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Izadi M, Sadri N, Abdi A, Serajian S, Jalalei D, Tahmasebi S. Epigenetic biomarkers in aging and longevity: Current and future application. Life Sci 2024; 351:122842. [PMID: 38879158 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
The aging process has been one of the most necessary research fields in the current century, and knowing different theories of aging and the role of different genetic, epigenetic, molecular, and environmental modulating factors in increasing the knowledge of aging mechanisms and developing appropriate diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive ways would be helpful. One of the most conserved signs of aging is epigenetic changes, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, chromatin remodeling, noncoding RNAs, and extracellular RNAs. Numerous biological processes and hallmarks are vital in aging development, but epigenomic alterations are especially notable because of their importance in gene regulation and cellular identity. The mounting evidence points to a possible interaction between age-related epigenomic alterations and other aging hallmarks, like genome instability. To extend a healthy lifespan and possibly reverse some facets of aging and aging-related diseases, it will be crucial to comprehend global and locus-specific epigenomic modifications and recognize corresponding regulators of health and longevity. In the current study, we will aim to discuss the role of epigenomic mechanisms in aging and the most recent developments in epigenetic diagnostic biomarkers, which have the potential to focus efforts on reversing the destructive signs of aging and extending the lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehran Izadi
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Synapse Laboratory Diagnostic Technologies Accelerator, Tehran, Iran; Department of Research & Technology, Zeenome Longevity Research Institute, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nariman Sadri
- Synapse Laboratory Diagnostic Technologies Accelerator, Tehran, Iran; Department of Research & Technology, Zeenome Longevity Research Institute, Tehran, Iran; School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Abdi
- Synapse Laboratory Diagnostic Technologies Accelerator, Tehran, Iran; Department of Research & Technology, Zeenome Longevity Research Institute, Tehran, Iran; Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sahar Serajian
- Synapse Laboratory Diagnostic Technologies Accelerator, Tehran, Iran; Department of Research & Technology, Zeenome Longevity Research Institute, Tehran, Iran; Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Dorsa Jalalei
- Synapse Laboratory Diagnostic Technologies Accelerator, Tehran, Iran; Department of Research & Technology, Zeenome Longevity Research Institute, Tehran, Iran; School of Pharmacy, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Safa Tahmasebi
- Synapse Laboratory Diagnostic Technologies Accelerator, Tehran, Iran; Department of Research & Technology, Zeenome Longevity Research Institute, Tehran, Iran; Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Gabriel GC, Yagi H, Tan T, Bais AS, Glennon BJ, Stapleton MC, Huang L, Reynolds WT, Shaffer MG, Ganapathiraju M, Simon D, Panigrahy A, Wu YL, Lo CW. Mitotic Block and Epigenetic Repression Underlie Neurodevelopmental Defects and Neurobehavioral Deficits in Congenital Heart Disease. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.11.05.565716. [PMID: 38464057 PMCID: PMC10925221 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.05.565716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Poor neurodevelopment is often observed with congenital heart disease (CHD), especially with mutations in chromatin modifiers. Here analysis of mice with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) arising from mutations in Sin3A associated chromatin modifier Sap130 , and adhesion protein Pcdha9, revealed neurodevelopmental and neurobehavioral deficits reminiscent of those in HLHS patients. Microcephaly was associated with impaired cortical neurogenesis, mitotic block, and increased apoptosis. Transcriptional profiling indicated dysregulated neurogenesis by REST, altered CREB signaling regulating memory and synaptic plasticity, and impaired neurovascular coupling modulating cerebral blood flow. Many neurodevelopmental/neurobehavioral disease pathways were recovered, including autism and cognitive impairment. These same pathways emerged from genome-wide DNA methylation and Sap130 chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing analyses, suggesting epigenetic perturbation. Mice with Pcdha9 mutation or forebrain-specific Sap130 deletion without CHD showed learning/memory deficits and autism-like behavior. These novel findings provide mechanistic insights indicating the adverse neurodevelopment in HLHS may involve cell autonomous/nonautonomous defects and epigenetic dysregulation and suggest new avenues for therapy.
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Turiello R, Nouwairi RL, Keller J, Cunha LL, Dignan LM, Landers JP. A rotationally-driven dynamic solid phase sodium bisulfite conversion disc for forensic epigenetic sample preparation. LAB ON A CHIP 2023; 24:97-112. [PMID: 38019115 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00867c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
The approaches to forensic human identification (HID) are largely comparative in nature, relying upon the comparison of short tandem repeat profiles to known reference materials and/or database profiles. However, many profiles are generated from evidence materials that either do not have a reference material for comparison or do not produce a database hit. As an alternative to individualizing analysis for HID, researchers of forensic DNA have demonstrated that the human epigenome can provide a wealth of information. However, epigenetic analysis requires sodium b̲is̲ulfite c̲onversion (BSC), a sample preparation method that is time-consuming, labor-intensive, prone to contamination, and characterized by DNA loss and fragmentation. To provide an alternative method for BSC that is more amenable to integration with the forensic DNA workflow, we describe a rotationally-driven, microfluidic method for dynamic solid phase-BSC (dSP-BSC) that streamlines the sample preparation process in an automated format, capable of preparing up to four samples in parallel. The method permitted decreased incubation intervals by ∼36% and was assessed for relative DNA recovery and conversion efficiency and compared to gold-standard and enzymatic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Turiello
- Department of Chemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
| | - R L Nouwairi
- Department of Chemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
| | - J Keller
- Department of Chemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
| | - L L Cunha
- Department of Chemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
| | - L M Dignan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
| | - J P Landers
- Department of Chemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
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Chen Y, Wang Q, Liu H, Jin L, Feng X, Dai B, Chen M, Xin F, Wei T, Bai B, Fan Z, Li J, Yao Y, Liao R, Zhang J, Jin X, Fu L. The prognostic value of whole-genome DNA methylation in response to Leflunomide in patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1173187. [PMID: 37744384 PMCID: PMC10513488 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1173187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Although Leflunomide (LEF) is effective in treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA), there are still a considerable number of patients who respond poorly to LEF treatment. Till date, few LEF efficacy-predicting biomarkers have been identified. Herein, we explored and developed a DNA methylation-based predictive model for LEF-treated RA patient prognosis. Methods Two hundred forty-five RA patients were prospectively enrolled from four participating study centers. A whole-genome DNA methylation profiling was conducted to identify LEF-related response signatures via comparison of 40 samples using Illumina 850k methylation arrays. Furthermore, differentially methylated positions (DMPs) were validated in the 245 RA patients using a targeted bisulfite sequencing assay. Lastly, prognostic models were developed, which included clinical characteristics and DMPs scores, for the prediction of LEF treatment response using machine learning algorithms. Results We recognized a seven-DMP signature consisting of cg17330251, cg19814518, cg20124410, cg21109666, cg22572476, cg23403192, and cg24432675, which was effective in predicting RA patient's LEF response status. In the five machine learning algorithms, the support vector machine (SVM) algorithm provided the best predictive model, with the largest discriminative ability, accuracy, and stability. Lastly, the AUC of the complex model(the 7-DMP scores with the lymphocyte and the diagnostic age) was higher than the simple model (the seven-DMP signature, AUC:0.74 vs 0.73 in the test set). Conclusion In conclusion, we constructed a prognostic model integrating a 7-DMP scores with the clinical patient profile to predict responses to LEF treatment. Our model will be able to effectively guide clinicians in determining whether a patient is LEF treatment sensitive or not.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulan Chen
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Evidence-Based Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Qiao Wang
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Evidence-Based Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Haina Liu
- Department of Rheumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Lei Jin
- Department of Rheumatology, ShengJing Hospital Affiliated of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xin Feng
- Department of Rheumatology, First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, China
| | - Bingbing Dai
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Dalian Municipal Central Hospital, Dalian, China
| | - Meng Chen
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Evidence-Based Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Fangran Xin
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Evidence-Based Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Tingting Wei
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Evidence-Based Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Bingqing Bai
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Evidence-Based Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Zhijun Fan
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Evidence-Based Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jiahui Li
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Evidence-Based Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yuxin Yao
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Evidence-Based Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Ruobing Liao
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Evidence-Based Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jintao Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Dalian Municipal Central Hospital, Dalian, China
| | - Xiangnan Jin
- Department of Rheumatology, First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, China
| | - Lingyu Fu
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Evidence-Based Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Department of Medical Record Management Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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Vidovič E, Pelikan S, Atanasova M, Kouter K, Pileckyte I, Oblak A, Novak Šarotar B, Videtič Paska A, Bon J. DNA Methylation Patterns in Relation to Acute Severity and Duration of Anxiety and Depression. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:7286-7303. [PMID: 37754245 PMCID: PMC10527760 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45090461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Depression and anxiety are common mental disorders that often occur together. Stress is an important risk factor for both disorders, affecting pathophysiological processes through epigenetic changes that mediate gene-environment interactions. In this study, we explored two proposed models about the dynamic nature of DNA methylation in anxiety and depression: a stable change, in which DNA methylation accumulates over time as a function of the duration of clinical symptoms of anxiety and depression, or a flexible change, in which DNA methylation correlates with the acute severity of clinical symptoms. Symptom severity was assessed using clinical questionnaires for anxiety and depression (BDI-II, IDS-C, and HAM-A), and the current episode and the total lifetime symptom duration was obtained from patients' medical records. Peripheral blood DNA methylation levels were determined for the BDNF, COMT, and SLC6A4 genes. We found a significant negative correlation between COMT_1 amplicon methylation and acute symptom scores, with BDI-II (R(22) = 0.190, p = 0.033), IDS-C (R(22) = 0.199, p = 0.029), and HAM-A (R(22) = 0.231, p = 0.018) all showing a similar degree of correlation. Our results suggest that DNA methylation follows flexible dynamics, with methylation levels closely associated with acute clinical presentation rather than with the duration of anxiety and depression. These results provide important insights into the dynamic nature of DNA methylation in anxiety and affective disorders and contribute to our understanding of the complex interplay between stress, epigenetics, and individual phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Vidovič
- University Psychiatric Clinic Ljubljana, 1260 Ljubljana, Slovenia (J.B.)
| | - Sebastian Pelikan
- University Psychiatric Clinic Ljubljana, 1260 Ljubljana, Slovenia (J.B.)
| | - Marija Atanasova
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Katarina Kouter
- Institute for Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Indre Pileckyte
- Center for Brain and Cognition, Pompeu Fabra University, 08018 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Aleš Oblak
- University Psychiatric Clinic Ljubljana, 1260 Ljubljana, Slovenia (J.B.)
| | - Brigita Novak Šarotar
- University Psychiatric Clinic Ljubljana, 1260 Ljubljana, Slovenia (J.B.)
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Alja Videtič Paska
- Institute for Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Jurij Bon
- University Psychiatric Clinic Ljubljana, 1260 Ljubljana, Slovenia (J.B.)
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Zobdeh F, Eremenko II, Akan MA, Tarasov VV, Chubarev VN, Schiöth HB, Mwinyi J. The Epigenetics of Migraine. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119127. [PMID: 37298078 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Migraine is a complex neurological disorder and a major cause of disability. A wide range of different drug classes such as triptans, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, analgesics, and beta-blockers are used in acute and preventive migraine therapy. Despite a considerable progress in the development of novel and targeted therapeutic interventions during recent years, e.g., drugs that inhibit the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) pathway, therapy success rates are still unsatisfactory. The diversity of drug classes used in migraine therapy partly reflects the limited perception of migraine pathophysiology. Genetics seems to explain only to a minor extent the susceptibility and pathophysiological aspects of migraine. While the role of genetics in migraine has been extensively studied in the past, the interest in studying the role of gene regulatory mechanisms in migraine pathophysiology is recently evolving. A better understanding of the causes and consequences of migraine-associated epigenetic changes could help to better understand migraine risk, pathogenesis, development, course, diagnosis, and prognosis. Additionally, it could be a promising avenue to discover new therapeutic targets for migraine treatment and monitoring. In this review, we summarize the state of the art regarding epigenetic findings in relation to migraine pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets, with a focus on DNA methylation, histone acetylation, and microRNA-dependent regulation. Several genes and their methylation patterns such as CALCA (migraine symptoms and age of migraine onset), RAMP1, NPTX2, and SH2D5 (migraine chronification) and microRNA molecules such as miR-34a-5p and miR-382-5p (treatment response) seem especially worthy of further study regarding their role in migraine pathogenesis, course, and therapy. Additionally, changes in genes including COMT, GIT2, ZNF234, and SOCS1 have been linked to migraine progression to medication overuse headache (MOH), and several microRNA molecules such as let-7a-5p, let-7b-5p, let-7f-5p, miR-155, miR-126, let-7g, hsa-miR-34a-5p, hsa-miR-375, miR-181a, let-7b, miR-22, and miR-155-5p have been implicated with migraine pathophysiology. Epigenetic changes could be a potential tool for a better understanding of migraine pathophysiology and the identification of new therapeutic possibilities. However, further studies with larger sample sizes are needed to verify these early findings and to be able to establish epigenetic targets as disease predictors or therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farzin Zobdeh
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Functional Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Husargatan 3, P.O. Box 593, 75124 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ivan I Eremenko
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Functional Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Husargatan 3, P.O. Box 593, 75124 Uppsala, Sweden
- Advanced Molecular Technology, LLC, 354340 Moscow, Russia
| | - Mikail A Akan
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Functional Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Husargatan 3, P.O. Box 593, 75124 Uppsala, Sweden
- Advanced Molecular Technology, LLC, 354340 Moscow, Russia
| | | | | | - Helgi B Schiöth
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Functional Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Husargatan 3, P.O. Box 593, 75124 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jessica Mwinyi
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Functional Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Husargatan 3, P.O. Box 593, 75124 Uppsala, Sweden
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Budkina A, Medvedeva YA, Stupnikov A. Assessing the Differential Methylation Analysis Quality for Microarray and NGS Platforms. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24108591. [PMID: 37239934 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24108591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Differential methylation (DM) is actively recruited in different types of fundamental and translational studies. Currently, microarray- and NGS-based approaches for methylation analysis are the most widely used with multiple statistical models designed to extract differential methylation signatures. The benchmarking of DM models is challenging due to the absence of gold standard data. In this study, we analyze an extensive number of publicly available NGS and microarray datasets with divergent and widely utilized statistical models and apply the recently suggested and validated rank-statistic-based approach Hobotnica to evaluate the quality of their results. Overall, microarray-based methods demonstrate more robust and convergent results, while NGS-based models are highly dissimilar. Tests on the simulated NGS data tend to overestimate the quality of the DM methods and therefore are recommended for use with caution. Evaluation of the top 10 DMC and top 100 DMC in addition to the not-subset signature also shows more stable results for microarray data. Summing up, given the observed heterogeneity in NGS methylation data, the evaluation of newly generated methylation signatures is a crucial step in DM analysis. The Hobotnica metric is coordinated with previously developed quality metrics and provides a robust, sensitive, and informative estimation of methods' performance and DM signatures' quality in the absence of gold standard data solving a long-existing problem in DM analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Budkina
- Department of Biomedical Physics, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, 141701 Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Yulia A Medvedeva
- Department of Biomedical Physics, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, 141701 Dolgoprudny, Russia
- Federal State Institution «Federal Research Centre «Fundamentals of Biotechnology» of the Russian Academy of Sciences», 119071 Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexey Stupnikov
- Department of Biomedical Physics, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, 141701 Dolgoprudny, Russia
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Kumar A, Kos MZ, Roybal D, Carless MA. A pilot investigation of differential hydroxymethylation levels in patient-derived neural stem cells implicates altered cortical development in bipolar disorder. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1077415. [PMID: 37139321 PMCID: PMC10150707 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1077415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Bipolar disorder (BD) is a chronic mental illness characterized by recurrent episodes of mania and depression and associated with social and cognitive disturbances. Environmental factors, such as maternal smoking and childhood trauma, are believed to modulate risk genotypes and contribute to the pathogenesis of BD, suggesting a key role in epigenetic regulation during neurodevelopment. 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) is an epigenetic variant of particular interest, as it is highly expressed in the brain and is implicated in neurodevelopment, and psychiatric and neurological disorders. Methods Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) were generated from the white blood cells of two adolescent patients with bipolar disorder and their same-sex age-matched unaffected siblings (n = 4). Further, iPSCs were differentiated into neuronal stem cells (NSCs) and characterized for purity using immuno-fluorescence. We used reduced representation hydroxymethylation profiling (RRHP) to perform genome-wide 5hmC profiling of iPSCs and NSCs, to model 5hmC changes during neuronal differentiation and assess their impact on BD risk. Functional annotation and enrichment testing of genes harboring differentiated 5hmC loci were performed with the online tool DAVID. Results Approximately 2 million sites were mapped and quantified, with the majority (68.8%) located in genic regions, with elevated 5hmC levels per site observed for 3' UTRs, exons, and 2-kb shorelines of CpG islands. Paired t-tests of normalized 5hmC counts between iPSC and NSC cell lines revealed global hypo-hydroxymethylation in NSCs and enrichment of differentially hydroxymethylated sites within genes associated with plasma membrane (FDR = 9.1 × 10-12) and axon guidance (FDR = 2.1 × 10-6), among other neuronal processes. The most significant difference was observed for a transcription factor binding site for the KCNK9 gene (p = 8.8 × 10-6), encoding a potassium channel protein involved in neuronal activity and migration. Protein-protein-interaction (PPI) networking showed significant connectivity (p = 3.2 × 10-10) between proteins encoded by genes harboring highly differentiated 5hmC sites, with genes involved in axon guidance and ion transmembrane transport forming distinct sub-clusters. Comparison of NSCs of BD cases and unaffected siblings revealed additional patterns of differentiation in hydroxymethylation levels, including sites in genes with functions related to synapse formation and regulation, such as CUX2 (p = 2.4 × 10-5) and DOK-7 (p = 3.6 × 10-3), as well as an enrichment of genes involved in the extracellular matrix (FDR = 1.0 × 10-8). Discussion Together, these preliminary results lend evidence toward a potential role for 5hmC in both early neuronal differentiation and BD risk, with validation and more comprehensive characterization to be achieved through follow-up study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashish Kumar
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
- Population Health Program, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Mark Z. Kos
- South Texas Diabetes and Obesity Institute, Department of Human Genetics, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Donna Roybal
- Traditions Behavioral Health, Larkspur, CA, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, Developmental and Regenerative Biology, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Melanie A. Carless
- Population Health Program, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, Developmental and Regenerative Biology, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
- Brain Health Consortium, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
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Tuo LJ, Song XY, Zhu YY, He HN, Song YP, Chen DZ, Zheng XM, Zhang H, Xu DX. Gestational folic acid supplement prevents vitamin D deficiency-induced depression-like behavior by reversing cortical DNA hypomethylation in adult offspring. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2023; 231:106313. [PMID: 37075986 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2023.106313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
Depression is a common mental disorder with an increasing incidence. Several studies have demonstrated that cortical DNA hypomethylation is associated with depression-like behaviors. This study aims to investigate whether maternal vitamin D deficiency (VDD) induces depression-like behaviors and to explore the effects of folic acid supplement on VDD-induced cortical DNA hypomethylation in adult offspring. Female mice were fed with a VDD diet, beginning at 5 weeks of age and throughout pregnancy. Depression-like behaviors were evaluated, and cortical 5-methylcytosine (5mC) content was detected in adult offspring. Results showed that depression-like behaviors were observed in adult offspring of the VDD group. Cortical Ache and Oxtr mRNAs were upregulated in female offspring of the VDD group. Cortical Cpt1a and Htr1b mRNAs were increased in male offspring of the VDD group. Moreover, cortical 5mC content was reduced in offspring of VDD-fed dams. The additional experiment showed that serum folate and cortical S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) contents were decreased in the offspring of the VDD group. Folic acid supplement attenuated VDD-induced SAM depletion and reversed cortical DNA methylation. Moreover, folic acid supplement attenuated VDD-induced upregulation of depression-related genes. In addition, folic acid supplement alleviated maternal VDD-induced depression-like behaviors in adult offspring. These results suggest that maternal VDD induces depression-like behavior in adult offspring by reducing cortical DNA methylation. The gestational folic acid supplement prevents VDD-induced depression-like behavior by reversing cortical DNA hypomethylation in adult offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling-Jin Tuo
- Department of Toxicology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Xiao-Yue Song
- Department of Toxicology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Yan-Yan Zhu
- Department of Toxicology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Hong-Ning He
- Department of Toxicology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Ya-Ping Song
- Department of Toxicology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Dao-Zhen Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Wuxi Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Wuxi 214002, China; Laboratory Department of Haidong Second People's Hospital, Haidong, Qinghai 810699, China
| | - Xiao-Min Zheng
- Research Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Genetic Diseases, Wuxi Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Wuxi, 214002, China
| | - Heng Zhang
- Department of Toxicology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; Department of Child Health Care, Wuxi Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Wuxi 214002, China.
| | - De-Xiang Xu
- Department of Toxicology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China.
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10
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Li K, Liang X, Xie X, Tian L, Yan J, Lin B, Liu H, Lai W, Liu X, Xi Z. Role of SHANK3 in concentrated ambient PM2. 5 exposure induced autism-like phenotype. Heliyon 2023; 9:e14328. [PMID: 36938421 PMCID: PMC10018567 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e14328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Perinatal air pollution plays an important role in the development of autism. However, research on the pathogenic mechanism remains limited. In this study, the model of systemic inhalation of concentrated approximately 8-fold the level (mean concentration was 224 μg/m3) reported in ambient outdoor air of PM2.5 (particulate matters that are 2.5 μm or less in diameter)in early-postnatal male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats was established. Through a series of autism-related behavioral tests, it was identified that young rats (postnatal day 1-day21, named PND1-PND21) exposed to PM2.5 exhibited typical autistic phenotypes, such as impaired language communication, abnormal repetitive and stereotyped behaviors, and impaired social skills. Moreover, synaptic abnormalities have been found in the brain tissues of young rats exposed to PM2.5. In terms of the molecular mechanism, we found that the levels of SH3 and multiple ankyrin repeat domains 3 (SHANK3) expression and key molecular proteins in the downstream signaling pathways were decreased in the brain tissues of the exposed rats. Finally, at the epigenetic level, SHANK3 methylation levels were increased in young rats exposed to PM2.5. In conclusion, the study revealed that PM2.5 exposure might induce the early postnatal autism through the SHANK3 signaling pathway by affecting the SHANK3 methylation levels and reducing the SHANK3 expression levels. The study could provide new ideas for autism etiology and a theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of autism in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang Li
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin, 300050, China
| | - Xiaotian Liang
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin, 300050, China
- Binzhou Medical College, Yantai, 264000, China
| | - Xiaoqian Xie
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin, 300050, China
- Binzhou Medical College, Yantai, 264000, China
| | - Lei Tian
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin, 300050, China
| | - Jun Yan
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin, 300050, China
| | - Bencheng Lin
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin, 300050, China
| | - Huanliang Liu
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin, 300050, China
| | - Wenqin Lai
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin, 300050, China
| | - Xiaohua Liu
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin, 300050, China
- Corresponding author.
| | - Zhuge Xi
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin, 300050, China
- Binzhou Medical College, Yantai, 264000, China
- Corresponding author. Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, No. 1, Dali Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300050, PR China.
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11
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Household based-pyrethroids on adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) exert behavioral and cholinergic changes in different brain regions. Neurotoxicology 2023; 96:19-27. [PMID: 36868382 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2023.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Abstract
Pyrethroid-based insecticides are largely used for mosquito control. These compounds have household and agricultural applications with different formulations. Two important compounds used as household insecticides are prallethrin and transfluthrin, both from the pyrethroid chemical group. With the mode of action centered on sodium channels, pyrethroids keep the ionic sodium channels open for a long time causing the death of the insect by nervous hyperexcitability. Given the increased use of household insecticides by humans and the incidence of disease outbreaks with unknown etiology such as autism spectrum disease, schizophrenia, and Parkinson's disease we investigate some physiological inputs of these compounds on zebrafish. In this study, we evaluated the social interaction, shoaling formation, and anxiety-like behavior of zebrafish exposed chronically to transfluthrin- and prallthrin-based insecticides (T-BI and P-BI). In addition, we quantified the activity of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in different brain regions. We observed that both compounds caused anxiolytic behavior and reduced shoaling formation and social interaction. Their behavioral biomarkers indicated a harmful ecological effect on the specie as well as a possible impact of these compounds on autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and schizophrenia (SZP). In addition, the AChE activity would change its activity in different brain regions modulating the anxiety-like behavior and social behavior in zebrafish. We conclude that P-BI and T-BI make us alert about the relationship of these compounds with nervous diseases related to cholinergic signaling.
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12
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The Role of Genetics in the Development and Pharmacotherapy of Depression and Its Impact on Drug Discovery. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032946. [PMID: 36769269 PMCID: PMC9917784 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Complex disorders, such as depression, remain a mystery for scientists. Although genetic factors are considered important for the prediction of one's vulnerability, it is hard to estimate the exact risk for a patient to develop depression, based only on one category of vulnerability criteria. Genetic factors also regulate drug metabolism, and when they are identified in a specific combination, may result in increased drug resistance. A proper understanding of the genetic basis of depression assists in the development of novel promising medications and effective disorder management schemes. This review aims to analyze the recent literature focusing on the correlation between specific genes and the occurrence of depression. Moreover, certain aspects targeting a high drug resistance identified among patients suffering from major depressive disorder were highlighted in this manuscript. An expected direction of future drug discovery campaigns was also discussed.
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13
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Shen XY, Shi SH, Li H, Wang CC, Zhang Y, Yu H, Li YB, Liu B. The role of Gadd45b in neurologic and neuropsychiatric disorders: An overview. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:1021207. [PMID: 36311022 PMCID: PMC9606402 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.1021207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Growth arrest and DNA damage-inducible beta (Gadd45b) is directly intertwined with stress-induced DNA repair, cell cycle arrest, survival, and apoptosis. Previous research on Gadd45b has focused chiefly on non-neuronal cells. Gadd45b is extensively expressed in the nervous system and plays a critical role in epigenetic DNA demethylation, neuroplasticity, and neuroprotection, according to accumulating evidence. This article provided an overview of the preclinical and clinical effects of Gadd45b, as well as its hypothesized mechanisms of action, focusing on major psychosis, depression, autism, stroke, seizure, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and autoimmune diseases of the nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-yue Shen
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, China
- The First Clinical Medical College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Shu-han Shi
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Heng Li
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Cong-cong Wang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Yao Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Hui Yu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Yan-bin Li
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, China
- Yan-bin Li,
| | - Bin Liu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, China
- *Correspondence: Bin Liu,
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Stoccoro A, Gallo R, Calderoni S, Cagiano R, Muratori F, Migliore L, Grossi E, Coppedè F. Artificial neural networks reveal sex differences in gene methylation, and connections between maternal risk factors and symptom severity in autism spectrum disorder. Epigenomics 2022; 14:1181-1195. [PMID: 36325841 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2022-0179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim and methods: Artificial neural networks were used to unravel connections among blood gene methylation levels, sex, maternal risk factors and symptom severity evaluated using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule 2 (ADOS-2) score in 58 children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Results: Methylation levels of MECP2, HTR1A and OXTR genes were connected to females, and those of EN2, BCL2 and RELN genes to males. High gestational weight gain, lack of folic acid supplements, advanced maternal age, preterm birth, low birthweight and living in rural context were the best predictors of a high ADOS-2 score. Conclusion: Artificial neural networks revealed links among ASD maternal risk factors, symptom severity, gene methylation levels and sex differences in methylation that warrant further investigation in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Stoccoro
- Department of Translational Research & of New Surgical & Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Medical School, Via Roma 55, Pisa, 56126, Italy
| | - Roberta Gallo
- Department of Translational Research & of New Surgical & Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Medical School, Via Roma 55, Pisa, 56126, Italy
| | - Sara Calderoni
- IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Calambrone, Pisa, 56128, Italy
- Department of Clinical & Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, Pisa, 56126, Italy
| | - Romina Cagiano
- IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Calambrone, Pisa, 56128, Italy
| | - Filippo Muratori
- IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Calambrone, Pisa, 56128, Italy
- Department of Clinical & Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, Pisa, 56126, Italy
| | - Lucia Migliore
- Department of Translational Research & of New Surgical & Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Medical School, Via Roma 55, Pisa, 56126, Italy
| | - Enzo Grossi
- Villa Santa Maria Foundation, Tavernerio, Como, 22038, Italy
| | - Fabio Coppedè
- Department of Translational Research & of New Surgical & Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Medical School, Via Roma 55, Pisa, 56126, Italy
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15
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Mental health and the effects on methylation of stress-related genes in front-line versus other health care professionals during the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic: an Italian pilot study. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2022; 273:347-356. [PMID: 36001138 PMCID: PMC9399986 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-022-01472-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Healthcare workers experienced high degree of stress during COVID-19. Purpose of the present article is to compare mental health (depressive and Post-Traumatic-Stress-Disorders-PTSD-symptoms) and epigenetics aspects (degree of methylation of stress-related genes) in front-line healthcare professionals versus healthcare working in non-COVID-19 wards. Sixty-eight healthcare workers were included in the study: 39 were working in COVID-19 wards (cases) and 29 in non-COVID wards (controls). From all participants, demographic and clinical information were collected by an ad-hoc questionnaire. Depressive and PTSD symptoms were evaluated by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), respectively. Methylation analyses of 9 promoter/regulatory regions of genes known to be implicated in depression/PTSD (ADCYAP1, BDNF, CRHR1, DRD2, IGF2, LSD1/KDM1A, NR3C1, OXTR, SLC6A4) were performed on DNA from blood samples by the MassARRAY EpiTYPER platform, with MassCleave settings. Controls showed more frequent lifetime history of anxiety/depression with respect to cases (χ2 = 5.72, p = 0.03). On the contrary, cases versus controls presented higher PHQ-9 (t = 2.13, p = 0.04), PHQ-9 sleep item (t = 2.26, p = 0.03), IES-R total (t = 2.17, p = 0.03), IES-R intrusion (t = 2.46, p = 0.02), IES-R avoidance (t = 1.99, p = 0.05) mean total scores. Methylation levels at CRHR1, DRD2 and LSD1 genes was significantly higher in cases with respect to controls (p < 0.01, p = 0.03 and p = 0.03, respectively). Frontline health professionals experienced more negative effects on mental health during COVID-19 pandemic than non-frontline healthcare workers. Methylation levels were increased in genes regulating HPA axis (CRHR1) and dopamine neurotransmission (DRD2 and LSD1), thus supporting the involvement of these biological processes in depression/PTSD and indicating that methylation of these genes can be modulated by stress conditions, such as working as healthcare front-line during COVID-19 pandemic.
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16
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Cao YL, -Zhu L, Zhang H, Meng JH, Wu HJ, Wang X, Wu JH, Zou JL, Fang MS, An J, Chen YG. Total Barley Maiya Alkaloids Prevent Increased Prolactin Levels Caused by Antipsychotic Drugs and Reduce Dopamine Receptor D2 via Epigenetic Mechanisms. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:888522. [PMID: 35865960 PMCID: PMC9294270 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.888522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2) plays an important role in the increased prolactin (PRL) levels associated with the pathogenesis of antipsychotic drugs (ADs). Elevated prolactin levels can affect people’s quality of life. Maiya alkaloids has been used to treat diseases associated with high PRL levels. Maiya, is a processed product of the mature fruits of Hordeum vulgare L. (a gramineous plant) after sprouting and drying and also a common Chinese herbal drug used in the clinic, is traditionally used to treat abnormal lactation, and is currently used clinically for the treatment of abnormal PRL levels.Aims: Epigenetic mechanisms can be related to DRD2 expression. We investigated the role of DRD2 methylation in the induction of PRL expression by ADs and the mechanism underlying the effects of total barley maiya alkaloids (TBMA) on this induction.Methods: The methylation rate of DRD2 in 46 people with schizophrenia who took risperidone was detected by MassARRAY sequencing. Humans were long term users of Ris. Seventy Sprague Dawley female rats were divided into seven groups. A rat model of risperidone-induced PRL was established, and the potential protective effects of TBMA and its components [e.g., hordenine (Hor)] on these increased PRL levels were investigated. The PRL concentration was detected by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. PRL, DRD2, and DNA methyltransferase (DNMT1, DNMT3α, and DNMT3β) protein and mRNA expression were detected by western blotting and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), respectively. The positive rate of methylation in the DRD2 promoter region of rats was detected by MassARRAY sequencing.Results: Clinical studies showed that the positive rate of DRD2 methylation associated with increased PRL levels induced by ADs was significantly higher than in the normal prolactinemia (NPRL) group. In vivo and vitro, TBMA and Hor inhibited this induction of PRL expression and increased DRD2 expression by inhibiting the expression of the DNMTs.Conclusions: TBMA and hordenine increased DRD2 expression by inhibiting DNMT-dependent DRD2 methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Ling Cao
- Pharmacy Department of Wuhan University Tongren Hospital (The Third Hospital of Wuhan), Wuhan, China
- Medical College of Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Li -Zhu
- Pharmacy Department of Wuhan University Tongren Hospital (The Third Hospital of Wuhan), Wuhan, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- Pharmacy Department of Wuhan University Tongren Hospital (The Third Hospital of Wuhan), Wuhan, China
- Medical College of Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jun-Hua Meng
- Pharmacy Department of Wuhan University Tongren Hospital (The Third Hospital of Wuhan), Wuhan, China
| | - Hua-Jun Wu
- Pharmacy Department of Wuhan University Tongren Hospital (The Third Hospital of Wuhan), Wuhan, China
| | - Xiong Wang
- Pharmacy Department of Wuhan University Tongren Hospital (The Third Hospital of Wuhan), Wuhan, China
| | - Jin-Hu Wu
- Pharmacy Department of Wuhan University Tongren Hospital (The Third Hospital of Wuhan), Wuhan, China
| | - Ji-Li Zou
- Pharmacy Department of Wuhan University Tongren Hospital (The Third Hospital of Wuhan), Wuhan, China
| | - Mao-Sheng Fang
- Department of Psychiatry, Wuhan Mental Health Center, Wuhan, China
| | - Jing An
- Pharmacy Department of Wuhan University Tongren Hospital (The Third Hospital of Wuhan), Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Jing An, ; Yong-Gang Chen,
| | - Yong-Gang Chen
- Pharmacy Department of Wuhan University Tongren Hospital (The Third Hospital of Wuhan), Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Jing An, ; Yong-Gang Chen,
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17
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Lv Y, Zhang C, Jian H, Lou Y, Kang Y, Deng W, Wang C, Wang W, Shang S, Hou M, Shen W, Xie J, Li X, Zhou H, Feng S. Regulating DNA methylation could reduce neuronal ischemia response and apoptosis after ischemia-reperfusion injury. Gene 2022; 837:146689. [PMID: 35750086 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2022.146689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) is an important pathophysiological condition that can cause cell injury and large-scale tissue injury in the nervous system. Previous studies have shown that epigenetic regulation may play a role in the pathogenesis of IRI. METHODS In this study, we isolated mouse cortical neurons and constructed an oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD) model to explore the change in DNA methylation and its effect on the expression of corresponding genes. RESULTS We found that DNA methylation in neurons increased with hypoxia duration and that hypermethylation of numerous promoters and 3'-untranslated regions increased. We performed Gene Ontology enrichment analysis to study gene function and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis to identify the pathways associated with gene regulation. The results showed that hypermethylation-related genes expressed after OGD were related to physiological pathways such as neuronal projection, ion transport, growth and development, while hypomethylation-related genes were related to pathological pathways such as the external apoptosis signaling pathway, neuronal death regulation, and regulation of oxidative stress. However, the changes in DNA methylation were specific for certain genes and may have been related to OGD-induced neuronal damage. Importantly, we integrated transcription and DNA methylation data to identify several candidate target genes, including hypomethylated Apoe, Pax6, Bmp4, and Ptch1 and hypermethylated Adora2a, Crhr1, Stxbp1, and Tac1. This study further indicated the effect of DNA methylation on gene function in brain IRI from the perspective of epigenetics, and the identified genes may become new targets for achieving neuroprotection in the brain after IRI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yigang Lv
- Department of Orthopaedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord, Tianjin 300052, P.R. China
| | - Chi Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shandong University Centre for Orthopaedics, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P.R. China
| | - Huan Jian
- Department of Orthopaedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord, Tianjin 300052, P.R. China
| | - Yongfu Lou
- Department of Orthopaedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord, Tianjin 300052, P.R. China
| | - Yi Kang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord, Tianjin 300052, P.R. China
| | - Weimin Deng
- Key Laboratory of Immuno Microenvironment and Disease of the Educational Ministry of China, Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, P.R. China
| | - Chaoyu Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord, Tianjin 300052, P.R. China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord, Tianjin 300052, P.R. China
| | - Shenghui Shang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord, Tianjin 300052, P.R. China
| | - Mengfan Hou
- Department of Orthopaedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord, Tianjin 300052, P.R. China
| | - Wenyuan Shen
- Department of Orthopaedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord, Tianjin 300052, P.R. China
| | - Jing Xie
- Department of Orthopaedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord, Tianjin 300052, P.R. China
| | - Xueying Li
- Key Laboratory of Immuno Microenvironment and Disease of the Educational Ministry of China, Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, P.R. China; Shandong University Centre for Orthopaedics, Advanced Medical Research Institute, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P.R. China.
| | - Hengxing Zhou
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shandong University Centre for Orthopaedics, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P.R. China.
| | - Shiqing Feng
- Department of Orthopaedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord, Tianjin 300052, P.R. China; Department of Orthopaedics, Shandong University Centre for Orthopaedics, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P.R. China.
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18
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A High Methylation Level of a Novel −284 bp CpG Island in the RAMP1 Gene Promoter Is Potentially Associated with Migraine in Women. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12050526. [PMID: 35624913 PMCID: PMC9139045 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12050526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Migraine is a complex neurovascular disorder affecting one billion people worldwide, mainly females. It is characterized by attacks of moderate to severe headache pain, with associated symptoms. Receptor activity modifying protein (RAMP1) is part of the Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide (CGRP) receptor, a pharmacological target for migraine. Epigenetic processes, such as DNA methylation, play a role in clinical presentation of various diseases. DNA methylation occurs mostly in the gene promoter and can control gene expression. We investigated the methylation state of the RAMP1 promoter in 104 female blood DNA samples: 54 migraineurs and 50 controls. We treated DNA with sodium bisulfite and performed PCR, Sanger Sequencing, and Epigenetic Sequencing Methylation (ESME) software analysis. We identified 51 CpG dinucleotides, and 5 showed methylation variability. Migraineurs had a higher number of individuals with all five CpG methylated when compared to controls (26% vs. 16%), although non-significant (p = 0.216). We also found that CpG −284 bp, related to the transcription start site (TSS), showed higher methylation levels in cases (p = 0.011). This CpG may potentially play a role in migraine, affecting RAMP1 transcription or receptor malfunctioning and/or altered CGRP binding. We hope to confirm this finding in a larger cohort and establish an epigenetic biomarker to predict female migraine risk.
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19
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Jiang Y, Schulze-Hentrich JM, Jakovcevski M. Editorial: Neuroepigenetics of Neuropsychiatric Disease—Hope, Success and Obstacles for Translational Findings and Applications. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:886695. [PMID: 35431770 PMCID: PMC9011190 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.886695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Jiang
- Institute of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Julia M. Schulze-Hentrich
- Centre for Rare Diseases, Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Mira Jakovcevski
- Institute of Biology II - Functional Epigenetics in the Animal Model, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
- *Correspondence: Mira Jakovcevski
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20
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Dion-Albert L, Bandeira Binder L, Daigle B, Hong-Minh A, Lebel M, Menard C. Sex differences in the blood-brain barrier: Implications for mental health. Front Neuroendocrinol 2022; 65:100989. [PMID: 35271863 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2022.100989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Prevalence of mental disorders, including major depressive disorder (MDD), bipolar disorder (BD) and schizophrenia (SZ) are increasing at alarming rates in our societies. Growing evidence points toward major sex differences in these conditions, and high rates of treatment resistance support the need to consider novel biological mechanisms outside of neuronal function to gain mechanistic insights that could lead to innovative therapies. Blood-brain barrier alterations have been reported in MDD, BD and SZ. Here, we provide an overview of sex-specific immune, endocrine, vascular and transcriptional-mediated changes that could affect neurovascular integrity and possibly contribute to the pathogenesis of mental disorders. We also identify pitfalls in current literature and highlight promising vascular biomarkers. Better understanding of how these adaptations can contribute to mental health status is essential not only in the context of MDD, BD and SZ but also cardiovascular diseases and stroke which are associated with higher prevalence of these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurence Dion-Albert
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine and CERVO Brain Research Center, Université Laval, Quebec City, Canada
| | - Luisa Bandeira Binder
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine and CERVO Brain Research Center, Université Laval, Quebec City, Canada
| | - Beatrice Daigle
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine and CERVO Brain Research Center, Université Laval, Quebec City, Canada
| | - Amandine Hong-Minh
- Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, Lincoln Place Gate, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Manon Lebel
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine and CERVO Brain Research Center, Université Laval, Quebec City, Canada
| | - Caroline Menard
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine and CERVO Brain Research Center, Université Laval, Quebec City, Canada.
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Zhang Y, Wang M, Zhang X, Jiang Z, Zhang Y, Fu X, Li Y, Cao D, Han J, Tong J. Helicid Improves Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Apoptosis of C6 Cells by Regulating SH2D5 DNA Methylation via the CytC/Caspase9/Caspase3 Signaling Pathway. CONTRAST MEDIA & MOLECULAR IMAGING 2022; 2022:9242827. [PMID: 35173561 PMCID: PMC8820944 DOI: 10.1155/2022/9242827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
DNA methylation is reportedly associated with stress responses and depression. Treatment with antidepressants can regulate DNA methylation and, subsequently, gene expression in the hippocampus. Hence, DNA methylation is a potential target for treatment of depression. Screening of high-throughput data of a rat model of chronic unpredictable mild stress revealed relatively low expression of SH2 domain-containing 5 (SH2D5). SH2D5 can be overexpressed by treatment with helicid. Therefore, in order to further explore the role of SH2D5 in depression and whether helicid mediates the DNA methylation of SH2D5 as a potential antidepressant role, SH2D5 was overexpressed in C6 cells as a lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced model of depression. The expression levels of Bax, Bcl-2, Bad, and Daxx, and changes to the CytC/caspase9/caspase3 signal pathway were detected by qRT-PCR and Western blot analyses. After treatment with helicid or silencing of SH2D5, the above indices were detected. The results showed that helicid regulated the CytC/caspase9/caspase3 signaling pathway and improved the apoptosis indices of C6 cells through the overexpression of SH2D5. Interestingly, silencing of SH2D5 reversed the effects of helicid on the above indices. Then, in order to study the underlying mechanism, the cells were administered to helicid or 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-AzaD) and expression of SH2D5 was detected by qRT-PCR and Western blot analyses, while to assess the DNA methylation level of SH2D5 using bisulfite sequencing/PCR. The results showed that SH2D5 was hypermethylated with low expression in LPS-induced C6 cells, which was reversed by helicid and 5-AzaD. These results suggest that helicid may affect the CytC/caspase9/caspase3 apoptosis signaling pathway and improve the apoptosis indices by mediating DNA methylation of SH2D5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Zhang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Yijishan Hospital, Wuhu 241001, Anhui, China
- Wannan Medical College, Wuhu 241002, Anhui, China
| | - Mei Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Yijishan Hospital, Wuhu 241001, Anhui, China
- Wannan Medical College, Wuhu 241002, Anhui, China
| | - Xiaotong Zhang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Yijishan Hospital, Wuhu 241001, Anhui, China
- Wannan Medical College, Wuhu 241002, Anhui, China
| | - Zhenyi Jiang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Yijishan Hospital, Wuhu 241001, Anhui, China
- Wannan Medical College, Wuhu 241002, Anhui, China
| | | | - Xiangjun Fu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Yijishan Hospital, Wuhu 241001, Anhui, China
- Wannan Medical College, Wuhu 241002, Anhui, China
| | - Yanna Li
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Yijishan Hospital, Wuhu 241001, Anhui, China
- Wannan Medical College, Wuhu 241002, Anhui, China
| | - Danping Cao
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Yijishan Hospital, Wuhu 241001, Anhui, China
- Wannan Medical College, Wuhu 241002, Anhui, China
| | - Jun Han
- Wannan Medical College, Wuhu 241002, Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Screening and Re-evaluation of Active Compounds of Herbal Medicines, Southern Anhui, Wuhu 241002, Anhui, China
| | - Jiucui Tong
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Yijishan Hospital, Wuhu 241001, Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Screening and Re-evaluation of Active Compounds of Herbal Medicines, Southern Anhui, Wuhu 241002, Anhui, China
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22
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Gallo R, Stoccoro A, Cagiano R, Nicolì V, Ricciardi R, Tancredi R, Trovato R, Santorelli FM, Calderoni S, Muratori F, Migliore L, Coppedè F. Correlation among maternal risk factors, gene methylation and disease severity in females with autism spectrum disorder. Epigenomics 2022; 14:175-185. [PMID: 35081728 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2021-0494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: To detect early-life environmental factors leading to DNA methylation changes of autism spectrum disorder (ASD)-related genes in young ASD females and reveal epigenetic biomarkers of disease severity. Materials & methods: We investigated blood methylation levels of MECP2, OXTR, BDNF, RELN, BCL2, EN2 and HTR1A genes in 42 ASD females. Results: Maternal gestational weight gain correlated with BDNF methylation levels (Bonferroni-corrected p = 0.034), and lack of folic acid supplementation at periconception resulted in higher disease severity in the ASD children (Bonferroni-corrected p = 0.048). RELN methylation levels were inversely correlated with disease severity (Bonferroni corrected p = 0.042). Conclusion: The present study revealed gene-environment interactions and potential epigenetic biomarkers of disease severity in ASD females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Gallo
- Department of Translational Research & of New Surgical & Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, Pisa, 56126, Italy
| | - Andrea Stoccoro
- Department of Translational Research & of New Surgical & Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, Pisa, 56126, Italy
| | - Romina Cagiano
- IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Calambrone, Pisa, 56128, Italy
| | - Vanessa Nicolì
- Department of Translational Research & of New Surgical & Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, Pisa, 56126, Italy
| | - Rosanna Ricciardi
- Department of Translational Research & of New Surgical & Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, Pisa, 56126, Italy
| | | | - Rosanna Trovato
- IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Calambrone, Pisa, 56128, Italy
| | | | - Sara Calderoni
- IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Calambrone, Pisa, 56128, Italy.,Department of Clinical & Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, Pisa, 56126, Italy
| | - Filippo Muratori
- IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Calambrone, Pisa, 56128, Italy.,Department of Clinical & Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, Pisa, 56126, Italy
| | - Lucia Migliore
- Department of Translational Research & of New Surgical & Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, Pisa, 56126, Italy
| | - Fabio Coppedè
- Department of Translational Research & of New Surgical & Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, Pisa, 56126, Italy
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23
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Marie-Claire C, Courtin C, Bellivier F, Scott J, Etain B. Methylomic Biomarkers of Lithium Response in Bipolar Disorder: A Proof of Transferability Study. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15020133. [PMID: 35215246 PMCID: PMC8877131 DOI: 10.3390/ph15020133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Response to lithium (Li) is highly variable in bipolar disorders (BD) and no clinical or biological predictors of long-term response have been validated to date. Using a genome-wide methylomic approach (SeqCapEpi), we previously identified seven differentially methylated regions (DMRs) that discriminated good from non-responders (prophylactic response phenotype defined using the “Alda” scale). This study is a proof of transferability from bench to bedside of this epigenetic signature. For this purpose, we used Methylation Specific High-Resolution Melting (MS-HRM), a PCR based method that can be implemented in any medical laboratory at low cost and with minimal equipment. In 23 individuals with BD, MS-HRM measures of three out of seven DMRs were technically feasible and consistencies between SeqCapEpi and MS-HRM-measures were moderate to high. In an extended sample of individuals with BD (n = 70), the three MS-HRM-measured DMRs mainly predicted nonresponse, with AUC between 0.70–0.80 according to different definitions of the phenotype (Alda- or machine-learning-based definitions). Classification tree analyses further suggested that the MS-HRM-measured DMRs correctly classified up to 84% of individuals as good or non-responders. This study suggested that epigenetic biomarkers, identified in a retrospective sample, accurately discriminate non-responders from responders to Li and may be transferrable to routine practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Marie-Claire
- INSERM UMR-S 1144, Optimisation Thérapeutique en Neurospsychopharmacologie (OTeN), Université de Paris, F-75006 Paris, France; (C.C.); (F.B.); (B.E.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Cindie Courtin
- INSERM UMR-S 1144, Optimisation Thérapeutique en Neurospsychopharmacologie (OTeN), Université de Paris, F-75006 Paris, France; (C.C.); (F.B.); (B.E.)
| | - Frank Bellivier
- INSERM UMR-S 1144, Optimisation Thérapeutique en Neurospsychopharmacologie (OTeN), Université de Paris, F-75006 Paris, France; (C.C.); (F.B.); (B.E.)
- AP-HP, GH Saint-Louis—Lariboisière—F. Widal, Pole de Psychiatrie et de Médecine Addictologique, F-75475 Paris, France
- Fondation Fonda Mental, F-94000 Créteil, France
| | - Jan Scott
- Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 5PL, UK;
| | - Bruno Etain
- INSERM UMR-S 1144, Optimisation Thérapeutique en Neurospsychopharmacologie (OTeN), Université de Paris, F-75006 Paris, France; (C.C.); (F.B.); (B.E.)
- AP-HP, GH Saint-Louis—Lariboisière—F. Widal, Pole de Psychiatrie et de Médecine Addictologique, F-75475 Paris, France
- Fondation Fonda Mental, F-94000 Créteil, France
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Zhou Q, Tian Y, Xu C, Wang J, Jin Y. Prenatal and postnatal traffic pollution exposure, DNA methylation in Shank3 and MeCP2 promoter regions, H3K4me3 and H3K27me3 and sociability in rats' offspring. Clin Epigenetics 2021; 13:180. [PMID: 34565458 PMCID: PMC8474908 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-021-01170-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Road traffic air pollution is linked with an increased risk of autistic spectrum disorder (ASD). The aim of this study is to assess the effect of exposure to prenatal or postnatal traffic-related air pollution combining concomitant noise pollution on ASD-related epigenetic and behavioral alternations on offspring. Methods A 2 × 2 factorial analysis experiment was designed. Wistar rats were exposed at different sites (L group: green space; H group: crossroads) and timings (E group: full gestation; P group: 21 days after birth) at the same time, and air pollutants of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and fine particles (PM2.5) were meanwhile sampled. On postnatal day 25, brains from offspring of each group were extracted to determine the levels of DNA methylation in Shank3 (three parts: Shank3_01, Shank3_02, Shank3_03) and MeCP2 (two parts: MeCP2_01, MeCP2_02) promoter regions, H3K4me3 and H3K27me3 after three-chamber social test. Meanwhile, the Shank3 and MeCP2 levels were quantified. Results The concentrations of PM2.5 (L: 58.33 µg/m3; H: 88.33 µg/m3, P < 0.05) and NO2 (L: 52.76 µg/m3; H: 146.03 µg/m3, P < 0.01) as well as the intensity of noise pollution (L: 44.4 dB (A); H: 70.1 dB (A), P < 0.001) differed significantly from 18:00 to 19:00 between experimental sites. Traffic pollution exposure (P = 0.006) and neonatal exposure (P = 0.001) led to lower weight of male pups on PND25. Male rats under early-life exposure had increased levels of Shank3 (Shank3_02: timing P < 0.001; site P < 0.05, Shank3_03: timing P < 0.001) and MeCP2 (MeCP2_01: timing P < 0.001, MeCP2_02: timing P < 0.001) methylation and H3K4me3 (EL: 11.94 µg/mg; EH: 11.98; PL: 17.14; PH: 14.78, timing P < 0.05), and reduced levels of H3K27me3 (EL: 71.07 µg/mg; EH: 44.76; PL: 29.15; PH: 28.67, timing P < 0.001; site P < 0.05) in brain compared to those under prenatal exposure. There was, for female pups, a same pattern of Shank3 (Shank3_02: timing P < 0.001; site P < 0.05, Shank3_03: timing P < 0.001) and MeCP2 (MeCP2_01: timing P < 0.05, MeCP2_02: timing P < 0.001) methylation and H3K4me3 (EL: 11.27 µg/mg; EH: 11.55; PL: 16.11; PH: 15.44, timing P < 0.001), but the levels of H3K27me3 exhibited an inverse trend concerning exposure timing. Hypermethylation at the MeCP2 and Shank3 promoter was correlated with the less content of MeCP2 (female: EL: 32.23 ng/mg; EH: 29.58; PL: 25.01; PH: 23.03, timing P < 0.001; site P < 0.05; male: EL: 31.05 ng/mg; EH: 32.75; PL: 23.40; PH: 25.91, timing P < 0.001) and Shank3 (female: EL: 5.10 ng/mg; EH: 5.31; PL: 4.63; PH: 4.82, timing P < 0.001; male: EL: 5.40 ng/mg; EH: 5.48; PL: 4.82; PH: 4.87, timing P < 0.001). Rats with traffic pollution exposure showed aberrant sociability preference and social novelty, while those without it behaved normally. Conclusions Our findings suggest early life under environmental risks is a crucial window for epigenetic perturbations and then abnormalities in protein expression, and traffic pollution impairs behaviors either during pregnancy or after birth. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13148-021-01170-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinfeng Zhou
- Environmental Epigenetics Laboratory, Department of Environmental Medicine, School of Public Health, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Rd, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Tian
- Environmental Epigenetics Laboratory, Department of Environmental Medicine, School of Public Health, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Rd, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Chenlu Xu
- Environmental Epigenetics Laboratory, Department of Environmental Medicine, School of Public Health, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Rd, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Juling Wang
- Environmental Epigenetics Laboratory, Department of Environmental Medicine, School of Public Health, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Rd, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongtang Jin
- Environmental Epigenetics Laboratory, Department of Environmental Medicine, School of Public Health, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Rd, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China. .,Department of General Practice, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Medical College of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China.
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