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Donato L, Mordà D, Scimone C, Alibrandi S, D'Angelo R, Sidoti A. From powerhouse to regulator: The role of mitoepigenetics in mitochondrion-related cellular functions and human diseases. Free Radic Biol Med 2024; 218:105-119. [PMID: 38565400 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2024.03.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Beyond their crucial role in energy production, mitochondria harbor a distinct genome subject to epigenetic regulation akin to that of nuclear DNA. This paper delves into the nascent but rapidly evolving fields of mitoepigenetics and mitoepigenomics, exploring the sophisticated regulatory mechanisms governing mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). These mechanisms encompass mtDNA methylation, the influence of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), and post-translational modifications of mitochondrial proteins. Together, these epigenetic modifications meticulously coordinate mitochondrial gene transcription, replication, and metabolism, thereby calibrating mitochondrial function in response to the dynamic interplay of intracellular needs and environmental stimuli. Notably, the dysregulation of mitoepigenetic pathways is increasingly implicated in mitochondrial dysfunction and a spectrum of human pathologies, including neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, metabolic disorders, and cardiovascular conditions. This comprehensive review synthesizes the current state of knowledge, emphasizing recent breakthroughs and innovations in the field. It discusses the potential of high-resolution mitochondrial epigenome mapping, the diagnostic and prognostic utility of blood or tissue mtDNA epigenetic markers, and the promising horizon of mitochondrial epigenetic drugs. Furthermore, it explores the transformative potential of mitoepigenetics and mitoepigenomics in precision medicine. Exploiting a theragnostic approach to maintaining mitochondrial allostasis, this paper underscores the pivotal role of mitochondrial epigenetics in charting new frontiers in medical science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Donato
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, Division of Medical Biotechnologies and Preventive Medicine, University of Messina, 98122, Messina, Italy; Department of Biomolecular Strategies, Genetics, Cutting-Edge Therapies, Euro-Mediterranean Institute of Science and Technology (I.E.ME.S.T.) 90139 Palermo, Italy.
| | - Domenico Mordà
- Department of Biomolecular Strategies, Genetics, Cutting-Edge Therapies, Euro-Mediterranean Institute of Science and Technology (I.E.ME.S.T.) 90139 Palermo, Italy; Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98122, Messina, Italy.
| | - Concetta Scimone
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, Division of Medical Biotechnologies and Preventive Medicine, University of Messina, 98122, Messina, Italy; Department of Biomolecular Strategies, Genetics, Cutting-Edge Therapies, Euro-Mediterranean Institute of Science and Technology (I.E.ME.S.T.) 90139 Palermo, Italy.
| | - Simona Alibrandi
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, Division of Medical Biotechnologies and Preventive Medicine, University of Messina, 98122, Messina, Italy; Department of Biomolecular Strategies, Genetics, Cutting-Edge Therapies, Euro-Mediterranean Institute of Science and Technology (I.E.ME.S.T.) 90139 Palermo, Italy.
| | - Rosalia D'Angelo
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, Division of Medical Biotechnologies and Preventive Medicine, University of Messina, 98122, Messina, Italy.
| | - Antonina Sidoti
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, Division of Medical Biotechnologies and Preventive Medicine, University of Messina, 98122, Messina, Italy.
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Lossi L, Castagna C, Merighi A. An Overview of the Epigenetic Modifications in the Brain under Normal and Pathological Conditions. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3881. [PMID: 38612690 PMCID: PMC11011998 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic changes are changes in gene expression that do not involve alterations to the DNA sequence. These changes lead to establishing a so-called epigenetic code that dictates which and when genes are activated, thus orchestrating gene regulation and playing a central role in development, health, and disease. The brain, being mostly formed by cells that do not undergo a renewal process throughout life, is highly prone to the risk of alterations leading to neuronal death and neurodegenerative disorders, mainly at a late age. Here, we review the main epigenetic modifications that have been described in the brain, with particular attention on those related to the onset of developmental anomalies or neurodegenerative conditions and/or occurring in old age. DNA methylation and several types of histone modifications (acetylation, methylation, phosphorylation, ubiquitination, sumoylation, lactylation, and crotonylation) are major players in these processes. They are directly or indirectly involved in the onset of neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease. Therefore, this review briefly describes the roles of these epigenetic changes in the mechanisms of brain development, maturation, and aging and some of the most important factors dynamically regulating or contributing to these changes, such as oxidative stress, inflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Adalberto Merighi
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy; (L.L.); (C.C.)
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Ceylan D, Karacicek B, Tufekci KU, Aksahin IC, Senol SH, Genc S. Mitochondrial DNA oxidation, methylation, and copy number alterations in major and bipolar depression. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1304660. [PMID: 38161720 PMCID: PMC10755902 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1304660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Mood disorders are common disabling psychiatric disorders caused by both genetic and environmental factors. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) modifications and epigenetics are promising areas of research in depression since mitochondrial dysfunction has been associated with depression. In this study we aimed to investigate the mtDNA changes in depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BD). Methods Displacement loop methylation (D-loop-met), relative mtDNA copy number (mtDNA-cn) and mtDNA oxidation (mtDNA-oxi) were investigated in DNA samples of individuals with MDD (n = 34), BD (n = 23), and healthy controls (HC; n = 40) using the Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR). Blood samples were obtained from a subset of individuals with MDD (n = 15) during a depressive episode (baseline) and after remission (8th week). Results The study groups exhibited significant differences in D-loop-met (p = 0.020), while relative mtDNA-cn and mtDNA-oxi showed comparable results. During the remission phase (8th week), there were lower levels of relative mtDNA-cn (Z = -2.783, p = 0.005) and D-loop-met (Z = -3.180, p = 0.001) compared to the acute MDD baseline, with no significant change in mtDNA-oxi levels (Z = -1.193, p = 0.233). Conclusion Our findings indicate significantly increased D-loop methylation in MDD compared to BD and HCs, suggesting distinct mtDNA modifications in these conditions. Moreover, the observed alterations in relative mtDNA-cn and D-loop-met during remission suggest a potential role of mtDNA alterations in the pathophysiology of MDD. Future studies may provide valuable insights into the dynamics of mtDNA modifications in both disorders and their response to treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deniz Ceylan
- Affective Laboratory, Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine, Istanbul, Türkiye
- Department of Psychiatry, Koç University Hospital, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Bilge Karacicek
- Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center, Genç Lab, Izmir, Türkiye
| | - Kemal Ugur Tufekci
- Brain and Neuroscience Research and Application Center, Izmir Demokrasi University, Izmir, Türkiye
- Vocational School of Health Services, Izmir Democracy University, Izmir, Türkiye
| | - Izel Cemre Aksahin
- Affective Laboratory, Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine, Istanbul, Türkiye
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Koç University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Sevin Hun Senol
- Department of Psychiatry, Koç University Hospital, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Sermin Genc
- Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center, Genç Lab, Izmir, Türkiye
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Shao Z, Han Y, Zhou D. Optimized bisulfite sequencing analysis reveals the lack of 5-methylcytosine in mammalian mitochondrial DNA. BMC Genomics 2023; 24:439. [PMID: 37542258 PMCID: PMC10403921 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09541-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND DNA methylation is one of the best characterized epigenetic modifications in the mammalian nuclear genome and is known to play a significant role in various biological processes. Nonetheless, the presence of 5-methylcytosine (5mC) in mitochondrial DNA remains controversial, as data ranging from the lack of 5mC to very extensive 5mC have been reported. RESULTS By conducting comprehensive bioinformatic analyses of both published and our own data, we reveal that previous observations of extensive and strand-biased mtDNA-5mC are likely artifacts due to a combination of factors including inefficient bisulfite conversion, extremely low sequencing reads in the L strand, and interference from nuclear mitochondrial DNA sequences (NUMTs). To reduce false positive mtDNA-5mC signals, we establish an optimized procedure for library preparation and data analysis of bisulfite sequencing. Leveraging our modified workflow, we demonstrate an even distribution of 5mC signals across the mtDNA and an average methylation level ranging from 0.19% to 0.67% in both cell lines and primary cells, which is indistinguishable from the background noise. CONCLUSIONS We have developed a framework for analyzing mtDNA-5mC through bisulfite sequencing, which enables us to present multiple lines of evidence for the lack of extensive 5mC in mammalian mtDNA. We assert that the data available to date do not support the reported presence of mtDNA-5mC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenyu Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China.
| | - Yang Han
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (RU069), Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Dan Zhou
- Center for Medical Research and Innovation, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (RU069), Shanghai, 201399, China.
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Glioma is the most common primary brain tumor and is often associated with treatment resistance and poor prognosis. Standard treatment typically involves radiotherapy and temozolomide-based chemotherapy, both of which induce cellular senescence-a tumor suppression mechanism. DISCUSSION Gliomas employ various mechanisms to bypass or escape senescence and remain in a proliferative state. Importantly, senescent cells remain viable and secrete a large number of factors collectively known as the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) that, paradoxically, also have pro-tumorigenic effects. Furthermore, senescent cells may represent one form of tumor dormancy and play a role in glioma recurrence and progression. CONCLUSION In this article, we delineate an overview of senescence in the context of gliomas, including the mechanisms that lead to senescence induction, bypass, and escape. Furthermore, we examine the role of senescent cells in the tumor microenvironment and their role in tumor progression and recurrence. Additionally, we highlight potential therapeutic opportunities for targeting senescence in glioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafał Chojak
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 676 N. St Clair Street, Suite 2210, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
- Northwestern Medicine Malnati Brain Tumor Institute, Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jawad Fares
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 676 N. St Clair Street, Suite 2210, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
- Northwestern Medicine Malnati Brain Tumor Institute, Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Edgar Petrosyan
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 676 N. St Clair Street, Suite 2210, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
- Northwestern Medicine Malnati Brain Tumor Institute, Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Maciej S Lesniak
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 676 N. St Clair Street, Suite 2210, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
- Northwestern Medicine Malnati Brain Tumor Institute, Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.
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Ding B, Zhang X, Wan Z, Tian F, Ling J, Tan J, Peng X. Characterization of Mitochondrial DNA Methylation of Alzheimer's Disease in Plasma Cell-Free DNA. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:2351. [PMID: 37510095 PMCID: PMC10378411 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13142351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Noninvasive diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is important for patients. Significant differences in the methylation of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) were found in AD brain tissue. Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) is a noninvasive and economical diagnostic tool. We aimed to characterize mtDNA methylation alterations in the plasma cfDNA of 31 AD patients and 26 age- and sex-matched cognitively normal control subjects. We found that the mtDNA methylation patterns differed between AD patients and control subjects. The mtDNA was predominantly hypomethylated in the plasma cfDNA of AD patients. The hypomethylation sites or regions were mainly located in mt-rRNA, mt-tRNA, and D-Loop regions. The hypomethylation of the D-Loop region in plasma cfDNA of AD patients was consistent with that in previous studies. This study presents evidence that hypomethylation in the non-protein coding region of mtDNA may contribute to the pathogenesis of AD and potential application for the diagnosis of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binrong Ding
- Department of Geriatrics, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410000, China
| | - Xuewei Zhang
- Health Management Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410000, China
| | - Zhengqing Wan
- Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Feng Tian
- The 8 Ward, The Ninth Hospital of Changsha, Changsha 410000, China
| | - Jie Ling
- Medical Functional Experiment Center, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha 410000, China
| | - Jieqiong Tan
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410000, China
- Institute of Molecular Precision Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410000, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Molecular Precision Medicine, Changsha 410000, China
- Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Neurodegenerative and Neurogenetic Diseases, Changsha 410000, China
| | - Xiaoqing Peng
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410000, China
- Institute of Molecular Precision Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410000, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Molecular Precision Medicine, Changsha 410000, China
- Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Neurodegenerative and Neurogenetic Diseases, Changsha 410000, China
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Kitazawa S, Haraguchi R, Takaoka Y, Kitazawa R. In situ sequence-specific visualization of single methylated cytosine on tissue sections using ICON probe and rolling-circle amplification. Histochem Cell Biol 2023; 159:263-273. [PMID: 36418613 PMCID: PMC10006048 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-022-02165-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Since epigenetic modifications differ from cell to cell, detecting the DNA methylation status of individual cells is requisite. Therefore, it is important to conduct "morphology-based epigenetics research", in which the sequence-specific DNA methylation status is observed while maintaining tissue architecture. Here we demonstrate a novel histochemical technique that efficiently shows the presence of a single methylated cytosine in a sequence-dependent manner by applying ICON (interstrand complexation with osmium for nucleic acids) probes. By optimizing the concentration and duration of potassium osmate treatment, ICON probes selectively hybridize to methylated cytosine on tissue sections. Since the elongation process by rolling-circle amplification through the padlock probe and synchronous amplification by the hyperbranching reaction at a constant temperature efficiently amplifies the reaction, it is possible to specifically detect the presence of a single methylated cytosine. Since the ICON probe is cross-linked to the nuclear or mitochondrial DNA of the target cell, subsequent elongation and multiplication reactions proceed like a tree growing in soil with its roots firmly planted, thus facilitating the demonstration of methylated cytosine in situ. Using this novel ICON-mediated histochemical method, detection of the methylation of DNA in the regulatory region of the RANK gene in cultured cells and of mitochondrial DNA in paraffin sections of mouse cerebellar tissue was achievable. This combined ICON and rolling-circle amplification method is the first that shows evidence of the presence of a single methylated cytosine in a sequence-specific manner in paraffin sections, and is foreseen as applicable to a wide range of epigenetic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sohei Kitazawa
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Shitsukawa 454, Toon, Ehime, 791-0295, Japan.
| | - Ryuma Haraguchi
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Shitsukawa 454, Toon, Ehime, 791-0295, Japan
| | - Yuki Takaoka
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Shitsukawa 454, Toon, Ehime, 791-0295, Japan
| | - Riko Kitazawa
- Division of Diagnostic Pathology, Ehime University Hospital, Shitsukawa 454, Toon, Ehime, 791-0295, Japan
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Dragoni F, Garau J, Orcesi S, Varesio C, Bordoni M, Scarian E, Di Gerlando R, Fazzi E, Battini R, Gjurgjaj A, Rizzo B, Pansarasa O, Gagliardi S. Comparison between D-loop methylation and mtDNA copy number in patients with Aicardi-Goutières Syndrome. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1152237. [PMID: 36998476 PMCID: PMC10043473 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1152237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Aicardi-Goutières Syndrome (AGS) is a rare encephalopathy with early onset that can be transmitted in both dominant and recessive forms. Its phenotypic covers a wide range of neurological and extraneurological symptoms. Nine genes that are all involved in nucleic acids (NAs) metabolism or signaling have so far been linked to the AGS phenotype. Recently, a link between autoimmune or neurodegenerative conditions and mitochondrial dysfunctions has been found. As part of the intricate system of epigenetic control, the mtDNA goes through various alterations. The displacement (D-loop) region represents one of the most methylated sites in the mtDNA. The term "mitoepigenetics" has been introduced as a result of increasing data suggesting that epigenetic processes may play a critical role in the control of mtDNA transcription and replication. Since we showed that RNASEH2B and RNASEH2A-mutated Lymphoblastoid Cell Lines (LCLs) derived from AGS patients had mitochondrial alterations, highlighting changes in the mtDNA content, the main objective of this study was to examine any potential methylation changes in the D-loop regulatory region of mitochondria and their relationship to the mtDNA copy number in peripheral blood cells of AGS patients with mutations in various AGS genes and healthy controls. MATERIALS AND METHODS We collected blood samples from 25 AGS patients and we performed RT-qPCR to assess the mtDNA copy number and pyrosequencing to measure DNA methylation levels in the D-loop region. RESULTS Comparing AGS patients to healthy controls, D-loop methylation levels and mtDNA copy number increased significantly. We also observed that in AGS patients, the mtDNA copy number increased with age at sampling, but not the D-loop methylation levels, and there was no relationship between sex and mtDNA copy number. In addition, the D-loop methylation levels and mtDNA copy number in the AGS group showed a non-statistically significant positive relation. CONCLUSION These findings, which contradict the evidence for an inverse relationship between D-loop methylation levels and mtDNA copy number, show that AGS patients have higher D-loop methylation levels than healthy control subjects. Additional research is needed to identify the function of these features in the etiology and course of AGS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Dragoni
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology “L. Spallanzani”, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Molecular Biology and Transcriptomics Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Jessica Garau
- Neurogenetics Research Centre, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Simona Orcesi
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Department of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Costanza Varesio
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Department of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Matteo Bordoni
- Cellular Model and Neuroepigenetics Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Eveljn Scarian
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Cellular Model and Neuroepigenetics Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Rosalinda Di Gerlando
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology “L. Spallanzani”, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Molecular Biology and Transcriptomics Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Elisa Fazzi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
- Unit of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, ASST Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy
| | - Roberta Battini
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Pisa, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Altea Gjurgjaj
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology “L. Spallanzani”, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Bartolo Rizzo
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology “L. Spallanzani”, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Orietta Pansarasa
- Cellular Model and Neuroepigenetics Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
- *Correspondence: Orietta Pansarasa,
| | - Stella Gagliardi
- Molecular Biology and Transcriptomics Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
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Marmolejo-Garza A, Medeiros-Furquim T, Rao R, Eggen BJL, Boddeke E, Dolga AM. Transcriptomic and epigenomic landscapes of Alzheimer's disease evidence mitochondrial-related pathways. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Res 2022; 1869:119326. [PMID: 35839870 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2022.119326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimers disease (AD) is the main cause of dementia and it is defined by cognitive decline coupled to extracellular deposit of amyloid-beta protein and intracellular hyperphosphorylation of tau protein. Historically, efforts to target such hallmarks have failed in numerous clinical trials. In addition to these hallmark-targeted approaches, several clinical trials focus on other AD pathological processes, such as inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and oxidative stress. Mitochondria and mitochondrial-related mechanisms have become an attractive target for disease-modifying strategies, as mitochondrial dysfunction prior to clinical onset has been widely described in AD patients and AD animal models. Mitochondrial function relies on both the nuclear and mitochondrial genome. Findings from omics technologies have shed light on AD pathophysiology at different levels (e.g., epigenome, transcriptome and proteome). Most of these studies have focused on the nuclear-encoded components. The first part of this review provides an updated overview of the mechanisms that regulate mitochondrial gene expression and function. The second part of this review focuses on evidence of mitochondrial dysfunction in AD. We have focused on published findings and datasets that study AD. We analyzed published data and provide examples for mitochondrial-related pathways. These pathways are strikingly dysregulated in AD neurons and glia in sex-, cell- and disease stage-specific manners. Analysis of mitochondrial omics data highlights the involvement of mitochondria in AD, providing a rationale for further disease modeling and drug targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Marmolejo-Garza
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy (GRIP), University of Groningen, the Netherlands; Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells & Systems, Section Molecular Neurobiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Tiago Medeiros-Furquim
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy (GRIP), University of Groningen, the Netherlands; Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells & Systems, Section Molecular Neurobiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Ramya Rao
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy (GRIP), University of Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Bart J L Eggen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells & Systems, Section Molecular Neurobiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Erik Boddeke
- Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells & Systems, Section Molecular Neurobiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands; Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen N, Denmark.
| | - Amalia M Dolga
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy (GRIP), University of Groningen, the Netherlands.
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Guitton R, Nido GS, Tzoulis C. No evidence of extensive non-CpG methylation in mtDNA. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:9190-9194. [PMID: 35979955 PMCID: PMC9458446 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
While most research suggests mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) harbors low or no methylation, a few studies claim to report evidence of high-level methylation in the mtDNA. The reasons behind these contradictory results are likely to be methodological but remain largely unexplored. Here, we critically reanalyzed a recent study by Patil et al. (2019) reporting extensive methylation in human mtDNA in a non-CpG context. Our analyses refute the original findings and show that these do not reflect the biology of the tested samples, but rather stem from a combination of methodological and technical pitfalls. The authors employ an oversimplified model that defines as methylated all reference positions with methylation proportions above an arbitrary cutoff of 9%. This substantially exacerbates the overestimation of methylated cytosines due to the selective degradation of unmethylated cytosine-rich regions. Additional limitations are the small sample sizes and lack of sample-specific controls for bisulfite conversion efficiency. In conclusion, using the same dataset employed in the original study by Patil et al., we find no evidence supporting the existence of extensive non-CpG methylation in the human mtDNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romain Guitton
- Neuro-SysMed, Department of Neurology, Haukeland University Hospital, 5021 Bergen, Norway,Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Pb 7804, 5020 Bergen, Norway
| | - Gonzalo S Nido
- Correspondence may also be addressed to Gonzalo S. Nido. Tel: +47 55975061;
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Chen K, Lu P, Beeraka NM, Sukocheva OA, Madhunapantula SV, Liu J, Sinelnikov MY, Nikolenko VN, Bulygin KV, Mikhaleva LM, Reshetov IV, Gu Y, Zhang J, Cao Y, Somasundaram SG, Kirkland CE, Fan R, Aliev G. Mitochondrial mutations and mitoepigenetics: Focus on regulation of oxidative stress-induced responses in breast cancers. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 83:556-569. [PMID: 33035656 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2020.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 56.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetic regulation of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is an emerging and fast-developing field of research. Compared to regulation of nucler DNA, mechanisms of mtDNA epigenetic regulation (mitoepigenetics) remain less investigated. However, mitochondrial signaling directs various vital intracellular processes including aerobic respiration, apoptosis, cell proliferation and survival, nucleic acid synthesis, and oxidative stress. The later process and associated mismanagement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) cascade were associated with cancer progression. It has been demonstrated that cancer cells contain ROS/oxidative stress-mediated defects in mtDNA repair system and mitochondrial nucleoid protection. Furthermore, mtDNA is vulnerable to damage caused by somatic mutations, resulting in the dysfunction of the mitochondrial respiratory chain and energy production, which fosters further generation of ROS and promotes oncogenicity. Mitochondrial proteins are encoded by the collective mitochondrial genome that comprises both nuclear and mitochondrial genomes coupled by crosstalk. Recent reports determined the defects in the collective mitochondrial genome that are conducive to breast cancer initiation and progression. Mutational damage to mtDNA, as well as its overproliferation and deletions, were reported to alter the nuclear epigenetic landscape. Unbalanced mitoepigenetics and adverse regulation of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) can efficiently facilitate cancer cell survival. Accordingly, several mitochondria-targeting therapeutic agents (biguanides, OXPHOS inhibitors, vitamin-E analogues, and antibiotic bedaquiline) were suggested for future clinical trials in breast cancer patients. However, crosstalk mechanisms between altered mitoepigenetics and cancer-associated mtDNA mutations remain largely unclear. Hence, mtDNA mutations and epigenetic modifications could be considered as potential molecular markers for early diagnosis and targeted therapy of breast cancer. This review discusses the role of mitoepigenetic regulation in cancer cells and potential employment of mtDNA modifications as novel anti-cancer targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuo Chen
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 1 Jianshedong Street, Zhengzhou, 450052, China; Institue for Regenerative Medicine, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 8/2 Trubetskaya Street, Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | - Pengwei Lu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 1 Jianshedong Street, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Narasimha M Beeraka
- Center of Excellence in Regenerative Medicine and Molecular Biology (CEMR), Department of Biochemistry, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research (JSS AHER), Mysuru, Karnataka, India
| | - Olga A Sukocheva
- Discipline of Health Sciences, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, 5042, Australia
| | - SubbaRao V Madhunapantula
- Center of Excellence in Regenerative Medicine and Molecular Biology (CEMR), Department of Biochemistry, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research (JSS AHER), Mysuru, Karnataka, India
| | - Junqi Liu
- Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 1 Jianshedong Str., Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Mikhail Y Sinelnikov
- Institue for Regenerative Medicine, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 8/2 Trubetskaya Street, Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | - Vladimir N Nikolenko
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (Sechenov University), 8/2 Trubetskaya Street, Moscow, 119991, Russia; Department of Normal and Topographic Anatomy, Faculty of Fundamental Medicine, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University (MSU), 31-5 Lomonosovsky Prospect, 117192, Moscow, Russia
| | - Kirill V Bulygin
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (Sechenov University), 8/2 Trubetskaya Street, Moscow, 119991, Russia; Department of Normal and Topographic Anatomy, Faculty of Fundamental Medicine, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University (MSU), 31-5 Lomonosovsky Prospect, 117192, Moscow, Russia
| | - Liudmila M Mikhaleva
- Research Institute of Human Morphology, 3 Tsyurupy Street, Moscow, 117418, Russian Federation
| | - Igor V Reshetov
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (Sechenov University), 8/2 Trubetskaya Street, Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | - Yuanting Gu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 1 Jianshedong Street, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Jin Zhang
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (Sechenov University), 8/2 Trubetskaya Street, Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | - Yu Cao
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (Sechenov University), 8/2 Trubetskaya Street, Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | - Siva G Somasundaram
- Department of Biological Sciences, Salem University, 223 West Main Street Salem, WV, 26426, USA
| | - Cecil E Kirkland
- Department of Biological Sciences, Salem University, 223 West Main Street Salem, WV, 26426, USA
| | - Ruitai Fan
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 1 Jianshedong Street, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
| | - Gjumrakch Aliev
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (Sechenov University), 8/2 Trubetskaya Street, Moscow, 119991, Russia; Research Institute of Human Morphology, 3 Tsyurupy Street, Moscow, 117418, Russian Federation; Institute of Physiologically Active Compounds of Russian Academy of Sciences, Severny pr. 1, Chernogolovka, Moscow Region, 142432, Russia; GALLY International Research Institute, 7733 Louis Pasteur Drive, #330, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
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12
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Yue Y, Ren L, Zhang C, Miao K, Tan K, Yang Q, Hu Y, Xi G, Luo G, Yang M, Zhang J, Hou Z, An L, Tian J. Mitochondrial genome undergoes de novo DNA methylation that protects mtDNA against oxidative damage during the peri-implantation window. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2201168119. [PMID: 35858425 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2201168119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial remodeling during the peri-implantation stage is the hallmark event essential for normal embryogenesis. Among the changes, enhanced oxidative phosphorylation is critical for supporting high energy demands of postimplantation embryos, but increases mitochondrial oxidative stress, which in turn threatens mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) stability. However, how mitochondria protect their own histone-lacking mtDNA, during this stage remains unclear. Concurrently, the mitochondrial genome gain DNA methylation by this stage. Its spatiotemporal coincidence with enhanced mitochondrial stress led us to ask if mtDNA methylation has a role in maintaining mitochondrial genome stability. Herein, we report that mitochondrial genome undergoes de novo mtDNA methylation that can protect mtDNA against enhanced oxidative damage during the peri-implantation window. Mitochondrial genome gains extensive mtDNA methylation during transition from blastocysts to postimplantation embryos, thus establishing relatively hypermethylated mtDNA from hypomethylated state in blastocysts. Mechanistic study revealed that DNA methyltransferase 3A (DNMT3A) and DNMT3B enter mitochondria during this process and bind to mtDNA, via their unique mitochondrial targeting sequences. Importantly, loss- and gain-of-function analyses indicated that DNMT3A and DNMT3B are responsible for catalyzing de novo mtDNA methylation, in a synergistic manner. Finally, we proved, in vivo and in vitro, that increased mtDNA methylation functions to protect mitochondrial genome against mtDNA damage induced by increased mitochondrial oxidative stress. Together, we reveal mtDNA methylation dynamics and its underlying mechanism during the critical developmental window. We also provide the functional link between mitochondrial epigenetic remodeling and metabolic changes, which reveals a role for nuclear-mitochondrial crosstalk in establishing mitoepigenetics and maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis.
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Wagner A, Kosnacova H, Chovanec M, Jurkovicova D. Mitochondrial Genetic and Epigenetic Regulations in Cancer: Therapeutic Potential. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23147897. [PMID: 35887244 PMCID: PMC9321253 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23147897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria are dynamic organelles managing crucial processes of cellular metabolism and bioenergetics. Enabling rapid cellular adaptation to altered endogenous and exogenous environments, mitochondria play an important role in many pathophysiological states, including cancer. Being under the control of mitochondrial and nuclear DNA (mtDNA and nDNA), mitochondria adjust their activity and biogenesis to cell demands. In cancer, numerous mutations in mtDNA have been detected, which do not inactivate mitochondrial functions but rather alter energy metabolism to support cancer cell growth. Increasing evidence suggests that mtDNA mutations, mtDNA epigenetics and miRNA regulations dynamically modify signalling pathways in an altered microenvironment, resulting in cancer initiation and progression and aberrant therapy response. In this review, we discuss mitochondria as organelles importantly involved in tumorigenesis and anti-cancer therapy response. Tumour treatment unresponsiveness still represents a serious drawback in current drug therapies. Therefore, studying aspects related to genetic and epigenetic control of mitochondria can open a new field for understanding cancer therapy response. The urgency of finding new therapeutic regimens with better treatment outcomes underlines the targeting of mitochondria as a suitable candidate with new therapeutic potential. Understanding the role of mitochondria and their regulation in cancer development, progression and treatment is essential for the development of new safe and effective mitochondria-based therapeutic regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Wagner
- Department of Genetics, Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia; (A.W.); (H.K.); (M.C.)
- Department of Simulation and Virtual Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, 811 08 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Helena Kosnacova
- Department of Genetics, Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia; (A.W.); (H.K.); (M.C.)
- Department of Simulation and Virtual Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, 811 08 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Miroslav Chovanec
- Department of Genetics, Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia; (A.W.); (H.K.); (M.C.)
| | - Dana Jurkovicova
- Department of Genetics, Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia; (A.W.); (H.K.); (M.C.)
- Correspondence:
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14
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Stoccoro A, Baldacci F, Ceravolo R, Giampietri L, Tognoni G, Siciliano G, Migliore L, Coppedè F. Increase in Mitochondrial D-Loop Region Methylation Levels in Mild Cognitive Impairment Individuals. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23105393. [PMID: 35628202 PMCID: PMC9142993 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Methylation levels of the mitochondrial displacement loop (D-loop) region have been reported to be altered in the brain and blood of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients. Moreover, a dynamic D-loop methylation pattern was observed in the brain of transgenic AD mice along with disease progression. However, investigations on the blood cells of AD patients in the prodromal phases of the disease have not been performed so far. The aim of this study was to analyze D-loop methylation levels by means of the MS-HRM technique in the peripheral blood cells of 14 mild cognitive impairment (MCI) patients, 18 early stage AD patients, 70 advanced stage AD patients, and 105 healthy control subjects. We found higher D-loop methylation levels in MCI patients than in control subjects and AD patients. Moreover, higher D-loop methylation levels were observed in control subjects than in AD patients in advanced stages of the disease, but not in those at early stages. The present pilot study shows that peripheral D-loop methylation levels differ in patients at different stages of AD pathology, suggesting that further studies deserve to be performed in order to validate the usefulness of D-loop methylation analysis as a peripheral biomarker for the early detection of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Stoccoro
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
- Correspondence: (A.S.); (F.C.); Tel.: +39-0502-218549 (A.S.); +39-0502-218544 (F.C.)
| | - Filippo Baldacci
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (F.B.); (R.C.); (L.G.); (G.T.); (G.S.)
| | - Roberto Ceravolo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (F.B.); (R.C.); (L.G.); (G.T.); (G.S.)
| | - Linda Giampietri
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (F.B.); (R.C.); (L.G.); (G.T.); (G.S.)
| | - Gloria Tognoni
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (F.B.); (R.C.); (L.G.); (G.T.); (G.S.)
| | - Gabriele Siciliano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (F.B.); (R.C.); (L.G.); (G.T.); (G.S.)
| | - Lucia Migliore
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Fabio Coppedè
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
- Correspondence: (A.S.); (F.C.); Tel.: +39-0502-218549 (A.S.); +39-0502-218544 (F.C.)
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15
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Guitton R, Dölle C, Alves G, Ole-Bjørn T, Nido GS, Tzoulis C. Ultra-deep whole genome bisulfite sequencing reveals a single methylation hotspot in human brain mitochondrial DNA. Epigenetics 2022; 17:906-921. [PMID: 35253628 PMCID: PMC9423827 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2022.2045754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
While DNA methylation is established as a major regulator of gene expression in the nucleus, the existence of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) methylation remains controversial. Here, we characterized the mtDNA methylation landscape in the prefrontal cortex of neurological healthy individuals (n=26) and patients with Parkinson’s disease (n=27), using a combination of whole-genome bisulphite sequencing (WGBS) and bisulphite-independent methods. Accurate mtDNA mapping from WGBS data required alignment to an mtDNA reference only, to avoid misalignment to nuclear mitochondrial pseudogenes. Once correctly aligned, WGBS data provided ultra-deep mtDNA coverage (16,723 ± 7,711) and revealed overall very low levels of cytosine methylation. The highest methylation levels (5.49 ± 0.97%) were found on CpG position m.545, located in the heavy-strand promoter 1 region. The m.545 methylation was validated using a combination of methylation-sensitive DNA digestion and quantitative PCR analysis. We detected no association between mtDNA methylation profile and Parkinson’s disease. Interestingly, m.545 methylation correlated with the levels of mtDNA transcripts, suggesting a putative role in regulating mtDNA gene expression. In addition, we propose a robust framework for methylation analysis of mtDNA from WGBS data, which is less prone to false-positive findings due to misalignment of nuclear mitochondrial pseudogene sequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romain Guitton
- Neuro-SysMed, Department of Neurology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Christian Dölle
- Neuro-SysMed, Department of Neurology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Guido Alves
- The Norwegian Centre for Movement Disorders and Department of Neurology, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway.,Department of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Stavanger, University of Bergen, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Tysnes Ole-Bjørn
- Neuro-SysMed, Department of Neurology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Gonzalo S Nido
- Neuro-SysMed, Department of Neurology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Charalampos Tzoulis
- Neuro-SysMed, Department of Neurology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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16
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Galow A, Peleg S. How to Slow Down the Ticking Clock: Age-Associated Epigenetic Alterations and Related Interventions to Extend Life Span. Cells 2022; 11:468. [PMID: 35159278 PMCID: PMC8915189 DOI: 10.3390/cells11030468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic alterations pose one major hallmark of organismal aging. Here, we provide an overview on recent findings describing the epigenetic changes that arise during aging and in related maladies such as neurodegeneration and cancer. Specifically, we focus on alterations of histone modifications and DNA methylation and illustrate the link with metabolic pathways. Age-related epigenetic, transcriptional and metabolic deregulations are highly interconnected, which renders dissociating cause and effect complicated. However, growing amounts of evidence support the notion that aging is not only accompanied by epigenetic alterations, but also at least in part induced by those. DNA methylation clocks emerged as a tool to objectively determine biological aging and turned out as a valuable source in search of factors positively and negatively impacting human life span. Moreover, specific epigenetic signatures can be used as biomarkers for age-associated disorders or even as targets for therapeutic approaches, as will be covered in this review. Finally, we summarize recent potential intervention strategies that target epigenetic mechanisms to extend healthy life span and provide an outlook on future developments in the field of longevity research.
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17
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Sahabi S, Jafari-Gharabaghlou D, Zarghami N. A new insight into cell biological and biochemical changes through aging. Acta Histochem 2022; 124:151841. [PMID: 34995929 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2021.151841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
After several years of extensive research, the main cause of aging is yet elusive. There are some theories about aging, such as stem cell aging, senescent cells accumulation, and neuro-endocrine theories. None of them is able to explain all changes that happen in cells and body through aging. By finding out the main cause of aging, it will be much easier to control, prevent and even reverse the aging process. Our cells, regardless of their replicative capacity, get old through aging and they have almost the same epigenetic age. Different cell signaling pathways contribute to aging. The most important one is mTORC1 that becomes hyperactive in cells that undergo aging. Other significant changes with age are lysosome accumulation, impaired autophagy, and mitophagy. Immune system undergoes gradual changes through aging including a shift from lymphoid to myeloid lineage production as well as increased IL-6 and TNF-α which lead to age-related weight loss and meta-inflammation. Additionally, our endocrine system also experiences some changes that should be taken into consideration when looking for the main cause of aging in the human body. In this review, we planned to summarize some of the changes that happen in cells and the body through aging.
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Abstract
Mitochondria, as the center of energy production, play an important role in cell homeostasis by regulating the cellular metabolism and mediating the cellular response to stress. Epigenetic changes such as DNA and histone methylation have been increasingly recognized to play a significant role in homeostasis and stress response. The cross-talking between the metabolome and the epigenome has attracted significant attention in recent years but with a major focus on how metabolism contributes to epigenomic changes. Few studies have focused on how epigenetic modifications may alter the mitochondrial composition and activity. In this work, we designed a novel probe targeting methylated CpGs of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). We demonstrated the capability of our probe to reveal the spatial distribution of methylated mtDNA and capture the mtDNA methylation changes at a single-cell level. We were also able to track single-cell mtDNA and nDNA methylation simultaneously and discovered the unsynchronized dynamics of the nucleus and mitochondria. Our tool offers a unique opportunity to understand the epigenetic regulation of mtDNA and its dynamic response to the microenvironment and cellular changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Zhao
- Davidson School of Chemical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Donghan Ma
- Davidson School of Chemical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Junkai Xie
- Davidson School of Chemical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Oscar Sanchez
- Davidson School of Chemical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Fang Huang
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
- Purdue University Center for Cancer Research, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Chongli Yuan
- Davidson School of Chemical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
- Purdue University Center for Cancer Research, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
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19
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Zhu X, Chen Z, Shen W, Huang G, Sedivy JM, Wang H, Ju Z. Inflammation, epigenetics, and metabolism converge to cell senescence and ageing: the regulation and intervention. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2021; 6:245. [PMID: 34176928 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-021-00646-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 05/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Remarkable progress in ageing research has been achieved over the past decades. General perceptions and experimental evidence pinpoint that the decline of physical function often initiates by cell senescence and organ ageing. Epigenetic dynamics and immunometabolic reprogramming link to the alterations of cellular response to intrinsic and extrinsic stimuli, representing current hotspots as they not only (re-)shape the individual cell identity, but also involve in cell fate decision. This review focuses on the present findings and emerging concepts in epigenetic, inflammatory, and metabolic regulations and the consequences of the ageing process. Potential therapeutic interventions targeting cell senescence and regulatory mechanisms, using state-of-the-art techniques are also discussed.
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20
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Stoccoro A, Smith AR, Baldacci F, Del Gamba C, Lo Gerfo A, Ceravolo R, Lunnon K, Migliore L, Coppedè F. Mitochondrial D-Loop Region Methylation and Copy Number in Peripheral Blood DNA of Parkinson's Disease Patients. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12050720. [PMID: 34065874 PMCID: PMC8151519 DOI: 10.3390/genes12050720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Altered mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) methylation has been detected in several human pathologies, although little attention has been given to neurodegenerative diseases. Recently, altered methylation levels of the mitochondrial displacement loop (D-loop) region, which regulates mtDNA replication, were observed in peripheral blood cells of Alzheimer’s disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients. However, nothing is yet known about D-loop region methylation levels in peripheral blood of Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients. In the current study, we investigated D-loop methylation levels and mtDNA copy number in peripheral blood of 30 PD patients and 30 age- and sex-matched control subjects. DNA methylation analyses have been performed by means of methylation-sensitive high-resolution melting (MS-HRM) and pyrosequencing techniques, while mtDNA copy number was analyzed by quantitative PCR. MS-HRM and pyrosequencing analyses provided very similar D-loop methylation levels in PD patients and control subjects, and no differences between the two groups have been observed. Treatment with L-dopa and duration of the disease had no effect on D-loop methylation levels in PD patients. Additionally, mtDNA copy number did not differ between PD patients and control subjects. Current results suggest that D-loop methylation levels are not altered in peripheral blood of PD patients nor influenced by dopaminergic treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Stoccoro
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (A.S.); (L.M.)
| | - Adam R. Smith
- Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter EX2 5DW, UK; (A.R.S.); (K.L.)
| | - Filippo Baldacci
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (F.B.); (C.D.G.); (A.L.G.); (R.C.)
| | - Claudia Del Gamba
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (F.B.); (C.D.G.); (A.L.G.); (R.C.)
| | - Annalisa Lo Gerfo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (F.B.); (C.D.G.); (A.L.G.); (R.C.)
| | - Roberto Ceravolo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (F.B.); (C.D.G.); (A.L.G.); (R.C.)
| | - Katie Lunnon
- Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter EX2 5DW, UK; (A.R.S.); (K.L.)
| | - Lucia Migliore
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (A.S.); (L.M.)
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Fabio Coppedè
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (A.S.); (L.M.)
- Correspondence:
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21
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Stoccoro A, Coppedè F. Mitochondrial DNA Methylation and Human Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:4594. [PMID: 33925624 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic modifications of the nuclear genome, including DNA methylation, histone modifications and non-coding RNA post-transcriptional regulation, are increasingly being involved in the pathogenesis of several human diseases. Recent evidence suggests that also epigenetic modifications of the mitochondrial genome could contribute to the etiology of human diseases. In particular, altered methylation and hydroxymethylation levels of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) have been found in animal models and in human tissues from patients affected by cancer, obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. Moreover, environmental factors, as well as nuclear DNA genetic variants, have been found to impair mtDNA methylation patterns. Some authors failed to find DNA methylation marks in the mitochondrial genome, suggesting that it is unlikely that this epigenetic modification plays any role in the control of the mitochondrial function. On the other hand, several other studies successfully identified the presence of mtDNA methylation, particularly in the mitochondrial displacement loop (D-loop) region, relating it to changes in both mtDNA gene transcription and mitochondrial replication. Overall, investigations performed until now suggest that methylation and hydroxymethylation marks are present in the mtDNA genome, albeit at lower levels compared to those detectable in nuclear DNA, potentially contributing to the mitochondria impairment underlying several human diseases.
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Pérez-Muñoz AA, de Lourdes Muñoz M, García-Hernández N, Santander-Lucio H. A New Approach to Identify the Methylation Sites in the Control Region of Mitochondrial DNA. Curr Mol Med 2021; 21:151-164. [PMID: 32484108 DOI: 10.2174/1566524020666200528154005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2019] [Revised: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) methylation has the potential to be used as a biomarker of human development or disease. However, mtDNA methylation procedures are costly and time-consuming. Therefore, we developed a new approach based on an RT-PCR assay for the base site identification of methylated cytosine in the control region of mtDNA through a simple, fast, specific, and low-cost strategy. Total DNA was purified, and methylation was determined by RT-PCR bisulfite sequencing. This procedure included the DNA purification, bisulfite treatment and RT-PCR amplification of the control region divided into three subregions with specific primers. Sequences obtained with and without the bisulfite treatment were compared to identify the methylated cytosine dinucleotides. Furthermore, the efficiency of C to U conversion of cytosines was assessed by including a negative control. Interestingly, mtDNA methylation was observed mainly within non-Cphosphate- G (non-CpG) dinucleotides and mostly in the regions containing regulatory elements, such as OH or CSBI, CSBII, and CSBIII. This new approach will promote the generation of new information regarding mtDNA methylation patterns in samples from patients with different pathologies or that are exposed to a toxic environment in diverse human populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashael Alfredo Pérez-Muñoz
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Research and Advanced Studies Center of National Polytechnic Institute (CINVESTAV of IPN), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - María de Lourdes Muñoz
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Research and Advanced Studies Center of National Polytechnic Institute (CINVESTAV of IPN), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Normand García-Hernández
- Unidad de Investigacion Medica en Genetica Humana, Unidad Medica de Alta Especialidad Hospital de Pediatria "Dr. Silvestre Frenk Freund", Centro Medico Nacional "Siglo XXI", Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Heriberto Santander-Lucio
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Research and Advanced Studies Center of National Polytechnic Institute (CINVESTAV of IPN), Mexico City, Mexico
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Abstract
DNA methylation is an epigenetic mechanism that has been largely probed regarding eukaryotic nuclear genome and bacteria, and its role is especially crucial in the regulation of gene expression. In mammals, it is almost exclusively acting on a cytosine preceding a guanine (CpG), whereas it presents itself mainly in a non-CpG context in bacteria's DNA. Conversely to nuclear and bacterial genomes, the existence of methylation in the mitochondrial genome is still widely debated. This controversy has been attributed to structural differences between the nuclear and mitochondrial genomes, and to the techniques used to study methylation of cytosines, which were rather optimized for the study of nuclear DNA. However, novel studies suggest that cytosine methylation is truly existing in mitochondria, and that it is mostly found in a non-CpG context, just like in their evolutionary relative, the bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Émélie Leroux
- Département de sciences biologiques, Université de Montréal, Campus MIL, Faculté des Arts et des Sciences, CP 6128, Succursale Centre-Ville, Montréal QC, H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Cindy Brosseau
- Département de sciences biologiques, Université de Montréal, Campus MIL, Faculté des Arts et des Sciences, CP 6128, Succursale Centre-Ville, Montréal QC, H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Bernard Angers
- Département de sciences biologiques, Université de Montréal, Campus MIL, Faculté des Arts et des Sciences, CP 6128, Succursale Centre-Ville, Montréal QC, H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Annie Angers
- Département de sciences biologiques, Université de Montréal, Campus MIL, Faculté des Arts et des Sciences, CP 6128, Succursale Centre-Ville, Montréal QC, H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Sophie Breton
- Département de sciences biologiques, Université de Montréal, Campus MIL, Faculté des Arts et des Sciences, CP 6128, Succursale Centre-Ville, Montréal QC, H3C 3J7, Canada
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Basu U, Bostwick AM, Das K, Dittenhafer-Reed KE, Patel SS. Structure, mechanism, and regulation of mitochondrial DNA transcription initiation. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:18406-18425. [PMID: 33127643 PMCID: PMC7939475 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.rev120.011202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria are specialized compartments that produce requisite ATP to fuel cellular functions and serve as centers of metabolite processing, cellular signaling, and apoptosis. To accomplish these roles, mitochondria rely on the genetic information in their small genome (mitochondrial DNA) and the nucleus. A growing appreciation for mitochondria's role in a myriad of human diseases, including inherited genetic disorders, degenerative diseases, inflammation, and cancer, has fueled the study of biochemical mechanisms that control mitochondrial function. The mitochondrial transcriptional machinery is different from nuclear machinery. The in vitro re-constituted transcriptional complexes of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (yeast) and humans, aided with high-resolution structures and biochemical characterizations, have provided a deeper understanding of the mechanism and regulation of mitochondrial DNA transcription. In this review, we will discuss recent advances in the structure and mechanism of mitochondrial transcription initiation. We will follow up with recent discoveries and formative findings regarding the regulatory events that control mitochondrial DNA transcription, focusing on those involved in cross-talk between the mitochondria and nucleus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urmimala Basu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | | | - Kalyan Das
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Smita S Patel
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA.
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25
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Stoccoro A, Smith AR, Mosca L, Marocchi A, Gerardi F, Lunetta C, Cereda C, Gagliardi S, Lunnon K, Migliore L, Coppedè F. Reduced mitochondrial D-loop methylation levels in sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Clin Epigenetics 2020; 12:137. [PMID: 32917270 PMCID: PMC7488473 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-020-00933-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mitochondrial dysregulation and aberrant epigenetic mechanisms have been frequently reported in neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and several researchers suggested that epigenetic dysregulation in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) could contribute to the neurodegenerative process. We recently screened families with mutations in the major ALS causative genes, namely C9orf72, SOD1, FUS, and TARDBP, observing reduced methylation levels of the mtDNA regulatory region (D-loop) only in peripheral lymphocytes of SOD1 carriers. However, until now no studies investigated the potential role of mtDNA methylation impairment in the sporadic form of ALS, which accounts for the majority of disease cases. The aim of the current study was to investigate the D-loop methylation levels and the mtDNA copy number in sporadic ALS patients and compare them to those observed in healthy controls and in familial ALS patients. Pyrosequencing analysis of D-loop methylation levels and quantitative analysis of mtDNA copy number were performed in peripheral white blood cells from 36 sporadic ALS patients, 51 age- and sex-matched controls, and 27 familial ALS patients with germinal mutations in SOD1 or C9orf72 that represent the major familial ALS forms. Results In the total sample, D-loop methylation levels were significantly lower in ALS patients compared to controls, and a significant inverse correlation between D-loop methylation levels and the mtDNA copy number was observed. Stratification of ALS patients into different subtypes revealed that both SOD1-mutant and sporadic ALS patients showed lower D-loop methylation levels compared to controls, while C9orf72-ALS patients showed similar D-loop methylation levels than controls. In healthy controls, but not in ALS patients, D-loop methylation levels decreased with increasing age at sampling and were higher in males compared to females. Conclusions Present data reveal altered D-loop methylation levels in sporadic ALS and confirm previous evidence of an inverse correlation between D-loop methylation levels and the mtDNA copy number, as well as differences among the major familial ALS subtypes. Overall, present results suggest that D-loop methylation and mitochondrial replication are strictly related to each other and could represent compensatory mechanisms to counteract mitochondrial impairment in sporadic and SOD1-related ALS forms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Stoccoro
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, Lab. of Medical Genetics, University of Pisa, Medical School, Via Roma 55, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Adam R Smith
- University of Exeter Medical School, College of Medicine and Health, Exeter University, Exeter, UK
| | - Lorena Mosca
- Medical Genetics Unit, Department of Laboratory Medicine, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Marocchi
- Medical Genetics Unit, Department of Laboratory Medicine, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | - Cristina Cereda
- Genomic and Post-Genomic Center, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Stella Gagliardi
- Genomic and Post-Genomic Center, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Katie Lunnon
- University of Exeter Medical School, College of Medicine and Health, Exeter University, Exeter, UK
| | - Lucia Migliore
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, Lab. of Medical Genetics, University of Pisa, Medical School, Via Roma 55, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Fabio Coppedè
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, Lab. of Medical Genetics, University of Pisa, Medical School, Via Roma 55, 56126, Pisa, Italy.
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Vigorelli V, Resta J, Bianchessi V, Lauri A, Bassetti B, Agrifoglio M, Pesce M, Polvani G, Bonalumi G, Cavallotti L, Alamanni F, Genovese S, Pompilio G, Vinci MC. Abnormal DNA Methylation Induced by Hyperglycemia Reduces CXCR 4 Gene Expression in CD 34 + Stem Cells. J Am Heart Assoc 2020; 8:e010012. [PMID: 31018749 PMCID: PMC6512087 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.118.010012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Background CD 34+ stem/progenitor cells are involved in vascular homeostasis and in neovascularization of ischemic tissues. The number of circulating CD 34+ stem cells is a predictive biomarker of adverse cardiovascular outcomes in diabetic patients. Here, we provide evidence that hyperglycemia can be "memorized" by the stem cells through epigenetic changes that contribute to onset and maintenance of their dysfunction in diabetes mellitus. Methods and Results Cord-blood-derived CD 34+ stem cells exposed to high glucose displayed increased reactive oxygen species production, overexpression of p66shc gene, and downregulation of antioxidant genes catalase and manganese superoxide dismutase when compared with normoglycemic cells. This altered oxidative state was associated with impaired migration ability toward stromal-cell-derived factor 1 alpha and reduced protein and mRNA expression of the C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 ( CXCR 4) receptor. The methylation analysis by bisulfite Sanger sequencing of the CXCR 4 promoter revealed a significant increase in DNA methylation density in high-glucose CD 34+ stem cells that negatively correlated with mRNA expression (Pearson r=-0.76; P=0.004). Consistently, we found, by chromatin immunoprecipitation assay, a more transcriptionally inactive chromatin conformation and reduced RNA polymerase II engagement on the CXCR 4 promoter. Notably, alteration of CXCR 4 DNA methylation, as well as transcriptional and functional defects, persisted in high-glucose CD 34+ stem cells despite recovery in normoglycemic conditions. Importantly, such an epigenetic modification was thoroughly confirmed in bone marrow CD 34+ stem cells isolated from sternal biopsies of diabetic patients undergoing coronary bypass surgery. Conclusions CD 34+ stem cells "memorize" the hyperglycemic environment in the form of epigenetic modifications that collude to alter CXCR 4 receptor expression and migration.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Francesco Alamanni
- 1 IRCCS Centro Cardiologico Monzino Milan Italy.,3 Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health Università degli Studi di Milano Milan Italy
| | | | - Giulio Pompilio
- 1 IRCCS Centro Cardiologico Monzino Milan Italy.,3 Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health Università degli Studi di Milano Milan Italy
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Kowal K, Tkaczyk A, Ząbek T, Pierzchała M, Ślaska B. Comparative Analysis of CpG Sites and Islands Distributed in Mitochondrial DNA of Model Organisms. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:E665. [PMID: 32290485 DOI: 10.3390/ani10040665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Revised: 04/05/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In recent years, the existence of methylation of mammalian mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) has been discussed. The current state of knowledge indicates that mtDNA is poorly methylated; in fact, it only accounts for 2–8% methylated sites and its pattern is unknown. The lack of comprehensive information on the mtDNA methylation pattern prompted us to investigate the distribution of guanine-cytosine-rich sequences (CpG) in different animal species. The aim of the study was to determine the localization of CpG sites and islands in mtDNA of model organisms. The CpG sites and islands found in vertebrates and invertebrates indicate a diversified pattern of CpG distribution. Generally, the number of observed CpG sites of the mitochondrial genome was higher in the analysed vertebrates than in the invertebrates. However, there was no relationship between the frequency of the CpG sites in the mitochondrial genome and the complexity of the analysed organism. The distribution of the CpG sites for transfer RNA (tRNA) coding genes was usually cumulated in a larger CpG region in the vertebrates. Abstract The information about mtDNA methylation is still limited, thus epigenetic modification remains unclear. The lack of comprehensive information on the comparative epigenomics of mtDNA prompts comprehensive investigations of the epigenomic modification of mtDNA in different species. This is the first study in which the theoretical CpG localization in the mtDNA reference sequences from various species (12) was compared. The aim of the study was to determine the localization of CpG sites and islands in mtDNA of model organisms and to compare their distribution. The results are suitable for further investigations of mtDNA methylation. The analysis involved both strands of mtDNA sequences of animal model organisms representing different taxonomic groups of invertebrates and vertebrates. For each sequence, such parameters as the number, length, and localization of CpG islands were determined with the use of EMBOSS (European Molecular Biology Open Software Suite) software. The number of CpG sites for each sequence was indicated using the newcpgseek algorithm. The results showed that methylation of mtDNA in the analysed species involved mitochondrial gene expression. Our analyses showed that the CpG sites were commonly present in genomic regions including the D-loop, CYTB, ND6, ND5, ND4, ND3, ND2, ND1, COX3, COX2, COX1, ATP6, 16s rRNA, and 12s rRNA. The CpG distribution in animals from different species was diversified. Generally, the number of observed CpG sites of the mitochondrial genome was higher in the vertebrates than in the invertebrates. However, there was no relationship between the frequency of the CpG sites in the mitochondrial genome and the complexity of the analysed organisms. Interestingly, the distribution of the CpG sites for tRNA coding genes was usually cumulated in a larger CpG region in vertebrates. This paper may be a starting point for further research, since the collected information indicates possible methylation regions localized in mtDNA among different species including invertebrates and vertebrates.
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28
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Mohammed SA, Ambrosini S, Lüscher T, Paneni F, Costantino S. Epigenetic Control of Mitochondrial Function in the Vasculature. Front Cardiovasc Med 2020; 7:28. [PMID: 32195271 PMCID: PMC7064473 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2020.00028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The molecular signatures of epigenetic regulation and chromatin architecture are emerging as pivotal regulators of mitochondrial function. Recent studies unveiled a complex intersection among environmental factors, epigenetic signals, and mitochondrial metabolism, ultimately leading to alterations of vascular phenotype and increased cardiovascular risk. Changing environmental conditions over the lifetime induce covalent and post-translational chemical modification of the chromatin template which sensitize the genome to establish new transcriptional programs and, hence, diverse functional states. On the other hand, metabolic alterations occurring in mitochondria affect the availability of substrates for chromatin-modifying enzymes, thus leading to maladaptive epigenetic signatures altering chromatin accessibility and gene transcription. Indeed, several components of the epigenetic machinery require intermediates of cellular metabolism (ATP, AcCoA, NADH, α-ketoglutarate) for enzymatic function. In the present review, we describe the emerging role of epigenetic modifications as fine tuners of gene transcription in mitochondrial dysfunction and vascular disease. Specifically, the following aspects are described in detail: (i) mitochondria and vascular function, (ii) mitochondrial ROS, (iii) epigenetic regulation of mitochondrial function; (iv) the role of mitochondrial metabolites as key effectors for chromatin-modifying enzymes; (v) epigenetic therapies. Understanding epigenetic routes may pave the way for new approaches to develop personalized therapies to prevent mitochondrial insufficiency and its complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shafeeq A Mohammed
- Center for Molecular Cardiology, University of Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Samuele Ambrosini
- Center for Molecular Cardiology, University of Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Lüscher
- Center for Molecular Cardiology, University of Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Research, Education and Development, Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospital Trust and Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Francesco Paneni
- Center for Molecular Cardiology, University of Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Cardiology, University Heart Center, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Research and Education, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sarah Costantino
- Center for Molecular Cardiology, University of Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
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29
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Vigorelli V, Rurali E, Carugo S, Pompilio G, Vinci MC. Sensitive and quantitative method to evaluate DNA methylation of the positive regulatory domains (PRDI, PRDII) and cAMP response element (CRE) in human endothelial nitric oxide synthase promoter. Nitric Oxide 2019; 92:41-48. [PMID: 31421231 DOI: 10.1016/j.niox.2019.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2019] [Revised: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Nitric oxide plays a prominent role in the cardiovascular system and much attention has been devoted in the last years on deciphering the regulation of human endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression. Epigenetic-based mechanisms have a key role in the eNOS expression and their pathologic perturbations may have profound effects on the steady state RNA levels in the endothelium. The human eNOS promoter lacks a canonical TATA box and it does not contain a proximal CpG island. A differentially DNA methylated region (DMR) in the native eNOS proximal promoter is involved in gene expression regulation. Here we describe a quantitative, sensitive and cost-effective method that, relying on a novel normalization strategy, allows the quantification of DNA methylation status of the positive regulatory domains (PRDI, PRDII) and cAMP response element (CRE) in human eNOS promoter. This technique will enable to explore the functional relevance of DNA methylation perturbations of eNOS promoter both under pathological and physiological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Vigorelli
- Unit of Vascular Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Centro Cardiologico Monzino - IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - E Rurali
- Unit of Vascular Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Centro Cardiologico Monzino - IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - S Carugo
- Cardiology Unit, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo and Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - G Pompilio
- Unit of Vascular Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Centro Cardiologico Monzino - IRCCS, Milan, Italy; Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche e di Comunità, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - M C Vinci
- Unit of Vascular Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Centro Cardiologico Monzino - IRCCS, Milan, Italy.
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30
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Barilani M, Palorini R, Votta G, Piras R, Buono G, Grassi M, Bollati V, Chiaradonna F, Lazzari L. Central metabolism of functionally heterogeneous mesenchymal stromal cells. Sci Rep 2019; 9:15420. [PMID: 31659213 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-51937-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolism and mitochondrial biology have gained a prominent role as determinants of stem cell fate and function. In the context of regenerative medicine, innovative parameters predictive of therapeutic efficacy could be drawn from the association of metabolic or mitochondrial parameters to different degrees of stemness and differentiation potentials. Herein, this possibility was addressed in human mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (hMSC) previously shown to differ in lifespan and telomere length. First, these hMSC were shown to possess significantly distinct proliferation rate, senescence status and differentiation capacity. More potential hMSC were associated to higher mitochondrial (mt) DNA copy number and lower mtDNA methylation. In addition, they showed higher expression levels of oxidative phosphorylation subunits. Consistently, they exhibited higher coupled oxygen consumption rate and lower transcription of glycolysis-related genes, glucose consumption and lactate production. All these data pointed at oxidative phosphorylation-based central metabolism as a feature of higher stemness-associated hMSC phenotypes. Consistently, reduction of mitochondrial activity by complex I and III inhibitors in higher stemness-associated hMSC triggered senescence. Finally, functionally higher stemness-associated hMSC showed metabolic plasticity when challenged by glucose or glutamine shortage, which mimic bioenergetics switches that hMSC must undergo after transplantation or during self-renewal and differentiation. Altogether, these results hint at metabolic and mitochondrial parameters that could be implemented to identify stem cells endowed with superior growth and differentiation potential.
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Sharma N, Pasala MS, Prakash A. Mitochondrial DNA: Epigenetics and environment. Environ Mol Mutagen 2019; 60:668-682. [PMID: 31335990 PMCID: PMC6941438 DOI: 10.1002/em.22319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Revised: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Maintenance of the mitochondrial genome is essential for proper cellular function. For this purpose, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) needs to be faithfully replicated, transcribed, translated, and repaired in the face of constant onslaught from endogenous and environmental agents. Although only 13 polypeptides are encoded within mtDNA, the mitochondrial proteome comprises over 1500 proteins that are encoded by nuclear genes and translocated to the mitochondria for the purpose of maintaining mitochondrial function. Regulation of mtDNA and mitochondrial proteins by epigenetic changes and post-translational modifications facilitate crosstalk between the nucleus and the mitochondria and ultimately lead to the maintenance of cellular health and homeostasis. DNA methyl transferases have been identified in the mitochondria implicating that methylation occurs within this organelle; however, the extent to which mtDNA is methylated has been debated for many years. Mechanisms of demethylation within this organelle have also been postulated, but the exact mechanisms and their outcomes is still an active area of research. Mitochondrial dysfunction in the form of altered gene expression and ATP production, resulting from epigenetic changes, can lead to various conditions including aging-related neurodegenerative disorders, altered metabolism, changes in circadian rhythm, and cancer. Here, we provide an overview of the epigenetic regulation of mtDNA via methylation, long and short noncoding RNAs, and post-translational modifications of nucleoid proteins (as mitochondria lack histones). We also highlight the influence of xenobiotics such as airborne environmental pollutants, contamination from heavy metals, and therapeutic drugs on mtDNA methylation. Environ. Mol. Mutagen., 60:668-682, 2019. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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32
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Sun R, He T, Pan Y, Katusic ZS. Effects of senescence and angiotensin II on expression and processing of amyloid precursor protein in human cerebral microvascular endothelial cells. Aging (Albany NY) 2019; 10:100-114. [PMID: 29348391 PMCID: PMC5811245 DOI: 10.18632/aging.101362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2017] [Accepted: 01/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The present study was designed to determine the effects of senescence and angiotensin II (Ang II) on expression and processing of amyloid precursor protein (APP) in human brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs). Senescence caused a decrease in APP expression thereby resulting in reduced secretion of soluble APPα (sAPPα). In contrast, β-site APP cleaving enzyme (BACE1) expression and production of amyloid β (Aβ)40 were increased in senescent endothelium. Importantly, in senescent human BMECs, treatment with BACE1 inhibitor IV inhibited Aβ generation and increased sAPPα production by enhancing a disintegrin and metalloprotease (ADAM)10 expression. Furthermore, Ang II impaired expression of ADAM10 and significantly reduced generation of sAPPα in senescent human BMECs. This inhibitory effect of Ang II was prevented by treatment with BACE1 inhibitor IV. Our results suggest that impairment of α-processing and shift to amyloidogenic pathway of APP contribute to endothelial dysfunction induced by senescence. Loss of sAPPα in senescent cells treated with Ang II exacerbates detrimental effects of senescence on APP processing. Notably, inhibition of BACE1 has beneficial effects on senescence induced endothelial dysfunction. Reported findings may help to explain contributions of senescent cerebral microvascular endothelium to development of cerebral amyloid angiopathy and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruohan Sun
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, 150001, China.,Department of Anesthesiology and Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Tongrong He
- Department of Anesthesiology and Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Yujun Pan
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, 150001, China
| | - Zvonimir S Katusic
- Department of Anesthesiology and Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
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Liu H, Yin T, Zhang X, Zhao X. Identifying Pig Mitochondrial TSS: Structure and Functional Features. Mitochondrion 2019; 49:19-24. [PMID: 31279875 DOI: 10.1016/j.mito.2019.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2019] [Revised: 04/12/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The transcription start sites (TSSs) of porcine mitochondrial genome were firstly identified in this study, including heavy-strand promoter 1 and 2 (HSP1 and HSP2) harbored at nt 903 and nt 1369 in H strand, respectively, and light-strand promoter (LSP) located at nt 166 in L strand. HSP1 structure and expression features were investigated by analyzing mtDNA copy number, expression of 11 nucleoplasmic genes, mtDNA methylation levels, and gene expression levels of methyl-modifying enzymes, DNMT1 and TETs. The mtDNA copy number presented large differences among 15 organs/tissues, and the largest disparity, nearly 17 times, was found between pancreas (~1890 relative copy numbers) and spleen (~110 relative copy numbers, P < .01). The expression levels of HSP1 strand in these organs/tissues presented similar trends with mtDNA copy number (P < .05), and all of 11 nucleoplasmic genes (POLG, POLRMT, TERT, TFAM, TFB1M, TFB2M, NRF-1, PPARα, ESRRA, SP1 and TUFM) detected in this study displayed significantly higher expression values in pancreas than those in spleen (P < .05). Besides, bisulfite sequencing showed that all cytosine residues in the detected region (D-loop) existed methylation with different levels, and the methylation level in spleen was significantly higher than that in pancreas (P < .05). Unlike nuclear DNA, the tested region contained four types of methylation mode (CA, CC, CT, and CG). In addition, the expression of TET1 in pancreas was significantly higher than that in spleen (P < .05). Collectively, our findings indicated that mtDNA TSSs had correlation to mtDNA copy number, expression of nucleoplasmic gene, and mtDNA methylation level.
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Dostal V, Churchill MEA. Cytosine methylation of mitochondrial DNA at CpG sequences impacts transcription factor A DNA binding and transcription. Biochim Biophys Acta Gene Regul Mech 2019; 1862:598-607. [PMID: 30807854 PMCID: PMC7806247 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2019.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Revised: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 01/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
In eukaryotes, cytosine methylation of nuclear DNA at CpG sequences (5mCpG) regulates epigenetic inheritance through alterations in chromatin structure. However, mitochondria lack nucleosomal chromatin, therefore the molecular mechanisms by which 5mCpG influences mitochondria must be different and are as yet unknown. Mitochondrial Transcription Factor A (TFAM) is both the primary DNA-compacting protein in the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) nucleoid and a transcription-initiation factor. TFAM must encounter hundreds of CpGs in mtDNA, so the occurrence of 5mCpG has the potential to impact TFAM-DNA recognition. We used biophysical approaches to determine whether 5mCpG alters any TFAM-dependent activities. 5mCpG in the heavy strand promoter (HSP1) increased the binding affinity of TFAM and induced TFAM multimerization with increased cooperativity compared to nonmethylated DNA. However, 5mCpG had no apparent effect on TFAM-dependent DNA compaction. Additionally, 5mCpG had a clear and context-dependent effect on transcription initiating from the three mitochondrial promoters. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that 5mCpG in the mitochondrial promoter region does impact TFAM-dependent activities in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vishantie Dostal
- Program in Structural Biology and Biochemistry, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Mair E A Churchill
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Program in Structural Biology and Biochemistry, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
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Fan LH, Wang ZB, Li QN, Meng TG, Dong MZ, Hou Y, Ouyang YC, Schatten H, Sun QY. Absence of mitochondrial DNA methylation in mouse oocyte maturation, aging and early embryo development. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2019; 513:912-918. [PMID: 31005257 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2019.04.100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2019] [Accepted: 04/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is important for oxidative phosphorylation; dysfunctions can play a role in many mitochondrial diseases and can also affect the aging of cells and individuals. DNA methylation is an important epigenetic modification that plays a critical role in regulating gene expression. While recent studies have revealed the existence of mtDNA methylation there are still controversies about mtDNA methylation due to the special structure of mtDNA. Mitochondria and DNA methylation are both essential for regulating oocyte maturation and early embryo development, but whether mtDNA methylation changes during this process is unknown. By employing bisulfite sequencing, we found that in the process of mouse oocyte maturation, postovulatory oocyte aging, and early embryo development, all analyzed mitochondrial genes, including 16S-CpGI, DCR, ND6, 12S, and ATP8, lacked 5'mC. Thus, mtDNA methylation does not occur in the oocyte and early embryo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Hua Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, PR China
| | - Zhen-Bo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, PR China
| | - Qian-Nan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, PR China
| | - Tie-Gang Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, PR China
| | - Ming-Zhe Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, PR China
| | - Yi Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, PR China
| | - Ying-Chun Ouyang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, PR China
| | - Heide Schatten
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Qing-Yuan Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, PR China.
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36
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Abstract
Mitochondrial impairment and increased oxidative stress are common features in neurodegenerative disorders, leading researchers to speculate that epigenetic changes in the mitochondrial DNA (mitoepigenetics) could contribute to neurodegeneration. The few studies performed so far to address this issue revealed impaired methylation levels of the mitochondrial regulatory region (D-loop region) in both animal models, postmortem brain regions, or circulating blood cells of patients with Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Those studies also revealed that mtDNA D-loop methylation levels are subjected to a dynamic regulation within the progression of the neurodegenerative process, could be affected by certain neurodegenerative disease-causative mutations, and are inversely correlated with the mtDNA copy number. The methylation levels of other mtDNA regions than the D-loop have been scarcely investigated in human specimens from patients with neurodegenerative disorders or in animal models of the disease, and evidence of impaired methylation levels is often limited to a single study, making it difficult to clarify their correlation with mitochondrial dynamics and gene expression levels in these disorders. Overall, the preliminary results of the studies performed so far are encouraging making mitoepigenetics a timely and attractive field of investigation, but additional research is warranted to clarify the connections among epigenetic changes occurring in the mitochondrial genome, mitochondrial DNA dynamics and gene expression, and the neurodegenerative process.
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Sun X, Vaghjiani V, Jayasekara WSN, Cain JE, St John JC. The degree of mitochondrial DNA methylation in tumor models of glioblastoma and osteosarcoma. Clin Epigenetics 2018; 10:157. [PMID: 30558637 PMCID: PMC6296150 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-018-0590-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2018] [Accepted: 11/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Different cell types possess different copies of mtDNA to support their specific requirements for cellular metabolism. Cell-specific mtDNA copy numbers are established through cell-specific mtDNA replication during cell differentiation. However, cancer cells are trapped in a “pseudo-differentiated” state as they fail to expand mtDNA copy number. Global DNA methylation can regulate this process, as induced DNA demethylation promotes differentiation of cancer cells and expansion of mtDNA copy number. Results To determine the role that mtDNA methylation plays in regulating mtDNA replication during tumorigenesis, we have characterized the patterns of mtDNA methylation using glioblastoma and osteosarcoma tumor models that have different combinations of mtDNA genotypes and copy number against common nuclear genome backgrounds at different stages of tumor progression. To ensure the reliability of the findings, we have applied a robust experimental pipeline including three approaches, namely whole-mtDNA bisulfite-sequencing with mtDNA-genotype-specific analysis, pyrosequencing, and methylated immunoprecipitation against 5mC and 5hmC. We have determined genotype-specific methylation profiles, which were modulated through tumor progression. Moreover, a strong influence from the nuclear genome was also observed on mtDNA methylation patterns using the same mtDNA genotype under different nuclear genomes. Furthermore, the numbers of mtDNA copy in tumor-initiating cells affected mtDNA methylation levels in late-stage tumors. Conclusions Our findings highlight the influences that the nuclear and mitochondrial genomes have in setting mtDNA methylation patterns to regulate mtDNA copy number in tumorigenesis. They have important implications for assessing global DNA methylation patterns in tumorigenesis and the availability of mtDNA template for mtDNA replication. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13148-018-0590-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Sun
- Mitochondrial Genetics Group, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, 27-31 Wright Street, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, 27-31 Wright Street, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia
| | - Vijesh Vaghjiani
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, 27-31 Wright Street, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia.,Centre for Cancer Research, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, 27-31 Wright Street, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia
| | - W Samantha N Jayasekara
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, 27-31 Wright Street, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia.,Centre for Cancer Research, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, 27-31 Wright Street, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia
| | - Jason E Cain
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, 27-31 Wright Street, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia.,Centre for Cancer Research, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, 27-31 Wright Street, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia
| | - Justin C St John
- Mitochondrial Genetics Group, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, 27-31 Wright Street, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia. .,Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, 27-31 Wright Street, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia.
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Lu S, Niu Z, Chen Y, Tu Q, Zhang Y, Chen W, Tong W, Zhang Z. Repetitive Element DNA Methylation is Associated with Menopausal Age. Aging Dis 2018; 9:435-443. [PMID: 29896431 PMCID: PMC5988598 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2017.0810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2017] [Accepted: 08/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
To investigate associations between the age of menopause and the DNA methylation levels of two repetitive elements, Alu and LINE-1, we performed plasma DNA extraction on 161 subjects and serum cell-free DNA extraction on 120 subjects. We grouped women by menopausal age as follows: ≤ 48 years (earlier menopause), ≥ 52 years (later menopause), and 48-52 years (control). The DNA methylation levels of Alu and LINE-1 were measured by MethyLight PCR. The results showed that the DNA methylation levels of both Alu and LINE-1 were inversely correlated with menopausal age in the plasma DNA cohort (r = 0.079, P < 0.001 for Alu; r = 0.045, P = 0.007 for LINE-1) as well as in the serum DNA cohort (r = 0.087, P = 0.001 for Alu; r = 0.041, P = 0.026 for LINE-1). Alu methylation levels in both the plasma and serum DNA cohorts and LINE-1 methylation levels in the plasma cohort were remarkably higher in the earlier menopause group than in the later menopause and control groups (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively). In the serum DNA cohort, the LINE-1 methylation levels in the later menopause group were significantly lower than that in the earlier menopause group and control group (P < 0.05). Therefore, methylation levels of Alu and LINE-1 were significantly associated with menopausal age. Women with earlier menopause showed hypermethylation in both repetitive elements, while women with later menopause showed hypomethylation. These findings suggest that altered DNA methylation in leukocytes and serum cell-free DNA may represent a biomarker of menopausal age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sha Lu
- 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Affiliated Hangzhou People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Hangzhou, China.,2Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hangzhou Women's Hospital (Hangzhou Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Hangzhou, China
| | - Zheng Niu
- 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Affiliated Hangzhou People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yueming Chen
- 3Laboratory of Gene Diagnosis, the Affiliated Hangzhou People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qiaofeng Tu
- 3Laboratory of Gene Diagnosis, the Affiliated Hangzhou People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- 2Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hangzhou Women's Hospital (Hangzhou Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Hangzhou, China
| | - Wenli Chen
- 4Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Second People's Hospital of Tonglu, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wenjuan Tong
- 3Laboratory of Gene Diagnosis, the Affiliated Hangzhou People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhifen Zhang
- 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Affiliated Hangzhou People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Hangzhou, China.,2Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hangzhou Women's Hospital (Hangzhou Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Hangzhou, China
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Matsuda S, Yasukawa T, Sakaguchi Y, Ichiyanagi K, Unoki M, Gotoh K, Fukuda K, Sasaki H, Suzuki T, Kang D. Accurate estimation of 5-methylcytosine in mammalian mitochondrial DNA. Sci Rep 2018; 8:5801. [PMID: 29643477 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-24251-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2018] [Accepted: 03/28/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Whilst 5-methylcytosine (5mC) is a major epigenetic mark in the nuclear DNA in mammals, whether or not mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) receives 5mC modification remains controversial. Herein, we exhaustively analysed mouse mtDNA using three methods that are based upon different principles for detecting 5mC. Next-generation bisulfite sequencing did not give any significant signatures of methylation in mtDNAs of liver, brain and embryonic stem cells (ESCs). Also, treatment with methylated cytosine-sensitive endonuclease McrBC resulted in no substantial decrease of mtDNA band intensities in Southern hybridisation. Furthermore, mass spectrometric nucleoside analyses of highly purified liver mtDNA preparations did not detect 5-methyldeoxycytidine at the levels found in the nuclear DNA but at a range of only 0.3-0.5% of deoxycytidine. Taken together, we propose that 5mC is not present at any specific region(s) of mtDNA and that levels of the methylated cytosine are fairly low, provided the modification occurs. It is thus unlikely that 5mC plays a universal role in mtDNA gene expression or mitochondrial metabolism.
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Chen X, Wang F, Maerhaba A, Li Q, Wang J, Liu X, Zheng J, Chen Y, Guo Y. Novel mitochondrial gene variants in Northwestern Chinese probands with non-syndromic hearing loss by whole mitochondrial genome screening. Gene 2018; 652:59-65. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2018.01.098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2017] [Revised: 01/16/2018] [Accepted: 01/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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41
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Nagalakshmi B., Sagarkar S, Sakharkar AJ. Epigenetic Mechanisms of Traumatic Brain Injuries. Progress in Molecular Biology and Translational Science 2018; 157:263-298. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2017.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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42
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Ghosh S, Ranawat AS, Tolani P, Scaria V. Mitoepigenome KB a comprehensive resource for human mitochondrial epigenetic data. Mitochondrion 2017; 42:54-58. [PMID: 29129553 DOI: 10.1016/j.mito.2017.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2016] [Revised: 09/21/2017] [Accepted: 11/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetic modifications in the mitochondrial genome has been an emerging area of interest in the recent years in the field of mitochondrial biology. The renewed interest in the area has been largely fueled by a number of reports in the recent years suggesting the presence of epigenetic modifications in human mitochondrial genome and their associations with exposure to environmental factors and human diseases and or traits. Nevertheless there has been no systematic effort to curate, organize this information to enable cross-comparison between studies and datasets. We compiled 62 datasets from 9 studies on the epigenetic modifications in human mitochondrial genome to create a comprehensive catalog. This catalog is available as a user friendly interface - mitoepigenomeKB, where the data could be searched, browsed or visualized. The resource is available at URL: http://clingen.igib.res.in/mitoepigenome/. We hope mitoepigenomeKB would emerge as a central resource for datasets on epigenetic modifications in human mitochondria and would serve as the starting point to understanding the biology of human mitochondrial epigenome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sourav Ghosh
- GN Ramachandran Knowledge Center for Genome Informatics, CSIR Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, Mathura Road, Delhi 110 025, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, CSIR-IGIB South Campus, Mathura Road, Delhi 110 025, India
| | - Anop Singh Ranawat
- GN Ramachandran Knowledge Center for Genome Informatics, CSIR Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, Mathura Road, Delhi 110 025, India
| | - Priya Tolani
- GN Ramachandran Knowledge Center for Genome Informatics, CSIR Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, Mathura Road, Delhi 110 025, India
| | - Vinod Scaria
- GN Ramachandran Knowledge Center for Genome Informatics, CSIR Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, Mathura Road, Delhi 110 025, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, CSIR-IGIB South Campus, Mathura Road, Delhi 110 025, India.
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43
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Abstract
Methylation of nuclear genes encoding mitochondrial proteins participates in the regulation of mitochondria function. The existence of cytosine methylation in the mitochondrial genome is debated. To investigate whether mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is methylated, we used both targeted- and whole mitochondrial genome bisulfite sequencing in cell lines and muscle tissue from mouse and human origin. While unconverted cytosines were detected in some portion of the mitochondrial genome, their abundance was inversely associated to the sequencing depth, indicating that sequencing analysis can bias the estimation of mtDNA methylation levels. In intact mtDNA, few cytosines remained 100% unconverted. However, removal of supercoiled structures of mtDNA with the restriction enzyme BamHI prior to bisulfite sequencing decreased cytosine unconversion rate to <1.5% at all the investigated regions: D-loop, tRNA-F+12S, 16S, ND5 and CYTB, suggesting that mtDNA supercoiled structure blocks the access to bisulfite conversion. Here, we identified an artifact of mtDNA bisulfite sequencing that can lead to an overestimation of mtDNA methylation levels. Our study supports that cytosine methylation is virtually absent in mtDNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mie Mechta
- Section of Integrative Physiology, Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lars R Ingerslev
- Section of Integrative Physiology, Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Odile Fabre
- Section of Integrative Physiology, Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Martin Picard
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurology, Division of Behavioral Medicine, Merritt Center, Columbia Translational Neuroscience Initiative, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Romain Barrès
- Section of Integrative Physiology, Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Cheng L, Zhang Z, Chen H, Liu D. Epigenetic regulation in cell senescence. J Mol Med (Berl) 2017; 95:1257-68. [DOI: 10.1007/s00109-017-1581-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2017] [Revised: 08/14/2017] [Accepted: 08/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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van der Wijst MG, van Tilburg AY, Ruiters MH, Rots MG. Experimental mitochondria-targeted DNA methylation identifies GpC methylation, not CpG methylation, as potential regulator of mitochondrial gene expression. Sci Rep 2017; 7:177. [PMID: 28282966 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-00263-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2016] [Accepted: 02/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Like the nucleus, mitochondria contain their own DNA and recent reports provide accumulating evidence that also the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is subjective to DNA methylation. This evidence includes the demonstration of mitochondria-localised DNA methyltransferases and demethylases, and the detection of mtDNA methylation as well as hydroxymethylation. Importantly, differential mtDNA methylation has been linked to aging and diseases, including cancer and diabetes. However, functionality of mtDNA methylation has not been demonstrated. Therefore, we targeted DNA methylating enzymes (modifying cytosine in the CpG or GpC context) to the mtDNA. Unexpectedly, mtDNA gene expression remained unchanged upon induction of CpG mtDNA methylation, whereas induction of C-methylation in the GpC context decreased mtDNA gene expression. Intriguingly, in the latter case, the three mtDNA promoters were differentially affected in each cell line, while cellular function seemed undisturbed. In conclusion, this is the first study which directly addresses the potential functionality of mtDNA methylation. Giving the important role of mitochondria in health and disease, unravelling the impact of mtDNA methylation adds to our understanding of the role of mitochondria in physiological and pathophysiological processes.
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Bianchessi V, Lauri A, Vigorelli V, Toia M, Vinci MC. Evaluating the methylation status of CXCR4 promoter: A cost-effective and sensitive two-step PCR method. Anal Biochem 2016; 519:84-91. [PMID: 28007399 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2016.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2016] [Revised: 12/12/2016] [Accepted: 12/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The chemokine receptor CXCR4 plays a key role in the bone marrow microenvironment maintenance and in the hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells migration. In addition, CXCR4 is expressed in a broad spectrum of solid tumors where its methylation state has been recently proposed as a biomarker for cancer prognosis. To evaluate methylation status of CXCR4 promoter we developed a sensitive, accurate, specific and cost-effective two-step PCR method that does not require any specific equipment other than a conventional real-time PCR instrument. The principle of the technique relies on a novel normalization strategy which allows the detection and quantification of small methylation differences among pre-amplified DNA samples deriving from low amount of starting material. In addition, the analysis of melting curve profiles of PCR products provides additional information about the methylation status of CpG sites in between the primers. Finally, the principle of this technique can potentially be adapted for the investigation of the methylation status of any other DNA region.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrea Lauri
- Axxam SpA, Molecular Biology Unit, via Meucci 3 - 20091 Bresso, Milano, Italy
| | | | - Martina Toia
- Centro Cardiologico Monzino, IRCCS, Milano, Italy
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Armstrong DA, Green BB, Blair BA, Guerin DJ, Litzky JF, Chavan NR, Pearson KJ, Marsit CJ. Maternal smoking during pregnancy is associated with mitochondrial DNA methylation. Environ Epigenet 2016; 2:dvw020. [PMID: 28979800 PMCID: PMC5624552 DOI: 10.1093/eep/dvw020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Maternal smoking during pregnancy (MSDP) has detrimental effects on fetal development and on the health of the offspring into adulthood. Energy homeostasis through ATP production via the mitochondria (mt) plays a key role during pregnancy. This study aimed to determine if MSDP resulted in differences in DNA methylation to the placental mitochondrial chromosome at the transcription and replication control region, the D-Loop, and if these differences were also present in an alternate neonatal tissue (foreskin) in an independent birth cohort. We investigated mtDNA methylation by bisulfite-pyrosequencing in two sections of the D-Loop control region and in long interspersed nuclear element-1 (LINE-1) genomic sequences in placenta from 96 mother-newborn pairs that were enrolled in a Rhode Island birth cohort along with foreskin samples from 62 infants from a Kentucky birth cohort. In both placenta and foreskin, mtDNA methylation in the light chain D-Loop region 1 was positively associated with MSDP in placenta (difference+2.73%) (P=0.001) and foreskin (difference+1.22%) (P=0.08). Additionally, in foreskin, a second segment of the D-Loop-heavy chain region 1 showed a small but significant change in methylation with MSDP (+0.4%, P=0.04). No methylation changes were noted in either tissue at the LINE-1 repetitive element. We identified a similar pattern of epigenetic effect to mitochondria arising in cells from different primordial lineages and in different populations, associated with MSDP. These robust and consistent results build evidence that MSDP may impact mt D-Loop methylation, as one mechanism through which this exposure affects newborn health.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A. Armstrong
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Niraj R. Chavan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maternal Fetal Medicine
| | - Kevin J. Pearson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maternal Fetal Medicine
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Carmen J. Marsit
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, USA
- Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- *Correspondence address. Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; Tel: +404-712-8912; Fax: 404-727-8744; E-mail: Marsit:
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