1
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Deshmukh MG, Brooks VT, Roy SF, Milette S, Bosenberg M, Micevic G. DNA methylation in melanoma immunotherapy: mechanisms and therapeutic opportunities. Clin Epigenetics 2025; 17:71. [PMID: 40307913 PMCID: PMC12044936 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-025-01865-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2025] [Indexed: 05/02/2025] Open
Abstract
Abnormal DNA methylation is a hallmark of cancer and a nearly universal feature of melanoma. DNA methylation plays well-appreciated melanoma cell-intrinsic roles, including silencing tumor-suppressor genes, regulating genomic stability, deregulating expression of oncogenes to potentiate proliferative signaling and tumor migration. With the recent success of immunological therapies for melanoma, important roles for DNA methylation are also emerging at the interface between melanoma and immune cells with the potential to regulate the anti-tumor immune response. These newly recognized roles for DNA methylation in controlling melanoma cell immunogenicity, expression of MHC and immune checkpoint molecules as well as T cell phenotypes in the tumor microenvironment raise the possibility of using DNA methylation to develop improved therapies and methylation-based biomarkers. In addition to reviewing the "immune dimension" of DNA methylation, we summarize recent developments with potential clinical applications in melanoma, such as targeted DNA methylation editing, single-cell methylation approaches, and measurement of circulating methylated DNA. An improved understanding of the immune roles of DNA methylation presents an exciting opportunity for continued improvement of care and outcomes for patients with melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya G Deshmukh
- Medical Scientist Training Program (MD-PhD), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
- Department of Dermatology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Veronica T Brooks
- Department of Dermatology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Simon F Roy
- Department of Dermatology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Simon Milette
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
- Department of Dermatology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Marcus Bosenberg
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
- Department of Dermatology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
- Yale Cancer Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
- Yale Center for Immuno-Oncology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Goran Micevic
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
- Department of Dermatology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
- Yale Cancer Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
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2
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Baldini A, Battaglia F, Perrella G. The generation of novel epialleles in plants: the prospective behind re-shaping the epigenome. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2025; 16:1544744. [PMID: 40190658 PMCID: PMC11968746 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2025.1544744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2025] [Indexed: 04/09/2025]
Abstract
Chromatin organization is a relevant layer of control of gene expression during plant development. Chromatin states strictly depend on associated features such as DNA methylation, histone modifications and histone variants. Thus, epigenome editing has become of primary interest to alter gene expression without disrupting genomic sequences. Different tools have been developed to address this challenge, starting with modular Zinc Finger Proteins (ZFPs) and Transcription Activator Like Effectors (TALEs). However, the discovery of CRISPR/Cas9 system and the adaptability of technologies based on enzymatically dead Cas9 (dCas9) have paved the way towards a reliable and adaptable epigenome editing in a great variety of organisms. In this review, we will focus on the application of targeted epigenome editing technologies in plants, summarizing the most updated advances in this field. The promising results obtained by altering the expression state of targets involved in flowering time and abiotic stress resistance are crucial not only for elucidating the molecular interactions that underly chromatin dynamics, but also for future applications in breeding programs as an alternative route to genetic manipulation towards the achievement of higher quality crops particularly in terms of nutritional properties, yield and tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Giorgio Perrella
- Department of Biosciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
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3
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Li X, Bu F, Zhang M, Li Z, Zhang Y, Chen H, Xue W, Guo R, Qi J, Kim C, Kawabata S, Wang Y, Zhang Q, Li Y, Zhang Y. Enhancing nature's palette through the epigenetic breeding of flower color in chrysanthemum. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2025; 245:2117-2132. [PMID: 39721988 DOI: 10.1111/nph.20347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 11/29/2024] [Indexed: 12/28/2024]
Abstract
Flower color is an important character of ornamental plants and one of the main target traits for variety innovation. We previously identified a CmMYB6 epigenetic allele that affects the flower color in chrysanthemum, and changes in flower color are caused by the DNA methylation level of this gene. However, it is still unknown which DNA methyltransferases are involved in modifying the DNA methylation levels of this gene. Here, we used dead Cas9 (dCas9) together with DNA methyltransferases that methylate cytosine residues in the CHH context to target the CmMYB6 promoter through transient and stable transformation methods. We found that CmDRM2a increased the DNA methylation level of the CmMYB6 promoter, the expression of CmMYB6 decreased and a lighter flower color resulted. By contrast, both CmDRM2b and CmCMT2 enhanced DNA methylation levels of the CmMYB6 promoter, the expression of CmMYB6 increased and a deeper flower color resulted. Furthermore, the regulatory mechanism of DNA methyltransferase in the formation of chrysanthemum flower color was investigated, pointing to a new strategy for silencing or activating CmMYB6 epiallele to regulate anthocyanin synthesis. This lays a solid foundation for regulating flower color in chrysanthemum through epigenetic breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueqi Li
- Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration (Northeast Forestry University), Ministry of Education, Harbin, 150040, China
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Fanqi Bu
- Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration (Northeast Forestry University), Ministry of Education, Harbin, 150040, China
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Man Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration (Northeast Forestry University), Ministry of Education, Harbin, 150040, China
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Zhuozheng Li
- Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration (Northeast Forestry University), Ministry of Education, Harbin, 150040, China
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration (Northeast Forestry University), Ministry of Education, Harbin, 150040, China
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Haowen Chen
- Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration (Northeast Forestry University), Ministry of Education, Harbin, 150040, China
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Wanjie Xue
- Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration (Northeast Forestry University), Ministry of Education, Harbin, 150040, China
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Ronghua Guo
- Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration (Northeast Forestry University), Ministry of Education, Harbin, 150040, China
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Jingze Qi
- Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration (Northeast Forestry University), Ministry of Education, Harbin, 150040, China
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Cholmin Kim
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Saneyuki Kawabata
- Institute for Sustainable Agroecosystem Services, Graduate School of Agriculture and Life Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 1880002, Japan
| | - Yu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration (Northeast Forestry University), Ministry of Education, Harbin, 150040, China
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Qingzhu Zhang
- School of Ecology, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Yuhua Li
- Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration (Northeast Forestry University), Ministry of Education, Harbin, 150040, China
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration (Northeast Forestry University), Ministry of Education, Harbin, 150040, China
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, China
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4
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Charette M, Rosenblum C, Shade O, Deiters A. Optogenetics with Atomic Precision─A Comprehensive Review of Optical Control of Protein Function through Genetic Code Expansion. Chem Rev 2025; 125:1663-1717. [PMID: 39928721 PMCID: PMC11869211 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.4c00224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 10/03/2024] [Accepted: 10/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2025]
Abstract
Conditional control of protein activity is important in order to elucidate the particular functions and interactions of proteins, their regulators, and their substrates, as well as their impact on the behavior of a cell or organism. Optical control provides a perhaps optimal means of introducing spatiotemporal control over protein function as it allows for tunable, rapid, and noninvasive activation of protein activity in its native environment. One method of introducing optical control over protein activity is through the introduction of photocaged and photoswitchable noncanonical amino acids (ncAAs) through genetic code expansion in cells and animals. Genetic incorporation of photoactive ncAAs at key residues in a protein provides a tool for optical activation, or sometimes deactivation, of protein activity. Importantly, the incorporation site can typically be rationally selected based on structural, mechanistic, or computational information. In this review, we comprehensively summarize the applications of photocaged lysine, tyrosine, cysteine, serine, histidine, glutamate, and aspartate derivatives, as well as photoswitchable phenylalanine analogues. The extensive and diverse list of proteins that have been placed under optical control demonstrates the broad applicability of this methodology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maura Charette
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
| | - Carolyn Rosenblum
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
| | - Olivia Shade
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
| | - Alexander Deiters
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
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5
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Guerra-Resendez RS, Lydon SL, Ma AJ, Bedford GC, Reed DR, Kim S, Terán ER, Nishiguchi T, Escobar M, DiNardo AR, Hilton IB. Characterization of Rationally Designed CRISPR/Cas9-Based DNA Methyltransferases with Distinct Methyltransferase and Gene Silencing Activities in Human Cell Lines and Primary Human T Cells. ACS Synth Biol 2025; 14:384-397. [PMID: 39898483 PMCID: PMC11854388 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.4c00569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2024] [Revised: 01/03/2025] [Accepted: 01/08/2025] [Indexed: 02/04/2025]
Abstract
Nuclease-deactivated Cas (dCas) proteins can be used to recruit epigenetic effectors, and this class of epigenetic editing technologies has revolutionized the ability to synthetically control the mammalian epigenome and transcriptome. DNA methylation is one of the most important and well-characterized epigenetic modifications in mammals, and while many different forms of dCas-based DNA methyltransferases (dCas-DNMTs) have been developed for programmable DNA methylation, these tools are frequently poorly tolerated and/or lowly expressed in mammalian cell types. Further, the use of dCas-DNMTs has largely been restricted to cell lines, which limits mechanistic insights in karyotypically normal contexts and hampers translational utility in the longer term. Here, we extend previous insights into the rational design of the catalytic core of the mammalian DNMT3A methyltransferase and test three dCas9-DNMT3A/3L variants across different human cell lines and in primary donor-derived human T cells. We find that mutations within the catalytic core of DNMT3A stabilize the expression of dCas9-DNMT3A/3L fusion proteins in Jurkat T cells without sacrificing DNA methylation or gene-silencing performance. We also show that these rationally engineered mutations in DNMT3A alter DNA methylation profiles at loci targeted with dCas9-DNMT3A/3L in cell lines and donor-derived human T cells. Finally, we leverage the transcriptionally repressive effects of dCas9-DNMT3A/3L variants to functionally link the expression of a key immunomodulatory transcription factor to cytokine secretion in donor-derived T cells. Overall, our work expands the synthetic biology toolkit for epigenetic editing and provides a roadmap for the use of engineered dCas-based DNMTs in primary mammalian cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Alex J. Ma
- Department
of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
| | - Guy C. Bedford
- Department
of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
| | - Daniel R. Reed
- Department
of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
| | - Sunghwan Kim
- Department
of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
| | - Erik R. Terán
- Department
of BioSciences, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
| | - Tomoki Nishiguchi
- Global
Tuberculosis Program, Texas Children’s Hospital, Immigrant
and Global Health, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Mario Escobar
- Department
of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
| | - Andrew R. DiNardo
- Global
Tuberculosis Program, Texas Children’s Hospital, Immigrant
and Global Health, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Isaac B. Hilton
- Systems,
Synthetic, and Physical Biology Program, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
- Department
of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
- Department
of BioSciences, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
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6
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Ali A, Azmat U, Ji Z, Khatoon A, Murtaza B, Akbar K, Irshad U, Raza R, Su Z. Beyond Genes: Epiregulomes as Molecular Commanders in Innate Immunity. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 142:113149. [PMID: 39278059 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.113149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2024] [Revised: 08/09/2024] [Accepted: 09/08/2024] [Indexed: 09/17/2024]
Abstract
The natural fastest way to deal with pathogens or danger signals is the innate immune system. This system prevents too much inflammation and tissue damage and efficiently eliminates pathogens. The epiregulome is the chromatin structure influenced by epigenetic factors and linked to cis-regulatory elements (CREs). The epiregulome helps to end the inflammatory response and also assists innate immune cells to show specific action by making cell-specific gene expression patterns. This inspection unfolds two concepts: (1) how epiregulomes are shaped by switching the expression levels of genes, manoeuvre enzyme activity and earmark of chromatin modifiers on specific genes; during and after the infection, and (2) how the expression of specific genes (aids in prompt management of innate cell growth, or the reaction to aggravation and illness) command by epiregulomes that formed during the above process. In this review, the consequences of intrinsic immuno-metabolic remodelling on epiregulomes and potential difficulties in identifying the master epiregulome that regulates innate immunity and inflammation have been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashiq Ali
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Shantou University Medical College, China.
| | - Urooj Azmat
- Department of Zoology, Wildlife and Fisheries, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Ziyi Ji
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Shantou University Medical College, China
| | - Aisha Khatoon
- Department of Pathology, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Bilal Murtaza
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Science and Technology, Dalian, China
| | - Kaynaat Akbar
- Department of Zoology, Wildlife and Fisheries, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Urooj Irshad
- Department Biological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Superior University Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Rameen Raza
- Department of Pathology, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Zhongjing Su
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Shantou University Medical College, China.
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7
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Wan J, Thurm AR, Allen SJ, Ludwig CH, Patel AN, Bintu L. High-throughput development and characterization of new functional nanobodies for gene regulation and epigenetic control in human cells. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.11.01.621523. [PMID: 39554150 PMCID: PMC11566033 DOI: 10.1101/2024.11.01.621523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2024]
Abstract
Controlling gene expression and chromatin state via the recruitment of transcriptional effector proteins to specific genetic loci has advanced the potential of mammalian synthetic biology, but is still hindered by the challenge of delivering large chromatin regulators. Here, we develop a new method for generating small nanobodies against human chromatin regulators that can repress or activate gene expression. We start with a large and diverse nanobody library and perform enrichment against chromatin regulatory complexes using yeast display, followed by high-throughput pooled selection for transcriptional control when recruited to a reporter in human cells. This workflow allows us to efficiently select tens of functional nanobodies that can act as transcriptional repressors or activators in human cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Wan
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305
- Present address: Pharma Technical Development, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, 94080
| | - Abby R. Thurm
- Program in Biophysics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305
| | - Sage J. Allen
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305
| | - Connor H. Ludwig
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305
| | - Aayan N. Patel
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305
| | - Lacramioara Bintu
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305
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8
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Motorina DM, Galimova YA, Battulina NV, Omelina ES. Systems for Targeted Silencing of Gene Expression and Their Application in Plants and Animals. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5231. [PMID: 38791270 PMCID: PMC11121118 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105231] [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: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
At present, there are a variety of different approaches to the targeted regulation of gene expression. However, most approaches are devoted to the activation of gene transcription, and the methods for gene silencing are much fewer in number. In this review, we describe the main systems used for the targeted suppression of gene expression (including RNA interference (RNAi), chimeric transcription factors, chimeric zinc finger proteins, transcription activator-like effectors (TALEs)-based repressors, optogenetic tools, and CRISPR/Cas-based repressors) and their application in eukaryotes-plants and animals. We consider the advantages and disadvantages of each approach, compare their effectiveness, and discuss the peculiarities of their usage in plant and animal organisms. This review will be useful for researchers in the field of gene transcription suppression and will allow them to choose the optimal method for suppressing the expression of the gene of interest depending on the research object.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Evgeniya S. Omelina
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
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9
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Cappelluti MA, Mollica Poeta V, Valsoni S, Quarato P, Merlin S, Merelli I, Lombardo A. Durable and efficient gene silencing in vivo by hit-and-run epigenome editing. Nature 2024; 627:416-423. [PMID: 38418872 PMCID: PMC10937395 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07087-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 63.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Permanent epigenetic silencing using programmable editors equipped with transcriptional repressors holds great promise for the treatment of human diseases1-3. However, to unlock its full therapeutic potential, an experimental confirmation of durable epigenetic silencing after the delivery of transient delivery of editors in vivo is needed. To this end, here we targeted Pcsk9, a gene expressed in hepatocytes that is involved in cholesterol homeostasis. In vitro screening of different editor designs indicated that zinc-finger proteins were the best-performing DNA-binding platform for efficient silencing of mouse Pcsk9. A single administration of lipid nanoparticles loaded with the editors' mRNAs almost halved the circulating levels of PCSK9 for nearly one year in mice. Notably, Pcsk9 silencing and accompanying epigenetic repressive marks also persisted after forced liver regeneration, further corroborating the heritability of the newly installed epigenetic state. Improvements in construct design resulted in the development of an all-in-one configuration that we term evolved engineered transcriptional repressor (EvoETR). This design, which is characterized by a high specificity profile, further reduced the circulating levels of PCSK9 in mice with an efficiency comparable with that obtained through conventional gene editing, but without causing DNA breaks. Our study lays the foundation for the development of in vivo therapeutics that are based on epigenetic silencing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Valeria Mollica Poeta
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Valsoni
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Piergiuseppe Quarato
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Simone Merlin
- Department of Health Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Ivan Merelli
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Institute for Biomedical Technologies, National Research Council, Segrate, Italy
| | - Angelo Lombardo
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.
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10
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Seem K, Kaur S, Kumar S, Mohapatra T. Epigenome editing for targeted DNA (de)methylation: a new perspective in modulating gene expression. Crit Rev Biochem Mol Biol 2024; 59:69-98. [PMID: 38440883 DOI: 10.1080/10409238.2024.2320659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
Traditionally, it has been believed that inheritance is driven as phenotypic variations resulting from changes in DNA sequence. However, this paradigm has been challenged and redefined in the contemporary era of epigenetics. The changes in DNA methylation, histone modification, non-coding RNA biogenesis, and chromatin remodeling play crucial roles in genomic functions and regulation of gene expression. More importantly, some of these changes are inherited to the next generations as a part of epigenetic memory and play significant roles in gene expression. The sum total of all changes in DNA bases, histone proteins, and ncRNA biogenesis constitutes the epigenome. Continuous progress in deciphering epigenetic regulations and the existence of heritable epigenetic/epiallelic variations associated with trait of interest enables to deploy epigenome editing tools to modulate gene expression. DNA methylation marks can be utilized in epigenome editing for the manipulation of gene expression. Initially, genome/epigenome editing technologies relied on zinc-finger protein or transcriptional activator-like effector protein. However, the discovery of clustered regulatory interspaced short palindromic repeats CRISPR)/deadCRISPR-associated protein 9 (dCas9) enabled epigenome editing to be more specific/efficient for targeted DNA (de)methylation. One of the major concerns has been the off-target effects, wherein epigenome editing may unintentionally modify gene/regulatory element which may cause unintended change/harmful effects. Moreover, epigenome editing of germline cell raises several ethical/safety issues. This review focuses on the recent developments in epigenome editing tools/techniques, technological limitations, and future perspectives of this emerging technology in therapeutics for human diseases as well as plant improvement to achieve sustainable developmental goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karishma Seem
- Division of Biochemistry, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India
| | - Simardeep Kaur
- Division of Biochemistry, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India
| | - Suresh Kumar
- Division of Biochemistry, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India
| | - Trilochan Mohapatra
- Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights Authority, New Delhi, India
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11
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Yagci ZB, Kelkar GR, Johnson TJ, Sen D, Keung AJ. Designing Epigenome Editors: Considerations of Biochemical and Locus Specificities. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2842:23-55. [PMID: 39012589 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-4051-7_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
The advent of locus-specific protein recruitment technologies has enabled a new class of studies in chromatin biology. Epigenome editors (EEs) enable biochemical modifications of chromatin at almost any specific endogenous locus. Their locus-specificity unlocks unique information including the functional roles of distinct modifications at specific genomic loci. Given the growing interest in using these tools for biological and translational studies, there are many specific design considerations depending on the scientific question or clinical need. Here, we present and discuss important design considerations and challenges regarding the biochemical and locus specificities of epigenome editors. These include how to: account for the complex biochemical diversity of chromatin; control for potential interdependency of epigenome editors and their resultant modifications; avoid sequestration effects; quantify the locus specificity of epigenome editors; and improve locus-specificity by considering concentration, affinity, avidity, and sequestration effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Begum Yagci
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Gautami R Kelkar
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Tyler J Johnson
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Dilara Sen
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Albert J Keung
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA.
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12
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Rots MG, Jeltsch A. Development of Locus-Directed Editing of the Epigenome from Basic Mechanistic Engineering to First Clinical Applications. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2842:3-20. [PMID: 39012588 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-4051-7_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
The introduction of CRISPR/Cas systems has resulted in a strong impulse for the field of gene-targeted epigenome/epigenetic reprogramming (EpiEditing), where EpiEditors consisting of a DNA binding part for targeting and an enzymatic part for rewriting of chromatin modifications are applied in cells to alter chromatin modifications at targeted genome loci in a directed manner. Pioneering studies preceding this era indicated causal relationships of chromatin marks instructing gene expression. The accumulating evidence of chromatin reprogramming of a given genomic locus resulting in gene expression changes opened the field for mainstream applications of this technology in basic and clinical research. The growing knowledge on chromatin biology and application of EpiEditing tools, however, also revealed a lack of predictability of the efficiency of EpiEditing in some cases. In this perspective, the dependence of critical parameters such as specificity, effectivity, and sustainability of EpiEditing on experimental settings and conditions including the expression levels and expression times of the EpiEditors, their chromatin binding affinity and specificity, and the crosstalk between EpiEditors and cellular epigenome modifiers are discussed. These considerations highlight the intimate connection between the outcome of epigenome reprogramming and the details of the technical approaches toward EpiEditing, which are the main topic of this volume of Methods in Molecular Biology. Once established in a fully functional "plug-and-play" mode, EpiEditing will allow to better understand gene expression control and to translate such knowledge into therapeutic tools. These expectations are beginning to be met as shown by various in vivo EpiEditing applications published in recent years, several companies aiming to exploit the therapeutic power of EpiEditing and the first clinical trial initiated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianne G Rots
- Department Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Albert Jeltsch
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biochemistry and Technical Biochemistry, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany.
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13
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DelRosso N, Bintu L. Using High-Throughput Measurements to Identify Principles of Transcriptional and Epigenetic Regulators. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2842:79-101. [PMID: 39012591 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-4051-7_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
To achieve exquisite control over the epigenome, we need a better predictive understanding of how transcription factors, chromatin regulators, and their individual domain's function, both as modular parts and as full proteins. Transcriptional effector domains are one class of protein domains that regulate transcription and chromatin. These effector domains either repress or activate gene expression by interacting with chromatin-modifying enzymes, transcriptional cofactors, and/or general transcriptional machinery. Here, we discuss important design considerations for high-throughput investigations of effector domains, recent advances in discovering new domains in human cells and testing how domain function depends on amino acid sequence. For every effector domain, we would like to know the following: What role does the cell type, signaling state, and targeted context have on activation, silencing, and epigenetic memory? Large-scale measurements of transcriptional activities can help systematically answer these questions and identify general rules for how all these parameters affect effector domain activities. Last, we discuss what steps need to be taken to turn a newly discovered effector domain into a robust, precise epigenome editor. With more carefully considered high-throughput investigations, soon we will have better predictive control over the epigenome.
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14
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Hinrichs AK, Koch A, Richter AM. Dual-Luciferase Reporter Assay for Prescreening CRISPR (d)Cas9-Mediated Epigenetic Editing on a Plant Promoter Using Human Cells. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2788:273-285. [PMID: 38656520 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3782-1_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Epigenetic editing, also known as EpiEdit, offers an exciting way to control gene expression without altering the DNA sequence. In this study, we evaluate the application of EpiEdit to plant promoters, specifically the MLO (mildew locus o) gene promoter. We use a modified CRISPR-(d)Cas9 system, in which the nuclease-deficient Cas9 (dCas9) is fused to an epigenetic modifier, to experimentally demonstrate the utility of this tool for optimizing epigenetic engineering of a plant promoter prior to in vivo plant epigenome editing. Guide RNAs are used to deliver the dCas9-epigenetic modifier fusion protein to the target gene sequence, where it induces modification of MLO gene expression. We perform preliminary experiments using a plant promoter cloned into the luciferase reporter system, which is transfected into a human system and analyzed using the dual-luciferase reporter assay. The results suggest that this approach may be useful in the early stages of plant epigenome editing, as it can aid in the selection of appropriate modifications to the plant promoter prior to conducting in vivo experiments under plant system conditions. Overall, the results demonstrate the potential of CRISPR (d)Cas9-based EpiEdit for precise and controlled regulation of gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann-Kathrin Hinrichs
- Institute of Plant Sciences, Department of Cell Biology and Plant Biochemistry, Plant RNA Transport, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Aline Koch
- Institute of Plant Sciences, Department of Cell Biology and Plant Biochemistry, Plant RNA Transport, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Antje M Richter
- Institute for Genetics, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany.
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15
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Rajaram N, Bashtrykov P, Jeltsch A. Protocol for Allele-Specific Epigenome Editing Using CRISPR/dCas9. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2842:179-192. [PMID: 39012596 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-4051-7_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
The discovery and adaptation of CRISPR/Cas systema for epigenome editing has allowed for a straightforward design of targeting modules that can direct epigenome editors to virtually any genomic site. This advancement in DNA-targeting technology brings allele-specific epigenome editing into reach, a "super-specific" variation of epigenome editing whose goal is an alteration of chromatin marks at only one selected allele of the genomic target locus. This technology could be useful for the treatment of diseases caused by a mutant allele with a dominant effect, because allele-specific epigenome editing allows the specific silencing of the mutated allele leaving the healthy counterpart expressed. Moreover, it may allow the direct correction of aberrant imprints in imprinting disorders where editing of DNA methylation is required exclusively in a single allele. Here, we describe a basic protocol for the design and application of allele-specific epigenome editing systems using allele-specific DNA methylation at the NARF gene in HEK293 cells as an example. An sgRNA/dCas9 unit is used for allele-specific binding to the target locus containing a SNP in the seed region of the sgRNA or the PAM region. The dCas9 protein is connected to a SunTag allowing to recruit up to 10 DNMT3A/3L units fused to a single-chain Fv fragment, which specifically binds to the SunTag peptide sequence. The plasmids expressing dCas9-10x SunTag, scFv-DNMT3A/3L, and sgRNA, each of them co-expressing a fluorophore, are introduced into cells by co-transfection. Cells containing all three plasmids are enriched by FACS, cultivated, and later the genomic DNA and RNA can be retrieved for DNA methylation and gene expression analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nivethika Rajaram
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biochemistry and Technical Biochemistry, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Pavel Bashtrykov
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biochemistry and Technical Biochemistry, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany.
| | - Albert Jeltsch
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biochemistry and Technical Biochemistry, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany.
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16
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Fontana L, Alahouzou Z, Miccio A, Antoniou P. Epigenetic Regulation of β-Globin Genes and the Potential to Treat Hemoglobinopathies through Epigenome Editing. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14030577. [PMID: 36980849 PMCID: PMC10048329 DOI: 10.3390/genes14030577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Beta-like globin gene expression is developmentally regulated during life by transcription factors, chromatin looping and epigenome modifications of the β-globin locus. Epigenome modifications, such as histone methylation/demethylation and acetylation/deacetylation and DNA methylation, are associated with up- or down-regulation of gene expression. The understanding of these mechanisms and their outcome in gene expression has paved the way to the development of new therapeutic strategies for treating various diseases, such as β-hemoglobinopathies. Histone deacetylase and DNA methyl-transferase inhibitors are currently being tested in clinical trials for hemoglobinopathies patients. However, these approaches are often uncertain, non-specific and their global effect poses serious safety concerns. Epigenome editing is a recently developed and promising tool that consists of a DNA recognition domain (zinc finger, transcription activator-like effector or dead clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats Cas9) fused to the catalytic domain of a chromatin-modifying enzyme. It offers a more specific targeting of disease-related genes (e.g., the ability to reactivate the fetal γ-globin genes and improve the hemoglobinopathy phenotype) and it facilitates the development of scarless gene therapy approaches. Here, we summarize the mechanisms of epigenome regulation of the β-globin locus, and we discuss the application of epigenome editing for the treatment of hemoglobinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Letizia Fontana
- Laboratory of Chromatin and Gene Regulation during Development, INSERM UMR 1163, Imagine Institute, Université Paris Cité, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Zoe Alahouzou
- Laboratory of Chromatin and Gene Regulation during Development, INSERM UMR 1163, Imagine Institute, Université Paris Cité, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Annarita Miccio
- Laboratory of Chromatin and Gene Regulation during Development, INSERM UMR 1163, Imagine Institute, Université Paris Cité, F-75015 Paris, France
- Correspondence: (A.M.); (P.A.)
| | - Panagiotis Antoniou
- Laboratory of Chromatin and Gene Regulation during Development, INSERM UMR 1163, Imagine Institute, Université Paris Cité, F-75015 Paris, France
- Genome Engineering, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D Unit, AstraZeneca, 431 50 Gothenburg, Sweden
- Correspondence: (A.M.); (P.A.)
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17
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Jung A, Munõz-López Á, Buchmuller BC, Banerjee S, Summerer D. Imaging-Based In Situ Analysis of 5-Methylcytosine at Low Repetitive Single Gene Loci with Transcription-Activator-Like Effector Probes. ACS Chem Biol 2023; 18:230-236. [PMID: 36693632 PMCID: PMC9942090 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.2c00857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Transcription-activator-like effectors (TALEs) are programmable DNA binding proteins that can be used for sequence-specific, imaging-based analysis of cellular 5-methylcytosine. However, this has so far been limited to highly repetitive satellite DNA. To expand this approach to the analysis of coding single gene loci, we here explore a number of signal amplification strategies for increasing imaging sensitivity with TALEs. We develop a straightforward amplification protocol and employ it to target the MUC4 gene, which features only a small cluster of repeat sequences. This offers high sensitivity imaging of MUC4, and in costaining experiments with pairs of one TALE selective for unmethylated cytosine and one universal control TALE enables analyzing methylation changes in the target independently of changes in target accessibility. These advancements offer prospects for 5-methylcytosine analysis at coding, nonrepetitive gene loci by the use of designed TALE probe collections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Jung
- Faculty
of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, TU Dortmund
University, Otto-Hahn-Str. 6, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Álvaro Munõz-López
- Faculty
of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, TU Dortmund
University, Otto-Hahn-Str. 6, 44227 Dortmund, Germany,International
Max Planck Research School of Living Matter, Otto-Hahn-Str. 11, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Benjamin C. Buchmuller
- Faculty
of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, TU Dortmund
University, Otto-Hahn-Str. 6, 44227 Dortmund, Germany,International
Max Planck Research School of Living Matter, Otto-Hahn-Str. 11, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Sudakshina Banerjee
- Faculty
of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, TU Dortmund
University, Otto-Hahn-Str. 6, 44227 Dortmund, Germany,International
Max Planck Research School of Living Matter, Otto-Hahn-Str. 11, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Daniel Summerer
- Faculty
of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, TU Dortmund
University, Otto-Hahn-Str. 6, 44227 Dortmund, Germany,International
Max Planck Research School of Living Matter, Otto-Hahn-Str. 11, 44227 Dortmund, Germany,
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18
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Bashtrykov P, Rajaram N, Jeltsch A. Efficient Targeted DNA Methylation with dCas9-Coupled DNMT3A-DNMT3L Methyltransferase. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2577:177-188. [PMID: 36173573 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2724-2_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Epigenome editing is a powerful approach for the establishment of a chromatin environment with desired properties at a selected genomic locus, which is used to influence the transcription of target genes and to study properties and functions of gene regulatory elements. Targeted DNA methylation is one of the most often used types of epigenome editing, which typically aims for gene silencing by methylation of gene promoters. Here, we describe the design principles of EpiEditors for targeted DNA methylation and provide step-by-step guidelines for the realization of this approach. We focus on the dCas9 protein as the state-of-the-art DNA targeting module fused to 10×SunTag as the most frequently used system for editing enhancement. Further, we discuss different flavors of DNA methyltransferase modules used for this purpose including the most specific variants developed recently. Finally, we explain the principles of gRNA selection, outline the setup of the cell culture experiments, and briefly introduce the available options for the downstream DNA methylation data analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavel Bashtrykov
- Institute of Biochemistry and Technical Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany.
| | - Nivethika Rajaram
- Institute of Biochemistry and Technical Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Albert Jeltsch
- Institute of Biochemistry and Technical Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany.
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19
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Schwickert M, Fischer TR, Zimmermann RA, Hoba SN, Meidner JL, Weber M, Weber M, Stark MM, Koch J, Jung N, Kersten C, Windbergs M, Lyko F, Helm M, Schirmeister T. Discovery of Inhibitors of DNA Methyltransferase 2, an Epitranscriptomic Modulator and Potential Target for Cancer Treatment. J Med Chem 2022; 65:9750-9788. [PMID: 35849534 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Selective manipulation of the epitranscriptome could be beneficial for the treatment of cancer and also broaden the understanding of epigenetic inheritance. Inhibitors of the tRNA methyltransferase DNMT2, the enzyme catalyzing the S-adenosylmethionine-dependent methylation of cytidine 38 to 5-methylcytidine, were designed, synthesized, and analyzed for their enzyme-binding and -inhibiting properties. For rapid screening of potential DNMT2 binders, a microscale thermophoresis assay was established. Besides the natural inhibitors S-adenosyl-l-homocysteine (SAH) and sinefungin (SFG), we identified new synthetic inhibitors based on the structure of N-adenosyl-2,4-diaminobutyric acid (Dab). Structure-activity relationship studies revealed the amino acid side chain and a Y-shaped substitution pattern at the 4-position of Dab as crucial for DNMT2 inhibition. The most potent inhibitors are alkyne-substituted derivatives, exhibiting similar binding and inhibitory potencies as the natural compounds SAH and SFG. CaCo-2 assays revealed that poor membrane permeabilities of the acids and rapid hydrolysis of an ethylester prodrug might be the reasons for the insufficient activity in cellulo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marvin Schwickert
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Staudinger Weg 5, D-55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Tim R Fischer
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Staudinger Weg 5, D-55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Robert A Zimmermann
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Staudinger Weg 5, D-55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Sabrina N Hoba
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Staudinger Weg 5, D-55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - J Laurenz Meidner
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Staudinger Weg 5, D-55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Marlies Weber
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Staudinger Weg 5, D-55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Moritz Weber
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Staudinger Weg 5, D-55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Martin M Stark
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Staudinger Weg 5, D-55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Jonas Koch
- Division of Epigenetics, DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, German Cancer Research Center, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Nathalie Jung
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology and Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, D-60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Christian Kersten
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Staudinger Weg 5, D-55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Maike Windbergs
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology and Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, D-60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Frank Lyko
- Division of Epigenetics, DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, German Cancer Research Center, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mark Helm
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Staudinger Weg 5, D-55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Tanja Schirmeister
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Staudinger Weg 5, D-55128 Mainz, Germany
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20
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Wang J, Li D, Yang J, Chang L, Zhang R, Li J. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated epigenetic editing tool: An optimized strategy for targeting de novo DNA methylation with stable status via homology directed repair pathway. Biochimie 2022; 202:190-205. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2022.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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21
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Tuazon JA, Kilburg-Basnyat B, Oldfield LM, Wiscovitch-Russo R, Dunigan-Russell K, Fedulov AV, Oestreich KJ, Gowdy KM. Emerging Insights into the Impact of Air Pollution on Immune-Mediated Asthma Pathogenesis. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep 2022; 22:77-92. [PMID: 35394608 PMCID: PMC9246904 DOI: 10.1007/s11882-022-01034-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Increases in ambient levels of air pollutants have been linked to lung inflammation and remodeling, processes that lead to the development and exacerbation of allergic asthma. Conventional research has focused on the role of CD4+ T helper 2 (TH2) cells in the pathogenesis of air pollution-induced asthma. However, much work in the past decade has uncovered an array of air pollution-induced non-TH2 immune mechanisms that contribute to allergic airway inflammation and disease. RECENT FINDINGS In this article, we review current research demonstrating the connection between common air pollutants and their downstream effects on non-TH2 immune responses emerging as key players in asthma, including PRRs, ILCs, and non-TH2 T cell subsets. We also discuss the proposed mechanisms by which air pollution increases immune-mediated asthma risk, including pre-existing genetic risk, epigenetic alterations in immune cells, and perturbation of the composition and function of the lung and gut microbiomes. Together, these studies reveal the multifaceted impacts of various air pollutants on innate and adaptive immune functions via genetic, epigenetic, and microbiome-based mechanisms that facilitate the induction and worsening of asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Tuazon
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - B Kilburg-Basnyat
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 27858, USA
| | - L M Oldfield
- Department of Synthetic Biology and Bioenergy, J. Craig Venter Institute, Rockville, MD, 20850, USA
- Department of Synthetic Genomics, Replay Holdings LLC, San Diego, 92121, USA
| | - R Wiscovitch-Russo
- Department of Synthetic Biology and Bioenergy, J. Craig Venter Institute, Rockville, MD, 20850, USA
| | - K Dunigan-Russell
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - A V Fedulov
- Division of Surgical Research, Department of Surgery, Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, 02903, USA
| | - K J Oestreich
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
- Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, The Ohio State University, The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - K M Gowdy
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.
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22
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Cortés-Mancera FM, Sarno F, Goubert D, Rots MG. Gene-Targeted DNA Methylation: Towards Long-Lasting Reprogramming of Gene Expression? ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 1389:515-533. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-11454-0_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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23
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Sallam M, Benotmane MA, Baatout S, Guns PJ, Aerts A. Radiation-induced cardiovascular disease: an overlooked role for DNA methylation? Epigenetics 2022; 17:59-80. [PMID: 33522387 PMCID: PMC8812767 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2021.1873628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Radiotherapy in cancer treatment involves the use of ionizing radiation for cancer cell killing. Although radiotherapy has shown significant improvements on cancer recurrence and mortality, several radiation-induced adverse effects have been documented. Of these adverse effects, radiation-induced cardiovascular disease (CVD) is particularly prominent among patients receiving mediastinal radiotherapy, such as breast cancer and Hodgkin's lymphoma patients. A number of mechanisms of radiation-induced CVD pathogenesis have been proposed such as endothelial inflammatory activation, premature endothelial senescence, increased ROS and mitochondrial dysfunction. However, current research seems to point to a so-far unexamined and potentially novel involvement of epigenetics in radiation-induced CVD pathogenesis. Firstly, epigenetic mechanisms have been implicated in CVD pathophysiology. In addition, several studies have shown that ionizing radiation can cause epigenetic modifications, especially DNA methylation alterations. As a result, this review aims to provide a summary of the current literature linking DNA methylation to radiation-induced CVD and thereby explore DNA methylation as a possible contributor to radiation-induced CVD pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magy Sallam
- Radiobiology Unit, Institute for Environment, Health and Safety, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN), Mol, Belgium
- Laboratory of Physiopharmacology, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Mohammed Abderrafi Benotmane
- Radiobiology Unit, Institute for Environment, Health and Safety, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN), Mol, Belgium
| | - Sarah Baatout
- Radiobiology Unit, Institute for Environment, Health and Safety, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN), Mol, Belgium
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Pieter-Jan Guns
- Laboratory of Physiopharmacology, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - An Aerts
- Radiobiology Unit, Institute for Environment, Health and Safety, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN), Mol, Belgium
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24
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Janowski M, Milewska M, Zare P, Pękowska A. Chromatin Alterations in Neurological Disorders and Strategies of (Epi)Genome Rescue. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:765. [PMID: 34451862 PMCID: PMC8399958 DOI: 10.3390/ph14080765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurological disorders (NDs) comprise a heterogeneous group of conditions that affect the function of the nervous system. Often incurable, NDs have profound and detrimental consequences on the affected individuals' lives. NDs have complex etiologies but commonly feature altered gene expression and dysfunctions of the essential chromatin-modifying factors. Hence, compounds that target DNA and histone modification pathways, the so-called epidrugs, constitute promising tools to treat NDs. Yet, targeting the entire epigenome might reveal insufficient to modify a chosen gene expression or even unnecessary and detrimental to the patients' health. New technologies hold a promise to expand the clinical toolkit in the fight against NDs. (Epi)genome engineering using designer nucleases, including CRISPR-Cas9 and TALENs, can potentially help restore the correct gene expression patterns by targeting a defined gene or pathway, both genetically and epigenetically, with minimal off-target activity. Here, we review the implication of epigenetic machinery in NDs. We outline syndromes caused by mutations in chromatin-modifying enzymes and discuss the functional consequences of mutations in regulatory DNA in NDs. We review the approaches that allow modifying the (epi)genome, including tools based on TALENs and CRISPR-Cas9 technologies, and we highlight how these new strategies could potentially change clinical practices in the treatment of NDs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Aleksandra Pękowska
- Dioscuri Centre for Chromatin Biology and Epigenomics, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pasteur Street, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland; (M.J.); (M.M.); (P.Z.)
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25
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Lowering DNA binding affinity of SssI DNA methyltransferase does not enhance the specificity of targeted DNA methylation in E. coli. Sci Rep 2021; 11:15226. [PMID: 34315949 PMCID: PMC8316445 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-94528-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Targeted DNA methylation is a technique that aims to methylate cytosines in selected genomic loci. In the most widely used approach a CG-specific DNA methyltransferase (MTase) is fused to a sequence specific DNA binding protein, which binds in the vicinity of the targeted CG site(s). Although the technique has high potential for studying the role of DNA methylation in higher eukaryotes, its usefulness is hampered by insufficient methylation specificity. One of the approaches proposed to suppress methylation at unwanted sites is to use MTase variants with reduced DNA binding affinity. In this work we investigated how methylation specificity of chimeric MTases containing variants of the CG-specific prokaryotic MTase M.SssI fused to zinc finger or dCas9 targeting domains is influenced by mutations affecting catalytic activity and/or DNA binding affinity of the MTase domain. Specificity of targeted DNA methylation was assayed in E. coli harboring a plasmid with the target site. Digestions of the isolated plasmids with methylation sensitive restriction enzymes revealed that specificity of targeted DNA methylation was dependent on the activity but not on the DNA binding affinity of the MTase. These results have implications for the design of strategies of targeted DNA methylation.
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Nakamura M, Ivec AE, Gao Y, Qi LS. Durable CRISPR-Based Epigenetic Silencing. BIODESIGN RESEARCH 2021; 2021:9815820. [PMID: 37849948 PMCID: PMC10521745 DOI: 10.34133/2021/9815820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Development of CRISPR-based epigenome editing tools is important for the study and engineering of biological behavior. Here, we describe the design of a reporter system for quantifying the ability of CRISPR epigenome editors to produce a stable gene repression. We characterize the dynamics of durable gene silencing and reactivation, as well as the induced epigenetic changes of this system. We report the creation of single-protein CRISPR constructs bearing combinations of three epigenetic editing domains, termed KAL, that can stably repress the gene expression. This system should allow for the development of novel epigenome editing tools which will be useful in a wide array of biological research and engineering applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alexis E. Ivec
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford, CA 94305USA
- Program in Human Biology, Stanford, CA 94305USA
| | - Yuchen Gao
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford, CA 94305USA
- Cancer Biology Program, Stanford, CA 94305USA
| | - Lei S. Qi
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford, CA 94305USA
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford, CA 94305USA
- ChEM-H Institute, Stanford, CA 94305USA
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Pacheco MB, Camilo V, Henrique R, Jerónimo C. Epigenetic Editing in Prostate Cancer: Challenges and Opportunities. Epigenetics 2021; 17:564-588. [PMID: 34130596 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2021.1939477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenome editing consists of fusing a predesigned DNA recognition unit to the catalytic domain of a chromatin modifying enzyme leading to the introduction or removal of an epigenetic mark at a specific locus. These platforms enabled the study of the mechanisms and roles of epigenetic changes in several research domains such as those addressing pathogenesis and progression of cancer. Despite the continued efforts required to overcome some limitations, which include specificity, off-target effects, efficacy, and longevity, these tools have been rapidly progressing and improving.Since prostate cancer is characterized by multiple genetic and epigenetic alterations that affect different signalling pathways, epigenetic editing constitutes a promising strategy to hamper cancer progression. Therefore, by modulating chromatin structure through epigenome editing, its conformation might be better understood and events that drive prostate carcinogenesis might be further unveiled.This review describes the different epigenome engineering tools, their mechanisms concerning gene's expression and regulation, highlighting the challenges and opportunities concerning prostate cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Brütt Pacheco
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center (GEBC CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) & Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, Porto, Portugal
| | - Vânia Camilo
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center (GEBC CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) & Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, Porto, Portugal
| | - Rui Henrique
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center (GEBC CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) & Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), R. DR. António Bernardino De Almeida, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, Porto, Portugal
| | - Carmen Jerónimo
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center (GEBC CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) & Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, Porto, Portugal
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Wolffgramm J, Buchmuller B, Palei S, Muñoz‐López Á, Kanne J, Janning P, Schweiger MR, Summerer D. Light-Activation of DNA-Methyltransferases. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021; 60:13507-13512. [PMID: 33826797 PMCID: PMC8251764 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202103945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
5-Methylcytosine (5mC), the central epigenetic mark of mammalian DNA, plays fundamental roles in chromatin regulation. 5mC is written onto genomes by DNA methyltransferases (DNMT), and perturbation of this process is an early event in carcinogenesis. However, studying 5mC functions is limited by the inability to control individual DNMTs with spatiotemporal resolution in vivo. We report light-control of DNMT catalysis by genetically encoding a photocaged cysteine as a catalytic residue. This enables translation of inactive DNMTs, their rapid activation by light-decaging, and subsequent monitoring of de novo DNA methylation. We provide insights into how cancer-related DNMT mutations alter de novo methylation in vivo, and demonstrate local and tuneable cytosine methylation by light-controlled DNMTs fused to a programmable transcription activator-like effector domain targeting pericentromeric satellite-3 DNA. We further study early events of transcriptome alterations upon DNMT-catalyzed cytosine methylation. Our study sets a basis to dissect the order and kinetics of diverse chromatin-associated events triggered by normal and aberrant DNA methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Wolffgramm
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical BiologyTU Dortmund UniversityOtto-Hahn Str. 4a44227DortmundGermany
| | - Benjamin Buchmuller
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical BiologyTU Dortmund UniversityOtto-Hahn Str. 4a44227DortmundGermany
| | - Shubhendu Palei
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical BiologyTU Dortmund UniversityOtto-Hahn Str. 4a44227DortmundGermany
| | - Álvaro Muñoz‐López
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical BiologyTU Dortmund UniversityOtto-Hahn Str. 4a44227DortmundGermany
| | - Julian Kanne
- Department of Epigenetics and Tumor Biology, Medical FacultyUniversity of CologneKerpener Str. 6250937KölnGermany
| | - Petra Janning
- Max-Planck-Institute for Molecular PhysiologyOtto-Hahn-Str. 1144227DortmundGermany
| | - Michal R. Schweiger
- Department of Epigenetics and Tumor Biology, Medical FacultyUniversity of CologneKerpener Str. 6250937KölnGermany
| | - Daniel Summerer
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical BiologyTU Dortmund UniversityOtto-Hahn Str. 4a44227DortmundGermany
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Wolffgramm J, Buchmuller B, Palei S, Muñoz‐López Á, Kanne J, Janning P, Schweiger MR, Summerer D. Light‐Activation of DNA‐Methyltransferases. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202103945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jan Wolffgramm
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Biology TU Dortmund University Otto-Hahn Str. 4a 44227 Dortmund Germany
| | - Benjamin Buchmuller
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Biology TU Dortmund University Otto-Hahn Str. 4a 44227 Dortmund Germany
| | - Shubhendu Palei
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Biology TU Dortmund University Otto-Hahn Str. 4a 44227 Dortmund Germany
| | - Álvaro Muñoz‐López
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Biology TU Dortmund University Otto-Hahn Str. 4a 44227 Dortmund Germany
| | - Julian Kanne
- Department of Epigenetics and Tumor Biology, Medical Faculty University of Cologne Kerpener Str. 62 50937 Köln Germany
| | - Petra Janning
- Max-Planck-Institute for Molecular Physiology Otto-Hahn-Str. 11 44227 Dortmund Germany
| | - Michal R. Schweiger
- Department of Epigenetics and Tumor Biology, Medical Faculty University of Cologne Kerpener Str. 62 50937 Köln Germany
| | - Daniel Summerer
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Biology TU Dortmund University Otto-Hahn Str. 4a 44227 Dortmund Germany
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Marx N, Dhiman H, Schmieder V, Freire CM, Nguyen LN, Klanert G, Borth N. Enhanced targeted DNA methylation of the CMV and endogenous promoters with dCas9-DNMT3A3L entails distinct subsequent histone modification changes in CHO cells. Metab Eng 2021; 66:268-282. [PMID: 33965614 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymben.2021.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
With the emergence of new CRISPR/dCas9 tools that enable site specific modulation of DNA methylation and histone modifications, more detailed investigations of the contribution of epigenetic regulation to the precise phenotype of cells in culture, including recombinant production subclones, is now possible. These also allow a wide range of applications in metabolic engineering once the impact of such epigenetic modifications on the chromatin state is available. In this study, enhanced DNA methylation tools were targeted to a recombinant viral promoter (CMV), an endogenous promoter that is silenced in its native state in CHO cells, but had been reactivated previously (β-galactoside α-2,6-sialyltransferase 1) and an active endogenous promoter (α-1,6-fucosyltransferase), respectively. Comparative ChIP-analysis of histone modifications revealed a general loss of active promoter histone marks and the acquisition of distinct repressive heterochromatin marks after targeted methylation. On the other hand, targeted demethylation resulted in autologous acquisition of active promoter histone marks and loss of repressive heterochromatin marks. These data suggest that DNA methylation directs the removal or deposition of specific histone marks associated with either active, poised or silenced chromatin. Moreover, we show that de novo methylation of the CMV promoter results in reduced transgene expression in CHO cells. Although targeted DNA methylation is not efficient, the transgene is repressed, thus offering an explanation for seemingly conflicting reports about the source of CMV promoter instability in CHO cells. Importantly, modulation of epigenetic marks enables to nudge the cell into a specific gene expression pattern or phenotype, which is stabilized in the cell by autologous addition of further epigenetic marks. Such engineering strategies have the added advantage of being reversible and potentially tunable to not only turn on or off a targeted gene, but also to achieve the setting of a desirable expression level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Marx
- BOKU University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria; Austrian Center for Industrial Biotechnology GmbH, Vienna, Austria
| | - Heena Dhiman
- BOKU University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria; Austrian Center for Industrial Biotechnology GmbH, Vienna, Austria
| | - Valerie Schmieder
- BOKU University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria; Austrian Center for Industrial Biotechnology GmbH, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Ly Ngoc Nguyen
- BOKU University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria; Austrian Center for Industrial Biotechnology GmbH, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gerald Klanert
- Austrian Center for Industrial Biotechnology GmbH, Vienna, Austria
| | - Nicole Borth
- BOKU University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria; Austrian Center for Industrial Biotechnology GmbH, Vienna, Austria.
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Vegfa promoter gene hypermethylation at HIF1α binding site is an early contributor to CKD progression after renal ischemia. Sci Rep 2021; 11:8769. [PMID: 33888767 PMCID: PMC8062449 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-88000-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic hypoxia is a major contributor to Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) after Acute Kidney Injury (AKI). However, the temporal relation between the acute insult and maladaptive renal response to hypoxia remains unclear. In this study, we analyzed the time-course of renal hemodynamics, oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis, as well as epigenetic modifications, with focus on HIF1α/VEGF signaling, in the AKI to CKD transition. Sham-operated, right nephrectomy (UNx), and UNx plus renal ischemia (IR + UNx) groups of rats were included and studied at 1, 2, 3, or 4 months. The IR + UNx group developed CKD characterized by progressive proteinuria, renal dysfunction, tubular proliferation, and fibrosis. At first month post-ischemia, there was a twofold significant increase in oxidative stress and reduction in global DNA methylation that was maintained throughout the study. Hif1α and Vegfa expression were depressed in the first and second-months post-ischemia, and then Hif1α but not Vegfa expression was recovered. Interestingly, hypermethylation of the Vegfa promoter gene at the HIF1α binding site was found, since early stages of the CKD progression. Our findings suggest that renal hypoperfusion, inefficient hypoxic response, increased oxidative stress, DNA hypomethylation, and, Vegfa promoter gene hypermethylation at HIF1α binding site, are early determinants of AKI-to-CKD transition.
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Muñoz‐López Á, Jung A, Buchmuller B, Wolffgramm J, Maurer S, Witte A, Summerer D. Engineered TALE Repeats for Enhanced Imaging-Based Analysis of Cellular 5-Methylcytosine. Chembiochem 2021; 22:645-651. [PMID: 32991020 PMCID: PMC7894354 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202000563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [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: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Transcription-activator-like effectors (TALEs) are repeat-based, programmable DNA-binding proteins that can be engineered to recognize sequences of canonical and epigenetically modified nucleobases. Fluorescent TALEs can be used for the imaging-based analysis of cellular 5-methylcytosine (5 mC) in repetitive DNA sequences. This is based on recording fluorescence ratios from cell co-stains with two TALEs: an analytical TALE targeting the cytosine (C) position of interest through a C-selective repeat that is blocked by 5 mC, and a control TALE targeting the position with a universal repeat that binds both C and 5 mC. To enhance this approach, we report herein the development of novel 5 mC-selective repeats and their integration into TALEs that can replace universal TALEs in imaging-based 5 mC analysis, resulting in a methylation-dependent response of both TALEs. We screened a library of size-reduced repeats and identified several 5 mC binders. Compared to the 5 mC-binding repeat of natural TALEs and to the universal repeat, two repeats containing aromatic residues showed enhancement of 5 mC binding and selectivity in cellular transcription activation and electromobility shift assays, respectively. In co-stains of cellular SATIII DNA with a corresponding C-selective TALE, this selectivity results in a positive methylation response of the new TALE, offering perspectives for studying 5 mC functions in chromatin regulation by in situ imaging with increased dynamic range.
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Affiliation(s)
- Álvaro Muñoz‐López
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical BiologyDortmund UniversityOtto-Hahn Strasse 644227DortmundGermany
| | - Anne Jung
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical BiologyDortmund UniversityOtto-Hahn Strasse 644227DortmundGermany
| | - Benjamin Buchmuller
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical BiologyDortmund UniversityOtto-Hahn Strasse 644227DortmundGermany
| | - Jan Wolffgramm
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical BiologyDortmund UniversityOtto-Hahn Strasse 644227DortmundGermany
| | - Sara Maurer
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical BiologyDortmund UniversityOtto-Hahn Strasse 644227DortmundGermany
| | - Anna Witte
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical BiologyDortmund UniversityOtto-Hahn Strasse 644227DortmundGermany
| | - Daniel Summerer
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical BiologyDortmund UniversityOtto-Hahn Strasse 644227DortmundGermany
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Broche J, Kungulovski G, Bashtrykov P, Rathert P, Jeltsch A. Genome-wide investigation of the dynamic changes of epigenome modifications after global DNA methylation editing. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:158-176. [PMID: 33300025 PMCID: PMC7797067 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa1169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Chromatin properties are regulated by complex networks of epigenome modifications. Currently, it is unclear how these modifications interact and if they control downstream effects such as gene expression. We employed promiscuous chromatin binding of a zinc finger fused catalytic domain of DNMT3A to introduce DNA methylation in HEK293 cells at many CpG islands (CGIs) and systematically investigated the dynamics of the introduced DNA methylation and the consequent changes of the epigenome network. We observed efficient methylation at thousands of CGIs, but it was unstable at about 90% of them, highlighting the power of genome-wide molecular processes that protect CGIs against DNA methylation. Partially stable methylation was observed at about 1000 CGIs, which showed enrichment in H3K27me3. Globally, the introduced DNA methylation strongly correlated with a decrease in gene expression indicating a direct effect. Similarly, global but transient reductions in H3K4me3 and H3K27ac were observed after DNA methylation but no changes were found for H3K9me3 and H3K36me3. Our data provide a global and time-resolved view on the network of epigenome modifications, their connections with DNA methylation and the responses triggered by artificial DNA methylation revealing a direct repressive effect of DNA methylation in CGIs on H3K4me3, histone acetylation, and gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Broche
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biochemistry and Technical Biochemistry, University of Stuttgart, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Goran Kungulovski
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biochemistry and Technical Biochemistry, University of Stuttgart, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Pavel Bashtrykov
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biochemistry and Technical Biochemistry, University of Stuttgart, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Philipp Rathert
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biochemistry and Technical Biochemistry, University of Stuttgart, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Albert Jeltsch
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biochemistry and Technical Biochemistry, University of Stuttgart, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
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Van MV, Fujimori T, Bintu L. Nanobody-mediated control of gene expression and epigenetic memory. Nat Commun 2021; 12:537. [PMID: 33483487 PMCID: PMC7822885 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-20757-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Targeting chromatin regulators to specific genomic locations for gene control is emerging as a powerful method in basic research and synthetic biology. However, many chromatin regulators are large, making them difficult to deliver and combine in mammalian cells. Here, we develop a strategy for gene control using small nanobodies that bind and recruit endogenous chromatin regulators to a gene. We show that an antiGFP nanobody can be used to simultaneously visualize GFP-tagged chromatin regulators and control gene expression, and that nanobodies against HP1 and DNMT1 can silence a reporter gene. Moreover, combining nanobodies together or with other regulators, such as DNMT3A or KRAB, can enhance silencing speed and epigenetic memory. Finally, we use the slow silencing speed and high memory of antiDNMT1 to build a signal duration timer and recorder. These results set the basis for using nanobodies against chromatin regulators for controlling gene expression and epigenetic memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mike V Van
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Taihei Fujimori
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Lacramioara Bintu
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
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Sgro A, Blancafort P. Epigenome engineering: new technologies for precision medicine. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 48:12453-12482. [PMID: 33196851 PMCID: PMC7736826 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa1000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 10/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Chromatin adopts different configurations that are regulated by reversible covalent modifications, referred to as epigenetic marks. Epigenetic inhibitors have been approved for clinical use to restore epigenetic aberrations that result in silencing of tumor-suppressor genes, oncogene addictions, and enhancement of immune responses. However, these drugs suffer from major limitations, such as a lack of locus selectivity and potential toxicities. Technological advances have opened a new era of precision molecular medicine to reprogram cellular physiology. The locus-specificity of CRISPR/dCas9/12a to manipulate the epigenome is rapidly becoming a highly promising strategy for personalized medicine. This review focuses on new state-of-the-art epigenome editing approaches to modify the epigenome of neoplasms and other disease models towards a more 'normal-like state', having characteristics of normal tissue counterparts. We highlight biomolecular engineering methodologies to assemble, regulate, and deliver multiple epigenetic effectors that maximize the longevity of the therapeutic effect, and we discuss limitations of the platforms such as targeting efficiency and intracellular delivery for future clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agustin Sgro
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, The Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Nedlands, Western Australia 6009, Australia.,School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Perth, Western Australia 6009, Australia
| | - Pilar Blancafort
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, The Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Nedlands, Western Australia 6009, Australia.,School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Perth, Western Australia 6009, Australia.,The Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
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Klerk DH, Plösch T, Verkaik-Schakel RN, Hulscher JBF, Kooi EMW, Bos AF. DNA Methylation of TLR4, VEGFA, and DEFA5 Is Associated With Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Preterm Infants. Front Pediatr 2021; 9:630817. [PMID: 33748044 PMCID: PMC7969816 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2021.630817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Epigenetic changes, such as DNA methylation, may contribute to an increased susceptibility for developing necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in preterm infants. We assessed DNA methylation in five NEC-associated genes, selected from literature: EPO, VEGFA, ENOS, DEFA5, and TLR4 in infants with NEC and controls. Methods: Observational cohort study including 24 preterm infants who developed NEC (≥Bell Stage IIA) and 45 matched controls. DNA was isolated from stool samples and methylation measured using pyrosequencing. We investigated differences in methylation prior to NEC compared with controls. Next, in NEC infants, we investigated methylation patterns long before, a short time before NEC onset, and after NEC. Results: Prior to NEC, only TLR4 CpG 2 methylation was increased in NEC infants (median = 75.4%, IQR = 71.3-83.8%) versus controls (median = 69.0%, IQR = 64.5-77.4%, p = 0.025). In NEC infants, VEGFA CpG 3 methylation was 0.8% long before NEC, increasing to 1.8% a short time before NEC and 2.0% after NEC (p = 0.011; p = 0.021, respectively). A similar pattern was found in DEFA5 CpG 1, which increased from 75.4 to 81.4% and remained 85.3% (p = 0.027; p = 0.019, respectively). These changes were not present for EPO, ENOS, and TLR4. Conclusion: Epigenetic changes of TLR4, VEGFA, and DEFA5 are present in NEC infants and can differ in relation to the time of NEC onset. Differences in DNA methylation of TLR4, VEGFA, and DEFA5 may influence gene expression and increase the risk for developing NEC. This study also demonstrates the use of human DNA extraction from stool samples as a novel non-invasive method for exploring the bowel of preterm infants and which can also be used for necrotizing enterocolitis patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daphne H Klerk
- Division of Neonatology, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Torsten Plösch
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Rikst Nynke Verkaik-Schakel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Jan B F Hulscher
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Elisabeth M W Kooi
- Division of Neonatology, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Arend F Bos
- Division of Neonatology, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
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Kondrashov A, Karpova E. Notes on Functional Modules in the Assembly of CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated Epigenetic Modifiers. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2198:401-428. [PMID: 32822047 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-0876-0_30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
CRISPR/cas9 is a popular tool, widely used today for genome editing. However, the modular organization of this tool allows it to be used not only for DNA modifications but also for introducing epigenetic modifications both in DNA (methylation/demethylation) and in histones (acetylation/deacetylation). In these notes we will concentrate on the ways to adapt the CRISPR/cas9 system for epigenetic DNA modification of specific regions of interest. The modular organization represents a universal principal, that allows to create infinite number of functions with a limited number of tools. CRISPR/cas9, in which each subunit can be adapted for a particular task, is an excellent example of this rule. Made of two main subunits, it can be modified for targeted delivery of foreign activity (effector, an epigenetic enzyme in our case) to a selected part of the genome. In doing this the CRISPR/cas9 system represents a unique method that allows the introduction of both genomic and epigenetic modifications. This chapter gives a detailed review of how to prepare DNA for the fully functional CRISPR/cas9 system, able to introduce required modifications in the region of interest. We will discuss specific requirements for each structural component of the system as well as for auxiliary elements (modules), which are needed to ensure efficient expression of the elements of the system within the cell and the needs of selection and visualization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Kondrashov
- Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, Nottingham, UK.
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Chen M, Zhu H, Mao YJ, Cao N, Yu YL, Li LY, Zhao Q, Wu M, Ye M. Regulation of IL12B Expression in Human Macrophages by TALEN-mediated Epigenome Editing. Curr Med Sci 2020; 40:900-909. [PMID: 33123904 DOI: 10.1007/s11596-020-2249-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2019] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Although the exact etiology of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) remains unclear, exaggerated immune response in genetically predisposed individuals has been reported. Th1 and Th17 cells mediate IBD development. Macrophages produce IL-12 and IL-23 that share p40 subunit encoded by IL12B gene as heteromer partner to drive Th1 and Th17 differentiation. The available animal and human data strongly support the pathogenic role of IL-12/IL-23 in IBD development and suggest that blocking p40 might be the potential strategy for IBD treatment. Furthermore, aberrant alteration of some cytokines expression via epigenetic mechanisms is involved in pathogenesis of IBD. In this study, we analyzed core promoter region of IL12B gene and investigated whether IL12B expression could be regulated through targeted epigenetic modification with gene editing technology. Transcription activator-like effectors (TALEs) are widely used in the field of genome editing and can specifically target DNA sequence in the host genome. We synthesized the TALE DNA-binding domains that target the promoter of human IL12B gene and fused it with the functional catalytic domains of epigenetic enzymes. Transient expression of these engineered enzymes demonstrated that the TALE-DNMT3A targeted the selected IL12B promoter region, induced loci-specific DNA methylation, and down-regulated IL-12B expression in various human cell lines. Collectively, our data suggested that epigenetic editing of IL12B through methylating DNA on its promoter might be developed as a potential therapeutic strategy for IBD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China.,Hubei Clinical Center and Key Lab of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Hua Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China.,Hubei Clinical Center and Key Lab of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Yu-Juan Mao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China.,Hubei Clinical Center and Key Lab of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Nan Cao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China.,Hubei Clinical Center and Key Lab of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Ya-Li Yu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China.,Hubei Clinical Center and Key Lab of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Lian-Yun Li
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Qiu Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China.,Hubei Clinical Center and Key Lab of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Min Wu
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Mei Ye
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China.
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Abstract
Over a thousand diseases are caused by mutations that alter gene expression levels. The potential of nuclease-deficient zinc fingers, TALEs or CRISPR fusion systems to treat these diseases by modulating gene expression has recently emerged. These systems can be applied to modify the activity of gene-regulatory elements - promoters, enhancers, silencers and insulators, subsequently changing their target gene expression levels to achieve therapeutic benefits - an approach termed cis-regulation therapy (CRT). Here, we review emerging CRT technologies and assess their therapeutic potential for treating a wide range of diseases caused by abnormal gene dosage. The challenges facing the translation of CRT into the clinic are discussed.
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40
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Li Y, Luo Q, Li Z, Wang Y, Zhu C, Li T, Li X. Long Non-coding RNA IRAIN Inhibits VEGFA Expression via Enhancing Its DNA Methylation Leading to Tumor Suppression in Renal Carcinoma. Front Oncol 2020; 10:1082. [PMID: 32983957 PMCID: PMC7492562 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.01082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Aims: Long non-coding RNA IRAIN (lncRNA IRAIN) plays a critical role in numerous malignancies. However, the function of lncRNA IRAIN in renal carcinoma (RC) remains enigmatic. The purpose of this study is to characterize the effects of lncRNA IRAIN on RC progression. Methods: The expression pattern of lncRNA IRAIN and the vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) in RC tissues and cells was characterized by RT-qPCR and Western blot analysis. The roles of lncRNA IRAIN and VEGFA in the progression of RC were studied by gain- or loss-of-function experiments. Bioinformatics data analysis was used to predict CpG islands in the VEGFA promoter region. MSP was applied to detect the level of DNA methylation in RC cells. The interaction between lncRNA IRAIN and VEGFA was identified by RNA immunoprecipitation and RNA-protein pull down assays. Recruitment of DNA methyltransferases (Dnmt) to the VEGFA promoter region was achieved by chromatin immunoprecipitation. The subcellular localization of lncRNA IRAIN was detected by fractionation of nuclear and cytoplasmic RNA. Cell viability was investigated by CCK-8 assay, cell migration was tested by transwell migration assay, and apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry. The expression of epithelial–mesenchymal transition-related and apoptotic factors was evaluated by Western blot analysis. Finally, the effect of the lncRNA IRAIN/VEGFA axis was confirmed in an in vivo tumor xenograft model. Results: LncRNA IRAIN was poorly expressed in RC tissues and cells with a primary localization in the nucleus, while VEGFA was highly expressed. Overexpression of lncRNA IRAIN or knockdown of VEGFA inhibited cell proliferation and migration and induced the apoptosis of RC cells. Bioinformatics analysis indicated the presence of CpG islands in the VEGFA promoter region. Lack of methylation at specific sites in the VEGFA promoter region was detected through MSP assay. We found that lncRNA IRAIN was able to inhibit VEGFA expression through recruitment of Dnmt1, Dnmt3a, and Dnmt3b to the VEGFA promoter region. LncRNA IRAIN was also able to suppress RC tumor growth via repression of VEGFA in an in vivo mouse xenograft model. Conclusion: Our data shows that by downregulating VEGFA expression in RC, the lncRNA IRAIN has tumor-suppressive potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Li
- Department of Urinary Surgery, Huaihe Hospital, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Qingyang Luo
- Department of Urinary Surgery, Huaihe Hospital, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Zun Li
- Department of Urinary Surgery, Huaihe Hospital, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Yun Wang
- Department of Urinary Surgery, Huaihe Hospital, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Chaoyang Zhu
- Department of Urinary Surgery, Huaihe Hospital, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Tieqiang Li
- Department of Urinary Surgery, Huaihe Hospital, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Xiaodong Li
- Department of Urinary Surgery, Huaihe Hospital, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
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41
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CRISPR-mediated promoter de/methylation technologies for gene regulation. Arch Pharm Res 2020; 43:705-713. [PMID: 32725389 DOI: 10.1007/s12272-020-01257-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
DNA methylation on cytosines of CpG dinucleotides is well established as a basis of epigenetic regulation in mammalian cells. Since aberrant regulation of DNA methylation in promoters of tumor suppressor genes or proto-oncogenes may contribute to the initiation and progression of various types of human cancer, sequence-specific methylation and demethylation technologies could have great clinical benefit. The CRISPR-Cas9 protein with a guide RNA can target DNA sequences regardless of the methylation status of the target site, making this system superb for precise methylation editing and gene regulation. Targeted methylation-editing technologies employing the dCas9 fusion proteins have been shown to be highly effective in gene regulation without altering the DNA sequence. In this review, we discuss epigenetic alterations in tumorigenesis as well as various dCas9 fusion technologies and their usages in site-specific methylation editing and gene regulation.
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Topart C, Werner E, Arimondo PB. Wandering along the epigenetic timeline. Clin Epigenetics 2020; 12:97. [PMID: 32616071 PMCID: PMC7330981 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-020-00893-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increasing life expectancy but also healthspan seems inaccessible as of yet but it may become a reality in the foreseeable future. To extend lifespan, it is essential to unveil molecular mechanisms involved in ageing. As for healthspan, a better understanding of the mechanisms involved in age-related pathologies is crucial. MAIN BODY We focus on the epigenetic side of ageing as ageing is traced by specific epigenetic patterns and can be measured by epigenetic clocks. We discuss to what extent exposure to environmental factor, such as alcohol use, unhealthy diet, tobacco and stress, promotes age-related conditions. We focused on inflammation, cancer and Alzheimer's disease. Finally, we discuss strategies to reverse time based on epigenetic reprogramming. CONCLUSIONS Reversibility of the epigenetic marks makes them promising targets for rejuvenation. For this purpose, a better understanding of the epigenetic mechanisms underlying ageing is essential. Epigenetic clocks were successfully designed to monitor these mechanisms and the influence of environmental factors. Further studies on age-related diseases should be conducted to determine their epigenetic signature, but also to pinpoint the defect in the epigenetic machinery and thereby identify potential therapeutic targets. As for rejuvenation, epigenetic reprogramming is still at an early stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clémence Topart
- Department of Chemistry, Ecole Normale Supérieure, 24 rue Lhomond, 75005, Paris, France
- PSL Research University, 60 Rue Mazarine, 75006, Paris, France
| | - Emilie Werner
- Department of Chemistry, Ecole Normale Supérieure, 24 rue Lhomond, 75005, Paris, France
- PSL Research University, 60 Rue Mazarine, 75006, Paris, France
| | - Paola B Arimondo
- EpiCBio, Epigenetic Chemical Biology, Department Structural Biology and Chemistry, Institut Pasteur, CNRS UMR n°3523, 28 rue du Dr Roux, 75015, Paris, France.
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43
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Gallego-Bartolomé J. DNA methylation in plants: mechanisms and tools for targeted manipulation. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2020; 227:38-44. [PMID: 32159848 DOI: 10.1111/nph.16529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
DNA methylation is an epigenetic mark that regulates multiple processes, such as gene expression and genome stability. Mutants and pharmacological treatments have been instrumental in the study of this mark in plants, although their genome-wide effect complicates the direct association between changes in methylation and a particular phenotype. A variety of tools that allow locus-specific manipulation of DNA methylation can be used to assess its direct role in specific processes, as well as to create novel epialleles. Recently, new tools that recruit the methylation machinery directly to target loci through programmable DNA-binding proteins have expanded the tool kit available to researchers. This review provides an overview of DNA methylation in plants and discusses the tools that have recently been developed for its manipulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Gallego-Bartolomé
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas (IBMCP), CSIC-Universidad Politécnica de Valencia, 46011, Valencia, Spain
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44
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Gorenjak V, Vance DR, Dade S, Stathopoulou MG, Doherty L, Xie T, Murray H, Masson C, Lamont J, Fitzgerald P, Visvikis-Siest S. Epigenome-wide association study in healthy individuals identifies significant associations with DNA methylation and PBMC extract VEGF-A concentration. Clin Epigenetics 2020; 12:79. [PMID: 32503626 PMCID: PMC7273671 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-020-00874-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) is a chemokine that induces proliferation and migration of vascular endothelial cells and is essential for both physiological and pathological angiogenesis. It is known for its high heritability (> 60%) and involvement in most common morbidities, which makes it a potentially interesting biomarker. Large GWAS studies have already assessed polymorphisms related to VEGF-A. However, no previous research has provided epigenome-wide insight in regulation of VEGF-A. METHODS VEGF-A concentrations of healthy participants from the STANISLAS Family Study (n = 201) were comprehensively assessed for association with DNA methylation. Genome-wide DNA methylation profiles were determined in whole blood DNA using the 450K Infinium BeadChip Array (Illumina). VEGF-A concentration in PBMC extracts was detected using a high-sensitivity multiplex Cytokine Array (Randox Laboratories, UK). RESULTS Epigenome-wide association analysis identified 41 methylation sites significantly associated with VEGF-A concentrations derived from PBMC extracts. Twenty CpG sites within 13 chromosomes reached Holm-Bonferroni significance. Significant values ranged from P = 1.08 × 10-7 to P = 5.64 × 10-15. CONCLUSION This study exposed twenty significant CpG sites linking DNA methylation to VEGF-A concentration. Methylation detected in promoter regions, such as TPX2 and HAS-1, could explain previously reported associations with the VEGFA gene. Methylation may also help in the understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of other genes located in the vicinity of detected CpG sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vesna Gorenjak
- IGE-PCV, Inserm, Université de Lorraine, F-54000, Nancy, France
| | - Dwaine R Vance
- Randox Laboratories Limited, Crumlin, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Sébastien Dade
- IGE-PCV, Inserm, Université de Lorraine, F-54000, Nancy, France
| | | | - Lauren Doherty
- Randox Laboratories Limited, Crumlin, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Ting Xie
- IGE-PCV, Inserm, Université de Lorraine, F-54000, Nancy, France
| | - Helena Murray
- Randox Laboratories Limited, Crumlin, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland, UK
| | | | - John Lamont
- Randox Laboratories Limited, Crumlin, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Peter Fitzgerald
- Randox Laboratories Limited, Crumlin, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Sophie Visvikis-Siest
- IGE-PCV, Inserm, Université de Lorraine, F-54000, Nancy, France.
- Department of Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, CHU Technopôle Nancy-Brabois, Rue du Morvan, F-54511, Vandoeuvre-lès-, Nancy, France.
- INSERM UMR U1122, IGE-PCV, Faculté de Pharmacie-Université de Lorraine, 30 rue Lionnois, 54000, Nancy, France.
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45
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Harnessing targeted DNA methylation and demethylation using dCas9. Essays Biochem 2020; 63:813-825. [PMID: 31724704 DOI: 10.1042/ebc20190029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Revised: 10/23/2019] [Accepted: 10/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
DNA methylation is an essential DNA modification that plays a crucial role in genome regulation during differentiation and development, and is disrupted in a range of disease states. The recent development of CRISPR/catalytically dead CRISPR/Cas9 (dCas9)-based targeted DNA methylation editing tools has enabled new insights into the roles and functional relevance of this modification, including its importance at regulatory regions and the role of aberrant methylation in various diseases. However, while these tools are advancing our ability to understand and manipulate this regulatory layer of the genome, they still possess a variety of limitations in efficacy, implementation, and targeting specificity. Effective targeted DNA methylation editing will continue to advance our fundamental understanding of the role of this modification in different genomic and cellular contexts, and further improvements may enable more accurate disease modeling and possible future treatments. In this review, we discuss strategies, considerations, and future directions for targeted DNA methylation editing.
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46
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Muñoz‐López Á, Buchmuller B, Wolffgramm J, Jung A, Hussong M, Kanne J, Schweiger MR, Summerer D. Designer Receptors for Nucleotide‐Resolution Analysis of Genomic 5‐Methylcytosine by Cellular Imaging. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202001935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Álvaro Muñoz‐López
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Biology TU Dortmund University Otto-Hahn Str. 6 44227 Dortmund Germany
- International Max Planck Research School Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology Otto-Hahn Str. 10 44227 Dortmund Germany
| | - Benjamin Buchmuller
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Biology TU Dortmund University Otto-Hahn Str. 6 44227 Dortmund Germany
- International Max Planck Research School Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology Otto-Hahn Str. 10 44227 Dortmund Germany
| | - Jan Wolffgramm
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Biology TU Dortmund University Otto-Hahn Str. 6 44227 Dortmund Germany
| | - Anne Jung
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Biology TU Dortmund University Otto-Hahn Str. 6 44227 Dortmund Germany
| | - Michelle Hussong
- Department of Epigenetics and Tumor Biology, Medical Faculty University of Cologne Kerpener Str. 62 50937 Köln Germany
| | - Julian Kanne
- Department of Epigenetics and Tumor Biology, Medical Faculty University of Cologne Kerpener Str. 62 50937 Köln Germany
| | - Michal R. Schweiger
- Department of Epigenetics and Tumor Biology, Medical Faculty University of Cologne Kerpener Str. 62 50937 Köln Germany
| | - Daniel Summerer
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Biology TU Dortmund University Otto-Hahn Str. 6 44227 Dortmund Germany
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47
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Gjaltema RAF, Goubert D, Huisman C, del Pilar García Tobilla C, Koncz M, Jellema PG, Wu D, Brouwer U, Kiss A, Verschure PJ, Bank RA, Rots MG. KRAB-Induced Heterochromatin Effectively Silences PLOD2 Gene Expression in Somatic Cells and is Resilient to TGFβ1 Activation. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21103634. [PMID: 32455614 PMCID: PMC7279273 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21103634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Revised: 05/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic editing, an emerging technique used for the modulation of gene expression in mammalian cells, is a promising strategy to correct disease-related gene expression. Although epigenetic reprogramming results in sustained transcriptional modulation in several in vivo models, further studies are needed to develop this approach into a straightforward technology for effective and specific interventions. Important goals of current research efforts are understanding the context-dependency of successful epigenetic editing and finding the most effective epigenetic effector(s) for specific tasks. Here we tested whether the fibrosis- and cancer-associated PLOD2 gene can be repressed by the DNA methyltransferase M.SssI, or by the non-catalytic Krüppel associated box (KRAB) repressor directed to the PLOD2 promoter via zinc finger- or CRISPR-dCas9-mediated targeting. M.SssI fusions induced de novo DNA methylation, changed histone modifications in a context-dependent manner, and led to 50%–70% reduction in PLOD2 expression in fibrotic fibroblasts and in MDA-MB-231 cancer cells. Targeting KRAB to PLOD2 resulted in the deposition of repressive histone modifications without DNA methylation and in almost complete PLOD2 silencing. Interestingly, both long-term TGFβ1-induced, as well as unstimulated PLOD2 expression, was completely repressed by KRAB, while M.SssI only prevented the TGFβ1-induced PLOD2 expression. Targeting transiently expressed dCas9-KRAB resulted in sustained PLOD2 repression in HEK293T and MCF-7 cells. Together, these findings point to KRAB outperforming DNA methylation as a small potent targeting epigenetic effector for silencing TGFβ1-induced and uninduced PLOD2 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rutger A. F. Gjaltema
- Epigenetic Editing Laboratory, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1 EA11, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands; (R.A.F.G.); (D.G.); (C.H.); (C.d.P.G.T.); (P.G.J.); (D.W.); (U.B.)
- MATRIX Research Group, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands;
| | - Désirée Goubert
- Epigenetic Editing Laboratory, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1 EA11, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands; (R.A.F.G.); (D.G.); (C.H.); (C.d.P.G.T.); (P.G.J.); (D.W.); (U.B.)
| | - Christian Huisman
- Epigenetic Editing Laboratory, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1 EA11, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands; (R.A.F.G.); (D.G.); (C.H.); (C.d.P.G.T.); (P.G.J.); (D.W.); (U.B.)
| | - Consuelo del Pilar García Tobilla
- Epigenetic Editing Laboratory, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1 EA11, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands; (R.A.F.G.); (D.G.); (C.H.); (C.d.P.G.T.); (P.G.J.); (D.W.); (U.B.)
| | - Mihály Koncz
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary; (M.K.); (A.K.)
- Doctoral School of Biology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Pytrick G. Jellema
- Epigenetic Editing Laboratory, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1 EA11, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands; (R.A.F.G.); (D.G.); (C.H.); (C.d.P.G.T.); (P.G.J.); (D.W.); (U.B.)
- MATRIX Research Group, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands;
| | - Dandan Wu
- Epigenetic Editing Laboratory, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1 EA11, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands; (R.A.F.G.); (D.G.); (C.H.); (C.d.P.G.T.); (P.G.J.); (D.W.); (U.B.)
| | - Uilke Brouwer
- Epigenetic Editing Laboratory, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1 EA11, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands; (R.A.F.G.); (D.G.); (C.H.); (C.d.P.G.T.); (P.G.J.); (D.W.); (U.B.)
- MATRIX Research Group, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands;
| | - Antal Kiss
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary; (M.K.); (A.K.)
| | - Pernette J. Verschure
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Ruud A. Bank
- MATRIX Research Group, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands;
| | - Marianne G. Rots
- Epigenetic Editing Laboratory, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1 EA11, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands; (R.A.F.G.); (D.G.); (C.H.); (C.d.P.G.T.); (P.G.J.); (D.W.); (U.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +31-50-3610153
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Hirakawa M, Krishnakumar R, Timlin J, Carney J, Butler K. Gene editing and CRISPR in the clinic: current and future perspectives. Biosci Rep 2020; 40:BSR20200127. [PMID: 32207531 PMCID: PMC7146048 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20200127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Genome editing technologies, particularly those based on zinc-finger nucleases (ZFNs), transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs), and CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat DNA sequences)/Cas9 are rapidly progressing into clinical trials. Most clinical use of CRISPR to date has focused on ex vivo gene editing of cells followed by their re-introduction back into the patient. The ex vivo editing approach is highly effective for many disease states, including cancers and sickle cell disease, but ideally genome editing would also be applied to diseases which require cell modification in vivo. However, in vivo use of CRISPR technologies can be confounded by problems such as off-target editing, inefficient or off-target delivery, and stimulation of counterproductive immune responses. Current research addressing these issues may provide new opportunities for use of CRISPR in the clinical space. In this review, we examine the current status and scientific basis of clinical trials featuring ZFNs, TALENs, and CRISPR-based genome editing, the known limitations of CRISPR use in humans, and the rapidly developing CRISPR engineering space that should lay the groundwork for further translation to clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Raga Krishnakumar
- Systems Biology, Sandia National Laboratories, Livermore, CA 94551, U.S.A
| | - Jerilyn A. Timlin
- Molecular and Microbiology, Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, NM 87185, U.S.A
| | - James P. Carney
- Advanced Materials Laboratory, Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, NM 87185, U.S.A
| | - Kimberly S. Butler
- Molecular and Microbiology, Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, NM 87185, U.S.A
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49
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Muñoz-López Á, Buchmuller B, Wolffgramm J, Jung A, Hussong M, Kanne J, Schweiger MR, Summerer D. Designer Receptors for Nucleotide-Resolution Analysis of Genomic 5-Methylcytosine by Cellular Imaging. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2020; 59:8927-8931. [PMID: 32167219 PMCID: PMC7318601 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202001935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
We report programmable receptors for the imaging‐based analysis of 5‐methylcytosine (5mC) in user‐defined DNA sequences of single cells. Using fluorescent transcription‐activator‐like effectors (TALEs) that can recognize sequences of canonical and epigenetic nucleobases through selective repeats, we imaged cellular SATIII DNA, the origin of nuclear stress bodies (nSB). We achieve high nucleobase selectivity of natural repeats in imaging and demonstrate universal nucleobase binding by an engineered repeat. We use TALE pairs differing in only one such repeat in co‐stains to detect 5mC in SATIII sequences with nucleotide resolution independently of differences in target accessibility. Further, we directly correlate the presence of heat shock factor 1 with 5mC at its recognition sequence, revealing a potential function of 5mC in its recruitment as initial step of nSB formation. This opens a new avenue for studying 5mC functions in chromatin regulation in situ with nucleotide, locus, and cell resolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Álvaro Muñoz-López
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, TU Dortmund University, Otto-Hahn Str. 6, 44227, Dortmund, Germany.,International Max Planck Research School, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, Otto-Hahn Str. 10, 44227, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Benjamin Buchmuller
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, TU Dortmund University, Otto-Hahn Str. 6, 44227, Dortmund, Germany.,International Max Planck Research School, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, Otto-Hahn Str. 10, 44227, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Jan Wolffgramm
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, TU Dortmund University, Otto-Hahn Str. 6, 44227, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Anne Jung
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, TU Dortmund University, Otto-Hahn Str. 6, 44227, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Michelle Hussong
- Department of Epigenetics and Tumor Biology, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937, Köln, Germany
| | - Julian Kanne
- Department of Epigenetics and Tumor Biology, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937, Köln, Germany
| | - Michal R Schweiger
- Department of Epigenetics and Tumor Biology, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937, Köln, Germany
| | - Daniel Summerer
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, TU Dortmund University, Otto-Hahn Str. 6, 44227, Dortmund, Germany
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Lu Z, Liu Z, Mao W, Wang X, Zheng X, Chen S, Cao B, Huang S, Zhang X, Zhou T, Zhang Y, Huang X, Sun Q, Li JD. Locus-specific DNA methylation of Mecp2 promoter leads to autism-like phenotypes in mice. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:85. [PMID: 32015323 PMCID: PMC6997184 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-2290-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Revised: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disease with a strong heritability, but recent evidence suggests that epigenetic dysregulation may also contribute to the pathogenesis of ASD. Especially, increased methylation at the MECP2 promoter and decreased MECP2 expression were observed in the brains of ASD patients. However, the causative relationship of MECP2 promoter methylation and ASD has not been established. In this study, we achieved locus-specific methylation at the transcription start site (TSS) of Mecp2 in Neuro-2a cells and in mice, using nuclease-deactivated Cas9 (dCas9) fused with DNA methyltransferase catalytic domains, together with five locus-targeting sgRNAs. This locus-specific epigenetic modification led to a reduced Mecp2 expression and a series of behavioral alterations in mice, including reduced social interaction, increased grooming, enhanced anxiety/depression, and poor performance in memory tasks. We further found that specifically increasing the Mecp2 promoter methylation in the hippocampus was sufficient to induce most of the behavioral changes. Our finding therefore demonstrated for the first time the casual relationship between locus-specific DNA methylation and diseases symptoms in vivo, warranting potential therapeutic application of epigenetic editing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongyang Lu
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 100 Haike Rd., Pudong New Area, Shanghai, 201210, China.,CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China
| | - Zhen Liu
- Institute of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, CAS, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Wei Mao
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, 110 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410078, China
| | - Xinying Wang
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, 110 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410078, China
| | - Xiaoguo Zheng
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 100 Haike Rd., Pudong New Area, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Shanshan Chen
- Institute of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, CAS, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Beibei Cao
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, 110 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410078, China
| | - Shisheng Huang
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 100 Haike Rd., Pudong New Area, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Xuliang Zhang
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 100 Haike Rd., Pudong New Area, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Tao Zhou
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 100 Haike Rd., Pudong New Area, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 100 Haike Rd., Pudong New Area, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Xingxu Huang
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 100 Haike Rd., Pudong New Area, Shanghai, 201210, China. .,CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China.
| | - Qiang Sun
- Institute of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, CAS, Shanghai, 200031, China.
| | - Jia-Da Li
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, 110 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410078, China.
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