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Abildgaard AB, Nielsen SV, Bernstein I, Stein A, Lindorff-Larsen K, Hartmann-Petersen R. Lynch syndrome, molecular mechanisms and variant classification. Br J Cancer 2023; 128:726-734. [PMID: 36434153 PMCID: PMC9978028 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-022-02059-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients with the heritable cancer disease, Lynch syndrome, carry germline variants in the MLH1, MSH2, MSH6 and PMS2 genes, encoding the central components of the DNA mismatch repair system. Loss-of-function variants disrupt the DNA mismatch repair system and give rise to a detrimental increase in the cellular mutational burden and cancer development. The treatment prospects for Lynch syndrome rely heavily on early diagnosis; however, accurate diagnosis is inextricably linked to correct clinical interpretation of individual variants. Protein variant classification traditionally relies on cumulative information from occurrence in patients, as well as experimental testing of the individual variants. The complexity of variant classification is due to (1) that variants of unknown significance are rare in the population and phenotypic information on the specific variants is missing, and (2) that individual variant testing is challenging, costly and slow. Here, we summarise recent developments in high-throughput technologies and computational prediction tools for the assessment of variants of unknown significance in Lynch syndrome. These approaches may vastly increase the number of interpretable variants and could also provide important mechanistic insights into the disease. These insights may in turn pave the road towards developing personalised treatment approaches for Lynch syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda B Abildgaard
- The Linderstrøm-Lang Centre for Protein Science, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sofie V Nielsen
- The Linderstrøm-Lang Centre for Protein Science, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Inge Bernstein
- Department of Surgical Gastroenterology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Amelie Stein
- The Linderstrøm-Lang Centre for Protein Science, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kresten Lindorff-Larsen
- The Linderstrøm-Lang Centre for Protein Science, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Rasmus Hartmann-Petersen
- The Linderstrøm-Lang Centre for Protein Science, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Williams MH, Hadjinicolaou AV, Norton B, Kader R, Lovat LB. Lynch syndrome: from detection to treatment. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1166238. [PMID: 37197422 PMCID: PMC10183578 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1166238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Lynch syndrome (LS) is an inherited cancer predisposition syndrome associated with high lifetime risk of developing tumours, most notably colorectal and endometrial. It arises in the context of pathogenic germline variants in one of the mismatch repair genes, that are necessary to maintain genomic stability. LS remains underdiagnosed in the population despite national recommendations for empirical testing in all new colorectal and endometrial cancer cases. There are now well-established colorectal cancer surveillance programmes, but the high rate of interval cancers identified, coupled with a paucity of high-quality evidence for extra-colonic cancer surveillance, means there is still much that can be achieved in diagnosis, risk-stratification and management. The widespread adoption of preventative pharmacological measures is on the horizon and there are exciting advances in the role of immunotherapy and anti-cancer vaccines for treatment of these highly immunogenic LS-associated tumours. In this review, we explore the current landscape and future perspectives for the identification, risk stratification and optimised management of LS with a focus on the gastrointestinal system. We highlight the current guidelines on diagnosis, surveillance, prevention and treatment and link molecular disease mechanisms to clinical practice recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeleine H. Williams
- Department of Gastroenterology, Guy’s and St. Thomas NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Andreas V. Hadjinicolaou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Early Cancer Institute, Department of Oncology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Andreas V. Hadjinicolaou,
| | - Benjamin C. Norton
- Department of Gastroenterology, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Rawen Kader
- Wellcome-EPSRC Centre for Interventional and Surgical Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Laurence B. Lovat
- Wellcome-EPSRC Centre for Interventional and Surgical Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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Salmeri N, Carbone IF, Cavoretto PI, Farina A, Morano D. Epigenetics Beyond Fetal Growth Restriction: A Comprehensive Overview. Mol Diagn Ther 2022; 26:607-626. [PMID: 36028645 DOI: 10.1007/s40291-022-00611-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Fetal growth restriction is a pathological condition occurring when the fetus does not reach the genetically determined growth potential. The etiology of fetal growth restriction is expected to be multifactorial and include fetal, maternal, and placental factors, the latter being the most frequent cause of isolated fetal growth restriction. Severe fetal growth restriction has been related to both an increased risk of perinatal morbidity and mortality, and also a greater susceptibility to developing diseases (especially cardio-metabolic and neurological disorders) later in life. In the last decade, emerging evidence has supported the hypothesis of the Developmental Origin of Health and Disease, which states that individual developmental 'programming' takes place via a delicate fine tuning of fetal genetic and epigenetic marks in response to a large variety of 'stressor' exposures during pregnancy. As the placenta is the maternal-fetal interface, it has a crucial role in fetal programming, such that any perturbation altering placental function interferes with both in-utero fetal growth and also with the adult life phenotype. Several epigenetic mechanisms have been highlighted in modulating the dynamic placental epigenome, including alterations in DNA methylation status, post-translational modification of histones, and non-coding RNAs. This review aims to provide a comprehensive and critical overview of the available literature on the epigenetic background of fetal growth restriction. A targeted research strategy was performed using PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, and The Cochrane Library up to January 2022. A detailed and fully referenced synthesis of available literature following the Scale for the Assessment of Narrative Review Articles guidelines is provided. A variety of epigenetic marks predominantly interfering with placental development, function, and metabolism were found to be potentially associated with fetal growth restriction. Available evidence on the role of environmental exposures in shaping the placental epigenome and the fetal phenotype were also critically discussed. Because of the highly dynamic crosstalk between epigenetic mechanisms and the extra level of complexity in interpreting the final placental transcriptome, a full comprehension of these phenomenon is still lacking and advances in multi-omics approaches are urgently needed. Elucidating the role of epigenetics in the developmental origins of health and disease represents a new challenge for the coming years, with the goal of providing early interventions and prevention strategies and, hopefully, new treatment opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noemi Salmeri
- Gynecology/Obstetrics Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Ilma Floriana Carbone
- Unit of Obstetrics, Department of Woman, Child and Neonate, Mangiagalli Center, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Ivo Cavoretto
- Gynecology/Obstetrics Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonio Farina
- Division of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Department of Medicine and Surgery (DIMEC), IRCCS Sant'Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, 40138, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Danila Morano
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria S. Anna, University of Ferrara, Cona, Ferrara, Italy
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Ruiz de la Cruz M, de la Cruz Montoya AH, Rojas Jiménez EA, Martínez Gregorio H, Díaz Velásquez CE, Paredes de la Vega J, de la Cruz Hernández-Hernández F, Vaca Paniagua F. Cis-Acting Factors Causing Secondary Epimutations: Impact on the Risk for Cancer and Other Diseases. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13194807. [PMID: 34638292 PMCID: PMC8508567 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13194807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetics affects gene expression and contributes to disease development by alterations known as epimutations. Hypermethylation that results in transcriptional silencing of tumor suppressor genes has been described in patients with hereditary cancers and without pathogenic variants in the coding region of cancer susceptibility genes. Although somatic promoter hypermethylation of these genes can occur in later stages of the carcinogenic process, constitutional methylation can be a crucial event during the first steps of tumorigenesis, accelerating tumor development. Primary epimutations originate independently of changes in the DNA sequence, while secondary epimutations are a consequence of a mutation in a cis or trans-acting factor. Secondary epimutations have a genetic basis in cis of the promoter regions of genes involved in familial cancers. This highlights epimutations as a novel carcinogenic mechanism whose contribution to human diseases is underestimated by the scarcity of the variants described. In this review, we provide an overview of secondary epimutations and present evidence of their impact on cancer. We propose the necessity for genetic screening of loci associated with secondary epimutations in familial cancer as part of prevention programs to improve molecular diagnosis, secondary prevention, and reduce the mortality of these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Ruiz de la Cruz
- Laboratorio Nacional en Salud, Diagnóstico Molecular y Efecto Ambiental en Enfermedades Crónico-Degenerativas, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Tlalnepantla 54090, Mexico; (M.R.d.l.C.); (E.A.R.J.); (H.M.G.); (C.E.D.V.); (J.P.d.l.V.)
- Avenida Instituto Politécnico Nacional # 2508, Colonia San Pedro Zacatenco, Delegación Gustavo A. Madero, C.P. Departamento de Infectómica y Patogénesis Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (CINVESTAV-IPN), Mexico City 07360, Mexico;
| | | | - Ernesto Arturo Rojas Jiménez
- Laboratorio Nacional en Salud, Diagnóstico Molecular y Efecto Ambiental en Enfermedades Crónico-Degenerativas, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Tlalnepantla 54090, Mexico; (M.R.d.l.C.); (E.A.R.J.); (H.M.G.); (C.E.D.V.); (J.P.d.l.V.)
- Unidad de Biomedicina, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, UNAM, Tlalnepantla 54090, Mexico;
| | - Héctor Martínez Gregorio
- Laboratorio Nacional en Salud, Diagnóstico Molecular y Efecto Ambiental en Enfermedades Crónico-Degenerativas, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Tlalnepantla 54090, Mexico; (M.R.d.l.C.); (E.A.R.J.); (H.M.G.); (C.E.D.V.); (J.P.d.l.V.)
- Unidad de Biomedicina, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, UNAM, Tlalnepantla 54090, Mexico;
| | - Clara Estela Díaz Velásquez
- Laboratorio Nacional en Salud, Diagnóstico Molecular y Efecto Ambiental en Enfermedades Crónico-Degenerativas, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Tlalnepantla 54090, Mexico; (M.R.d.l.C.); (E.A.R.J.); (H.M.G.); (C.E.D.V.); (J.P.d.l.V.)
| | - Jimena Paredes de la Vega
- Laboratorio Nacional en Salud, Diagnóstico Molecular y Efecto Ambiental en Enfermedades Crónico-Degenerativas, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Tlalnepantla 54090, Mexico; (M.R.d.l.C.); (E.A.R.J.); (H.M.G.); (C.E.D.V.); (J.P.d.l.V.)
- Unidad de Biomedicina, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, UNAM, Tlalnepantla 54090, Mexico;
| | - Fidel de la Cruz Hernández-Hernández
- Avenida Instituto Politécnico Nacional # 2508, Colonia San Pedro Zacatenco, Delegación Gustavo A. Madero, C.P. Departamento de Infectómica y Patogénesis Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (CINVESTAV-IPN), Mexico City 07360, Mexico;
| | - Felipe Vaca Paniagua
- Laboratorio Nacional en Salud, Diagnóstico Molecular y Efecto Ambiental en Enfermedades Crónico-Degenerativas, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Tlalnepantla 54090, Mexico; (M.R.d.l.C.); (E.A.R.J.); (H.M.G.); (C.E.D.V.); (J.P.d.l.V.)
- Unidad de Biomedicina, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, UNAM, Tlalnepantla 54090, Mexico;
- Subdirección de Investigación Básica, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, Ciudad de México 14080, Mexico
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +52-55-5623-1333 (ext. 39788)
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Cavicchi C, Oussalah A, Falliano S, Ferri L, Gozzini A, Gasperini S, Motta S, Rigoldi M, Parenti G, Tummolo A, Meli C, Menni F, Furlan F, Daniotti M, Malvagia S, la Marca G, Chery C, Morange PE, Tregouet D, Donati MA, Guerrini R, Guéant JL, Morrone A. PRDX1 gene-related epi-cblC disease is a common type of inborn error of cobalamin metabolism with mono- or bi-allelic MMACHC epimutations. Clin Epigenetics 2021; 13:137. [PMID: 34215320 PMCID: PMC8254308 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-021-01117-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The role of epigenetics in inborn errors of metabolism (IEMs) is poorly investigated. Epigenetic changes can contribute to clinical heterogeneity of affected patients but could also be underestimated determining factors in the occurrence of IEMs. An epigenetic cause of IEMs has been recently described for the autosomal recessive methylmalonic aciduria and homocystinuria, cblC type (cblC disease), and it has been named epi-cblC. Epi-cblC has been reported in association with compound heterozygosity for a genetic variant and an epimutation at the MMACHC locus, which is secondary to a splicing variant (c.515-1G > T or c.515-2A > T) at the adjacent PRDX1 gene. Both these variants cause aberrant antisense transcription and cis-hypermethylation of the MMACHC gene promotor with subsequent silencing. Until now, only nine epi-cblC patients have been reported. Methods We report clinical/biochemical assessment, MMACHC/PRDX1 gene sequencing and genome-wide DNA methylation profiling in 11 cblC patients who had an inconclusive MMACHC gene testing. We also compare clinical phenotype of epi-cblC patients with that of canonical cblC patients. Results All patients turned out to have the epi-cblC disease. One patient had a bi-allelic MMACHC epimutation due to the homozygous PRDX1:c.515-1G > T variant transmitted by both parents. We found that the bi-allelic epimutation produces the complete silencing of MMACHC in the patient’s fibroblasts. The remaining ten patients had a mono-allelic MMACHC epimutation, due to the heterozygous PRDX1:c.515-1G > T, in association with a mono-allelic MMACHC genetic variant. Epi-cblC disease has accounted for about 13% of cblC cases diagnosed by newborn screening in the Tuscany and Umbria regions since November 2001. Comparative analysis showed that clinical phenotype of epi-cblC patients is similar to that of canonical cblC patients. Conclusions We provide evidence that epi-cblC is an underestimated cause of inborn errors of cobalamin metabolism and describe the first instance of epi-cblC due to a bi-allelic MMACHC epimutation. MMACHC epimutation/PRDX1 mutation analyses should be part of routine genetic testing for all patients presenting with a metabolic phenotype that combines methylmalonic aciduria and homocystinuria. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13148-021-01117-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catia Cavicchi
- Molecular and Cell Biology Laboratory of Neurometabolic Diseases, Paediatric Neurology Unit and Laboratories, Meyer Children's Hospital, Viale Pieraccini 24, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - Abderrahim Oussalah
- INSERM, UMR_S1256 Nutrition-Genetics-Environmental Risk Exposure and Reference Centre of Inborn Metabolism Diseases, University of Lorraine and University Hospital Centre of Nancy (CHRU Nancy), Nancy, France
| | - Silvia Falliano
- Molecular and Cell Biology Laboratory of Neurometabolic Diseases, Paediatric Neurology Unit and Laboratories, Meyer Children's Hospital, Viale Pieraccini 24, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Ferri
- Molecular and Cell Biology Laboratory of Neurometabolic Diseases, Paediatric Neurology Unit and Laboratories, Meyer Children's Hospital, Viale Pieraccini 24, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - Alessia Gozzini
- Molecular and Cell Biology Laboratory of Neurometabolic Diseases, Paediatric Neurology Unit and Laboratories, Meyer Children's Hospital, Viale Pieraccini 24, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - Serena Gasperini
- Rare Metabolic Disease Unit, Department of Paediatrics, Fondazione MBBM, Monza, Italy
| | - Serena Motta
- Rare Metabolic Disease Unit, Department of Paediatrics, Fondazione MBBM, Monza, Italy
| | - Miriam Rigoldi
- Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | | | - Albina Tummolo
- Metabolic Disease Unit, Giovanni XXIII Hospital, Bari, Italy
| | - Concetta Meli
- Metabolic Disease Unit, G. Rodolico Hospital, Catania, Italy
| | - Francesca Menni
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Paediatric Highly Intensive Care Unit, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Furlan
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Paediatric Highly Intensive Care Unit, Milan, Italy
| | - Marta Daniotti
- Metabolic and Muscular Unit, Meyer Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Sabrina Malvagia
- Newborn Screening, Biochemistry and Pharmacology Laboratory, Meyer Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Giancarlo la Marca
- Newborn Screening, Biochemistry and Pharmacology Laboratory, Meyer Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy.,Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Céline Chery
- INSERM, UMR_S1256 Nutrition-Genetics-Environmental Risk Exposure and Reference Centre of Inborn Metabolism Diseases, University of Lorraine and University Hospital Centre of Nancy (CHRU Nancy), Nancy, France
| | | | - David Tregouet
- INSERM, UMR_S937, ICAN Institute, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris, France
| | | | - Renzo Guerrini
- Molecular and Cell Biology Laboratory of Neurometabolic Diseases, Paediatric Neurology Unit and Laboratories, Meyer Children's Hospital, Viale Pieraccini 24, 50139, Florence, Italy.,Department of NEUROFARBA, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Jean-Louis Guéant
- INSERM, UMR_S1256 Nutrition-Genetics-Environmental Risk Exposure and Reference Centre of Inborn Metabolism Diseases, University of Lorraine and University Hospital Centre of Nancy (CHRU Nancy), Nancy, France
| | - Amelia Morrone
- Molecular and Cell Biology Laboratory of Neurometabolic Diseases, Paediatric Neurology Unit and Laboratories, Meyer Children's Hospital, Viale Pieraccini 24, 50139, Florence, Italy. .,Department of NEUROFARBA, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
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Machnik M, Oleksiewicz U. Dynamic Signatures of the Epigenome: Friend or Foe? Cells 2020; 9:cells9030653. [PMID: 32156057 PMCID: PMC7140607 DOI: 10.3390/cells9030653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Revised: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Highly dynamic epigenetic signaling is influenced mainly by (micro)environmental stimuli and genetic factors. The exact mechanisms affecting particular epigenomic patterns differ dependently on the context. In the current review, we focus on the causes and effects of the dynamic signatures of the human epigenome as evaluated with the high-throughput profiling data and single-gene approaches. We will discuss three different aspects of phenotypic outcomes occurring as a consequence of epigenetics interplaying with genotype and environment. The first issue is related to the cases of environmental impacts on epigenetic profile, and its adverse and advantageous effects related to human health and evolutionary adaptation. The next topic will present a model of the interwoven co-evolution of genetic and epigenetic patterns exemplified with transposable elements (TEs) and their epigenetic repressors Krüppel-associated box zinc finger proteins (KRAB–ZNFs). The third aspect concentrates on the mitosis-based microevolution that takes place during carcinogenesis, leading to clonal diversity and expansion of tumor cells. The whole picture of epigenome plasticity and its role in distinct biological processes is still incomplete. However, accumulating data define epigenomic dynamics as an essential co-factor driving adaptation at the cellular and inter-species levels with a benefit or disadvantage to the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Machnik
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-806 Poznan, Poland;
- Department of Cancer Diagnostics and Immunology, Greater Poland Cancer Centre, 61-866 Poznan, Poland
| | - Urszula Oleksiewicz
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-806 Poznan, Poland;
- Department of Cancer Diagnostics and Immunology, Greater Poland Cancer Centre, 61-866 Poznan, Poland
- Correspondence:
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Xavier MJ, Roman SD, Aitken RJ, Nixon B. Transgenerational inheritance: how impacts to the epigenetic and genetic information of parents affect offspring health. Hum Reprod Update 2019; 25:518-540. [DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmz017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2017] [Revised: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
BACKGROUND
A defining feature of sexual reproduction is the transmission of genomic information from both parents to the offspring. There is now compelling evidence that the inheritance of such genetic information is accompanied by additional epigenetic marks, or stable heritable information that is not accounted for by variations in DNA sequence. The reversible nature of epigenetic marks coupled with multiple rounds of epigenetic reprogramming that erase the majority of existing patterns have made the investigation of this phenomenon challenging. However, continual advances in molecular methods are allowing closer examination of the dynamic alterations to histone composition and DNA methylation patterns that accompany development and, in particular, how these modifications can occur in an individual’s germline and be transmitted to the following generation. While the underlying mechanisms that permit this form of transgenerational inheritance remain unclear, it is increasingly apparent that a combination of genetic and epigenetic modifications plays major roles in determining the phenotypes of individuals and their offspring.
OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE
Information pertaining to transgenerational inheritance was systematically reviewed focusing primarily on mammalian cells to the exclusion of inheritance in plants, due to inherent differences in the means by which information is transmitted between generations. The effects of environmental factors and biological processes on both epigenetic and genetic information were reviewed to determine their contribution to modulating inheritable phenotypes.
SEARCH METHODS
Articles indexed in PubMed were searched using keywords related to transgenerational inheritance, epigenetic modifications, paternal and maternal inheritable traits and environmental and biological factors influencing transgenerational modifications. We sought to clarify the role of epigenetic reprogramming events during the life cycle of mammals and provide a comprehensive review of how the genomic and epigenomic make-up of progenitors may determine the phenotype of its descendants.
OUTCOMES
We found strong evidence supporting the role of DNA methylation patterns, histone modifications and even non-protein-coding RNA in altering the epigenetic composition of individuals and producing stable epigenetic effects that were transmitted from parents to offspring, in both humans and rodent species. Multiple genomic domains and several histone modification sites were found to resist demethylation and endure genome-wide reprogramming events. Epigenetic modifications integrated into the genome of individuals were shown to modulate gene expression and activity at enhancer and promoter domains, while genetic mutations were shown to alter sequence availability for methylation and histone binding. Fundamentally, alterations to the nuclear composition of the germline in response to environmental factors, ageing, diet and toxicant exposure have the potential to become hereditably transmitted.
WIDER IMPLICATIONS
The environment influences the health and well-being of progeny by working through the germline to introduce spontaneous genetic mutations as well as a variety of epigenetic changes, including alterations in DNA methylation status and the post-translational modification of histones. In evolutionary terms, these changes create the phenotypic diversity that fuels the fires of natural selection. However, rather than being adaptive, such variation may also generate a plethora of pathological disease states ranging from dominant genetic disorders to neurological conditions, including spontaneous schizophrenia and autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel João Xavier
- Reproductive Science Group, Faculty of Science, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Shaun D Roman
- Reproductive Science Group, Faculty of Science, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
- Priority Research Centre for Chemical Biology and Clinical Pharmacology, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - R John Aitken
- Reproductive Science Group, Faculty of Science, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Brett Nixon
- Reproductive Science Group, Faculty of Science, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
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9
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Carta CFL, Oliveira Alves MG, de Barros PP, Campos MS, Scholz J, Jorge AOC, Nunes FD, Almeida JD. Screening methylation of DNA repair genes in the oral mucosa of chronic smokers. Arch Oral Biol 2018; 92:83-87. [DOI: 10.1016/j.archoralbio.2018.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2017] [Revised: 04/29/2018] [Accepted: 04/30/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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10
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Morak M, Ibisler A, Keller G, Jessen E, Laner A, Gonzales-Fassrainer D, Locher M, Massdorf T, Nissen AM, Benet-Pagès A, Holinski-Feder E. Comprehensive analysis of the MLH1 promoter region in 480 patients with colorectal cancer and 1150 controls reveals new variants including one with a heritable constitutional MLH1 epimutation. J Med Genet 2018; 55:240-248. [PMID: 29472279 DOI: 10.1136/jmedgenet-2017-104744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2017] [Revised: 10/27/2017] [Accepted: 10/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Germline defects in MLH1, MSH2, MSH6 and PMS2 predisposing for Lynch syndrome (LS) are mainly based on sequence changes, whereas a constitutional epimutation of MLH1(CEM) is exceptionally rare. This abnormal MLH1 promoter methylation is not hereditary when arising de novo, whereas a stably heritable and variant-induced CEM was described for one single allele. We searched for MLH1 promoter variants causing a germline or somatic methylation induction or transcriptional repression. METHODS We analysed the MLH1 promoter sequence in five different patient groups with colorectal cancer (CRC) (n=480) composed of patients with i) CEM (n=16), ii) unsolved loss of MLH1 expression in CRC (n=37), iii) CpG-island methylator-phenotype CRC (n=102), iv) patients with LS (n=83) and v) MLH1-proficient CRC (n=242) as controls. 1150 patients with non-LS tumours also served as controls to correctly judge the results. RESULTS We detected 10 rare MLH1 promoter variants. One novel, complex MLH1 variant c.-63_-58delins18 is present in a patient with CRC with CEM and his sister, both showing a complete allele-specific promoter methylation and transcriptional silencing. The other nine promoter variants detected in 17 individuals were not associated with methylation. For four of these, a normal, biallelic MLH1 expression was found in the patients' cDNA. CONCLUSION We report the second promoter variant stably inducing a hereditary CEM. Concerning the classification of promoter variants, we discuss contradictory results from the literature for two variants, describe classification discrepancies between existing rules for five variants, suggest the (re-)classification of five promoter variants to (likely) benign and regard four variants as functionally unclear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Morak
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, Munich, Bavaria, Germany.,Center of Medical Genetics, Medizinisch Genetisches Zentrum, Munich, Bavaria, Germany
| | - Ayseguel Ibisler
- Department of Human Genetics, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
| | - Gisela Keller
- Institute of Pathology, Technical University Munich, Munich, Bavaria, Germany
| | - Ellen Jessen
- Praxis für Humangenetik, Praxis für Humangenetik, Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Laner
- Center of Medical Genetics, Medizinisch Genetisches Zentrum, Munich, Bavaria, Germany
| | | | - Melanie Locher
- Center of Medical Genetics, Medizinisch Genetisches Zentrum, Munich, Bavaria, Germany
| | - Trisari Massdorf
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, Munich, Bavaria, Germany
| | - Anke M Nissen
- Center of Medical Genetics, Medizinisch Genetisches Zentrum, Munich, Bavaria, Germany
| | - Anna Benet-Pagès
- Center of Medical Genetics, Medizinisch Genetisches Zentrum, Munich, Bavaria, Germany
| | - Elke Holinski-Feder
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, Munich, Bavaria, Germany.,Center of Medical Genetics, Medizinisch Genetisches Zentrum, Munich, Bavaria, Germany
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11
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Vogt G. Investigating the genetic and epigenetic basis of big biological questions with the parthenogenetic marbled crayfish: A review and perspectives. J Biosci 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s12038-018-9741-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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12
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Curigliano G. Targeting DNA Repair. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2018; 249:161-180. [PMID: 30341723 DOI: 10.1007/164_2017_31] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Genomic instability is a characteristic of most human cancers and plays critical roles in both cancer development and progression. There are various forms of genomic instability arising from many different pathways, such as DNA damage from endogenous and exogenous sources, centrosome amplification, telomere damage, and epigenetic modifications. DNA-repair pathways can enable tumor cells to survive DNA damage. The failure to respond to DNA damage is a characteristic associated with genomic instability. Understanding of genomic instability in cancer is still very limited, but the further understanding of the molecular mechanisms through which the DNA damage response (DDR) operates, in combination with the elucidation of the genetic interactions between DDR pathways and other cell pathways, will provide therapeutic opportunities for the personalized medicine of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Curigliano
- Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapy Division, European Institute of Oncology, Via Ripamonti, 435 20141, Milan, Italy.
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13
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Locatelli M, Curigliano G. Targeting Genome Instability and DNA Repair. Breast Cancer 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-48848-6_68] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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14
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Kidambi TD, Blanco A, Van Ziffle J, Terdiman JP. Constitutional MLH1 methylation presenting with colonic polyposis syndrome and not Lynch syndrome. Fam Cancer 2016; 15:275-80. [PMID: 26781822 DOI: 10.1007/s10689-016-9868-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
At least one-third of patients meeting clinical criteria for Lynch syndrome will have no germline mutation and constitutional epimutations leading to promoter methylation of MLH1 have been identified in a subset of these patients. We report the first case of constitutional MLH1 promoter methylation associated with a colonic polyposis syndrome in a 39 year-old man with a family history of colorectal cancer (CRC) and a personal history of 21 polyps identified over 8 years as well as the development of two synchronous CRCs over 16 months who was evaluated for a hereditary cancer syndrome. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) of multiple tumors showed absent MLH1 and PMS2 expression, though germline testing with Sanger sequencing and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification of these mismatch repair genes (MMR) genes was negative. A next generation sequencing panel of 29 genes also failed to identify a pathogenic mutation. Hypermethylation was identified in MLH1 intron 1 in tumor specimens along with buccal cells and peripheral white blood cells, confirming the diagnosis of constitutional MLH1 promoter methylation. This case highlights that constitutional MLH1 methylation should be considered in the differential diagnosis for a polyposis syndrome if IHC staining shows absent MMR gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trilokesh D Kidambi
- Division of Gastroenterology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Amie Blanco
- Hereditary GI Cancer Prevention Program, Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jessica Van Ziffle
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jonathan P Terdiman
- Division of Gastroenterology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA. .,Hereditary GI Cancer Prevention Program, Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA. .,Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, 1701 Divisadero, San Francisco, CA, 94115, USA.
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15
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Abstract
Effective breast cancer management and decreasing breast cancer fatalities is contingent upon reliable diagnostic procedures and treatment modalities, including those based on ionizing radiation. On the one hand, ionizing radiation is widely used for cancer diagnostics and therapy, on the other hand it is genotoxic cancer-causing agent. Here we discuss recent studies on the effects of low (diagnostic) and high (treatment) doses of ionizing radiation on healthy breast cells, breast cancer cells, and cancer cells resistant to common drug therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidia Luzhna
- a Department of Biological Sciences , University of Lethbridge , Lethbridge , AB , Canada
| | - Olga Kovalchuk
- a Department of Biological Sciences , University of Lethbridge , Lethbridge , AB , Canada
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16
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Quiñonez-Silva G, Dávalos-Salas M, Recillas-Targa F, Ostrosky-Wegman P, Aranda DA, Benítez-Bribiesca L. "Monoallelic germline methylation and sequence variant in the promoter of the RB1 gene: a possible constitutive epimutation in hereditary retinoblastoma". Clin Epigenetics 2016; 8:1. [PMID: 26753011 PMCID: PMC4706693 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-015-0167-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2015] [Accepted: 12/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Retinoblastoma is a malignant tumor of the retina in children <5 years of age and occurs after two mutations in the RB1 gene. The first mutation (M1) is germinal and confers predisposition to the hereditary type, which is transmitted as an autosomal dominant highly penetrant trait, so 90 % of carriers develop retinoblastoma; however, 10 % of carriers either do not develop the tumor or develop it unilaterally. Most mutations are point mutations. Inactivation of the RB1 gene is usually caused by mutations affecting the coding region. Silencing by methylation of the RB1 promoter has been observed in retinoblastoma tumors as a second mutation (M2) and is classified as somatic epimutation. Germline methylation of the RB1 gene promoter was studied in a particular pedigree of six generations from the paternal side, with incomplete penetrance and bias towards healthy male carriers and those affected with unilateral retinoblastoma. Results The methylation status of the 27 CpGs dinucleotides that constitute the core of the RB1 gene promoter, analyzed by cloning and genomic sequencing after DNA sodium bisulfite conversion, demonstrated a monoallelic methylation pattern which coincides with a c. [−187T > G; −188T > G] sequence variant that is found in peripheral blood lymphocytes and tumor DNA. Unexpectedly, it was the mother who transmitted this variant to two more generations. Microsatellite markers of D chromosome showed a biparental contribution of both D13 chromosomes to the retinoblastoma phenotype, conferring double heterozygosity in the affected cases. Conclusions The monoallelic genetic-epigenetic finding, the sequence variant, and methylation suggest a constitutive epimutation and probably a genetic-epigenetic hereditary predisposition for retinoblastoma in this family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guadalupe Quiñonez-Silva
- Hospital de Pediatría, Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, IMSS, Unidad de Investigación Médica en Genética Humana, México, D.F. Mexico
| | - Mercedes Dávalos-Salas
- Departamento de Genética Molecular, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), México, D.F. Mexico
| | - Félix Recillas-Targa
- Departamento de Genética Molecular, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), México, D.F. Mexico
| | - Patricia Ostrosky-Wegman
- Laboratorio de Genómica, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), México, D.F. Mexico
| | - Diego Arenas Aranda
- Hospital de Pediatría, Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, IMSS, Unidad de Investigación Médica en Genética Humana, México, D.F. Mexico
| | - Luis Benítez-Bribiesca
- Hospital de Oncología, CMNS-XXI, IMSS, Unidad de Investigación Médica en Enfermedades Oncológicas, Av. Cuauhtémoc 330, 06725 México, D.F. Mexico
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17
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Ferguson LR, Chen H, Collins AR, Connell M, Damia G, Dasgupta S, Malhotra M, Meeker AK, Amedei A, Amin A, Ashraf SS, Aquilano K, Azmi AS, Bhakta D, Bilsland A, Boosani CS, Chen S, Ciriolo MR, Fujii H, Guha G, Halicka D, Helferich WG, Keith WN, Mohammed SI, Niccolai E, Yang X, Honoki K, Parslow VR, Prakash S, Rezazadeh S, Shackelford RE, Sidransky D, Tran PT, Yang ES, Maxwell CA. Genomic instability in human cancer: Molecular insights and opportunities for therapeutic attack and prevention through diet and nutrition. Semin Cancer Biol 2015; 35 Suppl:S5-S24. [PMID: 25869442 PMCID: PMC4600419 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2015.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 188] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2014] [Revised: 03/08/2015] [Accepted: 03/13/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Genomic instability can initiate cancer, augment progression, and influence the overall prognosis of the affected patient. Genomic instability arises from many different pathways, such as telomere damage, centrosome amplification, epigenetic modifications, and DNA damage from endogenous and exogenous sources, and can be perpetuating, or limiting, through the induction of mutations or aneuploidy, both enabling and catastrophic. Many cancer treatments induce DNA damage to impair cell division on a global scale but it is accepted that personalized treatments, those that are tailored to the particular patient and type of cancer, must also be developed. In this review, we detail the mechanisms from which genomic instability arises and can lead to cancer, as well as treatments and measures that prevent genomic instability or take advantage of the cellular defects caused by genomic instability. In particular, we identify and discuss five priority targets against genomic instability: (1) prevention of DNA damage; (2) enhancement of DNA repair; (3) targeting deficient DNA repair; (4) impairing centrosome clustering; and, (5) inhibition of telomerase activity. Moreover, we highlight vitamin D and B, selenium, carotenoids, PARP inhibitors, resveratrol, and isothiocyanates as priority approaches against genomic instability. The prioritized target sites and approaches were cross validated to identify potential synergistic effects on a number of important areas of cancer biology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Helen Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Michael Cuccione Childhood Cancer Research Program, Child and Family Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Andrew R Collins
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Marisa Connell
- Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Michael Cuccione Childhood Cancer Research Program, Child and Family Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Giovanna Damia
- Department of Oncology, Instituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Milan, Italy
| | - Santanu Dasgupta
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, Tyler, United States
| | | | - Alan K Meeker
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States
| | - Amedeo Amedei
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Amr Amin
- Department of Biology, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates; Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - S Salman Ashraf
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Katia Aquilano
- Department of Biology, Università di Roma Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Asfar S Azmi
- Department of Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, United States
| | - Dipita Bhakta
- School of Chemical and BioTechnology, SASTRA University, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Alan Bilsland
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Chandra S Boosani
- Department of BioMedical Sciences, Creighton University, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Sophie Chen
- Department of Research & Development, Ovarian and Prostate Cancer Research Trust Laboratory, Guildford, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | | | - Hiromasa Fujii
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, Japan
| | - Gunjan Guha
- School of Chemical and BioTechnology, SASTRA University, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India
| | | | - William G Helferich
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, United States
| | - W Nicol Keith
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Sulma I Mohammed
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology and Purdue University Center for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Elena Niccolai
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Xujuan Yang
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, United States
| | - Kanya Honoki
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, Japan
| | | | - Satya Prakash
- School of Pharmacy, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Sarallah Rezazadeh
- Department of Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, United States
| | - Rodney E Shackelford
- Department of Pathology, Louisiana State University Health Shreveport, Shreveport, LA, United States
| | - David Sidransky
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Phuoc T Tran
- Departments of Radiation Oncology & Molecular Radiation Sciences, Oncology and Urology, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Eddy S Yang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Christopher A Maxwell
- Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Michael Cuccione Childhood Cancer Research Program, Child and Family Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada.
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Wojdacz TK. Biological and methodological aspects of assessment of locus specific de novo methylation in blood. Biomark Med 2015; 9:1291-9. [PMID: 26612587 DOI: 10.2217/bmm.15.83] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM Locus-specific methylation in blood differs between individuals. As those changes may represent de novo methylation, induced by environmental factors, we aimed to evaluate the biological and methodological limitations of detection of methylation in blood. MATERIALS & METHODS We used Methylation-Sensitive High Resolution Melting to analyze methylation at 21 gene loci in peripheral blood DNA samples from 203 healthy women. RESULTS Overall nine of the screened loci displayed marked inter-individual variation in methylation frequency with methylation levels predominantly around 1%. The methylation of specific loci showed different association with age and reproducibility of detection. CONCLUSIONS Our results allowed benchmarking of both technological and biological limitations that need to be accounted for when evaluating locus specific methylation in blood as potential biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz Kazimierz Wojdacz
- Institute of Environmental Medicine (Unit for Metals & Health), Karolinska Institutet, Nobels vag 13, Box210, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
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19
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Rassoulzadegan M, Cuzin F. From paramutation to human disease: RNA-mediated heredity. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2015; 44:47-50. [PMID: 26335266 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2015.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2015] [Accepted: 08/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic variation, a stable alteration in gene expression, occurs at multiple moments during development. Several instances of non-Mendelian transmission to the progenies modes are very intriguing. Studies of the mode of hereditary transmission revealed in a series of such cases a role of noncoding RNA molecules as inducers. While still an enigmatic mechanism, emerging models pinpoint to a more general roles of these variations, initiated as a response to genetic and environmental variation. Here we compare the known modes of transgenerational epigenetic variation in mice and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minoo Rassoulzadegan
- Université de Nice Sophia Antipolis, Inserm U1091 - CNRS U7277, 06034 Nice, France.
| | - François Cuzin
- Université de Nice Sophia Antipolis, Inserm U1091 - CNRS U7277, 06034 Nice, France
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20
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Yiannakopoulou E. Etiology of familial breast cancer with undetected BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations: clinical implications. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2013; 37:1-8. [PMID: 24306927 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-013-0158-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/24/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Familial breast cancer accounts for 20-30 % of all breast cancer cases. Mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes account for the majority of high risk families with both early onset breast cancer and ovarian cancer. Most of the families with less than six breast cancer cases and no ovarian cancer do not carry BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations that can be detected using routine sequencing protocols. Here, we aimed to review the etiology of familial breast cancer in cases without BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations. RESULTS After excluding BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations, factors proposed to contribute to familial breast cancer include: chance clustering of apparently sporadic cases, shared lifestyle, monogenic inheritance, i.e., dominant gene mutations associated with a high risk (TP53, PTEN, STK11), dominant gene mutations associated with a relatively low risk (ATM, BRIP1, RLB2), recessive gene mutations associated with horizontal inheritance patterns (sister-sister), and polygenic inheritance where susceptibility to familial breast cancer is thought to be conferred by a large number of low risk alleles. CONCLUSIONS Current evidence suggests that in the majority of cases with BRCA1 and BRCA2 negative familial breast cancer the etiology is due to interactions of intermediate or low risk alleles with environmental and lifestyle factors. Thus, a careful selection of patients submitted to genetic testing is needed. Clearly, further research is required to fully elucidate the etiology of non-BRCA familial breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugenia Yiannakopoulou
- Department of Basic Medical Lessons Faculty of Health and Caring Professions, Technological Educational Institute of Athens, Eleutheriou Benizelou 106 Kallithea, 17676, Athens, Greece,
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22
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Langevin SM, Kelsey KT. The fate is not always written in the genes: epigenomics in epidemiologic studies. ENVIRONMENTAL AND MOLECULAR MUTAGENESIS 2013; 54:533-41. [PMID: 23444110 PMCID: PMC4093796 DOI: 10.1002/em.21762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2012] [Revised: 01/08/2013] [Accepted: 01/10/2013] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Cost-effective, high-throughput epigenomic technologies have begun to emerge, rapidly replacing the candidate gene approach to molecular epidemiology and offering a comprehensive strategy for the study of epigenetics in human subjects. Epigenome-wide association studies (EWAS) provide new opportunities for advancing our understanding of epigenetic changes associated with complex disease states. However, such analyses are complicated by the dynamic nature of DNA methylation. In contrast to genomic studies, where genotype is essentially constant across somatic cells, EWAS present a new set of challenges, largely due to differential DNA methylation across distinct cell types, particularly for studies involving heterogeneous tissue sources, and changes in the epigenetic profile that occur over time. This review describes potential applications of EWAS from the viewpoint of the molecular epidemiologist, along with special considerations and pitfalls involved in the design of such studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott M. Langevin
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University, Providence, RI
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI
| | - Karl T. Kelsey
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University, Providence, RI
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI
- Corresponding author: 70 Ship Street, Box G-E5, Providence, RI 02912, Phone: 401-863-6420, Fax: 401-863-9008,
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Monoallelic chromatin conformation flanking long-range silenced domains in cancer-derived and normal cells. PLoS One 2013; 8:e63190. [PMID: 23696799 PMCID: PMC3655995 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0063190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2013] [Accepted: 03/27/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic inactivation of chromatin plays an important role in determining cell phenotype in both normal and cancer cells, but our knowledge is still incomplete with respect to any potential monoallelic nature of the phenomenon. We have genotyped DNA isolated from chromatin of two colorectal cancer-derived lines and a culture of normal human intestinal epithelial cells (HIEC), which was immunoprecipitated with antibodies to acetylated vs. methylated histone H3K9, and presented the data as B allele frequency differences over multiple single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) moving window averages. [B allele is an arbitrary term defined as one of the two alleles at any given SNP, named A and B]. Three different validation tests confirmed that peaks exhibiting differences represented monoallelic domains. These complementary tests confirmed the following: 1) genes in the regions of high B allele frequency difference were expressed monoallelically; 2) in normal cells all five imprinting control regions which carried heterozygous SNPs were characterized by B allele difference peaks; and 3) the haplotypes in the B allele difference peaks were faithfully maintained in the chromatin immunoprecipitated with the respective antibodies. In both samples most of the monoallelic domains were found at the boundaries between regions of open and closed chromatin. With respect to the cancer line, this supports the established concept of conformation spreading, but the results from the normal cells were unexpected. Since these cells were polyclonal, the monoallelic structures were probably not determined by random choice as occurs in X-inactivation, so we propose that epigenetic inactivation in some domains may be heritable and polymorphic in normal human cells.
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Doyle TJ, Bowman JL, Windell VL, McLean DJ, Kim KH. Transgenerational effects of di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate on testicular germ cell associations and spermatogonial stem cells in mice. Biol Reprod 2013; 88:112. [PMID: 23536373 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.112.106104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 172] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent evidence has linked human phthalate exposure to abnormal reproductive and hormonal effects. Phthalates are plasticizers that confer flexibility and transparency to plastics, but they readily contaminate the body and the environment. In this study, timed pregnant CD1 outbred mice were treated with di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) from Embryonic Day 7 (E7) to E14. The subsequent generation (F1) offspring were then bred to produce the F2, F3, and F4 offspring, without any further DEHP treatment. This exposure scheme disrupted testicular germ cell association and decreased sperm count and motility in F1 to F4 offspring. By spermatogonial transplantation techniques, the exposure scheme also disrupted spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) function of F3 offspring. The W/W(V) recipient testes transplanted with F3 offspring germ cells from the DEHP-treated group had a dramatically lower percentage of donor germ cell-derived spermatogenic recovery in seminiferous tubules when compared to the recipient testes transplanted with CD1 control germ cells. Further characterization showed that the major block of donor germ cell-derived spermatogenesis was before the appearance of undifferentiated spermatogonia. Interestingly, the testes transplanted with the F3 offspring germ cells from the DEHP-treated group, when regenerated, replicated testis morphology similar to that observed in the testes from the F1 to F3 offspring of the DEHP-treated group, suggesting that the germ cell disorganization phenotype originates from the stem cells of F3 offspring. In conclusion, embryonic exposure to DEHP was found to disrupt testicular germ cell organization and SSC function in a transgenerational manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy J Doyle
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
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Abstract
Disease-causing aberrations in the normal function of a gene define that gene as a disease gene. Proving a causal link between a gene and a disease experimentally is expensive and time-consuming. Comprehensive prioritization of candidate genes prior to experimental testing drastically reduces the associated costs. Computational gene prioritization is based on various pieces of correlative evidence that associate each gene with the given disease and suggest possible causal links. A fair amount of this evidence comes from high-throughput experimentation. Thus, well-developed methods are necessary to reliably deal with the quantity of information at hand. Existing gene prioritization techniques already significantly improve the outcomes of targeted experimental studies. Faster and more reliable techniques that account for novel data types are necessary for the development of new diagnostics, treatments, and cure for many diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yana Bromberg
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA.
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Youngson NA, Morris MJ. What obesity research tells us about epigenetic mechanisms. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2013; 368:20110337. [PMID: 23166398 PMCID: PMC3539363 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2011.0337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The pathophysiology of obesity is extremely complex and is associated with extensive gene expression changes in tissues throughout the body. This situation, combined with the fact that all gene expression changes are thought to have associated epigenetic changes, means that the links between obesity and epigenetics will undoubtedly be vast. Much progress in identifying epigenetic changes induced by (or inducing) obesity has already been made, with candidate and genome-wide approaches. These discoveries will aid the clinician through increasing our understanding of the inheritance, development and treatment of obesity. However, they are also of great value for epigenetic researchers, as they have revealed mechanisms of environmental interactions with epigenetics that can produce or perpetuate a disease state. Here, we will review the evidence for four mechanisms through which epigenetics contributes to obesity: as downstream effectors of environmental signals; through abnormal global epigenetic state driving obesogenic expression patterns; through facilitating developmental programming and through transgenerational epigenetic inheritance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Margaret J. Morris
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, High Street, Kensington, New South Wales 2052, Australia
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Marsit C, Christensen B. Blood-derived DNA methylation markers of cancer risk. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2013; 754:233-52. [PMID: 22956505 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4419-9967-2_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The importance of somatic epigenetic alterations in tissues targeted for carcinogenesis is now well recognized and considered a key molecular step in the development of a tumor. Particularly, alteration of gene-specific and genomic DNA methylation has been extensively characterized in tumors, and has become an attractive biomarker of risk due to its specificity and stability in human samples. It also is clear that tumors do not develop as isolated phenomenon in their target tissue, but instead result from altered processes affecting not only the surrounding cells and tissues, but other organ systems, including the immune system. Thus, alterations to DNA methylation profiles detectable in peripheral blood may be useful not only in understanding the carcinogenic process and response to environmental insults, but can also provide critical insights in a systems biological view of tumorigenesis. Research to date has generally focused on how environmental exposures alter genomic DNA methylation content in peripheral blood. More recent work has begun to translate these findings to clinically useful endpoints, by defining the relationship between DNA methylation alterations and cancer risk. This chapter highlights the existing research linking the environment, blood-derived DNA methylation alterations, and cancer risk, and points out how these epigenetic alterations may be contributing fundamentally to carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Marsit
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Dartmouth Medical School, 7650 Remsen, Hanover, NH 03755, USA.
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Langevin SM, Koestler DC, Christensen BC, Butler RA, Wiencke JK, Nelson HH, Houseman EA, Marsit CJ, Kelsey KT. Peripheral blood DNA methylation profiles are indicative of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: an epigenome-wide association study. Epigenetics 2012; 7:291-9. [PMID: 22430805 DOI: 10.4161/epi.7.3.19134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck cancer accounts for an estimated 47,560 new cases and 11,480 deaths annually in the United States, the majority of which are squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). The overall 5 year survival is approximately 60% and declines with increasing stage at diagnosis, indicating a need for non-invasive tests that facilitate the detection of early disease. DNA methylation is a stable epigenetic modification that is amenable to measurement and readily available in peripheral blood. We used a semi-supervised recursively partitioned mixture model (SS-RPMM) approach to identify novel blood DNA methylation markers of HNSCC using genome-wide methylation array data for peripheral blood samples from 92 HNSCC cases and 92 cancer-free control subjects. To assess the performance of the resultant markers, we constructed receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and calculated the corresponding area under the curve (AUC). Cases and controls were best differentiated by a methylation profile of six CpG loci (associated with FGD4, SERPINF1, WDR39, IL27, HYAL2 and PLEKHA6), with an AUC of 0.73 (95% CI: 0.62-0.82). After adjustment for subject age, gender, smoking, alcohol consumption and HPV16 serostatus, the AUC increased to 0.85 (95% CI: 0.76-0.92). We have identified a novel blood-based methylation profile that is indicative of HNSCC with a high degree of accuracy. This profile demonstrates the potential of DNA methylation measured in blood for development of non-invasive applications for detection of head and neck cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott M Langevin
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
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Colas C, Coulet F, Svrcek M, Collura A, Fléjou JF, Duval A, Hamelin R. Lynch or not Lynch? Is that always a question? Adv Cancer Res 2012; 113:121-66. [PMID: 22429854 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-394280-7.00004-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The familial cancer syndrome referred to as Lynch I and II was renamed hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) only to revert later to Lynch syndrome (LS). LS is the most frequent human predisposition for the development of colorectal cancer (CRC), and probably also for endometrial and gastric cancers, although it has yet to acquire a consensus name. Its estimated prevalence ranges widely from 2% to 7% of all CRCs due to the fact that tumors from patients with LS are difficult to recognize at both the clinical and molecular level. This review is based on two assumptions. First, all LS patients inherit a predisposition to develop CRC (without polyposis) and/or other tumors from the Lynch spectrum. Second, all LS patients have a germline defect in one of the DNA mismatch repair (MMR) genes. When a somatic second hit inactivates the relevant MMR gene, the consequence is instability of DNA repeat sequences such as microsatellites and the tumors are referred to as having the microsatellite instability (MSI) phenotype. However, some of the inherited predisposition to develop CRC without concurrent polyposis, termed HNPCC, is found in non-LS patients, while not all MSI tumors are from LS cases. LS tumors are therefore at the junction of inherited and MSI cases. We describe here the defining characteristics of LS tumors that differentiate them from inherited non-MSI tumors and from non-inherited MSI tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chrystelle Colas
- INSERM, UMRS 938, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, Equipe Instabilité des Microsatellites et Cancers, Paris, France
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Meagher RB, Müssar KJ. The influence of DNA sequence on epigenome-induced pathologies. Epigenetics Chromatin 2012; 5:11. [PMID: 22818522 PMCID: PMC3439399 DOI: 10.1186/1756-8935-5-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2012] [Accepted: 07/20/2012] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Clear cause-and-effect relationships are commonly established between genotype and the inherited risk of acquiring human and plant diseases and aberrant phenotypes. By contrast, few such cause-and-effect relationships are established linking a chromatin structure (that is, the epitype) with the transgenerational risk of acquiring a disease or abnormal phenotype. It is not entirely clear how epitypes are inherited from parent to offspring as populations evolve, even though epigenetics is proposed to be fundamental to evolution and the likelihood of acquiring many diseases. This article explores the hypothesis that, for transgenerationally inherited chromatin structures, "genotype predisposes epitype", and that epitype functions as a modifier of gene expression within the classical central dogma of molecular biology. Evidence for the causal contribution of genotype to inherited epitypes and epigenetic risk comes primarily from two different kinds of studies discussed herein. The first and direct method of research proceeds by the examination of the transgenerational inheritance of epitype and the penetrance of phenotype among genetically related individuals. The second approach identifies epitypes that are duplicated (as DNA sequences are duplicated) and evolutionarily conserved among repeated patterns in the DNA sequence. The body of this article summarizes particularly robust examples of these studies from humans, mice, Arabidopsis, and other organisms. The bulk of the data from both areas of research support the hypothesis that genotypes predispose the likelihood of displaying various epitypes, but for only a few classes of epitype. This analysis suggests that renewed efforts are needed in identifying polymorphic DNA sequences that determine variable nucleosome positioning and DNA methylation as the primary cause of inherited epigenome-induced pathologies. By contrast, there is very little evidence that DNA sequence directly determines the inherited positioning of numerous and diverse post-translational modifications of histone side chains within nucleosomes. We discuss the medical and scientific implications of these observations on future research and on the development of solutions to epigenetically induced disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard B Meagher
- Genetics Department, Davison Life Sciences Building, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30605, USA.
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McCarrey JR. The epigenome as a target for heritable environmental disruptions of cellular function. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2012; 354:9-15. [PMID: 21970811 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2011.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2011] [Revised: 09/07/2011] [Accepted: 09/08/2011] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The environment is a well-established source of damaging or disrupting influences on cellular function. In the past, studies of the mechanisms by which such disruptions occur have focused largely on either direct toxic effects on cellular function at the protein or cell signaling level, or mutagenic effects that impact the genome. In recent years there has been a growing appreciation for the potential for environmental influences to disrupt the epigenome and mechanisms of epigenetic regulation within the cell. Indeed, because of the inherent lability of the epigenome, this represents a primary target for environmentally induced disruption. This review summarizes the manner in which the epigenome normally regulates cellular function, the effects of disruptions on this function, and the manner in which such disruptions may or may not be corrected within the organism and/or transmitted to subsequent generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- John R McCarrey
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, 1 UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA.
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Martin GM. Stochastic modulations of the pace and patterns of ageing: impacts on quasi-stochastic distributions of multiple geriatric pathologies. Mech Ageing Dev 2012; 133:107-11. [PMID: 21963385 PMCID: PMC3403812 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2011.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2011] [Revised: 08/31/2011] [Accepted: 09/01/2011] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
All phenotypes result from interactions between Nature, Nurture and Chance. The constitutional genome is clearly the dominant factor in explaining the striking differences in the pace and patterns of ageing among species. We are now in a position to reveal salient features underlying these differential modulations, which are likely to be dominated by regulatory domains. By contrast, I shall argue that stochastic events are the major players underlying the surprisingly large intra-specific variations in lifespan and healthspan. I shall review well established as well as more speculative categories of chance events--somatic mutations, protein synthesis error catastrophe and variegations of gene expression (epigenetic drift), with special emphasis upon the latter. I shall argue that stochastic drifts in variegated gene expression are the major contributors to intra-specific differences in the pace and patterns of ageing within members of the same species. They may be responsible for the quasi-stochastic distributions of major types of geriatric pathologies, including the "big three" of Alzheimer's disease, atherosclerosis and, via the induction of hyperplasias, cancer. They may be responsible for altered stoichiometries of heteromultimeric mitochondrial complexes, potentially leading to such disorders as sarcopenia, nonischemic cardiomyopathy and Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- George M Martin
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-7470, USA.
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Nicotinamide, NAD(P)(H), and Methyl-Group Homeostasis Evolved and Became a Determinant of Ageing Diseases: Hypotheses and Lessons from Pellagra. Curr Gerontol Geriatr Res 2012; 2012:302875. [PMID: 22536229 PMCID: PMC3318212 DOI: 10.1155/2012/302875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2011] [Accepted: 12/19/2011] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Compartmentalized redox faults are common to ageing diseases. Dietary constituents are catabolized to NAD(H) donating electrons producing proton-based bioenergy in coevolved, cross-species and cross-organ networks. Nicotinamide and NAD deficiency from poor diet or high expenditure causes pellagra, an ageing and dementing disorder with lost robustness to infection and stress. Nicotinamide and stress induce Nicotinamide-N-methyltransferase (NNMT) improving choline retention but consume methyl groups. High NNMT activity is linked to Parkinson's, cancers, and diseases of affluence. Optimising nicotinamide and choline/methyl group availability is important for brain development and increased during our evolution raising metabolic and methylome ceilings through dietary/metabolic symbiotic means but strict energy constraints remain and life-history tradeoffs are the rule. An optimal energy, NAD and methyl group supply, avoiding hypo and hyper-vitaminoses nicotinamide and choline, is important to healthy ageing and avoids utilising double-edged symbionts or uncontrolled autophagy or reversions to fermentation reactions in inflammatory and cancerous tissue that all redistribute NAD(P)(H), but incur high allostatic costs.
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Kovacova V, Janousek B. Bisprimer--a program for the design of primers for bisulfite-based genomic sequencing of both plant and Mammalian DNA samples. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 103:308-12. [PMID: 22246405 DOI: 10.1093/jhered/esr137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Plants and animals differ in the sequence context of the methylated sites in DNA. Plants exhibit cytosine methylation in CG, CHG, and CHH sites, whereas CG methylation is the only form present in mammals (with an exception of the early embryonic development). This fact must be taken into account in the design of primers for bisulfite-based genomic sequencing because CHG and CHH sites can remain unmodified. Surprisingly, no user-friendly primer design program is publicly available that could be used to design primers in plants and to simultaneously check the properties of primers such as the potential for primer-dimer formation. For studies concentrating on particular DNA loci, the correct design of primers is crucial. The program, called BisPrimer, includes 2 different subprograms for the primer design, the first one for mammals and the second one for angiosperm plants. Each subprogram is divided into 2 variants. The first variant serves to design primers that preferentially bind to the bisulfite-modified primer-binding sites (C to U conversion). This type of primer preferentially amplifies the bisulfite-converted DNA strands. This feature can help to avoid problems connected with an incomplete bisulfite modification that can sometimes occur for technical reasons. The second variant is intended for the analysis of samples that are supposed to consist of a mixture of DNA molecules that have different levels of cytosine methylation (e.g., pollen DNA). In this case, the aim is to minimize the selection in favor of either less methylated or more methylated molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viera Kovacova
- Department of Plant Developmental Genetics, Institute of Biophysics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, v.v.i. Kralovopolska 135, 612 65 Brno, Czech Republic
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Martinet N, Michel BY, Bertrand P, Benhida R. Small molecules DNAmethyltransferasesinhibitors. MEDCHEMCOMM 2012. [DOI: 10.1039/c1md00194a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
This review describes current knowledge concerning DNA methyltransferases (DNMT) biology and the two main classes of DNMT inhibtors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Martinet
- Laboratoire de Chimie des Molécules Bioactives et des Arômes
- UMR 6001 CNRS
- Institut de Chimie de Nice
- Université de Nice-Sophia Antipolis
- 06108 Nice Cedex 2
| | - Benoît Y. Michel
- Laboratoire de Chimie des Molécules Bioactives et des Arômes
- UMR 6001 CNRS
- Institut de Chimie de Nice
- Université de Nice-Sophia Antipolis
- 06108 Nice Cedex 2
| | - Philippe Bertrand
- Laboratory of reactivity and synthesis of natural substances
- UMR 6514 Poitiers
- France
| | - Rachid Benhida
- Laboratoire de Chimie des Molécules Bioactives et des Arômes
- UMR 6001 CNRS
- Institut de Chimie de Nice
- Université de Nice-Sophia Antipolis
- 06108 Nice Cedex 2
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Nelson HH, Marsit CJ, Kelsey KT. Global methylation in exposure biology and translational medical science. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2011; 119:1528-33. [PMID: 21669556 PMCID: PMC3226501 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.1103423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2011] [Accepted: 06/13/2011] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many groups are actively investigating how the epigenetic state relates to environmental exposures and development of disease, including cancer. There are myriad choices for capturing and measuring the epigenetic state of a tissue, ranging from assessing the total methyl-CpG content to array-based platforms that simultaneously probe hundreds of thousands of CpG loci. There is an emerging literature that uses CpG methylation at repetitive sequences, including LINE-1 (long interspersed nuclear element-1) elements, to capture the epigenomic state. OBJECTIVES We explored the complexity of using CpG methylation at repetitive sequences in epidemiology and translational medical research and suggest needed avenues of research to clarify its meaning and utility. CONCLUSIONS Among the most urgent avenues of research is the need for prospective studies to eliminate the possibilities of reverse causality, and development of new LINE-1 assays that capture both class of LINE-1 element and copy number.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather H Nelson
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.
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Galeano F, Tomaselli S, Locatelli F, Gallo A. A-to-I RNA editing: the "ADAR" side of human cancer. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2011; 23:244-50. [PMID: 21930228 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2011.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2011] [Revised: 09/07/2011] [Accepted: 09/08/2011] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Carcinogenesis is a complex, multi-stage process depending on both endogenous and exogenous factors. In the past years, DNA mutations provided important clues to the comprehension of the molecular pathways involved in numerous cancers. Recently, post-transcriptional modification events, such as RNA editing, are emerging as new players in several human diseases, including tumours. A-to-I RNA editing changes the nucleotide sequence of target RNAs, introducing A-to-I/G "mutations". Since ADAR enzymes catalyse this nucleotide conversion, their expression/activity is essential and finely regulated in normal cells. This review summarizes the available knowledge on A-to-I RNA editing in the cancer field, giving a new view on how ADARs may play a role in carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Galeano
- RNA Editing Laboratory, Oncohaematology Department, IRCCS Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
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Abstract
Personalized medicine uses traditional, as well as emerging concepts of the genetic and environmental basis of disease to individualize prevention, diagnosis and treatment. Personalized genomics plays a vital, but not exclusive role in this evolving model of personalized medicine. The distinctions between genetic and genomic medicine are more quantitative than qualitative. Personalized genomics builds on principles established by the integration of genetics into medical practice. Principles shared by genetic and genomic aspects of medicine, include the use of variants as markers for diagnosis, prognosis, prevention, as well as targets for treatment, the use of clinically validated variants that may not be functionally characterized, the segregation of these variants in non-Mendelian as well as Mendelian patterns, the role of gene--environment interactions, the dependence on evidence for clinical utility, the critical translational role of behavioral science, and common ethical considerations. During the current period of transition from investigation to practice, consumers should be protected from harms of premature translation of research findings, while encouraging the innovative and cost-effective application of those genomic discoveries that improve personalized medical care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth Offit
- Clinical Genetics Service, Department of Medicine, Program in Cancer Biology and Genetics, Sloan-Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10021, USA.
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