'Evolution of mechanisms and behaviour important for pain'.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Géranton
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
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27
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Gentner MB, Leppert MLO. Environmental influences on health and development: nutrition, substance exposure, and adverse childhood experiences. Dev Med Child Neurol 2019; 61:1008-1014. [PMID: 30671935 DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.14149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Scientific advances over the last century have generated compelling evidence of the primary and secondary effects of gestational, infant, and childhood conditions. These early environmental influences have the potential not only to impact an individual's health outcomes, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer, but also to confer various protections and risks to that individual's descendants. The immediate and extended ramifications of early environmental exposure bring an understanding of epidemiological impact on disease states and a hope for prevention. This review highlights the contributions of several key population studies and briefly explores specific environmental influences, including nutritional deficiencies, exposure to substances and infections, and adverse childhood experiences. Mechanisms of these influences (e.g. stress and epigenetics) are discussed, as well as possible means of mitigating their negative consequences. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: Substance exposures in utero are associated with epigenetic changes and negative outcomes. Adverse childhood experiences in early childhood can induce HPA and epigenetic changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maura B Gentner
- Department of Neurodevelopmental Medicine, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mary L O'Connor Leppert
- Department of Neurodevelopmental Medicine, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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28
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Neves I, Dinis-Oliveira RJ, Magalhães T. Epigenomic mediation after adverse childhood experiences: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Forensic Sci Res 2019; 6:103-114. [PMID: 34377567 PMCID: PMC8330736 DOI: 10.1080/20961790.2019.1641954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms are potential mediators of the physiological response to abuse by altering the genetic predisposition of the cellular response to the environment, leading to changes in the regulation of multiple organ systems. This study was established to review the epigenetic mechanisms associated with childhood abuse as well as the long-term determinants that these epigenetic changes may have on future illness. We retrospectively analysed the effect of exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs, specifically those relating to childhood maltreatment) between the ages of 0 and 16 years on the human epigenome, as well as possible clinical associations. After meeting inclusion and exclusion criteria, 36 articles were included in this systematic review. Eight of these studies did not find a relationship between childhood maltreatment and DNA methylation. Of the remaining 28 studies, nine were genome-wide association studies, whereas the rest were candidate gene studies, mainly studying effects on neuroendocrine, serotoninergic and immunoregulatory systems. Meta-analysis of correlation coefficients from candidate gene studies estimated an association of childhood adversity and DNA methylation variation at r = 0.291 (P < 0.0001), and meta-analysis of two epigenome-wide association studies (EWASs) identified 44 differentially methylated CpG sites. In conclusion, childhood maltreatment may mediate epigenetic mechanisms through DNA methylation, thereby affecting physiological responses and conferring a predisposition to an increased risk for psychopathology and forensic repercussions. Similar evidence for somatic illnesses is not yet available. KEY POINTS Adverse childhood experiences are associated with increased mortality partly explained by acquired epigenetic changes There is a positive correlation between childhood abuse and DNA methylation at specific gene sites The cumulative effect of different types of childhood abuse and neglect may lead to changes in DNA methylation Epigenome changes associated with childhood abuse appear to be involved in the development of psychiatric illness in adulthood Studying epigenetic changes may have important public health and forensic applications in the future
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Affiliation(s)
- Inês Neves
- Department of Public Health and Forensic Sciences, and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Jorge Dinis-Oliveira
- Department of Public Health and Forensic Sciences, and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,IINFACTS-Institute of Research and Advanced Training in Health Sciences and Technologies, Department of Sciences, University Institute of Health Sciences (IUCS), CESPU, CRL, Gandra, Portugal.,UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Teresa Magalhães
- Department of Public Health and Forensic Sciences, and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,IINFACTS-Institute of Research and Advanced Training in Health Sciences and Technologies, Department of Sciences, University Institute of Health Sciences (IUCS), CESPU, CRL, Gandra, Portugal
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29
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Saini G, Ogden A, McCullough LE, Torres M, Rida P, Aneja R. Disadvantaged neighborhoods and racial disparity in breast cancer outcomes: the biological link. Cancer Causes Control 2019; 30:677-686. [PMID: 31111277 PMCID: PMC7043809 DOI: 10.1007/s10552-019-01180-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2018] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Neighborhoods encompass complex environments comprised of unique economic, physical, and social characteristics that have a profound impact on the residing individual's health and, collectively, on the community's wellbeing. Neighborhood disadvantage (ND) is one of several factors that prominently contributes to racial breast cancer (BC) health disparities in American women. African American (AA) women develop more aggressive breast cancer features, such as triple-negative receptor status and more advanced histologic grade and tumor stage, and suffer worse clinical outcomes than European American (EA) women. While the adverse effects of neighborhood disadvantage on health, including increased risk of cancer and decreased longevity, have recently come into focus, the specific molecular mechanisms by which neighborhood disadvantage increases BC risk and worsens BC outcomes (survivorship, recurrence, mortality) are not fully elucidated. This review illuminates the probable biological links between neighborhood disadvantage and predominantly BC risk, with an emphasis on stress reactivity and inflammation, epigenetics and telomere length in response to adverse neighborhood conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geetanjali Saini
- Department of Biology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, 30303, USA
| | - Angela Ogden
- Department of Biology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, 30303, USA
| | - Lauren E McCullough
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Mylin Torres
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Glenn Family Breast Center, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Padmashree Rida
- Department of Biology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, 30303, USA
| | - Ritu Aneja
- Department of Biology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, 30303, USA.
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30
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Cadmium-induced genome-wide DNA methylation changes in growth and oxidative metabolism in Drosophila melanogaster. BMC Genomics 2019; 20:356. [PMID: 31072326 PMCID: PMC6507226 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-019-5688-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2018] [Accepted: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cadmium (Cd)-containing chemicals can cause serious damage to biological systems. In animals and plants, Cd exposure can lead to metabolic disorders or death. However, for the most part the effects of Cd on specific biological processes are not known. DNA methylation is an important mechanism for the regulation of gene expression. In this study we examined the effects of Cd exposure on global DNA methylation in a living organism by whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) using Drosophila melanogaster as model. Results A total of 71 differentially methylated regions and 63 differentially methylated genes (DMGs) were identified by WGBS. A total of 39 genes were demethylated in the Cd treatment group but not in the control group, whereas 24 showed increased methylation in the former relative to the latter. In most cases, demethylation activated gene expression: genes such as Cdc42 and Mekk1 were upregulated as a result of demethylation. There were 37 DMGs that overlapped with differentially expressed genes from the digital expression library including baz, Act5C, and ss, which are associated with development, reproduction, and energy metabolism. Conclusions DNA methylation actively regulates the physiological response to heavy metal stress in Drosophila in part via activation of apoptosis. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12864-019-5688-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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31
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Kraaijenvanger EJ, He Y, Spencer H, Smith AK, Bos PA, Boks MP. Epigenetic variability in the human oxytocin receptor (OXTR) gene: A possible pathway from early life experiences to psychopathologies. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2019; 96:127-142. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2017] [Revised: 11/23/2018] [Accepted: 11/24/2018] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
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32
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Lemche E. Early Life Stress and Epigenetics in Late-onset Alzheimer's Dementia: A Systematic Review. Curr Genomics 2018; 19:522-602. [PMID: 30386171 PMCID: PMC6194433 DOI: 10.2174/1389202919666171229145156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2017] [Revised: 07/27/2017] [Accepted: 12/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Involvement of life stress in Late-Onset Alzheimer's Disease (LOAD) has been evinced in longitudinal cohort epidemiological studies, and endocrinologic evidence suggests involvements of catecholamine and corticosteroid systems in LOAD. Early Life Stress (ELS) rodent models have successfully demonstrated sequelae of maternal separation resulting in LOAD-analogous pathology, thereby supporting a role of insulin receptor signalling pertaining to GSK-3beta facilitated tau hyper-phosphorylation and amyloidogenic processing. Discussed are relevant ELS studies, and findings from three mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways (JNK/SAPK pathway, ERK pathway, p38/MAPK pathway) relevant for mediating environmental stresses. Further considered were the roles of autophagy impairment, neuroinflammation, and brain insulin resistance. For the meta-analytic evaluation, 224 candidate gene loci were extracted from reviews of animal studies of LOAD pathophysiological mechanisms, of which 60 had no positive results in human LOAD association studies. These loci were combined with 89 gene loci confirmed as LOAD risk genes in previous GWAS and WES. Of the 313 risk gene loci evaluated, there were 35 human reports on epigenomic modifications in terms of methylation or histone acetylation. 64 microRNA gene regulation mechanisms were published for the compiled loci. Genomic association studies support close relations of both noradrenergic and glucocorticoid systems with LOAD. For HPA involvement, a CRHR1 haplotype with MAPT was described, but further association of only HSD11B1 with LOAD found; however, association of FKBP1 and NC3R1 polymorphisms was documented in support of stress influence to LOAD. In the brain insulin system, IGF2R, INSR, INSRR, and plasticity regulator ARC, were associated with LOAD. Pertaining to compromised myelin stability in LOAD, relevant associations were found for BIN1, RELN, SORL1, SORCS1, CNP, MAG, and MOG. Regarding epigenetic modifications, both methylation variability and de-acetylation were reported for LOAD. The majority of up-to-date epigenomic findings include reported modifications in the well-known LOAD core pathology loci MAPT, BACE1, APP (with FOS, EGR1), PSEN1, PSEN2, and highlight a central role of BDNF. Pertaining to ELS, relevant loci are FKBP5, EGR1, GSK3B; critical roles of inflammation are indicated by CRP, TNFA, NFKB1 modifications; for cholesterol biosynthesis, DHCR24; for myelin stability BIN1, SORL1, CNP; pertaining to (epi)genetic mechanisms, hTERT, MBD2, DNMT1, MTHFR2. Findings on gene regulation were accumulated for BACE1, MAPK signalling, TLR4, BDNF, insulin signalling, with most reports for miR-132 and miR-27. Unclear in epigenomic studies remains the role of noradrenergic signalling, previously demonstrated by neuropathological findings of childhood nucleus caeruleus degeneration for LOAD tauopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erwin Lemche
- Section of Cognitive Neuropsychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
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33
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Volgin AD, Yakovlev OA, Demin KA, de Abreu MS, Alekseeva PA, Friend AJ, Lakstygal AM, Amstislavskaya TG, Bao W, Song C, Kalueff AV. Zebrafish models for personalized psychiatry: Insights from individual, strain and sex differences, and modeling gene x environment interactions. J Neurosci Res 2018; 97:402-413. [PMID: 30320468 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2018] [Revised: 08/16/2018] [Accepted: 09/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Currently becoming widely recognized, personalized psychiatry focuses on unique physiological and genetic profiles of patients to best tailor their therapy. However, the role of individual differences, as well as genetic and environmental factors, in human psychiatric disorders remains poorly understood. Animal experimental models are a valuable tool to improve our understanding of disease pathophysiology and its molecular mechanisms. Due to high reproduction capability, fully sequenced genome, easy gene editing, and high genetic and physiological homology with humans, zebrafish (Danio rerio) are emerging as a novel powerful model in biomedicine. Mounting evidence supports zebrafish as a useful model organism in CNS research. Robustly expressed in these fish, individual, strain, and sex differences shape their CNS responses to genetic, environmental, and pharmacological manipulations. Here, we discuss zebrafish as a promising complementary translational tool to further advance patient-centered personalized psychiatry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrey D Volgin
- Almazov National Medical Research Centre, Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, St. Petersburg, Russia.,Institute of Translational Biomedicine, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia.,Military Medical Academy, St Petersburg, Russia
| | - Oleg A Yakovlev
- Almazov National Medical Research Centre, Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, St. Petersburg, Russia.,Institute of Translational Biomedicine, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia.,Military Medical Academy, St Petersburg, Russia
| | - Konstantin A Demin
- Almazov National Medical Research Centre, Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, St. Petersburg, Russia.,Institute of Translational Biomedicine, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Murilo S de Abreu
- Bioscience Institute, University of Passo Fundo (UPF), Passo Fundo, Brazil.,Postgraduate Program in Pharmacology, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Brazil
| | - Polina A Alekseeva
- Almazov National Medical Research Centre, Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Ashton J Friend
- Tulane University School of Science and Engineering, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Anton M Lakstygal
- Almazov National Medical Research Centre, Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, St. Petersburg, Russia.,Institute of Translational Biomedicine, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Tamara G Amstislavskaya
- Laboratory of Translational Biopsychiatry, Scientific Research Institute of Physiology and Basic Medicine, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Wandong Bao
- School of Pharmacy, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Cai Song
- Research Institute of Marine Drugs and Nutrition, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Allan V Kalueff
- School of Pharmacy, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Ural Federal University, Ekaterinburg, Russia.,ZENEREI Research Center, Slidell, Louisiana.,Institute of Experimental Medicine, Almazov National Medical Research Centre, Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, St. Petersburg, Russia.,Granov Russian Scientific Center of Radiology and Surgical Technologies, Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, St. Petersburg, Russia.,Scientific Research Institute of Physiology and Basic Medicine, Novosibirsk, Russia.,Laboratory of Biological Psychiatry, Institute of Translational Biomedicine, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia
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34
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Roberts AL, Gladish N, Gatev E, Jones MJ, Chen Y, MacIsaac JL, Tworoger SS, Austin SB, Tanrikut C, Chavarro JE, Baccarelli AA, Kobor MS. Exposure to childhood abuse is associated with human sperm DNA methylation. Transl Psychiatry 2018; 8:194. [PMID: 30279435 PMCID: PMC6168447 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-018-0252-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2017] [Revised: 02/01/2018] [Accepted: 08/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Offspring of persons exposed to childhood abuse are at higher risk of neurodevelopmental and physical health disparities across the life course. Animal experiments have indicated that paternal environmental stressors can affect sperm DNA methylation and gene expression in an offspring. Childhood abuse has been associated with epigenetic marks in human blood, saliva, and brain tissue, with statistically significant methylation differences ranging widely. However, no studies have examined the association of childhood abuse with DNA methylation in gametes. We examined the association of childhood abuse with DNA methylation in human sperm. Combined physical, emotional, and sexual abuse in childhood was characterized as none, medium, or high. DNA methylation was assayed in 46 sperm samples from 34 men in a longitudinal non-clinical cohort using HumanMethylation450 BeadChips. We performed principal component analysis and examined the correlation of principal components with abuse exposure. Childhood abuse was associated with a component that captured 6.2% of total variance in DNA methylation (p < 0.05). Next, we investigated the regions differentially methylated by abuse exposure. We identified 12 DNA regions differentially methylated by childhood abuse, containing 64 probes and including sites on genes associated with neuronal function (MAPT, CLU), fat cell regulation (PRDM16), and immune function (SDK1). We examined adulthood health behaviors, mental health, and trauma exposure as potential mediators of an association between abuse and DNAm, and found that mental health and trauma exposure partly mediated the association. Finally, we constructed a parsimonious epigenetic marker for childhood abuse using a machine learning approach, which identified three probes that predicted high vs. no childhood abuse in 71% of participants. Our results suggested that childhood abuse is associated with sperm DNA methylation, which may have implications for offspring development. Larger samples are needed to identify with greater confidence specific genomic regions differentially methylated by childhood abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea L Roberts
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Nicole Gladish
- Department of Medical Genetics, Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, and BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Evan Gatev
- Department of Medical Genetics, Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, and BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Beedie School of Business, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Meaghan J Jones
- Department of Medical Genetics, Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, and BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Ying Chen
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Julia L MacIsaac
- Department of Medical Genetics, Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, and BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Shelley S Tworoger
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - S Bryn Austin
- Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Cigdem Tanrikut
- Department of Urology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jorge E Chavarro
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Andrea A Baccarelli
- Laboratory of Environmental Precision Biosciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Michael S Kobor
- Department of Medical Genetics, Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, and BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Human Early Learning Partnership, School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Roberts AL, Liew Z, Lyall K, Ascherio A, Weisskopf MG. Association of Maternal Exposure to Childhood Abuse With Elevated Risk for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Offspring. Am J Epidemiol 2018; 187:1896-1906. [PMID: 29762636 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwy098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2017] [Accepted: 04/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Children whose mothers experienced childhood abuse are more likely to suffer various neurodevelopmental deficits. Whether an association exists specifically for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is unknown. We examined the association of maternal experience of childhood abuse with ADHD in offspring, assessed by maternal report of diagnosis and validated with the ADHD Rating Scale-IV in a subsample, in the Nurses' Health Study II (n = 49,497 mothers; n = 7,607 case offspring; n = 102,151 control offspring). We examined whether 10 adverse perinatal circumstances (e.g., prematurity, smoking) or socioeconomic factors accounted for a possible association. Exposure to abuse was associated with greater prevalence of ADHD in offspring (8.7% of offspring of women exposed to severe abuse vs. 5.5% of offspring of women not abused, P = 0.0001) and with greater risk for ADHD when the model was adjusted for demographic factors (male offspring, risk ratio (RR) = 1.6, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.3, 1.9; female offspring, RR = 2.3, 95% CI: 1.7, 3.0). After adjustment for perinatal factors, the association of maternal childhood abuse with ADHD in offspring was slightly attenuated (male offspring, RR = 1.5, 95% CI: 1.2, 1.8; female offspring, RR = 2.1, 95% CI: 1.6, 2.8). We identified an association between maternal experience of childhood abuse and risk for ADHD in offspring, which was not explained by several important perinatal risk factors or socioeconomic status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea L Roberts
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Zeyan Liew
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Kristen Lyall
- A.J. Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Alberto Ascherio
- Departments of Nutrition and Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Marc G Weisskopf
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
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Frías-Lasserre D, Villagra CA, Guerrero-Bosagna C. Stress in the Educational System as a Potential Source of Epigenetic Influences on Children's Development and Behavior. Front Behav Neurosci 2018; 12:143. [PMID: 30057532 PMCID: PMC6053942 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2018.00143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite current advances on the relevance of environmental cues and epigenetic mechanisms in biological processes, including behavior, little attention has been paid to the potential link between epigenetic influences and educational sciences. For instance, could the learning environment and stress determine epigenetic marking, affecting students' behavior development? Could this have consequences on educational outcomes? So far, it has been shown that environmental stress influences neurological processes and behavior both in humans and rats. Through epigenetic mechanisms, offspring from stressed individuals develop altered behavior without any exposure to traumatizing experiences. Methylated DNA and noncoding RNAs regulate neurological processes such as synaptic plasticity and brain cortex development in children. The malfunctioning of these processes is associated with several neurological disorders, and these findings open up new avenues for the design of enriched environments for education and therapy. In this article, we discuss current cases of stress and behavioral disorders found in youngsters, and highlight the importance of considering epigenetic processes affecting the development of cognitive abilities and learning within the educational environment and for the development of teaching methodologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Frías-Lasserre
- Instituto de Entomología, Universidad Metropolitana de Ciencias de la Educación, Santiago, Chile
| | - Cristian A. Villagra
- Instituto de Entomología, Universidad Metropolitana de Ciencias de la Educación, Santiago, Chile
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Lyu G, Zhang C, Ling T, Liu R, Zong L, Guan Y, Huang X, Sun L, Zhang L, Li C, Nie Y, Tao W. Genome and epigenome analysis of monozygotic twins discordant for congenital heart disease. BMC Genomics 2018; 19:428. [PMID: 29866040 PMCID: PMC5987557 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-018-4814-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2017] [Accepted: 05/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the leading non-infectious cause of death in infants. Monozygotic (MZ) twins share nearly all of their genetic variants before and after birth. Nevertheless, MZ twins are sometimes discordant for common complex diseases. The goal of this study is to identify genomic and epigenomic differences between a pair of twins discordant for a form of congenital heart disease, double outlet right ventricle (DORV). RESULTS A monoamniotic monozygotic (MZ) twin pair discordant for DORV were subjected to genome-wide sequencing and methylation analysis. We identified few genomic differences but 1566 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) between the MZ twins. Twenty percent (312/1566) of the DMRs are located within 2 kb upstream of transcription start sites (TSS), containing 121 binding sites of transcription factors. Particularly, ZIC3 and NR2F2 are found to have hypermethylated promoters in both the diseased twin and additional patients suffering from DORV. CONCLUSIONS The results showed a high correlation between hypermethylated promoters at ZIC3 and NR2F2 and down-regulated gene expression levels of these two genes in patients with DORV compared to normal controls, providing new insight into the potential mechanism of this rare form of CHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoliang Lyu
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871 China
| | - Chao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871 China
- Center for Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871 China
| | - Te Ling
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871 China
| | - Rui Liu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Center for Cardiovascular Regenerative Medicine, Fuwai Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100871 China
| | - Le Zong
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871 China
| | - Yiting Guan
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871 China
| | - Xiaoke Huang
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871 China
| | - Lei Sun
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871 China
| | - Lijun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871 China
| | - Cheng Li
- Center for Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871 China
| | - Yu Nie
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Center for Cardiovascular Regenerative Medicine, Fuwai Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100871 China
| | - Wei Tao
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871 China
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Shi B, Xu L, Mao S, Xu L, Liu Z, Sun X, Zhu Z, Qiu Y. Abnormal PITX1 gene methylation in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a pilot study. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2018; 19:138. [PMID: 29743058 PMCID: PMC5941792 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-018-2054-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2017] [Accepted: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The gene of pituitary homeobox 1 (PITX1) has been reported to be down-regulated in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), of which the cause has not been well addressed. The abnormal DNA methylation was recently assumed to be an important mechanism for the down-regulated genes expression. However, the association between PITX1 promoter methylation and the etiology of AIS was not clear. Methods The peripheral blood samples of 50 AIS patients and 50 healthy controls were collected and the genomic DNA was extracted. The pyrosequencing assay was used to assess the methylation status of PITX1 promoter and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect the PITX1 gene expression. Comparison analysis was performed using independent t test and Chi-square tests, while correlation analysis were performed with 2-tailed Pearson coefficients. Results The mean methylation level was (3.52 ± 0.96)% in AIS and (1.40 ± 0.81)% in healthy controls (P < 0.0001). The PITX1 gene expression was 0.15 ± 0.08 in AIS and 0.80 ± 0.55 in healthy controls (P < 0.0001). The comparative analysis showed significant difference in age (P = 0.021) and Cobb angle of the main curve (P = 0.0001) between AIS groups with positive and negative methylation. The methylation level of 6 CpG sites in PITX1 promoters was significantly associated with Cobb angle of the main curve (P < 0.001) in AIS. No statistical relationship between PITX1 promoter methylation and gene expression was found in AIS (P = 0.842). Conclusion Significantly higher methylation level and lower PITX1 gene expression are found in AIS patients. PITX1 methylation is associated with Cobb angles of the main curves in AIS. DNA methylation thus plays an important role in the etiology and curve progression in AIS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benlong Shi
- Spine Surgery, the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Zhongshan Road No. 321, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Liang Xu
- Spine Surgery, the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Zhongshan Road No. 321, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Saihu Mao
- Spine Surgery, the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Zhongshan Road No. 321, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Leilei Xu
- Spine Surgery, the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Zhongshan Road No. 321, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Zhen Liu
- Spine Surgery, the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Zhongshan Road No. 321, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Xu Sun
- Spine Surgery, the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Zhongshan Road No. 321, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Zezhang Zhu
- Spine Surgery, the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Zhongshan Road No. 321, Nanjing, 210008, China.
| | - Yong Qiu
- Spine Surgery, the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Zhongshan Road No. 321, Nanjing, 210008, China
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Na KS, Won E, Kang J, Kim A, Choi S, Tae WS, Kim YK, Lee MS, Joe SH, Ham BJ. Differential effect of COMT gene methylation on the prefrontal connectivity in subjects with depression versus healthy subjects. Neuropharmacology 2018; 137:59-70. [PMID: 29723539 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2018.04.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2017] [Revised: 04/12/2018] [Accepted: 04/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Expression of the catechol-O-methyl transferase (COMT) gene mainly determines prefrontal dopaminergic availability. Deficient prefrontal dopaminergic activity leads to loss of interest, energy, and motivation, which are core symptoms of depression. Given the role of stress-environmental interactions in major depressive disorder (MDD), we investigated the impact of COMT gene methylation status on prefrontal connectivity. We measured COMT gene methylation and polymorphisms (Val158Met) at the rs4468 locus in peripheral blood samples of healthy controls (n = 90) and patients with MDD (n = 90). We used diffusion tensor imaging to calculate the fractional anisotropy (FA) and radial diffusivity (RD) of the white matter tracts related to prefrontal cortex. Finally, we examined the effects of COMT gene methylation on the white matter connectivity in patients with MDD. The FA and RD values in the prefrontal white matter tracts of patients with MDD were positively and negatively associated with COMT gene methylation, respectively. In the control group, on the other hand, the association between white matter connectivity and COMT gene methylation showed opposite pattern to those of MDD. COMT gene methylation has a substantial effect on the prefrontal connectivity in patients with MDD. Moreover, COMT gene methylation and prefrontal connectivity showed opposite relationships in patients and controls. Thus, stress-related alterations in dopaminergic neurotransmission have a differential effect on white matter connectivity according to the microenvironment in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyoung-Sae Na
- Department of Psychiatry, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunsoo Won
- Department of Psychiatry, Korea University Anam Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - June Kang
- Department of Biomedical Science, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Aram Kim
- Department of Biomedical Science, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sunyoung Choi
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Engineering, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Woo-Suk Tae
- Brain Convergence Research Center, Korea University Anam Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong-Ku Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Korea University Ansan Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Ansan, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Soo Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Korea University Anam Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sook-Haeng Joe
- Department of Psychiatry, Korea University Guro Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Byung-Joo Ham
- Department of Psychiatry, Korea University Anam Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Brain Convergence Research Center, Korea University Anam Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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40
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Lawn RB, Anderson EL, Suderman M, Simpkin AJ, Gaunt TR, Teschendorff AE, Widschwendter M, Hardy R, Kuh D, Relton CL, Howe LD. Psychosocial adversity and socioeconomic position during childhood and epigenetic age: analysis of two prospective cohort studies. Hum Mol Genet 2018; 27:1301-1308. [PMID: 29365106 PMCID: PMC5985722 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddy036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2017] [Revised: 11/02/2017] [Accepted: 01/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Psychosocial adversity in childhood (e.g. abuse) and low socioeconomic position (SEP) can have significant lasting effects on social and health outcomes. DNA methylation-based biomarkers are highly correlated with chronological age; departures of methylation-predicted age from chronological age can be used to define a measure of age acceleration, which may represent a potential biological mechanism linking environmental exposures to later health outcomes. Using data from two cohorts of women Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, (ALSPAC), N = 989 and MRC National Survey of Health and Development, NSHD, N = 773), we assessed associations of SEP, psychosocial adversity in childhood (parental physical or mental illness or death, parental separation, parental absence, sub-optimal maternal bonding, sexual, emotional and physical abuse and neglect) and a cumulative score of these psychosocial adversity measures, with DNA methylation age acceleration in adulthood (measured in peripheral blood at mean chronological ages 29 and 47 in ALSPAC and buccal cells at age 53 in NSHD). Sexual abuse was strongly associated with age acceleration in ALSPAC (sexual abuse data were not available in NSHD), e.g. at the 47-year time point sexual abuse associated with a 3.41 years higher DNA methylation age (95% CI 1.53 to 5.29) after adjusting for childhood and adulthood SEP. No associations were observed between low SEP, any other psychosocial adversity measure or the cumulative psychosocial adversity score and age acceleration. DNA methylation age acceleration is associated with sexual abuse, suggesting a potential mechanism linking sexual abuse with adverse outcomes. Replication studies with larger sample sizes are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca B Lawn
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, UK
- School of Experimental Psychology, University of Bristol, UK
| | - Emma L Anderson
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, UK
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, UK
| | - Matthew Suderman
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, UK
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, UK
| | - Andrew J Simpkin
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, UK
- Insight Centre for Data Analytics, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - Tom R Gaunt
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, UK
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, UK
| | - Andrew E Teschendorff
- Department of Women’s Cancer, University College London, UK
- UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, UK
- CAS-Max-Planck Partner Institute for Computational Biology, Shanghai Institute for Biological Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | | | - Rebecca Hardy
- MRC Unit for Lifelong Health and Ageing, University College London, UK
| | - Diana Kuh
- MRC Unit for Lifelong Health and Ageing, University College London, UK
| | - Caroline L Relton
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, UK
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, UK
| | - Laura D Howe
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, UK
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, UK
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Weyrich A, Jeschek M, Schrapers KT, Lenz D, Chung TH, Rübensam K, Yasar S, Schneemann M, Ortmann S, Jewgenow K, Fickel J. Diet changes alter paternally inherited epigenetic pattern in male Wild guinea pigs. ENVIRONMENTAL EPIGENETICS 2018; 4:dvy011. [PMID: 29992049 PMCID: PMC6031029 DOI: 10.1093/eep/dvy011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2018] [Revised: 03/19/2018] [Accepted: 04/06/2018] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetic modifications, of which DNA methylation is the most stable, are a mechanism conveying environmental information to subsequent generations via parental germ lines. The paternal contribution to adaptive processes in the offspring might be crucial, but has been widely neglected in comparison to the maternal one. To address the paternal impact on the offspring's adaptability to changes in diet composition, we investigated if low protein diet (LPD) in F0 males caused epigenetic alterations in their subsequently sired sons. We therefore fed F0 male Wild guinea pigs with a diet lowered in protein content (LPD) and investigated DNA methylation in sons sired before and after their father's LPD treatment in both, liver and testis tissues. Our results point to a 'heritable epigenetic response' of the sons to the fathers' dietary change. Because we detected methylation changes also in the testis tissue, they are likely to be transmitted to the F2 generation. Gene-network analyses of differentially methylated genes in liver identified main metabolic pathways indicating a metabolic reprogramming ('metabolic shift'). Epigenetic mechanisms, allowing an immediate and inherited adaptation may thus be important for the survival of species in the context of a persistently changing environment, such as climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Weyrich
- Leibniz-Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW), Alfred-Kowalke-Street 17, D-10315 Berlin, Germany
| | - M Jeschek
- Leibniz-Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW), Alfred-Kowalke-Street 17, D-10315 Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Center for Genomics in Biodiversity Research, Koenigin-Luise-Street 6-8, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - K T Schrapers
- Leibniz-Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW), Alfred-Kowalke-Street 17, D-10315 Berlin, Germany
| | - D Lenz
- Leibniz-Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW), Alfred-Kowalke-Street 17, D-10315 Berlin, Germany
| | - T H Chung
- Zymoresearch, EpiQuest, 17062 Murphy Avenue, Irvine, CA 92614, USA
| | - K Rübensam
- Leibniz-Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW), Alfred-Kowalke-Street 17, D-10315 Berlin, Germany
| | - S Yasar
- Leibniz-Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW), Alfred-Kowalke-Street 17, D-10315 Berlin, Germany
| | - M Schneemann
- Leibniz-Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW), Alfred-Kowalke-Street 17, D-10315 Berlin, Germany
| | - S Ortmann
- Leibniz-Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW), Alfred-Kowalke-Street 17, D-10315 Berlin, Germany
| | - K Jewgenow
- Leibniz-Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW), Alfred-Kowalke-Street 17, D-10315 Berlin, Germany
| | - J Fickel
- Leibniz-Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW), Alfred-Kowalke-Street 17, D-10315 Berlin, Germany
- Institute for Biochemistry and Biology, Potsdam University, Karl-Liebknecht-Street 24-25, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
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Gemmel M, Bögi E, Ragan C, Hazlett M, Dubovicky M, van den Hove DL, Oberlander TF, Charlier TD, Pawluski JL. Perinatal selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor medication (SSRI) effects on social behaviors, neurodevelopment and the epigenome. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2018; 85:102-116. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2017.04.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2017] [Revised: 04/10/2017] [Accepted: 04/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Li X, Lu J, Teng W, Zhao C, Ye X. Quantitative Evaluation of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 Promoter Methylation in Chronic Periodontitis. DNA Cell Biol 2018; 37:168-173. [PMID: 29298087 DOI: 10.1089/dna.2017.3948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we investigated the promoter DNA methylation (DNAm) status of the MMP-9 and TIMP-1 genes in patients with chronic periodontitis to evaluate disease progression. Using pyrosequencing technology, DNAm levels of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 CpG islands were measured in 88 chronic periodontitis patients and 15 healthy controls. We found a positive correlation between methylation levels of MMP-9 CpG islands and the severity of chronic periodontitis. Methylated CpG islands were also closely associated with the duration of chronic periodontitis. Moreover, female patients exhibited lower methylation levels of MMP-9 but higher methylation levels of TIMP-1 compared with male patients, and the methylation levels of TIMP-1 gradually decreased with age. The findings of gender disparity in the DNAm of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 genes provide novel insights into chronic periodontitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiting Li
- 1 Department of Periodontology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-Sen University , Guangzhou, People's Republic of China .,2 Department of Regenerative Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology , Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiaxuan Lu
- 1 Department of Periodontology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-Sen University , Guangzhou, People's Republic of China .,2 Department of Regenerative Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology , Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Teng
- 1 Department of Periodontology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-Sen University , Guangzhou, People's Republic of China .,2 Department of Regenerative Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology , Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Chuanjiang Zhao
- 1 Department of Periodontology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-Sen University , Guangzhou, People's Republic of China .,2 Department of Regenerative Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology , Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaolei Ye
- 3 Department of Pharmacology, Ningbo Institute of Medical Sciences, Ningbo University , Ningbo, People's Republic of China
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Abstract
Chronic, heavy alcohol consumption is associated with serious negative health effects, including the development of several cancer types. One of the pathways affected by alcohol toxicity is the one-carbon metabolism. The alcohol-induced impairment of this metabolic pathway results in epigenetic changes associated with cancer development. These epigenetic changes are induced by folate deficiency and by products of the ethanol metabolism. The changes induced by long-term heavy ethanol consumption result in elevations of homocysteine and S-adenosyl-homocysteine (SAH) and reductions in S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) and antioxidant glutathione (GSH) levels, leading to abnormal promoter gene hypermethylation, global hypomethylation, and metabolic insufficiency of antioxidant defense mechanisms. In addition, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated during the ethanol metabolism induce alterations in DNA methylation patterns that play a critical role in cancer development. Specific epigenetic changes in esophageal, hepatic, and colorectal cancers have been detected in blood samples and proposed to be used clinically as epigenetic biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis of these cancers. Also, genetic variants of genes involved in one-carbon metabolism and ethanol metabolism were found to modulate the relationship between alcohol-induced epigenetic changes and cancer risk. Furthermore, alcohol metabolism products have been associated with an increase in NADH levels, which lead to histone modifications and changes in gene expression that in turn influence cancer susceptibility. Chronic excessive use of alcohol also affects selected members of the family of microRNAs, and as miRNAs could act as epigenetic regulators, this may play an important role in carcinogenesis. In conclusion, targeting alcohol-induced epigenetic changes in several cancer types could make available clinical tools for the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of these cancers, with an important role in precision medicine.
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Cattaneo A, Cattane N, Malpighi C, Czamara D, Suarez A, Mariani N, Kajantie E, Luoni A, Eriksson JG, Lahti J, Mondelli V, Dazzan P, Räikkönen K, Binder EB, Riva MA, Pariante CM. FoxO1, A2M, and TGF-β1: three novel genes predicting depression in gene X environment interactions are identified using cross-species and cross-tissues transcriptomic and miRNomic analyses. Mol Psychiatry 2018; 23:2192-2208. [PMID: 29302075 PMCID: PMC6283860 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-017-0002-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2016] [Revised: 09/09/2017] [Accepted: 10/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
To date, gene-environment (GxE) interaction studies in depression have been limited to hypothesis-based candidate genes, since genome-wide (GWAS)-based GxE interaction studies would require enormous datasets with genetics, environmental, and clinical variables. We used a novel, cross-species and cross-tissues "omics" approach to identify genes predicting depression in response to stress in GxE interactions. We integrated the transcriptome and miRNome profiles from the hippocampus of adult rats exposed to prenatal stress (PNS) with transcriptome data obtained from blood mRNA of adult humans exposed to early life trauma, using a stringent statistical analyses pathway. Network analysis of the integrated gene lists identified the Forkhead box protein O1 (FoxO1), Alpha-2-Macroglobulin (A2M), and Transforming Growth Factor Beta 1 (TGF-β1) as candidates to be tested for GxE interactions, in two GWAS samples of adults either with a range of childhood traumatic experiences (Grady Study Project, Atlanta, USA) or with separation from parents in childhood only (Helsinki Birth Cohort Study, Finland). After correction for multiple testing, a meta-analysis across both samples confirmed six FoxO1 SNPs showing significant GxE interactions with early life emotional stress in predicting depressive symptoms. Moreover, in vitro experiments in a human hippocampal progenitor cell line confirmed a functional role of FoxO1 in stress responsivity. In secondary analyses, A2M and TGF-β1 showed significant GxE interactions with emotional, physical, and sexual abuse in the Grady Study. We therefore provide a successful 'hypothesis-free' approach for the identification and prioritization of candidate genes for GxE interaction studies that can be investigated in GWAS datasets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annamaria Cattaneo
- Stress, Psychiatry and Immunology Laboratory, Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College, London, UK. .,Biological Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Fatebenefratelli S. Giovanni di Dio, Brescia, Italy.
| | - Nadia Cattane
- grid.419422.8Biological Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Fatebenefratelli S. Giovanni di Dio, Brescia, Italy
| | - Chiara Malpighi
- grid.419422.8Biological Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Fatebenefratelli S. Giovanni di Dio, Brescia, Italy
| | - Darina Czamara
- 0000 0000 9497 5095grid.419548.5Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max-Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
| | - Anna Suarez
- 0000 0004 0410 2071grid.7737.4Department of Psychology and Logopedics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Nicole Mariani
- 0000 0001 2322 6764grid.13097.3cStress, Psychiatry and Immunology Laboratory, Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College, London, UK
| | - Eero Kajantie
- 0000 0001 1013 0499grid.14758.3fNational Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland ,0000 0004 0409 6302grid.428673.cFolkhälsan Research Centre, Helsinki, Finland ,0000 0001 1013 0499grid.14758.3fNational Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland ,0000 0004 0410 2071grid.7737.4Department of General Practice and Primary Health Care, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Alessia Luoni
- 0000 0004 1757 2822grid.4708.bDepartment of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Johan G. Eriksson
- 0000 0001 1013 0499grid.14758.3fNational Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland ,0000 0000 9950 5666grid.15485.3dHospital for Children and Adolescents, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland ,0000 0004 4685 4917grid.412326.0PEDEGO Research Unit, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Jari Lahti
- 0000 0004 0410 2071grid.7737.4Department of Psychology and Logopedics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland ,0000 0004 0409 6302grid.428673.cFolkhälsan Research Centre, Helsinki, Finland ,0000 0001 1013 0499grid.14758.3fNational Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland ,Helsinki Collegium for Advanced Studies, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Valeria Mondelli
- 0000 0001 2322 6764grid.13097.3cStress, Psychiatry and Immunology Laboratory, Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College, London, UK
| | - Paola Dazzan
- 0000 0001 2322 6764grid.13097.3cDepartment of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Katri Räikkönen
- 0000 0004 0410 2071grid.7737.4Department of Psychology and Logopedics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Elisabeth B. Binder
- 0000 0000 9497 5095grid.419548.5Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max-Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany ,0000 0001 0941 6502grid.189967.8Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Marco A. Riva
- 0000 0004 1757 2822grid.4708.bDepartment of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Carmine M. Pariante
- 0000 0001 2322 6764grid.13097.3cStress, Psychiatry and Immunology Laboratory, Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College, London, UK
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Cavalieri V, Spinelli G. Environmental epigenetics in zebrafish. Epigenetics Chromatin 2017; 10:46. [PMID: 28982377 PMCID: PMC5629768 DOI: 10.1186/s13072-017-0154-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2017] [Accepted: 09/27/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
It is widely accepted that the epigenome can act as the link between environmental cues, both external and internal, to the organism and phenotype by converting the environmental stimuli to phenotypic responses through changes in gene transcription outcomes. Environmental stress endured by individual organisms can also enforce epigenetic variations in offspring that had never experienced it directly, which is termed transgenerational inheritance. To date, research in the environmental epigenetics discipline has used a wide range of both model and non-model organisms to elucidate the various epigenetic mechanisms underlying the adaptive response to environmental stimuli. In this review, we discuss the advantages of the zebrafish model for studying how environmental toxicant exposures affect the regulation of epigenetic processes, especially DNA methylation, which is the best-studied epigenetic mechanism. We include several very recent studies describing the state-of-the-art knowledge on this topic in zebrafish, together with key concepts in the function of DNA methylation during vertebrate embryogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Cavalieri
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Functional Genomics, Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Edificio 16, 90128, Palermo, Italy. .,Zebrafish Laboratory, Advanced Technologies Network (ATeN) Center, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Edificio 18, 90128, Palermo, Italy.
| | - Giovanni Spinelli
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Functional Genomics, Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Edificio 16, 90128, Palermo, Italy.
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Yeo S, Enoch MA, Gorodetsky E, Akhtar L, Schuebel K, Roy A, Goldman D. The influence of FKBP5 genotype on expression of FKBP5 and other glucocorticoid-regulated genes, dependent on trauma exposure. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2016; 16:223-232. [PMID: 27648526 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2016] [Revised: 09/01/2016] [Accepted: 09/16/2016] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The FK506 binding protein 51 (FKBP5), an intrinsic regulator of the glucocorticoid receptor, has been associated with pathological behaviors particularly in the context of childhood trauma (CT), via a putatively regulatory polymorphism, rs1360780. However, trans- and cis-acting effects of this locus and its interaction with CT are incompletely understood. To study its effects on the expression of glucocorticoid-regulated genes including FKBP5, we used lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs) derived from 16 CT-exposed patients with greater than two substance dependence/suicidal behavior diagnoses (casesCT+) and 13 non-CT-exposed controls (controlsCT-). This study in LCLs measures long-term trait-like differences attributable to genotype or lasting epigenetic modification. Through analysis of differential allelic expression (DAE) using an FKBP5 3'-UTR reporter single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), rs3800373, that is in strong linkage disequilibrium with rs1360780, we confirmed that the rs1360780 risk allele (A) (or conceivably that of a linked SNP) leads to higher FKBP5 expression in controlsCT-. Intriguingly, casesCT+ did not show DAE, perhaps because of a genotype-predicted difference in FKBP5 DNA methylation restricted to casesCT+. Furthermore, through correlation analyses on FKBP5 expression at baseline and after induction by dexamethasone, we observed that casesCT+ had lower induction of FKBP5 expression, indicating that overall they may have strong ultra-short negative-feedback. Only casesCT+ showed an effect of rs1360780 genotype on expression of FKBP5 and other glucocorticoid-regulated genes. Together, these results confirm that the rs1360780 locus alters FKBP5 expression and further that in trans-fashion this locus affects the expression of other glucocorticoid-regulated genes after a glucocorticoid challenge. The CT exposure appears to be essential for trans-effects of rs1360780 on glucocorticoid-regulated genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Yeo
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - M-A Enoch
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - E Gorodetsky
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - L Akhtar
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - K Schuebel
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - A Roy
- Psychiatry Service, Department of Veterans Affairs, New Jersey VA Health Care System, East Orange, NJ, USA
| | - D Goldman
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
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48
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Contextual adversity, telomere erosion, pubertal development, and health: Two models of accelerated aging, or one? Dev Psychopathol 2016; 28:1367-1383. [DOI: 10.1017/s0954579416000900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
AbstractTwo independent lines of inquiry suggest that growing up under conditions of contextual adversity (e.g., poverty and household chaos) accelerates aging and undermines long-term health. Whereas work addressing the developmental origins of health and disease highlights accelerated-aging effects of contextual adversity on telomere erosion, that informed by an evolutionary analysis of reproductive strategies highlights such effects with regard to pubertal development (in females). That both shorter telomeres early in life and earlier age of menarche are associated with poor health later in life raises the prospect, consistent with evolutionary life-history theory, that these two bodies of theory and research are tapping into the same evolutionary–developmental process whereby longer term health costs are traded off for increased probability of reproducing before dying via a process of accelerated aging. Here we make the case for such a claim, while highlighting biological processes responsible for these effects, as well as unknowns in the epigenetic equation that might instantiate these contextually regulated developmental processes.
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Lappé M. Epigenetics, Media Coverage, and Parent Responsibilities in the Post-Genomic Era. CURRENT GENETIC MEDICINE REPORTS 2016; 4:92-97. [PMID: 27867757 PMCID: PMC5111809 DOI: 10.1007/s40142-016-0092-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Environmental epigenetics is the study of how exposures and experiences can turn genes "on" or "off" without changing DNA sequence. By examining the influence that environmental conditions including diet, stress, trauma, toxins, and care can have on gene expression, this science suggests molecular connections between the environment, genetics, and how acquired characteristics may be inherited across generations. The rapid expansion of research in this area has attracted growing media attention. This coverage has implications for how parents and prospective parents understand health and their perceived responsibilities for children's wellbeing. This review provides insight into epigenetic research, its coverage in the media, and the social and ethical implications of this science for patients and clinicians. As epigenetic findings continue to elucidate the complex relationships between nature and nurture, it becomes critical to examine how representations of this science may influence patient experiences of risk and responsibility. This review describes some of the social and ethical implications of epigenetic research today.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martine Lappé
- Postdoctoral Fellow, Columbia University Center for Ethical, Legal and Social Implications of Psychiatric, Neurologic, and Behavioral Genetics, Unit 122 New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10032
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50
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Rijlaarsdam J, van IJzendoorn MH, Verhulst FC, Jaddoe VWV, Felix JF, Tiemeier H, Bakermans-Kranenburg MJ. Prenatal stress exposure, oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) methylation, and child autistic traits: The moderating role of OXTR rs53576 genotype. Autism Res 2016; 10:430-438. [PMID: 27520745 DOI: 10.1002/aur.1681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2016] [Revised: 07/06/2016] [Accepted: 07/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Findings of studies investigating OXTR SNP rs53576 (G-A) variation in social behavior have been inconsistent, possibly because DNA methylation after stress exposure was eliminated from consideration. Our goal was to examine OXTR rs53576 allele-specific sensitivity for neonatal OXTR DNA methylation in relation to (1) a prenatal maternal stress composite, and (2) child autistic traits. Prospective data from fetal life to age 6 years were collected in a total of 743 children participating in the Generation R Study. Prenatal maternal stress exposure was uniquely associated with child autistic traits but was unrelated to OXTR methylation across both OXTR rs53576 G-allele homozygous children and A-allele carriers. For child autistic traits in general and social communication problems in particular, we observed a significant OXTR rs53576 genotype by OXTR methylation interaction in the absence of main effects, suggesting that opposing effects cancelled each other out. Indeed, OXTR methylation levels were positively associated with social problems for OXTR rs53576 G-allele homozygous children but not for A-allele carriers. These results highlight the importance of incorporating epi-allelic information and support the role of OXTR methylation in child autistic traits. Autism Res 2017, 10: 430-438. © 2016 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jolien Rijlaarsdam
- Centre for Child and Family Studies, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Marinus H van IJzendoorn
- Centre for Child and Family Studies, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands.,School of Pedagogical and Educational Sciences, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Frank C Verhulst
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Vincent W V Jaddoe
- Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Janine F Felix
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Henning Tiemeier
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Psychiatry, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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