1
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Yoon SB, Chen L, Robinson IE, Khatib TO, Arthur RA, Claussen H, Zohbi NM, Wu H, Mouw JK, Marcus AI. Subpopulation commensalism promotes Rac1-dependent invasion of single cells via laminin-332. J Cell Biol 2024; 223:e202308080. [PMID: 38551497 PMCID: PMC10982113 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202308080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Phenotypic heterogeneity poses a significant hurdle for cancer treatment but is under-characterized in the context of tumor invasion. Amidst the range of phenotypic heterogeneity across solid tumor types, collectively invading cells and single cells have been extensively characterized as independent modes of invasion, but their intercellular interactions have rarely been explored. Here, we isolated collectively invading cells and single cells from the heterogeneous 4T1 cell line and observed extensive transcriptional and epigenetic diversity across these subpopulations. By integrating these datasets, we identified laminin-332 as a protein complex exclusively secreted by collectively invading cells. Live-cell imaging revealed that laminin-332 derived from collectively invading cells increased the velocity and directionality of single cells. Despite collectively invading and single cells having similar expression of the integrin α6β4 dimer, single cells demonstrated higher Rac1 activation upon laminin-332 binding to integrin α6β4. This mechanism suggests a novel commensal relationship between collectively invading and single cells, wherein collectively invading cells promote the invasive potential of single cells through a laminin-332/Rac1 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung Bo Yoon
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Luxiao Chen
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Isaac E. Robinson
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Tala O. Khatib
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Robert A. Arthur
- Emory Integrated Computational Core, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Henry Claussen
- Emory Integrated Computational Core, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Najdat M. Zohbi
- Graduate Medical Education, Piedmont Macon Medical, Macon, GA, USA
| | - Hao Wu
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Janna K. Mouw
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Adam I. Marcus
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
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2
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Chang CJ, O’Brien KM, Kresovich JK, Nwanaji-Enwerem JC, Xu Z, Gaston SA, Jackson CL, Sandler DP, Taylor JA, White AJ. Associations between use of chemical hair products and epigenetic age: Findings from the Sister Study. Environ Epidemiol 2024; 8:e311. [PMID: 38799263 PMCID: PMC11115975 DOI: 10.1097/ee9.0000000000000311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Hair products may be a source of harmful chemicals and have been linked to age-related health outcomes. We investigated whether the use of hair products is related to epigenetic age in a sample of Black (both Hispanic and non-Hispanic) and non-Hispanic White women. Methods In a subset of 4358 participants aged 35-74 years from the Sister Study, we estimated cross-sectional associations between self-reported use of four chemical hair products (permanent dye, semipermanent dye, straighteners/relaxers, and hair permanents/body waves) in the year before enrollment (2003-2009) and three DNA methylation-based measures of epigenetic age (DunedinPACE, GrimAge age acceleration [GrimAgeAccel], and PhenoAge age acceleration [PhenoAgeAccel]) using survey-weighted multivariable linear regressions. Associations were estimated both overall and by self-identified race and ethnicity, adjusting for chronological age, socioeconomic and lifestyle factors, body mass index, menopausal status, and DNA methylation platform. Results Associations between the use of hair products and the three epigenetic age measures were largely null. Use of hair permanents/body waves was modestly associated with higher DunedinPACE among all participants (βever-never = 0.010; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.001, 0.019) and with lower PhenoAgeAccel among Black women (βever-never = -1.53; 95% CI = -2.84, -0.21). Conclusion In this US-based study, we found little evidence of associations between chemical hair product use and epigenetic age in Black and non-Hispanic White women. Observed associations were modest and largely not supported by dose-response relationships or were inconsistent across epigenetic age measures. Previously observed associations between chemical hair product use and aging-related health outcomes may not be explained by the biological aging pathways captured by DunedinPACE, GrimAgeAccel, or PhenoAgeAccel. Alternative biological pathways are worth investigating in racially diverse samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Che-Jung Chang
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Katie M. O’Brien
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Jacob K. Kresovich
- Departments of Cancer Epidemiology and Breast Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Jamaji C. Nwanaji-Enwerem
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
- Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Zongli Xu
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Symielle A. Gaston
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Chandra L. Jackson
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
- Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Dale P. Sandler
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Jack A. Taylor
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Alexandra J. White
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
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3
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Aroke EN, Srinivasasainagendra V, Kottae P, Quinn TL, Wiggins AM, Hobson J, Kinnie K, Stoudmire T, Tiwari HK, Goodin BR. The Pace of Biological Aging Predicts Nonspecific Chronic Low Back Pain Severity. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2024; 25:974-983. [PMID: 37907115 PMCID: PMC10960701 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2023.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to determine if and how the pace of biological aging was associated with nonspecific chronic low back pain (cLBP) and compare what measure of epigenetic age acceleration most strongly predicts cLBP outcomes. We used the Dunedin Pace of Aging from the Epigenome (DunedinPACE), Horvath's, Hannum's, and PhenoAge clocks to determine the pace of biological aging in 69 cLBP, and 49 pain-free controls (PFCs) adults, ages 18 to 85 years. On average, participants with cLBP had higher DunedinPACE (P < .001) but lower Horvath (P = .04) and Hannum (P = .02) accelerated epigenetic age than PFCs. There was no significant difference in PhenoAge acceleration between the cLBP and PFC groups (P = .97). DunedinPACE had the largest effect size (Cohen's d = .78) on group differences. In univariate regressions, a unit increase in DunedinPACE score was associated with 265.98 times higher odds of cLBP than the PFC group (P < .001). After controlling for sex, race, and body mass index (BMI), the odds ratio of cLBP to PFC group was 149.62 (P < .001). Furthermore, among participants with cLBP, DunedinPACE scores positively correlated with pain severity (rs = .385, P = .001) and interference (rs = .338, P = .005). Epigenetic age acceleration from Horvath, Hannum, and PhenoAge clocks were not significant predictors of cLBP. The odds of a faster pace of biological aging are higher among adults with cLBP, and this was associated with greater pain severity and disability. Future interventions to slow the pace of biological aging may improve cLBP outcomes. PERSPECTIVE: Accelerated epigenetic aging is common among adults with nonspecific cLBP. Higher DunedinPACE scores positively correlate with pain severity and interference, and better predict cLBP than other DNA methylation clocks. Interventions to slow the pace of biological aging may be viable targets for improving pain outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edwin N. Aroke
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Vinodh Srinivasasainagendra
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Pooja Kottae
- Department of Computer Science, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Tammie L. Quinn
- Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Asia M. Wiggins
- Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Joanna Hobson
- Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Kiari Kinnie
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Tonya Stoudmire
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Hemant K. Tiwari
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Burel R. Goodin
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, Washington University, St Louis, USA
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Petroff RL, Dolinoy DC, Wang K, Montrose L, Padmanabhan V, Peterson KE, Ruden DM, Sartor MA, Svoboda LK, Téllez-Rojo MM, Goodrich JM. Translational toxicoepigenetic Meta-Analyses identify homologous gene DNA methylation reprogramming following developmental phthalate and lead exposure in mouse and human offspring. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 186:108575. [PMID: 38507935 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Although toxicology uses animal models to represent real-world human health scenarios, a critical translational gap between laboratory-based studies and epidemiology remains. In this study, we aimed to understand the toxicoepigenetic effects on DNA methylation after developmental exposure to two common toxicants, the phthalate di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and the metal lead (Pb), using a translational paradigm that selected candidate genes from a mouse study and assessed them in four human birth cohorts. Data from mouse offspring developmentally exposed to DEHP, Pb, or control were used to identify genes with sex-specific sites with differential DNA methylation at postnatal day 21. Associations of human infant DNA methylation in homologous mouse genes with prenatal DEHP or Pb were examined with a meta-analysis. Differential methylation was observed on 6 cytosines (adjusted-p < 0.05) and 90 regions (adjusted-p < 0.001). This translational approach offers a unique method that can detect conserved epigenetic differences that are developmentally susceptible to environmental toxicants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebekah L Petroff
- Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Dana C Dolinoy
- Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Nutritional Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Kai Wang
- Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Luke Montrose
- Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Vasantha Padmanabhan
- Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Pediatrics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Karen E Peterson
- Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Nutritional Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Douglas M Ruden
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Maureen A Sartor
- Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Biostatistics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Laurie K Svoboda
- Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Pharmacology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Martha M Téllez-Rojo
- Center for Research on Nutrition and Health, National Institute of Public Health, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Jaclyn M Goodrich
- Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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5
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Kiltschewskij DJ, Reay WR, Geaghan MP, Atkins JR, Xavier A, Zhang X, Watkeys OJ, Carr VJ, Scott RJ, Green MJ, Cairns MJ. Alteration of DNA Methylation and Epigenetic Scores Associated With Features of Schizophrenia and Common Variant Genetic Risk. Biol Psychiatry 2024; 95:647-661. [PMID: 37480976 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2023.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Unpacking molecular perturbations associated with features of schizophrenia is a critical step toward understanding phenotypic heterogeneity in this disorder. Recent epigenome-wide association studies have uncovered pervasive dysregulation of DNA methylation in schizophrenia; however, clinical features of the disorder that account for a large proportion of phenotypic variability are relatively underexplored. METHODS We comprehensively analyzed patterns of DNA methylation in a cohort of 381 individuals with schizophrenia from the deeply phenotyped Australian Schizophrenia Research Bank. Epigenetic changes were investigated in association with cognitive status, age of onset, treatment resistance, Global Assessment of Functioning scores, and common variant polygenic risk scores for schizophrenia. We subsequently explored alterations within genes previously associated with psychiatric illness, phenome-wide epigenetic covariance, and epigenetic scores. RESULTS Epigenome-wide association studies of the 5 primary traits identified 662 suggestively significant (p < 6.72 × 10-5) differentially methylated probes, with a further 432 revealed after controlling for schizophrenia polygenic risk on the remaining 4 traits. Interestingly, we uncovered many probes within genes associated with a variety of psychiatric conditions as well as significant epigenetic covariance with phenotypes and exposures including acute myocardial infarction, C-reactive protein, and lung cancer. Epigenetic scores for treatment-resistant schizophrenia strikingly exhibited association with clozapine administration, while epigenetic proxies of plasma protein expression, such as CCL17, MMP10, and PRG2, were associated with several features of schizophrenia. CONCLUSIONS Our findings collectively provide novel evidence suggesting that several features of schizophrenia are associated with alteration of DNA methylation, which may contribute to interindividual phenotypic variation in affected individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dylan J Kiltschewskij
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia; Precision Medicine Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton, New South Wales, Australia
| | - William R Reay
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia; Precision Medicine Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Michael P Geaghan
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Joshua R Atkins
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Alexandre Xavier
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia; Centre for Information Based Medicine, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Xiajie Zhang
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia; Centre for Information Based Medicine, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Oliver J Watkeys
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Vaughan J Carr
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rodney J Scott
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia; Centre for Information Based Medicine, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Melissa J Green
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia; School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Murray J Cairns
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia; Precision Medicine Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton, New South Wales, Australia.
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McGee KC, Sullivan J, Hazeldine J, Schmunk LJ, Martin-Herranz DE, Jackson T, Lord JM. A combination nutritional supplement reduces DNA methylation age only in older adults with a raised epigenetic age. GeroScience 2024:10.1007/s11357-024-01138-8. [PMID: 38528176 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-024-01138-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
An increase in systemic inflammation (inflammaging) is one of the hallmarks of aging. Epigenetic (DNA methylation) clocks can quantify the degree of biological aging and this can be reversed by lifestyle and pharmacological intervention. We aimed to investigate whether a multi-component nutritional supplement could reduce systemic inflammation and epigenetic age in healthy older adults.We recruited 80 healthy older participants (mean age ± SD: 71.85 ± 6.23; males = 31, females = 49). Blood and saliva were obtained pre and post a 12-week course of a multi-component supplement, containing: Vitamin B3, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Omega 3 fish oils, Resveratrol, Olive fruit phenols and Astaxanthin. Plasma GDF-15 and C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations were quantified as markers of biological aging and inflammation respectively. DNA methylation was assessed in whole blood and saliva and used to derive epigenetic age using various clock algorithms.No difference between the epigenetic and chronological ages of participants was observed pre- and post-treatment by the blood-based Horvath or Hannum clocks, or the saliva-based InflammAge clock. However, in those with epigenetic age acceleration of ≥ 2 years at baseline, a significant reduction in epigenetic age (p = 0.015) and epigenetic age acceleration (p = 0.0058) was observed post-treatment using the saliva-based InflammAge clock. No differences were observed pre- and post-treatment in plasma GDF-15 and CRP, though participants with CRP indicative of an elevated cardiovascular disease risk (hsCRP ≥ 3µg/ml), had a reduction in CRP post-supplementation (p = 0.0195).Our data suggest a possible benefit of combined nutritional supplementation in individuals with an accelerated epigenetic age and inflammaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsty C McGee
- MRC-Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Jack Sullivan
- MRC-Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Jon Hazeldine
- MRC-Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | | | | | - Thomas Jackson
- MRC-Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- NIHR Birmingham Biomedcial Research Centre, University Hopsital Birmingham and University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Janet M Lord
- MRC-Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.
- NIHR Birmingham Biomedcial Research Centre, University Hopsital Birmingham and University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.
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7
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Bagheri M, Lee MK, Muller KE, Miller TW, Pattabiraman DR, Christensen BC. Alteration of DNA methyltransferases by eribulin elicits broad DNA methylation changes with potential therapeutic implications for triple-negative breast cancer. Epigenomics 2024; 16:293-308. [PMID: 38356412 PMCID: PMC10910603 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2023-0339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive disease with limited treatment options. Eribulin, a chemotherapeutic drug, induces epigenetic changes in cancer cells, suggesting a unique mechanism of action. Materials & methods: MDA-MB 231 cells were treated with eribulin and paclitaxel, and the samples from 53 patients treated with neoadjuvant eribulin were compared with those from 14 patients who received the standard-of-care treatment using immunohistochemistry. Results: Eribulin treatment caused significant DNA methylation changes in drug-tolerant persister TNBC cells, and it also elicited changes in the expression levels of epigenetic modifiers (DNMT1, TET1, DNMT3A/B) in vitro and in primary TNBC tumors. Conclusion: These findings provide new insights into eribulin's mechanism of action and potential biomarkers for predicting TNBC treatment response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meisam Bagheri
- Department of Molecular & Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA
- Dartmouth Cancer Center, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA
| | - Min Kyung Lee
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA
| | - Kristen E Muller
- Dartmouth Cancer Center, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA
- Department of Pathology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon NH 03756, USA
| | - Todd W Miller
- Department of Molecular & Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA
- Dartmouth Cancer Center, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Diwakar R Pattabiraman
- Department of Molecular & Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA
- Dartmouth Cancer Center, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA
| | - Brock C Christensen
- Department of Molecular & Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA
- Department of Community & Family Medicine, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA
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8
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Straughen JK, Loveless I, Chen Y, Burmeister C, Lamerato L, Lemke LD, O’Leary BF, Reiners JJ, Sperone FG, Levin AM, Cassidy-Bushrow AE. The Impact of Environmental Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene, and Xylene Exposure on Blood-Based DNA Methylation Profiles in Pregnant African American Women from Detroit. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:256. [PMID: 38541258 PMCID: PMC10970495 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21030256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
African American women in the United States have a high risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. DNA methylation is a potential mechanism by which exposure to BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes) may cause adverse pregnancy outcomes. Data are from the Maternal Stress Study, which recruited African American women in the second trimester of pregnancy from February 2009 to June 2010. DNA methylation was measured in archived DNA from venous blood collected in the second trimester. Trimester-specific exposure to airshed BTEX was estimated using maternal self-reported addresses and geospatial models of ambient air pollution developed as part of the Geospatial Determinants of Health Outcomes Consortium. Among the 64 women with exposure and outcome data available, 46 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were associated with BTEX exposure (FDR adjusted p-value < 0.05) using a DMR-based epigenome-wide association study approach. Overall, 89% of DMRs consistently exhibited hypomethylation with increasing BTEX exposure. Biological pathway analysis identified 11 enriched pathways, with the top 3 involving gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor signaling, oxytocin in brain signaling, and the gustation pathway. These findings highlight the potential impact of BTEX on DNA methylation in pregnant women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer K. Straughen
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Henry Ford Health, 1 Ford Place, Detroit, MI 48202, USA (L.L.); (A.M.L.); (A.E.C.-B.)
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
- Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Ian Loveless
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Henry Ford Health, 1 Ford Place, Detroit, MI 48202, USA (L.L.); (A.M.L.); (A.E.C.-B.)
| | - Yalei Chen
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Henry Ford Health, 1 Ford Place, Detroit, MI 48202, USA (L.L.); (A.M.L.); (A.E.C.-B.)
| | - Charlotte Burmeister
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Henry Ford Health, 1 Ford Place, Detroit, MI 48202, USA (L.L.); (A.M.L.); (A.E.C.-B.)
| | - Lois Lamerato
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Henry Ford Health, 1 Ford Place, Detroit, MI 48202, USA (L.L.); (A.M.L.); (A.E.C.-B.)
- Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Lawrence D. Lemke
- Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Central Michigan University, Brooks Hall 314, Mount Pleasant, MI 48859, USA;
| | - Brendan F. O’Leary
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Wayne State University, 2100 Engineering Building, Detroit, MI 48202, USA; (B.F.O.); (F.G.S.)
- Department of Biology, Wayne State University, 5047 Gullen Mall, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - John J. Reiners
- Center for Urban Responses to Environmental Stressors, Wayne State University, 6135 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202, USA;
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Wayne State University, 6135 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - F. Gianluca Sperone
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Wayne State University, 2100 Engineering Building, Detroit, MI 48202, USA; (B.F.O.); (F.G.S.)
- Department of Environmental Science and Geology, Wayne State University, 4841 Cass Avenue, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Albert M. Levin
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Henry Ford Health, 1 Ford Place, Detroit, MI 48202, USA (L.L.); (A.M.L.); (A.E.C.-B.)
- Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Andrea E. Cassidy-Bushrow
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Henry Ford Health, 1 Ford Place, Detroit, MI 48202, USA (L.L.); (A.M.L.); (A.E.C.-B.)
- Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
- Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
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9
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Kresovich JK, O’Brien KM, Xu Z, Weinberg CR, Sandler DP, Taylor JA. Circulating Leukocyte Subsets Before and After a Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Therapy. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e2356113. [PMID: 38358741 PMCID: PMC10870180 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.56113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance Changes in leukocyte composition often precede chronic disease onset. Patients with a history of breast cancer (hereinafter referred to as breast cancer survivors) are at increased risk for subsequent chronic diseases, but the long-term changes in peripheral leukocyte composition following a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment remain unknown. Objective To examine longitudinal changes in peripheral leukocyte composition in women who did and did not develop breast cancer and identify whether differences in breast cancer survivors were associated with specific treatments. Design, Setting, and Participants In this prospective cohort study, paired blood samples were collected from 2315 women enrolled in The Sister Study, a US-nationwide prospective cohort study of 50 884 women, at baseline (July 2003 to March 2009) and follow-up (October 2013 to March 2015) home visits, with a mean (SD) follow-up interval of 7.6 (1.4) years. By design, approximately half of the included women had been diagnosed and treated for breast cancer after enrollment and before the second blood draw. A total of 410 women were included in the present study, including 185 breast cancer survivors and 225 who remained free of breast cancer over a comparable follow-up period. Data were analyzed from April 21 to September 9, 2022. Exposures Breast cancer status and, among breast cancer survivors, cancer treatment type (chemotherapy, radiotherapy, endocrine therapy, or surgery). Main Outcomes and Measures Blood DNA methylation data were generated in 2019 using a genome-wide methylation screening tool and deconvolved to estimate percentages of 12 circulating leukocyte subsets. Results Of the 410 women included in the analysis, the mean (SD) age at enrollment was 56 (9) years. Compared with breast cancer-free women, breast cancer survivors had decreased percentages of circulating eosinophils (-0.45% [95% CI, -0.87% to -0.03%]; P = .03), total CD4+ helper T cells (-1.50% [95% CI, -2.56% to -0.44%]; P = .01), and memory B cells (-0.22% [95% CI, -0.34% to -0.09%]; P = .001) and increased percentages of circulating naive B cells (0.46% [95% CI, 0.17%-0.75%]; P = .002). In breast cancer survivor-only analyses, radiotherapy was associated with decreases in total CD4+ T cell levels, whereas chemotherapy was associated with increases in naive B cell levels. Surgery and endocrine therapy were not meaningfully associated with leukocyte changes. Conclusions and Relevance In this cohort study of 410 women, breast cancer survivors experienced lasting changes in peripheral leukocyte composition compared with women who remained free of breast cancer. These changes may be related to treatment with chemotherapy or radiotherapy and could influence future chronic disease risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob K. Kresovich
- Department of Cancer Epidemiology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
- Department of Breast Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Katie M. O’Brien
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Zongli Xu
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Clarice R. Weinberg
- Biostatistics and Computational Biology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, NIH, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Dale P. Sandler
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Jack A. Taylor
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
- Epigenetic and Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, NIH, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
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10
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Pike SC, Havrda M, Gilli F, Zhang Z, Salas LA. Immunological shifts during early-stage Parkinson's disease identified with DNA methylation data on longitudinally collected blood samples. NPJ Parkinsons Dis 2024; 10:21. [PMID: 38212355 PMCID: PMC10784484 DOI: 10.1038/s41531-023-00626-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease in the United States. Decades before motor symptoms manifest, non-motor symptoms such as hyposmia and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder are highly predictive of PD. Previous immune profiling studies have identified alterations to the proportions of immune cells in the blood of clinically defined PD patients. However, it remains unclear if these phenotypes manifest before the clinical diagnosis of PD. We utilized longitudinal DNA methylation (DNAm) microarray data from the Parkinson's Progression Marker's Initiative (PPMI) to perform immune profiling in clinically defined PD and prodromal PD patients (Prod). We identified previously reported changes in neutrophil, monocyte, and T cell numbers in PD patients. Additionally, we noted previously unrecognized decreases in the naive B cell compartment in the defined PD and Prod patient group. Over time, we observed the proportion of innate immune cells in PD blood increased, but the proportion of adaptive immune cells decreased. We identified decreases in T and B cell subsets associated with REM sleep disturbances and early cognitive decline. Lastly, we identified increases in B memory cells associated with both genetic (LRRK2 genotype) and infectious (cytomegalovirus seropositivity) risk factors of PD. Our analysis shows that the peripheral immune system is dynamic as the disease progresses. The study provides a platform to understand how and when peripheral immune alterations occur in PD and whether intervention at particular stages may be therapeutically advantageous.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven C Pike
- Integrative Neuroscience at Dartmouth, Guarini School of Graduate and Advanced Studies at Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA.
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, Lebanon, NH, USA.
- Department of Neurology, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, USA.
| | - Matthew Havrda
- Integrative Neuroscience at Dartmouth, Guarini School of Graduate and Advanced Studies at Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Francesca Gilli
- Integrative Neuroscience at Dartmouth, Guarini School of Graduate and Advanced Studies at Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
- Department of Neurology, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Ze Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Lucas A Salas
- Integrative Neuroscience at Dartmouth, Guarini School of Graduate and Advanced Studies at Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA.
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, Lebanon, NH, USA.
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11
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Reynolds SR, Zhang Z, Salas LA, Christensen BC. Tumor microenvironment deconvolution identifies cell-type-independent aberrant DNA methylation and gene expression in prostate cancer. Clin Epigenetics 2024; 16:5. [PMID: 38173042 PMCID: PMC10765773 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-023-01609-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Among men, prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death. Etiologic factors associated with both prostate carcinogenesis and somatic alterations in tumors are incompletely understood. While genetic variants associated with PCa have been identified, epigenetic alterations in PCa are relatively understudied. To date, DNA methylation (DNAm) and gene expression (GE) in PCa have been investigated; however, these studies did not correct for cell-type proportions of the tumor microenvironment (TME), which could confound results. METHODS The data (GSE183040) consisted of DNAm and GE data from both tumor and adjacent non-tumor prostate tissue of 56 patients who underwent radical prostatectomies prior to any treatment. This study builds upon previous studies that examined methylation patterns and GE in PCa patients by using a novel tumor deconvolution approach to identify and correct for cell-type proportions of the TME in its epigenome-wide association study (EWAS) and differential expression analysis (DEA). RESULTS The inclusion of cell-type proportions in EWASs and DEAs reduced the scope of significant alterations associated with PCa. We identified 2,093 significantly differentially methylated CpGs (DMC), and 51 genes associated with PCa, including PCA3, SPINK1, and AMACR. CONCLUSIONS This work illustrates the importance of correcting for cell types of the TME when performing EWASs and DEAs on PCa samples, and establishes a more confounding-adverse methodology. We identified a more tumor-cell-specific set of altered genes and epigenetic marks that can be further investigated as potential biomarkers of disease or potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel R Reynolds
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA.
| | - Ze Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Lucas A Salas
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Brock C Christensen
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
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12
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Kresovich JK, O’Brien KM, Xu Z, Weinberg CR, Sandler DP, Taylor JA. Changes in methylation-based aging in women who do and do not develop breast cancer. J Natl Cancer Inst 2023; 115:1329-1336. [PMID: 37467056 PMCID: PMC10637033 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djad117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer survivors have increased incidence of age-related diseases, suggesting that some survivors may experience faster biological aging. METHODS Among 417 women enrolled in the prospective Sister Study cohort, DNA methylation data were generated on paired blood samples collected an average of 7.7 years apart and used to calculate 3 epigenetic metrics of biological aging (PhenoAgeAccel, GrimAgeAccel, and Dunedin Pace of Aging Calculated from the Epigenome [DunedinPACE]). Approximately half (n = 190) the women sampled were diagnosed and treated for breast cancer between blood draws, whereas the other half (n = 227) remained breast cancer-free. Breast tumor characteristics and treatment information were abstracted from medical records. RESULTS Among women who developed breast cancer, diagnoses occurred an average of 3.5 years after the initial blood draw and 4 years before the second draw. After accounting for covariates and biological aging metrics measured at baseline, women diagnosed and treated for breast cancer had higher biological aging at the second blood draw than women who remained cancer-free as measured by PhenoAgeAccel (standardized mean difference [β] = 0.13, 95% confidence interval [CI) = 0.00 to 0.26), GrimAgeAccel (β = 0.14, 95% CI = 0.03 to 0.25), and DunedinPACE (β = 0.37, 95% CI = 0.24 to 0.50). In case-only analyses assessing associations with different breast cancer therapies, radiation had strong positive associations with biological aging (PhenoAgeAccel: β = 0.39, 95% CI = 0.19 to 0.59; GrimAgeAccel: β = 0.29, 95% CI = 0.10 to 0.47; DunedinPACE: β = 0.25, 95% CI = 0.02 to 0.48). CONCLUSIONS Biological aging is accelerated following a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. Breast cancer treatment modalities appear to differentially contribute to biological aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob K Kresovich
- Departments of Cancer Epidemiology & Breast Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Katie M O’Brien
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Zongli Xu
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Clarice R Weinberg
- Biostatistics and Computational Biology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Dale P Sandler
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Jack A Taylor
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
- Epigenetic and Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
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13
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Goodman SJ, Luperchio TR, Ellegood J, Chater-Diehl E, Lerch JP, Bjornsson HT, Weksberg R. Peripheral blood DNA methylation and neuroanatomical responses to HDACi treatment that rescues neurological deficits in a Kabuki syndrome mouse model. Clin Epigenetics 2023; 15:172. [PMID: 37884963 PMCID: PMC10605417 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-023-01582-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent findings from studies of mouse models of Mendelian disorders of epigenetic machinery strongly support the potential for postnatal therapies to improve neurobehavioral and cognitive deficits. As several of these therapies move into human clinical trials, the search for biomarkers of treatment efficacy is a priority. A potential postnatal treatment of Kabuki syndrome type 1 (KS1), caused by pathogenic variants in KMT2D encoding a histone-lysine methyltransferase, has emerged using a mouse model of KS1 (Kmt2d+/βGeo). In this mouse model, hippocampal memory deficits are ameliorated following treatment with the histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi), AR-42. Here, we investigate the effect of both Kmt2d+/βGeo genotype and AR-42 treatment on neuroanatomy and on DNA methylation (DNAm) in peripheral blood. While peripheral blood may not be considered a "primary tissue" with respect to understanding the pathophysiology of neurodevelopmental disorders, it has the potential to serve as an accessible biomarker of disease- and treatment-related changes in the brain. METHODS Half of the KS1 and wildtype mice were treated with 14 days of AR-42. Following treatment, fixed brain samples were imaged using MRI to calculate regional volumes. Blood was assayed for genome-wide DNAm at over 285,000 CpG sites using the Illumina Infinium Mouse Methylation array. DNAm patterns and brain volumes were analyzed in the four groups of animals: wildtype untreated, wildtype AR-42 treated, KS1 untreated and KS1 AR-42 treated. RESULTS We defined a DNAm signature in the blood of KS1 mice, that overlapped with the human KS1 DNAm signature. We also found a striking 10% decrease in total brain volume in untreated KS1 mice compared to untreated wildtype, which correlated with DNAm levels in a subset KS1 signature sites, suggesting that disease severity may be reflected in blood DNAm. Treatment with AR-42 ameliorated DNAm aberrations in KS1 mice at a small number of signature sites. CONCLUSIONS As this treatment impacts both neurological deficits and blood DNAm in mice, future KS clinical trials in humans could be used to assess blood DNAm as an early biomarker of therapeutic efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Teresa Romeo Luperchio
- McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Jacob Ellegood
- Mouse Imaging Centre (MICe), Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Eric Chater-Diehl
- Genetics and Genome Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Jason P Lerch
- Mouse Imaging Centre (MICe), Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, The University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neuroscience, The University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Hans Tomas Bjornsson
- McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavík, Iceland
- Landspitali University Hospital, Reykjavík, Iceland
| | - Rosanna Weksberg
- Genetics and Genome Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada.
- Division of Clinical and Metabolic Genetics, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada.
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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14
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Widayati TA, Schneider J, Panteleeva K, Chernysheva E, Hrbkova N, Beck S, Voloshin V, Chervova O. Open access-enabled evaluation of epigenetic age acceleration in colorectal cancer and development of a classifier with diagnostic potential. Front Genet 2023; 14:1258648. [PMID: 37953923 PMCID: PMC10634722 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1258648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Aberrant DNA methylation (DNAm) is known to be associated with the aetiology of cancer, including colorectal cancer (CRC). In the past, the availability of open access data has been the main driver of innovative method development and research training. However, this is increasingly being eroded by the move to controlled access, particularly of medical data, including cancer DNAm data. To rejuvenate this valuable tradition, we leveraged DNAm data from 1,845 samples (535 CRC tumours, 522 normal colon tissues adjacent to tumours, 72 colorectal adenomas, and 716 normal colon tissues from healthy individuals) from 14 open access studies deposited in NCBI GEO and ArrayExpress. We calculated each sample's epigenetic age (EA) using eleven epigenetic clock models and derived the corresponding epigenetic age acceleration (EAA). For EA, we observed that most first- and second-generation epigenetic clocks reflect the chronological age in normal tissues adjacent to tumours and healthy individuals [e.g., Horvath (r = 0.77 and 0.79), Zhang elastic net (EN) (r = 0.70 and 0.73)] unlike the epigenetic mitotic clocks (EpiTOC, HypoClock, MiAge) (r < 0.3). For EAA, we used PhenoAge, Wu, and the above mitotic clocks and found them to have distinct distributions in different tissue types, particularly between normal colon tissues adjacent to tumours and cancerous tumours, as well as between normal colon tissues adjacent to tumours and normal colon tissue from healthy individuals. Finally, we harnessed these associations to develop a classifier using elastic net regression (with lasso and ridge regularisations) that predicts CRC diagnosis based on a patient's sex and EAAs calculated from histologically normal controls (i.e., normal colon tissues adjacent to tumours and normal colon tissue from healthy individuals). The classifier demonstrated good diagnostic potential with ROC-AUC = 0.886, which suggests that an EAA-based classifier trained on relevant data could become a tool to support diagnostic/prognostic decisions in CRC for clinical professionals. Our study also reemphasises the importance of open access clinical data for method development and training of young scientists. Obtaining the required approvals for controlled access data would not have been possible in the timeframe of this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyas Arum Widayati
- Medical Genomics Lab, Cancer Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jadesada Schneider
- Medical Genomics Lab, Cancer Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kseniia Panteleeva
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Elizabeth Chernysheva
- Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Natalie Hrbkova
- Medical Genomics Lab, Cancer Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Stephan Beck
- Medical Genomics Lab, Cancer Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Vitaly Voloshin
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Olga Chervova
- Medical Genomics Lab, Cancer Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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15
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Sharif Rahmani E, Lawarde A, Lingasamy P, Moreno SV, Salumets A, Modhukur V. MBMethPred: a computational framework for the accurate classification of childhood medulloblastoma subgroups using data integration and AI-based approaches. Front Genet 2023; 14:1233657. [PMID: 37745846 PMCID: PMC10513500 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1233657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Childhood medulloblastoma is a malignant form of brain tumor that is widely classified into four subgroups based on molecular and genetic characteristics. Accurate classification of these subgroups is crucial for appropriate treatment, monitoring plans, and targeted therapies. However, misclassification between groups 3 and 4 is common. To address this issue, an AI-based R package called MBMethPred was developed based on DNA methylation and gene expression profiles of 763 medulloblastoma samples to classify subgroups using machine learning and neural network models. The developed prediction models achieved a classification accuracy of over 96% for subgroup classification by using 399 CpGs as prediction biomarkers. We also assessed the prognostic relevance of prediction biomarkers using survival analysis. Furthermore, we identified subgroup-specific drivers of medulloblastoma using functional enrichment analysis, Shapley values, and gene network analysis. In particular, the genes involved in the nervous system development process have the potential to separate medulloblastoma subgroups with 99% accuracy. Notably, our analysis identified 16 genes that were specifically significant for subgroup classification, including EP300, CXCR4, WNT4, ZIC4, MEIS1, SLC8A1, NFASC, ASCL2, KIF5C, SYNGAP1, SEMA4F, ROR1, DPYSL4, ARTN, RTN4RL1, and TLX2. Our findings contribute to enhanced survival outcomes for patients with medulloblastoma. Continued research and validation efforts are needed to further refine and expand the utility of our approach in other cancer types, advancing personalized medicine in pediatric oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ankita Lawarde
- Competence Centre on Health Technologies, Tartu, Estonia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | | | - Sergio Vela Moreno
- Competence Centre on Health Technologies, Tartu, Estonia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Andres Salumets
- Competence Centre on Health Technologies, Tartu, Estonia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institute and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Vijayachitra Modhukur
- Competence Centre on Health Technologies, Tartu, Estonia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
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16
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Bodelon C, Gierach GL, Hatch EE, Riseberg E, Hutchinson A, Yeager M, Sandler DP, Taylor JA, Hoover RN, Xu Z, Titus L, Palmer JR, Troisi R. In utero exposure to diethylstilbestrol and blood DNA methylation in adult women: Results from a meta-analysis of two cohort studies. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 231:115990. [PMID: 37149030 PMCID: PMC10442904 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES) is associated with several adverse health outcomes. Animal studies have shown associations between prenatal DES exposure and DNA methylation. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to explore blood DNA methylation in women exposed and unexposed to DES in utero. METHODS Sixty women (40 exposed and 20 unexposed) in the National Cancer Institute's Combined DES Cohort Study and 199 women (99 exposed and 100 unexposed women) in the Sister Study Cohort were included in this analysis. Within each study, robust linear regression models were used to assess associations between DES exposure and blood DNA methylation. Study-specific associations were combined using fixed-effect meta-analysis with inverse variance weights. Our analysis focused on CpG sites located within nine candidate genes identified in animal models. We further explored whether in utero DES exposure was associated with age acceleration. RESULTS Blood DNA methylation levels at 10 CpG sites in six of the nine candidate genes were statistically significantly associated with prenatal DES exposure (P < 0.05) in this meta-analysis. Genes included EGF, EMB, EGFR, WNT11, FOS, and TGFB1, which are related to cell proliferation and differentiation. The most statistically significant CpG site was cg19830739 in gene EGF, and it was associated with lower methylation levels in women prenatally exposed to DES compared with those not exposed (P < 0.0001; false discovery rate<0.05). The association between prenatal DES exposure in utero and age acceleration was not statistically significant (P = 0.07 for meta-analyzed results). CONCLUSIONS There are few opportunities to investigate the effects of prenatal DES exposure. These findings suggest that in utero DES exposure may be associated with differential blood DNA methylation levels, which could mediate the increased risk of several adverse health outcomes observed in exposed women. Our findings need further evaluation using larger data sets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Bodelon
- Integrative Tumor Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Gretchen L Gierach
- Integrative Tumor Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Elizabeth E Hatch
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Emily Riseberg
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Amy Hutchinson
- Cancer Genomics Research Laboratory, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Meredith Yeager
- Cancer Genomics Research Laboratory, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Dale P Sandler
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Jack A Taylor
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA; Epigenetic and Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Robert N Hoover
- Trans-Divisional Research Program, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Zongli Xu
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Linda Titus
- Public Health, Muskie School of Public Service, University of Southern Maine, Portland, ME, USA
| | - Julie R Palmer
- Slone Epidemiology Center and Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rebecca Troisi
- Trans-Divisional Research Program, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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17
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Villicaña S, Castillo-Fernandez J, Hannon E, Christiansen C, Tsai PC, Maddock J, Kuh D, Suderman M, Power C, Relton C, Ploubidis G, Wong A, Hardy R, Goodman A, Ong KK, Bell JT. Genetic impacts on DNA methylation help elucidate regulatory genomic processes. Genome Biol 2023; 24:176. [PMID: 37525248 PMCID: PMC10391992 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-023-03011-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pinpointing genetic impacts on DNA methylation can improve our understanding of pathways that underlie gene regulation and disease risk. RESULTS We report heritability and methylation quantitative trait locus (meQTL) analysis at 724,499 CpGs profiled with the Illumina Infinium MethylationEPIC array in 2358 blood samples from three UK cohorts. Methylation levels at 34.2% of CpGs are affected by SNPs, and 98% of effects are cis-acting or within 1 Mbp of the tested CpG. Our results are consistent with meQTL analyses based on the former Illumina Infinium HumanMethylation450 array. Both SNPs and CpGs with meQTLs are overrepresented in enhancers, which have improved coverage on this platform compared to previous approaches. Co-localisation analyses across genetic effects on DNA methylation and 56 human traits identify 1520 co-localisations across 1325 unique CpGs and 34 phenotypes, including in disease-relevant genes, such as USP1 and DOCK7 (total cholesterol levels), and ICOSLG (inflammatory bowel disease). Enrichment analysis of meQTLs and integration with expression QTLs give insights into mechanisms underlying cis-meQTLs (e.g. through disruption of transcription factor binding sites for CTCF and SMC3) and trans-meQTLs (e.g. through regulating the expression of ACD and SENP7 which can modulate DNA methylation at distal sites). CONCLUSIONS Our findings improve the characterisation of the mechanisms underlying DNA methylation variability and are informative for prioritisation of GWAS variants for functional follow-ups. The MeQTL EPIC Database and viewer are available online at https://epicmeqtl.kcl.ac.uk .
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Villicaña
- Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, King's College London, London, UK.
| | | | | | - Colette Christiansen
- Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Pei-Chien Tsai
- Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Jane Maddock
- MRC Unit for Lifelong Health and Ageing, Institute of Cardiovascular Science, University College London, London, UK
| | - Diana Kuh
- MRC Unit for Lifelong Health and Ageing, Institute of Cardiovascular Science, University College London, London, UK
| | - Matthew Suderman
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Christine Power
- Population, Policy and Practice, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Caroline Relton
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Population, Policy and Practice, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - George Ploubidis
- Centre for Longitudinal Studies, Institute of Education, University College London, London, UK
| | - Andrew Wong
- MRC Unit for Lifelong Health and Ageing, Institute of Cardiovascular Science, University College London, London, UK
| | - Rebecca Hardy
- School of Sport, Exercise & Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
- UCL Social Research Institute, University College London, London, UK
| | - Alissa Goodman
- Centre for Longitudinal Studies, Institute of Education, University College London, London, UK
| | - Ken K Ong
- MRC Epidemiology Unit and Department of Paediatrics, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge, UK
| | - Jordana T Bell
- Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, King's College London, London, UK.
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18
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Dore R, Watson L, Hollidge S, Krause C, Sentis SC, Oelkrug R, Geißler C, Johann K, Pedaran M, Lyons G, Lopez-Alcantara N, Resch J, Sayk F, Iwen KA, Franke A, Boysen TJ, Dalley JW, Lorenz K, Moran C, Rennie KL, Arner A, Kirchner H, Chatterjee K, Mittag J. Resistance to thyroid hormone induced tachycardia in RTHα syndrome. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3312. [PMID: 37286550 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38960-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in thyroid hormone receptor α1 (TRα1) cause Resistance to Thyroid Hormone α (RTHα), a disorder characterized by hypothyroidism in TRα1-expressing tissues including the heart. Surprisingly, we report that treatment of RTHα patients with thyroxine to overcome tissue hormone resistance does not elevate their heart rate. Cardiac telemetry in male, TRα1 mutant, mice indicates that such persistent bradycardia is caused by an intrinsic cardiac defect and not due to altered autonomic control. Transcriptomic analyses show preserved, thyroid hormone (T3)-dependent upregulation of pacemaker channels (Hcn2, Hcn4), but irreversibly reduced expression of several ion channel genes controlling heart rate. Exposure of TRα1 mutant male mice to higher maternal T3 concentrations in utero, restores altered expression and DNA methylation of ion channels, including Ryr2. Our findings indicate that target genes other than Hcn2 and Hcn4 mediate T3-induced tachycardia and suggest that treatment of RTHα patients with thyroxine in high dosage without concomitant tachycardia, is possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Dore
- Institute for Endocrinology and Diabetes, Center of Brain Behavior & Metabolism, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Laura Watson
- National Institute Health and Care Research Cambridge Clinical Research Facility, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK
| | - Stefanie Hollidge
- MRC Epidemiology Unit and Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Christin Krause
- Institute for Human Genetics, Department of Epigenetics & Metabolism, Center of Brain Behavior & Metabolism, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Sarah Christine Sentis
- Institute for Endocrinology and Diabetes, Center of Brain Behavior & Metabolism, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Rebecca Oelkrug
- Institute for Endocrinology and Diabetes, Center of Brain Behavior & Metabolism, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Cathleen Geißler
- Institute for Endocrinology and Diabetes, Center of Brain Behavior & Metabolism, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Kornelia Johann
- Institute for Endocrinology and Diabetes, Center of Brain Behavior & Metabolism, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Mehdi Pedaran
- Institute for Endocrinology and Diabetes, Center of Brain Behavior & Metabolism, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Greta Lyons
- Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Metabolic Research Laboratories, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Nuria Lopez-Alcantara
- Institute for Endocrinology and Diabetes, Center of Brain Behavior & Metabolism, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Julia Resch
- Institute for Endocrinology and Diabetes, Center of Brain Behavior & Metabolism, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Friedhelm Sayk
- Internal Medicine I, Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Karl Alexander Iwen
- Institute for Endocrinology and Diabetes, Center of Brain Behavior & Metabolism, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562, Lübeck, Germany
- Internal Medicine I, Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Andre Franke
- Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, Rosalind-Franklin-Straße 12, 24105, Kiel, Germany
| | - Teide Jens Boysen
- Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, Rosalind-Franklin-Straße 12, 24105, Kiel, Germany
| | - Jeffrey W Dalley
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EB, UK
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 2QQ, UK
| | - Kristina Lorenz
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Würzburg, Versbacher Straße 9, 97078, Wuerzburg, Germany
- Leibniz-Institut für Analytische Wissenschaften-ISAS-e.V., Bunsen-Kirchhoff-Str. 11, 44139, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Carla Moran
- Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Metabolic Research Laboratories, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Beacon Hospital and School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Kirsten L Rennie
- MRC Epidemiology Unit and Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Anders Arner
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, c/o Igelösa Life Science AB, Igelösa 373, 225 94, Lund, Sweden
| | - Henriette Kirchner
- Institute for Human Genetics, Department of Epigenetics & Metabolism, Center of Brain Behavior & Metabolism, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Krishna Chatterjee
- Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Metabolic Research Laboratories, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Jens Mittag
- Institute for Endocrinology and Diabetes, Center of Brain Behavior & Metabolism, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562, Lübeck, Germany.
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19
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Becerra CY, Wells RK, Kunihiro BP, Lee RH, Umeda L, Allan NP, Rubas NC, McCracken TA, Nunokawa CKL, Lee MH, Pidlaoan FGS, Phankitnirondorn K, Dye CK, Yamamoto BY, Peres R, Juarez R, Maunakea AK. Examining the immunoepigenetic-gut microbiome axis in the context of self-esteem among Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders. Front Genet 2023; 14:1125217. [PMID: 37152987 PMCID: PMC10154580 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1125217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander (NHPI) populations experience higher rates of immunometabolic diseases compared to other racial-ethnic groups in Hawaii. As annual NHPI mortality rates for suicide and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) exceed those of the state as a whole, understanding the social and biological mechanisms underlying these disparities are urgently needed to enable preventive strategies. Methods: A community-based approach was used to investigate the immunoepigenetic-gut microbiome axis in an NHPI-enriched cohort of Oahu residents (N = 68). Self-esteem (SE) data was collected using a modified Rosenberg self-esteem (SE) assessment as a proxy measure for mental wellbeing in consideration for cultural competency. T2DM status was evaluated using point-of-care A1c (%) tests. Stool samples were collected for 16s-based metagenomic sequencing analyses. Plasma from blood samples were isolated by density-gradient centrifugation. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were collected from the same samples and enriched for monocytes using negative selection techniques. Flow-cytometry was used for immunoprofiling assays. Monocyte DNA was extracted for Illumina EPIC array-based methylation analysis. Results: Compared to individuals with normal SE (NSE), those with low SE (LSE) exhibited significantly higher plasma concentrations (pg/ml) of proinflammatory cytokines IL-8 (p = 0.051) and TNF-α (p = 0.011). Metagenomic analysis revealed that the relative abundance (%) of specific gut bacteria significantly differed between SE groups - some of which directly correlated with SE scores. Gene ontology analysis revealed that 104 significantly differentially methylated loci (DML) between SE groups were preferentially located at genes involved in immunometabolic processes. Horvath clock analyses indicated epigenetic age (Epi-Age) deceleration in individuals with LSE and acceleration in individuals with NSE (p = 0.042), yet was not reproduced by other clocks. Discussion: These data reveal novel differences in the immunoepigenetic-gut microbiome axis with respect to SE, warranting further investigation into its relationship to brain activity and mental health in NHPI. Unexpected results from Epi-Age analyses warrant further investigation into the relationship between biological age and disparate health outcomes among the NHPI population. The modifiable component of epigenetic processes and the gut microbiome makes this axis an attractive target for potential therapeutics, biomarker discovery, and novel prevention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celyna Y Becerra
- Department of Anatomy, Biochemistry, and Physiology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, Honolulu, HI, United States
- IDeA Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE), University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, United States
| | - Riley K Wells
- Department of Anatomy, Biochemistry, and Physiology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, Honolulu, HI, United States
- Department of Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, United States
| | - Braden P Kunihiro
- Department of Anatomy, Biochemistry, and Physiology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, Honolulu, HI, United States
- IDeA Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE), University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, United States
| | - Rosa H Lee
- Department of Anatomy, Biochemistry, and Physiology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, Honolulu, HI, United States
| | - Lesley Umeda
- Department of Anatomy, Biochemistry, and Physiology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, Honolulu, HI, United States
- Department of Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, United States
| | - Nina P Allan
- Department of Anatomy, Biochemistry, and Physiology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, Honolulu, HI, United States
| | - Noelle C Rubas
- Department of Anatomy, Biochemistry, and Physiology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, Honolulu, HI, United States
| | - Trevor A McCracken
- Department of Anatomy, Biochemistry, and Physiology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, Honolulu, HI, United States
| | - Chandler K L Nunokawa
- Department of Anatomy, Biochemistry, and Physiology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, Honolulu, HI, United States
| | - Ming-Hao Lee
- Department of Anatomy, Biochemistry, and Physiology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, Honolulu, HI, United States
| | - Felix Gerard S Pidlaoan
- Department of Anatomy, Biochemistry, and Physiology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, Honolulu, HI, United States
| | - Krit Phankitnirondorn
- Department of Anatomy, Biochemistry, and Physiology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, Honolulu, HI, United States
| | - Christian K Dye
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, NY, NY, United States
| | - Brennan Y Yamamoto
- Department of Anatomy, Biochemistry, and Physiology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, Honolulu, HI, United States
| | - Rafael Peres
- Department of Anatomy, Biochemistry, and Physiology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, Honolulu, HI, United States
| | - Ruben Juarez
- Department of Economics, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, United States
- University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization (UHERO), University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, United States
| | - Alika K Maunakea
- Department of Anatomy, Biochemistry, and Physiology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, Honolulu, HI, United States
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20
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Petroff RL, Cavalcante RG, Langen ES, Dolinoy DC, Padmanabhan V, Goodrich JM. Mediation effects of DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation on birth outcomes after prenatal per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure in the Michigan mother-infant Pairs cohort. Clin Epigenetics 2023; 15:49. [PMID: 36964604 PMCID: PMC10037903 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-023-01461-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are chemicals that are resistant to degradation and ubiquitous in our environments. PFAS may impact the developing epigenome, but current human evidence is limited to assessments of total DNA methylation. We assessed associations between first trimester PFAS exposures with newborn DNA methylation, including 5-methylcytosine (5-mC) and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5-hmC). DNA methylation mediation of associations between PFAS and birth outcomes were explored in the Michigan Mother Infant Pairs cohort. Nine PFAS were measured in maternal first trimester blood. Seven were highly detected and included for analysis: PFHxS, PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, PFDA, PFUnDA, and MeFOSAA. Bisulfite-converted cord blood DNA (n = 141) and oxidative-bisulfite-converted cord blood (n = 70) were assayed on Illumina MethylationEPIC BeadChips to measure total DNA methylation (5-mC + 5-hmC) and 5-mC/5-hmC. Correcting for multiple comparisons, beta regressions were used to assess associations between levels of PFAS and total methylation, 5-mC, or 5-hmC. Nonlinear mediation analyses were used to assess the epigenetic meditation effect between PFAS and birth outcomes. RESULTS PFAS was significantly associated with total methylation (q < 0.05: PFHxS-12 sites; PFOS-19 sites; PFOA-2 sites; PFNA-3 sites; PFDA-4 sites). In 72 female infants and 69 male infants, there were sex-specific associations between five PFAS and DNA methylation. 5-mC and 5-hmC were each significantly associated with thousands of sites for PFHxS, PFOS, PFNA, PFDA, PFUnDA, and MeFOSAA (q < 0.05). Clusters of 5-mC and 5-hmC sites were significant mediators between PFNA and PFUnDA and decreased gestational age (q < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates the mediation role of specific types of DNA methylation on the relationship between PFAS exposure and birth outcomes. These results suggest that 5-mC and 5-hmC may be more sensitive to the developmental impacts of PFAS than total DNA methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebekah L Petroff
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Raymond G Cavalcante
- Epigenomics Core, Biomedical Research Core Facilities, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Elizabeth S Langen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Dana C Dolinoy
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Epigenomics Core, Biomedical Research Core Facilities, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Vasantha Padmanabhan
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Pediatrics Medical School, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jaclyn M Goodrich
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
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21
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Welsh H, Batalha CMPF, Li W, Mpye KL, Souza-Pinto NC, Naslavsky MS, Parra EJ. A systematic evaluation of normalization methods and probe replicability using infinium EPIC methylation data. Clin Epigenetics 2023; 15:41. [PMID: 36906598 PMCID: PMC10008016 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-023-01459-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Infinium EPIC array measures the methylation status of > 850,000 CpG sites. The EPIC BeadChip uses a two-array design: Infinium Type I and Type II probes. These probe types exhibit different technical characteristics which may confound analyses. Numerous normalization and pre-processing methods have been developed to reduce probe type bias as well as other issues such as background and dye bias. METHODS This study evaluates the performance of various normalization methods using 16 replicated samples and three metrics: absolute beta-value difference, overlap of non-replicated CpGs between replicate pairs, and effect on beta-value distributions. Additionally, we carried out Pearson's correlation and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) analyses using both raw and SeSAMe 2 normalized data. RESULTS The method we define as SeSAMe 2, which consists of the application of the regular SeSAMe pipeline with an additional round of QC, pOOBAH masking, was found to be the best performing normalization method, while quantile-based methods were found to be the worst performing methods. Whole-array Pearson's correlations were found to be high. However, in agreement with previous studies, a substantial proportion of the probes on the EPIC array showed poor reproducibility (ICC < 0.50). The majority of poor performing probes have beta values close to either 0 or 1, and relatively low standard deviations. These results suggest that probe reliability is largely the result of limited biological variation rather than technical measurement variation. Importantly, normalizing the data with SeSAMe 2 dramatically improved ICC estimates, with the proportion of probes with ICC values > 0.50 increasing from 45.18% (raw data) to 61.35% (SeSAMe 2).
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Affiliation(s)
- H Welsh
- Department of Anthropology, University of Toronto at Mississauga, Mississauga, Canada.
| | - C M P F Batalha
- Department of Biochemistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - W Li
- The Centre for Applied Genomics, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - K L Mpye
- Department of Anthropology, University of Toronto at Mississauga, Mississauga, Canada
| | - N C Souza-Pinto
- Department of Biochemistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - M S Naslavsky
- Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - E J Parra
- Department of Anthropology, University of Toronto at Mississauga, Mississauga, Canada
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22
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Liu S, Fu H, Ray M, Heinsberg LW, Conley YP, Anderson CM, Hubel CA, Roberts JM, Jeyabalan A, Weeks DE, Schmella MJ. A longitudinal epigenome-wide association study of preeclamptic and normotensive pregnancy. EPIGENETICS COMMUNICATIONS 2023; 3:1. [PMID: 37063698 PMCID: PMC10101051 DOI: 10.1186/s43682-022-00014-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Background While preeclampsia (PE) is a leading cause of pregnancy-related morbidity/mortality, its underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. DNA methylation (DNAm) is a dynamic regulator of gene expression that may offer insight into PE pathophysiology and/or serve as a biomarker (e.g., risk, subtype, a therapeutic response). This study's purpose was to evaluate for differences in blood-based DNAm across all trimesters between individuals eventually diagnosed with PE (cases) and individuals who remained normotensive throughout pregnancy, did not develop proteinuria, and birthed a normally grown infant (controls). Results In the discovery phase, longitudinal, genome-wide DNAm data were generated across three trimesters of pregnancy in 56 participants (n=28 cases, n=28 controls) individually matched on self-identified race, pre-pregnancy body mass index, smoking, and gestational age at sample collection. An epigenome-wide association study (EWAS) was conducted, using surrogate variable analysis to account for unwanted sources of variation. No CpGs met the genome-wide significance p value threshold of 9×10-8, but 16 CpGs (trimester 1: 5; trimester 2: 1; trimester 3: 10) met the suggestive significance threshold of 1×10-5. DNAm data were also evaluated for differentially methylated regions (DMRs) by PE status. Three DMRs in each trimester were significant after Bonferonni-adjustment. Since only third-trimester samples were available from an independent replication sample (n=64 cases, n=50 controls), the top suggestive hits from trimester 3 (cg16155413 and cg21882990 associated with TRAF3IP2-AS1/TRAF3IP2 genes, which also made up the top DMR) were carried forward for replication. During replication, DNAm data were also generated for validation purposes from discovery phase third trimester samples. While significant associations between DNAm and PE status were observed at both sites in the validation sample, no associations between DNAm and PE status were observed in the independent replication sample. Conclusions The discovery phase findings for cg16155413/cg21882990 (TRAF3IP2-AS1/TRAF3IP2) were validated with a new platform but were not replicated in an independent sample. Given the differences in participant characteristics between the discovery and replication samples, we cannot rule out important signals for these CpGs. Additional research is warranted for cg16155413/cg21882990, as well as top hits in trimesters 1-2 and significant DMRs that were not examined in the replication phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuwei Liu
- Department of Human Genetics, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Haoyi Fu
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Mitali Ray
- Department of Health Promotion and Development, School of Nursing, University of Pittsburgh, 440 Victoria Building, 3500 Victoria Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Lacey W. Heinsberg
- Department of Human Genetics, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Yvette P. Conley
- Department of Human Genetics, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Health Promotion and Development, School of Nursing, University of Pittsburgh, 440 Victoria Building, 3500 Victoria Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Cindy M. Anderson
- Martha S. Pitzer Center for Women, Children and Youth, College of Nursing, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Carl A. Hubel
- Magee-Womens Research Institute and Foundation, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - James M. Roberts
- Magee-Womens Research Institute and Foundation, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Clinical and Translational Science Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Arun Jeyabalan
- Magee-Womens Research Institute and Foundation, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Clinical and Translational Science Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Daniel E. Weeks
- Department of Human Genetics, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Mandy J. Schmella
- Department of Health Promotion and Development, School of Nursing, University of Pittsburgh, 440 Victoria Building, 3500 Victoria Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
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23
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Aroke EN, Wiggins AM, Hobson JM, Srinivasasainagendra V, Quinn TL, Kottae P, Tiwari HK, Sorge RE, Goodin BR. The pace of biological aging helps explain the association between insomnia and chronic low back pain. Mol Pain 2023; 19:17448069231210648. [PMID: 37845028 PMCID: PMC10631343 DOI: 10.1177/17448069231210648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic low back pain (cLBP) is associated with insomnia and advanced age. Emerging evidence suggests that the severity of both sleep disorders (like insomnia) and chronic pain are associated with a faster pace of biological aging. We aimed to determine whether the pace of biological age mediates the relationship between insomnia and the impact of cLBP in a sample of community-dwelling adults ages 19 to 85 years. Participants (49 with no pain, 32 with low-impact pain, and 37 with high-impact pain) completed sociodemographic, pain, insomnia, and short physical performance battery assessments. We calculated the pace of biological aging using DunedinPACE from blood leukocyte DNA. On average, individuals with high-impact cLBP had significantly faster biological aging than those with low-impact and no chronic pain (p < .001). Bivariate associations of DunedinPACE scores with insomnia severity and functional performance were significant at p < .01 (rs = 0.324 and -0.502, respectively). After adjusting for race and sex, the association of insomnia severity and the impact of cLBP was partially mediated by the pace of biological aging (β = 0.070, p < .001). Also, the association of insomnia severity with functional performance was partially mediated by the pace of biological aging (β = -0.105, p < .001). Thus, insomnia remains strongly predictive of cLBP outcomes, and the pace of biological aging helps explain this association. Future prospective studies with repeated assessments are needed to uncover the directionality of these complex relationships and ultimately develop interventions to manage cLBP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edwin N Aroke
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Asia M Wiggins
- Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Joanna M Hobson
- Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Vinodh Srinivasasainagendra
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Tammie L Quinn
- Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Pooja Kottae
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Hemant K Tiwari
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Robert E Sorge
- Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Burel R Goodin
- Washington University Pain Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
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24
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Chan MHM, Merrill SM, Konwar C, Kobor MS. An integrative framework and recommendations for the study of DNA methylation in the context of race and ethnicity. DISCOVER SOCIAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH 2023; 3:9. [PMID: 37122633 PMCID: PMC10118232 DOI: 10.1007/s44155-023-00039-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Human social epigenomics research is critical to elucidate the intersection of social and genetic influences underlying racial and ethnic differences in health and development. However, this field faces major challenges in both methodology and interpretation with regard to disentangling confounded social and biological aspects of race and ethnicity. To address these challenges, we discuss how these constructs have been approached in the past and how to move forward in studying DNA methylation (DNAm), one of the best-characterized epigenetic marks in humans, in a responsible and appropriately nuanced manner. We highlight self-reported racial and ethnic identity as the primary measure in this field, and discuss its implications in DNAm research. Racial and ethnic identity reflects the biological embedding of an individual's sociocultural experience and environmental exposures in combination with the underlying genetic architecture of the human population (i.e., genetic ancestry). Our integrative framework demonstrates how to examine DNAm in the context of race and ethnicity, while considering both intrinsic factors-including genetic ancestry-and extrinsic factors-including structural and sociocultural environment and developmental niches-when focusing on early-life experience. We reviewed DNAm research in relation to health disparities given its relevance to race and ethnicity as social constructs. Here, we provide recommendations for the study of DNAm addressing racial and ethnic differences, such as explicitly acknowledging the self-reported nature of racial and ethnic identity, empirically examining the effects of genetic variants and accounting for genetic ancestry, and investigating race-related and culturally regulated environmental exposures and experiences. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s44155-023-00039-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meingold Hiu-ming Chan
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada
- British Columbia Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada
| | - Sarah M. Merrill
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada
- British Columbia Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada
| | - Chaini Konwar
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada
- British Columbia Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada
| | - Michael S. Kobor
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada
- British Columbia Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada
- Edwin S. H. Leong Healthy Aging Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada
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Appleton AA, Lin B, Kennedy EM, Holdsworth EA. Maternal depression and adverse neighbourhood conditions during pregnancy are associated with gestational epigenetic age deceleration. Epigenetics 2022; 17:1905-1919. [PMID: 35770941 PMCID: PMC9665127 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2022.2090657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Gestational epigenetic age (GEA) acceleration and deceleration can indicate developmental risk and may help elucidate how prenatal exposures lead to offspring outcomes. Depression and neighbourhood conditions during pregnancy are well-established determinants of birth and child outcomes. Emerging research suggests that maternal depression may contribute to GEA deceleration. It is unknown whether prenatal neighbourhood adversity would likewise influence GEA deceleration. This study examined whether maternal depression and neighbourhood conditions independently or jointly contributed to GEA deceleration, and which social and environmental neighbourhood conditions were associated with GEA. Participants were from the Albany Infant and Mother Study (n = 204), a prospective non-probability sampled cohort of higher risk racial/ethnic diverse mother/infant dyads. GEA was estimated from cord blood. Depressive symptoms and census-tract level neighbourhood conditions were assessed during pregnancy. Maternal depression (β = -0.03, SE = 0.01, p = 0.008) and neighbourhood adversity (β = -0.32, SE = 0.14, p = 0.02) were independently associated with GEA deceleration, controlling for all covariates including antidepressant use and cell type proportions. Neighbourhood adversity did not modify the association of maternal depression and GEA (β = 0.003, SE = 0.03, p = 0.92). igher levels of neighbourhood poverty, public assistance, and lack of healthy food access were each associated with GEA deceleration; higher elementary school test scores (an indicator of community tax base) were associated with GEA acceleration (all p < 0.001). The results of this study indicated that maternal depression and neighbourhood conditions were independently and cumulatively associated GEA in this diverse population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison A. Appleton
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University at Albany School of Public Health, Rensselaer, NY, USA,CONTACT Allison A. Appleton Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University at Albany School of Public Health, 1 University Place, Rensselaer12144
| | - Betty Lin
- Department of Psychology, University at Albany College of Arts and Sciences, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Elizabeth M. Kennedy
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Blostein FA, Fisher J, Dou J, Schneper L, Ware EB, Notterman DA, Mitchell C, Bakulski KM. Polymethylation scores for prenatal maternal smoke exposure persist until age 15 and are detected in saliva in the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing cohort. Epigenetics 2022; 17:2223-2240. [PMID: 35980258 PMCID: PMC9665138 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2022.2112815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Prenatal maternal smoking is associated with low birthweight, neurological disorders, and asthma in exposed children. DNA methylation signatures can function as biomarkers of prenatal smoke exposure. However, the robustness of DNA methylation signatures across child ages, genetic ancestry groups, or tissues is not clear. Using coefficients from a meta-analysis of prenatal smoke exposure and DNA methylation in newborn cord blood, we created polymethylation scores of saliva DNA methylation from children at ages 9 and 15 in the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing study. In the full sample at age 9 (n = 753), prenatal smoke exposure was associated with a 0.51 (95%CI: 0.35, 0.66) standard deviation higher polymethylation score. The direction and magnitude of the association was consistent in European and African genetic ancestry samples. In the full sample at age 15 (n = 747), prenatal smoke exposure was associated with a 0.48 (95%CI: 0.32, 0.63) standard deviation higher polymethylation score, and the association was attenuated among the European and Admixed-Latin genetic ancestry samples. The polymethylation score classified prenatal smoke exposure accurately (AUC age 9 = 0.77, age 15 = 0.76). Including the polymethylation score increased the AUC of base model covariates by 5 (95% CI: (2.1, 7.2)) percentage points, while including a single candidate site in the AHRR gene did not (P-value = 0.19). Polymethylation scores for prenatal smoking were portable across genetic ancestries and more accurate than an individual DNA methylation site. Polymethylation scores from saliva samples could serve as robust and practical biomarkers of prenatal smoke exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Freida A. Blostein
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Jonah Fisher
- Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - John Dou
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Lisa Schneper
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, USA
| | - Erin B. Ware
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, USA
| | - Daniel A. Notterman
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, USA
| | - Colter Mitchell
- Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Kelly M. Bakulski
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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Sprague AC, Niu L, Jandarov R, Zhang X, Zhang G, Chen A, Šarac J, Čoklo M, Missoni S, Rudan P, Langevin SM, Deka R. Stable methylation loci are associated with systolic blood pressure in a Croatian island population. Epigenomics 2022; 14:1343-1354. [PMID: 36453021 PMCID: PMC9816922 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2022-0279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The objective was to identify stable and dynamic DNA methylation loci associated with cardiometabolic traits among an adult population from the Croatian island of Hvar. Materials & methods: An epigenome-wide association study was conducted using peripheral blood longitudinally collected at two time points 10 years apart via Infinium MethylationEPIC beadarray (n = 112). Stable and dynamic loci were identified using linear mixed models. Associations between cardiometabolic traits and loci were assessed using linear models. Results: 22 CpG loci were significantly associated with systolic blood pressure. Twenty were stable and two were dynamic. Conclusion: Multiple genes may be involved in the determination of systolic blood pressure level via stable epigenetic programming, potentially established earlier in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander C Sprague
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Environmental & Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Liang Niu
- Division of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, Department of Environmental & Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Roman Jandarov
- Division of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, Department of Environmental & Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Xiang Zhang
- Division of Environmental Genetics & Molecular Toxicology, Department of Environmental & Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Ge Zhang
- Division of Human Genetics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Aimin Chen
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology & Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jelena Šarac
- Institute for Anthropological Research, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Miran Čoklo
- Institute for Anthropological Research, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Sasa Missoni
- Institute for Anthropological Research, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Pavao Rudan
- Anthropological Center & Scientific Council for Anthropological Research, Croatian Academy of Arts & Sciences, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Scott M Langevin
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Environmental & Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
- University of Cincinnati Cancer Center, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Ranjan Deka
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Environmental & Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
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Pérez RF, Tejedor JR, Fernández AF, Fraga MF. Aging and cancer epigenetics: Where do the paths fork? Aging Cell 2022; 21:e13709. [PMID: 36103298 PMCID: PMC9577950 DOI: 10.1111/acel.13709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Aging and cancer are clearly associated processes, at both the epidemiological and molecular level. Epigenetic mechanisms are good candidates to explain the molecular links between the two phenomena, but recent reports have also revealed considerable differences, particularly regarding the loss of DNA methylation in the two processes. The large-scale generation and availability of genome-wide epigenetic data now permits systematic studies to be undertaken which may help clarify the similarities and differences between aging and cancer epigenetic alterations. In addition, the development of epigenetic clocks provides a new dimension in which to investigate diseases at the molecular level. Here, we examine current and future questions about the roles of DNA methylation mechanisms as causal factors in the processes of aging and cancer so that we may better understand if and how aging-associated epigenetic alterations lead to tumorigenesis. It seems certain that comprehending the molecular mechanisms underlying epigenetic clocks, especially with regard to somatic stem cell aging, combined with applying single-cell epigenetic-age profiling technologies to aging and cancer cohorts, and the integration of existing and upcoming epigenetic evidence within the genetic damage models of aging will prove to be crucial to improving understanding of these two interrelated phenomena.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raúl Fernández Pérez
- Cancer Epigenetics and Nanomedicine LaboratoryNanomaterials and Nanotechnology Research Center (CINN‐CSIC)El EntregoSpain,Health Research Institute of Asturias (ISPA‐FINBA)Institute of Oncology of Asturias (IUOPA) and Department of Organisms and Systems Biology (BOS)University of OviedoOviedoSpain,Rare Diseases CIBER (CIBERER)Carlos III Health Institute (ISCIII)MadridSpain
| | - Juan Ramón Tejedor
- Cancer Epigenetics and Nanomedicine LaboratoryNanomaterials and Nanotechnology Research Center (CINN‐CSIC)El EntregoSpain,Health Research Institute of Asturias (ISPA‐FINBA)Institute of Oncology of Asturias (IUOPA) and Department of Organisms and Systems Biology (BOS)University of OviedoOviedoSpain,Rare Diseases CIBER (CIBERER)Carlos III Health Institute (ISCIII)MadridSpain
| | - Agustín Fernández Fernández
- Cancer Epigenetics and Nanomedicine LaboratoryNanomaterials and Nanotechnology Research Center (CINN‐CSIC)El EntregoSpain,Health Research Institute of Asturias (ISPA‐FINBA)Institute of Oncology of Asturias (IUOPA) and Department of Organisms and Systems Biology (BOS)University of OviedoOviedoSpain,Rare Diseases CIBER (CIBERER)Carlos III Health Institute (ISCIII)MadridSpain
| | - Mario Fernández Fraga
- Cancer Epigenetics and Nanomedicine LaboratoryNanomaterials and Nanotechnology Research Center (CINN‐CSIC)El EntregoSpain,Health Research Institute of Asturias (ISPA‐FINBA)Institute of Oncology of Asturias (IUOPA) and Department of Organisms and Systems Biology (BOS)University of OviedoOviedoSpain,Rare Diseases CIBER (CIBERER)Carlos III Health Institute (ISCIII)MadridSpain
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29
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Ross JP, van Dijk S, Phang M, Skilton MR, Molloy PL, Oytam Y. Batch-effect detection, correction and characterisation in Illumina HumanMethylation450 and MethylationEPIC BeadChip array data. Clin Epigenetics 2022; 14:58. [PMID: 35488315 PMCID: PMC9055778 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-022-01277-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Genomic technologies can be subject to significant batch-effects which are known to reduce experimental power and to potentially create false positive results. The Illumina Infinium Methylation BeadChip is a popular technology choice for epigenome-wide association studies (EWAS), but presently, little is known about the nature of batch-effects on these designs. Given the subtlety of biological phenotypes in many EWAS, control for batch-effects should be a consideration.
Results Using the batch-effect removal approaches in the ComBat and Harman software, we examined two in-house datasets and compared results with three large publicly available datasets, (1214 HumanMethylation450 and 1094 MethylationEPIC BeadChips in total), and find that despite various forms of preprocessing, some batch-effects persist. This residual batch-effect is associated with the day of processing, the individual glass slide and the position of the array on the slide. Consistently across all datasets, 4649 probes required high amounts of correction. To understand the impact of this set to EWAS studies, we explored the literature and found three instances where persistently batch-effect prone probes have been reported in abstracts as key sites of differential methylation. As well as batch-effect susceptible probes, we also discover a set of probes which are erroneously corrected. We provide batch-effect workflows for Infinium Methylation data and provide reference matrices of batch-effect prone and erroneously corrected features across the five datasets spanning regionally diverse populations and three commonly collected biosamples (blood, buccal and saliva). Conclusions Batch-effects are ever present, even in high-quality data, and a strategy to deal with them should be part of experimental design, particularly for EWAS. Batch-effect removal tools are useful to reduce technical variance in Infinium Methylation data, but they need to be applied with care and make use of post hoc diagnostic measures. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13148-022-01277-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason P Ross
- Human Health Program, Health and Biosecurity, CSIRO, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Susan van Dijk
- Human Health Program, Health and Biosecurity, CSIRO, Sydney, Australia
| | - Melinda Phang
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Michael R Skilton
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,Sydney Institute for Women, Children and Their Families, Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia
| | - Peter L Molloy
- Human Health Program, Health and Biosecurity, CSIRO, Sydney, Australia
| | - Yalchin Oytam
- Clinical Insights and Analytics Unit, South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia
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30
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Tost J. Current and Emerging Technologies for the Analysis of the Genome-Wide and Locus-Specific DNA Methylation Patterns. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 1389:395-469. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-11454-0_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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