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Rai S, Leydier L, Sharma S, Katwala J, Sahu A. A quest for genetic causes underlying signaling pathways associated with neural tube defects. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1126209. [PMID: 37284286 PMCID: PMC10241075 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1126209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Neural tube defects (NTDs) are serious congenital deformities of the nervous system that occur owing to the failure of normal neural tube closures. Genetic and non-genetic factors contribute to the etiology of neural tube defects in humans, indicating the role of gene-gene and gene-environment interaction in the occurrence and recurrence risk of neural tube defects. Several lines of genetic studies on humans and animals demonstrated the role of aberrant genes in the developmental risk of neural tube defects and also provided an understanding of the cellular and morphological programs that occur during embryonic development. Other studies observed the effects of folate and supplementation of folic acid on neural tube defects. Hence, here we review what is known to date regarding altered genes associated with specific signaling pathways resulting in NTDs, as well as highlight the role of various genetic, and non-genetic factors and their interactions that contribute to NTDs. Additionally, we also shine a light on the role of folate and cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) in neural tube defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunil Rai
- Department of Molecular Biology, Medical University of the Americas, Charlestown, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Larissa Leydier
- Department of Molecular Biology, Medical University of the Americas, Charlestown, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Shivani Sharma
- Department of Molecular Biology, Medical University of the Americas, Charlestown, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Jigar Katwala
- Department of Molecular Biology, Medical University of the Americas, Charlestown, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Anurag Sahu
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
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2
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Cai S, Quan S, Yang G, Zeng X, Wang X, Ye C, Li H, Wang G, Zeng X, Qiao S. DDIT3 regulates key enzymes in the methionine cycle and flux during embryonic development. J Nutr Biochem 2023; 111:109176. [PMID: 36220527 DOI: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2022.109176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
One-carbon metabolism is a key metabolic network that integrates nutritional signals with embryonic development. However, the response of one-carbon metabolism to methionine status and the regulatory mechanisms are poorly understood. Herein, we found that methionine supplementation during pregnancy significantly increased fetal number and average fetal weight. In addition, methionine modulated one-carbon metabolism primarily through 2 metabolic enzymes, cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) and methionine adenosyltransferase 2A (MAT2A), which were significantly increased in fetal liver tissues and porcine trophoblast (pTr) cells in response to proper methionine supplementation. CBS and MAT2A overexpression enhanced the DNA synthesis in pTr cells. More importantly, we identified a transcription factor, DNA damage-inducible transcript 3 (DDIT3), that was the primary regulator of CBS and MAT2A, which bound directly to promoters and negatively regulated the expression of CBS and MAT2A. Taken together, our findings identified that DDIT3 targeting CBS and MAT2A was a novel regulatory pathway that mediated cellular one-carbon metabolism in response to methionine signal and provided promising targets to improve pregnancy health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Ministry of Agriculture Feed Industry Center, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Bio-feed Additives, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Shuang Quan
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Ministry of Agriculture Feed Industry Center, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Bio-feed Additives, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Guangxin Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Ministry of Agriculture Feed Industry Center, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Bio-feed Additives, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangzhou Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Ministry of Agriculture Feed Industry Center, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Bio-feed Additives, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xinyu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Ministry of Agriculture Feed Industry Center, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Bio-feed Additives, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Changchuan Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Ministry of Agriculture Feed Industry Center, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Bio-feed Additives, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Huan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Ministry of Agriculture Feed Industry Center, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Bio-feed Additives, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Gang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Ministry of Agriculture Feed Industry Center, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Bio-feed Additives, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangfang Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Ministry of Agriculture Feed Industry Center, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Bio-feed Additives, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China.
| | - Shiyan Qiao
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Ministry of Agriculture Feed Industry Center, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Bio-feed Additives, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
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3
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Ondičová M, Irwin RE, Thursby SJ, Hilman L, Caffrey A, Cassidy T, McLaughlin M, Lees-Murdock DJ, Ward M, Murphy M, Lamers Y, Pentieva K, McNulty H, Walsh CP. Folic acid intervention during pregnancy alters DNA methylation, affecting neural target genes through two distinct mechanisms. Clin Epigenetics 2022; 14:63. [PMID: 35578268 PMCID: PMC9112484 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-022-01282-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background We previously showed that continued folic acid (FA) supplementation beyond the first trimester of pregnancy appears to have beneficial effects on neurocognitive performance in children followed for up to 11 years, but the biological mechanism for this effect has remained unclear. Using samples from our randomized controlled trial of folic acid supplementation in second and third trimester (FASSTT), where significant improvements in cognitive and psychosocial performance were demonstrated in children from mothers supplemented in pregnancy with 400 µg/day FA compared with placebo, we examined methylation patterns from cord blood (CB) using the EPIC array which covers approximately 850,000 cytosine–guanine (CG) sites across the genome. Genes showing significant differences were verified using pyrosequencing and mechanistic approaches used in vitro to determine effects on transcription. Results FA supplementation resulted in significant differences in methylation, particularly at brain-related genes. Further analysis showed these genes split into two groups. In one group, which included the CES1 gene, methylation changes at the promoters were important for regulating transcription. We also identified a second group which had a characteristic bimodal profile, with low promoter and high gene body (GB) methylation. In the latter, loss of methylation in the GB is linked to decreases in transcription: this group included the PRKAR1B/HEATR2 genes and the dopamine receptor regulator PDE4C. Overall, methylation in CB also showed good correlation with methylation profiles seen in a published data set of late gestation foetal brain samples. Conclusion We show here clear alterations in DNA methylation at specific classes of neurodevelopmental genes in the same cohort of children, born to FA-supplemented mothers, who previously showed improved cognitive and psychosocial performance. Our results show measurable differences at neural genes which are important for transcriptional regulation and add to the supporting evidence for continued FA supplementation throughout later gestation. This trial was registered on 15 May 2013 at www.isrctn.com as ISRCTN19917787. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13148-022-01282-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miroslava Ondičová
- Genomic Medicine Research Group, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Rachelle E Irwin
- Genomic Medicine Research Group, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Sara-Jayne Thursby
- Genomic Medicine Research Group, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, UK.,The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Luke Hilman
- Genomic Medicine Research Group, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Aoife Caffrey
- Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health (NICHE), School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Tony Cassidy
- Psychology Institute, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Marian McLaughlin
- Psychology Institute, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Diane J Lees-Murdock
- Genomic Medicine Research Group, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Mary Ward
- Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health (NICHE), School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Michelle Murphy
- Unitat de Medicina Preventiva i Salut Pública, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de La Salut, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Spain
| | - Yvonne Lamers
- Food, Nutrition, and Health Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, The University of British Columbia, and British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Kristina Pentieva
- Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health (NICHE), School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Helene McNulty
- Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health (NICHE), School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Colum P Walsh
- Genomic Medicine Research Group, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, UK. .,Centre for Research and Development, Region Gävleborg/Uppsala University, Gävle, Sweden.
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4
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White M, Grynspan D, Van Mieghem T, Connor KL. Isolated fetal neural tube defects associate with increased risk of placental pathology: Evidence from the Collaborative Perinatal Project. Placenta 2021; 114:56-67. [PMID: 34479062 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2021.08.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Neural tube defects (NTDs) are amongst the most common congenital anomalies and are associated with significant postnatal morbidity, but also with a higher incidence of low birthweight and fetal growth restriction. Despite the placenta being a critical determinant of fetal growth, placental development has not been extensively studied in fetuses with NTDs. METHODS We performed a matched case-cohort study using data from the Collaborative Perinatal Project to assess the risk of placental pathology in pregnancies with an isolated fetal NTD (cases; n = 74) compared to those without any congenital anomalies (controls; n = 148). We hypothesised that cases would be at an increased risk of placental pathology compared to controls. Data were analysed using adjusted generalized linear and nominal logistic regression models. Results are presented as adjusted β or adjusted odds ratio (aOR; 95% confidence interval). RESULTS Cases had lower placental weight (β = -22.2 g [-37.8 to -6.6]), surface area (β = -9.6 cm2 [-18.3 to -1.0]) and birth length z-scores (β = -0.4 [-0.7 to -0.001]) compared to controls. Cases were more likely to have a single umbilical artery (vs. two; 6 [8.1%] vs. 1 [0.7%]; aOR = 301 [52.6-1726]), placental hypermaturity (9 [12.2%] vs. 5 [3.4%]; aOR = 6.8 [3.1-14.7]), many (vs. few) Hofbauer cells (9 [12.2%] vs. 7 [4.7%]; aOR = 3.02 [1.2-7.3]), and stromal fibrosis (9 [12.2%] vs. 10 [6.8%]; aOR = 3.0 [1.4-6.3]) in placental terminal villi compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS Fetuses with isolated NTDs may be at increased risk of placental pathology, which could be contributing to poor fetal growth in these pregnancies and subsequent postnatal morbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina White
- Health Sciences, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - David Grynspan
- Vernon Jubilee Hospital, Vernon, BC, V1T 5L2, Canada; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z7, Canada
| | - Tim Van Mieghem
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X5, Canada
| | - Kristin L Connor
- Health Sciences, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, K1S 5B6, Canada.
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5
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Wilson SL, Wallingford M. Epigenetic regulation of reproduction in human and in animal models. Mol Hum Reprod 2021; 27:6329199. [PMID: 34318322 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaab041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Samantha L Wilson
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto Medical Discovery Tower, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Mary Wallingford
- Mother Infant Research Institute, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.,Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
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Li Y, Deng Y, Deng C, Xie L, Yu L, Liu L, Yuan Y, Liu H, Dai L. Association of long interspersed nucleotide element-1 and interferon regulatory factor 6 methylation changes with nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate. Oral Dis 2018; 25:215-222. [PMID: 30153397 DOI: 10.1111/odi.12965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2018] [Revised: 06/09/2018] [Accepted: 07/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the possible associations between methylation changes in the promoter regions of long interspersed nucleotide element-1 (LINE-1) and interferon regulatory factor 6 gene (IRF6) and nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (NSCL/P). METHODS A case-control investigation was performed to compare 37 infants affected by NSCL/Ps with 60 babies without cleft malformations. Their genomic DNA samples were obtained, and the LINE-1 and IRF6 methylation levels were measured by using Sequenom MassArray. Unconditional logistic regression was adopted to estimate the odds ratio. RESULTS Infants with NSCL/Ps had a higher methylation level at LINE-1 and IRF6 promoter regions than controls. High levels of LINE-1 (≥64.07%) and IRF6 (≥6.46%) methylation were associated with an increased risk of NSCL/P (LINE-1, OR = 2.63, 95% CI: 1.07-6.57; IRF6, OR = 4.73, 95% CI: 2.10-13.07), and the associations remained to be significant after adjusting for potential confounders. Similar associations were also found for cleft lip only, cleft lip, and palate. CONCLUSION Our study suggested that aberrant methylation of LINE-1 and IRF6 might contribute to the development of NSCL/Ps. Further studies are needed to replicate the findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanhua Li
- Obstetric and Gynecologic Department, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ying Deng
- National Center for Birth Defects Monitoring, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Changfei Deng
- National Center for Birth Defects Monitoring, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Liang Xie
- Key Laboratory of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of the Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Li Yu
- Key Laboratory of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of the Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Pediatric Department, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lijun Liu
- Key Laboratory of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of the Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Pediatric Department, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yumei Yuan
- Hengyang Women and Children Hospital, Hengyang, China
| | - Hanmin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of the Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Pediatric Department, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Li Dai
- National Center for Birth Defects Monitoring, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of the Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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7
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Khan MFJ, Little J, Mossey PA, Steegers-Theunissen RPM, Autelitano L, Lombardo I, Andreasi RB, Rubini M. Evaluating LINE-1 methylation in cleft lip tissues and its association with early pregnancy exposures. Epigenomics 2018; 10:105-113. [DOI: 10.2217/epi-2017-0081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: To pilot investigation of methylation of long interspersed nucleotide element-1 in lip tissues from infants with nonsyndromic cleft lip, and its association with maternal periconceptional exposures. Methods: The lateral and medial sides of the cleft lips of 23 affected infants were analyzed for long interspersed nucleotide element-1 methylation by bisulfite conversion and pyrosequencing. Results: The medial side showed 1.8% higher methylation compared with the lateral side; p = 0.031, particularly in male infants (2.7% difference; p = 0.011) or when the mothers did not take folic acid during periconceptional period (2.4% difference; p = 0.011). These results were not statistically significant when Bonferroni adjustment was used. Conclusion: The observed differences in DNA methylation, although nonsignificant after correction for multiple comparisons, suggest that differential regulation of the two sides may impact lip fusion and warrant larger-scale replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Faisal J Khan
- Department of Biomedical & Specialty Surgical Sciences, Section of Medical Biochemistry, Molecular Biology & Genetics, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Julian Little
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Peter A Mossey
- Craniofacial Development at the WHO-collaborating Centre for Oral & Craniofacial Research, Dental Hospital & School, University of Dundee, Dundee, Scotland
| | - Régine PM Steegers-Theunissen
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Department of Pediatrics, Division Neonatology Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Luca Autelitano
- Department of Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery, Regional Centre for Orofacial Clefts & Craniofacial Anomalies, San Paolo Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Ilenia Lombardo
- Department of Biomedical & Specialty Surgical Sciences, Section of Medical Biochemistry, Molecular Biology & Genetics, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Rita Bassi Andreasi
- Department of Biomedical & Specialty Surgical Sciences, Section of Medical Biochemistry, Molecular Biology & Genetics, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Michele Rubini
- Department of Biomedical & Specialty Surgical Sciences, Section of Medical Biochemistry, Molecular Biology & Genetics, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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8
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Ni G, Qin J, Chen Z, Li H, Zhou J, Huang M, Zhou L. Associations between genetic variation in one-carbon metabolism and leukocyte DNA methylation in valproate-treated patients with epilepsy. Clin Nutr 2017; 37:308-312. [PMID: 28161091 DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2017.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2016] [Revised: 01/06/2017] [Accepted: 01/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Valproate (VPA) as a first-line antiepileptic drug is useful for the most types of epileptic seizure treatment. Previous studies observed that VPA influenced one-carbon metabolism (OCM), consequently, DNA methylation. However, other individual genetic variations, as well as VPA, modify DNA methylation. OBJECTIVE In this study, we investigated associations between genetic variations in OCM and leukocyte DNA methylation in VPA-treated patients with epilepsy. METHODS This was a cross-sectional study of 101 epileptic patients who underwent VPA monotherapy and 68 healthy controls. All subjects were measured OCM-related nutrients (folate, homocysteine and vitamin B12), and DNA methylation of specific regions were analyzed. Furthermore, we examined the associations between genetic variations in OCM and DNA methylation levels in epileptic patients. RESULTS VPA-treated patients with epilepsy exhibited both higher serum homocysteine and vitaminB12 levels and lower folate levels relative to controls (P = 0.018, P = 0.003, P < 0.001 respectively), the methylation level of the MTHFR amplicon was significantly lower in the VPA group compared with those in the controls (P = 0.043). VPA-treated epileptic patients carrying the T-allele of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) c.677C>T showed higher serum Hcy levels than those observed in the 677CC group (P < 0.01). Epileptic patients who carried G-allele of methionine synthase (MTR) c.2756A>G showed significantly lower MTHFR amplicon methylation levels compared to carriers of the wild-type MTR 2756AA genotype (P = 0.028). CONCLUSION Our study provided evidence that the MTR c.2756A>G polymorphism is associated with MTHFR amplicon hypomethylation in VPA-treated patients with epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanzhong Ni
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jiaming Qin
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Ziyi Chen
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Hongliang Li
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jueqian Zhou
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Min Huang
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Liemin Zhou
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China.
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9
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Irwin RE, Pentieva K, Cassidy T, Lees-Murdock DJ, McLaughlin M, Prasad G, McNulty H, Walsh CP. The interplay between DNA methylation, folate and neurocognitive development. Epigenomics 2016; 8:863-79. [PMID: 27319574 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2016-0003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation provides an attractive possible means for propagating the effects of environmental inputs during fetal life and impacting subsequent adult mental health, which is leading to increasing collaboration between molecular biologists, nutritionists and psychiatrists. An area of interest is the potential role of folate, not just in neural tube closure in early pregnancy, but in later major neurodevelopmental events, with consequences for later sociocognitive maturation. Here, we set the scene for recent discoveries by reviewing the major events of neural development during fetal life, with an emphasis on tissues and structures where dynamic methylation changes are known to occur. Following this, we give an indication of some of the major classes of genes targeted by methylation and important for neurological and behavioral development. Finally, we highlight some cognitive disorders where methylation changes are implicated as playing an important role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachelle E Irwin
- EpiFASSTT study, Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, UK
| | - Kristina Pentieva
- EpiFASSTT study, Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, UK
| | - Tony Cassidy
- EpiFASSTT study, Psychology, Ulster University, Coleraine, UK
| | | | | | - Girijesh Prasad
- EpiFASSTT study, Computer Sciences Research Institutes, Ulster University, Londonderry, UK
| | - Helene McNulty
- EpiFASSTT study, Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, UK
| | - Colum P Walsh
- EpiFASSTT study, Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, UK
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10
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Price EM, Peñaherrera MS, Portales-Casamar E, Pavlidis P, Van Allen MI, McFadden DE, Robinson WP. Profiling placental and fetal DNA methylation in human neural tube defects. Epigenetics Chromatin 2016; 9:6. [PMID: 26889207 PMCID: PMC4756451 DOI: 10.1186/s13072-016-0054-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2015] [Accepted: 01/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The incidence of neural tube defects (NTDs) declined by about 40 % in Canada with the introduction of a national folic acid (FA) fortification program. Despite the fact that few Canadians currently exhibit folate deficiency, NTDs are still the second most common congenital abnormality. FA fortification may have aided in reducing the incidence of NTDs by overcoming abnormal one carbon metabolism cycling, the process which provides one carbon units for methylation of DNA. We considered that NTDs persisting in a folate-replete population may also occur in the context of FA-independent compromised one carbon metabolism, and that this might manifest as abnormal DNA methylation (DNAm). Second trimester human placental chorionic villi, kidney, spinal cord, brain, and muscle were collected from 19 control, 22 spina bifida, and 15 anencephalic fetuses in British Columbia, Canada. DNA was extracted, assessed for methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) genotype and for genome-wide DNAm using repetitive elements, in addition to the Illumina Infinium HumanMethylation450 (450k) array. Results No difference in repetitive element DNAm was noted between NTD status groups. Using a false discovery rate <0.05 and average group difference in DNAm ≥0.05, differentially methylated array sites were identified only in (1) the comparison of anencephaly to controls in chorionic villi (n = 4 sites) and (2) the comparison of spina bifida to controls in kidney (n = 3342 sites). Conclusions We suggest that the distinctive DNAm of spina bifida kidneys may be consequent to the neural tube defect or reflective of a common etiology for abnormal neural tube and renal development. Though there were some small shifts in DNAm in the other tested tissues, our data do not support the long-standing hypothesis of generalized altered genome-wide DNAm in NTDs. This finding may be related to the fact that most Canadians are not folate deficient, but it importantly opens the field to the investigation of other epigenetic and non-epigenetic mechanisms in the etiology of NTDs. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13072-016-0054-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Magda Price
- Child and Family Research Institute, 950 W 28th Ave, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4 UK ; Dept of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, C201-4500 Oak St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3N1 UK ; Dept of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, C420-4500 Oak St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3N1 UK
| | - Maria S Peñaherrera
- Child and Family Research Institute, 950 W 28th Ave, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4 UK ; Dept of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, C201-4500 Oak St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3N1 UK
| | | | - Paul Pavlidis
- Centre for High-Throughput Biology, University of British Columbia, 2185 East Mall, Vancouver, V6T 1Z4 UK ; Dept of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, 2255 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 2A1 UK
| | - Margot I Van Allen
- Dept of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, C201-4500 Oak St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3N1 UK
| | - Deborah E McFadden
- Dept of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, C201-4500 Oak St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3N1 UK ; Dept of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Rm G227-2211, Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 2B5 UK
| | - Wendy P Robinson
- Child and Family Research Institute, 950 W 28th Ave, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4 UK ; Dept of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, C201-4500 Oak St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3N1 UK
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Ni G, Qin J, Li H, Chen Z, Zhou Y, Fang Z, Chen Y, Zhou J, Huang M, Zhou L. Effects of antiepileptic drug monotherapy on one-carbon metabolism and DNA methylation in patients with epilepsy. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0125656. [PMID: 25915064 PMCID: PMC4410915 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0125656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2014] [Accepted: 03/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to compare the serum levels of one-carbon metabolism (OCM) nutrients (e.g., folate, homocysteine and vitamin B12) and peripheral blood DNA methylation in epileptic patients under treatment with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) and in healthy controls. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, 60 patients with epilepsy who were receiving valproate (VPA) (n = 30) or lamotrigine (LTG) (n = 30) monotherapy were enrolled. Thirty age and sex matched healthy subjects served as the controls. Serum concentrations of OCM nutrients and peripheral blood DNA methylation status were measured. RESULTS Compared to the control group, the VPA group had higher serum levels of homocysteine (p<0.05). No difference in homocysteine concentration was observed in the LTG group. Patients receiving VPA or LTG had significantly lower serum folate levels in comparison with controls (p<0.001). The level of methylation of long interspersed nucleotide element-1 (LINE-1) in peripheral blood was not significantly different between the AED monotherapy group and healthy controls. A difference in the methylation levels of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) amplicon was observed between AED-treated patients with epilepsy and controls (p<0.01). A positive correlation between serum folate levels and peripheral blood MTHFR amplicon methylation status was also observed (r = 0.25, p = 0.023). CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that the effects of AED monotherapy on OCM may induce specific regions of DNA hypomethylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanzhong Ni
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jiaming Qin
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Hongliang Li
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Ziyi Chen
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yafang Zhou
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Ziyan Fang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yishu Chen
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jueqian Zhou
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Min Huang
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Liemin Zhou
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- * E-mail:
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Bai B, Zhang Q, Liu X, Miao C, Shangguan S, Bao Y, Guo J, Wang L, Zhang T, Li H. Different epigenetic alterations are associated with abnormal IGF2/Igf2 upregulation in neural tube defects. PLoS One 2014; 9:e113308. [PMID: 25423083 PMCID: PMC4244157 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0113308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2014] [Accepted: 10/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The methylation status of DNA methylation regions (DMRs) of the imprinted gene IGF2/Igf2 is associated with neural tube defects (NTDs), which are caused by a failure of the neural tube to fold and close and are the second-most common birth defect; however, the characterization of the expression level of IGF2/Igf2 in neural tissue from human fetuses affected with NTDs remains elusive. More importantly, whether abnormal chromatin structure also influences IGF2/Igf2 expression in NTDs is unclear. Here, we investigated the transcriptional activity of IGF2/Igf2 in normal and NTD spinal cord tissues, the methylation status of different DMRs, and the chromatin structure of the promoter. Our data indicated that in NTD samples from both human fetuses and retinoic acid (RA)-treated mouse fetuses, the expression level of IGF2/Igf2 was upregulated 6.41-fold and 1.84-fold, respectively, compared to controls. H19 DMR1, but not IGF2 DMR0, was hypermethylated in human NTD samples. In NTD mice, h19 DMR1 was stable, whereas the chromatin structure around the promoter of Igf2 might be loosened, which was displayed by higher H3K4 acetylation and lower H3K27 trimethylation. Therefore, the data revealed that IGF2/Igf2 expression can be ectopically up-regulated by dual epigenetic factors in NTDs. In detail, the upregulation of IGF2/Igf2 is likely controlled by hypermethylation of H19 DMR1 in human NTDs, however, in acute external RA-induced NTD mice it is potentially determined by more open chromatin structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baoling Bai
- Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Child Development and Nutriomics, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, 100020, China
| | - Qin Zhang
- Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Child Development and Nutriomics, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, 100020, China
| | - Xiaozhen Liu
- Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Child Development and Nutriomics, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, 100020, China
| | - Chunyue Miao
- Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Child Development and Nutriomics, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, 100020, China
| | - Shaofang Shangguan
- Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Child Development and Nutriomics, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, 100020, China
| | - Yihua Bao
- Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Child Development and Nutriomics, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, 100020, China
| | - Jin Guo
- Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Child Development and Nutriomics, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, 100020, China
| | - Li Wang
- Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Child Development and Nutriomics, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, 100020, China
| | - Ting Zhang
- Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Child Development and Nutriomics, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, 100020, China
| | - Huili Li
- Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Child Development and Nutriomics, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, 100020, China
- * E-mail:
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Iacobazzi V, Infantino V, Castegna A, Andria G. Hyperhomocysteinemia: related genetic diseases and congenital defects, abnormal DNA methylation and newborn screening issues. Mol Genet Metab 2014; 113:27-33. [PMID: 25087163 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2014.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2014] [Revised: 07/14/2014] [Accepted: 07/14/2014] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Homocysteine, a sulfur-containing amino acid derived from the methionine metabolism, is located at the branch point of two pathways of the methionine cycle, i.e. remethylation and transsulfuration. Gene abnormalities in the enzymes catalyzing reactions in both pathways lead to hyperhomocysteinemia. Hyperhomocysteinemia is associated with increased risk for congenital disorders, including neural tube closure defects, heart defects, cleft lip/palate, Down syndrome, and multi-system abnormalities in adults. Since hyperhomocysteinemia is known to affect the extent of DNA methylation, it is likely that abnormal DNA methylation during embryogenesis, may be a pathogenic factor for these congenital disorders. In this review we highlight the importance of homocysteinemia by describing the genes encoding for enzymes of homocysteine metabolism relevant to the clinical practice, especially cystathionine-β-synthase and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase mutations, and the impairment of related metabolites levels. Moreover, a possible correlation between hyperhomocysteine and congenital disorders through the involvement of abnormal DNA methylation during embryogenesis is discussed. Finally, the relevance of present and future diagnostic tools such as tandem mass spectrometry and next generation sequencing in newborn screening is highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vito Iacobazzi
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy; Center of Excellence in Comparative Genomics, University of Bari, via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy; CNR Institute of Biomembranes and Bioenergetics, Bari, Italy.
| | | | - Alessandra Castegna
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Generoso Andria
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Section of Pediatrics, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
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Mazzio EA, Soliman KFA. Epigenetics and nutritional environmental signals. Integr Comp Biol 2014; 54:21-30. [PMID: 24861811 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icu049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
All terrestrial life is influenced by multi-directional flows of information about its environment, enabling malleable phenotypic change through signals, chemical processes, or various forms of energy that facilitate acclimatization. Billions of biological co-inhabitants of the earth, including all plants and animals, collectively make up a genetic/epigenetic ecosystem by which adaptation/survival (inputs and outputs) are highly interdependent on one another. As an ecosystem, the solar system, rotation of the planets, changes in sunlight, and gravitational pull influence cyclic epigenetic transitions and chromatin remodeling that constitute biological circadian rhythms controlling senescence. In humans, adverse environmental conditions such as poverty, stress, alcohol, malnutrition, exposure to pollutants generated from industrialization, man-made chemicals, and use of synthetic drugs can lead to maladaptive epigenetic-related illnesses with disease-specific genes being atypically activated or silenced. Nutrition and dietary practices are one of the largest facets in epigenetic-related metabolism, where specific "epi-nutrients" can stabilize the genome, given established roles in DNA methylation, histone modification, and chromatin remodeling. Moreover, food-based "epi-bioactive" constituents may reverse maladaptive epigenetic patterns, not only prior to conception and during fetal/early postnatal development but also through adulthood. In summary, in contrast to a static genomic DNA structure, epigenetic changes are potentially reversible, raising the hope for therapeutic and/or dietary interventions that can reverse deleterious epigenetic programing as a means to prevent or treat major illnesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Mazzio
- Florida A&M University, College of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 1520 S MLK Jr. Blvd Tallahassee, FL 32307, USA
| | - Karam F A Soliman
- Florida A&M University, College of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 1520 S MLK Jr. Blvd Tallahassee, FL 32307, USA
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