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Prasanth MI, Sivamaruthi BS, Cheong CSY, Verma K, Tencomnao T, Brimson JM, Prasansuklab A. Role of Epigenetic Modulation in Neurodegenerative Diseases: Implications of Phytochemical Interventions. Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:606. [PMID: 38790711 PMCID: PMC11118909 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13050606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Epigenetics defines changes in cell function without involving alterations in DNA sequence. Neuroepigenetics bridges neuroscience and epigenetics by regulating gene expression in the nervous system and its impact on brain function. With the increase in research in recent years, it was observed that alterations in the gene expression did not always originate from changes in the genetic sequence, which has led to understanding the role of epigenetics in neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) including Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). Epigenetic alterations contribute to the aberrant expression of genes involved in neuroinflammation, protein aggregation, and neuronal death. Natural phytochemicals have shown promise as potential therapeutic agents against NDDs because of their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects in cellular and animal models. For instance, resveratrol (grapes), curcumin (turmeric), and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG; green tea) exhibit neuroprotective effects through their influence on DNA methylation patterns, histone acetylation, and non-coding RNA expression profiles. Phytochemicals also aid in slowing disease progression, preserving neuronal function, and enhancing cognitive and motor abilities. The present review focuses on various epigenetic modifications involved in the pathology of NDDs, including AD and PD, gene expression regulation related to epigenetic alterations, and the role of specific polyphenols in influencing epigenetic modifications in AD and PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mani Iyer Prasanth
- Natural Products for Neuroprotection and Anti-Ageing Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; (M.I.P.); (C.S.Y.C.); (K.V.); (T.T.); (J.M.B.)
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Bhagavathi Sundaram Sivamaruthi
- Office of Research Administration, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand;
- Innovation Center for Holistic Health, Nutraceuticals, and Cosmeceuticals, Faculty of Pharmacy, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Clerance Su Yee Cheong
- Natural Products for Neuroprotection and Anti-Ageing Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; (M.I.P.); (C.S.Y.C.); (K.V.); (T.T.); (J.M.B.)
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Kanika Verma
- Natural Products for Neuroprotection and Anti-Ageing Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; (M.I.P.); (C.S.Y.C.); (K.V.); (T.T.); (J.M.B.)
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Tewin Tencomnao
- Natural Products for Neuroprotection and Anti-Ageing Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; (M.I.P.); (C.S.Y.C.); (K.V.); (T.T.); (J.M.B.)
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - James Michael Brimson
- Natural Products for Neuroprotection and Anti-Ageing Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; (M.I.P.); (C.S.Y.C.); (K.V.); (T.T.); (J.M.B.)
- Research, Innovation and International Affairs, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Anchalee Prasansuklab
- Natural Products for Neuroprotection and Anti-Ageing Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; (M.I.P.); (C.S.Y.C.); (K.V.); (T.T.); (J.M.B.)
- College of Public Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
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2
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Chen PH, Guo XS, Zhang HE, Dubey GK, Geng ZZ, Fierke CA, Xu S, Hampton JT, Liu WR. Leveraging a Phage-Encoded Noncanonical Amino Acid: A Novel Pathway to Potent and Selective Epigenetic Reader Protein Inhibitors. ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE 2024; 10:782-792. [PMID: 38680566 PMCID: PMC11046469 DOI: 10.1021/acscentsci.3c01419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Epigenetic reader proteins interpret histone epigenetic marks to regulate gene expression. Given their vital roles and the link between their dysfunction and various diseases, these proteins present compelling targets for therapeutic interventions. Nevertheless, designing selective inhibitors for these proteins poses significant challenges, primarily due to their unique properties such as shallow binding sites and similarities with homologous proteins. To overcome these challenges, we propose an innovative strategy that uses phage display with a genetically encoded noncanonical amino acid (ncAA) containing an epigenetic mark. This ncAA guides binding to the reader protein's active site, allowing the identification of peptide inhibitors with enhanced affinity and selectivity. In this study, we demonstrate this novel approach's effectiveness by identifying potent inhibitors for the ENL YEATS domain that plays a critical role in leukemogenesis. Our strategy involved genetically incorporating Nε-butyryl-l-lysine (BuK), known for its binding to ENL YEATS, into a phage display library for enriching the pool of potent inhibitors. One resultant hit was further optimized by substituting BuK with other pharmacophores to exploit a unique π-π-π stacking interaction with ENL YEATS. This led to the creation of selective ENL YEATS inhibitors with a KD value of 2.0 nM and a selectivity 28 times higher for ENL YEATS than its close homologue AF9 YEATS. One such inhibitor, tENL-S1f, demonstrated robust cellular target engagement and on-target effects to inhibit leukemia cell growth and suppress the expression of ENL target genes. As a pioneering study, this work opens up extensive avenues for the development of potent and selective peptidyl inhibitors for a broad spectrum of epigenetic reader proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng-Hsun
Chase Chen
- Texas
A&M Drug Discovery Center and Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Xuejiao Shirley Guo
- Texas
A&M Drug Discovery Center and Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Hanyuan Eric Zhang
- Texas
A&M Drug Discovery Center and Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Gopal K. Dubey
- Texas
A&M Drug Discovery Center and Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Zhi Zachary Geng
- Texas
A&M Drug Discovery Center and Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Carol A. Fierke
- Department
of Biochemistry, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts 02453, United States
| | - Shiqing Xu
- Texas
A&M Drug Discovery Center and Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Texas A&M
University, College
Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - J. Trae Hampton
- Texas
A&M Drug Discovery Center and Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Wenshe Ray Liu
- Texas
A&M Drug Discovery Center and Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Texas A&M
University, College
Station, Texas 77843, United States
- Institute
of Biosciences and Technology and Department of Translational Medical
Sciences, College of Medicine, Texas A&M
University, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
- Department
of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M
University, College
Station, Texas 77843, United States
- Department
of Cell Biology and Genetics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
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3
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Osorio-Concepción M, Lax C, Lorenzo-Gutiérrez D, Cánovas-Márquez JT, Tahiri G, Navarro E, Binder U, Nicolás FE, Garre V. H3K4 methylation regulates development, DNA repair, and virulence in Mucorales. IMA Fungus 2024; 15:6. [PMID: 38481304 PMCID: PMC10938801 DOI: 10.1186/s43008-023-00136-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Mucorales are basal fungi that opportunistically cause a potentially fatal infection known as mucormycosis (black fungus disease), which poses a significant threat to human health due to its high mortality rate and its recent association with SARS-CoV-2 infections. On the other hand, histone methylation is a regulatory mechanism with pleiotropic effects, including the virulence of several pathogenic fungi. However, the role of epigenetic changes at the histone level never has been studied in Mucorales. Here, we dissected the functional role of Set1, a histone methyltransferase that catalyzes the methylation of H3K4, which is associated with the activation of gene transcription and virulence. A comparative analysis of the Mucor lusitanicus genome (previously known as Mucor circinelloides f. lusitanicus) identified only one homolog of Set1 from Candida albicans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae that contains the typical SET domain. Knockout strains in the gene set1 lacked H3K4 monomethylation, dimethylation, and trimethylation enzymatic activities. These strains also showed a significant reduction in vegetative growth and sporulation. Additionally, set1 null strains were more sensitive to SDS, EMS, and UV light, indicating severe impairment in the repair process of the cell wall and DNA lesions and a correlation between Set1 and these processes. During pathogen-host interactions, strains lacking the set1 gene exhibited shortened polar growth within the phagosome and attenuated virulence both in vitro and in vivo. Our findings suggest that the histone methyltransferase Set1 coordinates several cell processes related to the pathogenesis of M. lusitanicus and may be an important target for future therapeutic strategies against mucormycosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Macario Osorio-Concepción
- Departamento de Genética y Microbiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Carlos Lax
- Departamento de Genética y Microbiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Damaris Lorenzo-Gutiérrez
- Departamento de Genética y Microbiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | | | - Ghizlane Tahiri
- Departamento de Genética y Microbiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Eusebio Navarro
- Departamento de Genética y Microbiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Ulrike Binder
- Institute of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Francisco Esteban Nicolás
- Departamento de Genética y Microbiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain.
| | - Victoriano Garre
- Departamento de Genética y Microbiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain.
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Hu S, Feng L, Yang Z, Fan X, Gao H, Yang T. A recognition of exosomes as regulators of epigenetic mechanisms in central nervous system diseases. Front Mol Neurosci 2024; 17:1370449. [PMID: 38528957 PMCID: PMC10962328 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2024.1370449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Exosomes, vesicular structures originating from cells, participate in the conveyance of proteins and nucleic acids. Presently, the centrality of epigenetic modifications in neurological disorders is widely acknowledged. Exosomes exert influence over various epigenetic phenomena, thereby modulating post-transcriptional regulatory processes contingent upon their constituent makeup. Consequently, the heightened attention directed toward exosomes as instigators of epigenetic alterations has burgeoned in recent years. Notably, exosomes serve as vehicles for delivering methyltransferases to recipient cells. More significantly, non-coding RNAs, particularly microRNAs (miRNAs), represent pivotal contents within exosomes, wielding the capacity to influence the expression of diverse factors within the cerebral milieu. The transfer of these exosomal contents amidst brain cells, encompassing neuronal cells and microglia, assumes a critical role in the genesis and progression of neurological disorders, also, this role is not limited to neurological disorders, it may deal with any human disease, such as cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. This review will concentrate on elucidating the regulation of exosome-induced epigenetic events and its subsequent ramifications for neurological diseases. A more profound comprehension of the involvement of exosome-mediated epigenetic regulation in neurological disorders contributes to a heightened awareness of the etiology and advancement of cerebral afflictions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunxin Hu
- Shandong First Medical University, Tai'an, China
| | - Lei Feng
- Jining First People's Hospital, Jining, China
| | | | - Xuechen Fan
- Jining First People's Hospital, Jining, China
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Rhodes CT, Asokumar D, Sohn M, Naskar S, Elisha L, Stevenson P, Lee DR, Zhang Y, Rocha PP, Dale RK, Lee S, Petros TJ. Loss of Ezh2 in the medial ganglionic eminence alters interneuron fate, cell morphology and gene expression profiles. Front Cell Neurosci 2024; 18:1334244. [PMID: 38419656 PMCID: PMC10899338 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2024.1334244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (Ezh2) is responsible for trimethylation of histone 3 at lysine 27 (H3K27me3), resulting in repression of gene expression. Here, we explore the role of Ezh2 in forebrain GABAergic interneuron development. Methods We removed Ezh2 in the MGE by generating Nkx2-1Cre;Ezh2 conditional knockout mice. We then characterized changes in MGE-derived interneuron fate and electrophysiological properties in juvenile mice, as well as alterations in gene expression, chromatin accessibility and histone modifications in the MGE. Results Loss of Ezh2 increases somatostatin-expressing (SST+) and decreases parvalbumin-expressing (PV+) interneurons in the forebrain. We observe fewer MGE-derived interneurons in the first postnatal week, indicating reduced interneuron production. Intrinsic electrophysiological properties in SST+ and PV+ interneurons are normal, but PV+ interneurons display increased axonal complexity in Ezh2 mutant mice. Single nuclei multiome analysis revealed differential gene expression patterns in the embryonic MGE that are predictive of these cell fate changes. Lastly, CUT&Tag analysis revealed that some genomic loci are particularly resistant or susceptible to shifts in H3K27me3 levels in the absence of Ezh2, indicating differential selectivity to epigenetic perturbation. Discussion Thus, loss of Ezh2 in the MGE alters interneuron fate, morphology, and gene expression and regulation. These findings have important implications for both normal development and potentially in disease etiologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher T Rhodes
- Unit on Cellular and Molecular Neurodevelopment, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), NIH, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Dhanya Asokumar
- Unit on Cellular and Molecular Neurodevelopment, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), NIH, Bethesda, MD, United States
- Unit on Genome Structure and Regulation, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), NIH, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Mira Sohn
- Bioinformatics and Scientific Programming Core, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), NIH, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Shovan Naskar
- Unit on Functional Neural Circuits, National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), NIH, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Lielle Elisha
- Unit on Cellular and Molecular Neurodevelopment, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), NIH, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Parker Stevenson
- Unit on Functional Neural Circuits, National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), NIH, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Dongjin R Lee
- Unit on Cellular and Molecular Neurodevelopment, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), NIH, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Yajun Zhang
- Unit on Cellular and Molecular Neurodevelopment, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), NIH, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Pedro P Rocha
- Unit on Genome Structure and Regulation, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), NIH, Bethesda, MD, United States
- National Cancer Institute (NCI), NIH, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Ryan K Dale
- Bioinformatics and Scientific Programming Core, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), NIH, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Soohyun Lee
- Unit on Functional Neural Circuits, National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), NIH, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Timothy J Petros
- Unit on Cellular and Molecular Neurodevelopment, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), NIH, Bethesda, MD, United States
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6
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Dogaru BG, Munteanu C. The Role of Hydrogen Sulfide (H 2S) in Epigenetic Regulation of Neurodegenerative Diseases: A Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12555. [PMID: 37628735 PMCID: PMC10454626 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
This review explores the emerging role of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in modulating epigenetic mechanisms involved in neurodegenerative diseases. Accumulating evidence has begun to elucidate the multifaceted ways in which H2S influences the epigenetic landscape and, subsequently, the progression of various neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's disease. H2S can modulate key components of the epigenetic machinery, such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs, impacting gene expression and cellular functions relevant to neuronal survival, inflammation, and synaptic plasticity. We synthesize recent research that positions H2S as an essential player within this intricate network, with the potential to open new therapeutic avenues for these currently incurable conditions. Despite significant progress, there remains a considerable gap in our understanding of the precise molecular mechanisms and the potential therapeutic implications of modulating H2S levels or its downstream targets. We conclude by identifying future directions for research aimed at exploiting the therapeutic potential of H2S in neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bombonica Gabriela Dogaru
- Faculty of Medicine, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
- Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital, 400437 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Constantin Munteanu
- Teaching Emergency Hospital “Bagdasar-Arseni” (TEHBA), 041915 Bucharest, Romania
- Faculty of Medical Bioengineering, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa” Iași, 700454 Iași, Romania
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Ibanez A, Zimmer ER. Time to synergize mental health with brain health. NATURE. MENTAL HEALTH 2023; 1:441-443. [PMID: 38867916 PMCID: PMC11168413 DOI: 10.1038/s44220-023-00086-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Agustin Ibanez
- Global Brain Health Institute (GBHI), University of California San Francisco (UCSF), California, US
- Trinity College Dublin (TCD), Dublin, Ireland
- Latin American Brain Health Institute (BrainLat), Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez, Santiago, Chile
| | - Eduardo R. Zimmer
- Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Biochemistry (PPGBioq) and Pharmacology and Therapeutics (PPGFT), UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- McGill University Research Centre for Studies in Aging, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- Brain Institute of Rio Grande do Sul, Pontíficia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
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Chamarthy S, Mekala JR. Functional importance of glucose transporters and chromatin epigenetic factors in Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM): possible therapeutics. Metab Brain Dis 2023; 38:1441-1469. [PMID: 37093461 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-023-01207-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) is an aggressive brain cancer affecting glial cells and is chemo- and radio-resistant. Glucose is considered the most vital energy source for cancer cell proliferation. During metabolism, hexose molecules will be transported into the cells via transmembrane proteins known as glucose transporter (GLUT). Among them, GLUT-1 and GLUT-3 play pivotal roles in glucose transport in GBM. Knockdown studies have established the role of GLUT-1, and GLUT-3 mediated glucose transport in GBM cells, providing insight into GLUT-mediated cancer signaling and cancer aggressiveness. This review focussed on the vital role of GLUT-1 and GLUT-3 proteins, which regulate glucose transport. Recent studies have identified the role of GLUT inhibitors in effective cancer prevention. Several of them are in clinical trials. Understanding and functional approaches towards glucose-mediated cell metabolism and chromatin epigenetics will provide valuable insights into the mechanism of cancer aggressiveness, cancer stemness, and chemo-resistance in Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM). This review summarizes the role of GLUT inhibitors, micro-RNAs, and long non-coding RNAs that aid in inhibiting glucose uptake by the GBM cells and other cancer cells leading to the identification of potential therapeutic, prognostic as well as diagnostic markers. Furthermore, the involvement of epigenetic factors, such as microRNAs, in regulating glycolytic genes was demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahiti Chamarthy
- Department of Biotechnology, Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation (KLEF), Green Fields, Vaddeswaram, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, 522302, India
| | - Janaki Ramaiah Mekala
- Department of Biotechnology, Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation (KLEF), Green Fields, Vaddeswaram, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, 522302, India.
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Pan Y, Gu Y, Liu T, Zhang Q, Yang F, Duan L, Cheng S, Zhu X, Xi Y, Chang X, Ye Q, Gao S. Epitranscriptic regulation of HRAS by N6-methyladenosine drives tumor progression. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2302291120. [PMID: 36996116 PMCID: PMC10083612 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2302291120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Overexpression of Ras, in addition to the oncogenic mutations, occurs in various human cancers. However, the mechanisms for epitranscriptic regulation of RAS in tumorigenesis remain unclear. Here, we report that the widespread N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification of HRAS, but not KRAS and NRAS, is higher in cancer tissues compared with the adjacent tissues, which results in the increased expression of H-Ras protein, thus promoting cancer cell proliferation and metastasis. Mechanistically, three m6A modification sites of HRAS 3' UTR, which is regulated by FTO and bound by YTHDF1, but not YTHDF2 nor YTHDF3, promote its protein expression by the enhanced translational elongation. In addition, targeting HRAS m6A modification decreases cancer proliferation and metastasis. Clinically, up-regulated H-Ras expression correlates with down-regulated FTO and up-regulated YTHDF1 expression in various cancers. Collectively, our study reveals a linking between specific m6A modification sites of HRAS and tumor progression, which provides a new strategy to target oncogenic Ras signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongbo Pan
- Shanxi Academy of Advanced Research and Innovation, Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Structure Determination, Taiyuan030032, China
- Zhongda Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Advanced Institute for Life and Health, Southeast University, Nanjing210096, China
| | - Yinmin Gu
- Zhongda Hospital, Medical School, Advanced Institute for Life and Health, Southeast University, Nanjing210096, China
| | - Tihui Liu
- Zhongda Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Advanced Institute for Life and Health, Southeast University, Nanjing210096, China
| | - Qingqing Zhang
- Zhongda Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Advanced Institute for Life and Health, Southeast University, Nanjing210096, China
| | - Facai Yang
- Zhongda Hospital, Medical School, Advanced Institute for Life and Health, Southeast University, Nanjing210096, China
| | - Liqiang Duan
- Shanxi Academy of Advanced Research and Innovation, Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Structure Determination, Taiyuan030032, China
| | - Shuwen Cheng
- Division of Immunology, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing210093, China
| | - Xiaofeng Zhu
- Shanxi Academy of Advanced Research and Innovation, Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Structure Determination, Taiyuan030032, China
| | - Yibo Xi
- Shanxi Academy of Advanced Research and Innovation, Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Structure Determination, Taiyuan030032, China
| | - Xiaoli Chang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taiyuan030801, China
| | - Qinong Ye
- Department of Medical Molecular Biology, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Beijing100850, China
| | - Shan Gao
- Zhongda Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Advanced Institute for Life and Health, Southeast University, Nanjing210096, China
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10
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de Boer I, Harder AVE, Ferrari MD, van den Maagdenberg AMJM, Terwindt GM. Genetics of migraine: Delineation of contemporary understanding of the genetic underpinning of migraine. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2023; 198:85-103. [PMID: 38043973 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-823356-6.00012-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Migraine is a disabling episodic brain disorder with an increased familial relative risk, an increased concordance in monozygotic twins, and an estimated heritability of approximately 50%. Various genetic approaches have been applied to identify genetic factors conferring migraine risk. Initially, candidate gene associations studies (CGAS) have been performed that test DNA variants in genes prioritized based on presumed a priori knowledge of migraine pathophysiology. More recently, genome-wide association studies (GWAS) are applied that test genetic variants, single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), in a hypothesis-free manner. To date, GWAS have identified ~40 genetic loci associated with migraine. New GWAS data, which are expected to come out soon, will reveal over 100 loci. Also, large-scale GWAS, which have appeared for many traits over the last decade, have enabled studying the overlap in genetic architecture between migraine and its comorbid disorders. Importantly, other genetic factors that cannot be identified by a GWAS approach also confer risk for migraine. First steps have been taken to determine the contribution of these mechanisms by investigating mitochondrial DNA and epigenetic mechanisms. In addition to typical epigenetic mechanisms, that is, DNA methylation and histone modifications, also RNA-based mechanisms regulating gene silencing and activation have recently gotten attention. Regardless, until now, most relevant genetic discoveries related to migraine still come from investigating monogenetic syndromes with migraine as a prominent part of the phenotype. Experimental studies on these syndromes have expanded our knowledge on the mechanisms underlying migraine pathophysiology. It can be envisaged that when all (epi)genetic and phenotypic data on the common and rare forms of migraine will be integrated, this will help to unravel the biological mechanisms for migraine, which will likely guide decision-making in clinical practice in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene de Boer
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Aster V E Harder
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands; Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Michel D Ferrari
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Arn M J M van den Maagdenberg
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands; Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Gisela M Terwindt
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.
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Gawliński D, Gawlińska K, Frankowska M, Filip M. Cocaine and Its Abstinence Condition Modulate Striatal and Hippocampal Wnt Signaling in a Male Rat Model of Drug Self-Administration. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232214011. [PMID: 36430488 PMCID: PMC9693497 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent years have provided more and more evidence confirming the important role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in the pathophysiology of mental illnesses, including cocaine use disorder. High relapse rates, which is a hallmark of drug addiction, prompt the study of changes in Wnt signaling elements (Wnt5a, Wnt7b, and Ctnnb1) in the motivational aspects of cocaine use and early drug-free period (3 days after the last exposure to cocaine). For this purpose, an animal model of intravenous cocaine self-administration and two types of drug-free period (extinction training and abstinence in the home cage) were used. The studies showed that chronic cocaine self-administration mainly disturbs the expression of Wnt5a and Ctnnb1 (the gene encoding β-catenin) in the examined brain structures (striatum and hippocampus), and the examined types of early abstinence are characterized by a different pattern of changes in the expression of these genes. At the same time, in cocaine self-administrated animals, there were no changes in the level of Wnt5a and β-catenin proteins at the tested time points. Moreover, exposure to cocaine induces a significant reduction in the striatal and hippocampal expression of miR-374 and miR-544, which can regulate Wnt5a levels post-transcriptionally. In summary, previous observations from experimenter-administered cocaine have not been fully validated in the cocaine self-administration model. Yoked cocaine administration appears to disrupt Wnt signaling more than cocaine self-administration. The condition of the cocaine-free period, the routes of drug administration, and the motivational aspect of drug administration play an important role in the type of drug-induced molecular changes observed. Furthermore, in-depth research involving additional brain regions is needed to determine the exact role of Wnt signaling in short-term and long-lasting plasticity as well as in the motivational aspects of cocaine use, and thus to assess its potential as a target for new drug therapy for cocaine use disorder.
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Krossa I, Strub T, Aplin AE, Ballotti R, Bertolotto C. Lysine Methyltransferase NSD1 and Cancers: Any Role in Melanoma? Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14194865. [PMID: 36230787 PMCID: PMC9563040 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14194865] [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: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Epigenetic events, which comprise post-translational modifications of histone tails or DNA methylation, control gene expression by altering chromatin structure without change in the DNA sequence. Histone tails modifications are driven by specific cellular enzymes such as histone methyltransferases or histone acetylases, which play a key role in regulating diverse biological processes. Their alteration may have consequences on growth and tumorigenesis. Abstract Epigenetic regulations, that comprise histone modifications and DNA methylation, are essential to processes as diverse as development and cancer. Among the histone post-translational modifications, lysine methylation represents one of the most important dynamic marks. Here, we focused on methyltransferases of the nuclear binding SET domain 1 (NSD) family, that catalyze the mono- and di-methylation of histone H3 lysine 36. We review the loss of function mutations of NSD1 in humans that are the main cause of SOTOS syndrome, a disease associated with an increased risk of developing cancer. We then report the role of NSD1 in triggering tumor suppressive or promoter functions according to the tissue context and we discuss the role of NSD1 in melanoma. Finally, we examine the ongoing efforts to target NSD1 signaling in cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imène Krossa
- Université Côte d’Azur, 06100 Nice, France
- Team 1, Biology and Pathologies of melanocytes, Inserm, Equipe labellisée Ligue 2020 and Equipe labellisée ARC 2022, Centre Méditerranéen de Médecine Moléculaire, 06200 Nice, France
- Correspondence: (I.K.); (C.B.)
| | - Thomas Strub
- Université Côte d’Azur, 06100 Nice, France
- Team 1, Biology and Pathologies of melanocytes, Inserm, Equipe labellisée Ligue 2020 and Equipe labellisée ARC 2022, Centre Méditerranéen de Médecine Moléculaire, 06200 Nice, France
| | - Andrew E. Aplin
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Robert Ballotti
- Université Côte d’Azur, 06100 Nice, France
- Team 1, Biology and Pathologies of melanocytes, Inserm, Equipe labellisée Ligue 2020 and Equipe labellisée ARC 2022, Centre Méditerranéen de Médecine Moléculaire, 06200 Nice, France
| | - Corine Bertolotto
- Université Côte d’Azur, 06100 Nice, France
- Team 1, Biology and Pathologies of melanocytes, Inserm, Equipe labellisée Ligue 2020 and Equipe labellisée ARC 2022, Centre Méditerranéen de Médecine Moléculaire, 06200 Nice, France
- Correspondence: (I.K.); (C.B.)
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Liu B, Wen H, Yang J, Li X, Li G, Zhang J, Wu S, Butts IAE, He F. Hypoxia Affects HIF-1/LDH-A Signaling Pathway by Methylation Modification and Transcriptional Regulation in Japanese Flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus). BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11081233. [PMID: 36009861 PMCID: PMC9405012 DOI: 10.3390/biology11081233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary With global climate change and increased aquaculture production, fishes in natural waters or aquaculture systems are easily subjected to hypoxic stress. However, our understanding about their responsive mechanisms to hypoxia is still limited. Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) is a widely cultivated marine economical flatfish, whose hypoxic responsive mechanisms are not fully researched. In this study, responses to hypoxia were investigated at blood physiological, biochemical, hormonal, and molecular levels. Responsive mechanisms of the HIF-1/LDH-A signaling pathway in epigenetic modification and transcriptional regulation were also researched. These results are important for enriching the theory of environmental responsive mechanisms and guiding aquaculture. Abstract Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) responsive mechanisms to hypoxia are still not fully understood. Therefore, we performed an acute hypoxic treatment (dissolved oxygen at 2.07 ± 0.08 mg/L) on Japanese flounder. It was confirmed that the hypoxic stress affected the physiological phenotype through changes in blood physiology (RBC, HGB, WBC), biochemistry (LDH, ALP, ALT, GLU, TC, TG, ALB), and hormone (cortisol) indicators. Hypoxia inducible factor-1 (HIF-1), an essential oxygen homeostasis mediator in organisms consisting of an inducible HIF-1α and a constitutive HIF-1β, and its target gene LDH-A were deeply studied. Results showed that HIF-1α and LDH-A genes were co-expressed and significantly affected by hypoxic stress. The dual-luciferase reporter assay confirmed that transcription factor HIF-1 transcriptionally regulated the LDH-A gene, and its transcription binding sequence was GGACGTGA located at −2343~−2336. The DNA methylation status of HIF-1α and LDH-A genes were detected to understand the mechanism of environmental stress on genes. It was found that hypoxia affected the HIF-1α gene and LDH-A gene methylation levels. The study uncovered HIF-1/LDH-A signaling pathway responsive mechanisms of Japanese flounder to hypoxia in epigenetic modification and transcriptional regulation. Our study is significant to further the understanding of environmental responsive mechanisms as well as providing a reference for aquaculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binghua Liu
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266000, China
| | - Haishen Wen
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266000, China
| | - Jun Yang
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266000, China
| | - Xiaohui Li
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266000, China
| | - Guangling Li
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266000, China
| | - Jingru Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266000, China
| | - Shuxian Wu
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266000, China
| | - Ian AE Butts
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Feng He
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266000, China
- Correspondence:
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Genetically modified mice for research on human diseases: A triumph for Biotechnology or a work in progress? THE EUROBIOTECH JOURNAL 2022. [DOI: 10.2478/ebtj-2022-0008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Genetically modified mice are engineered as models for human diseases. These mouse models include inbred strains, mutants, gene knockouts, gene knockins, and ‘humanized’ mice. Each mouse model is engineered to mimic a specific disease based on a theory of the genetic basis of that disease. For example, to test the amyloid theory of Alzheimer’s disease, mice with amyloid precursor protein genes are engineered, and to test the tau theory, mice with tau genes are engineered. This paper discusses the importance of mouse models in basic research, drug discovery, and translational research, and examines the question of how to define the “best” mouse model of a disease. The critiques of animal models and the caveats in translating the results from animal models to the treatment of human disease are discussed. Since many diseases are heritable, multigenic, age-related and experience-dependent, resulting from multiple gene-gene and gene-environment interactions, it will be essential to develop mouse models that reflect these genetic, epigenetic and environmental factors from a developmental perspective. Such models would provide further insight into disease emergence, progression and the ability to model two-hit and multi-hit theories of disease. The summary examines the biotechnology for creating genetically modified mice which reflect these factors and how they might be used to discover new treatments for complex human diseases such as cancers, neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases.
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Abstract
Neuropathic pain is a challenging clinical problem and remains difficult to treat. Altered gene expression in peripheral sensory nerves and neurons due to nerve injury is well documented and contributes critically to the synaptic plasticity in the spinal cord and the initiation and maintenance of chronic pain. However, our understanding of the epigenetic mechanisms regulating the transcription of pro-nociceptive (e.g., NMDA receptors and α2δ-1) and antinociceptive (e.g., potassium channels and opioid and cannabinoid receptors) genes are still limited. In this review, we summarize recent studies determining the roles of histone modifications (including methylation, acetylation, and ubiquitination), DNA methylation, and noncoding RNAs in neuropathic pain development. We review the epigenetic writer, reader, and eraser proteins that participate in the transcriptional control of the expression of key ion channels and neurotransmitter receptors in the dorsal root ganglion after traumatic nerve injury, which is commonly used as a preclinical model of neuropathic pain. A better understanding of epigenetic reprogramming involved in the transition from acute to chronic pain could lead to the development of new treatments for neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krishna Ghosh
- Center for Neuroscience and Pain Research, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Hui-Lin Pan
- Center for Neuroscience and Pain Research, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
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16
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Boison D, Masino SA, Lubin FD, Guo K, Lusardi T, Sanchez R, Ruskin DN, Ohm J, Geiger JD, Hur J. The impact of methodology on the reproducibility and rigor of DNA methylation data. Sci Rep 2022; 12:380. [PMID: 35013473 PMCID: PMC8748700 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-04346-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic modifications are crucial for normal development and implicated in disease pathogenesis. While epigenetics continues to be a burgeoning research area in neuroscience, unaddressed issues related to data reproducibility across laboratories remain. Separating meaningful experimental changes from background variability is a challenge in epigenomic studies. Here we show that seemingly minor experimental variations, even under normal baseline conditions, can have a significant impact on epigenome outcome measures and data interpretation. We examined genome-wide DNA methylation and gene expression profiles of hippocampal tissues from wild-type rats housed in three independent laboratories using nearly identical conditions. Reduced-representation bisulfite sequencing and RNA-seq respectively identified 3852 differentially methylated and 1075 differentially expressed genes between laboratories, even in the absence of experimental intervention. Difficult-to-match factors such as animal vendors and a subset of husbandry and tissue extraction procedures produced quantifiable variations between wild-type animals across the three laboratories. Our study demonstrates that seemingly minor experimental variations, even under normal baseline conditions, can have a significant impact on epigenome outcome measures and data interpretation. This is particularly meaningful for neurological studies in animal models, in which baseline parameters between experimental groups are difficult to control. To enhance scientific rigor, we conclude that strict adherence to protocols is necessary for the execution and interpretation of epigenetic studies and that protocol-sensitive epigenetic changes, amongst naive animals, may confound experimental results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Detlev Boison
- Department of Neurosurgery, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Susan A Masino
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, Trinity College, Hartford, CT, 06106, USA
| | - Farah D Lubin
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Kai Guo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Grand Forks, ND, 58202, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Theresa Lusardi
- Knight Cancer Institute, Cancer Early Detection Advanced Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
- Dow Neurobiology Labs, Legacy Research Institute, Portland, OR, 97232, USA
| | - Richard Sanchez
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
- Division of Biological Sciences, Neurobiology Section, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - David N Ruskin
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, Trinity College, Hartford, CT, 06106, USA
| | - Joyce Ohm
- Department of Genetics and Genomics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, 14263, USA
| | - Jonathan D Geiger
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Grand Forks, ND, 58202, USA
| | - Junguk Hur
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Grand Forks, ND, 58202, USA.
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17
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Leptidis S, Papakonstantinou E, Diakou KI, Pierouli K, Mitsis T, Dragoumani K, Bacopoulou F, Sanoudou D, Chrousos GP, Vlachakis D. Epitranscriptomics of cardiovascular diseases (Review). Int J Mol Med 2022; 49:9. [PMID: 34791505 PMCID: PMC8651226 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2021.5064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA modifications have recently become the focus of attention due to their extensive regulatory effects in a vast array of cellular networks and signaling pathways. Just as epigenetics is responsible for the imprinting of environmental conditions on a genetic level, epitranscriptomics follows the same principle at the RNA level, but in a more dynamic and sensitive manner. Nevertheless, its impact in the field of cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains largely unexplored. CVD and its associated pathologies remain the leading cause of death in Western populations due to the limited regenerative capacity of the heart. As such, maintenance of cardiac homeostasis is paramount for its physiological function and its capacity to respond to environmental stimuli. In this context, epitranscriptomic modifications offer a novel and promising therapeutic avenue, based on the fine‑tuning of regulatory cascades, necessary for cardiac function. This review aimed to provide an overview of the most recent findings of key epitranscriptomic modifications in both coding and non‑coding RNAs. Additionally, the methods used for their detection and important associations with genetic variations in the context of CVD were summarized. Current knowledge on cardiac epitranscriptomics, albeit limited still, indicates that the impact of epitranscriptomic editing in the heart, in both physiological and pathological conditions, holds untapped potential for the development of novel targeted therapeutic approaches in a dynamic manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanos Leptidis
- Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece
| | - Eleni Papakonstantinou
- Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece
| | - Kalliopi Io Diakou
- Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece
| | - Katerina Pierouli
- Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece
| | - Thanasis Mitsis
- Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantina Dragoumani
- Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece
| | - Flora Bacopoulou
- Laboratory of Molecular Endocrinology, Center of Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- First Department of Pediatrics, Center for Adolescent Medicine and UNESCO Chair on Adolescent Health Care, Medical School, Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Despina Sanoudou
- Fourth Department of Internal Medicine, Clinical Genomics and Pharmacogenomics Unit, Medical School, 'Attikon' Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Molecular Biology Division, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Center for New Biotechnologies and Precision Medicine, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - George P. Chrousos
- Laboratory of Molecular Endocrinology, Center of Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- First Department of Pediatrics, Center for Adolescent Medicine and UNESCO Chair on Adolescent Health Care, Medical School, Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Vlachakis
- Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece
- Laboratory of Molecular Endocrinology, Center of Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- First Department of Pediatrics, Center for Adolescent Medicine and UNESCO Chair on Adolescent Health Care, Medical School, Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- School of Informatics, Faculty of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, King's College London, London WC2R 2LS, UK
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18
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Xu W, Hong Q, Lin Z, Ma H, Chen W, Zhuang D, Zhu H, Lai M, Fu D, Zhou W, Liu H. Role of nucleus accumbens microRNA-181a and MeCP2 in incubation of heroin craving in male rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2021; 238:2313-2324. [PMID: 33932163 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-021-05854-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Epigenetic regulation has been implicated in the incubation of drug craving (the time-dependent increase in drug seeking after prolonged withdrawal from drug self-administration). There is little information available on the role of microRNAs in incubation of heroin craving. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the roles and mechanisms of miR-181a and methyl CpG binding protein 2 (MeCP2) in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) in incubation of heroin seeking. METHODS MiRNA sequencing was used to predict potential miRNAs, and miRNA profiles were performed in the NAc after 1 day or 14 days after withdrawal from heroin self-administration. Following 14 days of heroin self-administration, rats were injected of lentiviral vectors into the NAc and evaluated for the effects of overexpression of miR-181a or knockdown of MeCP2 on non-reinforced heroin seeking after 14 withdrawal days. RESULTS Lever presses during the heroin-seeking tests were higher after 14 withdrawal days than after 1 day (incubation of heroin craving). miR-181a expression in NAc was lower after 14 withdrawal days than after 1 day, and meCP2 expression in NAc was higher after 14 days than after 1 day. Luciferase activity assay showed that the 3'UTR of MeCP2 is directly regulated by miR-181a. Overexpression of miR-181a in NAc decreased heroin seeking after 14 withdrawal days and decreased MeCP2 mRNA and protein expression. Knockdown of MeCP2 expression in NAc by LV-siRNA-MeCP2 also decreased heroin seeking after 14 withdrawal days. CONCLUSIONS Results indicate that incubation of heroin craving is mediated in part by time-dependent decreases in NAc miR181a expression that leads to time-dependent increases in MeCP2 expression. Our data suggest that NAc miR-181a and MeCP2 contribute to incubation of heroin craving.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjin Xu
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, Ningbo Kangning Hospital, Ningbo Institute of Microcirculation and Henbane, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315010, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Addiction Research of Zhejiang Province, Ningbo, 315010, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingxiao Hong
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, Ningbo Kangning Hospital, Ningbo Institute of Microcirculation and Henbane, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315010, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Addiction Research of Zhejiang Province, Ningbo, 315010, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Zi Lin
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, Ningbo Kangning Hospital, Ningbo Institute of Microcirculation and Henbane, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315010, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong Ma
- Department of Psychiatry, Ningbo Kangning Hospital, Ningbo, 315201, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Weisheng Chen
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, Ningbo Kangning Hospital, Ningbo Institute of Microcirculation and Henbane, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315010, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Addiction Research of Zhejiang Province, Ningbo, 315010, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Dingding Zhuang
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, Ningbo Kangning Hospital, Ningbo Institute of Microcirculation and Henbane, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315010, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Addiction Research of Zhejiang Province, Ningbo, 315010, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Huaqiang Zhu
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, Ningbo Kangning Hospital, Ningbo Institute of Microcirculation and Henbane, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315010, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Addiction Research of Zhejiang Province, Ningbo, 315010, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Miaojun Lai
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, Ningbo Kangning Hospital, Ningbo Institute of Microcirculation and Henbane, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315010, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Addiction Research of Zhejiang Province, Ningbo, 315010, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Dan Fu
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, Ningbo Kangning Hospital, Ningbo Institute of Microcirculation and Henbane, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315010, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Addiction Research of Zhejiang Province, Ningbo, 315010, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenhua Zhou
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, Ningbo Kangning Hospital, Ningbo Institute of Microcirculation and Henbane, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315010, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.
- Key Laboratory of Addiction Research of Zhejiang Province, Ningbo, 315010, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.
| | - Huifen Liu
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, Ningbo Kangning Hospital, Ningbo Institute of Microcirculation and Henbane, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315010, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.
- Key Laboratory of Addiction Research of Zhejiang Province, Ningbo, 315010, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.
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Faillace MP, Bernabeu RO. Epigenetic Mechanisms Mediate Nicotine-Induced Reward and Behaviour in Zebrafish. Curr Neuropharmacol 2021; 20:510-523. [PMID: 34279203 PMCID: PMC9608226 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x19666210716112351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Nicotine induces long-term changes in the neural activity of the mesocorticolimbic reward pathway structures. The mechanisms involved in this process have not been fully characterized. The hypothesis discussed here proposed that epigenetic regulation participates in the installation of persistent adaptations and long-lasting synaptic plasticity generated by nicotine action on the mesolimbic dopamine neurons of zebrafish. The epigenetic mechanisms induced by nicotine entail histone and DNA chemical modifications, which have been described to lead to changes in gene expression. Among the enzymes that catalyze epigenetic chemical modifications, histone deacetylases (HDACs) remove acetyl groups from histones, thereby facilitating DNA relaxation and making DNA more accessible to gene transcription. DNA methylation, which is dependent on DNA methyltransferase (DNMTs) activity, inhibits gene expression by recruiting several methyl binding proteins that prevent RNA polymerase binding to DNA. In zebrafish, phenylbutyrate (PhB), an HDAC inhibitor, abolishes nicotine rewarding properties together with a series of typical reward-associated behaviors. Furthermore, PhB and nicotine alter long- and short-term object recognition memory in zebrafish, respectively. Regarding DNA methylation effects, a methyl group donor L-methionine (L-met) was found to dramatically reduce nicotine-induced conditioned place preference (CPP) in zebrafish. Simultaneous treatment with DNMT inhibitor 5-aza-2’-deoxycytidine (AZA) was found to reverse the L-met effect on nicotine-induced CPP as well as nicotine reward-specific effects on genetic expression in zebrafish. Therefore, pharmacological interventions that modulate epigenetic regulation of gene expression should be considered as a potential therapeutic method to treat nicotine addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Paula Faillace
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina e Instituto de Fisiología y Biofísica Profesor Bernardo Houssay (IFIBIO-Houssay, CONICET-UBA), Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ramón O Bernabeu
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina e Instituto de Fisiología y Biofísica Profesor Bernardo Houssay (IFIBIO-Houssay, CONICET-UBA), Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
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20
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Hyeon JW, Kim AH, Yano H. Epigenetic regulation in Huntington's disease. Neurochem Int 2021; 148:105074. [PMID: 34038804 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2021.105074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a devastating and fatal monogenic neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive loss of selective neurons in the brain and is caused by an abnormal expansion of CAG trinucleotide repeats in a coding exon of the huntingtin (HTT) gene. Progressive gene expression changes that begin at premanifest stages are a prominent feature of HD and are thought to contribute to disease progression. Increasing evidence suggests the critical involvement of epigenetic mechanisms in abnormal transcription in HD. Genome-wide alterations of a number of epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation and multiple histone modifications, are associated with HD, suggesting that mutant HTT causes complex epigenetic abnormalities and chromatin structural changes, which may represent an underlying pathogenic mechanism. The causal relationship of specific epigenetic changes to early transcriptional alterations and to disease pathogenesis require further investigation. In this article, we review recent studies on epigenetic regulation in HD with a focus on DNA and histone modifications. We also discuss the contribution of epigenetic modifications to HD pathogenesis as well as potential mechanisms linking mutant HTT and epigenetic alterations. Finally, we discuss the therapeutic potential of epigenetic-based treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae Wook Hyeon
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Albert H Kim
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA; Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA; Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA; Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA; Hope Center for Neurological Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Hiroko Yano
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA; Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA; Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA; Hope Center for Neurological Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
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21
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Schieffler DA, Matta SE. Evidence to Support the Use of S-Adenosylmethionine for Treatment of Post-Concussive Sequelae in the Military. Mil Med 2021; 187:e1182-e1192. [PMID: 33900393 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usab130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Since the year 2000, over 413,000 service members have sustained traumatic brain injury (TBI) and may present with post-concussive sequelae including headaches, fatigue, irritability, cognitive problems, depression, insomnia, and chronic pain. Although the focus of the article is on military TBI, the usefulness of S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) would extend to both civilian and military populations. This narrative review examines the preclinical and clinical literature of SAMe's metabolism and alterations seen in disease states such as depressive disorders, pain disorders, fatigue, cognition, dementia, use in pregnancy and peripartum, children, adolescents, and adults, to the elderly with and without dementia, stroke, and neurodegeneration, in order to highlight its potential benefit in post-concussive sequelae after TBI. MATERIALS AND METHODS A MEDLINE/PubMed and Cochrane Database search was conducted between May 3, 2018 and July 30, 2019 by combining search terms for SAMe with terms for relevant disease states including depression, brain injury, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, cognition, fatigue, and pain. This search retrieved a total of 676 references. 439 were excluded for being over a 10-year publication date, except where clinically relevant. After additional removal of repeated articles, the number of articles were totaled 197. An additional 59 articles were excluded: 10 not in English, 4 duplicates, 4 not original investigations, and 41 outside the scope of this article. The remaining 138 articles were used in this review and included 25 clinical studies, 46 preclinical studies, 63 reviews, and 4 case reports. RESULTS This narrative review examined the preclinical and clinical literature of SAMe's metabolism and alterations seen in MDD, pain disorders, fatigue, cognition and memory, dementia, and other disorders to highlight the potential benefit of SAMe in post-concussive sequelae in mTBI. The literature showed potential for improvement, safety, and tolerability in these symptom clusters commonly seen in military mild TBI (mTBI). CONCLUSION There is evidence of a potential benefit of SAMe as an intervention to help with symptoms across the range of post-concussive sequelae and syndromes commonly seen in military mTBI. Since the discovery of SAMe in 1952, this pleiotropic molecule has shown the significance of its involvement in several metabolic cascades in such disparate systems as epigenetics, bioenergetics, DNA methylation, neurotransmitter systems, and potential usefulness in military TBI. Significant limitations include disparate presentations seen in patients with mild TBI, those with post-concussive syndrome, as well as those with comorbid depression and posttraumatic stress disorder. Also, over-the-counter medications are not regulated and SAMe products may vary widely in price and quality. Given the potential for mania in patients with bipolar disorder, evaluation and recommendations should be made by a physician able to evaluate the underlying bipolar diathesis. Furthermore, this narrative review serves as the rationale for future open-label and double-blind placebo-controlled trials in military mTBI and SAMe.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sofia E Matta
- Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton, Oceanside, CA 92055, USA
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22
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Ihezie SA, Mathew IE, McBride DW, Dienel A, Blackburn SL, Thankamani Pandit PK. Epigenetics in blood-brain barrier disruption. Fluids Barriers CNS 2021; 18:17. [PMID: 33823899 PMCID: PMC8025355 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-021-00250-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The vessels of the central nervous system (CNS) have unique barrier properties. The endothelial cells (ECs) which comprise the CNS vessels contribute to the barrier via strong tight junctions, specific transporters, and limited endocytosis which combine to protect the brain from toxins and maintains brain homeostasis. Blood-brain barrier (BBB) leakage is a serious secondary injury in various CNS disorders like stroke, brain tumors, and neurodegenerative disorders. Currently, there are no drugs or therapeutics available to treat specifically BBB damage after a brain injury. Growing knowledge in the field of epigenetics can enhance the understanding of gene level of the BBB and has great potential for the development of novel therapeutic strategies or targets to repair a disrupted BBB. In this brief review, we summarize the epigenetic mechanisms or regulators that have a protective or disruptive role for components of BBB, along with the promising approaches to regain the integrity of BBB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie A Ihezie
- The Vivian L. Smith Department of Neurosurgery, University of Texas Health Science Center, 6431 Fannin St. MSB 7.147, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Iny Elizebeth Mathew
- The Vivian L. Smith Department of Neurosurgery, University of Texas Health Science Center, 6431 Fannin St. MSB 7.147, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Devin W McBride
- The Vivian L. Smith Department of Neurosurgery, University of Texas Health Science Center, 6431 Fannin St. MSB 7.147, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Ari Dienel
- The Vivian L. Smith Department of Neurosurgery, University of Texas Health Science Center, 6431 Fannin St. MSB 7.147, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Spiros L Blackburn
- The Vivian L. Smith Department of Neurosurgery, University of Texas Health Science Center, 6431 Fannin St. MSB 7.147, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Peeyush Kumar Thankamani Pandit
- The Vivian L. Smith Department of Neurosurgery, University of Texas Health Science Center, 6431 Fannin St. MSB 7.147, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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23
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Yamaguchi M, Omori K, Asada S, Yoshida H. Epigenetic Regulation of ALS and CMT: A Lesson from Drosophila Models. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22020491. [PMID: 33419039 PMCID: PMC7825332 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22020491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 01/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the third most common neurodegenerative disorder and is sometimes associated with frontotemporal dementia. Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease (CMT) is one of the most commonly inherited peripheral neuropathies causing the slow progression of sensory and distal muscle defects. Of note, the severity and progression of CMT symptoms markedly vary. The phenotypic heterogeneity of ALS and CMT suggests the existence of modifiers that determine disease characteristics. Epigenetic regulation of biological functions via gene expression without alterations in the DNA sequence may be an important factor. The methylation of DNA, noncoding RNA, and post-translational modification of histones are the major epigenetic mechanisms. Currently, Drosophila is emerging as a useful ALS and CMT model. In this review, we summarize recent studies linking ALS and CMT to epigenetic regulation with a strong emphasis on approaches using Drosophila models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masamitsu Yamaguchi
- Department of Applied Biology, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Matsugasaki, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8585, Japan; (K.O.); (S.A.)
- Kansai Gakken Laboratory, Kankyo Eisei Yakuhin Co. Ltd., Seika-cho, Kyoto 619-0237, Japan
- Correspondence: (M.Y.); (H.Y.)
| | - Kentaro Omori
- Department of Applied Biology, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Matsugasaki, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8585, Japan; (K.O.); (S.A.)
| | - Satoshi Asada
- Department of Applied Biology, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Matsugasaki, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8585, Japan; (K.O.); (S.A.)
| | - Hideki Yoshida
- Department of Applied Biology, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Matsugasaki, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8585, Japan; (K.O.); (S.A.)
- Correspondence: (M.Y.); (H.Y.)
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24
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The Role of MicroRNAs in Thrombosis. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1339:409-414. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-78787-5_51] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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25
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Ding D, Wang C, Chen Z, Xia K, Tang B, Qiu R, Jiang H. Polyglutamine-expanded ataxin3 alter specific gene expressions through changing DNA methylation status in SCA3/MJD. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 13:3680-3698. [PMID: 33411688 PMCID: PMC7906150 DOI: 10.18632/aging.202331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
DNA methylation has recently been linked to transcriptional dysregulation and neuronal dysfunction in polyglutamine (polyQ) disease. This study aims to determine whether (CAG)n expansion in ATXN3 perturbs DNA methylation status and affects gene expression. We analyzed DNA methylation throughout the genome using reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS) and confirmed the results using MethylTarget sequencing. Dynamic changes in DNA methylation, transcriptional and translational levels of specific genes were detected using BSP, qRT-PCR and western blot. In total, 135 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were identified between SCA3/MJD and WT mouse cerebellum. KEGG analysis revealed differentially methylated genes involved in amino acid metabolism, Hedgehog signaling pathway, thyroid cancer, tumorigenesis and other pathways. We focused on DMRs that were directly associated with gene expression. On this basis, we further assessed 7 genes, including 13 DMRs, for DNA methylation validation and gene expression. We found that the methylation status of the DMRs of En1 and Nkx2-1 was negatively associated with their transcriptional and translational levels and that alteration of the DNA methylation status of DMRs and the corresponding transcription occurred before dyskinesia in SCA3/MJD mice. These results revealed novel DNA methylation-regulated genes, En1 and Nkx2-1, which may be useful for understanding the pathogenesis of SCA3/MJD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongxue Ding
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China
| | - Chunrong Wang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China
| | - Zhao Chen
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China
| | - Kun Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China
| | - Beisha Tang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China.,State Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Hunan Province in Neurodegenerative Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Changsha, Hunan, P. R. China
| | - Rong Qiu
- School of Information Science and Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hong Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China.,State Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Hunan Province in Neurodegenerative Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Changsha, Hunan, P. R. China
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26
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Rehman S, Aatif M, Rafi Z, Khan MY, Shahab U, Ahmad S, Farhan M. Effect of non-enzymatic glycosylation in the epigenetics of cancer. Semin Cancer Biol 2020; 83:543-555. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2020.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
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27
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Impact of Genetic Variations and Epigenetic Mechanisms on the Risk of Obesity. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21239035. [PMID: 33261141 PMCID: PMC7729759 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21239035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Rare genetic obesity disorders are characterized by mutations of genes strongly involved in the central or peripheral regulation of energy balance. These mutations are effective in causing the early onset of severe obesity and insatiable hunger (hyperphagia), suggesting that the genetic component can contribute to 40–70% of obesity. However, genes’ roles in the processes leading to obesity are still unclear. This review is aimed to summarize the current knowledge of the genetic causes of obesity, especially monogenic obesity, describing the role of epigenetic mechanisms in obesity and metabolic diseases. A comprehensive understanding of the underlying genetic and epigenetic mechanisms, with the metabolic processes they control, will permit adequate management and prevention of obesity.
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28
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Baratta AM, Rathod RS, Plasil SL, Seth A, Homanics GE. Exposure to drugs of abuse induce effects that persist across generations. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2020; 156:217-277. [PMID: 33461664 PMCID: PMC8167819 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2020.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Substance use disorders are highly prevalent and continue to be one of the leading causes of disability in the world. Notably, not all people who use addictive drugs develop a substance use disorder. Although substance use disorders are highly heritable, patterns of inheritance cannot be explained purely by Mendelian genetic mechanisms. Vulnerability to developing drug addiction depends on the interplay between genetics and environment. Additionally, evidence from the past decade has pointed to the role of epigenetic inheritance in drug addiction. This emerging field focuses on how environmental perturbations, including exposure to addictive drugs, induce epigenetic modifications that are transmitted to the embryo at fertilization and modify developmental gene expression programs to ultimately impact subsequent generations. This chapter highlights intergenerational and transgenerational phenotypes in offspring following a history of parental drug exposure. Special attention is paid to parental preconception exposure studies of five drugs of abuse (alcohol, cocaine, nicotine, cannabinoids, and opiates) and associated behavioral and physiological outcomes in offspring. The highlighted studies demonstrate that parental exposure to drugs of abuse has enduring effects that persist into subsequent generations. Understanding the contribution of epigenetic inheritance in drug addiction may provide clues for better treatments and therapies for substance use disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalisa M Baratta
- Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Richa S Rathod
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Sonja L Plasil
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Amit Seth
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Gregg E Homanics
- Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.
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29
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de Boer I, Terwindt GM, van den Maagdenberg AMJM. Genetics of migraine aura: an update. J Headache Pain 2020; 21:64. [PMID: 32503413 PMCID: PMC7275514 DOI: 10.1186/s10194-020-01125-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Migraine is a common brain disorder with a large genetic component. Of the two main migraine types, migraine with aura and migraine without aura, the genetic underpinning in the former is least understood. Given the evidence from epidemiological studies in cohorts and families that the genetic contribution is highest in migraine with aura, this seems paradoxical. Various genetic approaches have been applied to identify genetic factors that confer risk for migraine. Initially, so-called candidate gene associations studies (CGAS) have been performed that test DNA variants in genes prioritized based on presumed a priori knowledge of migraine pathophysiology. More recently, genome-wide association studies (GWAS) tested variants in any gene in an hypothesis-free manner. Whereas GWAS in migraine without aura, or the more general diagnosis migraine have already identified dozens of gene variants, the specific hunt for gene variants in migraine with aura has been disappointing. The only GWAS specifically investigating migraine with aura yielded only one single associated single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), near MTDH and PGCP, with genome-wide significance. However, interrogation of all genotyped SNPs, so beyond this one significant hit, was more successful and led to the notion that migraine with aura and migraine without aura are genetically more alike than different. Until now, most relevant genetic discoveries related to migraine with aura came from investigating monogenetic syndromes with migraine aura as a prominent phenotype (i.e. FHM, CADASIL and FASPS). This review will highlight the genetic findings relevant to migraine with aura.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene de Boer
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, PO Box 9600, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Gisela M Terwindt
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, PO Box 9600, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Arn M J M van den Maagdenberg
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, PO Box 9600, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands. .,Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, PO Box 9600, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands.
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30
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Brown RE. Donald O. Hebb and the Organization of Behavior: 17 years in the writing. Mol Brain 2020; 13:55. [PMID: 32252813 PMCID: PMC7137474 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-020-00567-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The Organization of Behavior has played a significant part in the development of behavioural neuroscience for the last 70 years. This book introduced the concepts of the "Hebb synapse", the "Hebbian cell assembly" and the "Phase sequence". The most frequently cited of these is the Hebb synapse, but the cell assembly may be Hebb's most important contribution. Even after 70 years, Hebb's theory is still relevant because it is a general framework for relating behavior to synaptic organization through the development of neural networks. The Organization of Behavior was Hebb's 40th publication. His first published papers in 1937 were on the innate organization of the visual system and he first used the phrase "the organization of behavior" in 1938. However, Hebb wrote a number of unpublished papers between 1932 and 1945 in which he developed the ideas published in The Organization of Behavior. Thus, the concept of the neural organization of behavior was central to Hebb's thinking from the beginning of his academic career. But his thinking about the organization of behavior in 1949 was different from what it was between 1932 and 1937. This paper examines Hebb's early ideas on the neural basis of behavior and attempts to trace the rather arduous series of steps through which he developed these ideas into the book that was published as The Organization of Behavior. Using the 1946 typescript and Hebb's correspondence we can see a number of changes made in the book before it was published. Finally, a number of issues arising from the book, and the importance of the book today are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard E Brown
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 4R2, Canada.
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31
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Melcangi RC, Casarini L, Marino M, Santi D, Sperduti S, Giatti S, Diviccaro S, Grimoldi M, Caruso D, Cavaletti G, Simoni M. Altered methylation pattern of the SRD5A2 gene in the cerebrospinal fluid of post-finasteride patients: a pilot study. Endocr Connect 2019; 8:1118-1125. [PMID: 31272082 PMCID: PMC6652249 DOI: 10.1530/ec-19-0199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2019] [Accepted: 07/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Post-finasteride syndrome (PFS) occurs in patients with androgenic alopecia after suspension of the finasteride treatment, leading to a large variety of persistent side effects. Despite the severity of the clinical picture, the mechanism underlying the PFS symptoms onset and persistence is still unclear. OBJECTIVE To study whether epigenetic modifications occur in PFS patients. METHODS Retrospective analysis of a multicentric, prospective, longitudinal, case-control clinical trial, enrolling 16 PFS patients, compared to 20 age-matched healthy men. Main outcomes were methylation pattern of SRD5A1 and SRD5A2 promoters and concentration of 11 neuroactive steroids, measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, in blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples. RESULTS SRD5A1 and SRD5A2 methylation analysis was performed in all blood samples (n = 16 PFS patients and n = 20 controls), in 16 CSF samples from PFS patients and in 13 CSF samples from controls. The SRD5A2 promoter was more frequently methylated in CSF of PFS patients compared to controls (56.3 vs 7.7%). No promoter methylation was detected in blood samples in both groups. No methylation occurred in the SRD5A1 promoter of both groups. Unmethylated controls compared to unmethylated SRD5A2 patients showed higher pregnenolone, dihydrotestosterone and dihydroprogesterone, together with lower testosterone CSF levels. Andrological and neurological assessments did not differ between methylated and unmethylated subjects. CONCLUSIONS For the first time, we demonstrate a tissue-specific methylation pattern of SRD5A2 promoter in PFS patients. Although we cannot conclude whether this pattern is prenatally established or induced by finasteride treatment, it could represent an important mechanism of neuroactive steroid levels and behavioural disturbances previously described in PFS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Cosimo Melcangi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Livio Casarini
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Marco Marino
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Daniele Santi
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Samantha Sperduti
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Silvia Giatti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Diviccaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Grimoldi
- Neurology Division, Papa Giovanni XXIII Hospital, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Donatella Caruso
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Guido Cavaletti
- Experimental Neurology Unit and Milan Center for Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Manuela Simoni
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, Modena, Italy
- Correspondence should be addressed to M Simoni:
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Wahane S, Halawani D, Zhou X, Zou H. Epigenetic Regulation Of Axon Regeneration and Glial Activation in Injury Responses. Front Genet 2019; 10:640. [PMID: 31354788 PMCID: PMC6629966 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.00640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Injury to the nervous system triggers a multicellular response in which epigenetic mechanisms play an important role in regulating cell type-specific transcriptional changes. Here, we summarize recent progress in characterizing neuronal intrinsic and extrinsic chromatin reconfigurations and epigenetic changes triggered by axonal injury that shape neuroplasticity and glial functions. We specifically discuss regeneration-associated transcriptional modules comprised of transcription factors and epigenetic regulators that control axon growth competence. We also review epigenetic regulation of neuroinflammation and astroglial responses that impact neural repair. These advances provide a framework for developing epigenetic strategies to maximize adaptive alterations while minimizing maladaptive stress responses in order to enhance axon regeneration and achieve functional recovery after injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shalaka Wahane
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Dalia Halawani
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Xiang Zhou
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States.,Department of Orthopedics, Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Hongyan Zou
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States.,Department of Neurosurgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
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de Boni L, Wüllner U. Epigenetic Analysis in Human Neurons: Considerations for Disease Modeling in PD. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:276. [PMID: 31024227 PMCID: PMC6460245 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2018] [Accepted: 03/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder next to Alzheimer’s disease. Most PD cases are considered to be sporadic and despite considerable scientific effort, the underlying cause(s) still remain(s) enigmatic. In particular, it is unknown to which extent epigenetic alterations contribute to the pathophysiology of this devastating disorder. This is partly due to the fact that appropriate PD models are not yet available. Moreover, epigenetic patterns and mechanisms are species specific and murine systems reflect only a few of the idiosyncrasies of human neurons. For several years now, patient-specific stem cell-derived neural and non-neural cells have been employed to overcome this limitation allowing the analysis and establishment of humanized disease models for PD. Thus, several studies tried to dissect epigenetic alterations such as aberrant DNA methylation or microRNA patterns using lund human mesencephalic cell lines or neurons derived from (patient-specific) induced pluripotent stem cells. These studies demonstrate that human neurons have the potential to be used as model systems for the study of epigenetic modifications in PD such as characterizing epigenetic changes, correlating epigenetic changes to gene expression alterations and hopefully using these insights for the development of novel therapeutics. However, more research is required to define the epigenetic (age-associated) landscape of human in vitro neurons and compare these to native neurons before they can be established as suitable models for epigenetic studies in PD. In this review, we summarize the knowledge about epigenetic studies performed on human neuronal PD models, and we discuss advantages and current limitations of these (stem cell-derived) neuronal models for the study of epigenetic alterations in PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura de Boni
- Dementia Research Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ullrich Wüllner
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Bonn, German Center for Neurologic Diseases, Bonn, Germany
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Alexiou A, Chatzichronis S, Perveen A, Hafeez A, Ashraf GM. Algorithmic and Stochastic Representations of Gene Regulatory Networks and Protein-Protein Interactions. Curr Top Med Chem 2019; 19:413-425. [PMID: 30854971 DOI: 10.2174/1568026619666190311125256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2018] [Revised: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 12/26/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Latest studies reveal the importance of Protein-Protein interactions on physiologic functions and biological structures. Several stochastic and algorithmic methods have been published until now, for the modeling of the complex nature of the biological systems. OBJECTIVE Biological Networks computational modeling is still a challenging task. The formulation of the complex cellular interactions is a research field of great interest. In this review paper, several computational methods for the modeling of GRN and PPI are presented analytically. METHODS Several well-known GRN and PPI models are presented and discussed in this review study such as: Graphs representation, Boolean Networks, Generalized Logical Networks, Bayesian Networks, Relevance Networks, Graphical Gaussian models, Weight Matrices, Reverse Engineering Approach, Evolutionary Algorithms, Forward Modeling Approach, Deterministic models, Static models, Hybrid models, Stochastic models, Petri Nets, BioAmbients calculus and Differential Equations. RESULTS GRN and PPI methods have been already applied in various clinical processes with potential positive results, establishing promising diagnostic tools. CONCLUSION In literature many stochastic algorithms are focused in the simulation, analysis and visualization of the various biological networks and their dynamics interactions, which are referred and described in depth in this review paper.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Asma Perveen
- Glocal School of Life Sciences, Glocal University, Mirzapur Pole, Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Abdul Hafeez
- Glocal School of Pharmacy, Glocal University, Mirzapur Pole, Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Ghulam Md. Ashraf
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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