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Mortillo M, Kennedy EG, Hermetz KM, Burt AA, Marsit CJ. Epigenetic landscape of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine and associations with gene expression in placenta. Epigenetics 2024; 19:2326869. [PMID: 38507502 PMCID: PMC10956631 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2024.2326869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
5-hydroxymethylcystosine (5hmC), is an intermediate product in the DNA demethylation pathway, but may act as a functional epigenetic modification. We have conducted the largest study of site-specific 5hmC in placenta to date using parallel bisulphite and oxidative bisulphite modification with array-based assessment. Incorporating parallel RNA-sequencing data allowed us to assess associations between 5hmC and gene expression, using expression quantitative trait hydroxymethylation (eQTHM) analysis. We identified ~ 47,000 loci with consistently elevated (systematic) 5hmC proportions. Systematic 5hmC was significantly depleted (p < 0.0001) at CpG islands (CGI), and enriched (p < 0.0001) in 'open sea' regions (CpG >4 kb from CGI). 5hmC was most and least abundant at CpGs in enhancers and active transcription start sites (TSS), respectively (p < 0.05). We identified 499 significant (empirical-p <0.05) eQTHMs within 1 MB of the assayed gene. At most (75.4%) eQTHMs, the proportion of 5hmC was positively correlated with transcript abundance. eQTHMs were significantly enriched among enhancer CpGs and depleted among CpGs in active TSS (p < 0.05 for both). Finally, we identified 107 differentially hydroxymethylated regions (DHMRs, p < 0.05) across 100 genes. Our study provides insight into placental distribution of 5hmC, and sheds light on the functional capacity of this epigenetic modification in placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Mortillo
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Elizabeth G. Kennedy
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Karen M. Hermetz
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Amber A. Burt
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Carmen J. Marsit
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Liu HY, Qin S, Zhang Z, Qi J, Zhang W, Liu SM, Zhang Y. Associations of MTHFR Polymorphisms and Cytosine Modifications with Early-Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in Chinese Pregnant Women. Reprod Sci 2023; 30:2973-2982. [PMID: 37154866 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-023-01247-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Early-Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (Early-GDM) is a complex condition that may cause complications in infants of affected mothers. The aim of this case-control study was to analyze the effects of genetic-epigenetic interaction on Early-GDM and fetal development with respect to cytosine modifications (i.e., 5mC, 5-methylcytosines; and 5hmC, 5-hydroxymethylcytosines) and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of MTHFR, a key gene involving cytosine modifications. Peripheral blood samples were collected from 92 women in their first or second trimester of pregnancy (Early-GDM, n = 14; Controls, n = 78). Global DNA 5mC and 5hmC were quantified by HPLC-MS/MS, and MTHFR SNPs (rs1801133 C > T and rs1801131 A > C) were determined by TaqMan-qPCR. Association analysis suggested that MTHFR rs1801133 TT genotype was a risk factor of Early-GDM (OR [odds ratio] = 4.00; 95% CI [confidence interval]: 1.24, 12.86; p = 0.02). The C allele of rs1801131 appeared to be a protective factor for the 2-h OGTT (oral glucose tolerance test) (OR = -0.79; 95% CI: -1.48, -0.10; p = 0.03). Patients with Early-GDM had higher global 5mC and lower global 5hmC. The reduction of global 5hmC and the TT genotype of rs1801133 were associated with higher level of the 1st-FBG (fasting blood glucose in the first trimester) (p < 0.05). Additionally, global 5mC showed a positive correlation with birth weight, body length and head circumference of newborns, while global 5hmC showed a negative correlation with birth weight. The current study implicated MTHFR SNPs and cytosine modifications in the development of Early-GDM and potential complications in their newborns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan-Yu Liu
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, Hubei Province, China
- Hubei Clinical Research Center for Prenatal Diagnosis and Birth Health, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Shanshan Qin
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, Hubei, China
| | - Zhou Zhang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Jiahui Qi
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
| | - Song-Mei Liu
- Hubei Clinical Research Center for Prenatal Diagnosis and Birth Health, Wuhan, 430071, China.
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Center for Gene Diagnosis, and Program of Clinical Laboratory, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, Hubei Province, China.
| | - Yuanzhen Zhang
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, Hubei Province, China.
- Hubei Clinical Research Center for Prenatal Diagnosis and Birth Health, Wuhan, 430071, China.
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Vasconcelos S, Caniçais C, Chuva de Sousa Lopes SM, Marques CJ, Dória S. The role of DNA hydroxymethylation and TET enzymes in placental development and pregnancy outcome. Clin Epigenetics 2023; 15:66. [PMID: 37095555 PMCID: PMC10127343 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-023-01483-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The placenta is a temporary organ that is essential for supporting mammalian embryo and fetal development. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying trophoblast differentiation and placental function may contribute to improving the diagnosis and treatment of obstetric complications. Epigenetics plays a significant role in the regulation of gene expression, particularly at imprinted genes, which are fundamental in the control of placental development. The Ten-Eleven-Translocation enzymes are part of the epigenetic machinery, converting 5-methylcytosine (5mC) into 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC). DNA hydroxymethylation is thought to act as an intermediate in the DNA demethylation mechanism and potentially be a stable and functionally relevant epigenetic mark on its own. The role of DNA hydroxymethylation during differentiation and development of the placenta is not fully understood but increasing knowledge in this field will help to evaluate its potential role in pregnancy complications. This review focuses on DNA hydroxymethylation and its epigenetic regulators in human and mouse placental development and function. Additionally, we address 5hmC in the context of genomic imprinting mechanism and in pregnancy complications, such as intrauterine growth restriction, preeclampsia and pregnancy loss. The cumulative findings show that DNA hydroxymethylation might be important for the control of gene expression in the placenta and suggest a dynamic role in the differentiation of trophoblast cell types during gestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Vasconcelos
- Genetics Unit, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto (FMUP), Porto, Portugal
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Porto, Portugal
| | - Carla Caniçais
- Genetics Unit, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto (FMUP), Porto, Portugal
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Porto, Portugal
- ICBAS-School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | | | - C Joana Marques
- Genetics Unit, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto (FMUP), Porto, Portugal.
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Sofia Dória
- Genetics Unit, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto (FMUP), Porto, Portugal.
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Porto, Portugal.
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Stoccoro A, Nicolì V, Coppedè F, Grossi E, Fedrizzi G, Menotta S, Lorenzoni F, Caretto M, Carmignani A, Pistolesi S, Burgio E, Fanos V, Migliore L. Prenatal Environmental Stressors and DNA Methylation Levels in Placenta and Peripheral Tissues of Mothers and Neonates Evaluated by Applying Artificial Neural Networks. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14040836. [PMID: 37107594 PMCID: PMC10138241 DOI: 10.3390/genes14040836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Exposure to environmental stressors during pregnancy plays an important role in influencing subsequent susceptibility to certain chronic diseases through the modulation of epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation. Our aim was to explore the connections between environmental exposures during gestation with DNA methylation of placental cells, maternal and neonatal buccal cells by applying artificial neural networks (ANNs). A total of 28 mother-infant pairs were enrolled. Data on gestational exposure to adverse environmental factors and on mother health status were collected through the administration of a questionnaire. DNA methylation analyses at both gene-specific and global level were analyzed in placentas, maternal and neonatal buccal cells. In the placenta, the concentrations of various metals and dioxins were also analyzed. Analysis of ANNs revealed that suboptimal birth weight is associated with placental H19 methylation, maternal stress during pregnancy with methylation levels of NR3C1 and BDNF in placentas and mother's buccal DNA, respectively, and exposure to air pollutants with maternal MGMT methylation. Associations were also observed between placental concentrations of lead, chromium, cadmium and mercury with methylation levels of OXTR in placentas, HSD11B2 in maternal buccal cells and placentas, MECP2 in neonatal buccal cells, and MTHFR in maternal buccal cells. Furthermore, dioxin concentrations were associated with placental RELN, neonatal HSD11B2 and maternal H19 gene methylation levels. Current results suggest that exposure of pregnant women to environmental stressors during pregnancy could induce aberrant methylation levels in genes linked to several pathways important for embryogenesis in both the placenta, potentially affecting foetal development, and in the peripheral tissues of mothers and infants, potentially providing peripheral biomarkers of environmental exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Stoccoro
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Vanessa Nicolì
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Fabio Coppedè
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Enzo Grossi
- Autism Research Unit, Villa Santa Maria Foundation, 22038 Tavernerio, Italy
| | - Giorgio Fedrizzi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna, Chemical Department, Via P. Fiorini 5, 40127 Bologna, Italy
| | - Simonetta Menotta
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna, Chemical Department, Via P. Fiorini 5, 40127 Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesca Lorenzoni
- Division of Neonatology and NICU, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Marta Caretto
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit 1, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Arianna Carmignani
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit 2, Pisa University Hospital, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Sabina Pistolesi
- First Division of Pathology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Pisa University Hospital, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Ernesto Burgio
- European Cancer and Environment Research Institute (ECERI), 1000 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Vassilios Fanos
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Cagliari and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, AOU Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Lucia Migliore
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Pisa University Hospital, 56126 Pisa, Italy
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Caniçais C, Vasconcelos S, Ramalho C, Marques CJ, Dória S. Deregulation of imprinted genes expression and epigenetic regulators in placental tissue from intrauterine growth restriction. J Assist Reprod Genet 2021; 38:791-801. [PMID: 33389447 PMCID: PMC8079450 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-020-02047-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a fetal growth complication that can be caused by ineffective nutrient transfer from the mother to the fetus via the placenta. Abnormal placental development and function have been correlated with abnormal expression of imprinted genes, which are regulated by epigenetic modifications at imprinting control regions (ICRs). In this study, we analyzed the expression of imprinted genes known to be involved in fetal growth and epigenetic regulators involved in DNA methylation, as well as DNA methylation at the KvDMR1 imprinting control region and global levels of DNA hydroxymethylation, in IUGR cases. METHODS Expression levels of imprinted genes and epigenetic regulators were analyzed in term placental samples from 21 IUGR cases and 9 non-IUGR (control) samples, by RT-qPCR. Additionally, KvDMR1 methylation was analyzed by bisulfite sequencing and combined bisulfite restriction analysis (COBRA) techniques. Moreover, global DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation levels were also measured. RESULTS We observed increased expression of PHLDA2, CDKN1C, and PEG10 imprinted genes and of DNMT1, DNMT3A, DNMT3B, and TET3 epigenetic regulators in IUGR placentas. No differences in methylation levels at the KvDMR1 were observed between the IUGR and control groups; similarly, no differences in global DNA methylation and hydromethylation were detected. CONCLUSION Our study shows that deregulation of epigenetic mechanisms, namely increased expression of imprinted genes and epigenetic regulators, might be associated with IUGR etiology. Therefore, this study adds knowledge to the molecular mechanisms underlying IUGR, which may contribute to novel prediction tools and future therapeutic options for the management of IUGR pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Caniçais
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319, Porto, Portugal
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Porto, Portugal
| | - Sara Vasconcelos
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319, Porto, Portugal
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Porto, Portugal
| | - Carla Ramalho
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Hospital São João, Porto, Portugal
| | - C Joana Marques
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319, Porto, Portugal.
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Sofia Dória
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319, Porto, Portugal.
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Porto, Portugal.
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Asenso J, Wang L, Du Y, Liu QH, Xu BJ, Guo MZ, Tang DQ. Advances in detection and quantification of methylcytosine and its derivatives. J Sep Sci 2018; 42:1105-1116. [PMID: 30575277 DOI: 10.1002/jssc.201801100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2018] [Revised: 11/21/2018] [Accepted: 12/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Methylation of the fifth carbon atom in cytosine is an epigenetic modification of deoxyribonucleic acid that plays important roles in numerous cellular processes and disease pathogenesis. Three additional states of cytosine, that is, 5-hydroxymethylcytosine, 5-formylcytosine and 5-carboxylcytosine, have been identified and associated with the diagnosis and/or prognosis of diseases. However, accurate measurement of those intermediates is a challenge since their global levels are relatively low. A number of innovative methods have been developed to detect and quantify these compounds in biological samples, such as blood, tissue and urine, etc. This review focuses on recent advancement in detection and quantification of four cytosine modifications, based on which, the development, diagnosis, and prognosis of diseases could be monitored through non-invasive procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Asenso
- Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy of Jiangsu Province, School of Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, P. R. China
| | - Liang Wang
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Medical Informatics, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, P. R. China
| | - Yan Du
- Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy of Jiangsu Province, School of Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, P. R. China.,Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, P. R. China
| | - Qing-Hua Liu
- Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy of Jiangsu Province, School of Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, P. R. China
| | - Bing-Ju Xu
- Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy of Jiangsu Province, School of Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, P. R. China
| | - Meng-Zhe Guo
- Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy of Jiangsu Province, School of Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, P. R. China.,Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, P. R. China
| | - Dao-Quan Tang
- Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy of Jiangsu Province, School of Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, P. R. China.,Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, P. R. China
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Abstract
There have been a number of recent insights in the area of genomic imprinting, the phenomenon whereby one of two autosomal alleles is selected for expression based on the parent of origin. This is due in part to a proliferation of new techniques for interrogating the genome that are leading researchers working on organisms other than mouse and human, where imprinting has been most studied, to become interested in looking for potential imprinting effects. Here, we recap what is known about the importance of imprints for growth and body size, as well as the main types of locus control. Interestingly, work from a number of labs has now shown that maintenance of the imprint post implantation appears to be a more crucial step than previously appreciated. We ask whether imprints can be reprogrammed somatically, how many loci there are and how conserved imprinted regions are in other species. Finally, we survey some of the methods available for examining DNA methylation genome-wide and look to the future of this burgeoning field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah-Jayne Mackin
- Genomic Medicine Research GroupSchool of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Avinash Thakur
- Genomic Medicine Research GroupSchool of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Colum P Walsh
- Genomic Medicine Research GroupSchool of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Northern Ireland, UK
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Tang L, He G, Liu X, Xu W. Progress in the understanding of the etiology and predictability of fetal growth restriction. Reproduction 2018; 153:R227-R240. [PMID: 28476912 DOI: 10.1530/rep-16-0287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2016] [Revised: 02/21/2017] [Accepted: 03/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is defined as the failure of fetus to reach its growth potential for various reasons, leading to multiple perinatal complications and adult diseases of fetal origins. Shallow extravillous trophoblast (EVT) invasion-induced placental insufficiency and placental dysfunction are considered the main reasons for idiopathic FGR. In this review, first we discuss the major characteristics of anti-angiogenic state and the pro-inflammatory bias in FGR. We then elaborate major abnormalities in placental insufficiency at molecular levels, including the interaction between decidual leukocytes and EVT, alteration of miRNA expression and imprinted gene expression pattern in FGR. Finally, we review current animal models used in FGR, an experimental intervention based on animal models and the progress of predictive biomarker studies in FGR.Free Chinese abstract: A Chinese translation of this abstract is freely available at http://www.reproduction-online.org/content/153/6/R215/suppl/DC1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Tang
- Joint Laboratory of Reproductive MedicineSCU-CUHK, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education.,Department of Obstetric and Gynecologic DiseasesWest China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Guolin He
- Department of Obstetric and Gynecologic DiseasesWest China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinghui Liu
- Department of Obstetric and Gynecologic DiseasesWest China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenming Xu
- Joint Laboratory of Reproductive MedicineSCU-CUHK, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education .,Department of Obstetric and Gynecologic DiseasesWest China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
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Cowley M, Skaar DA, Jima DD, Maguire RL, Hudson KM, Park SS, Sorrow P, Hoyo C. Effects of Cadmium Exposure on DNA Methylation at Imprinting Control Regions and Genome-Wide in Mothers and Newborn Children. Environ Health Perspect 2018; 126:037003. [PMID: 29529597 PMCID: PMC6071808 DOI: 10.1289/ehp2085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2017] [Revised: 01/30/2018] [Accepted: 01/30/2018] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Imprinted genes are defined by their preferential expression from one of the two parental alleles. This unique mode of gene expression is dependent on allele-specific DNA methylation profiles established at regulatory sequences called imprinting control regions (ICRs). These loci have been used as biosensors to study how environmental exposures affect methylation and transcription. However, a critical unanswered question is whether they are more, less, or equally sensitive to environmental stressors as the rest of the genome. OBJECTIVES Using cadmium exposure in humans as a model, we aimed to determine the relative sensitivity of ICRs to perturbation of methylation compared to similar, nonimprinted loci in the genome. METHODS We assayed DNA methylation genome-wide using bisulfite sequencing of 19 newborn cord blood and 20 maternal blood samples selected on the basis of maternal blood cadmium levels. Differentially methylated regions (DMRs) associated with cadmium exposure were identified. RESULTS In newborn cord blood and maternal blood, 641 and 1,945 cadmium-associated DMRs were identified, respectively. DMRs were more common at the 15 maternally methylated ICRs than at similar nonimprinted loci in newborn cord blood (p=5.64×10-8) and maternal blood (p=6.22×10-14), suggesting a higher sensitivity for ICRs to cadmium. Genome-wide, Enrichr analysis indicated that the top three functional categories for genes that overlapped DMRs in maternal blood were body mass index (BMI) (p=2.0×10-5), blood pressure (p=3.8×10-5), and body weight (p=0.0014). In newborn cord blood, the top three functional categories were BMI, atrial fibrillation, and hypertension, although associations were not significant after correction for multiple testing (p=0.098). These findings suggest that epigenetic changes may contribute to the etiology of cadmium-associated diseases. CONCLUSIONS We analyzed cord blood and maternal blood DNA methylation profiles genome-wide at nucleotide resolution in individuals selected for high and low blood cadmium levels in the first trimester. Our findings suggest that ICRs may be hot spots for perturbation by cadmium, motivating further study of these loci to investigate potential mechanisms of cadmium action. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP2085.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Cowley
- Center for Human Health and the Environment and Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University , Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
- W.M. Keck Center for Behavioral Biology , North Carolina State University , Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - David A Skaar
- Center for Human Health and the Environment and Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University , Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Dereje D Jima
- Center for Human Health and the Environment and Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University , Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
- Bioinformatics Research Center, North Carolina State University , Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Rachel L Maguire
- Center for Human Health and the Environment and Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University , Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Kathleen M Hudson
- Center for Human Health and the Environment and Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University , Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Sarah S Park
- Center for Human Health and the Environment and Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University , Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Patricia Sorrow
- Center for Human Health and the Environment and Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University , Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Cathrine Hoyo
- Center for Human Health and the Environment and Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University , Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
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Hernandez Mora JR, Sanchez-Delgado M, Petazzi P, Moran S, Esteller M, Iglesias-Platas I, Monk D. Profiling of oxBS-450K 5-hydroxymethylcytosine in human placenta and brain reveals enrichment at imprinted loci. Epigenetics 2018; 13:182-191. [PMID: 28678681 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2017.1344803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation (5-methylcytosine, 5 mC) is involved in many cellular processes and is an epigenetic mechanism primarily associated with transcriptional repression. The recent discovery that 5 mC can be oxidized to 5-hydromethylcytosine (5hmC) by TET proteins has revealed the "sixth base" of DNA and provides additional complexity to what was originally thought to be a stable repressive mark. However, our knowledge of the genome-wide distribution of 5hmC in different tissues is currently limited. Here, we sought to define loci enriched for 5hmC in the placenta genome by combining oxidative bisulphite (oxBS) treatment with high-density Illumina Infinium HumanMethylation450 methylation arrays and to compare our results with those obtained in brain. Despite identifying over 17,000 high-confidence CpG sites with consistent 5hmC enrichment, the distribution of this modification in placenta is relatively sparse when compared to cerebellum and frontal cortex. Supported by validation using allelic T4 β-glucosyltransferase assays we identify 5hmC at numerous imprinted loci, often overlapping regions associated with parent-of-origin allelic 5 mC in both placenta and brain samples. Furthermore, we observe tissue-specific monoallelic enrichment of 5hmC overlapping large clusters of imprinted snoRNAs-miRNAs processed from long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) within the DLK1-DIO3 cluster on chromosome 14 and SNRPN-UBE3A domain on chromosome 15. Enrichment is observed solely on the transcribed alleles suggesting 5hmC is positively associated with transcription at these loci. Our study provides an extensive description of the 5hmC/5 mC landscape in placenta with our data available at www.humanimprints.net , which represents the most comprehensive resource for exploring the epigenetic profiles associated with human imprinted genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose Ramon Hernandez Mora
- a Imprinting and Cancer group, Cancer Epigenetics and Biology Program (PEBC) , Institut d'Investigació Biomedica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL) , Avinguda Granvia, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat , Barcelona , Spain
| | - Marta Sanchez-Delgado
- a Imprinting and Cancer group, Cancer Epigenetics and Biology Program (PEBC) , Institut d'Investigació Biomedica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL) , Avinguda Granvia, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat , Barcelona , Spain
| | - Paolo Petazzi
- a Imprinting and Cancer group, Cancer Epigenetics and Biology Program (PEBC) , Institut d'Investigació Biomedica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL) , Avinguda Granvia, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat , Barcelona , Spain
| | - Sebastian Moran
- b Cancer Epigenetics group, Cancer Epigenetics and Biology Program (PEBC) , Institut d'Investigació Biomedica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL) , Avinguda Granvia, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat , Barcelona , Spain
| | - Manel Esteller
- b Cancer Epigenetics group, Cancer Epigenetics and Biology Program (PEBC) , Institut d'Investigació Biomedica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL) , Avinguda Granvia, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat , Barcelona , Spain.,c Department of Physiological Sciences II, School of Medicine , University of Barcelona , Barcelona , Catalonia , Spain.,d Institucio Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA) , Barcelona , Catalonia , Spain
| | - Isabel Iglesias-Platas
- e Servicio de Neonatología , Sant Joan de Déu, Centro de Medicina Maternofetal y Neonatal Barcelona (BCN-Natal) , Hospital Sant Joan de Déu y Hospital Clínic , Universitat de Barcelona , Barcelona , Spain
| | - David Monk
- a Imprinting and Cancer group, Cancer Epigenetics and Biology Program (PEBC) , Institut d'Investigació Biomedica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL) , Avinguda Granvia, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat , Barcelona , Spain
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Cartier J, Piyasena C, Sparrow SA, Boardman JP, Drake AJ. Alterations in glucose concentrations affect DNA methylation at Lrg1 in an ex vivo rat cortical slice model of preterm brain injury. Eur J Neurosci 2018; 47:380-387. [PMID: 29356143 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.13825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2017] [Revised: 01/15/2018] [Accepted: 01/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Preterm birth affects 5-18% of all babies and is associated with neurodevelopmental impairment and increased neuropsychiatric disease risk. Although preterm birth associates with differential DNA methylation at neurodevelopmental genes in buccal DNA, including leucine-rich alpha-2-glycoprotein 1 (LRG1), it is not known whether these differences also occur in the brain, or whether they persist. Thus, there is a need for animal models or in vitro systems in which to undertake longitudinal and mechanistic studies. We used a combination of in vivo rat studies and ex vivo experiments in rat cortical slices to explore their utility in modelling the human preterm brain. We identified temporal changes in DNA methylation at LRG1 in human buccal DNA over the first year of life and found persistent differences in LRG1 methylation between preterm and term infants at 1 year. These developmental changes also occurred in rat brains in vivo, alongside changes in global DNA hydroxymethylation and expression of the ten-eleven translocation (Tet1) enzyme, and were reproducible in ex vivo rat cortical slices. On the basis of the observation that neonatal glucose homeostasis can modify neurodevelopmental outcome, we studied whether glucose concentration affects Lrg1 methylation using cortical slices. Culture of slices in lower glucose concentration was associated with lower Lrg1 methylation, lower global 5hmC and Tet1 expression. Our results suggest that ex vivo organotypic cultures may be useful in the study of biological and environmental influences on the epigenome and that perturbations during early life including glucose concentration can affect methylation at specific genes implicated in neurodevelopment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessy Cartier
- The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University/British Heart Foundation Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Chinthika Piyasena
- The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University/British Heart Foundation Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Sarah A Sparrow
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - James P Boardman
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Amanda J Drake
- The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University/British Heart Foundation Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
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Miyaso H, Sakurai K, Takase S, Eguchi A, Watanabe M, Fukuoka H, Mori C. The methylation levels of the H19 differentially methylated region in human umbilical cords reflect newborn parameters and changes by maternal environmental factors during early pregnancy. Environ Res 2017; 157:1-8. [PMID: 28500962 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2017.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2016] [Revised: 03/28/2017] [Accepted: 05/05/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
H19 is a tumor-suppressor gene, and changes in the methylation of the H19-differential methylation region (H19-DMR) are related to human health. However, little is known about the factors that regulate the methylation levels of H19-DMR. Several recent studies have shown that maternal environmental factors during pregnancy, such as smoking, drinking, chemical exposure, and nutrient intake, can alter the methylation levels of several genes in fetal tissues. In this study, we examined the effects of maternal factors on changes in the methylation levels of H19-DMR in the human umbilical cord (UC), an extra-embryonic tissue. Participants from the Chiba study of Mother and Children's Health (C-MACH) were enrolled in this study. Genomic DNA was extracted from UC samples, and the methylation level of H19-DMR was evaluated by methylation-sensitive high resolution melting analysis. Individual maternal and paternal factors and clinical information for newborns at birth were examined using questionnaires prepared in the C-MACH study, a brief-type self-administered diet history questionnaire (BDHQ) during early pregnancy (gestational age of 12 weeks), and medical records. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses indicated that reduced H19-DMR methylation (<50% methylation) in UC tissues was positively related to decreased head circumference in newborns [odds ratio (OR) =2.82; 95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.21-6.87; p=0.0183 and OR =2.51; 95% CI: 1.02-6.46; p=0.0499, respectively]. Moreover, multiple comparison test showed that H19-DMR methylation in UC tissues was significantly reduced in the low calorie group (intake of less than 1,000kcal/day; methylation level: 40.98%; 95% CI: 33.86-48.11) compared with that in the middle (1,000-1,999kcal/day; methylation level: 51.28%; 95% CI: 48.28-54.27) and high (≥2,000kcal/day; methylation level: 52.16%; 95% CI: 44.81-59.51) calorie groups (p=0.0054 and 0.047, respectively). In the subpopulations with low to moderate calorie intake (<2,000kcal/day), reduced H19-DMR methylation in UC tissues was significantly related to serum homocysteine concentration (OR =0.520; 95% CI: 0.285-0.875; p=0.019), maternal age (OR =1.22; 95% CI: 1.01-1.52; p=0.049), and serum folate levels (OR =0.917; 95% CI: 0.838-0.990; p=0.040). These data indicated that H19-DMR methylation levels in human UC tissues could be modulated by maternal factors during early pregnancy and may affect fetal and newborn growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hidenobu Miyaso
- Center for Preventive Medical Sciences, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan; Department of Bioenvironmental Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan; Department of Anatomy, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kenichi Sakurai
- Center for Preventive Medical Sciences, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Shunya Takase
- Department of Bioenvironmental Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Akifumi Eguchi
- Center for Preventive Medical Sciences, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Masahiro Watanabe
- Center for Preventive Medical Sciences, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Hideoki Fukuoka
- Comprehensive Research Organization, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Chisato Mori
- Center for Preventive Medical Sciences, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan; Department of Bioenvironmental Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan; Department of Anatomy, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan.
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McAninch D, Roberts CT, Bianco-Miotto T. Mechanistic Insight into Long Noncoding RNAs and the Placenta. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:E1371. [PMID: 28653993 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18071371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2017] [Revised: 06/19/2017] [Accepted: 06/21/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are classified as RNAs greater than 200 nucleotides in length that do not produce a protein product. lncRNAs are expressed with cellular and temporal specificity and have been shown to play a role in many cellular events, including the regulation of gene expression, post-transcriptional modifications and epigenetic modifications. Since lncRNAs were first discovered, there has been increasing evidence that they play important roles in the development and function of most organs, including the placenta. The placenta is an essential transient organ that facilitates communication and nutrient exchange between the mother and foetus. The placenta is of foetal origin and begins to form shortly after the embryo implants into the uterine wall. The placenta relies heavily on the successful differentiation and function of trophoblast cells, including invasion as well as the formation of the maternal/foetal interface. Here, we review the current literature surrounding the involvement of lncRNAs in the development and function of trophoblasts and the human placenta.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This article describes the role of placental examination in the prognostic evaluation of fetal growth restriction (FGR) infants. RECENT FINDINGS A new comprehensive placental classification system was reported. Maternal underperfusion, fetal thrombotic vasculopathy (FTV), villitis (including villitis of unknown etiology and infectious villitis), inflammation, and immature/dysmature villi are important factors affecting FGR prognosis, whereas genomic imprinting is a key factor affecting growth and diseases, as well as placental abnormality. SUMMARY We discuss the role of placental examination in determining FGR prognosis. Maternal underperfusion, fetal thrombotic vasculopathy, and villitis (including villitis of unknown etiology and infectious villitis) are the most important findings affecting FGR prognosis. Although limited, data have suggested an association of inflammation and immature/dysmature villi with postnatal growth in FGR infants. Placental size also contributes postnatally through fetal programming. In addition, placental imprinting can be a key of pre and postnatal growth and diseases, including imprinting disorders, as well as placental abnormalities such as placental mesenchymal dysplasia.
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Green BB, Houseman EA, Johnson KC, Guerin DJ, Armstrong DA, Christensen BC, Marsit CJ. Hydroxymethylation is uniquely distributed within term placenta, and is associated with gene expression. FASEB J 2016; 30:2874-84. [PMID: 27118675 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201600310r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2016] [Accepted: 04/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The conversion of cytosine to 5-methylcystosine (5mC) is an important regulator of gene expression. 5mC may be enzymatically converted to 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC), with a potentially distinct regulatory function. We sought to investigate these cytosine modifications and their effect on gene expression by parallel processing of genomic DNA using bisulfite and oxidative bisulfite conversion in conjunction with RNA sequencing. Although values of 5hmC across the placental genome were generally low, we identified ∼21,000 loci with consistently elevated levels of 5-hydroxymethycytosine. Absence of 5hmC was observed in CpG islands and, to a greater extent, in non-CpG island-associated regions. 5hmC was enriched within poised enhancers, and depleted within active enhancers, as defined by H3K27ac and H3K4me1 measurements. 5hmC and 5mC were significantly elevated in transcriptionally silent genes when compared with actively transcribed genes. 5hmC was positively associated with transcription in actively transcribed genes only. Our data suggest that dynamic cytosine regulation, associated with transcription, provides the most complete epigenomic landscape of the human placenta, and will be useful for future studies of the placental epigenome.-Green, B. B., Houseman, E. A., Johnson, K. C., Guerin, D. J., Armstrong, D. A., Christensen, B. C., Marsit, C. J. Hydroxymethylation is uniquely distributed within term placenta, and is associated with gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin B Green
- Department of Epidemiology and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA; and
| | - E Andres Houseman
- School of Biological and Population Health Sciences, College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
| | - Kevin C Johnson
- Department of Epidemiology and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA; and
| | - Dylan J Guerin
- Department of Epidemiology and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA; and
| | - David A Armstrong
- Department of Epidemiology and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA; and
| | - Brock C Christensen
- Department of Epidemiology and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA; and
| | - Carmen J Marsit
- Department of Epidemiology and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA; and
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López-Abad M, Iglesias-Platas I, Monk D. Epigenetic Characterization of CDKN1C in Placenta Samples from Non-syndromic Intrauterine Growth Restriction. Front Genet 2016; 7:62. [PMID: 27200075 PMCID: PMC4844605 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2016.00062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2016] [Accepted: 04/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK)-inhibitor 1C (CDKN1C) gene is expressed from the maternal allele and is located within the centromeric imprinted domain at chromosome 11p15. It is a negative regulator of proliferation, with loss-of-function mutations associated with the overgrowth disorder Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome. Recently, gain-of-function mutations within the PCNA domain have been described in two disorders characterized by growth failure, namely IMAGe (intra-uterine growth restriction, metaphyseal dysplasia, adrenal hypoplasia congenita and genital abnormalities) syndrome and Silver–Russell syndrome (SRS). Over-expression of CDKN1C by maternally inherited microduplications also results in SRS, suggesting that in addition to activating mutations this gene may regulate growth by changes in dosage. To determine if CDKN1C is involved in non-syndromic IUGR we compared the expression and DNA methylation levels in a large cohort of placental biopsies from IUGR and uneventful pregnancies. We observe higher levels of expression of CDKN1C in IUGR placentas compared to those of controls. All placenta biopsies heterozygous for the PAPA repeat sequence in exon 2 showed appropriate monoallelic expression and no mutations in the PCNA domain were observed. The expression profile was independent of both genetic or methylation variation in the minimal CDKN1C promoter interval and of methylation of the cis-acting maternally methylated region associated with the neighboring KCNQ1OT1 non-coding RNA. Chromatin immunoprecipitation revealed binding sites for CTCF within the unmethylated CDKN1C gene body CpG island and putative enhancer regions, associated with the canonical enhancer histone signature, H3K4me1 and H3K27ac, located ∼58 and 360 kb away. Using 3C-PCR we identify constitutive higher-order chromatin loops that occur between one of these putative enhancer regions and CDKN1C in human placenta tissues, which we propose facilitates expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam López-Abad
- Servicio de Neonatología, Sant Joan de Déu, Centro de Medicina Maternofetal y Neonatal Barcelona, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu y Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona Barcelona, Spain
| | - Isabel Iglesias-Platas
- Servicio de Neonatología, Sant Joan de Déu, Centro de Medicina Maternofetal y Neonatal Barcelona, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu y Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona Barcelona, Spain
| | - David Monk
- Imprinting and Cancer group, Cancer Epigenetic and Biology Program, Institut d'Investigació Biomedica de Bellvitge Barcelona, Spain
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Nawathe AR, Christian M, Kim SH, Johnson M, Savvidou MD, Terzidou V. Insulin-like growth factor axis in pregnancies affected by fetal growth disorders. Clin Epigenetics 2016; 8:11. [PMID: 26823688 PMCID: PMC4730659 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-016-0178-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2015] [Accepted: 01/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Insulin-like growth factors 1 and 2 (IGF1 and IGF2) and their binding proteins (IGFBPs) are expressed in the placenta and known to regulate fetal growth. DNA methylation is an epigenetic mechanism which involves addition of methyl group to a cytosine base in the DNA forming a methylated cytosine-phosphate-guanine (CpG) dinucleotide which is known to silence gene expression. This silences gene expression, potentially altering the expression of IGFs and their binding proteins. This study investigates the relationship between DNA methylation of components of the IGF axis in the placenta and disorders in fetal growth. Placental samples were obtained from cord insertions immediately after delivery from appropriate, small (defined as birthweight <10th percentile for the gestation [SGA]) and macrosomic (defined as birthweight > the 90th percentile for the gestation [LGA]) neonates. Placental DNA methylation, mRNA expression and protein levels of components of the IGF axis were determined by pyrosequencing, rtPCR and Western blotting. Results In the placenta from small for gestational age (SGA) neonates (n = 16), mRNA and protein levels of IGF1 were lower and of IGFBPs (1, 2, 3, 4 and 7) were higher (p < 0.05) compared to appropriately grown neonates (n = 37). In contrast, in the placenta from large for gestational age (LGA) neonates (n = 20), mRNA and protein levels of IGF1 was not different and those of IGFBPs (1, 2, 3 and 4) were lower (p < 0.05) compared to appropriately grown neonates. Compared to appropriately grown neonates, CpG methylation of the promoter regions of IGF1 was higher in SGA neonates. The CpG methylation of the promoter regions of IGFBP1, IGFBP2, IGFBP3, IGFBP4 and IGFBP7 was lower in the placenta from SGA neonates as compared to appropriately grown neonates, but was unchanged in the placenta from LGA neonates. Conclusions Our results suggest that changes in CpG methylation contribute to the changes in gene expression of components of the IGF axis in fetal growth disorders. Differential methylation of the IGF1 gene and its binding proteins is likely to play a role in the pathogenesis of SGA neonates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aamod R Nawathe
- Imperial College London, London, UK ; Academic Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, UK
| | - Mark Christian
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Sung Hye Kim
- Academic Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, UK
| | - Mark Johnson
- Imperial College London, London, UK ; Academic Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, UK
| | - Makrina D Savvidou
- Imperial College London, London, UK ; Academic Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, UK
| | - Vasso Terzidou
- Imperial College London, London, UK ; Academic Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, UK
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