Alterations of DNA methylation profile in peripheral blood of children with simple obesity

Purpose

To investigate the association between DNA methylation and childhood simple obesity.

Methods

Genome-wide analysis of DNA methylation was conducted on peripheral blood samples from 41 children with simple obesity and 31 normal controls to identify differentially methylated sites (DMS). Subsequently, gene functional analysis of differentially methylated genes (DMGs) was carried out. After screening the characteristic DMGs based on specific conditions, the methylated levels of these DMS were evaluated and verified by pyrosequencing. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis assessed the predictive efficacy of corresponding DMGs. Finally, Pearson correlation analysis revealed the correlation between specific DMS and clinical data.

Results

The overall DNA methylation level in the obesity group was significantly lower than in normal. A total of 241 DMS were identified. Functional pathway analysis revealed that DMGs were primarily involved in lipid metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, amino acid metabolism, human diseases, among other pathways. The characteristic DMS within the genes Transcription factor A mitochondrial (TFAM) and Piezo type mechanosensitive ion channel component 1(PIEZO1) were recognized as CpG-cg05831083 and CpG-cg14926485, respectively. Furthermore, the methylation level of CpG-cg05831083 significantly correlated with body mass index (BMI) and vitamin D.

Conclusions

Abnormal DNA methylation is closely related to childhood simple obesity. The altered methylation of CpG-cg05831083 and CpG-cg14926485 could potentially serve as biomarkers for childhood simple obesity.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13755-024-00275-w.

EgMADS3 directly regulates EgLPAAT to mediate medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA) anabolism in the mesocarp of oil palm

KEY MESSAGE

EgMADS3, a pivotal transcription factor, positively regulates MCFA accumulation via binding to the EgLPAAT promoter, advancing lipid content in mesocarp of oil palm. Lipids function as the structural components of cell membranes, which serve as permeable barriers to the external environment of cells. The medium-chain fatty acid in the stored lipids of plants is an important renewable energy. Most research on MCFA production in plant lipid synthesis is based on biochemical methods, and the importance of transcriptional regulation in MCFA synthesis and its incorporation into TAGs needs further research. Oil palm is the most productive oil crop in the world and has the highest productivity among the main oil crops. In this study, the MADS transcription factor (EgMADS3) in the mesocarp of oil palm was characterized. Through the VIGS-virus induced gene silencing, it was determined that the potential target gene of EgMADS3 was related to the biosynthesis of medium-chain fatty acid (MCFA). Transient transformation in protoplasts and qRT-PCR analysis showed that EgMADS3 positively regulated the expression of EgLPAAT. The results of the yeast one-hybrid assays and EMSA indicated the interaction between EgMADS3 and EgLPAAT promoter. Through genetic transformation and fatty acid analysis, it is concluded that EgMADS3 directly regulates the mid-chain fatty acid synthesis pathway of the potential target gene EgLPAAT, thus promotes the accumulation of MCFA and improves the total lipid content. This study is innovative in the functional analysis of the MADS family transcription factor in the metabolism of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA) of oil palm, provides a certain research basis for improving the metabolic pathway of chain fatty acids in oil palm, and improves the synthesis of MCFA in plants. Our results will provide a reference direction for further research on improving the oil quality through biotechnology of oil palm.

Angiotensin-(1-7) plays an important role in regulating spermatogenesis in Trachemys scripta elegans under salinity stress

Elevation in water salinity can threaten the spermatogenesis and fertility of freshwater animals. The role of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in regulating spermatogenesis has attracted considerable attention. Our previous study found that red-eared sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans), could survive in 10 PSU water for over 1 year. To understand the chronic impact of salinity on testicular spermatogenesis and underlying mechanisms, male T. s. elegans were subjected to treatment with water of 5 PSU and 10 PSU for a year, and spermatogenesis and regulation of the RAS signal pathway was assessed. Results showed induced inflammation in the testes of T. s. elegans in the 10 PSU group, as evidenced by a decrease in the number of testicular germ cells from 1586 to 943. Compared with the control group, the levels of proinflammatory genes, including TNF-α, IL-12A and IL-6 were elevated 3.1, 0.3, and 1.4 times, respectively, in animals exposed to 10 PSU water. Testicular antiapoptotic processes of T. s. elegans might involve the vasoactive peptide angiotensin-(1-7) in the RAS, as its level was significantly increased from 220.2 ng ml-1 in controls to 419.2 ng ml-1 in the 10 PSU group. As expected, specific inhibitor (A-779) for the Ang-(1-7) acceptor effectively prevented the salinity-induced upregulation of genes encoding anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic factors (TGF-β1, Bcl-6) in the testis of the 10 PSU animals, whereas it promoted the upregulation of proinflammatory and proapoptotic factors (TNF-α, IL-12A, IL-6, Bax and caspase-3). Our data indicated that Ang-(1-7) attenuates the effect of salinity on inflammation and apoptosis of the testis in T. s. elegans. A new perspective to prevent salinity-induced testis dysfunction is provided.

RNA-Seq Analysis Reveals Potential Neuroprotective Mechanisms of Pachymic Acid Toward Iron-Induced Oxidative Stress and Cell Death

Iron dysregulation is a crucial factor in the development of neurological diseases, leading to the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress, triggering inflammatory responses, and ultimately causing neurological impairment. Pachymic acid (PA) is an active ingredient extracted from the medicinal fungus Poria cocos, which has been reported with multiple pharmacological effects, including anti-inflammatory, anti-ischemia/reperfusion, and anticancer actions. In this study, we test whether PA have neuroprotection effect aganist ferrous ions induced toxicity in SH-SY5Y cells. It was found that pre-treatment with PA reduced intracellular ROS levels, increased mitochondrial membrane potential, and protected cells from apoptotic death. RNA-seq and qRT-PCR results indicated that PA can regulate the key genes IL1B, CXCL8, CCL7, and LRP1 on the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways, such as NF-κB signaling pathway, IL-17 signaling pathway, to prevent Fe2+-induced apoptotic cell death. Our research indicated that PA has potential therapeutic effects on the neuroprotection by regulating neuroinflammation and oxidative stress damage.

RADA-16-based Self-assembled Peptide Nanofiber Scaffolds Loaded with TGF-β1 Enhance the Chondrogenic Differentiation Potential of BMSCs In vitro

OBJECTIVE

At present, cartilage repair does not offer ideal efficacy. Fortunately, recent studies have claimed that RADA-16 peptide is an attractive therapeutic strategy for repairing cartilage defects. Therefore, this study tried to explore the effect of RADA-16 loaded with transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) 1 on cartilage differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs).

METHODS

First, the RADA-16 peptide was synthesized by solid phase peptide, and a well-defined hydrogel was formed by supramolecular peptide self-assembly. Then, TGF-β1 (loading concentration of 10 ng/mL) was loaded into RADA-16, with scanning electron microscopy to observe the morphology of the TGF-β1/RADA-16 hydrogel and detect its related properties. Next, BMSCs were isolated from bone marrow samples and identified. TGF-β1/RADA-16 was co-cultured with L929, BMSCs, and C28/I2 cells, respectively, and the survival and proliferation ability of the cells was determined by live/dead cell staining and MTT assay. Chondrogenic differentiation and sGAG production of BMSCs were determined by Alcian blue staining and Blyscan assay, the expression of cartilage-associated genes by qRT-PCR, and the levels of inflammatory factors by ELISA. As for mechanism investigation, the Smad and ERK/MAPK signaling pathways were detected by western blot.

RESULTS

RADA-16 hydrogel exhibited a well-distributed and interconnected porous surface structure, with a loading rate of 91.9% for TGF-β1. The TGF-β1/RADA-16 hydrogel had good release and degradation properties, and had no negative effect on the survival and proliferation ability of BMSCs, L929, and C28/I2 cells. Importantly, TGF-β1/RADA-16 hydrogel significantly accelerated chondrogenic differentiation and sGAG generation in BMSCs, and decreased pro-inflammatory factor production. In addition, the hydrogel also significantly activated the Smad and ERK/MAPK pathways of BMSCs.

CONCLUSION

RADA-16 loaded with TGF-β1 has good biological properties and can enhance the chondrogenic differentiation ability of BMSCs.

Transcriptome-wide N6-methyladenosine methylation profile of atherosclerosis in mice

BACKGROUND

Atherosclerosis (AS) is a critical pathological event during the progression of cardiovascular diseases. It exhibits fibrofatty lesions on the arterial wall and lacks effective treatment. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most common modification of eukaryotic RNA and plays an important role in regulating the development and progression of cardiovascular diseases. However, the role of m6A modification in AS remains largely unknown. Therefore, in this study, we explored the transcriptome distribution of m6A modification in AS and its potential mechanism.

METHODS

Methylation Quantification Kit was used to detect the global m6A levels in the aorta of AS mice. Western blot was used to analyze the protein level of methyltransferases. Methylated RNA immunoprecipitation with next-generation sequencing (MeRIP-seq) and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) were used to obtain the first transcriptome range analysis of the m6A methylene map in the aorta of AS mice, followed by bioinformatics analysis. qRT-PCR and MeRIP-qRT-PCR were used to measure the mRNA and m6A levels in target genes.

RESULTS

The global m6A and protein levels of methyltransferase METTL3 were significantly increased in the aorta of AS mice. However, the protein level of demethylase ALKBH5 was significantly decreased. Through MeRIP-seq, we obtained m6A methylation maps in AS and control mice. In total, 26,918 m6A peaks associated with 13,744 genes were detected in AS group, whereas 26,157 m6A peaks associated with 13,283 genes were detected in the control group. Peaks mainly appeared in the coding sequence (CDS) regions close to the stop codon with the RRACH motif. Moreover, functional enrichment analysis demonstrated that m6A-containing genes were significantly enriched in AS-relevant pathways. Interestingly, a negative correlation between m6A methylation abundance and gene expression level was found through the integrated analysis of MeRIP-seq and RNA-seq data. Among the m6A-modified genes, a hypo-methylated but up-regulated (hypo-up) gene Fabp5 may be a potential biomarker of AS.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study provides transcriptome-wide m6A methylation for the first time to determine the association between m6A modification and AS progression. Our study lays a foundation for further exploring the pathogenesis of AS and provides a new direction for the treatment of AS.

Aquaporin 1 overexpression may enhance glioma tumorigenesis by interacting with the transcriptional regulation networks of Foxo4, Maz, and E2F families

BACKGROUND

The glioblastoma has served as a valuable experimental model system for investigating the growth and invasive properties of glioblastoma. Aquaporin-1 (AQP1) in facilitating cell migration and potentially contributing to tumor progression. In this study, we analyzed the role of AQP1 overexpression in glioblastoma and elucidated the main mechanisms involved.

METHODS

AQP1 overexpression recombinant vector was introduced into C6 rat glioma cells to construct an AQP1 overexpression C6 cell line, and its effect on cell viability and migration ability was detected by MTT and Transwell. RNA was extracted by Trizol method for gene sequencing and transcriptomics analysis, and the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were enriched for up- and downregulated genes by Principal component analysis (PCA), and the molecular mechanism of AQP1 overexpression was analyzed in comparison with the control group using the NCBI GEO database. Statistical analysis was performed using Mann-Whitney paired two tailed t test.

RESULTS

The cell viability of AQP1-transfected cell lines increased by 23% and the mean distance traveled increased by 67% compared with the control group. Quantitative analysis of gene expression showed that there were 12,121 genes with an average transcripts per million (TPM) value greater than 1. DEGs accounted for 13% of the genes expressed, with the highest correlation with upregulated genes being FOXO4 and MAZ, and the highest with downregulated genes being E2F TFs.

CONCLUSIONS

AQP1 may be implicated in glioma formation by interacting with the transcriptional regulation networks involving the FOXO4, MAZ, and E2F1/2. These findings shed light on the potential significance of AQP1 in glioma pathogenesis and warrant further investigations to unravel the underlying molecular mechanisms.

Evaluating the Antioxidant Properties of the Leaves and Stems of Alpinia oxyphylla In Vitro and Its Growth-Promoting, Muscle Composition Change, and Antioxidative Stress Function on Juvenile Litopenaeus vannamei

Alpinia oxyphylla is a homology of medicine and food. This study aims to investigate the dominant chemical composition and explore the antioxidant properties of the ethanol extract of the leaves and stems of A. oxyphylla (AOE) on juvenile shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei. An in vitro test showed that AOE and its dominant chemical composition procyanidin B-2 (1) and epicatechin (2) presented DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities. A shrimp feeding supplement experiment revealed that shrimp growth parameters and muscle composition were improved significantly when fed with a 200 mg/Kg AOE additive. Meanwhile, the activities of antioxidant enzymes (CAT, GSH-Px, SOD, and T-AOC) in serum and the liver and the expression of related genes (LvMn-SOD, LvCAT, LvproPo, and LvGSH-Px) were enhanced with various degrees in different AOE additive groups while the content of MDA was significantly decreased. Moreover, the antioxidative effect of AOE additive groups on shrimp was also observed in an acute ammonia nitrogen stress test.

Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Genes Associated with Flooding Tolerance in Mulberry Plants

Mulberry (Morus alba), a widely distributed economic plant, can withstand long-term flooding stress. However, the regulatory gene network underlying this tolerance is unknown. In the present study, mulberry plants were subjected to submergence stress. Subsequently, mulberry leaves were collected to perform quantitative reverse-transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) and transcriptome analysis. Genes encoding ascorbate peroxidase and glutathione S-transferase were significantly upregulated after submergence stress, indicating that they could protect the mulberry plant from flood damage by mediating ROS homeostasis. Genes that regulate starch and sucrose metabolism; genes encoding pyruvate kinase, alcohol dehydrogenase, and pyruvate decarboxylase (enzymes involved in glycolysis and ethanol fermentation); and genes encoding malate dehydrogenase and ATPase (enzymes involved in the TCA cycle) were also obviously upregulated. Hence, these genes likely played a key role in mitigating energy shortage during flooding stress. In addition, genes associated with ethylene, cytokinin, abscisic acid, and MAPK signaling; genes involved in phenylpropanoid biosynthesis; and transcription factor genes also showed upregulation under flooding stress in mulberry plants. These results provide further insights into the adaptation mechanisms and genetics of submergence tolerance in mulberry plants and could aid in the molecular breeding of these plants.

Upregulated circ_0002141 facilitates oral squamous cell carcinoma progression via the miR-1231/EGFR axis

OBJECTIVES

The dysregulation of circular RNAs (circRNAs) is implicated in the progression of various cancers. This study was aimed at expounding the role and mechanism of hsa_circ_0002141 in the OSCC progression.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Circ_0002141 expression was examined in 52 pairs of OSCC tissues and matched adjacent tissue samples by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) assay. After circ_0002141 was overexpressed or knocked down in OSCC cell lines, cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, Transwell assay, flow cytometry, and Western blotting were conducted to detect the changes in the growth, migration, invasion and apoptosis of OSCC cells. Western blot assay, qRT-PCR and dual-luciferase reporter assay were performed to clarify the interplay among circ_0002141, miR-1231, and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR).

RESULTS

Circ_0002141 expression was significantly upregulated in OSCC tissues and cell lines. Circ_0002141 overexpression markedly promoted the proliferation, migration, and invasion of OSCC cells whereas reduced the apoptotic of OSCC cells. Also, circ_0002141 knockdown suppressed the malignant characteristics of OSCC cells. EGFR was validated as the target of miR-1231. Besides, circ_0002141 could sponge miR-1231 and upregulate EGFR expression in OSCC cells.

CONCLUSION

Circ_0002141/miR-1231/EGFR axis is involved in the progression of OSCC.

LncRNA MAFG-AS1 regulates human periodontal ligament stem cell proliferation and Toll-like receptor 4 expression

LncRNA MAFG-AS1 is predicted to interact with miR-146a, which can target Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), a key player in periodontitis. This study aimed to investigate the roles of MAFG-AS1 in periodontitis. It was observed that MAFG-AS1 was downregulated in the human periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) derived from periodontitis-affected teeth. Dual-luciferase assay revealed that co-transfection of MAFG-AS1 expression vector and miR-146a mimic showed significantly lower relative luciferase activity comparing to co-transfection of MAFG-AS1 expression vector and negative control (NC) miRNA. However, MAFG-AS1 and miR-146a failed to affect each other. Interestingly, MAFG-AS1 overexpression led to the upregulated TLR4. In addition, MAFG-AS1 overexpression also led to the inhibited proliferation of PDLSCs. Therefore, MAFG-AS1 may regulate the proliferation of PDLSCs and the expression of TLR4 to participate in periodontitis.

Identification and characterization of a plastidial ω-3 fatty acid desaturase EgFAD8 from oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) and its promoter response to light and low temperature

In higher plants, ω-3 fatty acid desaturases are the key enzymes in the biosynthesis of alpha-linolenic acid (18:3), which plays key roles in plant metabolism as a structural component of both storage and membrane lipids. Here, the first ω-3 fatty acid desaturase gene was identified and characterized from oil palm. The bioinformatic analysis indicated it encodes a temperature-sensitive chloroplast ω-3 fatty acid desaturase, designated as EgFAD8. The expression analysis revealed that EgFAD8 is highly expressed in the oil palm leaves, when compared with the expression in the mesocarp. The heterologous expression of EgFAD8 in yeast resulted in the production of a novel fatty acid 18:3 (about 0.27%), when fed with 18:2 in the induction culture. Furthermore, to detect whether EgFAD8 could be induced by the environment stress, we detected the expression efficiency of the EgFAD8 promoter in transgenic Arabidopsis treated with low temperature and darkness, respectively. The results indicated that the promoter of EgFAD8 gene could be significantly induced by low temperature and slightly induced by darkness. These results reveal the function of EgFAD8 and the feature of its promoter from oil palm fruits, which will be useful for understanding the fuction and regulation of plastidial ω-3 fatty acid desaturases in higher plants.