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Gebeyehu GM, Rashidiani S, Farkas B, Szabadi A, Brandt B, Pap M, Rauch TA. Unveiling the Role of Exosomes in the Pathophysiology of Sepsis: Insights into Organ Dysfunction and Potential Biomarkers. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4898. [PMID: 38732114 PMCID: PMC11084308 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094898] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are tools for intercellular communication, mediating molecular transport processes. Emerging studies have revealed that EVs are significantly involved in immune processes, including sepsis. Sepsis, a dysregulated immune response to infection, triggers systemic inflammation and multi-organ dysfunction, posing a life-threatening condition. Although extensive research has been conducted on animals, the complex inflammatory mechanisms that cause sepsis-induced organ failure in humans are still not fully understood. Recent studies have focused on secreted exosomes, which are small extracellular vesicles from various body cells, and have shed light on their involvement in the pathophysiology of sepsis. During sepsis, exosomes undergo changes in content, concentration, and function, which significantly affect the metabolism of endothelia, cardiovascular functions, and coagulation. Investigating the role of exosome content in the pathogenesis of sepsis shows promise for understanding the molecular basis of human sepsis. This review explores the contributions of activated immune cells and diverse body cells' secreted exosomes to vital organ dysfunction in sepsis, providing insights into potential molecular biomarkers for predicting organ failure in septic shock.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gizaw Mamo Gebeyehu
- Institute of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (G.M.G.); (S.R.); (B.F.)
| | - Shima Rashidiani
- Institute of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (G.M.G.); (S.R.); (B.F.)
| | - Benjámin Farkas
- Institute of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (G.M.G.); (S.R.); (B.F.)
| | - András Szabadi
- Department of Dentistry, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7623 Pécs, Hungary;
| | - Barbara Brandt
- Hungary Department of Medical Biology and Central Electron Microscope Laboratory, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (B.B.); (M.P.)
| | - Marianna Pap
- Hungary Department of Medical Biology and Central Electron Microscope Laboratory, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (B.B.); (M.P.)
| | - Tibor A. Rauch
- Institute of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (G.M.G.); (S.R.); (B.F.)
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Rashidiani S, Mamo G, Farkas B, Szabadi A, Farkas B, Uszkai V, Császár A, Brandt B, Kovács K, Pap M, Rauch TA. Integrative Epigenetic and Molecular Analysis Reveals a Novel Promoter for a New Isoform of the Transcription Factor TEAD4. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2223. [PMID: 38396900 PMCID: PMC10888684 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042223] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
TEAD4 is a transcription factor that plays a crucial role in the Hippo pathway by regulating the expression of genes related to proliferation and apoptosis. It is also involved in the maintenance and differentiation of the trophectoderm during pre- and post-implantation embryonic development. An alternative promoter for the TEAD4 gene was identified through epigenetic profile analysis, and a new transcript from the intronic region of TEAD4 was discovered using the 5'RACE method. The transcript of the novel promoter encodes a TEAD4 isoform (TEAD4-ΔN) that lacks the DNA-binding domain but retains the C-terminal protein-protein interaction domain. Gene expression studies, including end-point PCR and Western blotting, showed that full-length TEAD4 was present in all investigated tissues. However, TEAD4-ΔN was only detectable in certain cell types. The TEAD4-ΔN promoter is conserved throughout evolution and demonstrates transcriptional activity in transient-expression experiments. Our study reveals that TEAD4 interacts with the alternative promoter and increases the expression of the truncated isoform. DNA methylation plays a crucial function in the restricted expression of the TEAD4-ΔN isoform in specific tissues, including the umbilical cord and the placenta. The data presented indicate that the DNA-methylation status of the TEAD4-ΔN promoter plays a critical role in regulating organ size, cancer development, and placenta differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shima Rashidiani
- Institute of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (S.R.); (G.M.); (B.F.); (A.S.)
| | - Gizaw Mamo
- Institute of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (S.R.); (G.M.); (B.F.); (A.S.)
| | - Benjámin Farkas
- Institute of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (S.R.); (G.M.); (B.F.); (A.S.)
| | - András Szabadi
- Institute of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (S.R.); (G.M.); (B.F.); (A.S.)
- Department of Dentistry, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7623 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Bálint Farkas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (B.F.); (V.U.); (A.C.)
- National Laboratory of Human Reproduction, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Veronika Uszkai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (B.F.); (V.U.); (A.C.)
| | - András Császár
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (B.F.); (V.U.); (A.C.)
| | - Barbara Brandt
- Department of Medical Biology and Central Electron Microscope Laboratory, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary (M.P.)
| | - Kálmán Kovács
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (B.F.); (V.U.); (A.C.)
- National Laboratory of Human Reproduction, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Marianna Pap
- Department of Medical Biology and Central Electron Microscope Laboratory, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary (M.P.)
| | - Tibor A. Rauch
- Institute of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (S.R.); (G.M.); (B.F.); (A.S.)
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Brandt B, Németh M, Berta G, Szünstein M, Heffer M, Rauch TA, Pap M. A Promising Way to Overcome Temozolomide Resistance through Inhibition of Protein Neddylation in Glioblastoma Cell Lines. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24097929. [PMID: 37175636 PMCID: PMC10178391 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24097929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
There is no effective therapy for the lately increased incidence of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM)-the most common primary brain tumor characterized by a high degree of invasiveness and genetic heterogeneity. Currently, DNA alkylating agent temozolomide (TMZ) is the standard chemotherapy. Nevertheless, TMZ resistance is a major problem in the treatment of GBM due to numerous molecular mechanisms related to DNA damage repair, epigenetic alterations, cellular drug efflux, apoptosis-autophagy, and overactive protein neddylation. Low molecular weight inhibitors of NEDD8-activating enzyme (NAE), such as MLN4924, attenuate protein neddylation and present a promising low-toxicity anticancer agent. The aim of our study was to find an effective combination treatment with TMZ and MLN4924 in our TMZ-resistant GBM cell lines and study the effect of these combination treatments on different protein expressions such as O6-methylguanine methyltransferase (MGMT) and p53. The combination treatment successfully decreased cell viability and sensitized TMZ-resistant cells to TMZ, foreshadowing a new treatment strategy for GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Brandt
- Department of Medical Biology and Central Electron Microscopic Laboratory, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Marica Németh
- Department of Medical Biology and Central Electron Microscopic Laboratory, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Gergely Berta
- Department of Medical Biology and Central Electron Microscopic Laboratory, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Máté Szünstein
- Department of Ecology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Marija Heffer
- Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Tibor A Rauch
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Marianna Pap
- Department of Medical Biology and Central Electron Microscopic Laboratory, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
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Brandt B, Rashidiani S, Bán Á, Rauch TA. DNA Methylation-Governed Gene Expression in Autoimmune Arthritis. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E5646. [PMID: 31718084 PMCID: PMC6888626 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20225646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Revised: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease hallmarked by progressive and irreversible joint destruction. RA pathogenesis is a T cell-regulated and B cell-mediated process in which activated lymphocyte-produced chemokines and cytokines promote leukocyte infiltration that ultimately leads to destruction of the joints. There is an obvious need to discover new drugs for RA treatment that have different biological targets or modes of action than the currently employed therapeutics. Environmental factors such as cigarette smoke, certain diet components, and oral pathogens can significantly affect gene regulation via epigenetic factors. Epigenetics opened a new field for pharmacology, and DNA methylation and histone modification-implicated factors are feasible targets for RA therapy. Exploring RA pathogenesis involved epigenetic factors and mechanisms is crucial for developing more efficient RA therapies. Here we review epigenetic alterations associated with RA pathogenesis including DNA methylation and interacting factors. Additionally, we will summarize the literature revealing the involved molecular structures and interactions. Finally, potential epigenetic factor-based therapies will be discussed that may help in better management of RA in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Brandt
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs 7624, Hungary; (B.B.); (S.R.)
| | - Shima Rashidiani
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs 7624, Hungary; (B.B.); (S.R.)
| | - Ágnes Bán
- Department of Dentistry, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs 7621, Hungary;
| | - Tibor A. Rauch
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs 7624, Hungary; (B.B.); (S.R.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs 7624, Hungary
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Tóth DM, Ocskó T, Balog A, Markovics A, Mikecz K, Kovács L, Jolly M, Bukiej AA, Ruthberg AD, Vida A, Block JA, Glant TT, Rauch TA. Amelioration of Autoimmune Arthritis in Mice Treated With the DNA Methyltransferase Inhibitor 5'-Azacytidine. Arthritis Rheumatol 2019; 71:1265-1275. [PMID: 30835944 DOI: 10.1002/art.40877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 02/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Disease-associated, differentially hypermethylated regions have been reported in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but no DNA methyltransferase inhibitors have been evaluated in either RA or any animal models of RA. The present study was conducted to evaluate the therapeutic potential of 5'-azacytidine (5'-azaC), a DNA methyltransferase inhibitor, and explore the cellular and gene regulatory networks involved in the context of autoimmune arthritis. METHODS A disease-associated genome-wide DNA methylation profile was explored by methylated CpG island recovery assay-chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) in arthritic B cells. Mice with proteoglycan-induced arthritis (PGIA) were treated with 5'-azaC. The effect of 5'-azaC on the pathogenesis of PGIA was explored by measuring serum IgM and IgG1 antibody levels using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, investigating the efficiency of class-switch recombination (CSR) and Aicda gene expression using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, monitoring germinal center (GC) formation by immunohistochemistry, and determining alterations in B cell subpopulations by flow cytometry. The 5'-azaC-induced regulation of the Aicda gene was explored using RNA interference, ChIP, and luciferase assays. RESULTS We explored arthritis-associated hypermethylated regions in mouse B cells and demonstrated that DNA demethylation had a beneficial effect on autoimmune arthritis. The 5'-azaC-mediated demethylation of the epigenetically inactivated Ahr gene resulted in suppressed expression of the Aicda gene, reduced CSR, and compromised GC formation. Ultimately, this process led to diminished IgG1 antibody production and amelioration of autoimmune arthritis in mice. CONCLUSION DNA hypermethylation plays a leading role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune arthritis and its targeted inhibition has therapeutic potential in arthritis management.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Timea Ocskó
- Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Attila Balog
- Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Center, Szeged, Hungary
| | | | | | - László Kovács
- Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Center, Szeged, Hungary
| | | | | | | | - András Vida
- Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Joel A Block
- Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | | | - Tibor A Rauch
- Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, and University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
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Ocskó T, Tóth DM, Hoffmann G, Tubak V, Glant TT, Rauch TA. Transcription factor Zbtb38 downregulates the expression of anti-inflammatory IL1r2 in mouse model of rheumatoid arthritis. Biochim Biophys Acta Gene Regul Mech 2018; 1861:1040-1047. [PMID: 30343694 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2018.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2018] [Revised: 09/09/2018] [Accepted: 09/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
DNA methylation is a decisive regulator of gene expression. Differentially methylated promoters were described in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but we do not know how these epimutations can trigger a proinflammatory cytokine milieu. B cell-focused DNA methylome studies identified a group of genes that had undergone disease-associated changes in a murine model of RA. An arthritis-specific epimutation (hypomethylation) was detected in the promoter region of the Zbtb38 gene, which encodes a transcriptional repressor. Gene expression studies revealed that hypomethylation of the Zbtb38 promoter was accompanied by disease-specific repressor expression, and two anti-inflammatory factors interleukin 1 receptor 2 gene (IL1r2) and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL1rn) were among the downregulated genes. We hypothesized that Zbtb38 repressor could induce downregulated expression of these anti-inflammatory genes and that this could significantly contribute to arthritis pathogenesis. Our studies demonstrate that Zbtb38 forms a molecular bridge between an arthritis-associated epimutation (DNA hypomethylation in Zbtb38 promoter) and transcriptional silencing of the IL1r2 gene in B cells. In this way, disease-associated DNA hypomethylation can support autoimmune arthritis by interfering with an anti-inflammatory pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tímea Ocskó
- Section of Molecular Medicine, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, 1735 W. Harrison Street, Chicago, IL 60612, United States of America
| | - Dániel M Tóth
- Section of Molecular Medicine, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, 1735 W. Harrison Street, Chicago, IL 60612, United States of America
| | - Gyula Hoffmann
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Vilmos Tubak
- Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Biological Research Centre, Institute of Biochemistry, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Tibor T Glant
- Section of Molecular Medicine, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, 1735 W. Harrison Street, Chicago, IL 60612, United States of America
| | - Tibor A Rauch
- Section of Molecular Medicine, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, 1735 W. Harrison Street, Chicago, IL 60612, United States of America; Institute of Medical Biology, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary; Section of Bioinformatics and Computational Medicine, János Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary.
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7
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Glant TT, Ocsko T, Markovics A, Szekanecz Z, Katz RS, Rauch TA, Mikecz K. Characterization and Localization of Citrullinated Proteoglycan Aggrecan in Human Articular Cartilage. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0150784. [PMID: 26943656 PMCID: PMC4778950 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0150784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2015] [Accepted: 02/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease of the synovial joints. The autoimmune character of RA is underscored by prominent production of autoantibodies such as those against IgG (rheumatoid factor), and a broad array of joint tissue-specific and other endogenous citrullinated proteins. Anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA) can be detected in the sera and synovial fluids of RA patients and ACPA seropositivity is one of the diagnostic criteria of RA. Studies have demonstrated that RA T cells respond to citrullinated peptides (epitopes) of proteoglycan (PG) aggrecan, which is one of the most abundant macromolecules of articular cartilage. However, it is not known if the PG molecule is citrullinated in vivo in human cartilage, and if so, whether citrulline-containing neoepitopes of PG (CitPG) can contribute to autoimmunity in RA. METHODS CitPG was detected in human cartilage extracts using ACPA+ RA sera in dot blot and Western blot. Citrullination status of in vitro citrullinated recombinant G1 domain of human PG (rhG1) was confirmed by antibody-based and chemical methods, and potential sites of citrullination in rhG1 were explored by molecular modeling. CitPG-specific serum autoantibodies were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, and CitPG was localized in osteoarthritic (OA) and RA cartilage using immunohistochemistry. FINDINGS Sera from ACPA+ RA patients reacted with PG purified from normal human cartilage specimens. PG fragments (mainly those containing the G1 domain) from OA or RA cartilage extracts were recognized by ACPA+ sera but not by serum from ACPA- individuals. ACPA+ sera also reacted with in vitro citrullinated rhG1 and G3 domain-containing fragment(s) of PG. Molecular modeling suggested multiple sites of potential citrullination within the G1 domain. The immunohistochemical localization of CitPG was different in OA and RA cartilage. CONCLUSIONS CitPG is a new member of citrullinated proteins identified in human joints. CitPG could be found in both normal and diseased cartilage specimens. Antibodies against CitPG may trigger or augment arthritis by forming immune complexes with this autoantigen in the joints of ACPA+ RA patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tibor T. Glant
- Section of Molecular Medicine, Departments of Orthopedic Surgery, Biochemistry and Internal Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, 60612, United States of America
| | - Timea Ocsko
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, 60612, United States of America
| | - Adrienn Markovics
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, 60612, United States of America
| | - Zoltan Szekanecz
- Department of Rheumatology, Institute of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Faculty of Medicine, Debrecen, H-4012, Hungary
| | - Robert S. Katz
- Rheumatology Associates, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, 60612, United States of America
| | - Tibor A. Rauch
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, 60612, United States of America
| | - Katalin Mikecz
- Section of Molecular Medicine, Departments of Orthopedic Surgery, Biochemistry and Internal Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, 60612, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Abstract
Aim: To develop a reliable method for whole genome analysis of DNA methylation. Materials & methods: Genome-scale analysis of DNA methylation includes affinity-based approaches such as enrichment using methyl-CpG-binding proteins. One of these methods, the methylated-CpG island recovery assay (MIRA), is based on the high affinity of the MBD2b-MBD3L1 complex for CpG-methylated DNA. Here we provide a detailed description of MIRA and combine it with next generation sequencing platforms (MIRA-seq). Results: We assessed the performance of MIRA-seq and compared the data with whole genome bisulfite sequencing. Conclusion: MIRA-seq is a reliable, genome-scale DNA methylation analysis platform for scoring DNA methylation differences at CpG-rich genomic regions. The method is not limited by primer or probe design and is cost effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Jung
- Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Swati Kadam
- Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Wenying Xiong
- Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Tibor A Rauch
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Seung-Gi Jin
- Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA.,Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Gerd P Pfeifer
- Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA.,Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
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Kurkó J, Vida A, Ocskó T, Tryniszewska B, Rauch TA, Glant TT, Szekanecz Z, Mikecz K. Suppression of proteoglycan-induced autoimmune arthritis by myeloid-derived suppressor cells generated in vitro from murine bone marrow. PLoS One 2014; 9:e111815. [PMID: 25369029 PMCID: PMC4219784 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0111815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2014] [Accepted: 10/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are innate immune cells capable of suppressing T-cell responses. We previously reported the presence of MDSCs with a granulocytic phenotype in the synovial fluid (SF) of mice with proteoglycan (PG)-induced arthritis (PGIA), a T cell-dependent autoimmune model of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the limited amount of SF-MDSCs precluded investigations into their therapeutic potential. The goals of this study were to develop an in vitro method for generating MDSCs similar to those found in SF and to reveal the therapeutic effect of such cells in PGIA. Methods Murine bone marrow (BM) cells were cultured for 3 days in the presence of granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF). The phenotype of cultured cells was analyzed using flow cytometry, microscopy, and biochemical methods. The suppressor activity of BM-MDSCs was tested upon co-culture with activated T cells. To investigate the therapeutic potential of BM-MDSCs, the cells were injected into SCID mice at the early stage of adoptively transferred PGIA, and their effects on the clinical course of arthritis and PG-specific immune responses were determined. Results BM cells cultured in the presence of GM-CSF, IL-6, and G-CSF became enriched in MDSC-like cells that showed greater phenotypic heterogeneity than MDSCs present in SF. BM-MDSCs profoundly inhibited both antigen-specific and polyclonal T-cell proliferation primarily via production of nitric oxide. Injection of BM-MDSCs into mice with PGIA ameliorated arthritis and reduced PG-specific T-cell responses and serum antibody levels. Conclusions Our in vitro enrichment strategy provides a SF-like, but controlled microenvironment for converting BM myeloid precursors into MDSCs that potently suppress both T-cell responses and the progression of arthritis in a mouse model of RA. Our results also suggest that enrichment of BM in MDSCs could improve the therapeutic efficacy of BM transplantation in RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Júlia Kurkó
- Section of Molecular Medicine, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- Department of Rheumatology, University of Debrecen, Faculty of Medicine, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - András Vida
- Section of Molecular Medicine, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Tímea Ocskó
- Section of Molecular Medicine, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Beata Tryniszewska
- Section of Molecular Medicine, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Tibor A. Rauch
- Section of Molecular Medicine, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Tibor T. Glant
- Section of Molecular Medicine, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Zoltán Szekanecz
- Department of Rheumatology, University of Debrecen, Faculty of Medicine, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Katalin Mikecz
- Section of Molecular Medicine, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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10
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Abstract
An increasing number of studies show that besides the inherited genetic architecture (that is, genomic DNA), various environmental factors significantly contribute to the etiology of rheumatoid arthritis. Epigenetic factors react to external stimuli and form bridges between the environment and the genetic information-harboring DNA. Epigenetic mechanisms are implicated in the final interpretation of the encoded genetic information by regulating gene expression, and alterations in their profile influence the activity of the immune system. Overall, epigenetic mechanisms further increase the well-known complexity of rheumatoid arthritis by providing additional subtle contributions to rheumatoid arthritis susceptibility. Although there are controversies regarding the involvement of epigenetic and genetic factors in rheumatoid arthritis etiology, it is becoming obvious that the two systems (genetic and epigenetic) interact with each other and are ultimately responsible for rheumatoid arthritis development. Here, epigenetic factors and mechanisms involved in rheumatoid arthritis are reviewed and new, potential therapeutic targets are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tibor T Glant
- Section of Molecular Medicine, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, 1735 West Harrison Street, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
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Glant TT, Besenyei T, Kádár A, Kurkó J, Tryniszewska B, Gál J, Soós G, Szekanecz Z, Hoffmann G, Block JA, Katz RS, Mikecz K, Rauch TA. Differentially expressed epigenome modifiers, including aurora kinases A and B, in immune cells in rheumatoid arthritis in humans and mouse models. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 65:1725-35. [PMID: 23653330 DOI: 10.1002/art.37986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2012] [Accepted: 04/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify epigenetic factors that are implicated in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and to explore the therapeutic potential of the targeted inhibition of these factors. METHODS Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) arrays were used to investigate the expression profile of genes that encode key epigenetic regulator enzymes. Mononuclear cells from RA patients and mice were monitored for gene expression changes, in association with arthritis development in murine models of RA. Selected genes were further characterized by quantitative reverse transcription-PCR, Western blot, and flow cytometry methods. The targeted inhibition of the up-regulated enzymes was studied in arthritic mice. RESULTS A set of genes with arthritis-specific expression was identified by the PCR arrays. Aurora kinases A and B, both of which were highly expressed in arthritic mice and treatment-naive RA patients, were selected for detailed analysis. Elevated aurora kinase expression was accompanied by increased phosphorylation of histone H3, which promotes proliferation of T lymphocytes. Treatment with VX-680, a pan-aurora kinase inhibitor, promoted B cell apoptosis, provided significant protection against disease onset, and attenuated inflammatory reactions in arthritic mice. CONCLUSION Arthritis development is accompanied by changes in expression of a number of epigenome-modifying enzymes. Drug-induced down-regulation of the aurora kinases, among other targets, seems to be sufficient to treat experimental arthritis. Development of new therapeutics that target aurora kinases can potentially improve RA management.
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Egelston C, Kurkó J, Besenyei T, Tryniszewska B, Rauch TA, Glant TT, Mikecz K. Suppression of dendritic cell maturation and T cell proliferation by synovial fluid myeloid cells from mice with autoimmune arthritis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 64:3179-88. [PMID: 22492217 DOI: 10.1002/art.34494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether myeloid cells (such as granulocytes) present in the synovial fluid (SF) of arthritic joints have an impact on adaptive immunity. Specifically, we investigated the effects of SF cells harvested from the joints of mice with proteoglycan-induced arthritis (PGIA), on dendritic cell (DC) maturation and antigen-specific T cell proliferation. METHODS We monitored DC maturation (MHCII and CD86 expression) by flow cytometry upon coculture of DCs with SF cells or spleen myeloid cells from mice with PGIA. The effects of these myeloid cells on T cell proliferation were studied using T cells purified from PG-specific T cell receptor (TCR)-transgenic (Tg) mice. Phenotype analysis of myeloid cells was performed by immunostaining, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, and biochemical assays. RESULTS Inflammatory SF cells significantly suppressed the maturation of DCs upon coculture. PG-TCR-Tg mouse T cells cultured with antigen-loaded DCs showed dramatic decreases in proliferation in the presence of SF cells. Spleen myeloid cells from arthritic mice did not have suppressive effects. SF cells were unable to suppress CD3/CD28-stimulated proliferation of the same T cells, suggesting a DC-dependent mechanism. SF cells exhibited all of the characteristics of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and exerted suppression primarily through the production of nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species by granulocyte-like cells. CONCLUSION SF in the joints of mice with PGIA contains a population of granulocytic MDSCs that potently suppress DC maturation and T cell proliferation. These MDSCs have the potential to limit the expansion of autoreactive T cells, thus breaking the vicious cycle of autoimmunity and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colt Egelston
- Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois 60612, USA
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Glant TT, Adarichev VA, Boldizsar F, Besenyei T, Laszlo A, Mikecz K, Rauch TA. Disease-promoting and -protective genomic loci on mouse chromosomes 3 and 19 control the incidence and severity of autoimmune arthritis. Genes Immun 2012; 13:336-45. [PMID: 22402741 DOI: 10.1038/gene.2012.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Proteoglycan (PG)-induced arthritis (PGIA) is a murine model of rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis-prone BALB/c mice are 100% susceptible, whereas the major histocompatibility complex-matched DBA/2 strain is completely resistant to PGIA. To reduce the size of the disease-suppressive loci for sequencing and to find causative genes of arthritis, we created a set of BALB/c.DBA/2-congenic/subcongenic strains carrying DBA/2 genomic intervals overlapping the entire Pgia26 locus on chromosome 3 (chr3) and Pgia23/Pgia12 loci on chr19 in the arthritis-susceptible BALB/c background. Upon immunization of these subcongenic strains and their wild-type (BALB/c) littermates, we identified a major Pgia26a sublocus on chr3 that suppressed disease onset, incidence and severity via controlling the complex trait of T-cell responses. The region was reduced to 3 Mbp (11.8 Mbp with flanking regions) in size and contained gene(s) influencing the production of a number of proinflammatory cytokines. Additionally, two independent loci (Pgia26b and Pgia26c) suppressed the clinical scores of arthritis. The Pgia23 locus (∼3 Mbp in size) on chr19 reduced arthritis susceptibility and onset, and the Pgia12 locus (6 Mbp) associated with low arthritis severity. Thus, we have reached the critical sizes of arthritis-associated genomic loci on mouse chr3 and chr19, which are ready for high-throughput sequencing of genomic DNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- T T Glant
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Section of Molecular Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
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Olasz K, Boldizsar F, Kis-Toth K, Tarjanyi O, Hegyi A, van Eden W, Rauch TA, Mikecz K, Glant TT. T cell receptor (TCR) signal strength controls arthritis severity in proteoglycan-specific TCR transgenic mice. Clin Exp Immunol 2012; 167:346-55. [PMID: 22236012 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2249.2011.04506.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
T cell receptor transgenic (TCR-Tg) mice specific for the arthritogenic 5/4E8 epitope in the G1 domain of cartilage proteoglycan were generated and back-crossed into arthritis-prone BALB/c background. Although more than 90% of CD4(+) T cells of all TCR-Tg lines were 5/4E8-specific, one (TCR-TgA) was highly sensitive to G1-induced or spontaneous arthritis, while another (TCR-TgB) was less susceptible. Here we studied whether fine differences in TCR signalling controlled the onset and severity of arthritis. Mice from the two TCR-Tg lines were immunized side by side with purified recombinant human G1 (rhG1) domain for G1 domain of cartilage proteoglycan (PG)-induced arthritis (GIA). TCR-TgA mice developed severe and early-onset arthritis, whereas TCR-TgB mice developed weaker arthritis with delayed onset, although TCR-TgB CD4(+) T cells expressed approximately twice more TCR-Vβ4 chain protein. The more severe arthritis in TCR-TgA mice was associated with higher amounts of anti-G1 domain-specific antibodies, larger numbers of B cells and activated T helper cells. Importantly, TCR-TgB CD4(+) T cells were more sensitive to in vitro activation-induced apoptosis, correlating with their higher TCR and CD3 expression and with the increased TCR signal strength. These findings indicate that TCR signal strength determines the clinical outcome of arthritis induction: 'optimal' TCR signal strength leads to strong T cell activation and severe arthritis in TCR-TgA mice, whereas 'supra-optimal' TCR signal leads to enhanced elimination of self-reactive T cells, resulting in attenuated disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Olasz
- Section of Molecular Medicine, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
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Jin SG, Jiang Y, Qiu R, Rauch TA, Wang Y, Schackert G, Krex D, Lu Q, Pfeifer GP. 5-Hydroxymethylcytosine is strongly depleted in human cancers but its levels do not correlate with IDH1 mutations. Cancer Res 2011; 71:7360-5. [PMID: 22052461 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-11-2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 360] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The base 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) was recently identified as an oxidation product of 5-methylcytosine in mammalian DNA. Here, using sensitive and quantitative methods to assess levels of 5-hydroxymethyl-2'-deoxycytidine (5hmdC) and 5-methyl-2'-deoxycytidine (5mdC) in genomic DNA, we investigated whether levels of 5hmC can distinguish normal tissue from tumor tissue. In squamous cell lung cancers, levels of 5hmdC were depleted substantially with up to 5-fold reduction compared with normal lung tissue. In brain tumors, 5hmdC showed an even more drastic reduction with levels up to more than 30-fold lower than in normal brain, but 5hmdC levels were independent of mutations in isocitrate dehydrogenase-1. Furthermore, immunohistochemical analysis indicated that 5hmC is remarkably depleted in many types of human cancer. Importantly, an inverse relationship between 5hmC levels and cell proliferation was observed with lack of 5hmC in proliferating cells. The data therefore suggest that 5hmdC is strongly depleted in human malignant tumors, a finding that adds another layer of complexity to the aberrant epigenome found in cancer tissue. In addition, a lack of 5hmC may become a useful biomarker for cancer diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung-Gi Jin
- Department of Cancer Biology, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, California 91010, USA
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Nesterovitch AB, Gyorfy Z, Hoffman MD, Moore EC, Elbuluk N, Tryniszewska B, Rauch TA, Simon M, Kang S, Fisher GJ, Mikecz K, Tharp MD, Glant TT. Alteration in the gene encoding protein tyrosine phosphatase nonreceptor type 6 (PTPN6/SHP1) may contribute to neutrophilic dermatoses. Am J Pathol 2011; 178:1434-41. [PMID: 21406173 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2010.12.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2010] [Revised: 12/15/2010] [Accepted: 12/23/2010] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
We have found a B2 repeat insertion in the gene encoding protein tyrosine phosphatase nonreceptor type 6 (PTPN6) in a mouse that developed a skin disorder with clinical and histopathological features resembling those seen in human neutrophilic dermatoses. Neutrophilic dermatoses are a group of complex heterogeneous autoinflammatory diseases that all demonstrate excessive neutrophil infiltration of the skin. Therefore, we tested the cDNA and genomic DNA sequences of PTPN6 from patients with Sweet's syndrome (SW) and pyoderma gangrenosum and found numerous novel splice variants in different combinations. Isoforms resulting from deletions of exons 2, 5, 11, and 15 and retention of intron 1 or 5 were the most common in a patients with a familial case of SW, who had a neonatal onset of an inflammatory disorder with skin lesions and a biopsy specimen consistent with SW. These isoforms were associated with a heterozygous E441G mutation and a heterozygous 1.7-kbp deletion in the promoter region of the PTPN6 gene. Although full-length PTPN6 was detected in all other patients with either pyoderma gangrenosum or SW, it was always associated with splice variants: a partial deletion of exon 4 with the complete deletion of exon 5, alterations that were not detected in healthy controls. The defect in transcriptional regulation of the hematopoietic PTPN6 appears to be involved in the pathogenesis of certain subsets of the heterogeneous group of neutrophilic dermatoses.
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Choi JH, Li Y, Guo J, Pei L, Rauch TA, Kramer RS, Macmil SL, Wiley GB, Bennett LB, Schnabel JL, Taylor KH, Kim S, Xu D, Sreekumar A, Pfeifer GP, Roe BA, Caldwell CW, Bhalla KN, Shi H. Genome-wide DNA methylation maps in follicular lymphoma cells determined by methylation-enriched bisulfite sequencing. PLoS One 2010; 5. [PMID: 20927367 PMCID: PMC2947499 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0013020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2010] [Accepted: 08/21/2010] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Follicular lymphoma (FL) is a form of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) that arises from germinal center (GC) B-cells. Despite the significant advances in immunotherapy, FL is still not curable. Beyond transcriptional profiling and genomics datasets, there currently is no epigenome-scale dataset or integrative biology approach that can adequately model this disease and therefore identify novel mechanisms and targets for successful prevention and treatment of FL. Methodology/Principal Findings We performed methylation-enriched genome-wide bisulfite sequencing of FL cells and normal CD19+ B-cells using 454 sequencing technology. The methylated DNA fragments were enriched with methyl-binding proteins, treated with bisulfite, and sequenced using the Roche-454 GS FLX sequencer. The total number of bases covered in the human genome was 18.2 and 49.3 million including 726,003 and 1.3 million CpGs in FL and CD19+ B-cells, respectively. 11,971 and 7,882 methylated regions of interest (MRIs) were identified respectively. The genome-wide distribution of these MRIs displayed significant differences between FL and normal B-cells. A reverse trend in the distribution of MRIs between the promoter and the gene body was observed in FL and CD19+ B-cells. The MRIs identified in FL cells also correlated well with transcriptomic data and ChIP-on-Chip analyses of genome-wide histone modifications such as tri-methyl-H3K27, and tri-methyl-H3K4, indicating a concerted epigenetic alteration in FL cells. Conclusions/Significance This study is the first to provide a large scale and comprehensive analysis of the DNA methylation sequence composition and distribution in the FL epigenome. These integrated approaches have led to the discovery of novel and frequent targets of aberrant epigenetic alterations. The genome-wide bisulfite sequencing approach developed here can be a useful tool for profiling DNA methylation in clinical samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeong-Hyeon Choi
- Center of Genomics and Bioinformatics, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Yajun Li
- Medical College of Georgia Cancer Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Juyuan Guo
- Department of Pathology and Anatomical Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Lirong Pei
- Medical College of Georgia Cancer Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Tibor A. Rauch
- Division of Biology, City of Hope Beckman Research Institute, Duarte, California, United States of America
| | - Robin S. Kramer
- Department of Computer Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Simone L. Macmil
- Advanced Center for Genome Technology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, United States of America
| | - Graham B. Wiley
- Advanced Center for Genome Technology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, United States of America
| | - Lynda B. Bennett
- Department of Pathology and Anatomical Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Jennifer L. Schnabel
- Department of Pathology and Anatomical Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Kristen H. Taylor
- Department of Pathology and Anatomical Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Sun Kim
- Center of Genomics and Bioinformatics, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Dong Xu
- Division of Biology, City of Hope Beckman Research Institute, Duarte, California, United States of America
| | - Arun Sreekumar
- Medical College of Georgia Cancer Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Gerd P. Pfeifer
- Department of Computer Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Bruce A. Roe
- Advanced Center for Genome Technology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, United States of America
| | - Charles W. Caldwell
- Department of Pathology and Anatomical Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Kapil N. Bhalla
- Medical College of Georgia Cancer Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Huidong Shi
- Medical College of Georgia Cancer Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, Georgia, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Nguyen A, Rauch TA, Pfeifer GP, Hu VW. Global methylation profiling of lymphoblastoid cell lines reveals epigenetic contributions to autism spectrum disorders and a novel autism candidate gene, RORA, whose protein product is reduced in autistic brain. FASEB J 2010; 24:3036-51. [PMID: 20375269 DOI: 10.1096/fj.10-154484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 269] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Autism is currently considered a multigene disorder with epigenetic influences. To investigate the contribution of DNA methylation to autism spectrum disorders, we have recently completed large-scale methylation profiling by CpG island microarray analysis of lymphoblastoid cell lines derived from monozygotic twins discordant for diagnosis of autism and their nonautistic siblings. Methylation profiling revealed many candidate genes differentially methylated between discordant MZ twins as well as between both twins and nonautistic siblings. Bioinformatics analysis of the differentially methylated genes demonstrated enrichment for high-level functions including gene transcription, nervous system development, cell death/survival, and other biological processes implicated in autism. The methylation status of 2 of these candidate genes, BCL-2 and retinoic acid-related orphan receptor alpha (RORA), was further confirmed by bisulfite sequencing and methylation-specific PCR, respectively. Immunohistochemical analyses of tissue arrays containing slices of the cerebellum and frontal cortex of autistic and age- and sex-matched control subjects revealed decreased expression of RORA and BCL-2 proteins in the autistic brain. Our data thus confirm the role of epigenetic regulation of gene expression via differential DNA methylation in idiopathic autism, and furthermore link molecular changes in a peripheral cell model with brain pathobiology in autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- AnhThu Nguyen
- Correspondence: Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, George Washington University Medical Center, 2300 Eye St., N.W., Washington, DC 20037, USA
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Rauch TA, Pfeifer GP. DNA methylation profiling using the methylated-CpG island recovery assay (MIRA). Methods 2010; 52:213-7. [PMID: 20304072 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2010.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2010] [Accepted: 03/16/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The methylated-CpG island recovery assay (MIRA) exploits the intrinsic specificity and the high affinity of a methylated-CpG-binding protein complex (MBD2B and MBD3L1) to methylated CpG dinucleotides in genomic DNA. The MIRA approach works on double-stranded DNA and does not depend on the application of methylation-sensitive restriction enzymes. It can be performed on a few hundred nanograms of genomic DNA. Recently, the MIRA technique has been used to profile DNA methylation patterns at a resolution of 100 base pairs along the entire genome of normal human B-lymphocytes. The MIRA method is compatible with microarray and next generation DNA sequencing approaches. We describe the principles and details of this method applied for methylation profiling of genomes containing methylated CpG sequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tibor A Rauch
- Section of Molecular Medicine, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
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Abstract
Astrocytomas are common and lethal human brain tumors. We have analyzed the methylation status of over 28,000 CpG islands and 18,000 promoters in normal human brain and in astrocytomas of various grades using the methylated CpG island recovery assay. We identified 6,000 to 7,000 methylated CpG islands in normal human brain. Approximately 5% of the promoter-associated CpG islands in the normal brain are methylated. Promoter CpG island methylation is inversely correlated whereas intragenic methylation is directly correlated with gene expression levels in brain tissue. In astrocytomas, several hundred CpG islands undergo specific hypermethylation relative to normal brain with 428 methylation peaks common to more than 25% of the tumors. Genes involved in brain development and neuronal differentiation, such as BMP4, POU4F3, GDNF, OTX2, NEFM, CNTN4, OTP, SIM1, FYN, EN1, CHAT, GSX2, NKX6-1, PAX6, RAX, and DLX2, were strongly enriched among genes frequently methylated in tumors. There was an overrepresentation of homeobox genes and 31% of the most commonly methylated genes represent targets of the Polycomb complex. We identified several chromosomal loci in which many (sometimes more than 20) consecutive CpG islands were hypermethylated in tumors. Seven such loci were near homeobox genes, including the HOXC and HOXD clusters, and the BARHL2, DLX1, and PITX2 genes. Two other clusters of hypermethylated islands were at sequences of recent gene duplication events. Our analysis offers mechanistic insights into brain neoplasia suggesting that methylation of the genes involved in neuronal differentiation, in cooperation with other oncogenic events, may shift the balance from regulated differentiation towards gliomagenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiwei Wu
- Department of Cancer Biology, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, CA, USA
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Dunwell T, Hesson L, Rauch TA, Wang L, Clark RE, Dallol A, Gentle D, Catchpoole D, Maher ER, Pfeifer GP, Latif F. A genome-wide screen identifies frequently methylated genes in haematological and epithelial cancers. Mol Cancer 2010; 9:44. [PMID: 20184741 PMCID: PMC2838813 DOI: 10.1186/1476-4598-9-44] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2009] [Accepted: 02/25/2010] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Genetic as well as epigenetic alterations are a hallmark of both epithelial and haematological malignancies. High throughput screens are required to identify epigenetic markers that can be useful for diagnostic and prognostic purposes across malignancies. Results Here we report for the first time the use of the MIRA assay (methylated CpG island recovery assay) in combination with genome-wide CpG island arrays to identify epigenetic molecular markers in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) on a genome-wide scale. We identified 30 genes demonstrating methylation frequencies of ≥25% in childhood ALL, nine genes showed significantly different methylation frequencies in B vs T-ALL. For majority of the genes expression could be restored in methylated leukemia lines after treatment with 5-azaDC. Forty-four percent of the genes represent targets of the polycomb complex. In chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) two of the genes, (TFAP2A and EBF2), demonstrated increased methylation in blast crisis compared to chronic phase (P < 0.05). Furthermore hypermethylation of an autophagy related gene ATG16L2 was associated with poorer prognosis in terms of molecular response to Imatinib treatment. Lastly we demonstrated that ten of these genes were also frequently methylated in common epithelial cancers. Conclusion In summary we have identified a large number of genes showing frequent methylation in childhood ALL, methylation status of two of these genes is associated with advanced disease in CML and methylation status of another gene is associated with prognosis. In addition a subset of these genes may act as epigenetic markers across hematological malignancies as well as common epithelial cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Dunwell
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, School of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B152TT, UK
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Abstract
The genome of epithelial tumors is characterized by numerous chromosomal aberrations, DNA base sequence changes, and epigenetic abnormalities. The epigenome of cancer cells has been most commonly studied at the level of DNA CpG methylation. In squamous cell carcinomas of the lung, CpG methylation patterns undergo substantial changes relative to normal lung epithelium. Using a genome-scale mapping technique for CpG methylation (MIRA-chip), we characterized CpG island methylation and methylation patterns of entire chromosome arms at a level of resolution of approximately 100 bp. In individual stage I lung carcinomas, several hundred and probably up to a thousand CpG islands become methylated. Interestingly, a large fraction (almost 80%) of the tumor-specifically methylated sequences are targets of the Polycomb complex in embryonic stem cells. Homeobox genes are particularly overrepresented and all four HOX gene loci on chromosomes 2, 7, 12, and 17 are hotspots for tumor-associated methylation because of the presence of multiple methylated CpG islands within these loci. DNA hypomethylation at CpGs in squamous cell tumors preferentially affects repetitive sequence classes including SINEs, LINEs, subtelomeric repeats, and segmental duplications. Since these epigenetic changes are found in early stage tumors, their contribution to tumor etiology as well as their potential usefulness as diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers of the disease should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerd P Pfeifer
- Department of Biology, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, 1500 East Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA.
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Abstract
DNA methylation patterns are often altered in human cancer and aberrant methylation is considered a hallmark of malignant transformation. Several methods have been developed for the characterization of gene-specific and genome-wide DNA methylation patterns. In this chapter, we describe the methylated-CpG island recovery assay (MIRA), which is based on the high affinity of the MBD2b/MBD3L1 complex for double-stranded CpG-methylated DNA. MIRA has been used in combination with microarray platforms to map DNA methylation patterns across the human genome.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gerd P. Pfeifer
- To whom correspondence may be addressed: Dr. Gerd P. Pfeifer Department of Biology Beckman Research Institute City of Hope 1500 E. Duarte Road Duarte, CA 91010 phone: 626-301-8853 FAX: 626-358-7703
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Pfeifer GP, Wang Z, Riggs AD, Rauch TA. Methylated-CpG island recovery assay-assisted microarrays for cancer diagnosis. Expert Opin Med Diagn 2007; 1:99-108. [PMID: 23489272 DOI: 10.1517/17530059.1.1.99] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Alterations in DNA methylation patterns occur in every type of human cancer and are considered a hallmark of malignant transformation. Most notable is the cancer-associated hypermethylation of CpG-rich sequences, the so-called CpG islands, which are often found near the 5' ends and promoters of genes. This CpG island methylation represents a positive signal that can be used to distinguish malignant tissue from normal tissue. Thus, characterization of CpG island hypermethylation has become a valuable tool for cancer detection and diagnosis. There are several methods used for detection of gene-specific DNA methylation. However, besides looking at individual genes, an even greater potential lies in the characterization of genome-wide changes of DNA methylation patterns in tumors. The authors propose that tumor type- and tumor subtype-specific DNA methylation patterns exist and can be exploited for the classification of cancers, their response to therapy and their metastatic potential, and thus may have predictive value. Various methods for genome-wide analysis of DNA methylation have been developed. These methods are described briefly and the methylated-CpG island recovery assay will be reviewed. This assay has been used in combination with microarray analysis to map CpG island methylation across cancer genomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerd P Pfeifer
- Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Division of Biology, Duarte, CA 91010, USA +1 626 301 8853 ; +1 626 358 7703 ;
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