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Hamacher C, Degen R, Franke M, Switacz VK, Fleck D, Katreddi RR, Hernandez-Clavijo A, Strauch M, Horio N, Hachgenei E, Spehr J, Liberles SD, Merhof D, Forni PE, Zimmer-Bensch G, Ben-Shaul Y, Spehr M. A revised conceptual framework for mouse vomeronasal pumping and stimulus sampling. Curr Biol 2024; 34:1206-1221.e6. [PMID: 38320553 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2024.01.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
The physiological performance of any sensory organ is determined by its anatomy and physical properties. Consequently, complex sensory structures with elaborate features have evolved to optimize stimulus detection. Understanding these structures and their physical nature forms the basis for mechanistic insights into sensory function. Despite its crucial role as a sensor for pheromones and other behaviorally instructive chemical cues, the vomeronasal organ (VNO) remains a poorly characterized mammalian sensory structure. Fundamental principles of its physico-mechanical function, including basic aspects of stimulus sampling, remain poorly explored. Here, we revisit the classical vasomotor pump hypothesis of vomeronasal stimulus uptake. Using advanced anatomical, histological, and physiological methods, we demonstrate that large parts of the lateral mouse VNO are composed of smooth muscle. Vomeronasal smooth muscle tissue comprises two subsets of fibers with distinct topography, structure, excitation-contraction coupling, and, ultimately, contractile properties. Specifically, contractions of a large population of noradrenaline-sensitive cells mediate both transverse and longitudinal lumen expansion, whereas cholinergic stimulation targets an adluminal group of smooth muscle fibers. The latter run parallel to the VNO's rostro-caudal axis and are ideally situated to mediate antagonistic longitudinal constriction of the lumen. This newly discovered arrangement implies a novel mode of function. Single-cell transcriptomics and pharmacological profiling reveal the receptor subtypes involved. Finally, 2D/3D tomography provides non-invasive insight into the intact VNO's anatomy and mechanics, enables measurement of luminal fluid volume, and allows an assessment of relative volume change upon noradrenergic stimulation. Together, we propose a revised conceptual framework for mouse vomeronasal pumping and, thus, stimulus sampling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Hamacher
- Department of Chemosensation, Institute for Biology II, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Rudolf Degen
- Department of Chemosensation, Institute for Biology II, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany; Research Training Group 2416 MultiSenses - MultiScales, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Melissa Franke
- Department of Chemosensation, Institute for Biology II, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Victoria K Switacz
- Department of Chemosensation, Institute for Biology II, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany; Research Training Group 2416 MultiSenses - MultiScales, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - David Fleck
- Department of Chemosensation, Institute for Biology II, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Raghu Ram Katreddi
- Department of Biological Sciences, The RNA Institute, University at Albany, Albany, NY 12222, USA
| | - Andres Hernandez-Clavijo
- Department of Chemosensation, Institute for Biology II, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Martin Strauch
- Institute of Imaging and Computer Vision, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Nao Horio
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Enno Hachgenei
- Department of Production Metrology, Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Jennifer Spehr
- Department of Chemosensation, Institute for Biology II, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Stephen D Liberles
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Dorit Merhof
- Research Training Group 2416 MultiSenses - MultiScales, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany; Institute of Imaging and Computer Vision, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Paolo E Forni
- Department of Biological Sciences, The RNA Institute, University at Albany, Albany, NY 12222, USA
| | - Geraldine Zimmer-Bensch
- Research Training Group 2416 MultiSenses - MultiScales, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany; Department of Neuroepigenetics, Institute for Biology II, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Yoram Ben-Shaul
- Department of Medical Neurobiology, Institute for Medical Research Israel Canada, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
| | - Marc Spehr
- Department of Chemosensation, Institute for Biology II, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany; Research Training Group 2416 MultiSenses - MultiScales, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany.
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Zimmer-Bensch G. Correction to: New Editors-in-Chief and future directions: a glimpse into the evolving future of Neurogenetics. Neurogenetics 2024; 25:47. [PMID: 38253732 PMCID: PMC10890974 DOI: 10.1007/s10048-024-00747-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Geraldine Zimmer-Bensch
- Division of Neuroepigenetics, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 3, 52074, Aachen, Germany.
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3
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Zimmer-Bensch G. New Editors-in-Chief and future directions: a glimpse into the evolving future of Neurogenetics. Neurogenetics 2024; 25:1-2. [PMID: 38157141 PMCID: PMC10891218 DOI: 10.1007/s10048-023-00740-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Geraldine Zimmer-Bensch
- Division of Neuroepigenetics, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 3, Aachen, 52074, Germany.
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4
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Yildiz CB, Kundu T, Gehrmann J, Koesling J, Ravaei A, Wolff P, Kraft F, Maié T, Jakovcevski M, Pensold D, Zimmermann O, Rossetti G, Costa IG, Zimmer-Bensch G. EphrinA5 regulates cell motility by modulating Snhg15/DNA triplex-dependent targeting of DNMT1 to the Ncam1 promoter. Epigenetics Chromatin 2023; 16:42. [PMID: 37880732 PMCID: PMC10601256 DOI: 10.1186/s13072-023-00516-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell-cell communication is mediated by membrane receptors and their ligands, such as the Eph/ephrin system, orchestrating cell migration during development and in diverse cancer types. Epigenetic mechanisms are key for integrating external "signals", e.g., from neighboring cells, into the transcriptome in health and disease. Previously, we reported ephrinA5 to trigger transcriptional changes of lncRNAs and protein-coding genes in cerebellar granule cells, a cell model for medulloblastoma. LncRNAs represent important adaptors for epigenetic writers through which they regulate gene expression. Here, we investigate a lncRNA-mediated targeting of DNMT1 to specific gene loci by the combined power of in silico modeling of RNA/DNA interactions and wet lab approaches, in the context of the clinically relevant use case of ephrinA5-dependent regulation of cellular motility of cerebellar granule cells. We provide evidence that Snhg15, a cancer-related lncRNA, recruits DNMT1 to the Ncam1 promoter through RNA/DNA triplex structure formation and the interaction with DNMT1. This mediates DNA methylation-dependent silencing of Ncam1, being abolished by ephrinA5 stimulation-triggered reduction of Snhg15 expression. Hence, we here propose a triple helix recognition mechanism, underlying cell motility regulation via lncRNA-targeted DNA methylation in a clinically relevant context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Can Bora Yildiz
- Institute of Zoology (Biology 2), Division of Neuroepigenetics, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 3, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Research Training Group 2416 Multi Senses - Multi Scales, RWTH Aachen University, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Tathagata Kundu
- Jülich Supercomputing Centre, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52425, Jülich, Germany
| | - Julia Gehrmann
- Institute for Computational Genomics, RWTH Aachen University, Medical Faculty, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Jannis Koesling
- Institute of Zoology (Biology 2), Division of Neuroepigenetics, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 3, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Amin Ravaei
- Institute of Zoology (Biology 2), Division of Neuroepigenetics, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 3, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Department of Neurosciences and Rehabilitation, Section of Medical Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Genetics, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Philip Wolff
- Institute of Zoology (Biology 2), Division of Neuroepigenetics, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 3, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Florian Kraft
- Institute for Human Genetics and Genomic Medicine, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Tiago Maié
- Institute for Computational Genomics, RWTH Aachen University, Medical Faculty, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Mira Jakovcevski
- Institute of Zoology (Biology 2), Division of Neuroepigenetics, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 3, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Daniel Pensold
- Institute of Zoology (Biology 2), Division of Neuroepigenetics, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 3, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Olav Zimmermann
- Jülich Supercomputing Centre, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52425, Jülich, Germany
| | - Giulia Rossetti
- Jülich Supercomputing Centre, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52425, Jülich, Germany
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Aachen, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-9)/Institute of Advanced Simulations (IAS-5), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52425, Jülich, Germany
| | - Ivan G Costa
- Institute for Computational Genomics, RWTH Aachen University, Medical Faculty, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Geraldine Zimmer-Bensch
- Institute of Zoology (Biology 2), Division of Neuroepigenetics, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 3, 52074, Aachen, Germany.
- Research Training Group 2416 Multi Senses - Multi Scales, RWTH Aachen University, 52074, Aachen, Germany.
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Ravaei A, Zimmer-Bensch G, Govoni M, Rubini M. lncRNA-mediated synovitis in rheumatoid arthritis: A perspective for biomarker development. Prog Biophys Mol Biol 2022; 175:103-119. [PMID: 36126801 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2022.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a regulatory class of noncoding RNAs with a wide range of activities such as transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulations. Emerging evidence has demonstrated that various lncRNAs contribute to the initiation and progression of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) through distinctive mechanisms. The present study reviews the recent findings on lncRNA role in RA development. It focuses on the involvement of different lncRNAs in the main steps of RA pathogenesis including T cell activation, cytokine dysregulation, fibroblast-like synoviocyte (FLS) activation and joint destruction. Besides, it discusses the current findings on RA diagnosis and the potential of lncRNAs as diagnostic, prognostic and predictive biomarkers in Rheumatology clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amin Ravaei
- Department of Neurosciences and Rehabilitation, Section of Medical Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Genetics, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Geraldine Zimmer-Bensch
- Division of Neuroepigenetics, Institute of Zoology (Biology II), RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.
| | - Marcello Govoni
- Department of Medical Science, Section of Rheumatology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Michele Rubini
- Department of Neurosciences and Rehabilitation, Section of Medical Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Genetics, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.
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6
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Yildiz CB, Zimmer-Bensch G. Role of DNMTs in the Brain. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology 2022; 1389:363-394. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-11454-0_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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7
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Pensold D, Zimmer-Bensch G. DNMT1-dependent regulation of cortical interneuron function and survival. Neural Regen Res 2021; 16:2405-2406. [PMID: 33907019 PMCID: PMC8374593 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.313037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Pensold
- RWTH Aachen University, Institute for Biology II, Department of Functional Epigenetics in the Animal Model, Aachen, Germany
| | - Geraldine Zimmer-Bensch
- RWTH Aachen University, Institute for Biology II, Department of Functional Epigenetics in the Animal Model, Aachen, Germany
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8
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Zimmer-Bensch G, Zempel H. DNA Methylation in Genetic and Sporadic Forms of Neurodegeneration: Lessons from Alzheimer's, Related Tauopathies and Genetic Tauopathies. Cells 2021; 10:3064. [PMID: 34831288 PMCID: PMC8624300 DOI: 10.3390/cells10113064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic and sporadic forms of tauopathies, the most prevalent of which is Alzheimer's Disease, are a scourge of the aging society, and in the case of genetic forms, can also affect children and young adults. All tauopathies share ectopic expression, mislocalization, or aggregation of the microtubule associated protein TAU, encoded by the MAPT gene. As TAU is a neuronal protein widely expressed in the CNS, the overwhelming majority of tauopathies are neurological disorders. They are characterized by cognitive dysfunction often leading to dementia, and are frequently accompanied by movement abnormalities such as parkinsonism. Tauopathies can lead to severe neurological deficits and premature death. For some tauopathies there is a clear genetic cause and/or an epigenetic contribution. However, for several others the disease etiology is unclear, with few tauopathies being environmentally triggered. Here, we review current knowledge of tauopathies listing known genetic and important sporadic forms of these disease. Further, we discuss how DNA methylation as a major epigenetic mechanism emerges to be involved in the disease pathophysiology of Alzheimer's, and related genetic and non-genetic tauopathies. Finally, we debate the application of epigenetic signatures in peripheral blood samples as diagnostic tools and usages of epigenetic therapy strategies for these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geraldine Zimmer-Bensch
- Functional Epigenetics in the Animal Model, Institute for Biology II, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
- Research Training Group 2416 MultiSenses-MultiScales, Institute for Biology II, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Hans Zempel
- Institute of Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
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9
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Abstract
Neurodevelopmental diseases (NDDs), such as autism spectrum disorders, epilepsy, and schizophrenia, are characterized by diverse facets of neurological and psychiatric symptoms, differing in etiology, onset and severity. Such symptoms include mental delay, cognitive and language impairments, or restrictions to adaptive and social behavior. Nevertheless, all have in common that critical milestones of brain development are disrupted, leading to functional deficits of the central nervous system and clinical manifestation in child- or adulthood. To approach how the different development-associated neuropathologies can occur and which risk factors or critical processes are involved in provoking higher susceptibility for such diseases, a detailed understanding of the mechanisms underlying proper brain formation is required. NDDs rely on deficits in neuronal identity, proportion or function, whereby a defective development of the cerebral cortex, the seat of higher cognitive functions, is implicated in numerous disorders. Such deficits can be provoked by genetic and environmental factors during corticogenesis. Thereby, epigenetic mechanisms can act as an interface between external stimuli and the genome, since they are known to be responsive to external stimuli also in cortical neurons. In line with that, DNA methylation, histone modifications/variants, ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling, as well as regulatory non-coding RNAs regulate diverse aspects of neuronal development, and alterations in epigenomic marks have been associated with NDDs of varying phenotypes. Here, we provide an overview of essential steps of mammalian corticogenesis, and discuss the role of epigenetic mechanisms assumed to contribute to pathophysiological aspects of NDDs, when being disrupted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Reichard
- Functional Epigenetics in the Animal Model, Institute for Biology II, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
- Research Training Group 2416 MultiSenses-MultiScales, Institute for Biology II, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Geraldine Zimmer-Bensch
- Functional Epigenetics in the Animal Model, Institute for Biology II, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
- Research Training Group 2416 MultiSenses-MultiScales, Institute for Biology II, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
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10
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Le Cann K, Foerster A, Rösseler C, Erickson A, Hautvast P, Giesselmann S, Pensold D, Kurth I, Rothermel M, Mattis VB, Zimmer-Bensch G, von Hörsten S, Denecke B, Clarner T, Meents J, Lampert A. The difficulty to model Huntington's disease in vitro using striatal medium spiny neurons differentiated from human induced pluripotent stem cells. Sci Rep 2021; 11:6934. [PMID: 33767215 PMCID: PMC7994641 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-85656-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorder caused by an expanded polyglutamine repeat in the huntingtin gene. The neuropathology of HD is characterized by the decline of a specific neuronal population within the brain, the striatal medium spiny neurons (MSNs). The origins of this extreme vulnerability remain unknown. Human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPS cell)-derived MSNs represent a powerful tool to study this genetic disease. However, the differentiation protocols published so far show a high heterogeneity of neuronal populations in vitro. Here, we compared two previously published protocols to obtain hiPS cell-derived striatal neurons from both healthy donors and HD patients. Patch-clamp experiments, immunostaining and RT-qPCR were performed to characterize the neurons in culture. While the neurons were mature enough to fire action potentials, a majority failed to express markers typical for MSNs. Voltage-clamp experiments on voltage-gated sodium (Nav) channels revealed a large variability between the two differentiation protocols. Action potential analysis did not reveal changes induced by the HD mutation. This study attempts to demonstrate the current challenges in reproducing data of previously published differentiation protocols and in generating hiPS cell-derived striatal MSNs to model a genetic neurodegenerative disorder in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Le Cann
- Institute of Physiology, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Alec Foerster
- Institute of Physiology, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Corinna Rösseler
- Institute of Physiology, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Andelain Erickson
- Institute of Physiology, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Petra Hautvast
- Institute of Physiology, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | | | - Daniel Pensold
- Institute of Biology II, Division of Functional Epigenetics in the Animal Model, RWTH Aachen University, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Ingo Kurth
- Intitute of Human Genetic, RWTH Aachen University, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Markus Rothermel
- Institute Für Biology II, Department Chemosensation, AG Neuromodulation, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Virginia B Mattis
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
- Fujifilm Cellular Dynamics, Madison, WI, 53711, USA
| | - Geraldine Zimmer-Bensch
- Institute of Biology II, Division of Functional Epigenetics in the Animal Model, RWTH Aachen University, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Stephan von Hörsten
- Intitute of Virology, Clinical and Molecular Virology, Animal Center of Preclinical Experiments (PETZ), 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | | | - Tim Clarner
- Intitute for Neuroanatomy, MIT 1, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Jannis Meents
- Institute of Physiology, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany.
- Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH, Aspenhaustrasse 21, 72770, Reutlingen, Germany.
| | - Angelika Lampert
- Institute of Physiology, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany.
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Pensold D, Gehrmann J, Pitschelatow G, Walberg A, Braunsteffer K, Reichard J, Ravaei A, Linde J, Lampert A, Costa IG, Zimmer-Bensch G. The Expression of the Cancer-Associated lncRNA Snhg15 Is Modulated by EphrinA5-Induced Signaling. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22031332. [PMID: 33572758 PMCID: PMC7866228 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22031332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The Eph receptor tyrosine kinases and their respective ephrin-ligands are an important family of membrane receptors, being involved in developmental processes such as proliferation, migration, and in the formation of brain cancer such as glioma. Intracellular signaling pathways, which are activated by Eph receptor signaling, are well characterized. In contrast, it is unknown so far whether ephrins modulate the expression of lncRNAs, which would enable the transduction of environmental stimuli into our genome through a great gene regulatory spectrum. Applying a combination of functional in vitro assays, RNA sequencing, and qPCR analysis, we found that the proliferation and migration promoting stimulation of mouse cerebellar granule cells (CB) with ephrinA5 diminishes the expression of the cancer-related lncRNA Snhg15. In a human medulloblastoma cell line (DAOY) ephrinA5 stimulation similarly reduced SNHG15 expression. Computational analysis identified triple-helix-mediated DNA-binding sites of Snhg15 in promoters of genes found up-regulated upon ephrinA5 stimulation and known to be involved in tumorigenic processes. Our findings propose a crucial role of Snhg15 downstream of ephrinA5-induced signaling in regulating gene transcription in the nucleus. These findings could be potentially relevant for the regulation of tumorigenic processes in the context of glioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Pensold
- Division of Functional Epigenetics, Institute of Zoology (Biology 2), RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 3, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (D.P.); (G.P.); (A.W.); (K.B.); (J.R.); (J.L.)
| | - Julia Gehrmann
- RWTH Aachen Medical Faculty, Institute for Computational Genomics, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (J.G.); (I.G.C.)
| | - Georg Pitschelatow
- Division of Functional Epigenetics, Institute of Zoology (Biology 2), RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 3, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (D.P.); (G.P.); (A.W.); (K.B.); (J.R.); (J.L.)
| | - Asa Walberg
- Division of Functional Epigenetics, Institute of Zoology (Biology 2), RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 3, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (D.P.); (G.P.); (A.W.); (K.B.); (J.R.); (J.L.)
| | - Kai Braunsteffer
- Division of Functional Epigenetics, Institute of Zoology (Biology 2), RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 3, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (D.P.); (G.P.); (A.W.); (K.B.); (J.R.); (J.L.)
| | - Julia Reichard
- Division of Functional Epigenetics, Institute of Zoology (Biology 2), RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 3, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (D.P.); (G.P.); (A.W.); (K.B.); (J.R.); (J.L.)
- Research Training Group 2416 Multi Senses—Multi Scales, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany;
| | - Amin Ravaei
- Department of Neurosciences and Rehabilitation, Section of Medical Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Genetics, University of Ferrara, 44100 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Jenice Linde
- Division of Functional Epigenetics, Institute of Zoology (Biology 2), RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 3, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (D.P.); (G.P.); (A.W.); (K.B.); (J.R.); (J.L.)
- Research Training Group 2416 Multi Senses—Multi Scales, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany;
| | - Angelika Lampert
- Research Training Group 2416 Multi Senses—Multi Scales, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany;
- RWTH Aachen Medical Faculty, Institute of Physiology, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Ivan G. Costa
- RWTH Aachen Medical Faculty, Institute for Computational Genomics, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (J.G.); (I.G.C.)
| | - Geraldine Zimmer-Bensch
- Division of Functional Epigenetics, Institute of Zoology (Biology 2), RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 3, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (D.P.); (G.P.); (A.W.); (K.B.); (J.R.); (J.L.)
- Research Training Group 2416 Multi Senses—Multi Scales, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany;
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +49-241-8020844
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Javier-Torrent M, Zimmer-Bensch G, Nguyen L. Mechanical Forces Orchestrate Brain Development. Trends Neurosci 2020; 44:110-121. [PMID: 33203515 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2020.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
During brain development, progenitors generate successive waves of neurons that populate distinct cerebral regions, where they settle and differentiate within layers or nuclei. While migrating and differentiating, neurons are subjected to mechanical forces arising from the extracellular matrix, and their interaction with neighboring cells. Changes in brain biomechanical properties, during its formation or aging, are converted in neural cells by mechanotransduction into intracellular signals that control key neurobiological processes. Here, we summarize recent findings that support the contribution of mechanobiology to neurodevelopment, with focus on the cerebral cortex. Also discussed are the existing toolbox and emerging technologies made available to assess and manipulate the physical properties of neurons and their environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Míriam Javier-Torrent
- GIGA Stem Cells, GIGA-Neurosciences, University of Liège, CHU Sart Tilman, Liège 4000, Belgium
| | | | - Laurent Nguyen
- GIGA Stem Cells, GIGA-Neurosciences, University of Liège, CHU Sart Tilman, Liège 4000, Belgium.
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13
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Linde J, Zimmer-Bensch G. DNA Methylation-Dependent Dysregulation of GABAergic Interneuron Functionality in Neuropsychiatric Diseases. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:586133. [PMID: 33041771 PMCID: PMC7525021 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.586133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropsychiatric diseases, such as mood disorders, schizophrenia, and autism, represent multifactorial disorders, differing in causes, disease onset, severity, and symptoms. A common feature of numerous neuropsychiatric conditions are defects in the cortical inhibitory GABAergic system. The balance of excitation and inhibition is fundamental for proper and efficient information processing in the cerebral cortex. Thus, altered inhibition is suggested to account for pathological symptoms like cognitive impairments and dysfunctional multisensory integration. While it became apparent that most of these diseases have a clear genetic component, environmental influences emerged as an impact of disease manifestation, onset, and severity. Epigenetic mechanisms of transcriptional control, such as DNA methylation, are known to be responsive to external stimuli, and are suspected to be implicated in the functional impairments of GABAergic interneurons, and hence, the pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric diseases. Here, we provide an overview about the multifaceted functional implications of DNA methylation and DNA methyltransferases in cortical interneuron development and function in health and disease. Apart from the regulation of gamma-aminobutyric acid-related genes and genes relevant for interneuron development, we discuss the role of DNA methylation-dependent regulation of synaptic transmission by the modulation of endocytosis-related genes as potential pathophysiological mechanisms underlying neuropsychiatric conditions. Deciphering the hierarchy and mechanisms of changes in epigenetic signatures is crucial to develop effective strategies for treatment and prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenice Linde
- Division of Functional Epigenetics in the Animal Model, Institute for Biology II, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.,Research Training Group 2416 MultiSenses - MultiScales, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Geraldine Zimmer-Bensch
- Division of Functional Epigenetics in the Animal Model, Institute for Biology II, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.,Research Training Group 2416 MultiSenses - MultiScales, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
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14
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Bayer C, Pitschelatow G, Hannemann N, Linde J, Reichard J, Pensold D, Zimmer-Bensch G. DNA Methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) Acts on Neurodegeneration by Modulating Proteostasis-Relevant Intracellular Processes. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E5420. [PMID: 32751461 PMCID: PMC7432412 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21155420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The limited regenerative capacity of neurons requires a tightly orchestrated cell death and survival regulation in the context of longevity, as well as age-associated and neurodegenerative diseases. Subordinate to genetic networks, epigenetic mechanisms, such as DNA methylation and histone modifications, are involved in the regulation of neuronal functionality and emerge as key contributors to the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases. DNA methylation, a dynamic and reversible process, is executed by DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs). DNMT1 was previously shown to act on neuronal survival in the aged brain, whereby a DNMT1-dependent modulation of processes relevant for protein degradation was proposed as an underlying mechanism. Properly operating proteostasis networks are a mandatory prerequisite for the functionality and long-term survival of neurons. Malfunctioning proteostasis is found, inter alia, in neurodegenerative contexts. Here, we investigated whether DNMT1 affects critical aspects of the proteostasis network by a combination of expression studies, live cell imaging, and protein biochemical analyses. We found that DNMT1 negatively impacts retrograde trafficking and autophagy, with both being involved in the clearance of aggregation-prone proteins by the aggresome-autophagy pathway. In line with this, we found that the transport of GFP-labeled mutant huntingtin (HTT) to perinuclear regions, proposed to be cytoprotective, also depends on DNMT1. Depletion of Dnmt1 accelerated perinuclear HTT aggregation and improved the survival of cells transfected with mutant HTT. This suggests that mutant HTT-induced cytotoxicity is at least in part mediated by DNMT1-dependent modulation of degradative pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Geraldine Zimmer-Bensch
- Division of Functional Epigenetics in the Animal Model, Institute for Biology II, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 3, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (C.B.); (G.P.); (N.H.); (J.L.); (J.R.); (D.P.)
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15
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Hahn A, Pensold D, Bayer C, Tittelmeier J, González-Bermúdez L, Marx-Blümel L, Linde J, Groß J, Salinas-Riester G, Lingner T, von Maltzahn J, Spehr M, Pieler T, Urbach A, Zimmer-Bensch G. DNA Methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) Function Is Implicated in the Age-Related Loss of Cortical Interneurons. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:639. [PMID: 32793592 PMCID: PMC7387673 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Increased life expectancy in modern society comes at the cost of age-associated disabilities and diseases. Aged brains not only show reduced excitability and plasticity, but also a decline in inhibition. Age-associated defects in inhibitory circuits likely contribute to cognitive decline and age-related disorders. Molecular mechanisms that exert epigenetic control of gene expression contribute to age-associated neuronal impairments. Both DNA methylation, mediated by DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs), and histone modifications maintain neuronal function throughout lifespan. Here we provide evidence that DNMT1 function is implicated in the age-related loss of cortical inhibitory interneurons. Dnmt1 deletion in parvalbumin-positive interneurons attenuates their age-related decline in the cerebral cortex. Moreover, conditional Dnmt1-deficient mice show improved somatomotor performance and reduced aging-associated transcriptional changes. A decline in the proteostasis network, responsible for the proper degradation and removal of defective proteins, is implicated in age- and disease-related neurodegeneration. Our data suggest that DNMT1 acts indirectly on interneuron survival in aged mice by modulating the proteostasis network during life-time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Hahn
- Department of Functional Epigenetics, Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Daniel Pensold
- Department of Functional Epigenetics, Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany.,Department of Functional Epigenetics in the Animal Model, Institute of Biology II, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Cathrin Bayer
- Department of Functional Epigenetics, Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany.,Department of Functional Epigenetics in the Animal Model, Institute of Biology II, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Jessica Tittelmeier
- Department of Functional Epigenetics, Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Lourdes González-Bermúdez
- Department of Functional Epigenetics, Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Lisa Marx-Blümel
- Department of Functional Epigenetics, Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Jenice Linde
- Department of Functional Epigenetics in the Animal Model, Institute of Biology II, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.,Research Training Group 2416 MultiSenses - MultiScales, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Jonas Groß
- Department of Functional Epigenetics, Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Gabriela Salinas-Riester
- Transcriptome and Genome Analysis Laboratory (TAL), Department of Developmental Biochemistry, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Thomas Lingner
- Transcriptome and Genome Analysis Laboratory (TAL), Department of Developmental Biochemistry, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Julia von Maltzahn
- Leibniz Institute on Aging - Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI), Jena, Germany
| | - Marc Spehr
- Research Training Group 2416 MultiSenses - MultiScales, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.,Department of Chemosensation, Institute of Biology II, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Tomas Pieler
- Centre for Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain (CNMPB), Department of Developmental Biochemistry, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Anja Urbach
- Institute of Neurology, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Geraldine Zimmer-Bensch
- Department of Functional Epigenetics, Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany.,Department of Functional Epigenetics in the Animal Model, Institute of Biology II, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.,Research Training Group 2416 MultiSenses - MultiScales, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
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16
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Abstract
Apart from the conventional view of repressive promoter methylation, the DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) was recently described to modulate gene expression through a variety of interactions with diverse epigenetic key players. We here investigated the DNMT1-dependent transcriptional control of the homeobox transcription factor LHX1, which we previously identified as an important regulator in cortical interneuron development. We found that LHX1 expression in embryonic interneurons originating in the embryonic pre-optic area (POA) is regulated by non-canonic DNMT1 function. Analysis of histone methylation and acetylation revealed that both epigenetic modifications seem to be implicated in the control of Lhx1 gene activity and that DNMT1 contributes to their proper establishment. This study sheds further light on the regulatory network of cortical interneuron development including the complex interplay of epigenetic mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judit Symmank
- Institute for Human Genetics, Am Klinikum 1, University Hospital Jena , Jena, Germany.,Polyclinic for Orthodontics, Leutragraben 3, University Hospital Jena , Jena, Germany
| | - Cathrin Bayer
- Institute for Human Genetics, Am Klinikum 1, University Hospital Jena , Jena, Germany.,Department of Functional Epigenetics in the Animal Model, Institute for Biology II, Worringerweg 3, RWTH Aachen University , Aachen, Germany
| | - Julia Reichard
- Institute for Human Genetics, Am Klinikum 1, University Hospital Jena , Jena, Germany.,Department of Functional Epigenetics in the Animal Model, Institute for Biology II, Worringerweg 3, RWTH Aachen University , Aachen, Germany.,Research Training Group 2416 MultiSenses, MultiScales, RWTH Aachen University , Aachen, Germany
| | - Daniel Pensold
- Institute for Human Genetics, Am Klinikum 1, University Hospital Jena , Jena, Germany.,Department of Functional Epigenetics in the Animal Model, Institute for Biology II, Worringerweg 3, RWTH Aachen University , Aachen, Germany
| | - Geraldine Zimmer-Bensch
- Institute for Human Genetics, Am Klinikum 1, University Hospital Jena , Jena, Germany.,Polyclinic for Orthodontics, Leutragraben 3, University Hospital Jena , Jena, Germany.,Department of Functional Epigenetics in the Animal Model, Institute for Biology II, Worringerweg 3, RWTH Aachen University , Aachen, Germany
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17
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Pensold D, Reichard J, Van Loo KMJ, Ciganok N, Hahn A, Bayer C, Liebmann L, Groß J, Tittelmeier J, Lingner T, Salinas-Riester G, Symmank J, Halfmann C, González-Bermúdez L, Urbach A, Gehrmann J, Costa I, Pieler T, Hübner CA, Vatter H, Kampa B, Becker AJ, Zimmer-Bensch G. DNA Methylation-Mediated Modulation of Endocytosis as Potential Mechanism for Synaptic Function Regulation in Murine Inhibitory Cortical Interneurons. Cereb Cortex 2020; 30:3921-3937. [PMID: 32147726 PMCID: PMC7264686 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhaa009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Revised: 12/14/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The balance of excitation and inhibition is essential for cortical information processing, relying on the tight orchestration of the underlying subcellular processes. Dynamic transcriptional control by DNA methylation, catalyzed by DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs), and DNA demethylation, achieved by ten–eleven translocation (TET)-dependent mechanisms, is proposed to regulate synaptic function in the adult brain with implications for learning and memory. However, focus so far is laid on excitatory neurons. Given the crucial role of inhibitory cortical interneurons in cortical information processing and in disease, deciphering the cellular and molecular mechanisms of GABAergic transmission is fundamental. The emerging relevance of DNMT and TET-mediated functions for synaptic regulation irrevocably raises the question for the targeted subcellular processes and mechanisms. In this study, we analyzed the role dynamic DNA methylation has in regulating cortical interneuron function. We found that DNMT1 and TET1/TET3 contrarily modulate clathrin-mediated endocytosis. Moreover, we provide evidence that DNMT1 influences synaptic vesicle replenishment and GABAergic transmission, presumably through the DNA methylation-dependent transcriptional control over endocytosis-related genes. The relevance of our findings is supported by human brain sample analysis, pointing to a potential implication of DNA methylation-dependent endocytosis regulation in the pathophysiology of temporal lobe epilepsy, a disease characterized by disturbed synaptic transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Pensold
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany.,Division of Functional Epigenetics, Institute of Zoology (Biology 2), RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Julia Reichard
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany.,Division of Functional Epigenetics, Institute of Zoology (Biology 2), RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany.,Research Training Group 2416 Multi Senses-Multi Scales, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Karen M J Van Loo
- Department of Neuropathology, Section for Translational Epilepsy Research, University of Bonn Medical Center, 53105 Bonn, Germany
| | - Natalja Ciganok
- Division of Systems Neurophysiology, Institute of Zoology (Biology 2), RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Anne Hahn
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Cathrin Bayer
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany.,Division of Functional Epigenetics, Institute of Zoology (Biology 2), RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Lutz Liebmann
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Jonas Groß
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | | | - Thomas Lingner
- Department of Developmental Biochemistry, Transcriptome and Genome Analysis Laboratory (TAL), University of Goettingen, 37077 Goettingen, Germany
| | - Gabriela Salinas-Riester
- Department of Developmental Biochemistry, Transcriptome and Genome Analysis Laboratory (TAL), University of Goettingen, 37077 Goettingen, Germany
| | - Judit Symmank
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Claas Halfmann
- Division of Systems Neurophysiology, Institute of Zoology (Biology 2), RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | | | - Anja Urbach
- Clinic for Neurology, University Hospital Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Julia Gehrmann
- Institute for Computational Genomics, University Hospital Aachen, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Ivan Costa
- Institute for Computational Genomics, University Hospital Aachen, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Tomas Pieler
- Department of Developmental Biochemistry, Centre for Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain (CNMPB), University of Goettingen, 37077 Goettingen, Germany
| | - Christian A Hübner
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Hartmut Vatter
- Clinic for Neurosurgery, University of Bonn Medical Center, 53105 Bonn, Germany
| | - Björn Kampa
- Division of Systems Neurophysiology, Institute of Zoology (Biology 2), RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany.,JARA BRAIN, Institute for Neuroscience and Medicine, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425, Germany
| | - Albert J Becker
- Department of Neuropathology, Section for Translational Epilepsy Research, University of Bonn Medical Center, 53105 Bonn, Germany
| | - Geraldine Zimmer-Bensch
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany.,Division of Functional Epigenetics, Institute of Zoology (Biology 2), RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany.,Research Training Group 2416 Multi Senses-Multi Scales, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
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18
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Affiliation(s)
- Judit Symmank
- Polyclinic for Orthodontics, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Geraldine Zimmer-Bensch
- Department of Functional Epigenetics in the Animal Model, Institute for Biology II, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
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19
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Symmank J, Bayer C, Schmidt C, Hahn A, Pensold D, Zimmer-Bensch G. DNMT1 modulates interneuron morphology by regulating Pak6 expression through crosstalk with histone modifications. Epigenetics 2018; 13:536-556. [PMID: 29912614 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2018.1475980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms of gene regulation, including DNA methylation and histone modifications, call increasing attention in the context of development and human health. Thereby, interactions between DNA methylating enzymes and histone modifications tremendously multiply the spectrum of potential regulatory functions. Epigenetic networks are critically involved in the establishment and functionality of neuronal circuits that are composed of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-positive inhibitory interneurons and excitatory principal neurons in the cerebral cortex. We recently reported a crucial role of the DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) during the migration of immature POA-derived cortical interneurons by promoting the migratory morphology through repression of Pak6. However, the DNMT1-dependent regulation of Pak6 expression appeared to occur independently of direct DNA methylation. Here, we show that in addition to its DNA methylating activity, DNMT1 can act on gene transcription by modulating permissive H3K4 and repressive H3K27 trimethylation in developing inhibitory interneurons, similar to what was found in other cell types. In particular, the transcriptional control of Pak6, interactions of DNMT1 with the Polycomb-repressor complex 2 (PCR2) core enzyme EZH2, mediating repressive H3K27 trimethylations at regulatory regions of the Pak6 gene locus. Similar to what was observed upon Dnmt1 depletion, inhibition of EZH2 caused elevated Pak6 expression levels accompanied by increased morphological complexity, which was rescued by siRNA-mediated downregulation of Pak6 expression. Together, our data emphasise the relevance of DNMT1-dependent crosstalk with histone tail methylation for transcriptional control of genes like Pak6 required for proper cortical interneuron migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judit Symmank
- a Institute of Human Genetics , University Hospital Jena , Jena , Germany
| | - Cathrin Bayer
- a Institute of Human Genetics , University Hospital Jena , Jena , Germany
| | - Christiane Schmidt
- a Institute of Human Genetics , University Hospital Jena , Jena , Germany
| | - Anne Hahn
- a Institute of Human Genetics , University Hospital Jena , Jena , Germany
| | - Daniel Pensold
- a Institute of Human Genetics , University Hospital Jena , Jena , Germany
| | - Geraldine Zimmer-Bensch
- a Institute of Human Genetics , University Hospital Jena , Jena , Germany.,b Institute for Biology II , Division of Functional Epigenetics in the Animal Model, RWTH Aachen University , Aachen , Germany
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