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Geissler F, Nesic K, Kondrashova O, Dobrovic A, Swisher EM, Scott CL, J. Wakefield M. The role of aberrant DNA methylation in cancer initiation and clinical impacts. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2024; 16:17588359231220511. [PMID: 38293277 PMCID: PMC10826407 DOI: 10.1177/17588359231220511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic alterations, including aberrant DNA methylation, are now recognized as bone fide hallmarks of cancer, which can contribute to cancer initiation, progression, therapy responses and therapy resistance. Methylation of gene promoters can have a range of impacts on cancer risk, clinical stratification and therapeutic outcomes. We provide several important examples of genes, which can be silenced or activated by promoter methylation and highlight their clinical implications. These include the mismatch DNA repair genes MLH1 and MSH2, homologous recombination DNA repair genes BRCA1 and RAD51C, the TERT oncogene and genes within the P15/P16/RB1/E2F tumour suppressor axis. We also discuss how these methylation changes might occur in the first place - whether in the context of the CpG island methylator phenotype or constitutional DNA methylation. The choice of assay used to measure methylation can have a significant impact on interpretation of methylation states, and some examples where this can influence clinical decision-making are presented. Aberrant DNA methylation patterns in circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) are also showing great promise in the context of non-invasive cancer detection and monitoring using liquid biopsies; however, caution must be taken in interpreting these results in cases where constitutional methylation may be present. Thus, this review aims to provide researchers and clinicians with a comprehensive summary of this broad, but important subject, illustrating the potentials and pitfalls of assessing aberrant DNA methylation in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Geissler
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Ksenija Nesic
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Olga Kondrashova
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Alexander Dobrovic
- University of Melbourne Department of Surgery, Austin Health, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Clare L. Scott
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Royal Women’s Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Matthew J. Wakefield
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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2
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Kerachian MA, Azghandi M. Identification of long non-coding RNA using single nucleotide epimutation analysis: a novel gene discovery approach. Cancer Cell Int 2022; 22:337. [PMID: 36333783 PMCID: PMC9636742 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-022-02752-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in a variety of mechanisms related to tumorigenesis by functioning as oncogenes or tumor-suppressors or even harboring oncogenic and tumor-suppressing effects; representing a new class of cancer biomarkers and therapeutic targets. It is predicted that more than 35,000 ncRNA especially lncRNA are positioned at the intergenic regions of the human genome. Emerging research indicates that one of the key pathways controlling lncRNA expression and tissue specificity is epigenetic regulation. METHODS In the current article, a novel approach for lncRNA discovery based on the intergenic position of most lncRNAs and a single CpG site methylation level representing epigenetic characteristics has been suggested. RESULTS Using this method, a novel antisense lncRNA named LINC02892 presenting three transcripts without the capacity of coding a protein was found exhibiting nuclear, cytoplasmic, and exosome distributions. CONCLUSION The current discovery strategy could be applied to identify novel non-coding RNAs influenced by methylation aberrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Amin Kerachian
- Medical Genetics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
- Cancer Genetics Research Unit, Reza Radiotherapy and Oncology Center, Mashhad, Iran.
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Marjan Azghandi
- Cancer Genetics Research Unit, Reza Radiotherapy and Oncology Center, Mashhad, Iran
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
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3
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Ruiz de la Cruz M, de la Cruz Montoya AH, Rojas Jiménez EA, Martínez Gregorio H, Díaz Velásquez CE, Paredes de la Vega J, de la Cruz Hernández-Hernández F, Vaca Paniagua F. Cis-Acting Factors Causing Secondary Epimutations: Impact on the Risk for Cancer and Other Diseases. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13194807. [PMID: 34638292 PMCID: PMC8508567 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13194807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetics affects gene expression and contributes to disease development by alterations known as epimutations. Hypermethylation that results in transcriptional silencing of tumor suppressor genes has been described in patients with hereditary cancers and without pathogenic variants in the coding region of cancer susceptibility genes. Although somatic promoter hypermethylation of these genes can occur in later stages of the carcinogenic process, constitutional methylation can be a crucial event during the first steps of tumorigenesis, accelerating tumor development. Primary epimutations originate independently of changes in the DNA sequence, while secondary epimutations are a consequence of a mutation in a cis or trans-acting factor. Secondary epimutations have a genetic basis in cis of the promoter regions of genes involved in familial cancers. This highlights epimutations as a novel carcinogenic mechanism whose contribution to human diseases is underestimated by the scarcity of the variants described. In this review, we provide an overview of secondary epimutations and present evidence of their impact on cancer. We propose the necessity for genetic screening of loci associated with secondary epimutations in familial cancer as part of prevention programs to improve molecular diagnosis, secondary prevention, and reduce the mortality of these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Ruiz de la Cruz
- Laboratorio Nacional en Salud, Diagnóstico Molecular y Efecto Ambiental en Enfermedades Crónico-Degenerativas, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Tlalnepantla 54090, Mexico; (M.R.d.l.C.); (E.A.R.J.); (H.M.G.); (C.E.D.V.); (J.P.d.l.V.)
- Avenida Instituto Politécnico Nacional # 2508, Colonia San Pedro Zacatenco, Delegación Gustavo A. Madero, C.P. Departamento de Infectómica y Patogénesis Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (CINVESTAV-IPN), Mexico City 07360, Mexico;
| | | | - Ernesto Arturo Rojas Jiménez
- Laboratorio Nacional en Salud, Diagnóstico Molecular y Efecto Ambiental en Enfermedades Crónico-Degenerativas, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Tlalnepantla 54090, Mexico; (M.R.d.l.C.); (E.A.R.J.); (H.M.G.); (C.E.D.V.); (J.P.d.l.V.)
- Unidad de Biomedicina, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, UNAM, Tlalnepantla 54090, Mexico;
| | - Héctor Martínez Gregorio
- Laboratorio Nacional en Salud, Diagnóstico Molecular y Efecto Ambiental en Enfermedades Crónico-Degenerativas, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Tlalnepantla 54090, Mexico; (M.R.d.l.C.); (E.A.R.J.); (H.M.G.); (C.E.D.V.); (J.P.d.l.V.)
- Unidad de Biomedicina, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, UNAM, Tlalnepantla 54090, Mexico;
| | - Clara Estela Díaz Velásquez
- Laboratorio Nacional en Salud, Diagnóstico Molecular y Efecto Ambiental en Enfermedades Crónico-Degenerativas, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Tlalnepantla 54090, Mexico; (M.R.d.l.C.); (E.A.R.J.); (H.M.G.); (C.E.D.V.); (J.P.d.l.V.)
| | - Jimena Paredes de la Vega
- Laboratorio Nacional en Salud, Diagnóstico Molecular y Efecto Ambiental en Enfermedades Crónico-Degenerativas, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Tlalnepantla 54090, Mexico; (M.R.d.l.C.); (E.A.R.J.); (H.M.G.); (C.E.D.V.); (J.P.d.l.V.)
- Unidad de Biomedicina, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, UNAM, Tlalnepantla 54090, Mexico;
| | - Fidel de la Cruz Hernández-Hernández
- Avenida Instituto Politécnico Nacional # 2508, Colonia San Pedro Zacatenco, Delegación Gustavo A. Madero, C.P. Departamento de Infectómica y Patogénesis Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (CINVESTAV-IPN), Mexico City 07360, Mexico;
| | - Felipe Vaca Paniagua
- Laboratorio Nacional en Salud, Diagnóstico Molecular y Efecto Ambiental en Enfermedades Crónico-Degenerativas, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Tlalnepantla 54090, Mexico; (M.R.d.l.C.); (E.A.R.J.); (H.M.G.); (C.E.D.V.); (J.P.d.l.V.)
- Unidad de Biomedicina, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, UNAM, Tlalnepantla 54090, Mexico;
- Subdirección de Investigación Básica, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, Ciudad de México 14080, Mexico
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +52-55-5623-1333 (ext. 39788)
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Nikolaienko O, Lønning PE, Knappskog S. ramr: an R/Bioconductor package for detection of rare aberrantly methylated regions. Bioinformatics 2021; 38:133-140. [PMID: 34383893 PMCID: PMC8696093 DOI: 10.1093/bioinformatics/btab586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
MOTIVATION With recent advances in the field of epigenetics, the focus is widening from large and frequent disease- or phenotype-related methylation signatures to rare alterations transmitted mitotically or transgenerationally (constitutional epimutations). Merging evidence indicate that such constitutional alterations, albeit occurring at a low mosaic level, may confer risk of disease later in life. Given their inherently low incidence rate and mosaic nature, there is a need for bioinformatic tools specifically designed to analyze such events. RESULTS We have developed a method (ramr) to identify aberrantly methylated DNA regions (AMRs). ramr can be applied to methylation data obtained by array or next-generation sequencing techniques to discover AMRs being associated with elevated risk of cancer as well as other diseases. We assessed accuracy and performance metrics of ramr and confirmed its applicability for analysis of large public datasets. Using ramr we identified aberrantly methylated regions that are known or may potentially be associated with development of colorectal cancer and provided functional annotation of AMRs that arise at early developmental stages. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION The R package is freely available at https://github.com/BBCG/ramr and https://bioconductor.org/packages/ramr. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Per Eystein Lønning
- K. G. Jebsen Center for Genome-Directed Cancer Therapy, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway,Department of Oncology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Stian Knappskog
- K. G. Jebsen Center for Genome-Directed Cancer Therapy, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway,Department of Oncology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
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5
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Cavicchi C, Oussalah A, Falliano S, Ferri L, Gozzini A, Gasperini S, Motta S, Rigoldi M, Parenti G, Tummolo A, Meli C, Menni F, Furlan F, Daniotti M, Malvagia S, la Marca G, Chery C, Morange PE, Tregouet D, Donati MA, Guerrini R, Guéant JL, Morrone A. PRDX1 gene-related epi-cblC disease is a common type of inborn error of cobalamin metabolism with mono- or bi-allelic MMACHC epimutations. Clin Epigenetics 2021; 13:137. [PMID: 34215320 PMCID: PMC8254308 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-021-01117-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The role of epigenetics in inborn errors of metabolism (IEMs) is poorly investigated. Epigenetic changes can contribute to clinical heterogeneity of affected patients but could also be underestimated determining factors in the occurrence of IEMs. An epigenetic cause of IEMs has been recently described for the autosomal recessive methylmalonic aciduria and homocystinuria, cblC type (cblC disease), and it has been named epi-cblC. Epi-cblC has been reported in association with compound heterozygosity for a genetic variant and an epimutation at the MMACHC locus, which is secondary to a splicing variant (c.515-1G > T or c.515-2A > T) at the adjacent PRDX1 gene. Both these variants cause aberrant antisense transcription and cis-hypermethylation of the MMACHC gene promotor with subsequent silencing. Until now, only nine epi-cblC patients have been reported. Methods We report clinical/biochemical assessment, MMACHC/PRDX1 gene sequencing and genome-wide DNA methylation profiling in 11 cblC patients who had an inconclusive MMACHC gene testing. We also compare clinical phenotype of epi-cblC patients with that of canonical cblC patients. Results All patients turned out to have the epi-cblC disease. One patient had a bi-allelic MMACHC epimutation due to the homozygous PRDX1:c.515-1G > T variant transmitted by both parents. We found that the bi-allelic epimutation produces the complete silencing of MMACHC in the patient’s fibroblasts. The remaining ten patients had a mono-allelic MMACHC epimutation, due to the heterozygous PRDX1:c.515-1G > T, in association with a mono-allelic MMACHC genetic variant. Epi-cblC disease has accounted for about 13% of cblC cases diagnosed by newborn screening in the Tuscany and Umbria regions since November 2001. Comparative analysis showed that clinical phenotype of epi-cblC patients is similar to that of canonical cblC patients. Conclusions We provide evidence that epi-cblC is an underestimated cause of inborn errors of cobalamin metabolism and describe the first instance of epi-cblC due to a bi-allelic MMACHC epimutation. MMACHC epimutation/PRDX1 mutation analyses should be part of routine genetic testing for all patients presenting with a metabolic phenotype that combines methylmalonic aciduria and homocystinuria. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13148-021-01117-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catia Cavicchi
- Molecular and Cell Biology Laboratory of Neurometabolic Diseases, Paediatric Neurology Unit and Laboratories, Meyer Children's Hospital, Viale Pieraccini 24, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - Abderrahim Oussalah
- INSERM, UMR_S1256 Nutrition-Genetics-Environmental Risk Exposure and Reference Centre of Inborn Metabolism Diseases, University of Lorraine and University Hospital Centre of Nancy (CHRU Nancy), Nancy, France
| | - Silvia Falliano
- Molecular and Cell Biology Laboratory of Neurometabolic Diseases, Paediatric Neurology Unit and Laboratories, Meyer Children's Hospital, Viale Pieraccini 24, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Ferri
- Molecular and Cell Biology Laboratory of Neurometabolic Diseases, Paediatric Neurology Unit and Laboratories, Meyer Children's Hospital, Viale Pieraccini 24, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - Alessia Gozzini
- Molecular and Cell Biology Laboratory of Neurometabolic Diseases, Paediatric Neurology Unit and Laboratories, Meyer Children's Hospital, Viale Pieraccini 24, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - Serena Gasperini
- Rare Metabolic Disease Unit, Department of Paediatrics, Fondazione MBBM, Monza, Italy
| | - Serena Motta
- Rare Metabolic Disease Unit, Department of Paediatrics, Fondazione MBBM, Monza, Italy
| | - Miriam Rigoldi
- Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | | | - Albina Tummolo
- Metabolic Disease Unit, Giovanni XXIII Hospital, Bari, Italy
| | - Concetta Meli
- Metabolic Disease Unit, G. Rodolico Hospital, Catania, Italy
| | - Francesca Menni
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Paediatric Highly Intensive Care Unit, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Furlan
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Paediatric Highly Intensive Care Unit, Milan, Italy
| | - Marta Daniotti
- Metabolic and Muscular Unit, Meyer Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Sabrina Malvagia
- Newborn Screening, Biochemistry and Pharmacology Laboratory, Meyer Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Giancarlo la Marca
- Newborn Screening, Biochemistry and Pharmacology Laboratory, Meyer Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy.,Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Céline Chery
- INSERM, UMR_S1256 Nutrition-Genetics-Environmental Risk Exposure and Reference Centre of Inborn Metabolism Diseases, University of Lorraine and University Hospital Centre of Nancy (CHRU Nancy), Nancy, France
| | | | - David Tregouet
- INSERM, UMR_S937, ICAN Institute, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris, France
| | | | - Renzo Guerrini
- Molecular and Cell Biology Laboratory of Neurometabolic Diseases, Paediatric Neurology Unit and Laboratories, Meyer Children's Hospital, Viale Pieraccini 24, 50139, Florence, Italy.,Department of NEUROFARBA, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Jean-Louis Guéant
- INSERM, UMR_S1256 Nutrition-Genetics-Environmental Risk Exposure and Reference Centre of Inborn Metabolism Diseases, University of Lorraine and University Hospital Centre of Nancy (CHRU Nancy), Nancy, France
| | - Amelia Morrone
- Molecular and Cell Biology Laboratory of Neurometabolic Diseases, Paediatric Neurology Unit and Laboratories, Meyer Children's Hospital, Viale Pieraccini 24, 50139, Florence, Italy. .,Department of NEUROFARBA, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
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Epimutations and mutations, nurturing phenotypic diversity. Genetica 2021; 150:171-181. [PMID: 34114171 DOI: 10.1007/s10709-021-00124-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Epimutations and mutations are two dissimilar mechanisms that have contributed to the phenotypic diversities in organisms. Though dissimilar, many previous studies have revealed that the consequences of epimutations and mutations are not mutually exclusive. DNA rich in epigenetic modifications can be prone to mutations and vice versa. In order to get a better insight into the molecular evolution in organisms, it is important to consider the information of both genetic and epigenetic changes in their genomes. Understanding the similarities and differences between the consequences of epimutations and mutations is required for a better interpretation of phenotypic diversities in organisms. Factors contributing to epigenetic changes such as paramutations and mutation hotspots and, the correlation of the interdependence of mutations and epigenetic changes in DNA are important aspects that need to be considered for molecular evolutionary studies. Thus, this review explains what epimutations are, their causes, how they are similar/different from mutations, and the influence of epigenetic changes and mutations on each other, further emphasizing how molecular evolution involving both mutations and epimutations can lead to speciation. Considering this approach will aid in reorganizing taxonomic classifications, importantly, solving disparities in species identification.
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Zyla R, Graham T, Aronson M, Velsher L, Mrkonjic M, Turashvili G. MLH1 epimutation is a rare mechanism for Lynch syndrome: A case report and review of the literature. Genes Chromosomes Cancer 2021; 60:635-639. [PMID: 33934415 DOI: 10.1002/gcc.22957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 04/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometrial carcinoma is one of the prototypical malignancies associated with Lynch syndrome, an inherited cancer syndrome most commonly caused by germline mutations in DNA mismatch repair (MMR) genes, although rare alternative mechanisms also exist. In this report, we describe a patient first diagnosed with colorectal cancer at age 33, then vulvar squamous cell carcinoma, facial sebaceous adenoma/sebaceoma, and finally endometrial carcinoma at age 52. All tumors were MLH1/PMS2-deficient by immunohistochemistry, and MLH1 promoter methylation was identified in the endometrial cancer. Germline MLH1 testing was negative for pathogenic variants, but she was subsequently diagnosed with Lynch syndrome secondary to a germline monoallelic constitutional epimutation of the MLH1 promoter. Identification of patients displaying a Lynch syndrome phenotype but lacking germline MMR mutations is important to avoid delays in the diagnosis of Lynch syndrome as well as the initiation of appropriate cancer screening and genetic counseling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roman Zyla
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Sinai Health System and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tracy Graham
- Cancer Genetics and High Risk Program, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Melyssa Aronson
- Zane Cohen Centre, Sinai Health System and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lea Velsher
- Cancer Genetics and High Risk Program, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Miralem Mrkonjic
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Sinai Health System and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gulisa Turashvili
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Sinai Health System and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Reid BM, Fridley BL. DNA Methylation in Ovarian Cancer Susceptibility. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 13:E108. [PMID: 33396385 PMCID: PMC7795210 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13010108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic alterations are somatically acquired over the lifetime and during neoplastic transformation but may also be inherited as widespread 'constitutional' alterations in normal tissues that can cause cancer predisposition. Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) has an established genetic susceptibility and mounting epidemiological evidence demonstrates that DNA methylation (DNAm) intermediates as well as independently contributes to risk. Targeted studies of known EOC susceptibility genes (CSGs) indicate rare, constitutional BRCA1 promoter methylation increases familial and sporadic EOC risk. Blood-based epigenome-wide association studies (EWAS) for EOC have detected a total of 2846 differentially methylated probes (DMPs) with 71 genes replicated across studies despite significant heterogeneity. While EWAS detect both symptomatic and etiologic DMPs, adjustments and analytic techniques may enrich risk associations, as evidenced by the detection of dysregulated methylation of BNC2-a known CSG identified by genome-wide associations studies (GWAS). Integrative genetic-epigenetic approaches have mapped methylation quantitative trait loci (meQTL) to EOC risk, revealing DNAm variations that are associated with nine GWAS loci and, further, one novel risk locus. Increasing efforts to mapping epigenome variation across populations and cell types will be key to decoding both the genomic and epigenomic causal pathways to EOC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett M. Reid
- Department of Cancer Epidemiology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL 33612, USA;
| | - Brooke L. Fridley
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
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9
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Lowry JL, Ryan ÉB, Esengul YT, Siddique N, Siddique T. Intricacies of aetiology in intrafamilial degenerative disease. Brain Commun 2020; 2:fcaa120. [PMID: 33134917 PMCID: PMC7585693 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcaa120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The genetic underpinnings of late-onset degenerative disease have typically been determined by screening families for the segregation of genetic variants with the disease trait in affected, but not unaffected, individuals. However, instances of intrafamilial etiological heterogeneity, where pathogenic variants in a culprit gene are not shared among all affected family members, continue to emerge and confound gene-discovery and genetic counselling efforts. Discordant intrafamilial cases lacking a mutation shared by other affected family members are described as disease phenocopies. This description often results in an over-simplified acceptance of an environmental cause of disease in the phenocopy cases, while the role of intrafamilial genetic heterogeneity, shared de novo mutations or epigenetic aberrations in such families is often ignored. On a related note, it is now evident that the same disease-associated variant can be present in individuals exhibiting clinically distinct phenotypes, thereby genetically uniting seemingly unrelated syndromes to form a spectrum of disease. Herein, we discuss the intricacies of determining complex degenerative disease aetiology and suggest alternative mechanisms of disease transmission that may account for the apparent missing heritability of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L Lowry
- The Ken and Ruth Davee Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Éanna B Ryan
- The Ken and Ruth Davee Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.,Northwestern University Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Y Taylan Esengul
- The Ken and Ruth Davee Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Nailah Siddique
- The Ken and Ruth Davee Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Teepu Siddique
- The Ken and Ruth Davee Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.,Northwestern University Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.,Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.,Department of Pathology Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
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10
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Poduval DB, Ognedal E, Sichmanova Z, Valen E, Iversen GT, Minsaas L, Lønning PE, Knappskog S. Assessment of tumor suppressor promoter methylation in healthy individuals. Clin Epigenetics 2020; 12:131. [PMID: 32859265 PMCID: PMC7455917 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-020-00920-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The number of tumor suppressor genes for which germline mutations have been linked to cancer risk is steadily increasing. However, while recent reports have linked constitutional normal tissue promoter methylation of BRCA1 and MLH1 to ovarian and colon cancer risk, the role of epigenetic alterations as cancer risk factors remains largely unknown, presenting an important area for future research. Currently, we lack fast and sensitive methods for assessment of promoter methylation status across known tumor suppressor genes. Results In this paper, we present a novel NGS-based approach assessing promoter methylation status across a large panel of defined tumor suppressor genes to base-pair resolution. The method omits the limitations related to commonly used array-approaches. Our panel includes 565 target regions covering the promoters of 283 defined tumor suppressors, selected by pre-specified criteria, and was applied for rapid targeted methylation-specific NGS. The feasibility of the method was assessed by analyzing normal tissue DNA (white blood cells, WBC) samples from 34 healthy postmenopausal women and by performing preliminary assessment of the methylation landscape of tumor suppressors in these individuals. The mean target coverage was 189.6x providing a sensitivity of 0.53%, sufficient for promoter methylation assessment of low-level methylated genes like BRCA1. Within this limited test-set, we detected 206 regions located in the promoters of 149 genes to be differentially methylated (hyper- or hypo-) at > 99% confidence level. Seven target regions in gene promoters (CIITA, RASSF1, CHN1, PDCD1LG2, GSTP1, XPA, and ZNF668) were found to be hyper-methylated in a minority of individuals, with a > 20 percent point difference in mean methylation across the region between individuals. In an exploratory hierarchical clustering analysis, we found that the individuals analyzed may be grouped into two main groups based on their WBC methylation profile across the 283 tumor suppressor gene promoters. Conclusions Methylation-specific NGS of our tumor suppressor panel, with detailed assessment of differential methylation in healthy individuals, presents a feasible method for identification of novel epigenetic risk factors for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepak B Poduval
- K.G. Jebsen Center for Genome Directed Cancer Therapy, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Oncology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Elisabet Ognedal
- K.G. Jebsen Center for Genome Directed Cancer Therapy, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Oncology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Present address: Department of Medical Genetics, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Zuzana Sichmanova
- K.G. Jebsen Center for Genome Directed Cancer Therapy, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Oncology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Eivind Valen
- Computational Biology Unit, Department of Informatics, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Sars International Centre for Marine Molecular Biology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Gjertrud T Iversen
- K.G. Jebsen Center for Genome Directed Cancer Therapy, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Oncology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Laura Minsaas
- K.G. Jebsen Center for Genome Directed Cancer Therapy, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Oncology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Per E Lønning
- K.G. Jebsen Center for Genome Directed Cancer Therapy, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Oncology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Stian Knappskog
- K.G. Jebsen Center for Genome Directed Cancer Therapy, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway. .,Department of Oncology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.
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11
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DNA Methylation in the Diagnosis of Monogenic Diseases. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:genes11040355. [PMID: 32224912 PMCID: PMC7231024 DOI: 10.3390/genes11040355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Revised: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation in the human genome is largely programmed and shaped by transcription factor binding and interaction between DNA methyltransferases and histone marks during gamete and embryo development. Normal methylation profiles can be modified at single or multiple loci, more frequently as consequences of genetic variants acting in cis or in trans, or in some cases stochastically or through interaction with environmental factors. For many developmental disorders, specific methylation patterns or signatures can be detected in blood DNA. The recent use of high-throughput assays investigating the whole genome has largely increased the number of diseases for which DNA methylation analysis provides information for their diagnosis. Here, we review the methylation abnormalities that have been associated with mono/oligogenic diseases, their relationship with genotype and phenotype and relevance for diagnosis, as well as the limitations in their use and interpretation of results.
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12
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Lønning PE, Eikesdal HP, Løes IM, Knappskog S. Constitutional Mosaic Epimutations - a hidden cause of cancer? Cell Stress 2019; 3:118-135. [PMID: 31225507 PMCID: PMC6551830 DOI: 10.15698/cst2019.04.183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2019] [Revised: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Silencing of tumor suppressor genes by promoter hypermethylation is a key mechanism to facilitate cancer progression in many malignancies. While promoter hypermethylation can occur at later stages of the carcinogenesis process, constitutional methylation of key tumor suppressors may be an initiating event whereby cancer is started. Constitutional BRCA1 methylation due to cis-acting germline genetic variants is associated with a high risk of breast and ovarian cancer. However, this seems to be a rare event, restricted to a very limited number of families. In contrast, mosaic constitutional BRCA1 methylation is detected in 4-7% of newborn females without germline BRCA1 mutations. While the cause of such methylation is poorly understood, mosaic normal tissue BRCA1 methylation is associated with a 2-3 fold increased risk of high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC). As such, BRCA1 methylation may be the cause of a significant number of ovarian cancers. Given the molecular similarities between HGSOC and basal-like breast cancer, the findings with respect to HGSOC suggest that constitutional BRCA1 methylation could be a risk factor for basal-like breast cancer as well. Similar to BRCA1, some specific germline variants in MLH1 and MSH2 are associated with promoter methylation and a high risk of colorectal cancers in rare hereditary cases of the disease. However, as many as 15% of all colorectal cancers are of the microsatellite instability (MSI) "high" subtype, in which commonly the tumors harbor MLH1 hypermethylation. Constitutional mosaic methylation of MLH1 in normal tissues has been detected but not formally evaluated as a potential risk factor for incidental colorectal cancers. However, the findings with respect to BRCA1 in breast and ovarian cancer raises the question whether mosaic MLH1 methylation is a risk factor for MSI positive colorectal cancer as well. As for MGMT, a promoter variant is associated with elevated methylation across a panel of solid cancers, and MGMT promoter methylation may contribute to an elevated cancer risk in several of these malignancies. We hypothesize that constitutional mosaic promoter methylation of crucial tumor suppressors may trigger certain types of cancer, similar to germline mutations inactivating the same particular genes. Such constitutional methylation events may be a spark to ignite cancer development, and if associated with a significant cancer risk, screening for such epigenetic alterations could be part of cancer prevention programs to reduce cancer mortality in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Per E. Lønning
- K.G.Jebsen Center for Genome Directed Cancer Therapy, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Norway
- Department of Oncology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Hans P. Eikesdal
- K.G.Jebsen Center for Genome Directed Cancer Therapy, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Norway
- Department of Oncology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Inger M. Løes
- K.G.Jebsen Center for Genome Directed Cancer Therapy, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Norway
- Department of Oncology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Stian Knappskog
- K.G.Jebsen Center for Genome Directed Cancer Therapy, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Norway
- Department of Oncology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
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13
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The Clinical Utility of Epigenetics: A Case Study. Clin Epigenetics 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/978-981-13-8958-0_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
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14
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Gelli E, Pinto AM, Somma S, Imperatore V, Cannone MG, Hadjistilianou T, De Francesco S, Galimberti D, Currò A, Bruttini M, Mari F, Renieri A, Ariani F. Evidence of predisposing epimutation in retinoblastoma. Hum Mutat 2018; 40:201-206. [PMID: 30427563 DOI: 10.1002/humu.23684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2018] [Revised: 10/04/2018] [Accepted: 11/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Retinoblastoma (RB), which represents the most common childhood eye cancer, is caused by biallelic inactivation of RB1 gene. Promoter hypermethylation is quite frequent in RB tissues but conclusive evidence of soma-wide predisposing epimutations is currently scant. Here, 50 patients who tested negative for RB1 germline sequence alterations were screened for aberrant promoter methylation using methylation-specific MLPA. The assay, performed on blood, identified a sporadic patient with methylation of CpG106, absent in parents' DNA. Bisulfite pyrosequencing accurately quantified CpG methylation in blood DNA (mean ∼49%) and also confirmed the aberration in DNA isolated from oral mucosa although at lower levels (mean ∼34%). Using a tag-SNP, methylation was demonstrated to affect the maternal allele. Real-time qPCR demonstrated RB1 transcriptional silencing. In conclusion, we documented that promoter methylation can act as the first "hit" in Knudson's model. This mosaic epimutation mimics the effect of an inactivating mutation and phenocopies RB onset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Gelli
- Medical Genetics, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Pinto
- Genetica Medica, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, Siena, Italy
| | - Serena Somma
- Medical Genetics, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.,Genetica Medica, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, Siena, Italy
| | | | - Marta G Cannone
- Medical Genetics, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.,Genetica Medica, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, Siena, Italy
| | - Theodora Hadjistilianou
- Unit of Ophthalmology and Retinoblastoma Referral Center, Department of Surgery, University of Siena, Policlinico 'Santa Maria alle Scotte', Siena, Italy
| | - Sonia De Francesco
- Unit of Ophthalmology and Retinoblastoma Referral Center, Department of Surgery, University of Siena, Policlinico 'Santa Maria alle Scotte', Siena, Italy
| | - Daniela Galimberti
- Unit of Pediatrics, Department of Maternal, Newborn and Child Health, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, Policlinico 'Santa Maria alle Scotte', Siena, Italy
| | - Aurora Currò
- Medical Genetics, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.,Genetica Medica, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, Siena, Italy
| | - Mirella Bruttini
- Medical Genetics, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.,Genetica Medica, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, Siena, Italy
| | - Francesca Mari
- Medical Genetics, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.,Genetica Medica, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, Siena, Italy
| | - Alessandra Renieri
- Medical Genetics, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.,Genetica Medica, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, Siena, Italy
| | - Francesca Ariani
- Medical Genetics, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.,Genetica Medica, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, Siena, Italy
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15
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Evans DGR, van Veen EM, Byers HJ, Wallace AJ, Ellingford JM, Beaman G, Santoyo-Lopez J, Aitman TJ, Eccles DM, Lalloo FI, Smith MJ, Newman WG. A Dominantly Inherited 5' UTR Variant Causing Methylation-Associated Silencing of BRCA1 as a Cause of Breast and Ovarian Cancer. Am J Hum Genet 2018; 103:213-220. [PMID: 30075112 PMCID: PMC6080768 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2018.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 06/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathogenic variants in BRCA1 or BRCA2 are identified in ∼20% of families with multiple individuals affected by early-onset breast and/or ovarian cancer. Extensive searches for additional highly penetrant genes or alternative mutational mechanisms altering BRCA1 or BRCA2 have not explained the missing heritability. Here, we report a dominantly inherited 5' UTR variant associated with epigenetic BRCA1 silencing due to promoter hypermethylation in two families affected by breast and ovarian cancer. BRCA1 promoter methylation of ten CpG dinucleotides in families who are affected by breast and/or ovarian cancer but do not have germline BRCA1 or BRCA2 pathogenic variants was assessed by pyrosequencing and clonal bisulfite sequencing. RNA and DNA sequencing of BRCA1 from lymphocytes was undertaken to establish allelic expression and the presence of germline variants. BRCA1 promoter hypermethylation was identified in 2 of 49 families in which multiple women are affected by grade 3 breast cancer or high-grade serous ovarian cancer. Soma-wide BRCA1 promoter hypermethylation was confirmed in blood, buccal mucosa, and hair follicles. Pyrosequencing showed that DNA was ∼50% methylated, consistent with the silencing of one allele, which was confirmed by clonal bisulfite sequencing. RNA sequencing revealed the allelic loss of BRCA1 expression in both families and that this loss of expression segregated with the heterozygous variant c.-107A>T in the BRCA1 5' UTR. Our results establish a mechanism whereby familial breast and ovarian cancer is caused by an in cis 5' UTR variant associated with epigenetic silencing of the BRCA1 promoter in two independent families. We propose that methylation analyses be undertaken to establish the frequency of this mechanism in families affected by early-onset breast and/or ovarian cancer without a BRCA1 or BRCA2 pathogenic variant.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Gareth R Evans
- Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester M13 9PL, UK; Prevention Breast Cancer Centre and Nightingale Breast Screening Centre, University Hospital of South Manchester, Manchester M23 9LT, UK; Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester M20 4BX, UK; Manchester Breast Centre, Manchester Cancer Research Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester M20 4BX, UK.
| | - Elke M van Veen
- Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester M13 9PL, UK; Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester M13 9WL, UK
| | - Helen J Byers
- Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester M13 9PL, UK; Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester M13 9WL, UK
| | - Andrew J Wallace
- Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester M13 9WL, UK
| | - Jamie M Ellingford
- Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester M13 9PL, UK; Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester M13 9WL, UK
| | - Glenda Beaman
- Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester M13 9PL, UK; Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester M13 9WL, UK
| | - Javier Santoyo-Lopez
- Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine and Edinburgh Genomics, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Timothy J Aitman
- Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine and Edinburgh Genomics, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Diana M Eccles
- Cancer Sciences Academic Unit and Southampton Clinical Trials Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton and University Hospital Southampton Foundation Trust, Southampton S016 6YD, UK
| | - Fiona I Lalloo
- Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester M13 9WL, UK
| | - Miriam J Smith
- Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester M13 9PL, UK; Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester M13 9WL, UK
| | - William G Newman
- Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester M13 9PL, UK; Manchester Breast Centre, Manchester Cancer Research Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester M20 4BX, UK; Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester M13 9WL, UK.
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16
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Böck J, Appenzeller S, Haertle L, Schneider T, Gehrig A, Schröder J, Rost S, Wolf B, Bartram CR, Sutter C, Haaf T. Single CpG hypermethylation, allele methylation errors, and decreased expression of multiple tumor suppressor genes in normal body cells of mutation-negative early-onset and high-risk breast cancer patients. Int J Cancer 2018; 143:1416-1425. [PMID: 29659014 PMCID: PMC6099327 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.31526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 03/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
To evaluate the role of constitutive epigenetic changes in normal body cells of BRCA1/BRCA2-mutation negative patients, we have developed a deep bisulfite sequencing assay targeting the promoter regions of 8 tumor suppressor (TS) genes (BRCA1, BRCA2, RAD51C, ATM, PTEN, TP53, MLH1, RB1) and the estrogene receptor gene (ESR1), which plays a role in tumor progression. We analyzed blood samples of two breast cancer (BC) cohorts with early onset (EO) and high risk (HR) for a heterozygous mutation, respectively, along with age-matched controls. Methylation analysis of up to 50,000 individual DNA molecules per gene and sample allowed quantification of epimutations (alleles with >50% methylated CpGs), which are associated with epigenetic silencing. Compared to ESR1, which is representative for an average promoter, TS genes were characterized by a very low (< 1%) average methylation level and a very low mean epimutation rate (EMR; < 0.0001% to 0.1%). With exception of BRCA1, which showed an increased EMR in BC (0.31% vs. 0.06%), there was no significant difference between patients and controls. One of 36 HR BC patients exhibited a dramatically increased EMR (14.7%) in BRCA1, consistent with a disease-causing epimutation. Approximately one third (15 of 44) EO BC patients exhibited increased rates of single CpG methylation errors in multiple TS genes. Both EO and HR BC patients exhibited global underexpression of blood TS genes. We propose that epigenetic abnormalities in normal body cells are indicative of disturbed mechanisms for maintaining low methylation and appropriate expression levels and may be associated with an increased BC risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Böck
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | | | - Larissa Haertle
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Tamara Schneider
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Andrea Gehrig
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jörg Schröder
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Simone Rost
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Beat Wolf
- University of Applied Sciences Western Switzerland, Fribourg, Switzerland.,Department of Bioinformatics, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Claus R Bartram
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christian Sutter
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Haaf
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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17
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Takeda T, Banno K, Yanokura M, Adachi M, Iijima M, Kunitomi H, Nakamura K, Iida M, Nogami Y, Umene K, Masuda K, Kobayashi Y, Yamagami W, Hirasawa A, Tominaga E, Susumu N, Aoki D. Methylation Analysis of DNA Mismatch Repair Genes Using DNA Derived from the Peripheral Blood of Patients with Endometrial Cancer: Epimutation in Endometrial Carcinogenesis. Genes (Basel) 2016; 7:genes7100086. [PMID: 27754426 PMCID: PMC5083925 DOI: 10.3390/genes7100086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2016] [Revised: 08/28/2016] [Accepted: 10/06/2016] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Germline mutation of DNA mismatch repair (MMR) genes is a cause of Lynch syndrome. Methylation of MutL homolog 1 (MLH1) and MutS homolog 2 (MSH2) has been detected in peripheral blood cells of patients with colorectal cancer. This methylation is referred to as epimutation. Methylation of these genes has not been studied in an unselected series of endometrial cancer cases. Therefore, we examined methylation of MLH1, MSH2, and MSH6 promoter regions of peripheral blood cells in 206 patients with endometrial cancer using a methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (MSP). Germline mutation of MMR genes, microsatellite instability (MSI), and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were also analyzed in each case with epimutation. MLH1 epimutation was detected in a single patient out of a total of 206 (0.49%)-1 out of 58 (1.72%) with an onset age of less than 50 years. The patient with MLH1 epimutation showed high level MSI (MSI-H), loss of MLH1 expression and had developed endometrial cancer at 46 years old, complicated with colorectal cancer. No case had epimutation of MSH2 or MSH6. The MLH1 epimutation detected in a patient with endometrial cancer may be a cause of endometrial carcinogenesis. This result indicates that it is important to check epimutation in patients with endometrial cancer without a germline mutation of MMR genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Takeda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan.
| | - Kouji Banno
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan.
| | - Megumi Yanokura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan.
| | - Masataka Adachi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan.
| | - Moito Iijima
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan.
| | - Haruko Kunitomi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan.
| | - Kanako Nakamura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan.
| | - Miho Iida
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan.
| | - Yuya Nogami
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan.
| | - Kiyoko Umene
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan.
| | - Kenta Masuda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan.
| | - Yusuke Kobayashi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan.
| | - Wataru Yamagami
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan.
| | - Akira Hirasawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan.
| | - Eiichiro Tominaga
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan.
| | - Nobuyuki Susumu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan.
| | - Daisuke Aoki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan.
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