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Lynch-Sutherland CF, McDougall LI, Stockwell PA, Almomani SN, Weeks RJ, Ludgate JL, Gamage TKJB, Chatterjee A, James JL, Eccles MR, Macaulay EC. The transposable element-derived transcript of LIN28B has a placental origin and is not specific to tumours. Mol Genet Genomics 2023:10.1007/s00438-023-02033-1. [PMID: 37269361 PMCID: PMC10363060 DOI: 10.1007/s00438-023-02033-1] [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: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Transposable elements (TEs) are genetic elements that have evolved as crucial regulators of human development and cancer, functioning as both genes and regulatory elements. When TEs become dysregulated in cancer cells, they can serve as alternate promoters to activate oncogenes, a process known as onco-exaptation. This study aimed to explore the expression and epigenetic regulation of onco-exaptation events in early human developmental tissues. We discovered co-expression of some TEs and oncogenes in human embryonic stem cells and first trimester and term placental tissues. Previous studies identified onco-exaptation events in various cancer types, including an AluJb SINE element-LIN28B interaction in lung cancer cells, and showed that the TE-derived LIN28B transcript is associated with poor patient prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma. This study further characterized the AluJb-LIN28B transcript and confirmed that its expression is restricted to the placenta. Targeted DNA methylation analysis revealed differential methylation of the two LIN28B promoters between placenta and healthy somatic tissues, indicating that some TE-oncogene interactions are not cancer-specific but arise from the epigenetic reactivation of developmental TE-derived regulatory events. In conclusion, our findings provide evidence that some TE-oncogene interactions are not limited to cancer and may originate from the epigenetic reactivation of TE-derived regulatory events that are involved in early development. These insights broaden our understanding of the role of TEs in gene regulation and suggest the potential importance of targeting TEs in cancer therapy beyond their conventional use as cancer-specific markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiemi F Lynch-Sutherland
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand.
| | - Lorissa I McDougall
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand
| | - Peter A Stockwell
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand
| | - Suzan N Almomani
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand
| | - Robert J Weeks
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand
| | - Jackie L Ludgate
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand
| | - Teena K J B Gamage
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Aniruddha Chatterjee
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, Level 2, 3A Symonds Street, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Joanna L James
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Michael R Eccles
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, Level 2, 3A Symonds Street, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Erin C Macaulay
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand
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2
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Basak S, Duttaroy AK. Maternal PUFAs, Placental Epigenetics, and Their Relevance to Fetal Growth and Brain Development. Reprod Sci 2023; 30:408-427. [PMID: 35676498 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-022-00989-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), especially omega-3 (n-3) and n-6 long-chain (LC) PUFAs, are indispensable for the fetus' brain supplied by the placenta. Despite being highly unsaturated, n-3 LCPUFA-docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) plays a protective role as an antioxidant in the brain. Deficiency of DHA during fetal development may cause irreversible damages in neurodevelopment programming. Dietary PUFAs can impact placental structure and functions by regulating early placentation processes, such as angiogenesis. They promote remodeling of uteroplacental architecture to facilitate increased blood flow and surface area for nutrient exchange. The placenta's fatty acid transfer depends on the uteroplacental vascular development, ensuring adequate maternal circulatory fatty acids transport to fulfill the fetus' rapid growth and development requirements. Maternal n-3 PUFA deficiency predominantly leads to placental epigenetic changes than other fetal developing organs. A global shift in DNA methylation possibly transmits epigenetic instability in developing fetuses due to n-3 PUFA deficiency. Thus, an optimal level of maternal omega-3 (n-3) PUFAs may protect the placenta's structural and functional integrity and allow fetal growth by controlling the aberrant placental epigenetic changes. This narrative review summarizes the recent advances and underpins the roles of maternal PUFAs on the structure and functions of the placenta and their relevance to fetal growth and brain development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjay Basak
- Molecular Biology Division, ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition, Indian Council of Medical Research, Hyderabad, India.
| | - Asim K Duttaroy
- Department of Nutrition, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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3
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Andrews S, Krueger C, Mellado-Lopez M, Hemberger M, Dean W, Perez-Garcia V, Hanna CW. Mechanisms and function of de novo DNA methylation in placental development reveals an essential role for DNMT3B. Nat Commun 2023; 14:371. [PMID: 36690623 PMCID: PMC9870994 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36019-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation is a repressive epigenetic modification that is essential for development, exemplified by the embryonic and perinatal lethality observed in mice lacking de novo DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs). Here we characterise the role for DNMT3A, 3B and 3L in gene regulation and development of the mouse placenta. We find that each DNMT establishes unique aspects of the placental methylome through targeting to distinct chromatin features. Loss of Dnmt3b results in de-repression of germline genes in trophoblast lineages and impaired formation of the maternal-foetal interface in the placental labyrinth. Using Sox2-Cre to delete Dnmt3b in the embryo, leaving expression intact in placental cells, the placental phenotype was rescued and, consequently, the embryonic lethality, as Dnmt3b null embryos could now survive to birth. We conclude that de novo DNA methylation by DNMT3B during embryogenesis is principally required to regulate placental development and function, which in turn is critical for embryo survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Andrews
- Bioinformatics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Christel Krueger
- Bioinformatics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
- Bioinformatics Innovation Hub, Altos Labs Cambridge Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Myriam Hemberger
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Wendy Dean
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | | | - Courtney W Hanna
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK.
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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4
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Krstic J, Deutsch A, Fuchs J, Gauster M, Gorsek Sparovec T, Hiden U, Krappinger JC, Moser G, Pansy K, Szmyra M, Gold D, Feichtinger J, Huppertz B. (Dis)similarities between the Decidual and Tumor Microenvironment. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10051065. [PMID: 35625802 PMCID: PMC9138511 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10051065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Placenta-specific trophoblast and tumor cells exhibit many common characteristics. Trophoblast cells invade maternal tissues while being tolerated by the maternal immune system. Similarly, tumor cells can invade surrounding tissues and escape the immune system. Importantly, both trophoblast and tumor cells are supported by an abetting microenvironment, which influences invasion, angiogenesis, and immune tolerance/evasion, among others. However, in contrast to tumor cells, the metabolic, proliferative, migrative, and invasive states of trophoblast cells are under tight regulatory control. In this review, we provide an overview of similarities and dissimilarities in regulatory processes that drive trophoblast and tumor cell fate, particularly focusing on the role of the abetting microenvironments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelena Krstic
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center for Cell Signaling, Metabolism and Aging, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstrasse 6, 8010 Graz, Austria; (J.K.); (J.F.); (M.G.); (J.C.K.); (G.M.); (B.H.)
| | - Alexander Deutsch
- Division of Hematology, Medical University of Graz, Stiftingtalstrasse 24, 8010 Graz, Austria; (A.D.); (K.P.); (M.S.)
| | - Julia Fuchs
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center for Cell Signaling, Metabolism and Aging, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstrasse 6, 8010 Graz, Austria; (J.K.); (J.F.); (M.G.); (J.C.K.); (G.M.); (B.H.)
- Division of Biophysics, Gottfried Schatz Research Center for Cell Signaling, Metabolism and Aging, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstrasse 6, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Martin Gauster
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center for Cell Signaling, Metabolism and Aging, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstrasse 6, 8010 Graz, Austria; (J.K.); (J.F.); (M.G.); (J.C.K.); (G.M.); (B.H.)
| | - Tina Gorsek Sparovec
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 14, 8036 Graz, Austria; (T.G.S.); (U.H.); (D.G.)
| | - Ursula Hiden
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 14, 8036 Graz, Austria; (T.G.S.); (U.H.); (D.G.)
| | - Julian Christopher Krappinger
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center for Cell Signaling, Metabolism and Aging, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstrasse 6, 8010 Graz, Austria; (J.K.); (J.F.); (M.G.); (J.C.K.); (G.M.); (B.H.)
| | - Gerit Moser
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center for Cell Signaling, Metabolism and Aging, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstrasse 6, 8010 Graz, Austria; (J.K.); (J.F.); (M.G.); (J.C.K.); (G.M.); (B.H.)
| | - Katrin Pansy
- Division of Hematology, Medical University of Graz, Stiftingtalstrasse 24, 8010 Graz, Austria; (A.D.); (K.P.); (M.S.)
| | - Marta Szmyra
- Division of Hematology, Medical University of Graz, Stiftingtalstrasse 24, 8010 Graz, Austria; (A.D.); (K.P.); (M.S.)
| | - Daniela Gold
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 14, 8036 Graz, Austria; (T.G.S.); (U.H.); (D.G.)
| | - Julia Feichtinger
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center for Cell Signaling, Metabolism and Aging, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstrasse 6, 8010 Graz, Austria; (J.K.); (J.F.); (M.G.); (J.C.K.); (G.M.); (B.H.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Berthold Huppertz
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center for Cell Signaling, Metabolism and Aging, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstrasse 6, 8010 Graz, Austria; (J.K.); (J.F.); (M.G.); (J.C.K.); (G.M.); (B.H.)
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5
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Pastor WA, Kwon SY. Distinctive aspects of the placental epigenome and theories as to how they arise. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:569. [PMID: 36287261 PMCID: PMC9606139 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04568-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The placenta has a methylome dramatically unlike that of any somatic cell type. Among other distinctions, it features low global DNA methylation, extensive “partially methylated domains” packed in dense heterochromatin and methylation of hundreds of CpG islands important in somatic development. These features attract interest in part because a substantial fraction of human cancers feature the exact same phenomena, suggesting parallels between epigenome formation in placentation and cancer. Placenta also features an expanded set of imprinted genes, some of which come about by distinctive developmental pathways. Recent discoveries, some from far outside the placental field, shed new light on how the unusual placental epigenetic state may arise. Nonetheless, key questions remain unresolved.
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Affiliation(s)
- William A Pastor
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3G 1Y6, Canada.
- Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3A 1A3, Canada.
| | - Sin Young Kwon
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3G 1Y6, Canada
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6
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Catania F, Ujvari B, Roche B, Capp JP, Thomas F. Bridging Tumorigenesis and Therapy Resistance With a Non-Darwinian and Non-Lamarckian Mechanism of Adaptive Evolution. Front Oncol 2021; 11:732081. [PMID: 34568068 PMCID: PMC8462274 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.732081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Although neo-Darwinian (and less often Lamarckian) dynamics are regularly invoked to interpret cancer's multifarious molecular profiles, they shine little light on how tumorigenesis unfolds and often fail to fully capture the frequency and breadth of resistance mechanisms. This uncertainty frames one of the most problematic gaps between science and practice in modern times. Here, we offer a theory of adaptive cancer evolution, which builds on a molecular mechanism that lies outside neo-Darwinian and Lamarckian schemes. This mechanism coherently integrates non-genetic and genetic changes, ecological and evolutionary time scales, and shifts the spotlight away from positive selection towards purifying selection, genetic drift, and the creative-disruptive power of environmental change. The surprisingly simple use-it or lose-it rationale of the proposed theory can help predict molecular dynamics during tumorigenesis. It also provides simple rules of thumb that should help improve therapeutic approaches in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Catania
- Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Beata Ujvari
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Deakin, VIC, Australia
| | - Benjamin Roche
- CREEC/CANECEV, MIVEGEC (CREES), Centre de Recherches Ecologiques et Evolutives sur le Cancer, University of Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - Jean-Pascal Capp
- Toulouse Biotechnology Institute, University of Toulouse, INSA, CNRS, INRAE, Toulouse, France
| | - Frédéric Thomas
- CREEC/CANECEV, MIVEGEC (CREES), Centre de Recherches Ecologiques et Evolutives sur le Cancer, University of Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Montpellier, France
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7
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Derrien J, Guérin-Charbonnel C, Gaborit V, Campion L, Devic M, Douillard E, Roi N, Avet-Loiseau H, Decaux O, Facon T, Mallm JP, Eils R, Munshi NC, Moreau P, Herrmann C, Magrangeas F, Minvielle S. The DNA methylation landscape of multiple myeloma shows extensive inter- and intrapatient heterogeneity that fuels transcriptomic variability. Genome Med 2021; 13:127. [PMID: 34372935 PMCID: PMC8351364 DOI: 10.1186/s13073-021-00938-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cancer evolution depends on epigenetic and genetic diversity. Historically, in multiple myeloma (MM), subclonal diversity and tumor evolution have been investigated mostly from a genetic perspective. Methods Here, we performed an analysis of 42 MM samples from 21 patients by using enhanced reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (eRRBS). We combined several metrics of epigenetic heterogeneity to analyze DNA methylation heterogeneity in MM patients. Results We show that MM is characterized by the continuous accumulation of stochastic methylation at the promoters of development-related genes. High combinatorial entropy change is associated with poor outcomes in our pilot study and depends predominantly on partially methylated domains (PMDs). These PMDs, which represent the major source of inter- and intrapatient DNA methylation heterogeneity in MM, are linked to other key epigenetic aberrations, such as CpG island (CGI)/transcription start site (TSS) hypermethylation and H3K27me3 redistribution as well as 3D organization alterations. In addition, transcriptome analysis revealed that intratumor methylation heterogeneity was associated with low-level expression and high variability. Conclusions We propose that disrupted DNA methylation in MM is responsible for high epigenetic and transcriptomic instability allowing tumor cells to adapt to environmental changes by tapping into a pool of evolutionary trajectories. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at (10.1186/s13073-021-00938-3).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Derrien
- Université de Nantes, CNRS, INSERM, CRCINA, Nantes, F-44000, France
| | - Catherine Guérin-Charbonnel
- Université de Nantes, CNRS, INSERM, CRCINA, Nantes, F-44000, France.,Institut de Cancérologie de l'Ouest, Nantes-Saint Herblain, France
| | - Victor Gaborit
- Université de Nantes, CNRS, INSERM, CRCINA, Nantes, F-44000, France.,LS2N, CNRS, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Loïc Campion
- Université de Nantes, CNRS, INSERM, CRCINA, Nantes, F-44000, France.,Institut de Cancérologie de l'Ouest, Nantes-Saint Herblain, France
| | - Magali Devic
- Université de Nantes, CNRS, INSERM, CRCINA, Nantes, F-44000, France.,Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Nantes, France
| | - Elise Douillard
- Université de Nantes, CNRS, INSERM, CRCINA, Nantes, F-44000, France.,Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Nantes, France
| | - Nathalie Roi
- Université de Nantes, CNRS, INSERM, CRCINA, Nantes, F-44000, France.,Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Nantes, France
| | - Hervé Avet-Loiseau
- Institut Universitaire du Cancer, CHU, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Toulouse, INSERM 1037, Toulouse, France
| | | | | | - Jan-Philipp Mallm
- Research Group Genome Organization & Function, DKFZ, and BioQuant Heidelberg, Heidelberg, 69120, Germany
| | - Roland Eils
- Health Data Science Unit, Medical Faculty Heidelberg and BioQuant, Heidelberg, 69120, Germany.,Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt- Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Charitéplatz 1, Berlin, 10117, Germany.,Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Center for Digital Health, Anna-Louisa-Karsch-Strasse 2, Berlin, 10178, Germany
| | - Nikhil C Munshi
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, LeBow Institute for Myeloma Therapeutics and Jerome Lipper Center for Multiple Myeloma Research, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Philippe Moreau
- Université de Nantes, CNRS, INSERM, CRCINA, Nantes, F-44000, France.,Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Nantes, France
| | - Carl Herrmann
- Health Data Science Unit, Medical Faculty Heidelberg and BioQuant, Heidelberg, 69120, Germany
| | - Florence Magrangeas
- Université de Nantes, CNRS, INSERM, CRCINA, Nantes, F-44000, France.,Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Nantes, France
| | - Stéphane Minvielle
- Université de Nantes, CNRS, INSERM, CRCINA, Nantes, F-44000, France. .,Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Nantes, France.
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8
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Can Immune Suppression and Epigenome Regulation in Placenta Offer Novel Insights into Cancer Immune Evasion and Immunotherapy Resistance? EPIGENOMES 2021; 5:epigenomes5030016. [PMID: 34968365 PMCID: PMC8594685 DOI: 10.3390/epigenomes5030016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 07/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is the second leading cause of mortality and morbidity in the developed world. Cancer progression involves genetic and epigenetic alterations, accompanied by aggressive changes, such as increased immune evasion, onset of metastasis, and drug resistance. Similar to cancer, DNA hypomethylation, immune suppression, and invasive cell behaviours are also observed in the human placenta. Mechanisms that lead to the acquisition of invasive behaviour, immune evasion, and drug and immunotherapy resistance are presently under intense investigations to improve patient outcomes. Here, we review current knowledge regarding the similarities between immune suppression and epigenome regulation, including the expression of repetitive elements (REs), endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) and transposable elements (TEs) in cells of the placenta and in cancer, which are associated with changes in immune regulation and invasiveness. We explore whether immune suppression and epigenome regulation in placenta offers novel insights into immunotherapy resistance in cancer, and we also discuss the implications and the knowledge gaps relevant to these findings, which are rapidly being accrued in these quite disparate research fields. Finally, we discuss potential linkages between TE, ERV and RE activation and expression, regarding mechanisms of immune regulation in placenta and cancer. A greater understanding of the role of immune suppression and associated epigenome regulation in placenta could help to elucidate some comparable mechanisms operating in cancer, and identify potential new therapeutic targets for treating cancer.
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9
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Up-regulated cytotrophoblast DOCK4 contributes to over-invasion in placenta accreta spectrum. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:15852-15861. [PMID: 32576693 PMCID: PMC7355036 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1920776117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The syndrome of cytotrophoblast invasion beyond the normal boundary (in the superficial myometrium) is collectively termed placenta accreta spectrum. The incidence of this condition is rising. However, little is known about the underlying molecular changes. Global transcriptomic profiling of cytotrophoblasts isolated from these cases, as compared to gestational age-matched controls, revealed numerous changes in gene expression involving diverse pathways, including cell signaling, migration, and immune functions. DOCK4 was the most highly up-regulated mRNA in the cases. Mutations in this gene are mechanistically linked to cancer progression. Overexpression of DOCK4 in primary cytotrophoblasts increased their invasiveness. This study provides molecular insights into the pathways driving placenta accreta spectrum and suggests numerous future directions. In humans, a subset of placental cytotrophoblasts (CTBs) invades the uterus and its vasculature, anchoring the pregnancy and ensuring adequate blood flow to the fetus. Appropriate depth is critical. Shallow invasion increases the risk of pregnancy complications, e.g., severe preeclampsia. Overly deep invasion, the hallmark of placenta accreta spectrum (PAS), increases the risk of preterm delivery, hemorrhage, and death. Previously a rare condition, the incidence of PAS has increased to 1:731 pregnancies, likely due to the rise in uterine surgeries (e.g., Cesarean sections). CTBs track along scars deep into the myometrium and beyond. Here we compared the global gene expression patterns of CTBs from PAS cases to gestational age-matched control cells that invaded to the normal depth from preterm birth (PTB) deliveries. The messenger RNA (mRNA) encoding the guanine nucleotide exchange factor, DOCK4, mutations of which promote cancer cell invasion and angiogenesis, was the most highly up-regulated molecule in PAS samples. Overexpression of DOCK4 increased CTB invasiveness, consistent with the PAS phenotype. Also, this analysis identified other genes with significantly altered expression in this disorder, potential biomarkers. These data suggest that CTBs from PAS cases up-regulate a cancer-like proinvasion mechanism, suggesting molecular as well as phenotypic similarities in the two pathologies.
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10
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Lynch-Sutherland CF, Chatterjee A, Stockwell PA, Eccles MR, Macaulay EC. Reawakening the Developmental Origins of Cancer Through Transposable Elements. Front Oncol 2020; 10:468. [PMID: 32432029 PMCID: PMC7214541 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.00468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Transposable elements (TEs) have an established role as important regulators of early human development, functioning as tissue-specific genes and regulatory elements. Functional TEs are highly active during early development, and interact with important developmental genes, some of which also function as oncogenes. Dedifferentiation is a hallmark of cancer, and is characterized by genetic and epigenetic changes that enable proliferation, self-renewal and a metabolism reminiscent of embryonic stem cells. There is also compelling evidence suggesting that the path to dedifferentiation in cancer can contribute to invasion and metastasis. TEs are frequently expressed in cancer, and recent work has identified a newly proposed mechanism involving extensive recruitment of TE-derived promoters to drive expression of oncogenes and subsequently promote oncogenesis—a process termed onco-exaptation. However, the mechanism by which this phenomenon occurs, and the extent to which it contributes to oncogenesis remains unknown. Initial hypotheses have proposed that onco-exaptation events are cancer-specific and arise randomly due to the dysregulated and hypomethylated state of cancer cells and abundance of TEs across the genome. However, we suspect that exaptation-like events may not just arise due to chance activation of novel regulatory relationships as proposed previously, but as a result of the reestablishment of early developmental regulatory relationships. Dedifferentiation in cancer is well-documented, along with expression of TEs. The known interactions between TEs and pluripotency factors such as NANOG and OCTt4 during early development, along with the expression of some placental-specific TE-derived transcripts in cancer support a possible link between TEs and dedifferentiation of tumor cells. Thus, we hypothesize that onco-exaptation events can be associated with the epigenetic reawakening of early developmental TEs to regulate expression of oncogenes and promote oncogenesis. We also suspect that activation of these early developmental regulatory TEs may promote dedifferentiation, although at this stage it is hard to predict whether TE activation is one of the initial drivers of dedifferentiation. We expect that developmental TE activation occurs as a result of the establishment of an epigenetic landscape in cancer that resembles that of early development and that developmental TE activation may also enable cancers to exploit early developmental pathways, repurposing them to promote malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aniruddha Chatterjee
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.,Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Peter A Stockwell
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Michael R Eccles
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.,Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Erin C Macaulay
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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11
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Novel Epigenetic Biomarkers in Pregnancy-Related Disorders and Cancers. Cells 2019; 8:cells8111459. [PMID: 31752198 PMCID: PMC6912400 DOI: 10.3390/cells8111459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2019] [Revised: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
As the majority of cancers and gestational diseases are prognostically stage- and grade-dependent, the ultimate goal of ongoing studies in precision medicine is to provide early and timely diagnosis of such disorders. These studies have enabled the development of various new diagnostic biomarkers, such as free circulating nucleic acids, and detection of their epigenetic changes. Recently, extracellular vesicles including exosomes, microvesicles, oncosomes, and apoptotic bodies have been recognized as powerful diagnostic tools. Extracellular vesicles carry specific proteins, lipids, DNAs, mRNAs, and miRNAs of the cells that produced them, thus reflecting the function of these cells. It is believed that exosomes, in particular, may be the optimal biomarkers of pathological pregnancies and cancers, especially those that are frequently diagnosed at an advanced stage, such as ovarian cancer. In the present review, we survey and critically appraise novel epigenetic biomarkers related to free circulating nucleic acids and extracellular vesicles, focusing especially on their status in trophoblasts (pregnancy) and neoplastic cells (cancers).
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12
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Savage P, Monk D, Hernandez Mora JR, van der Westhuizen N, Rauw J, Tinker A, Robinson W, Song Q, Seckl MJ, Fisher RA. A case of intraplacental gestational choriocarcinoma; characterised by the methylation pattern of the early placenta and an absence of driver mutations. BMC Cancer 2019; 19:744. [PMID: 31357948 PMCID: PMC6664587 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-019-5906-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Accepted: 07/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Gestational choriocarcinoma is a rare malignancy believed to arise from the trophoblast cells of the placenta. Despite the frequently aggressive clinical nature, choriocarcinoma has been routinely curable with cytotoxic chemotherapy for over 50 years. To date little is known regarding the route to oncogenesis in this malignancy. Methods In a case of intraplacental choriocarcinoma, we have performed detailed genetic studies including microsatellite analysis, whole genome sequencing (WGS) and methylation analysis of the tumour and surrounding mature placenta. Results The results of the WGS sequencing indicated a very low level of mutation and the absence of any driver mutations or oncogene activity in the tumour. The methylation analysis identified a distinctly different profile in the tumour from that of the mature placenta. Comparison with a panel of reference methylation profiles from different stages of placental development indicated that the tumour segregated with the first trimester samples. Conclusions These findings suggest that gestational choriocarcinoma is likely to arise as a result of aberrations of methylation during development, rather than from DNA mutations. The results support the hypothesis that gestational choriocarcinoma arises from a normally transient early trophoblast cell. At this point in development this cell naturally has a phenotype of rapid division, tissue invasion and sensitivity to DNA damaging chemotherapy that is very similar to that of the mature choriocarcinoma cell. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12885-019-5906-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Savage
- Trophoblastic Tumour Screening & Treatment Centre, Charing Cross Hospital Campus of Imperial College, London, UK. .,BCCA, Victoria, BC, Canada.
| | - David Monk
- Imprinting and Cancer Group, Cancer Epigenetic and Biology Program (PEBC), Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jose R Hernandez Mora
- Imprinting and Cancer Group, Cancer Epigenetic and Biology Program (PEBC), Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Wendy Robinson
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Qianqian Song
- State Key Lab of Molecular Oncology, Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, National Cancer Center, Beijing, China
| | - Michael J Seckl
- Trophoblastic Tumour Screening & Treatment Centre, Charing Cross Hospital Campus of Imperial College, London, UK
| | - Rosemary A Fisher
- Trophoblastic Tumour Screening & Treatment Centre, Charing Cross Hospital Campus of Imperial College, London, UK.,Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College , London, UK
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13
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Soares MJ, Varberg KM, Iqbal K. Hemochorial placentation: development, function, and adaptations. Biol Reprod 2019; 99:196-211. [PMID: 29481584 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioy049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2018] [Accepted: 02/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Placentation is a reproductive adaptation that permits fetal growth and development within the protected confines of the female reproductive tract. Through this important role, the placenta also determines postnatal health and susceptibility to disease. The hemochorial placenta is a prominent feature in primate and rodent development. This manuscript provides an overview of the basics of hemochorial placental development and function, provides perspectives on major discoveries that have shaped placental research, and thoughts on strategies for future investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Soares
- Institute for Reproduction and Perinatal Research and the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA and the Center for Perinatal Research, Children΄s Research Institute, Children΄s Mercy, Kansas City, Missouri, USA
| | - Kaela M Varberg
- Institute for Reproduction and Perinatal Research and the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Khursheed Iqbal
- Institute for Reproduction and Perinatal Research and the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
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14
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Lorincz MC, Schübeler D. Evidence for Converging DNA Methylation Pathways in Placenta and Cancer. Dev Cell 2017; 43:257-258. [PMID: 29112847 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2017.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
CpG island promoters are generally devoid of DNA methylation in somatic cells but are frequently methylated during tumorigenesis. Reporting recently in Nature, Smith et al. (2017) show that the signaling-induced methylome in early extraembryonic tissues resembles that of many cancers, suggesting that placental nuclear programming might be co-opted in tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew C Lorincz
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
| | - Dirk Schübeler
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Maulbeerstrasse 66, 4058 Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Faculty of Sciences, Petersplatz 1, 4001 Basel, Switzerland.
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15
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Nordor AV, Nehar-Belaid D, Richon S, Klatzmann D, Bellet D, Dangles-Marie V, Fournier T, Aryee MJ. The early pregnancy placenta foreshadows DNA methylation alterations of solid tumors. Epigenetics 2017; 12:793-803. [PMID: 28678605 PMCID: PMC5739102 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2017.1342912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The placenta relies on phenotypes that are characteristic of cancer to successfully implant the embryo in the uterus during early pregnancy. Notably, it has to invade its host tissues, promote angiogenesis—while surviving hypoxia—, and escape the immune system. Similarities in DNA methylation patterns between the placenta and cancers suggest that common epigenetic mechanisms may be involved in regulating these behaviors. We show here that megabase-scale patterns of hypomethylation distinguish first from third trimester chorionic villi in the placenta, and that these patterns mirror those that distinguish many tumors from corresponding normal tissues. We confirmed these findings in villous cytotrophoblasts isolated from the placenta and identified a time window at the end of the first trimester, when these cells come into contact with maternal blood, as the likely time period for the methylome alterations. Furthermore, the large genomic regions affected by these patterns of hypomethylation encompass genes involved in pathways related to epithelial-mesenchymal transition, immune response, and inflammation. Analyses of expression profiles corresponding to genes in these hypomethylated regions in colon adenocarcinoma tumors point to networks of differentially expressed genes previously implicated in carcinogenesis and placentogenesis, where nuclear factor kappa B is a key hub. Taken together, our results suggest the existence of epigenetic switches involving large-scale changes of methylation in the placenta during pregnancy and in tumors during neoplastic transformation. The characterization of such epigenetic switches might lead to the identification of biomarkers and drug targets in oncology as well as in obstetrics and gynecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akpéli V Nordor
- a Institut Curie, PSL Research University , Département de Recherche Translationnelle , Paris , France.,b Chimie ParisTech, PSL Research University, Unité de Technologies Chimiques et Biologiques pour la Santé (UTCBS) , Paris , France.,c CNRS, UTCBS UMR 8258 , Paris , France.,d Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne-Paris-Cité, UTCBS , Paris , France.,e INSERM, UTCBS U 1022 , Paris , France.,f Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School , Department of Pathology and Center for Cancer Research , Charlestown , Massachusetts , USA
| | - Djamel Nehar-Belaid
- g Sorbonne Universités, UPMC University of Paris , Paris , France.,h INSERM UMR_S 959 , Paris , France
| | - Sophie Richon
- i Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS , UMR 144, France
| | - David Klatzmann
- g Sorbonne Universités, UPMC University of Paris , Paris , France.,h INSERM UMR_S 959 , Paris , France.,j AP-HP, Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière , Department of Biotherapies, Clinical Investigation Center in Biotherapy and Inflammation-Immunopathology-Biotherapy Department (DHU I2B) , Paris , France
| | - Dominique Bellet
- b Chimie ParisTech, PSL Research University, Unité de Technologies Chimiques et Biologiques pour la Santé (UTCBS) , Paris , France.,c CNRS, UTCBS UMR 8258 , Paris , France.,d Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne-Paris-Cité, UTCBS , Paris , France.,e INSERM, UTCBS U 1022 , Paris , France.,k Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Hôpital René Huguenin , Laboratoire d'Oncobiologie, Pôle Pathologie-Génétique-Immunologie-Hémobiologie , Saint-Cloud , France
| | - Virginie Dangles-Marie
- a Institut Curie, PSL Research University , Département de Recherche Translationnelle , Paris , France.,l Laboratoire d'immunologie, Faculté de Pharmacie de Paris , Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne-Paris-Cité , Paris , France
| | - Thierry Fournier
- m INSERM, U1139 , Faculté de Pharmacie de Paris , Paris , France.,n Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne-Paris-Cité , UMR-S1139, Paris , France.,o PremUp Foundation , Paris , France
| | - Martin J Aryee
- f Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School , Department of Pathology and Center for Cancer Research , Charlestown , Massachusetts , USA.,p Department of Biostatistics , Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health , Boston , Massachusetts , USA
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16
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Decato BE, Lopez-Tello J, Sferruzzi-Perri AN, Smith AD, Dean MD. DNA Methylation Divergence and Tissue Specialization in the Developing Mouse Placenta. Mol Biol Evol 2017; 34:1702-1712. [PMID: 28379409 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msx112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The placental epigenome plays a vital role in regulating mammalian growth and development. Aberrations in placental DNA methylation are linked to several disease states, including intrauterine growth restriction and preeclampsia. Studying the evolution and development of the placental epigenome is critical to understanding the origin and progression of such diseases. Although high-resolution studies have found substantial variation between placental methylomes of different species, the nature of methylome variation has yet to be characterized within any individual species. We conducted a study of placental DNA methylation at high resolution in multiple strains and closely related species of house mice (Mus musculus musculus, Mus m. domesticus, and M. spretus), across developmental timepoints (embryonic days 15-18), and between two distinct layers (labyrinthine transport and junctional endocrine). We observed substantial genome-wide methylation heterogeneity in mouse placenta compared with other differentiated tissues. Species-specific methylation profiles were concentrated in retrotransposon subfamilies, specifically RLTR10 and RLTR20 subfamilies. Regulatory regions such as gene promoters and CpG islands displayed cross-species conservation, but showed strong differences between layers and developmental timepoints. Partially methylated domains exist in the mouse placenta and widen during development. Taken together, our results characterize the mouse placental methylome as a highly heterogeneous and deregulated landscape globally, intermixed with actively regulated promoter and retrotransposon sequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin E Decato
- Molecular and Computational Biology, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Jorge Lopez-Tello
- Department of Physiology, Development, and Neuroscience, Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Amanda N Sferruzzi-Perri
- Department of Physiology, Development, and Neuroscience, Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew D Smith
- Molecular and Computational Biology, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Matthew D Dean
- Molecular and Computational Biology, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
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17
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The Genes of Life and Death: A Potential Role for Placental-Specific Genes in Cancer. Bioessays 2017; 39. [DOI: 10.1002/bies.201700091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2017] [Revised: 08/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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18
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Epigenetic restriction of extraembryonic lineages mirrors the somatic transition to cancer. Nature 2017; 549:543-547. [PMID: 28959968 PMCID: PMC5789792 DOI: 10.1038/nature23891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2016] [Accepted: 08/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
In mammals, the canonical somatic DNA methylation landscape is established upon specification of the embryo proper and subsequently disrupted within many cancer types. However, the underlying mechanisms that direct this genome-scale transformation remain elusive, with no clear model for its systematic acquisition or potential developmental utility. Here, we analysed global remethylation from the mouse preimplantation embryo into the early epiblast and extraembryonic ectoderm. We show that these two states acquire highly divergent genomic distributions with substantial disruption of bimodal, CpG density-dependent methylation in the placental progenitor. The extraembryonic epigenome includes specific de novo methylation at hundreds of embryonically protected CpG island promoters, particularly those that are associated with key developmental regulators and are orthologously methylated across most human cancer types. Our data suggest that the evolutionary innovation of extraembryonic tissues may have required co-option of DNA methylation-based suppression as an alternative to regulation by Polycomb-group proteins, which coordinate embryonic germ-layer formation in response to extraembryonic cues. Moreover, we establish that this decision is made deterministically, downstream of promiscuously used-and frequently oncogenic-signalling pathways, via a novel combination of epigenetic cofactors. Methylation of developmental gene promoters during tumorigenesis may therefore reflect the misappropriation of an innate trajectory and the spontaneous reacquisition of a latent, developmentally encoded epigenetic landscape.
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19
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Novakovic B, Evain-Brion D, Murthi P, Fournier T, Saffery R. Variable DAXX gene methylation is a common feature of placental trophoblast differentiation, preeclampsia, and response to hypoxia. FASEB J 2017; 31:2380-2392. [PMID: 28223336 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201601189rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2016] [Accepted: 01/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Placental functioning relies on the appropriate differentiation of progenitor villous cytotrophoblasts (CTBs) into extravillous cytotrophoblasts (EVCTs), including invasive EVCTs, and the multinucleated syncytiotrophoblast (ST) layer. This is accompanied by a general move away from a proliferative, immature phenotype. Genome-scale expression studies have provided valuable insight into genes that are associated with the shift to both an invasive EVCT and ST phenotype, whereas genome-scale DNA methylation analysis has shown that differentiation to ST involves widespread methylation shifts, which are counteracted by low oxygen. In the current study, we sought to identify DNA methylation variation that is associated with transition from CTB to ST in vitro and from a noninvasive to invasive EVCT phenotype after culture on Matrigel. Of the several hundred differentially methylated regions that were identified in each comparison, the majority showed a loss of methylation with differentiation. This included a large differentially methylated region (DMR) in the gene body of death domain-associated protein 6 (DAXX ), which lost methylation during both CTB syncytialization to ST and EVCT differentiation to invasive EVCT. Comparison to publicly available methylation array data identified the same DMR as among the most consistently differentially methylated genes in placental samples from preeclampsia pregnancies. Of interest, in vitro culture of CTB or ST in low oxygen increases methylation in the same region, which correlates with delayed differentiation. Analysis of combined epigenomics signatures confirmed DAXX DMR as a likely regulatory element, and direct gene expression analysis identified a positive association between methylation at this site and DAXX expression levels. The widespread dynamic nature of DAXX methylation in association with trophoblast differentiation and placenta-associated pathologies is consistent with an important role for this gene in proper placental development and function.-Novakovic, B., Evain-Brion, D., Murthi, P., Fournier, T., Saffery, R. Variable DAXX gene methylation is a common feature of placental trophoblast differentiation, preeclampsia, and response to hypoxia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boris Novakovic
- Cancer and Disease Epigenetics, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Danièle Evain-Brion
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité Mixte de Recherche S1139, Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France.,PremUp Foundation, Paris, France
| | - Padma Murthi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Thiery Fournier
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité Mixte de Recherche S1139, Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France.,PremUp Foundation, Paris, France
| | - Richard Saffery
- Cancer and Disease Epigenetics, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; .,Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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20
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Epigenetic modifications at DMRs of placental genes are subjected to variations in normal gestation, pathological conditions and folate supplementation. Sci Rep 2017; 7:40774. [PMID: 28098215 PMCID: PMC5241688 DOI: 10.1038/srep40774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2016] [Accepted: 12/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Invasive placentation and cancer development shares many similar molecular and epigenetic pathways. Paternally expressed, growth promoting genes (SNRPN, PEG10 and MEST) which are known to play crucial role in tumorogenesis, are not well studied during placentation. This study reports for the first time of the impact of gestational-age, pathological conditions and folic acid supplementation on dynamic nature of DNA and histone methylation present at their differentially methylated regions (DMRs). Here, we reported the association between low DNA methylation/H3K27me3 and higher expression of SNRPN, PEG10 and MEST in highly proliferating normal early gestational placenta. Molar and preeclamptic placental villi, exhibited aberrant changes in methylation levels at DMRs of these genes, leading to higher and lower expression of these genes, respectively, in reference to their respective control groups. Moreover, folate supplementation could induce gene specific changes in mRNA expression in placental cell lines. Further, MEST and SNRPN DMRs were observed to show the potential to act as novel fetal DNA markers in maternal plasma. Thus, variation in methylation levels at these DMRs regulate normal placentation and placental disorders. Additionally, the methylation at these DMRs might also be susceptible to folic acid supplementation and has the potential to be utilized in clinical diagnosis.
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21
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Jurkovic I, Gecek I, Skrtic A, Zmijanac Partl J, Nikuseva Martic T, Serman A, Galesic Ljubanovic D, Serman L. ELF5 transcription factor expression during gestation in humans and rats - an immunohistochemical analysis. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2016; 30:1261-1266. [PMID: 27384067 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2016.1210596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to measure immunohistochemically the expression of ELF5 protein in term human and rat placentas and in human placentas associated with gestational diabetes (GD) and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). METHODS The results were quantitated stereologically using the stereological variable of volume density. A semiquantitative analysis was performed independently by a certified pathologist. RESULTS Total expression of ELF5 protein was higher in pathological pregnancies than in corresponding control term placentas, with both methods of quantifications showing similar results. In addition, ELF5 expression was also higher in connective tissue and blood vessels in chorionic villi in IUGR placentas (but not in GD placentas) compared to healthy controls. ELF5 is higher in placenta as a whole and in most of its components in both pathologies. The two exceptions are chorionic plates in IUGR and decidua in GD, where its expression is lower than in healthy controls. CONCLUSIONS We have shown that IUGR and GD are associated with significantly increased levels of ELF5 protein in placentas, which suggests that ELF5 may play an important role in normal placentation. However, these are term placentas and to study ELF5 in premature births would give better insight into human placentation in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Jurkovic
- a Department of Biology , School of Medicine, University of Zagreb , Zagreb , Croatia
| | - Iva Gecek
- b Department of Pathology , University Hospital Dubrava , Zagreb , Croatia
| | - Anita Skrtic
- c Department of Pathology , School of Medicine, University of Zagreb , Zagreb , Croatia
| | - Jasenka Zmijanac Partl
- d Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics , University Hospital Merkur , Zagreb , Croatia , and
| | | | - Alan Serman
- e Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics , School of Medicine, University of Zagreb , Zagreb , Croatia
| | | | - Ljiljana Serman
- a Department of Biology , School of Medicine, University of Zagreb , Zagreb , Croatia
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Epigenetic regulation of STAT5A and its role as fetal DNA epigenetic marker during placental development and dysfunction. Placenta 2016; 44:46-53. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2016.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2016] [Revised: 05/19/2016] [Accepted: 06/07/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Rahat B, Thakur S, Hamid A, Bagga R, Kaur J. Association of aberrant methylation at promoter regions of tumor suppressor genes with placental pathologies. Epigenomics 2016; 8:767-87. [DOI: 10.2217/epi.16.7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: The resemblance between invasive behavior of cancer cells and placental trophoblasts and the role of aberrant epigenetic regulation in cancer development is well known. Methods: We analyzed the role of promoter region CpG-methylation and H3K9/27me3 of tumor suppressor genes in normal and pathological pregnancies and utilized their CpG-methylation data to search for fetal DNA epigenetic marker in maternal blood. Results: CpG and H3K9/27-methylation associated decreased expression of RASSF1A and APC and increased expression of P16, RB1 and PRKCDBP was observed with advancing normal gestation. Gestational trophoblastic diseases and preeclampsia revealed gene-specific epigenetic deregulation of candidate tumor suppressor genes. Furthermore, APC and PRKCDBP showed the potential to act as fetal DNA epigenetic markers, similar to RASSF1A. Conclusion: Deregulation of methylation of tumor suppressor genes contributes to the development of preeclampsia and gestational trophoblastic diseases. APC and PRKCDBP may act as fetal DNA epigenetic markers for prenatal diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beenish Rahat
- Department of Biochemistry, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Shilpa Thakur
- Department of Biochemistry, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Abid Hamid
- Cancer Pharmacology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu 180001, India
| | - Rashmi Bagga
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Jyotdeep Kaur
- Department of Biochemistry, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh 160012, India
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ITPKA Gene Body Methylation Regulates Gene Expression and Serves as an Early Diagnostic Marker in Lung and Other Cancers. J Thorac Oncol 2016; 11:1469-81. [PMID: 27234602 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtho.2016.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2016] [Revised: 05/03/2016] [Accepted: 05/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite recent advances in cancer therapy, the overall 5-year survival rate of patients with lung cancer remains low. The aim of our study was to search for novel markers for early diagnosis in patients with lung cancer. METHODS Complementary DNA microarray analysis was performed in primary lung adenocarcinomas and cell lines to search for differentially expressed genes, followed by in vivo and in vitro tumorigenic assays to characterize the oncogenic potential of the candidate genes. Gene body methylation was analyzed by 450K methylation array, bisulfite sequencing, and quantitative methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction assays. In silico analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas data set was also performed. RESULTS Inositol-trisphosphate 3-kinase A gene (ITPKA), a kinase with limited tissue distribution, was identified as a potential oncogene. We showed that ITPKA expression is up-regulated in many forms of cancers, including lung and breast cancers, and that overexpressed ITPKA contributes to tumorigenesis. We also demonstrated that ITPKA expression is regulated by epigenetic DNA methylation of ITPKA gene body through modulation of the binding of SP1 transcription factor to the ITPKA promoter. ITPKA gene body displayed low or absent levels of methylation in most normal tissue but was significantly methylated in malignant tumors. In lung cancer, ITPKA gene body methylation first appeared at the in situ carcinoma stage and progressively increased after invasion. CONCLUSIONS ITPKA is a potential oncogene that it is overexpressed in most tumors, and its overexpression promotes tumorigenesis. ITPKA gene body methylation regulates its expression and thus serves as a novel and potential biomarker for early cancer detection.
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Piechowski J. Trophoblastic-like transdifferentiation: A key to oncogenesis. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2016; 101:1-11. [DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2016.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2015] [Revised: 11/29/2015] [Accepted: 01/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
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Zhang YA, Ma X, Sathe A, Fujimoto J, Wistuba I, Lam S, Yatabe Y, Wang YW, Stastny V, Gao B, Larsen JE, Girard L, Liu X, Song K, Behrens C, Kalhor N, Xie Y, Zhang MQ, Minna JD, Gazdar AF. Validation of SCT Methylation as a Hallmark Biomarker for Lung Cancers. J Thorac Oncol 2015; 11:346-360. [PMID: 26725182 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtho.2015.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2015] [Revised: 11/02/2015] [Accepted: 11/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The human secretin gene (SCT) encodes secretin, a hormone with limited tissue distribution. Analysis of the 450k methylation array data in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) indicated that the SCT promoter region is differentially hypermethylated in lung cancer. Our purpose was to validate SCT methylation as a potential biomarker for lung cancer. METHODS We analyzed data from TCGA and developed and applied SCT-specific bisulfite DNA sequencing and quantitative methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction assays. RESULTS The analyses of TCGA 450K data for 801 samples showed that SCT hypermethylation has an area under the curve (AUC) value greater than 0.98 that can be used to distinguish lung adenocarcinomas or squamous cell carcinomas from nonmalignant lung tissue. Bisulfite sequencing of lung cancer cell lines and normal blood cells allowed us to confirm that SCT methylation is highly discriminative. By applying a quantitative methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction assay, we found that SCT hypermethylation is frequently detected in all major subtypes of malignant non-small cell lung cancer (AUC = 0.92, n = 108) and small cell lung cancer (AUC = 0.93, n = 40) but is less frequent in lung carcinoids (AUC = 0.54, n = 20). SCT hypermethylation appeared in samples of lung carcinoma in situ during multistage pathogenesis and increased in invasive samples. Further analyses of TCGA 450k data showed that SCT hypermethylation is highly discriminative in most other types of malignant tumors but less frequent in low-grade malignant tumors. The only normal tissue with a high level of methylation was the placenta. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrated that SCT methylation is a highly discriminative biomarker for lung and other malignant tumors, is less frequent in low-grade malignant tumors (including lung carcinoids), and appears at the carcinoma in situ stage.
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Piechowski J. [Trophoblastic implantation, a model of tumor and metastasis implantation]. Bull Cancer 2015; 102:806-13. [PMID: 26455927 DOI: 10.1016/j.bulcan.2015.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2015] [Revised: 06/04/2015] [Accepted: 06/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Early Developmental and Evolutionary Origins of Gene Body DNA Methylation Patterns in Mammalian Placentas. PLoS Genet 2015; 11:e1005442. [PMID: 26241857 PMCID: PMC4524645 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1005442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2015] [Accepted: 07/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the last 20-80 million years the mammalian placenta has taken on a variety of morphologies through both divergent and convergent evolution. Recently we have shown that the human placenta genome has a unique epigenetic pattern of large partially methylated domains (PMDs) and highly methylated domains (HMDs) with gene body DNA methylation positively correlating with level of gene expression. In order to determine the evolutionary conservation of DNA methylation patterns and transcriptional regulatory programs in the placenta, we performed a genome-wide methylome (MethylC-seq) analysis of human, rhesus macaque, squirrel monkey, mouse, dog, horse, and cow placentas as well as opossum extraembryonic membrane. We found that, similar to human placenta, mammalian placentas and opossum extraembryonic membrane have globally lower levels of methylation compared to somatic tissues. Higher relative gene body methylation was the conserved feature across all mammalian placentas, despite differences in PMD/HMDs and absolute methylation levels. Specifically, higher methylation over the bodies of genes involved in mitosis, vesicle-mediated transport, protein phosphorylation, and chromatin modification was observed compared with the rest of the genome. As in human placenta, higher methylation is associated with higher gene expression and is predictive of genic location across species. Analysis of DNA methylation in oocytes and preimplantation embryos shows a conserved pattern of gene body methylation similar to the placenta. Intriguingly, mouse and cow oocytes and mouse early embryos have PMD/HMDs but their placentas do not, suggesting that PMD/HMDs are a feature of early preimplantation methylation patterns that become lost during placental development in some species and following implantation of the embryo.
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Abstract
This review provides an overview of the unique features of DNA methylation in the human placenta. We discuss the importance of understanding placental development, structure, and function in the interpretation of DNA methylation data. Examples are given of how DNA methylation is important in regulating placental-specific gene expression, including monoallelic expression and X-chromosome inactivation in the placenta. We also discuss studies of global DNA methylation changes in the context of placental pathology and environmental exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy P Robinson
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3, Canada Child & Family Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 4H4, Canada
| | - E Magda Price
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3, Canada Child & Family Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 4H4, Canada
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Kasak L, Rull K, Vaas P, Teesalu P, Laan M. Extensive load of somatic CNVs in the human placenta. Sci Rep 2015; 5:8342. [PMID: 25666259 PMCID: PMC4914949 DOI: 10.1038/srep08342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2014] [Accepted: 01/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Placenta is a temporary, but indispensable organ in mammalian pregnancy. From its basic nature, it exhibits highly invasive tumour-like properties facilitating effective implantation through trophoblast cell proliferation and migration, and a critical role in pregnancy success. We hypothesized that similarly to cancer, somatic genomic rearrangements are promoted in the support of placental function. Here we present the first profiling of copy number variations (CNVs) in human placental genomes, showing an extensive load of somatic CNVs, especially duplications and suggesting that this phenomenon may be critical for normal gestation. Placental somatic CNVs were significantly enriched in genes involved in cell adhesion, immunity, embryonic development and cell cycle. Overrepresentation of imprinted genes in somatic duplications suggests that amplified gene copies may represent an alternative mechanism to support parent-of-origin specific gene expression. Placentas from pregnancy complications exhibited significantly altered CNV profile compared to normal gestations, indicative to the clinical implications of the study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Kasak
- Human Molecular Genetics Research Group, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Riia St. 23, Tartu 51010, Estonia
| | - Kristiina Rull
- 1] Human Molecular Genetics Research Group, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Riia St. 23, Tartu 51010, Estonia [2] Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Tartu, Puusepa St. 8, Tartu 51014, Estonia [3] Women's Clinic of Tartu University Hospital, Puusepa St. 8, Tartu 51014, Estonia
| | - Pille Vaas
- 1] Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Tartu, Puusepa St. 8, Tartu 51014, Estonia [2] Women's Clinic of Tartu University Hospital, Puusepa St. 8, Tartu 51014, Estonia
| | - Pille Teesalu
- 1] Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Tartu, Puusepa St. 8, Tartu 51014, Estonia [2] Women's Clinic of Tartu University Hospital, Puusepa St. 8, Tartu 51014, Estonia
| | - Maris Laan
- Human Molecular Genetics Research Group, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Riia St. 23, Tartu 51010, Estonia
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van Dijk M, Oudejans C. (Epi)genetic control of human trophoblast invasion. Front Genet 2014; 5:38. [PMID: 24596577 PMCID: PMC3925831 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2014.00038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2014] [Accepted: 01/31/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Marie van Dijk
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, VU University Medical Center Amsterdam, Netherlands ; Institute for Cardiovascular Research, VU University Medical Center Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Cees Oudejans
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, VU University Medical Center Amsterdam, Netherlands ; Institute for Cardiovascular Research, VU University Medical Center Amsterdam, Netherlands
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