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Unoki M. Exploring the intersection of epigenetics, DNA repair, and immunology from studies of ICF syndrome, an inborn error of immunity. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1405022. [PMID: 38799442 PMCID: PMC11116680 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1405022] [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: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Immunodeficiency, centromeric instability, and facial anomalies (ICF) syndrome, a rare autosomal recessive disorder, manifests with hypoglobulinemia and chromosomal instability accompanied by DNA hypomethylation. Pathological variants in the DNMT3B, ZBTB24, CDCA7, or HELLS genes underlie its etiology. Activated lymphocytes from patients often display distinctive multiradial chromosomes fused via pericentromeric regions. Recent studies have provided deeper insights into how pathological variants in ICF-related proteins cause DNA hypomethylation and chromosome instability. However, the understanding of the molecular pathogenesis underlying immunodeficiency is still in its nascent stages. In the past half-decade, the roles of CDCA7, HELLS, and ZBTB24 in classical non-homologous end joining during double-strand DNA break repair and immunoglobulin class-switch recombination (CSR) have been unveiled. Nevertheless, given the decreased all classes of immunoglobulins in most patients, CSR deficiency alone cannot fully account for the immunodeficiency. The latest finding showing dysregulation of immunoglobulin signaling may provide a clue to understanding the immunodeficiency mechanism. While less common, a subgroup of patients exhibits T-cell abnormalities alongside B-cell anomalies, including reduced regulatory T-cells and increased effector memory T- and follicular helper T-cells. The dysregulation of immunoglobulin signaling in B-cells, the imbalance in T-cell subsets, and/or satellite RNA-mediated activation of innate immune response potentially explain autoimmune manifestations in a subset of patients. These findings emphasize the pivotal roles of ICF-related proteins in both B- and T-cell functions. ICF syndrome studies have illuminated many fundamental mechanisms. Further investigations will certainly continue to unveil additional mechanisms and their interplay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Motoko Unoki
- Department of Human Genetics, School of International Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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2
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Duval KL, Artis AR, Goll MG. The emerging H3K9me3 chromatin landscape during zebrafish embryogenesis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.05.582530. [PMID: 38496550 PMCID: PMC10942377 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.05.582530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
The structural organization of eukaryotic genomes is contingent upon the fractionation of DNA into transcriptionally permissive euchromatin and repressive heterochromatin. However, we have a limited understanding of how these distinct states are first established during animal embryogenesis. Histone 3 lysine 9 trimethylation (H3K9me3) is critical to heterochromatin formation and bulk establishment of this mark is thought to help drive large-scale remodeling of an initially naive chromatin state during animal embryogenesis. However, a detailed understanding of this process is lacking. Here, we leverage CUT&RUN to define the emerging H3K9me3 landscape of the zebrafish embryo with high sensitivity and temporal resolution. Despite the prevalence of DNA transposons in the zebrafish genome, we found that LTR transposons are preferentially targeted for embryonic H3K9me3 deposition, with different families exhibiting distinct establishment timelines. High signal-to-noise ratios afforded by CUT&RUN revealed new, emerging sites of low-amplitude H3K9me3 that initiated before the major wave of zygotic genome activation (ZGA). Early sites of establishment predominated at specific subsets of transposons and were particularly enriched for transposon sequences with maternal piRNAs and pericentromeric localization. Notably, the number of H3K9me3 enriched sites increased linearly across blastula development, while quantitative comparison revealed a >10-fold genome-wide increase in H3K9me3 signal at established sites over just 30 minutes at the onset of ZGA. Continued maturation of the H3K9me3 landscape was observed beyond the initial wave of bulk establishment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ashley R. Artis
- Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Mary G. Goll
- Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
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3
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Chu Y, Jiang Z, Gong Z, Ji X, Zhu M, Shang Q, Gong P, Cao L, Chen Y, Li P, Shao C, Shi Y. PML-mediated nuclear loosening permits immunomodulation of mesenchymal stem/stromal cells under inflammatory conditions. Cell Prolif 2024; 57:e13566. [PMID: 37864298 PMCID: PMC10984101 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Nuclear configuration plays a critical role in the compartmentalization of euchromatin and heterochromatin and the epigenetic regulation of gene expression. Under stimulation by inflammatory cytokines IFN-γ and TNF-α, human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSCs) acquire a potent immunomodulatory function enabled by drastic induction of various effector genes, with some upregulated several magnitudes. However, whether the transcriptional upregulation of the immunomodulatory genes in hMSCs exposed to inflammatory cytokines is associated with genome-wide nuclear reconfiguration has not been explored. Here, we demonstrate that hMSCs undergo remarkable nuclear reconfiguration characterized by an enlargement of the nucleus, downregulation of LMNB1 and LMNA/C, decondensation of heterochromatin, and derepression of repetitive DNA. Interestingly, promyelocytic leukaemia-nuclear bodies (PML-NBs) were found to mediate the nuclear reconfiguration of hMSCs triggered by the inflammatory cytokines. Significantly, when PML was depleted, the immunomodulatory function of hMSCs conferred by cytokines was compromised, as reflected by the attenuated expression of effector molecules in hMSCs and their failure to block infiltration of immune cells to lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury. Our results indicate that the immunomodulatory function of hMSCs conferred by inflammatory cytokines requires PML-mediated chromatin loosening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunpeng Chu
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Institutes for Translational MedicineSoochow University Medical CollegeSuzhouChina
| | - Zishan Jiang
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Institutes for Translational MedicineSoochow University Medical CollegeSuzhouChina
| | - Zheng Gong
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Institutes for Translational MedicineSoochow University Medical CollegeSuzhouChina
| | - Xiaocao Ji
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Institutes for Translational MedicineSoochow University Medical CollegeSuzhouChina
| | - Mengting Zhu
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Institutes for Translational MedicineSoochow University Medical CollegeSuzhouChina
| | - Qianwen Shang
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Institutes for Translational MedicineSoochow University Medical CollegeSuzhouChina
| | - Pixia Gong
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Institutes for Translational MedicineSoochow University Medical CollegeSuzhouChina
| | - Lijuan Cao
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Institutes for Translational MedicineSoochow University Medical CollegeSuzhouChina
| | - Yongjing Chen
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Institutes for Translational MedicineSoochow University Medical CollegeSuzhouChina
| | - Peishan Li
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Institutes for Translational MedicineSoochow University Medical CollegeSuzhouChina
| | - Changshun Shao
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Institutes for Translational MedicineSoochow University Medical CollegeSuzhouChina
| | - Yufang Shi
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Institutes for Translational MedicineSoochow University Medical CollegeSuzhouChina
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4
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Cousu C, Mulot E, De Smet A, Formichetti S, Lecoeuche D, Ren J, Muegge K, Boulard M, Weill JC, Reynaud CA, Storck S. Germinal center output is sustained by HELLS-dependent DNA-methylation-maintenance in B cells. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5695. [PMID: 37709749 PMCID: PMC10502085 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41317-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
HELLS/LSH (Helicase, Lymphoid Specific) is a SNF2-like chromatin remodelling protein involved in DNA methylation. Its loss-of-function in humans causes humoral immunodeficiency, called ICF4 syndrome (Immunodeficiency, Centromeric Instability, Facial anomalies). Here we show by our newly generated B-cell-specific Hells conditional knockout mouse model that HELLS plays a pivotal role in T-dependent B-cell responses. HELLS deficiency induces accelerated decay of germinal center (GC) B cells and impairs the generation of high affinity memory B cells and circulating antibodies. Mutant GC B cells undergo dramatic DNA hypomethylation and massive de-repression of evolutionary recent retrotransposons, which surprisingly does not directly affect their survival. Instead, they prematurely upregulate either memory B cell markers or the transcription factor ATF4, which is driving an mTORC1-dependent metabolic program typical of plasma cells. Treatment of wild type mice with a DNMT1-specific inhibitor phenocopies the accelerated kinetics, thus pointing towards DNA-methylation maintenance by HELLS being a crucial mechanism to fine-tune the GC transcriptional program and enable long-lasting humoral immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Cousu
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR 8253, INSERM U1151, Institut Necker Enfants Malades, F-75015, Paris, France
| | - Eléonore Mulot
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR 8253, INSERM U1151, Institut Necker Enfants Malades, F-75015, Paris, France
| | - Annie De Smet
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR 8253, INSERM U1151, Institut Necker Enfants Malades, F-75015, Paris, France
| | - Sara Formichetti
- Epigenetics and Neurobiology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), 00015, Monterotondo, Italy
- Joint PhD degree program, European Molecular Biology Laboratory and Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Damiana Lecoeuche
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR 8253, INSERM U1151, Institut Necker Enfants Malades, F-75015, Paris, France
| | - Jianke Ren
- Epigenetics Section, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research in the Mouse Cancer Genetics Program, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, USA
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation,Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Reproductive Health Drug and Devices, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Kathrin Muegge
- Epigenetics Section, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research in the Mouse Cancer Genetics Program, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Matthieu Boulard
- Epigenetics and Neurobiology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), 00015, Monterotondo, Italy
| | - Jean-Claude Weill
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR 8253, INSERM U1151, Institut Necker Enfants Malades, F-75015, Paris, France
| | - Claude-Agnès Reynaud
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR 8253, INSERM U1151, Institut Necker Enfants Malades, F-75015, Paris, France
| | - Sébastien Storck
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR 8253, INSERM U1151, Institut Necker Enfants Malades, F-75015, Paris, France.
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5
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Sehgal P, Chaturvedi P. Chromatin and Cancer: Implications of Disrupted Chromatin Organization in Tumorigenesis and Its Diversification. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15020466. [PMID: 36672415 PMCID: PMC9856863 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15020466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
A hallmark of cancers is uncontrolled cell proliferation, frequently associated with an underlying imbalance in gene expression. This transcriptional dysregulation observed in cancers is multifaceted and involves chromosomal rearrangements, chimeric transcription factors, or altered epigenetic marks. Traditionally, chromatin dysregulation in cancers has been considered a downstream effect of driver mutations. However, here we present a broader perspective on the alteration of chromatin organization in the establishment, diversification, and therapeutic resistance of cancers. We hypothesize that the chromatin organization controls the accessibility of the transcriptional machinery to regulate gene expression in cancerous cells and preserves the structural integrity of the nucleus by regulating nuclear volume. Disruption of this large-scale chromatin in proliferating cancerous cells in conventional chemotherapies induces DNA damage and provides a positive feedback loop for chromatin rearrangements and tumor diversification. Consequently, the surviving cells from these chemotherapies become tolerant to higher doses of the therapeutic reagents, which are significantly toxic to normal cells. Furthermore, the disorganization of chromatin induced by these therapies accentuates nuclear fragility, thereby increasing the invasive potential of these tumors. Therefore, we believe that understanding the changes in chromatin organization in cancerous cells is expected to deliver more effective pharmacological interventions with minimal effects on non-cancerous cells.
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Kaplun DS, Kaluzhny DN, Prokhortchouk EB, Zhenilo SV. DNA Methylation: Genomewide Distribution, Regulatory Mechanism and Therapy Target. Acta Naturae 2022; 14:4-19. [PMID: 36694897 PMCID: PMC9844086 DOI: 10.32607/actanaturae.11822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation is the most important epigenetic modification involved in the regulation of transcription, imprinting, establishment of X-inactivation, and the formation of a chromatin structure. DNA methylation in the genome is often associated with transcriptional repression and the formation of closed heterochromatin. However, the results of genome-wide studies of the DNA methylation pattern and transcriptional activity of genes have nudged us toward reconsidering this paradigm, since the promoters of many genes remain active despite their methylation. The differences in the DNA methylation distribution in normal and pathological conditions allow us to consider methylation as a diagnostic marker or a therapy target. In this regard, the need to investigate the factors affecting DNA methylation and those involved in its interpretation becomes pressing. Recently, a large number of protein factors have been uncovered, whose ability to bind to DNA depends on their methylation. Many of these proteins act not only as transcriptional activators or repressors, but also affect the level of DNA methylation. These factors are considered potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of diseases resulting from either a change in DNA methylation or a change in the interpretation of its methylation level. In addition to protein factors, a secondary DNA structure can also affect its methylation and can be considered as a therapy target. In this review, the latest research into the DNA methylation landscape in the genome has been summarized to discuss why some DNA regions avoid methylation and what factors can affect its level or interpretation and, therefore, can be considered a therapy target.
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Affiliation(s)
- D. S. Kaplun
- Institute of Bioengineering, Research Center of Biotechnology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119071 Russia
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119071 Russia
| | - D. N. Kaluzhny
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119991 Russia
| | - E. B. Prokhortchouk
- Institute of Bioengineering, Research Center of Biotechnology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119071 Russia
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119071 Russia
| | - S. V. Zhenilo
- Institute of Bioengineering, Research Center of Biotechnology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119071 Russia
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119071 Russia
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7
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Dodlapati S, Jiang Z, Sun J. Completing Single-Cell DNA Methylome Profiles via Transfer Learning Together With KL-Divergence. Front Genet 2022; 13:910439. [PMID: 35938031 PMCID: PMC9353187 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.910439] [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: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The high level of sparsity in methylome profiles obtained using whole-genome bisulfite sequencing in the case of low biological material amount limits its value in the study of systems in which large samples are difficult to assemble, such as mammalian preimplantation embryonic development. The recently developed computational methods for addressing the sparsity by imputing missing have their limits when the required minimum data coverage or profiles of the same tissue in other modalities are not available. In this study, we explored the use of transfer learning together with Kullback-Leibler (KL) divergence to train predictive models for completing methylome profiles with very low coverage (below 2%). Transfer learning was used to leverage less sparse profiles that are typically available for different tissues for the same species, while KL divergence was employed to maximize the usage of information carried in the input data. A deep neural network was adopted to extract both DNA sequence and local methylation patterns for imputation. Our study of training models for completing methylome profiles of bovine oocytes and early embryos demonstrates the effectiveness of transfer learning and KL divergence, with individual increase of 29.98 and 29.43%, respectively, in prediction performance and 38.70% increase when the two were used together. The drastically increased data coverage (43.80-73.6%) after imputation powers downstream analyses involving methylomes that cannot be effectively done using the very low coverage profiles (0.06-1.47%) before imputation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjeeva Dodlapati
- Department of Computer Science, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, United States
| | - Zongliang Jiang
- School of Animal Sciences, AgCenter, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | - Jiangwen Sun
- Department of Computer Science, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, United States
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8
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Ugarković Đ, Sermek A, Ljubić S, Feliciello I. Satellite DNAs in Health and Disease. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13071154. [PMID: 35885937 PMCID: PMC9324158 DOI: 10.3390/genes13071154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Tandemly repeated satellite DNAs are major components of centromeres and pericentromeric heterochromatin which are crucial chromosomal elements responsible for accurate chromosome segregation. Satellite DNAs also contribute to genome evolution and the speciation process and are important for the maintenance of the entire genome inside the nucleus. In addition, there is increasing evidence for active and tightly regulated transcription of satellite DNAs and for the role of their transcripts in diverse processes. In this review, we focus on recent discoveries related to the regulation of satellite DNA expression and the role of their transcripts, either in heterochromatin establishment and centromere function or in gene expression regulation under various biological contexts. We discuss the role of satellite transcripts in the stress response and environmental adaptation as well as consequences of the dysregulation of satellite DNA expression in cancer and their potential use as cancer biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Đurđica Ugarković
- Department of Molecular Biology, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička 54, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (A.S.); (S.L.)
- Correspondence: (Đ.U.); (I.F.); Tel.: +385-1-4561-083 (D.U.); +39-081-746-4317 (I.F.)
| | - Antonio Sermek
- Department of Molecular Biology, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička 54, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (A.S.); (S.L.)
| | - Sven Ljubić
- Department of Molecular Biology, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička 54, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (A.S.); (S.L.)
| | - Isidoro Feliciello
- Department of Molecular Biology, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička 54, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (A.S.); (S.L.)
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
- Correspondence: (Đ.U.); (I.F.); Tel.: +385-1-4561-083 (D.U.); +39-081-746-4317 (I.F.)
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9
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Scherer M, Read C, Neusser G, Kranz C, Kuderna AK, Müller R, Full F, Woerz S, Reichel A, Schilling EM, Walther P, Stamminger T. Dual signaling via interferon and DNA damage response elicits entrapment by giant PML nuclear bodies. eLife 2022; 11:73006. [PMID: 35319461 PMCID: PMC8975554 DOI: 10.7554/elife.73006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
PML nuclear bodies (PML-NBs) are dynamic interchromosomal macromolecular complexes implicated in epigenetic regulation as well as antiviral defense. During herpesvirus infection, PML-NBs induce epigenetic silencing of viral genomes, however, this defense is antagonized by viral regulatory proteins such as IE1 of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV). Here, we show that PML-NBs undergo a drastic rearrangement into highly enlarged PML cages upon infection with IE1-deficient HCMV. Importantly, our results demonstrate that dual signaling by interferon and DNA damage response is required to elicit giant PML-NBs. DNA labeling revealed that invading HCMV genomes are entrapped inside PML-NBs and remain stably associated with PML cages in a transcriptionally repressed state. Intriguingly, by correlative light and transmission electron microscopy (EM), we observed that PML cages also entrap newly assembled viral capsids demonstrating a second defense layer in cells with incomplete first line response. Further characterization by 3D EM showed that hundreds of viral capsids are tightly packed into several layers of fibrous PML. Overall, our data indicate that giant PML-NBs arise via combined interferon and DNA damage signaling which triggers entrapment of both nucleic acids and proteinaceous components. This represents a multilayered defense strategy to act in a cytoprotective manner and to combat viral infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myriam Scherer
- Institute of Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Clarissa Read
- Central Facility for Electron Microscopy, ULM University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Gregor Neusser
- Institute of Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, ULM University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Christine Kranz
- Institute of Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, ULM University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Anna K Kuderna
- Institute of Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Regina Müller
- Institute of Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Florian Full
- Institute of Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Sonja Woerz
- Institute of Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Anna Reichel
- Institute of Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | | | - Paul Walther
- Central Facility for Electron Microscopy, ULM University, Ulm, Germany
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10
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Calvird AE, Broniec MN, Duval KL, Higgs AN, Arora V, Ha LN, Schouten EB, Crippen AR, McGrail M, Laue K, Goll MG. Uncovering Regulators of Heterochromatin Mediated Silencing Using a Zebrafish Transgenic Reporter. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:832461. [PMID: 35356281 PMCID: PMC8959096 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.832461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Heterochromatin formation and maintenance is critical for the repression of transcription from repetitive sequences. However, in vivo tools for monitoring heterochromatin mediated repression of repeats in the context of vertebrate development have been lacking. Here we demonstrate that a large concatemeric transgene integration containing the dsRed fluorescent reporter under the control of a ubiquitous promoter recapitulates molecular hallmarks of heterochromatic silencing, and that expression from the transgene array can be reactivated by depletion of known regulators of heterochromatin. We then use this reporter to identify a previously unappreciated role for the zebrafish NSD1 orthologs, Nsd1a and Nsd1b, in promoting heterochromatin mediated repression. Our results provide proof-principle that this transgenic reporter line can be used to rapidly identify genes with potential roles in heterochromatic silencing in the context of a live, vertebrate organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey E. Calvird
- Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Morgan N. Broniec
- Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Katherine L. Duval
- Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Alysha N. Higgs
- Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Vani Arora
- Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Lauren N. Ha
- Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Erik B. Schouten
- Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Annabel R. Crippen
- Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Maura McGrail
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Kathrin Laue
- Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Mary G. Goll
- Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
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11
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Dalal N, Jalandra R, Bayal N, Yadav AK, Sharma M, Makharia GK, Kumar P, Singh R, Solanki PR, Kumar A. Gut microbiota-derived metabolites in CRC progression and causation. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2021; 147:3141-3155. [PMID: 34273006 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-021-03729-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Based on recent research reports, dysbiosis and improper concentrations of microbial metabolites in the gut may result into the carcinogenesis of colorectal cancer. Recent advancement also highlights the involvement of bacteria and their secreted metabolites in the cancer causation. Gut microbial metabolites are functional output of the host-microbiota interactions and produced by anaerobic fermentation of food components in the diet. They contribute to influence variety of biological mechanisms including inflammation, cell signaling, cell-cycle disruption which are majorly disrupted in carcinogenic activities. PURPOSE In this review, we intend to discuss recent updates and possible molecular mechanisms to provide the role of bacterial metabolites, gut bacteria and diet in the colorectal carcinogenesis. Recent evidences have proposed the role of bacteria, such as Fusobacterium nucleaturm, Streptococcus bovis, Helicobacter pylori, Bacteroides fragilis and Clostridium septicum, in the carcinogenesis of CRC. Metagenomic study confirmed that these bacteria are in increased abundance in CRC patient as compared to healthy individuals and can cause inflammation and DNA damage which can lead to development of cancer. These bacteria produce metabolites, such as secondary bile salts from primary bile salts, hydrogen sulfide, trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO), which are likely to promote inflammation and subsequently cancer development. CONCLUSION Recent studies suggest that gut microbiota-derived metabolites have a role in CRC progression and causation and hence, could be implicated in CRC diagnosis, prognosis and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nishu Dalal
- Gene Regulation Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, 110067, India
- Department of Environmental Science, Satyawati College, Delhi University, Delhi, 110052, India
| | - Rekha Jalandra
- Gene Regulation Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, 110067, India
- Department of Zoology, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, 124001, India
| | - Nitin Bayal
- Gene Regulation Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Amit K Yadav
- Special Centre for Nanoscience, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Minakshi Sharma
- Department of Zoology, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, 124001, India
| | - Govind K Makharia
- Department of Gastroenterology and Human Nutrition, AIIMS, New Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Pramod Kumar
- Sri Aurobindo College, Delhi University, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Rajeev Singh
- Department of Environmental Science, Satyawati College, Delhi University, Delhi, 110052, India
| | - Pratima R Solanki
- Special Centre for Nanoscience, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, 110067, India.
| | - Anil Kumar
- Gene Regulation Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, 110067, India.
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12
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Pappalardo XG, Barra V. Losing DNA methylation at repetitive elements and breaking bad. Epigenetics Chromatin 2021; 14:25. [PMID: 34082816 PMCID: PMC8173753 DOI: 10.1186/s13072-021-00400-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background DNA methylation is an epigenetic chromatin mark that allows heterochromatin formation and gene silencing. It has a fundamental role in preserving genome stability (including chromosome stability) by controlling both gene expression and chromatin structure. Therefore, the onset of an incorrect pattern of DNA methylation is potentially dangerous for the cells. This is particularly important with respect to repetitive elements, which constitute the third of the human genome. Main body Repetitive sequences are involved in several cell processes, however, due to their intrinsic nature, they can be a source of genome instability. Thus, most repetitive elements are usually methylated to maintain a heterochromatic, repressed state. Notably, there is increasing evidence showing that repetitive elements (satellites, long interspersed nuclear elements (LINEs), Alus) are frequently hypomethylated in various of human pathologies, from cancer to psychiatric disorders. Repetitive sequences’ hypomethylation correlates with chromatin relaxation and unscheduled transcription. If these alterations are directly involved in human diseases aetiology and how, is still under investigation. Conclusions Hypomethylation of different families of repetitive sequences is recurrent in many different human diseases, suggesting that the methylation status of these elements can be involved in preservation of human health. This provides a promising point of view towards the research of therapeutic strategies focused on specifically tuning DNA methylation of DNA repeats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xena Giada Pappalardo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences (BIOMETEC), University of Catania, 95125, Catania, Italy.,National Council of Research, Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), Unit of Catania, 95125, Catania, Italy
| | - Viviana Barra
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, 90128, Palermo, Italy.
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13
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Velasco G, Ulveling D, Rondeau S, Marzin P, Unoki M, Cormier-Daire V, Francastel C. Interplay between Histone and DNA Methylation Seen through Comparative Methylomes in Rare Mendelian Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:3735. [PMID: 33916664 PMCID: PMC8038329 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22073735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation (DNAme) profiling is used to establish specific biomarkers to improve the diagnosis of patients with inherited neurodevelopmental disorders and to guide mutation screening. In the specific case of mendelian disorders of the epigenetic machinery, it also provides the basis to infer mechanistic aspects with regard to DNAme determinants and interplay between histone and DNAme that apply to humans. Here, we present comparative methylomes from patients with mutations in the de novo DNA methyltransferases DNMT3A and DNMT3B, in their catalytic domain or their N-terminal parts involved in reading histone methylation, or in histone H3 lysine (K) methylases NSD1 or SETD2 (H3 K36) or KMT2D/MLL2 (H3 K4). We provide disease-specific DNAme signatures and document the distinct consequences of mutations in enzymes with very similar or intertwined functions, including at repeated sequences and imprinted loci. We found that KMT2D and SETD2 germline mutations have little impact on DNAme profiles. In contrast, the overlapping DNAme alterations downstream of NSD1 or DNMT3 mutations underlines functional links, more specifically between NSD1 and DNMT3B at heterochromatin regions or DNMT3A at regulatory elements. Together, these data indicate certain discrepancy with the mechanisms described in animal models or the existence of redundant or complementary functions unforeseen in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Velasco
- Université de Paris, Epigenetics and Cell Fate, CNRS UMR7216, 75013 Paris, France; (G.V.); (D.U.)
| | - Damien Ulveling
- Université de Paris, Epigenetics and Cell Fate, CNRS UMR7216, 75013 Paris, France; (G.V.); (D.U.)
| | - Sophie Rondeau
- Imagine Institute, Université de Paris, Clinical Genetics, INSERM UMR 1163, Necker Enfants Malades Hospital, 75015 Paris, France; (S.R.); (P.M.); (V.C.-D.)
| | - Pauline Marzin
- Imagine Institute, Université de Paris, Clinical Genetics, INSERM UMR 1163, Necker Enfants Malades Hospital, 75015 Paris, France; (S.R.); (P.M.); (V.C.-D.)
| | - Motoko Unoki
- Division of Epigenomics and Development, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan;
| | - Valérie Cormier-Daire
- Imagine Institute, Université de Paris, Clinical Genetics, INSERM UMR 1163, Necker Enfants Malades Hospital, 75015 Paris, France; (S.R.); (P.M.); (V.C.-D.)
| | - Claire Francastel
- Université de Paris, Epigenetics and Cell Fate, CNRS UMR7216, 75013 Paris, France; (G.V.); (D.U.)
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14
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Weinreb JT, Ghazale N, Pradhan K, Gupta V, Potts KS, Tricomi B, Daniels NJ, Padgett RA, De Oliveira S, Verma A, Bowman TV. Excessive R-loops trigger an inflammatory cascade leading to increased HSPC production. Dev Cell 2021; 56:627-640.e5. [PMID: 33651979 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2021.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2019] [Revised: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) arise during embryonic development and are essential for sustaining the blood and immune systems throughout life. Tight regulation of HSPC numbers is critical for hematopoietic homeostasis. Here, we identified DEAD-box helicase 41 (Ddx41) as a gatekeeper of HSPC production. Using zebrafish ddx41 mutants, we unveiled a critical role for this helicase in regulating HSPC production at the endothelial-to-hematopoietic transition. We determined that Ddx41 suppresses the accumulation of R-loops, nucleic acid structures consisting of RNA:DNA hybrids and ssDNAs whose equilibrium is essential for cellular fitness. Excess R-loop levels in ddx41 mutants triggered the cGAS-STING inflammatory pathway leading to increased numbers of hemogenic endothelium and HSPCs. Elevated R-loop accumulation and inflammatory signaling were observed in human cells with decreased DDX41, suggesting possible conservation of mechanism. These findings delineate that precise regulation of R-loop levels during development is critical for limiting cGAS-STING activity and HSPC numbers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua T Weinreb
- Department of Developmental and Molecular Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; Gottesman Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Noura Ghazale
- Department of Developmental and Molecular Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; Gottesman Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Kith Pradhan
- Department of Developmental and Molecular Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Varun Gupta
- Department of Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Kathryn S Potts
- Department of Developmental and Molecular Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; Gottesman Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Brad Tricomi
- Gottesman Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; Department of Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Noah J Daniels
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Richard A Padgett
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Sofia De Oliveira
- Department of Developmental and Molecular Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; Department of Medicine (Hepatology) and Marion Bessin Liver Research Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Amit Verma
- Department of Developmental and Molecular Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; Gottesman Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; Department of Medicine (Oncology), Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Teresa V Bowman
- Department of Developmental and Molecular Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; Gottesman Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; Department of Medicine (Oncology), Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA.
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15
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Bergo V, Trompouki E. New tools for 'ZEBRA-FISHING'. Brief Funct Genomics 2021:elab001. [PMID: 33605988 DOI: 10.1093/bfgp/elab001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Zebrafish has been established as a classical model for developmental studies, yet in the past years, with the explosion of novel technological methods, the use of zebrafish as a model has expanded. One of the prominent fields that took advantage of zebrafish as a model organism early on is hematopoiesis, the process of blood cell generation from hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs). In zebrafish, HSPCs are born early during development in the aorta-gonad-mesonephros region and then translocate to the caudal hematopoietic tissue, where they expand and finally take residence in the kidney marrow. This journey is tightly regulated at multiple levels from extracellular signals to chromatin. In order to delineate the mechanistic underpinnings of this process, next-generation sequencing techniques could be an important ally. Here, we describe genome-wide approaches that have been undertaken to delineate zebrafish hematopoiesis.
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16
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Rutherford HA, Kasher PR, Hamilton N. Dirty Fish Versus Squeaky Clean Mice: Dissecting Interspecies Differences Between Animal Models of Interferonopathy. Front Immunol 2021; 11:623650. [PMID: 33519829 PMCID: PMC7843416 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.623650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases are rare but often devastating disorders, underpinned by abnormal immune function. While some autoimmune disorders are thought to be triggered by a burden of infection throughout life, others are thought to be genetic in origin. Among these heritable disorders are the type I interferonopathies, including the rare Mendelian childhood-onset encephalitis Aicardi-Goutières syndrome. Patients with Aicardi Goutières syndrome are born with defects in enzymes responsible for nucleic acid metabolism and develop devastating white matter abnormalities resembling congenital cytomegalovirus brain infection. In some cases, common infections preceded the onset of the disease, suggesting immune stimulation as a potential trigger. Thus, the antiviral immune response has been actively studied in an attempt to provide clues on the pathological mechanisms and inform on the development of therapies. Animal models have been fundamental in deciphering biological mechanisms in human health and disease. Multiple rodent and zebrafish models are available to study type I interferonopathies, which have advanced our understanding of the human disease by identifying key pathological pathways and cellular drivers. However, striking differences in phenotype have also emerged between these vertebrate models, with zebrafish models recapitulating key features of the human neuropathology often lacking in rodents. In this review, we compare rodent and zebrafish models, and summarize how they have advanced our understanding of the pathological mechanisms in Aicardi Goutières syndrome and similar disorders. We highlight recent discoveries on the impact of laboratory environments on immune stimulation and how this may inform the differences in pathological severity between mouse and zebrafish models of type I interferonopathies. Understanding how these differences arise will inform the improvement of animal disease modeling to accelerate progress in the development of therapies for these devastating childhood disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly A. Rutherford
- The Bateson Centre, Institute of Neuroscience, Department of Infection, Immunity and Cardiovascular Disease, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Paul R. Kasher
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Geoffrey Jefferson Brain Research Centre, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Northern Care Alliance & University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Noémie Hamilton
- The Bateson Centre, Institute of Neuroscience, Department of Infection, Immunity and Cardiovascular Disease, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
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17
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Kim SJ, MacDonald JI, Dick FA. Phosphorylation of the RB C-terminus regulates condensin II release from chromatin. J Biol Chem 2021; 296:100108. [PMID: 33219128 PMCID: PMC7948394 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra120.016511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The retinoblastoma tumor suppressor protein (RB) plays an important role in biological processes such as cell cycle control, DNA damage repair, epigenetic regulation, and genome stability. The canonical model of RB regulation is that cyclin-CDKs phosphorylate and render RB inactive in late G1/S, promoting entry into S phase. Recently, monophosphorylated RB species were described to have distinct cell-cycle-independent functions, suggesting that a phosphorylation code dictates diversity of RB function. However, a biologically relevant, functional role of RB phosphorylation at non-CDK sites has remained elusive. Here, we investigated S838/T841 dual phosphorylation, its upstream stimulus, and downstream functional output. We found that mimicking T-cell receptor activation in Jurkat leukemia cells induced sequential activation of downstream kinases including p38 MAPK and RB S838/T841 phosphorylation. This signaling pathway disrupts RB and condensin II interaction with chromatin. Using cells expressing a WT or S838A/T841A mutant RB fragment, we present evidence that deficiency for this phosphorylation event prevents condensin II release from chromatin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung J Kim
- London Regional Cancer Program, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada; Children's Health Research Institute, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - James I MacDonald
- London Regional Cancer Program, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada; Children's Health Research Institute, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Frederick A Dick
- London Regional Cancer Program, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada; Children's Health Research Institute, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.
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18
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Feliciello I, Pezer Ž, Sermek A, Bruvo Mađarić B, Ljubić S, Ugarković Đ. Satellite DNA-Mediated Gene Expression Regulation: Physiological and Evolutionary Implication. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR AND SUBCELLULAR BIOLOGY 2021; 60:145-167. [PMID: 34386875 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-74889-0_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Satellite DNAs are tandemly repeated sequences organized in large clusters within (peri)centromeric and/or subtelomeric heterochromatin. However, in many species, satellite DNAs are not restricted to heterochromatin but are also dispersed as short arrays within euchromatin. Such genomic organization together with transcriptional activity seems to be a prerequisite for the gene-modulatory effect of satellite DNAs which was first demonstrated in the beetle Tribolium castaneum upon heat stress. Namely, enrichment of a silent histone mark at euchromatic repeats of a major beetle satellite DNA results in epigenetic silencing of neighboring genes. In addition, human satellite III transcripts induced by heat shock contribute to genome-wide gene silencing, providing protection against stress-induced cell death. Gene silencing mediated by satellite RNA was also shown to be fundamental for the early embryonic development of the mosquito Aedes aegypti. Apart from a physiological role during embryogenesis and heat stress response, activation of satellite DNAs in terms of transcription and proliferation can have an evolutionary impact. Spreading of satellite repeats throughout euchromatin promotes the variation of epigenetic landscapes and gene expression diversity, contributing to the evolution of gene regulatory networks and to genome adaptation in fluctuating environmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isidoro Feliciello
- Department of Molecular Biology, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Zagreb, Croatia.,Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Universita' degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Željka Pezer
- Department of Molecular Biology, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Antonio Sermek
- Department of Molecular Biology, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| | | | - Sven Ljubić
- Department of Molecular Biology, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Đurđica Ugarković
- Department of Molecular Biology, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Zagreb, Croatia.
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19
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Lefkopoulos S, Polyzou A, Derecka M, Bergo V, Clapes T, Cauchy P, Jerez-Longres C, Onishi-Seebacher M, Yin N, Martagon-Calderón NA, Potts KS, Klaeylé L, Liu F, Bowman TV, Jenuwein T, Mione MC, Trompouki E. Repetitive Elements Trigger RIG-I-like Receptor Signaling that Regulates the Emergence of Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cells. Immunity 2020; 53:934-951.e9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2020.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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20
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dnmt1 function is required to maintain retinal stem cells within the ciliary marginal zone of the zebrafish eye. Sci Rep 2020; 10:11293. [PMID: 32647199 PMCID: PMC7347529 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-68016-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The ciliary marginal zone (CMZ) of the zebrafish retina contains a population of actively proliferating resident stem cells, which generate retinal neurons throughout life. The maintenance methyltransferase, dnmt1, is expressed within the CMZ. Loss of dnmt1 function results in gene misregulation and cell death in a variety of developmental contexts, however, its role in retinal stem cell (RSC) maintenance is currently unknown. Here, we demonstrate that zebrafish dnmt1s872 mutants possess severe defects in RSC maintenance within the CMZ. Using a combination of immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, and a transgenic reporter assay, our results demonstrate a requirement for dnmt1 activity in the regulation of RSC proliferation, gene expression and in the repression of endogenous retroelements (REs). Ultimately, cell death is elevated in the dnmt1−/− CMZ, but in a p53-independent manner. Using a transgenic reporter for RE transposition activity, we demonstrate increased transposition in the dnmt1−/− CMZ. Taken together our data identify a critical role for dnmt1 function in RSC maintenance in the vertebrate eye.
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21
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Corless S, Höcker S, Erhardt S. Centromeric RNA and Its Function at and Beyond Centromeric Chromatin. J Mol Biol 2020; 432:4257-4269. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2020.03.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2019] [Revised: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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22
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DNA methylation in satellite repeats disorders. Essays Biochem 2020; 63:757-771. [PMID: 31387943 DOI: 10.1042/ebc20190028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Revised: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Despite the tremendous progress made in recent years in assembling the human genome, tandemly repeated DNA elements remain poorly characterized. These sequences account for the vast majority of methylated sites in the human genome and their methylated state is necessary for this repetitive DNA to function properly and to maintain genome integrity. Furthermore, recent advances highlight the emerging role of these sequences in regulating the functions of the human genome and its variability during evolution, among individuals, or in disease susceptibility. In addition, a number of inherited rare diseases are directly linked to the alteration of some of these repetitive DNA sequences, either through changes in the organization or size of the tandem repeat arrays or through mutations in genes encoding chromatin modifiers involved in the epigenetic regulation of these elements. Although largely overlooked so far in the functional annotation of the human genome, satellite elements play key roles in its architectural and topological organization. This includes functions as boundary elements delimitating functional domains or assembly of repressive nuclear compartments, with local or distal impact on gene expression. Thus, the consideration of satellite repeats organization and their associated epigenetic landmarks, including DNA methylation (DNAme), will become unavoidable in the near future to fully decipher human phenotypes and associated diseases.
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23
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Akdogan-Ozdilek B, Duval KL, Goll MG. Chromatin dynamics at the maternal to zygotic transition: recent advances from the zebrafish model. F1000Res 2020; 9. [PMID: 32528656 PMCID: PMC7262572 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.21809.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Early animal development is characterized by intense reorganization of the embryonic genome, including large-scale changes in chromatin structure and in the DNA and histone modifications that help shape this structure. Particularly profound shifts in the chromatin landscape are associated with the maternal-to-zygotic transition, when the zygotic genome is first transcribed and maternally loaded transcripts are degraded. The accessibility of the early zebrafish embryo facilitates the interrogation of chromatin during this critical window of development, making it an important model for early chromatin regulation. Here, we review our current understanding of chromatin dynamics during early zebrafish development, highlighting new advances as well as similarities and differences between early chromatin regulation in zebrafish and other species.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mary G Goll
- Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
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24
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Vukic M, Daxinger L. DNA methylation in disease: Immunodeficiency, Centromeric instability, Facial anomalies syndrome. Essays Biochem 2019; 63:773-783. [PMID: 31724723 PMCID: PMC6923317 DOI: 10.1042/ebc20190035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Revised: 10/01/2019] [Accepted: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
DNA methylation is an epigenetic modification essential for normal mammalian development. Initially associated with gene silencing, more diverse roles for DNA methylation in the regulation of gene expression patterns are increasingly being recognized. Some of these insights come from studying the function of genes that are mutated in human diseases characterized by abnormal DNA methylation landscapes. The first disorder to be associated with congenital defects in DNA methylation was Immunodeficiency, Centromeric instability, Facial anomalies syndrome (ICF). The hallmark of this syndrome is hypomethylation of pericentromeric satellite repeats, with mutations in four genes: DNMT3B, ZBTB24, CDCA7 and HELLS, being linked to the disease. Here, we discuss recent progress in understanding the molecular interactions between these genes and consider current evidence for how aberrant DNA methylation may contribute to the abnormal phenotype present in ICF syndrome patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja Vukic
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Centre (LUMC), Leiden 2300, RC, The Netherlands
| | - Lucia Daxinger
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Centre (LUMC), Leiden 2300, RC, The Netherlands
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25
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Scelfo A, Fachinetti D. Keeping the Centromere under Control: A Promising Role for DNA Methylation. Cells 2019; 8:cells8080912. [PMID: 31426433 PMCID: PMC6721688 DOI: 10.3390/cells8080912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2019] [Revised: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
In order to maintain cell and organism homeostasis, the genetic material has to be faithfully and equally inherited through cell divisions while preserving its integrity. Centromeres play an essential task in this process; they are special sites on chromosomes where kinetochores form on repetitive DNA sequences to enable accurate chromosome segregation. Recent evidence suggests that centromeric DNA sequences, and epigenetic regulation of centromeres, have important roles in centromere physiology. In particular, DNA methylation is abundant at the centromere, and aberrant DNA methylation, observed in certain tumors, has been correlated to aneuploidy and genomic instability. In this review, we evaluate past and current insights on the relationship between centromere function and the DNA methylation pattern of its underlying sequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Scelfo
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS, UMR144, 26 rue d'Ulm, 75005 Paris, France.
| | - Daniele Fachinetti
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS, UMR144, 26 rue d'Ulm, 75005 Paris, France.
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26
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The diverse roles of DNA methylation in mammalian development and disease. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2019; 20:590-607. [PMID: 31399642 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-019-0159-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1064] [Impact Index Per Article: 212.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
DNA methylation is of paramount importance for mammalian embryonic development. DNA methylation has numerous functions: it is implicated in the repression of transposons and genes, but is also associated with actively transcribed gene bodies and, in some cases, with gene activation per se. In recent years, sensitive technologies have been developed that allow the interrogation of DNA methylation patterns from a small number of cells. The use of these technologies has greatly improved our knowledge of DNA methylation dynamics and heterogeneity in embryos and in specific tissues. Combined with genetic analyses, it is increasingly apparent that regulation of DNA methylation erasure and (re-)establishment varies considerably between different developmental stages. In this Review, we discuss the mechanisms and functions of DNA methylation and demethylation in both mice and humans at CpG-rich promoters, gene bodies and transposable elements. We highlight the dynamic erasure and re-establishment of DNA methylation in embryonic, germline and somatic cell development. Finally, we provide insights into DNA methylation gained from studying genetic diseases.
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27
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Wu H, Vonk KKD, van der Maarel SM, Santen GWE, Daxinger L. A functional assay to classify ZBTB24 missense variants of unknown significance. Hum Mutat 2019; 40:1077-1083. [PMID: 31066130 PMCID: PMC6771626 DOI: 10.1002/humu.23786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Revised: 05/06/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Increasing use of next‐generation sequencing technologies in clinical diagnostics allows large‐scale discovery of genetic variants, but also results in frequent identification of variants of unknown significance (VUSs). Their classification into disease‐causing and neutral variants is often hampered by the absence of robust functional tests. Here, we demonstrate that a luciferase reporter assay, in combination with ChIP‐qPCR, reliably separates pathogenic ZBTB24 missense variants in the context of immunodeficiency, centromeric instability, facial anomalies (ICF) syndrome from natural variants in healthy individuals and patients of other diseases. Application of our assay to two published ZBTB24 missense VUSs indicates that they are likely not to cause ICF2 syndrome. Furthermore, we show that rare gnomAD ZBTB24 missense variants in key residues of the C2H2‐ZF domain lead to a loss of function phenotype that resembles ICF2, suggesting that these individuals are carriers of ICF syndrome. In summary, we have developed a robust functional test to validate missense variants in ZBTB24.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoyu Wu
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Kelly K D Vonk
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Gijs W E Santen
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Lucia Daxinger
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Packaging development: how chromatin controls transcription in zebrafish embryogenesis. Biochem Soc Trans 2019; 47:713-724. [DOI: 10.1042/bst20180617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Revised: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
How developmental gene expression is activated, co-ordinated and maintained is one of the biggest questions in developmental biology. While transcription factors lead the way in directing developmental gene expression, their accessibility to the correct repertoire of genes can depend on other factors such as DNA methylation, the presence of particular histone variants and post-translational modifications of histones. Collectively, factors that modify DNA or affect its packaging and accessibility contribute to a chromatin landscape that helps to control the timely expression of developmental genes. Zebrafish, perhaps better known for their strength as a model of embryology and organogenesis during development, are coming to the fore as a powerful model for interpreting the role played by chromatin in gene expression. Several recent advances have shown that zebrafish exhibit both similarities and differences to other models (and humans) in the way that they employ chromatin mechanisms of gene regulation. Here, I review how chromatin influences developmental transcriptional programmes during early zebrafish development, patterning and organogenesis. Lastly, I briefly highlight the importance of zebrafish chromatin research towards the understanding of human disease and transgenerational inheritance.
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Rajshekar S, Yao J, Arnold PK, Payne SG, Zhang Y, Bowman TV, Schmitz RJ, Edwards JR, Goll M. Pericentromeric hypomethylation elicits an interferon response in an animal model of ICF syndrome. eLife 2018; 7:39658. [PMID: 30484769 PMCID: PMC6261255 DOI: 10.7554/elife.39658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2018] [Accepted: 11/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pericentromeric satellite repeats are enriched in 5-methylcytosine (5mC). Loss of 5mC at these sequences is common in cancer and is a hallmark of Immunodeficiency, Centromere and Facial abnormalities (ICF) syndrome. While the general importance of 5mC is well-established, the specific functions of 5mC at pericentromeres are less clear. To address this deficiency, we generated a viable animal model of pericentromeric hypomethylation through mutation of the ICF-gene ZBTB24. Deletion of zebrafish zbtb24 caused a progressive loss of 5mC at pericentromeres and ICF-like phenotypes. Hypomethylation of these repeats triggered derepression of pericentromeric transcripts and activation of an interferon-based innate immune response. Injection of pericentromeric RNA is sufficient to elicit this response in wild-type embryos, and mutation of the MDA5-MAVS dsRNA-sensing machinery blocks the response in mutants. These findings identify activation of the innate immune system as an early consequence of pericentromeric hypomethylation, implicating derepression of pericentromeric transcripts as a trigger of autoimmunity. Editorial note: This article has been through an editorial process in which the authors decide how to respond to the issues raised during peer review. The Reviewing Editor's assessment is that all the issues have been addressed (see decision letter). Cells package DNA into structures called chromosomes. When cells divide, each chromosome duplicates, and a structure called a centromere initially holds the copies together. The sequences of DNA on either side of the centromeres are often highly repetitive. In backboned animals, this DNA normally also has extra chemical modifications called methyl groups attached to it. The role that these methyl groups play in this region is not known, although in other DNA regions they often stop the DNA being ‘transcribed’ into molecules of RNA. The cells of people who have a rare human genetic disorder called ICF syndrome, lack the methyl groups near the centromere. The methyl groups may also be lost in old and cancerous cells. Researchers often use ‘model’ animals to investigate the effects of DNA modifications. But, until now, there were no animal models that lose methyl groups from the DNA around centromeres in the same way as seen in ICF syndrome. Rajshekar et al. have developed a new zebrafish model for ICF syndrome that loses the methyl groups around its centromeres over time. Studying the cells of these zebrafish showed that when the methyl groups are missing, the cell starts to transcribe the DNA sequences around the centromeres. The resulting RNA molecules appear to be mistaken by the cell for viral RNA. They activate immune sensors that normally detect RNA viruses, which triggers an immune response. The new zebrafish model can now be used in further studies to help researchers to understand the key features of ICF syndrome. Future work could also investigate whether the loss of methyl groups around the centromeres plays a role in other diseases where the immune system attacks healthy tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srivarsha Rajshekar
- Program in Biochemistry and Structural Biology, Cell and Developmental Biology, and Molecular Biology, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Cornell University, New York, United States.,Developmental Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, United States.,Institute of Bioinformatics, University of Georgia, Athens, United States
| | - Jun Yao
- Developmental Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, United States
| | - Paige K Arnold
- Louis V. Gerstner Jr. Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, United States
| | - Sara G Payne
- Department of Developmental and Molecular Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, United States
| | - Yinwen Zhang
- Institute of Bioinformatics, University of Georgia, Athens, United States
| | - Teresa V Bowman
- Department of Developmental and Molecular Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, United States
| | - Robert J Schmitz
- Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Georgia, United States
| | - John R Edwards
- Department of Medicine, Center for Pharmacogenomics, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, Missouri, United States
| | - Mary Goll
- Developmental Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, United States.,Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Georgia, United States
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