1
|
da Silva Santos R, Pascoalino Pinheiro D, Gustavo Hirth C, Barbosa Bezerra MJ, Joyce de Lima Silva-Fernandes I, Andréa da Silva Oliveira F, Viana de Holanda Barros M, Silveira Ramos E, A. Moura A, Filho ODMM, Pessoa C, Miranda Furtado CL. Hypomethylation at H19DMR in penile squamous cell carcinoma is not related to HPV infection. Epigenetics 2024; 19:2305081. [PMID: 38245880 PMCID: PMC10802203 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2024.2305081] [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: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Penile squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a rare and aggressive tumour mainly related to lifestyle behaviour and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Environmentally induced loss of imprinting (LOI) at the H19 differentially methylated region (H19DMR) is associated with many cancers in the early events of tumorigenesis and may be involved in the pathogenesis of penile SCC. We sought to evaluate the DNA methylation pattern at H19DMR and its association with HPV infection in men with penile SCC by bisulfite sequencing (bis-seq). We observed an average methylation of 32.2% ± 11.6% at the H19DMR of penile SCC and did not observe an association between the p16INK4a+ (p = 0.59) and high-risk HPV+ (p = 0.338) markers with methylation level. The average methylation did not change according to HPV positive for p16INK4a+ or hrHPV+ (35.4% ± 10%) and negative for both markers (32.4% ± 10.1%) groups. As the region analysed has a binding site for the CTCF protein, the hypomethylation at the surrounding CpG sites might alter its insulator function. In addition, there was a positive correlation between intense polymorphonuclear cell infiltration and hypomethylation at H19DMR (p = 0.035). Here, we report that hypomethylation at H19DMR in penile SCC might contribute to tumour progression and aggressiveness regardless of HPV infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Renan da Silva Santos
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Drug Research and Development Center, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Maisa Viana de Holanda Barros
- Postgraduate Program in Translational Medicine, Drug Research and Development Center, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Ester Silveira Ramos
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Arlindo A. Moura
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Drug Research and Development Center, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
- Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Odorico de Moraes Manoel Filho
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Drug Research and Development Center, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Translational Medicine, Drug Research and Development Center, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Claudia Pessoa
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Drug Research and Development Center, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Cristiana Libardi Miranda Furtado
- Postgraduate Program in Translational Medicine, Drug Research and Development Center, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
- Experimental Biology Center, University of Fortaleza, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Medical Sciences, Universidade de Fortaleza, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhang Y, Zhang C, Chen W, Huo H, Li S, Yu W, Jin L, Wang K, Li S. The landscape of allelic expression and DNA methylation at the bovine SGCE/PEG10 locus. Anim Genet 2024; 55:452-456. [PMID: 38594908 DOI: 10.1111/age.13429] [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: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Genomic imprinting is an epigenetic regulation in mammals in which a small subset of genes is monoallelically expressed dependent on their parental origin. A large imprinted domain, SGCE/PEG10 locus, is located on human chromosome 7q21s and mouse proximal chromosome 6. However, genomic imprinting of bovine SGCE/PEG10 cluster has not been systematically studied. In this study, we investigated allele expression of 14 genes of the SGCE/PEG10 locus in bovine somatic tissues and term placenta using a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-based sequencing method. In addition to SGCE and PEG10, two conserved paternally expressed genes in human and mice, five other genes (TFPI2, GNG11, ASB4, PON1, and PON3) were paternally expressed. Three genes, BET1, COL1A2, and CASD1, exhibited tissue-specific monoallelic expression. CALCR showed monoallelic expression in tissues but biallelic expression in the placenta. Three genes, GNGT1, PPP1R9A, and PON2, showed biallelic expression in cattle. Five differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were found to be associated with the allelic expression of TFPI2, COL1A2, SGCE/PEG10, PON3, and ASB4 genes, respectively. The SGCE/PEG10 DMR is a maternally hypermethylated germline DMR, but TFPI2, COL1A2, PON3, and ASB4 DMRs are secondary DMRs. In summary, we identified five novel bovine imprinted genes (GNG11, BET1, COL1A2, CASD1, and PON1) and four secondary DMRs at the SGCE/PEG10 locus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yinjiao Zhang
- College of Life Science, Agricultural University of Hebei, Hebei Baoding, China
| | - Cui Zhang
- College of Life Science, Agricultural University of Hebei, Hebei Baoding, China
| | - Weina Chen
- College of Medical Science, Hebei University, Hebei Baoding, China
| | - Haonan Huo
- College of Life Science, Agricultural University of Hebei, Hebei Baoding, China
| | - Shujing Li
- Shijiazhuang Tianquan Elite Dairy Ltd, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Wenli Yu
- Shijiazhuang Tianquan Elite Dairy Ltd, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Lanjie Jin
- College of Life Science, Agricultural University of Hebei, Hebei Baoding, China
| | - Kun Wang
- Institute of Cereal and Oil Crops, Hebei Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, Shijiazhuang, China
- Key Laboratory of Crop Cultivation Physiology and Green Production in Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Shijie Li
- College of Life Science, Agricultural University of Hebei, Hebei Baoding, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
de Wallau MB, Xavier AC, Moreno CA, Kim CA, Mendes EL, Ribeiro EM, Oliveira A, Félix TM, Fett-Conte AC, Bonadia LC, Correia-Costa GR, Monlleó IL, Gil-da-Silva-Lopes VL, Vieira TP. 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome: Influence of Parental Origin on Clinical Heterogeneity. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:518. [PMID: 38674452 PMCID: PMC11050591 DOI: 10.3390/genes15040518] [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: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) shows significant clinical heterogeneity. This study aimed to explore the association between clinical heterogeneity in 22q11.2DS and the parental origin of the deletion. The parental origin of the deletion was determined for 61 individuals with 22q11.2DS by genotyping DNA microsatellite markers and single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Among the 61 individuals, 29 (47.5%) had a maternal origin of the deletion, and 32 (52.5%) a paternal origin. Comparison of the frequency of the main clinical features between individuals with deletions of maternal or paternal origin showed no statistically significant difference. However, Truncus arteriosus, pulmonary atresia, seizures, and scoliosis were only found in patients with deletions of maternal origin. Also, a slight difference in the frequency of other clinical features between groups of maternal or paternal origin was noted, including congenital heart disease, endocrinological alterations, and genitourinary abnormalities, all of them more common in patients with deletions of maternal origin. Although parental origin of the deletion does not seem to contribute to the phenotypic variability of most clinical signs observed in 22q11.2DS, these findings suggest that patients with deletions of maternal origin could have a more severe phenotype. Further studies with larger samples focusing on these specific features could corroborate these findings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Bittencourt de Wallau
- Medical Genetics and Genomic Medicine, Department of Translational Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-887, São Paulo, Brazil; (M.B.d.W.); (C.A.M.); (L.C.B.); (G.R.C.-C.); (V.L.G.-d.-S.-L.)
| | | | - Carolina Araújo Moreno
- Medical Genetics and Genomic Medicine, Department of Translational Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-887, São Paulo, Brazil; (M.B.d.W.); (C.A.M.); (L.C.B.); (G.R.C.-C.); (V.L.G.-d.-S.-L.)
| | - Chong Ae Kim
- Instituto da Criança, Hospital de Clínicas, FMUSP, São Paulo 05403-000, São Paulo, Brazil;
| | - Elaine Lustosa Mendes
- Serviço de Genética do Hospital de Clínicas da UFPR, Curitiba 80060-900, Paraná, Brazil;
| | - Erlane Marques Ribeiro
- Serviço de Genética do Hospital Infantil Albert Sabin—HIAS, Fortaleza 60410-794, Ceará, Brazil;
| | - Amanda Oliveira
- Centro de Atenção aos Defeitos da Face—CADEFI, Recife 50060-293, Pernambuco, Brazil;
| | - Têmis Maria Félix
- Serviço de Genética Médica do Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre—HCPA, Porto Alegre 90035-903, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil;
| | - Agnes Cristina Fett-Conte
- Serviço de Genética da Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto (FAMERP/FUNFARME), São José do Rio Preto 15090-000, São Paulo, Brazil;
| | - Luciana Cardoso Bonadia
- Medical Genetics and Genomic Medicine, Department of Translational Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-887, São Paulo, Brazil; (M.B.d.W.); (C.A.M.); (L.C.B.); (G.R.C.-C.); (V.L.G.-d.-S.-L.)
| | - Gabriela Roldão Correia-Costa
- Medical Genetics and Genomic Medicine, Department of Translational Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-887, São Paulo, Brazil; (M.B.d.W.); (C.A.M.); (L.C.B.); (G.R.C.-C.); (V.L.G.-d.-S.-L.)
| | - Isabella Lopes Monlleó
- Serviço de Genética Médica do Hospital Universitário Prof. Alberto Antunes (HUPAA), Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Alagoas (UFAL), Maceió 57072-900, Alagoas, Brazil;
| | - Vera Lúcia Gil-da-Silva-Lopes
- Medical Genetics and Genomic Medicine, Department of Translational Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-887, São Paulo, Brazil; (M.B.d.W.); (C.A.M.); (L.C.B.); (G.R.C.-C.); (V.L.G.-d.-S.-L.)
| | - Társis Paiva Vieira
- Medical Genetics and Genomic Medicine, Department of Translational Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-887, São Paulo, Brazil; (M.B.d.W.); (C.A.M.); (L.C.B.); (G.R.C.-C.); (V.L.G.-d.-S.-L.)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Rengifo Rojas C, Cercy J, Perillous S, Gonthier-Guéret C, Montibus B, Maupetit-Méhouas S, Espinadel A, Dupré M, Hong CC, Hata K, Nakabayashi K, Plagge A, Bouschet T, Arnaud P, Vaillant I, Court F. Biallelic non-productive enhancer-promoter interactions precede imprinted expression of Kcnk9 during mouse neural commitment. HGG Adv 2024; 5:100271. [PMID: 38297831 PMCID: PMC10869267 DOI: 10.1016/j.xhgg.2024.100271] [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: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
It is only partially understood how constitutive allelic methylation at imprinting control regions (ICRs) interacts with other regulation levels to drive timely parental allele-specific expression along large imprinted domains. The Peg13-Kcnk9 domain is an imprinted domain with important brain functions. To gain insights into its regulation during neural commitment, we performed an integrative analysis of its allele-specific epigenetic, transcriptomic, and cis-spatial organization using a mouse stem cell-based corticogenesis model that recapitulates the control of imprinted gene expression during neurodevelopment. We found that, despite an allelic higher-order chromatin structure associated with the paternally CTCF-bound Peg13 ICR, enhancer-Kcnk9 promoter contacts occurred on both alleles, although they were productive only on the maternal allele. This observation challenges the canonical model in which CTCF binding isolates the enhancer and its target gene on either side and suggests a more nuanced role for allelic CTCF binding at some ICRs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Rengifo Rojas
- Genetics, Reproduction and Development Institute (iGReD), CNRS, INSERM, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Jil Cercy
- Genetics, Reproduction and Development Institute (iGReD), CNRS, INSERM, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Sophie Perillous
- Genetics, Reproduction and Development Institute (iGReD), CNRS, INSERM, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Céline Gonthier-Guéret
- Genetics, Reproduction and Development Institute (iGReD), CNRS, INSERM, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Bertille Montibus
- Genetics, Reproduction and Development Institute (iGReD), CNRS, INSERM, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Stéphanie Maupetit-Méhouas
- Genetics, Reproduction and Development Institute (iGReD), CNRS, INSERM, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Astrid Espinadel
- Genetics, Reproduction and Development Institute (iGReD), CNRS, INSERM, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Marylou Dupré
- Genetics, Reproduction and Development Institute (iGReD), CNRS, INSERM, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Charles C Hong
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kenichiro Hata
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Biology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, 2-10-1 Okura, Setagaya, Tokyo 157-8535, Japan; Department of Human Molecular Genetics, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine 3-39-22 Showa, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Nakabayashi
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Biology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, 2-10-1 Okura, Setagaya, Tokyo 157-8535, Japan
| | - Antonius Plagge
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Systems Biology, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Tristan Bouschet
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, CNRS, INSERM, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Philippe Arnaud
- Genetics, Reproduction and Development Institute (iGReD), CNRS, INSERM, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France.
| | - Isabelle Vaillant
- Genetics, Reproduction and Development Institute (iGReD), CNRS, INSERM, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France.
| | - Franck Court
- Genetics, Reproduction and Development Institute (iGReD), CNRS, INSERM, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Yang W, Yin M, Zhou J, Zhu Y, Ye B, Shi H, Zhang B, Yue C, Zhang Y, Wu H, Li H, Xia X, Yang S, Ma B. Stepwise analysis of thyroid diagnostic modalities with genomic imprinting detection. Chin Clin Oncol 2024; 13:21. [PMID: 38644545 DOI: 10.21037/cco-23-89] [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: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The current preoperative malignancy risk evaluation for thyroid nodules involves stepwise diagnostic modalities including ultrasonography, thyroid function serology and fine-needle aspiration (FNA) cytopathology, respectively. We aimed to substantiate the stepwise contributions of each diagnostic step and additionally investigate the diagnostic significance of quantitative chromogenic imprinted gene in-situ hybridization (QCIGISH)-an adjunctive molecular test based on epigenetic imprinting alterations. METHODS A total of 114 cytopathologically-diagnosed and histopathologically-confirmed thyroid nodules with complete ultrasonographic and serological examination records were evaluated using QCIGISH in the study. Logistic regression models for thyroid malignancy prediction were developed with the stepwise addition of each diagnostic modality and the contribution of each step evaluated in terms of discrimination performance and goodness-of-fit. RESULTS From the baseline model using ultrasonography [area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUROC): 0.79; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.71-0.86], significant improvements in thyroid malignancy discrimination were observed with the stepwise addition of thyroid function serology (AUROC: 0.82; 95% CI: 0.74-0.90; P=0.23) and FNA cytopathology (AUROC: 0.88; 95% CI: 0.81-0.94; P=0.02), respectively. The inclusion of QCIGISH as an adjunctive molecular test further advanced the preceding model's diagnostic performance (AUROC: 0.95; 95% CI: 0.91-1.00, P=0.007). CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrated the significant stepwise diagnostic contributions of standard clinical assessments in the malignancy risk stratification of thyroid nodules. However, the addition of molecular imprinting detection further enabled a more accurate and definitive preoperative evaluation especially for morphologically indeterminate thyroid nodules and cases with potentially discordant results among standard modalities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wanting Yang
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ming Yin
- Department of Ultrasound, The Affiliated Taizhou People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou, China
| | - Jiehong Zhou
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yun Zhu
- Department of Pathology, Jiangyuan Hospital Affiliated to Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Wuxi, China
| | - Beibei Ye
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Ultrasound Research and Education Institute, Tongji University Cancer Center, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Ultrasound Diagnosis and Treatment, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China; The Thyroid Research Center of Shanghai, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Shi
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Ultrasound Research and Education Institute, Tongji University Cancer Center, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Ultrasound Diagnosis and Treatment, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China; The Thyroid Research Center of Shanghai, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bingjie Zhang
- Department of Ultrasound, Jiangyuan Hospital Affiliated to Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Wuxi, China
| | - Can Yue
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yifeng Zhang
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Ultrasound Research and Education Institute, Tongji University Cancer Center, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Ultrasound Diagnosis and Treatment, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China; The Thyroid Research Center of Shanghai, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongxun Wu
- Department of Ultrasound, Jiangyuan Hospital Affiliated to Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Wuxi, China
| | - Haohao Li
- Faculty of Business and Economics, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xuliang Xia
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Nuclear Industry 416 Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Shufang Yang
- Department of Endocrinology, The Affiliated Taizhou People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou, China; Department of Endocrinology, Affiliated Zhongda Hospital of Southeast University, Nanjing, China; Department of Endocrinology, The Fifth Hospital Affiliated to Nantong University, Taizhou, China
| | - Buyun Ma
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Fang S, Chang KW, Lefebvre L. Roles of endogenous retroviral elements in the establishment and maintenance of imprinted gene expression. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1369751. [PMID: 38505259 PMCID: PMC10948482 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1369751] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation (DNAme) has long been recognized as a host defense mechanism, both in the restriction modification systems of prokaryotes as well as in the transcriptional silencing of repetitive elements in mammals. When DNAme was shown to be implicated as a key epigenetic mechanism in the regulation of imprinted genes in mammals, a parallel with host defense mechanisms was drawn, suggesting perhaps a common evolutionary origin. Here we review recent work related to this hypothesis on two different aspects of the developmental imprinting cycle in mammals that has revealed unexpected roles for long terminal repeat (LTR) retroelements in imprinting, both canonical and noncanonical. These two different forms of genomic imprinting depend on different epigenetic marks inherited from the mature gametes, DNAme and histone H3 lysine 27 trimethylation (H3K27me3), respectively. DNAme establishment in the maternal germline is guided by transcription during oocyte growth. Specific families of LTRs, evading silencing mechanisms, have been implicated in this process for specific imprinted genes. In noncanonical imprinting, maternally inherited histone marks play transient roles in transcriptional silencing during preimplantation development. These marks are ultimately translated into DNAme, notably over LTR elements, for the maintenance of silencing of the maternal alleles in the extraembryonic trophoblast lineage. Therefore, LTR retroelements play important roles in both establishment and maintenance of different epigenetic pathways leading to imprinted expression during development. Because such elements are mobile and highly polymorphic among different species, they can be coopted for the evolution of new species-specific imprinted genes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Louis Lefebvre
- Department of Medical Genetics, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Alhendi ASN, Gazdagh G, Lim D, McMullan D, Wright M, Temple IK, Davies JH, Mackay DJG. A case of mosaic deletion of paternally-inherited PLAGL1 and two cases of upd(6)mat add to evidence for PLAGL1 under-expression as a cause of growth restriction. Am J Med Genet A 2024; 194:383-388. [PMID: 37850521 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.63448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
PLAGL1 is one of a group of imprinted genes, whose altered expression causes imprinting disorders impacting growth, development, metabolism, and behavior. PLAGL1 over-expression causes transient neonatal diabetes mellitus (TNDM type 1) and, based on murine models, under-expression would be expected to cause growth restriction. However, only some reported individuals with upd(6)mat have growth restriction, giving rise to uncertainty about the role of PLAGL1 in human growth. Here we report three individuals investigated for growth restriction, two with upd(6)mat and one with a mosaic deletion of the paternally-inherited allele of PLAGL1. These cases add to evidence of its involvement in pre- and early post-natal human growth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Gabriella Gazdagh
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, UK
- University Hospital Southampton, UK
| | - Derek Lim
- Birmingham Women's and Children's Foundation Trust, UK
| | | | | | - I Karen Temple
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, UK
- University Hospital Southampton, UK
| | - Justin H Davies
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, UK
- University Hospital Southampton, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Eggermann T. Human Reproduction and Disturbed Genomic Imprinting. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:163. [PMID: 38397153 PMCID: PMC10888310 DOI: 10.3390/genes15020163] [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: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Genomic imprinting is a specific mode of gene regulation which particularly accounts for the factors involved in development. Its disturbance affects the fetus, the course of pregnancy and even the health of the mother. In children, aberrant imprinting signatures are associated with imprinting disorders (ImpDis). These alterations also affect the function of the placenta, which has consequences for the course of the pregnancy. The molecular causes of ImpDis comprise changes at the DNA level and methylation disturbances (imprinting defects/ImpDefs), and there is an increasing number of reports of both pathogenic fetal and maternal DNA variants causing ImpDefs. These ImpDefs can be inherited, but prediction of the pregnancy complications caused is difficult, as they can cause miscarriages, aneuploidies, health issues for the mother and ImpDis in the child. Due to the complexity of imprinting regulation, each pregnancy or patient with suspected altered genomic imprinting requires a specific workup to identify the precise molecular cause and also careful clinical documentation. This review will cover the current knowledge on the molecular causes of aberrant imprinting signatures and illustrate the need to identify this basis as the prerequisite for personalized genetic and reproductive counselling of families.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Eggermann
- Institute for Human Genetics and Genomic Medicine, Medical Faculty, RWTH University Aachen, Pauwelsstr. 3, D-52074 Aachen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Liao J, Szabó PE. Role of transcription in imprint establishment in the male and female germ lines. Epigenomics 2024; 16:127-136. [PMID: 38126127 PMCID: PMC10825728 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2023-0344] [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: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The authors highlight an area of research that focuses on the establishment of genomic imprints: how the female and male germlines set up opposite instructions for imprinted genes in the maternally and paternally inherited chromosomes. Mouse genetics studies have solidified the role of transcription across the germline differentially methylated regions in the establishment of maternal genomic imprinting. One work now reveals that such transcription is also important in paternal imprinting establishment. This allows the authors to propose a unifying mechanism, in the form of transcription across germline differentially methylated regions, that specifies DNA methylation imprint establishment. Differences in the timing, genomic location and nature of such transcription events in the male versus female germlines in turn explain the difference between paternal and maternal imprints.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ji Liao
- Department of Epigenetics, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Piroska E Szabó
- Department of Epigenetics, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Fafard-Couture É, Labialle S, Scott MS. The regulatory roles of small nucleolar RNAs within their host locus. RNA Biol 2024; 21:1-11. [PMID: 38626213 PMCID: PMC11028025 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2024.2342685] [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] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) are a class of conserved noncoding RNAs forming complexes with proteins to catalyse site-specific modifications on ribosomal RNA. Besides this canonical role, several snoRNAs are now known to regulate diverse levels of gene expression. While these functions are carried out in trans by mature snoRNAs, evidence has also been emerging of regulatory roles of snoRNAs in cis, either within their genomic locus or as longer transcription intermediates during their maturation. Herein, we review recent findings that snoRNAs can interact in cis with their intron to regulate the expression of their host gene. We also explore the ever-growing diversity of longer host-derived snoRNA extensions and their functional impact across the transcriptome. Finally, we discuss the role of snoRNA duplications into forging these new layers of snoRNA-mediated regulation, as well as their involvement in the genomic imprinting of their host locus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Étienne Fafard-Couture
- Département de biochimie et de génomique fonctionnelle, Faculté de médecine et des sciences de la santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | | | - Michelle S Scott
- Département de biochimie et de génomique fonctionnelle, Faculté de médecine et des sciences de la santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Mehta S, Mahay SB, Satapathy A, Arora K. Decoding the Genetics of Recurrent Molar Pregnancy. J Hum Reprod Sci 2024; 17:61-64. [PMID: 38665615 PMCID: PMC11041314 DOI: 10.4103/jhrs.jhrs_121_23] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Hydatidiform mole is a condition characterised by abnormal trophoblastic hyperplasia and failure of embryonic tissue development. The risk of recurrence is seen to be associated with biallelic maternal mutations in NLRP7, KHDC3 L and PAD16 genes. Women with such mutations have a major risk of reproductive failure and normal pregnancy is seen in only 1.8%. We report the case of a 31-year-old woman with previous three molar pregnancies who on genetic testing was found to be compound heterozygous for pathogenic variants in the NLRP7 gene (c.2738A>G and c.2078G>C). Accordingly, the woman was counselled regarding assisted reproduction with oocyte donation for a normal pregnancy outcome. At present, the patient has an ongoing 5-month pregnancy through oocyte donation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sumita Mehta
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Babu Jagjivan Ram Memorial Hospital, Delhi, India
| | - Sunita Bijarnia Mahay
- Department of Medical Genetics, Institute of Medical Genetics and Genomics, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Delhi, India
| | - Abhishek Satapathy
- Department of Medical Genetics, Institute of Medical Genetics and Genomics, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Delhi, India
| | - Kiran Arora
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Artemis Hospital, Gurgaon, Haryana, India
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Kelkar J, DiMaio M, Ma D, Zhang H. Maternal Uniparental Isodisomy of Chromosome 2 Leading to Homozygous Variants in SPR and ZNF142 : A Case Report and Review of the UPD2 Literature. Glob Med Genet 2024; 11:100-112. [PMID: 38533443 PMCID: PMC10965300 DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1785442] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
We report a 4-year-old girl with neurodevelopmental abnormalities who has maternal uniparental isodisomy of chromosome 2 leading to homozygosity for a likely pathogenic variant in SPR , and a variant of uncertain significance in ZNF142 . Biallelic pathogenic variants in SPR lead to sepiapterin reductase deficiency (SRD), a dopa-responsive dystonia. Pathogenic variants in ZNF142 are associated with an autosomal recessive neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impaired speech and hyperkinetic movements, which has significant clinical overlap with SRD. Our patient showed dramatic improvement in motor skills after treatment with levodopa. We also reviewed 67 published reports of uniparental disomy of chromosome 2 (UPD2) associated with various clinical outcomes. These include autosomal recessive disorders associated with loci on chromosome 2, infants with UPD2 whose gestations were associated with confined placental mosaicism for trisomy 2 leading to intrauterine growth restriction with good postnatal catchup growth, and normal phenotypes in children and adults with an incidental finding of either maternal or paternal UPD2. These latter reports provide support for the conclusion that genes located on chromosome 2 are not subject to imprinting. We also explore the mechanisms giving rise to UPD2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Janhawi Kelkar
- Division of Medical Genetics and Genomics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, United States
| | - Miriam DiMaio
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States
| | - Deqiong Ma
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States
| | - Hui Zhang
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Zhao J, Zhao J. Maternal and zygotic ZFP57 regulate coronary vascular formation and myocardium maturation in mouse embryo. Dev Dyn 2024; 253:144-156. [PMID: 36004502 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genomic and epigenomic dynamics both play critical roles during embryogenesis. Zfp57 maintains genomic imprinting with both maternal and zygotic functions. In our previous study, we found that maternal and zygotic Zfp57 modulate NOTCH signaling during cardiac development. In this study, we investigated Zfp57 mutants from E11.5 to E13.5 to delineate its function during cardiac development. RESULTS Here, we describe novel roles of maternal and zygotic Zfp57 during cardiovascular system development. We found that maternal and zygotic Zfp57 was required for coronary vascular development. Maternal and zygotic loss of Zfp57 perturbed the sprouting of the sinus venosus-derived endothelial cells and led to underdeveloped coronary vasculature, meanwhile, there was an ectopic overproduction of blood islands over the ventricles. Furthermore, loss of Zfp57 and failed vasculature disturbed myocardium maturation. Loss of maternal and zygotic Zfp57 resulted in hyper trabeculation and failed myocardium compaction. Zfp57 zygotic mutant (M+ Z- ) hearts displayed noncompaction cardiomyopathy at E18.5. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that maternal and zygotic ZFP57 are essential for coronary vascular formation and myocardium maturation in mice. Our research provides evidence for the role of genomic imprinting during embryogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junzheng Zhao
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jingjie Zhao
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Weinberg-Shukron A, Youngson NA, Ferguson-Smith AC, Edwards CA. Epigenetic control and genomic imprinting dynamics of the Dlk1-Dio3 domain. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1328806. [PMID: 38155837 PMCID: PMC10754522 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1328806] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Genomic imprinting is an epigenetic process whereby genes are monoallelically expressed in a parent-of-origin-specific manner. Imprinted genes are frequently found clustered in the genome, likely illustrating their need for both shared regulatory control and functional inter-dependence. The Dlk1-Dio3 domain is one of the largest imprinted clusters. Genes in this region are involved in development, behavior, and postnatal metabolism: failure to correctly regulate the domain leads to Kagami-Ogata or Temple syndromes in humans. The region contains many of the hallmarks of other imprinted domains, such as long non-coding RNAs and parental origin-specific CTCF binding. Recent studies have shown that the Dlk1-Dio3 domain is exquisitely regulated via a bipartite imprinting control region (ICR) which functions differently on the two parental chromosomes to establish monoallelic expression. Furthermore, the Dlk1 gene displays a selective absence of imprinting in the neurogenic niche, illustrating the need for precise dosage modulation of this domain in different tissues. Here, we discuss the following: how differential epigenetic marks laid down in the gametes cause a cascade of events that leads to imprinting in the region, how this mechanism is selectively switched off in the neurogenic niche, and why studying this imprinted region has added a layer of sophistication to how we think about the hierarchical epigenetic control of genome function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Neil A. Youngson
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Carol A. Edwards
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Han B, Li Y, Wu D, Li DZ, Liu A, Xu W. Dynamics of imprinted genes and their epigenetic mechanisms in castor bean seed with persistent endosperm. New Phytol 2023; 240:1868-1882. [PMID: 37717216 DOI: 10.1111/nph.19265] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Genomic imprinting refers to parent-of-origin-dependent gene expression and primarily occurs in the endosperm of flowering plants, but its functions and epigenetic mechanisms remain to be elucidated in eudicots. Castor bean, a eudicot with large and persistent endosperm, provides an excellent system for studying the imprinting. Here, we identified 131 imprinted genes in developing endosperms and endosperm at seed germination phase of castor bean, involving into the endosperm development, accumulation of storage compounds and specially seed germination. Our results showed that the transcriptional repression of maternal allele of DNA METHYLTRANSFERASE 1 (MET1) may be required for maternal genome demethylation in the endosperm. DNA methylation analysis showed that only a small fraction of imprinted genes was associated with allele-specific DNA methylation, and most of them were closely associated with constitutively unmethylated regions (UMRs), suggesting a limited role for DNA methylation in controlling genomic imprinting. Instead, histone modifications can be asymmetrically deposited in maternal and paternal genomes in a DNA methylation-independent manner to control expression of most imprinted genes. These results expanded our understanding of the occurrence and biological functions of imprinted genes and showed the evolutionary flexibility of the imprinting machinery and mechanisms in plants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bing Han
- Germplasm Bank of Wild Species, Yunnan Key Laboratory of Crop Wild Relatives Omics, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, Yunnan, China
| | - Yelan Li
- Germplasm Bank of Wild Species, Yunnan Key Laboratory of Crop Wild Relatives Omics, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, Yunnan, China
| | - Di Wu
- Germplasm Bank of Wild Species, Yunnan Key Laboratory of Crop Wild Relatives Omics, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, Yunnan, China
| | - De-Zhu Li
- Germplasm Bank of Wild Species, Yunnan Key Laboratory of Crop Wild Relatives Omics, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, Yunnan, China
| | - Aizhong Liu
- Key Laboratory for Forest Resources Conservation and Utilization in the Southwest Mountains of China, Ministry of Education, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming, 650224, China
| | - Wei Xu
- Germplasm Bank of Wild Species, Yunnan Key Laboratory of Crop Wild Relatives Omics, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, Yunnan, China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Verma A, Poondi Krishnan V, Cecere F, D’Angelo E, Lullo V, Strazzullo M, Selig S, Angelini C, Matarazzo MR, Riccio A. ICF1-Syndrome-Associated DNMT3B Mutations Prevent De Novo Methylation at a Subset of Imprinted Loci during iPSC Reprogramming. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1717. [PMID: 38136588 PMCID: PMC10741953 DOI: 10.3390/biom13121717] [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: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Parent-of-origin-dependent gene expression of a few hundred human genes is achieved by differential DNA methylation of both parental alleles. This imprinting is required for normal development, and defects in this process lead to human disease. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) serve as a valuable tool for in vitro disease modeling. However, a wave of de novo DNA methylation during reprogramming of iPSCs affects DNA methylation, thus limiting their use. The DNA methyltransferase 3B (DNMT3B) gene is highly expressed in human iPSCs; however, whether the hypermethylation of imprinted loci depends on DNMT3B activity has been poorly investigated. To explore the role of DNMT3B in mediating de novo DNA methylation at imprinted DMRs, we utilized iPSCs generated from patients with immunodeficiency, centromeric instability, facial anomalies type I (ICF1) syndrome that harbor biallelic hypomorphic DNMT3B mutations. Using a whole-genome array-based approach, we observed a gain of methylation at several imprinted loci in control iPSCs but not in ICF1 iPSCs compared to their parental fibroblasts. Moreover, in corrected ICF1 iPSCs, which restore DNMT3B enzymatic activity, imprinted DMRs did not acquire control DNA methylation levels, in contrast to the majority of the hypomethylated CpGs in the genome that were rescued in the corrected iPSC clones. Overall, our study indicates that DNMT3B is responsible for de novo methylation of a subset of imprinted DMRs during iPSC reprogramming and suggests that imprinting is unstable during a specific time window of this process, after which the epigenetic state at these regions becomes resistant to perturbation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ankit Verma
- Department of Environmental Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (DiSTABiF), Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 81100 Caserta, Italy; (A.V.); (F.C.); (E.D.)
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics (IGB) “Adriano Buzzati-Traverso”, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), 80131 Naples, Italy; (V.P.K.); (V.L.); (M.S.)
| | - Varsha Poondi Krishnan
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics (IGB) “Adriano Buzzati-Traverso”, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), 80131 Naples, Italy; (V.P.K.); (V.L.); (M.S.)
| | - Francesco Cecere
- Department of Environmental Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (DiSTABiF), Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 81100 Caserta, Italy; (A.V.); (F.C.); (E.D.)
| | - Emilia D’Angelo
- Department of Environmental Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (DiSTABiF), Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 81100 Caserta, Italy; (A.V.); (F.C.); (E.D.)
| | - Vincenzo Lullo
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics (IGB) “Adriano Buzzati-Traverso”, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), 80131 Naples, Italy; (V.P.K.); (V.L.); (M.S.)
| | - Maria Strazzullo
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics (IGB) “Adriano Buzzati-Traverso”, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), 80131 Naples, Italy; (V.P.K.); (V.L.); (M.S.)
| | - Sara Selig
- Department of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Rappaport Faculty of Medicine and Research Institute, Technion, Haifa 31096, Israel;
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa 31096, Israel
| | - Claudia Angelini
- Istituto per le Applicazioni del Calcolo “Mauro Picone”, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Maria R. Matarazzo
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics (IGB) “Adriano Buzzati-Traverso”, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), 80131 Naples, Italy; (V.P.K.); (V.L.); (M.S.)
| | - Andrea Riccio
- Department of Environmental Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (DiSTABiF), Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 81100 Caserta, Italy; (A.V.); (F.C.); (E.D.)
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics (IGB) “Adriano Buzzati-Traverso”, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), 80131 Naples, Italy; (V.P.K.); (V.L.); (M.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Zhang Y, Zeng J, Xu B. Phenotypic analysis with trans-recombination-based genetic mosaic models. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:105265. [PMID: 37734556 PMCID: PMC10587715 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105265] [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: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Mosaicism refers to the presence of genetically distinct cell populations in an individual derived from a single zygote, which occurs during the process of development, aging, and genetic diseases. To date, a variety of genetically engineered mosaic analysis models have been established and widely used in studying gene function at exceptional cellular and spatiotemporal resolution, leading to many ground-breaking discoveries. Mosaic analysis with a repressible cellular marker and mosaic analysis with double markers are genetic mosaic analysis models based on trans-recombination. These models can generate sibling cells of distinct genotypes in the same animal and simultaneously label them with different colors. As a result, they offer a powerful approach for lineage tracing and studying the behavior of individual mutant cells in a wildtype environment, which is particularly useful for determining whether gene function is cell autonomous or nonautonomous. Here, we present a comprehensive review on the establishment and applications of mosaic analysis with a repressible cellular marker and mosaic analysis with double marker systems. Leveraging the capabilities of these mosaic models for phenotypic analysis will facilitate new discoveries on the cellular and molecular mechanisms of development and disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jianhao Zeng
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Bing Xu
- School of Life Sciences, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Zhang Y, Sui Z, Zhang Z, Wang C, Li X, Xing F. Analysis of the Imprinting Status and Expression of the MAGEL2 Gene During Initiation at Puberty in the Dolang Sheep. DNA Cell Biol 2023; 42:689-696. [PMID: 37843913 DOI: 10.1089/dna.2023.0166] [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] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Genomic imprinting refers to the expression of parent-specific genes in diploid mammalian cells. MAGEL2 gene is a maternally imprinted gene that has been identified in mice and humans and is associated with the onset of puberty. The purpose of this study was to investigate its imprinting status and its relationship with the onset of puberty in Dolang sheep. The sequence of 3734 bp cDNA of MAGEL2 in Dolang sheep was obtained by cloning and sequencing, encoding 1173 amino acids. The results of the nucleotide and amino acid similarity analysis showed that it was highly conserved among different mammalian species. The MAGEL2 gene was expressed monoallelically in the tissues of adult and neonatal umbilical cords, and the expressed allele was paternally inherited. Real Time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) results showed that the MAGEL2 gene was highly expressed in the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, increased significantly from prepuberty to puberty, and decreased significantly after puberty. This study suggests that MAGEL2 is a paternally expressed and maternally imprinted gene in Dolang sheep, which may be involved in the initiation of puberty in Dolang sheep. This study provides a theoretical basis for further research on the mechanism of the imprinted gene MAGEL2 regulating the onset of puberty in sheep, and provides a new idea for the future research on the mechanism of onset of puberty in sheep.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yongjie Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Tarim University, Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, Alar, China
- Key Laboratory of Tarim Animal Husbandry Science and Technology, Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, Alar, China
| | - Zhiyuan Sui
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Tarim University, Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, Alar, China
- Key Laboratory of Tarim Animal Husbandry Science and Technology, Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, Alar, China
| | - Zhishuai Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Tarim University, Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, Alar, China
- Key Laboratory of Tarim Animal Husbandry Science and Technology, Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, Alar, China
| | - Chenguang Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Tarim University, Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, Alar, China
- Key Laboratory of Tarim Animal Husbandry Science and Technology, Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, Alar, China
| | - Xiaojun Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Tarim University, Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, Alar, China
- Key Laboratory of Tarim Animal Husbandry Science and Technology, Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, Alar, China
| | - Feng Xing
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Tarim University, Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, Alar, China
- Key Laboratory of Tarim Animal Husbandry Science and Technology, Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, Alar, China
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Camões dos Santos J, Appleton C, Cazaux Mateus F, Covas R, Bekman EP, da Rocha ST. Stem cell models of Angelman syndrome. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1274040. [PMID: 37928900 PMCID: PMC10620611 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1274040] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Angelman syndrome (AS) is an imprinted neurodevelopmental disorder that lacks a cure, characterized by developmental delay, intellectual impairment, seizures, ataxia, and paroxysmal laughter. The condition arises due to the loss of the maternally inherited copy of the UBE3A gene in neurons. The paternally inherited UBE3A allele is unable to compensate because it is silenced by the expression of an antisense transcript (UBE3A-ATS) on the paternal chromosome. UBE3A, encoding enigmatic E3 ubiquitin ligase variants, regulates target proteins by either modifying their properties/functions or leading them to degradation through the proteasome. Over time, animal models, particularly the Ube3a mat-/pat+ Knock-Out (KO) mice, have significantly contributed to our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying AS. However, a shift toward human pluripotent stem cell models (PSCs), such as human embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), has gained momentum. These stem cell models accurately capture human genetic and cellular characteristics, offering an alternative or a complement to animal experimentation. Human stem cells possess the remarkable ability to recapitulate neurogenesis and generate "brain-in-a-dish" models, making them valuable tools for studying neurodevelopmental disorders like AS. In this review, we provide an overview of the current state-of-the-art human stem cell models of AS and explore their potential to become the preclinical models of choice for drug screening and development, thus propelling AS therapeutic advancements and improving the lives of affected individuals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- João Camões dos Santos
- iBB—Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Carolina Appleton
- iBB—Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Department of Animal Biology, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Francisca Cazaux Mateus
- iBB—Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Rita Covas
- iBB—Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Evguenia Pavlovna Bekman
- iBB—Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- The Egas Moniz Center for Interdisciplinary Research (CiiEM), Caparica, Portugal
| | - Simão Teixeira da Rocha
- iBB—Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Frank SA. Disease from opposing forces in regulatory control. Evol Med Public Health 2023; 11:348-352. [PMID: 37868077 PMCID: PMC10590154 DOI: 10.1093/emph/eoad033] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Danger requires a strong rapid response. Speedy triggers are prone to false signals. False alarms can be costly, requiring strong negative regulators to oppose the initial triggers. Strongly opposed forces can easily be perturbed, leading to imbalance and disease. For example, immunity and fear response balance strong rapid triggers against widespread slow negative regulators. Diseases of immunity and behavior arise from imbalance. A different opposition of forces occurs in mammalian growth, which balances strong paternally expressed accelerators against maternally expressed suppressors. Diseases of overgrowth or undergrowth arise from imbalance. Other examples of opposing forces and disease include control of dopamine expression and male versus female favored traits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Steven A Frank
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-2525, USA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Hou KC, Tsai MH, Akbarian S, Huang HS. Mir125b-1 is Not Imprinted in Human Brain and Shows Developmental Expression Changes in Mouse Brain. Neuroscience 2023; 529:99-106. [PMID: 37598835 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2023.08.014] [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: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
Genomic imprinting is a predominantly brain and placenta-specific epigenetic process that contributes to parent-of-origin-specific gene expression. While microRNAs are highly expressed in the brain, their imprinting status in this tissue remains poorly studied. Previous research demonstrated that Mir125b-2 is imprinted in the human brain and regulates hippocampal circuits and functions in mice. However, the imprinting status of another isoform of miR125b, Mir125b-1, in the human brain, as well as its spatiotemporal expression patterns in mice, have not been elucidated. Here, we show MIR125B1 is not imprinted in the human brain. Moreover, miR-125b-1 was highly expressed in the brains of mice. Furthermore, miR-125b-1 was down-regulated during brain development in mice. Specifically, miR-125b-1 displayed preferential expression in the olfactory bulb, thalamus, and hypothalamus of the mouse brain. Notably, miR-125b-1 was enriched in GABAergic neurons, particularly somatostatin-expressing GABAergic neurons, compared with glutamatergic neurons. Taken together, our findings provide the imprinting status and comprehensive spatiotemporal expression profiling of Mir125b-1 in the brain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kuan-Chu Hou
- Graduate Institute of Brain and Mind Sciences, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10051, Taiwan
| | - Meng-Han Tsai
- Graduate Institute of Brain and Mind Sciences, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10051, Taiwan
| | - Schahram Akbarian
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, NY 10029, USA
| | - Hsien-Sung Huang
- Graduate Institute of Brain and Mind Sciences, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10051, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Ayache L, Bushell A, Lee J, Salminen I, Crespi B. Mother's warmth from maternal genes: genomic imprinting of brown adipose tissue. Evol Med Public Health 2023; 11:379-385. [PMID: 37928960 PMCID: PMC10621903 DOI: 10.1093/emph/eoad031] [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: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and objectives Brown adipose tissue (BAT) plays key roles in mammalian physiology, most notably with regard to thermoregulation in infants and juveniles. Previous studies have suggested that intragenomic conflict, in the form of genomic imprinting, mediates BAT thermogenesis, because it represents a public good for groups of siblings, or a mother with her offspring, who huddle together to conserve warmth. By this hypothesis, maternally expressed imprinted genes should promote BAT, while paternally expressed genes should repress it. Methodology We systematically searched the literature using two curated lists of genes imprinted in humans and/or mice, in association with evidence regarding effects of perturbation to imprinted gene expression on BAT development or activity. Results Overall, enhanced BAT was associated with relatively higher expression of maternally expressed imprinted genes, and relatively lower expression of paternally expressed imprinted genes; this pattern was found for 16 of the 19 genes with sufficient information for robust ascertainment (Binomial test, P < 0.005, 2-tailed). Conclusions and implications These results support the kinship theory of imprinting and indicate that future studies of BAT, and its roles in human health and disease, may usefully focus on effects of imprinted genes and associated genomic conflicts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lynn Ayache
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, British Columbia V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Aiden Bushell
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, British Columbia V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Jessica Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, British Columbia V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Iiro Salminen
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, British Columbia V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Bernard Crespi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, British Columbia V5A 1S6, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Shiura H, Kitazawa M, Ishino F, Kaneko-Ishino T. Roles of retrovirus-derived PEG10 and PEG11/RTL1 in mammalian development and evolution and their involvement in human disease. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1273638. [PMID: 37842090 PMCID: PMC10570562 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1273638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
PEG10 and PEG11/RTL1 are paternally expressed, imprinted genes that play essential roles in the current eutherian developmental system and are therefore associated with developmental abnormalities caused by aberrant genomic imprinting. They are also presumed to be retrovirus-derived genes with homology to the sushi-ichi retrotransposon GAG and POL, further expanding our comprehension of mammalian evolution via the domestication (exaptation) of retrovirus-derived acquired genes. In this manuscript, we review the importance of PEG10 and PEG11/RTL1 in genomic imprinting research via their functional roles in development and human disease, including neurodevelopmental disorders of genomic imprinting, Angelman, Kagami-Ogata and Temple syndromes, and the impact of newly inserted DNA on the emergence of newly imprinted regions. We also discuss their possible roles as ancestors of other retrovirus-derived RTL/SIRH genes that likewise play important roles in the current mammalian developmental system, such as in the placenta, brain and innate immune system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hirosuke Shiura
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Moe Kitazawa
- School of BioSciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Fumitoshi Ishino
- Institute of Research, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomoko Kaneko-Ishino
- Faculty of Nursing, School of Medicine, Tokai University, Isehara, Kanagawa, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Di Michele F, Chillón I, Feil R. Imprinted Long Non-Coding RNAs in Mammalian Development and Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13647. [PMID: 37686455 PMCID: PMC10487962 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713647] [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: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Imprinted genes play diverse roles in mammalian development, homeostasis, and disease. Most imprinted chromosomal domains express one or more long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). Several of these lncRNAs are strictly nuclear and their mono-allelic expression controls in cis the expression of protein-coding genes, often developmentally regulated. Some imprinted lncRNAs act in trans as well, controlling target gene expression elsewhere in the genome. The regulation of imprinted gene expression-including that of imprinted lncRNAs-is susceptible to stochastic and environmentally triggered epigenetic changes in the early embryo. These aberrant changes persist during subsequent development and have long-term phenotypic consequences. This review focuses on the expression and the cis- and trans-regulatory roles of imprinted lncRNAs and describes human disease syndromes associated with their perturbed expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Flavio Di Michele
- Institute of Molecular Genetics of Montpellier (IGMM), CNRS, 1919 Route de Mende, 34093 Montpellier, France
- University of Montpellier, 163 Rue Auguste Broussonnet, 34090 Montpellier, France
| | - Isabel Chillón
- Institute of Molecular Genetics of Montpellier (IGMM), CNRS, 1919 Route de Mende, 34093 Montpellier, France
- University of Montpellier, 163 Rue Auguste Broussonnet, 34090 Montpellier, France
| | - Robert Feil
- Institute of Molecular Genetics of Montpellier (IGMM), CNRS, 1919 Route de Mende, 34093 Montpellier, France
- University of Montpellier, 163 Rue Auguste Broussonnet, 34090 Montpellier, France
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Abstract
Imprinted gene clusters are confined genomic regions containing genes with parent-of-origin-dependent transcriptional activity. In this issue of Genes & Development, Loftus and colleagues (pp. 829-843) made use of an insightful combination of descriptive approaches, genetic manipulations, and epigenome-editing approaches to show that differences in nuclear topology precede the onset of imprinted expression at the Peg13-Kcnk9 locus. Furthermore, the investigators provide data in line with a model suggesting that parent-of-origin-specific topological differences could be responsible for parent-of-origin-specific enhancer activity and thus imprinted expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefan H Stricker
- Reprogramming and Regeneration, Biomedical Center (BMC), Physiological Genomics, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University (LMU) Munich, Planegg-Martinsried 82152, Germany; Epigenetic Epigenetic Engineering, Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Zentrum, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Planegg-Martinsried 82152, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Loftus D, Bae B, Whilden CM, Whipple AJ. Allelic chromatin structure precedes imprinted expression of Kcnk9 during neurogenesis. Genes Dev 2023; 37:829-843. [PMID: 37821107 PMCID: PMC10620047 DOI: 10.1101/gad.350896.123] [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: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Differences in chromatin state inherited from the parental gametes influence the regulation of maternal and paternal alleles in offspring. This phenomenon, known as genomic imprinting, results in genes preferentially transcribed from one parental allele. While local epigenetic factors such as DNA methylation are known to be important for the establishment of imprinted gene expression, less is known about the mechanisms by which differentially methylated regions (DMRs) lead to differences in allelic expression across broad stretches of chromatin. Allele-specific higher-order chromatin structure has been observed at multiple imprinted loci, consistent with the observation of allelic binding of the chromatin-organizing factor CTCF at multiple DMRs. However, whether allelic chromatin structure impacts allelic gene expression is not known for most imprinted loci. Here we characterize the mechanisms underlying brain-specific imprinted expression of the Peg13-Kcnk9 locus, an imprinted region associated with intellectual disability. We performed region capture Hi-C on mouse brains from reciprocal hybrid crosses and found imprinted higher-order chromatin structure caused by the allelic binding of CTCF to the Peg13 DMR. Using an in vitro neuron differentiation system, we showed that imprinted chromatin structure precedes imprinted expression at the locus. Additionally, activation of a distal enhancer induced imprinted expression of Kcnk9 in an allelic chromatin structure-dependent manner. This work provides a high-resolution map of imprinted chromatin structure and demonstrates that chromatin state established in early development can promote imprinted expression upon differentiation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Loftus
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA
| | - Bongmin Bae
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA
| | - Courtney M Whilden
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA
| | - Amanda J Whipple
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Pignata L, Cecere F, Acquaviva F, D’Angelo E, Cioffi D, Pellino V, Palumbo O, Palumbo P, Carella M, Sparago A, De Brasi D, Cerrato F, Riccio A. Co-occurrence of Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome and pseudohypoparathyroidism type 1B: coincidence or common molecular mechanism? Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1237629. [PMID: 37635873 PMCID: PMC10448386 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1237629] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Imprinting disorders are congenital diseases caused by dysregulation of genomic imprinting, affecting growth, neurocognitive development, metabolism and cancer predisposition. Overlapping clinical features are often observed among this group of diseases. In rare cases, two fully expressed imprinting disorders may coexist in the same patient. A dozen cases of this type have been reported so far. Most of them are represented by individuals affected by Beckwith-Wiedemann spectrum (BWSp) and Transient Neonatal Diabetes Mellitus (TNDM) or BWSp and Pseudo-hypoparathyroidism type 1B (PHP1B). All these patients displayed Multilocus imprinting disturbances (MLID). Here, we report the first case of co-occurrence of BWS and PHP1B in the same individual in absence of MLID. Genome-wide methylation and SNP-array analyses demonstrated loss of methylation of the KCNQ1OT1:TSS-DMR on chromosome 11p15.5 as molecular cause of BWSp, and upd(20)pat as cause of PHP1B. The absence of MLID and the heterodisomy of chromosome 20 suggests that BWSp and PHP1B arose through distinct and independent mechanism in our patient. However, we cannot exclude that the rare combination of the epigenetic defect on chromosome 11 and the UPD on chromosome 20 may originate from a common so far undetermined predisposing molecular lesion. A better comprehension of the molecular mechanisms underlying the co-occurrence of two imprinting disorders will improve genetic counselling and estimate of familial recurrence risk of these rare cases. Furthermore, our study also supports the importance of multilocus molecular testing for revealing MLID as well as complex cases of imprinting disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Pignata
- Department of Environmental Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (DiSTABiF), Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Caserta, Italy
| | - Francesco Cecere
- Department of Environmental Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (DiSTABiF), Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Caserta, Italy
| | - Fabio Acquaviva
- UOSD Genetica Medica, Dipartimento di Pediatria Generale e d’Urgenza, AORN Santobono-Pausilipon, Naples, Italy
| | - Emilia D’Angelo
- Department of Environmental Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (DiSTABiF), Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Caserta, Italy
| | - Daniela Cioffi
- UOSD Auxologia e Endocrinologia Pediatrica, Dipartimento di Pediatria Specialistica, AORN Santobono-Pausilipon, Naples, Italy
| | - Valeria Pellino
- UOSD Auxologia e Endocrinologia Pediatrica, Dipartimento di Pediatria Specialistica, AORN Santobono-Pausilipon, Naples, Italy
| | - Orazio Palumbo
- Division of Medical Genetics, Fondazione IRCCS “Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza”, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Pietro Palumbo
- Division of Medical Genetics, Fondazione IRCCS “Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza”, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Massimo Carella
- Division of Medical Genetics, Fondazione IRCCS “Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza”, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Angela Sparago
- Department of Environmental Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (DiSTABiF), Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Caserta, Italy
| | - Daniele De Brasi
- UOSD Genetica Medica, Dipartimento di Pediatria Generale e d’Urgenza, AORN Santobono-Pausilipon, Naples, Italy
| | - Flavia Cerrato
- Department of Environmental Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (DiSTABiF), Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Caserta, Italy
| | - Andrea Riccio
- Department of Environmental Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (DiSTABiF), Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Caserta, Italy
- Istituto di Genetica e Biofisica “Adriano Buzzati Traverso” Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Naples, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Regmi S, Giha L, Ali A, Siebels-Lindquist C, Davis TL. Methylation is maintained specifically at imprinting control regions but not other DMRs associated with imprinted genes in mice bearing a mutation in the Dnmt1 intrinsically disordered domain. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1192789. [PMID: 37601113 PMCID: PMC10436486 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1192789] [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: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Differential methylation of imprinting control regions in mammals is essential for distinguishing the parental alleles from each other and regulating their expression accordingly. To ensure parent of origin-specific expression of imprinted genes and thereby normal developmental progression, the differentially methylated states that are inherited at fertilization must be stably maintained by DNA methyltransferase 1 throughout subsequent somatic cell division. Further epigenetic modifications, such as the acquisition of secondary regions of differential methylation, are dependent on the methylation status of imprinting control regions and are important for achieving the monoallelic expression of imprinted genes, but little is known about how imprinting control regions direct the acquisition and maintenance of methylation at these secondary sites. Recent analysis has identified mutations that reduce DNA methyltransferase 1 fidelity at some genomic sequences but not at others, suggesting that it may function differently at different loci. We examined the impact of the mutant DNA methyltransferase 1 P allele on methylation at imprinting control regions as well as at secondary differentially methylated regions and non-imprinted sequences. We found that while the P allele results in a major reduction in DNA methylation levels across the mouse genome, methylation is specifically maintained at imprinting control regions but not at their corresponding secondary DMRs. This result suggests that DNA methyltransferase 1 may work differently at imprinting control regions or that there is an alternate mechanism for maintaining methylation at these critical regulatory regions and that maintenance of methylation at secondary DMRs is not solely dependent on the methylation status of the ICR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Tamara L. Davis
- Department of Biology, Bryn Mawr College, Bryn Mawr, PA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Caserta S, Gangemi S, Murdaca G, Allegra A. Gender Differences and miRNAs Expression in Cancer: Implications on Prognosis and Susceptibility. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11544. [PMID: 37511303 PMCID: PMC10380791 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411544] [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: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs are small, noncoding molecules of about twenty-two nucleotides with crucial roles in both healthy and pathological cells. Their expression depends not only on genetic factors, but also on epigenetic mechanisms like genomic imprinting and inactivation of X chromosome in females that influence in a sex-dependent manner onset, progression, and response to therapy of different diseases like cancer. There is evidence of a correlation between miRNAs, sex, and cancer both in solid tumors and in hematological malignancies; as an example, in lymphomas, with a prevalence rate higher in men than women, miR-142 is "silenced" because of its hypermethylation by DNA methyltransferase-1 and it is blocked in its normal activity of regulating the migration of the cell. This condition corresponds in clinical practice with a more aggressive tumor. In addition, cancer treatment can have advantages from the evaluation of miRNAs expression; in fact, therapy with estrogens in hepatocellular carcinoma determines an upregulation of the oncosuppressors miR-26a, miR-92, and miR-122 and, consequently, apoptosis. The aim of this review is to present an exhaustive collection of scientific data about the possible role of sex differences on the expression of miRNAs and the mechanisms through which miRNAs influence cancerogenesis, autophagy, and apoptosis of cells from diverse types of tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Santino Caserta
- Division of Hematology, Department of Human Pathology in Adulthood and Childhood "Gaetano Barresi", University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Sebastiano Gangemi
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Murdaca
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 16132 Genova, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Alessandro Allegra
- Division of Hematology, Department of Human Pathology in Adulthood and Childhood "Gaetano Barresi", University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Lopez-Tello J, Yong HEJ, Sandovici I, Dowsett GKC, Christoforou ER, Salazar-Petres E, Boyland R, Napso T, Yeo GSH, Lam BYH, Constancia M, Sferruzzi-Perri AN. Fetal manipulation of maternal metabolism is a critical function of the imprinted Igf2 gene. Cell Metab 2023; 35:1195-1208.e6. [PMID: 37437545 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2023.06.007] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Maternal-offspring interactions in mammals involve both cooperation and conflict. The fetus has evolved ways to manipulate maternal physiology to enhance placental nutrient transfer, but the mechanisms involved remain unclear. The imprinted Igf2 gene is highly expressed in murine placental endocrine cells. Here, we show that Igf2 deletion in these cells impairs placental endocrine signaling to the mother, without affecting placental morphology. Igf2 controls placental hormone production, including prolactins, and is crucial to establish pregnancy-related insulin resistance and to partition nutrients to the fetus. Consequently, fetuses lacking placental endocrine Igf2 are growth restricted and hypoglycemic. Mechanistically, Igf2 controls protein synthesis and cellular energy homeostasis, actions dependent on the placental endocrine cell type. Igf2 loss also has additional long-lasting effects on offspring metabolism in adulthood. Our study provides compelling evidence for an intrinsic fetal manipulation system operating in placenta that modifies maternal metabolism and fetal resource allocation, with long-term consequences for offspring metabolic health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Lopez-Tello
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK.
| | - Hannah E J Yong
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK; Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences (SICS), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A(∗)STAR), 30 Medical Drive, Singapore 117609, Singapore
| | - Ionel Sandovici
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and National Institute for Health Research Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge CB2 0SW, UK; Medical Research Council (MRC) Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science and, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Georgina K C Dowsett
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science and, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Efthimia R Christoforou
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Esteban Salazar-Petres
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Rebecca Boyland
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK; Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital NHS Trust, Barrack Rd, Exeter EX2 5DW, UK
| | - Tina Napso
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Giles S H Yeo
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science and, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Brian Y H Lam
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science and, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Miguel Constancia
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and National Institute for Health Research Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge CB2 0SW, UK; Medical Research Council (MRC) Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science and, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK.
| | - Amanda N Sferruzzi-Perri
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Trapphoff T, Dieterle S. Cryopreservation of Ovarian and Testicular Tissue and the Influence on Epigenetic Pattern. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11061. [PMID: 37446239 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241311061] [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: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC) or testicular tissue cryopreservation (TTC) are effective and often the only options for fertility preservation in female or male patients due to oncological, medical, or social aspects. While TTC and resumption of spermatogenesis, either in vivo or in vitro, has still be considered an experimental approach in humans, OTC and autotransplantation has been applied increasingly to preserve fertility, with more than 200 live births worldwide. However, the cryopreservation of reproductive cells followed by the resumption of gametogenesis, either in vivo or in vitro, may interfere with sensitive and highly regulated cellular processes. In particular, the epigenetic profile, which includes not just reversible modifications of the DNA itself but also post-translational histone modifications, small non-coding RNAs, gene expression and availability, and storage of related proteins or transcripts, have to be considered in this context. Due to complex reprogramming and maintenance mechanisms of the epigenome in germ cells, growing embryos, and offspring, OTC and TTC are carried out at very critical moments early in the life cycle. Given this background, the safety of OTC and TTC, taking into account the epigenetic profile, has to be clarified. Cryopreservation of mature germ cells (including metaphase II oocytes and mature spermatozoa collected via ejaculation or more invasively after testicular biopsy) or embryos has been used successfully for many years in medically assisted reproduction (MAR). However, tissue freezing followed by in vitro or in vivo gametogenesis has become more attractive in the past, while few human studies have analysed the epigenetic effects, with most data deriving from animal studies. In this review, we highlight the potential influence of the cryopreservation of immature germ cells and subsequent in vivo or in vitro growth and differentiation on the epigenetic profile (including DNA methylation, post-translational histone modifications, and the abundance and availability of relevant transcripts and proteins) in humans and animals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Stefan Dieterle
- Dortmund Fertility Centre, 44135 Dortmund, Germany
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Witten/Herdecke University, 44135 Dortmund, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Zhao Z, Wang Y, Peng Z, Luo Z, Zhao M, Wang J. Allelic expression of AhNSP2-B07 due to parent of origin affects peanut nodulation. Front Plant Sci 2023; 14:1193465. [PMID: 37426991 PMCID: PMC10325728 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1193465] [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] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Legumes are well-known for establishing a symbiotic relationship with rhizobia in root nodules to fix nitrogen from the atmosphere. The nodulation signaling pathway 2 (NSP2) gene plays a critical role in the symbiotic signaling pathway. In cultivated peanut, an allotetraploid (2n = 4x = 40, AABB) legume crop, natural polymorphisms in a pair of NSP2 homoeologs (Na and Nb) located on chromosomes A08 and B07, respectively, can cause loss of nodulation. Interestingly, some heterozygous (NBnb) progeny produced nodules, while some others do not, suggesting non-Mendelian inheritance in the segregating population at the Nb locus. In this study, we investigated the non-Mendelian inheritance at the NB locus. Selfing populations were developed to validate the genotypical and phenotypical segregating ratios. Allelic expression was detected in roots, ovaries, and pollens of heterozygous plants. Bisulfite PCR and sequencing of the Nb gene in gametic tissue were performed to detect the DNA methylation variations of this gene in different gametic tissues. The results showed that only one allele at the Nb locus expressed in peanut roots during symbiosis. In the heterozygous (Nbnb) plants, if dominant allele expressed, the plants produced nodules, if recessive allele expressed, then no nodules were produced. qRT-PCR experiments revealed that the expression of Nb gene in the ovary was extremely low, about seven times lower than that in pollen, regardless of genotypes or phenotypes of the plants at this locus. The results indicated that Nb gene expression in peanut depends on the parent of origin and is imprinted in female gametes. However, no significant differences of DNA methylation level were detected between these two gametic tissues by bisulfite PCR and sequencing. The results suggested that the remarkable low expression of Nb in female gametes may not be caused by DNA methylation. This study provided a unique genetic basis of a key gene involved in peanut symbiosis, which could facilitate understanding the regulation of gene expression in symbiosis in polyploid legumes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zifan Zhao
- Agronomy Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Yichun Wang
- Agronomy Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
- Plant Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Ze Peng
- College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ziliang Luo
- Agronomy Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Meixia Zhao
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Jianping Wang
- Agronomy Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
- Plant Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Świąder-Leśniak A, Jurkiewicz D, Kołodziejczyk H, Kozłowska A, Korpysz A, Szalecki M, Chrzanowska K. The effects of 3-year growth hormone treatment and body composition in Polish patients with Silver-Russell syndrome. Endokrynol Pol 2023; 74:285-293. [PMID: 37335065 DOI: 10.5603/ep.a2023.0042] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Silver-Russell syndrome (SRS) is characterized by clinical and genetic heterogeneity. SRS is the only disease entity associated with (epi)genetic abnormalities of 2 different chromosomes: 7 and 11. In SRS, the 2 most frequent molecular abnormalities are hypomethylation (loss of methylation) of region H19/IGF2:IG-DMR on chromosome 11p15.5 (11p15 LOM) and maternal uniparental disomy of chromosome 7 (upd(7)mat). Therapy with recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) is implemented to increase body height in children with SRS. The effect of the administered rhGH on height, weight, body mass index (BMI), body composition, and height velocity in patients with SRS during 3 years of rhGH therapy was analysed. MATERIAL AND METHODS 31 SRS patients (23 with 11p15 LOM, 8 with upd(7)mat) and 16 patients small for gestational age (SGA) as a control group were diagnosed and followed up in The Children's Memorial Health Institute. Patients were eligible for the 2 Polish rhGH treatment programmes [for patients with SGA or with growth hormone deficiency (GHD)]. Anthropometric parameters were collected in all patients. Body composition using bioelectrical impedance was measured in 13 SRS and 14 SGA patients. RESULTS Height, weight, and weight for height (SDS) at baseline of rhGH therapy were lower in SRS patients than in the SGA control group: -3.3 ± 1.2 vs. -2.6 ± 06 (p = 0.012), -2.5 vs. -1.9 (p = 0.037), -1.7 vs. -1.1 (p = 0.038), respectively. Height SDS was increased from -3.3 ± 1.2 to -1.8 ± 1.0 and from -2.6 ± 0.6 to -1.3 ± 0.7 in the SRS and SGA groups, respectively. Patients with 11p15 LOM and upd(7) mat achieved similar height, 127.0 ± 15.7 vs. 128.9 ± 21.6 cm, and -2.0 ± 1.3 vs. -1.7 ± 1.0 SDS, respectively. Fat mass percentage decreased in SRS patients from 4.2% to 3.0% (p < 0.05) and in SGA patients from 7.6% to 6.6% (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Growth hormone therapy has a positive influence on the growth of SRS patients. Regardless of molecular abnormality type (11p15 LOM vs. upd(7)mat), height velocity was similar in SRS patients during 3 years of rhGH therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Świąder-Leśniak
- Laboratory of Anthropology, The Children's Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Dorota Jurkiewicz
- Department of Medical Genetics, The Children's Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Agata Kozłowska
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetology, The Children's Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Alicja Korpysz
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetology, The Children's Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Mieczysław Szalecki
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetology, The Children's Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland
- Collegium Medicum, Jan Kochanowski University of Kielce, Kielce, Poland
| | - Krystyna Chrzanowska
- Department of Medical Genetics, The Children's Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Zhang L, Han Z, He H, Zhang X, Zhang M, Li B, Wu Q. Meg8-DMR as the Secondary Regulatory Region Regulates the Expression of MicroRNAs While It Does Not Affect Embryonic Development in Mice. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1264. [PMID: 37372444 DOI: 10.3390/genes14061264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Meg8-DMR is the first maternal methylated DMR to be discovered in the imprinted Dlk1-Dio3 domain. The deletion of Meg8-DMR enhances the migration and invasion of MLTC-1 depending on the CTCF binding sites. However, the biological function of Meg8-DMR during mouse development remains unknown. In this study, a CRISPR/Cas9 system was used to generate 434 bp genomic deletions of Meg8-DMR in mice. High-throughput and bioinformatics profiling revealed that Meg8-DMR is involved in the regulation of microRNA: when the deletion was inherited from the mother (Mat-KO), the expression of microRNA was unchanged. However, when the deletion occurred from the father (Pat-KO) and homozygous (Homo-KO), the expression was upregulated. Then, differentially expressed microRNAs (DEGs) were identified between WT with Pat-KO, Mat-KO, and Homo-KO, respectively. Subsequently, these DEGs were subjected to the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway and Gene Ontology (GO) term enrichment analysis to explore the functional roles of these genes. In total, 502, 128, and 165 DEGs were determined. GO analysis showed that these DEGs were mainly enriched in axonogenesis in Pat-KO and Home-KO, while forebrain development was enriched in Mat-KO. Finally, the methylation levels of IG-DMR, Gtl2-DMR, and Meg8-DMR, and the imprinting status of Dlk1, Gtl2, and Rian were not affected. These findings suggest that Meg8-DMR, as a secondary regulatory region, could regulate the expression of microRNAs while not affecting the normal embryonic development of mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liang Zhang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Zhengbin Han
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Hongjuan He
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Ximeijia Zhang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Mengyan Zhang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Boran Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Qiong Wu
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Loftus D, Bae B, Whilden CM, Whipple AJ. Allelic chromatin structure primes imprinted expression of Kcnk9 during neurogenesis. bioRxiv 2023:2023.06.09.544389. [PMID: 37333073 PMCID: PMC10274912 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.09.544389] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Differences in chromatin state inherited from the parental gametes influence the regulation of maternal and paternal alleles in offspring. This phenomenon, known as genomic imprinting, results in genes preferentially transcribed from one parental allele. While local epigenetic factors such as DNA methylation are known to be important for the establishment of imprinted gene expression, less is known about the mechanisms by which differentially methylated regions (DMRs) lead to differences in allelic expression across broad stretches of chromatin. Allele-specific higher-order chromatin structure has been observed at multiple imprinted loci, consistent with the observation of allelic binding of the chromatin-organizing factor CTCF at multiple DMRs. However, whether allelic chromatin structure impacts allelic gene expression is not known for most imprinted loci. Here we characterize the mechanisms underlying brain-specific imprinted expression of the Peg13-Kcnk9 locus, an imprinted region associated with intellectual disability. We performed region capture Hi-C on mouse brain from reciprocal hybrid crosses and found imprinted higher-order chromatin structure caused by the allelic binding of CTCF to the Peg13 DMR. Using an in vitro neuron differentiation system, we show that on the maternal allele enhancer-promoter contacts formed early in development prime the brain-specific potassium leak channel Kcnk9 for maternal expression prior to neurogenesis. In contrast, these enhancer-promoter contacts are blocked by CTCF on the paternal allele, preventing paternal Kcnk9 activation. This work provides a high-resolution map of imprinted chromatin structure and demonstrates that chromatin state established in early development can promote imprinted expression upon differentiation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Loftus
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138 USA
| | - Bongmin Bae
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138 USA
| | - Courtney M. Whilden
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138 USA
| | - Amanda J. Whipple
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138 USA
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Bina M. Defining Candidate Imprinted loci in Bos taurus. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1036. [PMID: 37239396 PMCID: PMC10217866 DOI: 10.3390/genes14051036] [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: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Using a whole-genome assembly of Bos taurus, I applied my bioinformatics strategy to locate candidate imprinting control regions (ICRs) genome-wide. In mammals, genomic imprinting plays essential roles in embryogenesis. In my strategy, peaks in plots mark the locations of known, inferred, and candidate ICRs. Genes in the vicinity of candidate ICRs correspond to potential imprinted genes. By displaying my datasets on the UCSC genome browser, one could view peak positions with respect to genomic landmarks. I give two examples of candidate ICRs in loci that influence spermatogenesis in bulls: CNNM1 and CNR1. I also give examples of candidate ICRs in loci that influence muscle development: SIX1 and BCL6. By examining the ENCODE data reported for mice, I deduced regulatory clues about cattle. I focused on DNase I hypersensitive sites (DHSs). Such sites reveal accessibility of chromatin to regulators of gene expression. For inspection, I chose DHSs in chromatin from mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) ES-E14, mesoderm, brain, heart, and skeletal muscle. The ENCODE data revealed that the SIX1 promoter was accessible to the transcription initiation apparatus in mouse ESCs, mesoderm, and skeletal muscles. The data also revealed accessibility of BCL6 locus to regulatory proteins in mouse ESCs and examined tissues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Minou Bina
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
da Silva J. The kin selection theory of genomic imprinting and modes of reproduction in the eusocial Hymenoptera. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2023; 98:677-695. [PMID: 36457233 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12925] [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: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Genomic imprinting is known from flowering plants and mammals but has not been confirmed for the Hymenoptera even though the eusocial Hymenoptera are prime candidates for this peculiar form of gene expression. Here, the kin selection theory of genomic imprinting is reviewed and applied to the eusocial Hymenoptera. The evidence for imprinting in eusocial Hymenoptera with the typical mode of reproduction, involving the sexual production of diploid female offspring, which develop into workers or gynes, and the arrhenotokous parthenogenesis of haploid males, is also reviewed briefly. However, the focus of this review is how atypical modes of reproduction, involving thelytokous parthenogenesis, hybridisation and androgenesis, may also select for imprinting. In particular, naturally occurring hybridisation in several genera of ants may provide useful tests of the role of kin selection in the evolution of imprinting. Hybridisation is expected to disrupt the coadaptation of antagonistically imprinted loci, and thus affect the phenotypes of hybrids. Some of the limited data available on hybrid worker reproduction and on colony sex ratios support predictions about patterns of imprinting derived from kin selection theory.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jack da Silva
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Cecere F, Pignata L, Hay Mele B, Saadat A, D'Angelo E, Palumbo O, Palumbo P, Carella M, Scarano G, Rossi GB, Angelini C, Sparago A, Cerrato F, Riccio A. Co-Occurrence of Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome and Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15071944. [PMID: 37046605 PMCID: PMC10093120 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15071944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
CRC is an adult-onset carcinoma representing the third most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the world. EO-CRC (<45 years of age) accounts for 5% of the CRC cases and is associated with cancer-predisposing genetic factors in half of them. Here, we describe the case of a woman affected by BWSp who developed EO-CRC at age 27. To look for a possible molecular link between BWSp and EO-CRC, we analysed her whole-genome genetic and epigenetic profiles in blood, and peri-neoplastic and neoplastic colon tissues. The results revealed a general instability of the tumor genome, including copy number and methylation changes affecting genes of the WNT signaling pathway, CRC biomarkers and imprinted loci. At the germline level, two missense mutations predicted to be likely pathogenic were found in compound heterozygosity affecting the Cystic Fibrosis (CF) gene CFTR that has been recently classified as a tumor suppressor gene, whose dysregulation represents a severe risk factor for developing CRC. We also detected constitutional loss of methylation of the KCNQ1OT1:TSS-DMR that leads to bi-allelic expression of the lncRNA KCNQ1OT1 and BWSp. Our results support the hypothesis that the inherited CFTR mutations, together with constitutional loss of methylation of the KCNQ1OT1:TSS-DMR, initiate the tumorigenesis process. Further somatic genetic and epigenetic changes enhancing the activation of the WNT/beta-catenin pathway likely contributed to increase the growth advantage of cancer cells. Although this study does not provide any conclusive cause-effect relationship between BWSp and CRC, it is tempting to speculate that the imprinting defect of BWSp might accelerate tumorigenesis in adult cancer in the presence of predisposing genetic variants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Cecere
- Department of Environmental Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (DiSTABiF), Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Laura Pignata
- Department of Environmental Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (DiSTABiF), Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Bruno Hay Mele
- Department of Biology, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", 80126 Napoli, Italy
| | - Abu Saadat
- Department of Environmental Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (DiSTABiF), Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Emilia D'Angelo
- Department of Environmental Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (DiSTABiF), Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Orazio Palumbo
- Division of Medical Genetics, Fondazione IRCCS "Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza", 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Pietro Palumbo
- Division of Medical Genetics, Fondazione IRCCS "Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza", 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Massimo Carella
- Division of Medical Genetics, Fondazione IRCCS "Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza", 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Gioacchino Scarano
- Medical Genetics Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera "San Pio" P."Gaetano Rummo", 82100 Benevento, Italy
| | | | - Claudia Angelini
- Istituto per le Applicazioni del Calcolo (IAC) "Mauro Picone", Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Angela Sparago
- Department of Environmental Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (DiSTABiF), Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Flavia Cerrato
- Department of Environmental Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (DiSTABiF), Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Andrea Riccio
- Department of Environmental Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (DiSTABiF), Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 81100 Caserta, Italy
- Institute of Genetics and e Biophysics (IGB) "Adriano Buzzati-Traverso", Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), 80131 Napoli, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Goudsouzian LK, Lo SM. A case study on genomic imprinting facilitates student learning. Adv Physiol Educ 2023; 47:139-143. [PMID: 36602992 PMCID: PMC9925156 DOI: 10.1152/advan.00197.2022] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Problem-based learning encourages students to deepen their understanding of a concept by working through a real-world example of course content. Case studies represent a form of problem-based learning that engages students in realistic scenarios to achieve a deeper understanding of concepts. Case studies have been shown to facilitate the learning of challenging subject matter. We hypothesized that the use of a case study would help students better learn the topic of genomic imprinting, an abstract phenomenon in molecular biology and genetics. We wrote an interrupted case study that focused on genomic imprinting. The case study consists of three short popular news articles that relate to genomic imprinting. Each article is followed by a set of two to four questions. Students read each article and discuss its associated questions in small groups and then with the entire class before moving on to the next article. We deployed the case study in an intermediate-level molecular biology course at a small, liberal arts university. We assessed student learning and attitudes toward the case study (50 pre/postmatched pairs). In four true/false assessment questions, our results showed that the students' performance on the assessment after the case study was significantly higher than their performance before the case study. Students also self-reported increased knowledge of concepts related to genomic imprinting. Finally, students were likely to agree that the case study was beneficial to their learning and was an enjoyable classroom activity. We conclude that the case study is an effective way to instruct students about the topic of genomic imprinting.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Students often struggle with the concept of genomic imprinting, in part because it violates Mendelian rules of inheritance. Students learned about genomic imprinting, and enjoyed doing it when completing this case study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Stanley M Lo
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Cao W, Douglas KC, Samollow PB, VandeBerg JL, Wang X, Clark AG. Origin and Evolution of Marsupial-specific Imprinting Clusters Through Lineage-specific Gene Duplications and Acquisition of Promoter Differential Methylation. Mol Biol Evol 2023; 40:msad022. [PMID: 36721950 PMCID: PMC9937046 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msad022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Genomic imprinting is a parent-of-origin-specific expression phenomenon that plays fundamental roles in many biological processes. In animals, imprinting is only observed in therian mammals, with ∼200 imprinted genes known in humans and mice. The imprinting pattern in marsupials has been minimally investigated by examining orthologs to known eutherian imprinted genes. To identify marsupial-specific imprinting in an unbiased way, we performed RNA-seq studies on samples of fetal brain and placenta from the reciprocal cross progeny of two laboratory opossum stocks. We inferred allele-specific expression for >3,000 expressed genes and discovered/validated 13 imprinted genes, including three previously known imprinted genes, Igf2r, Peg10, and H19. We estimate that marsupials imprint ∼60 autosomal genes, which is a much smaller set compared with eutherians. Among the nine novel imprinted genes, three noncoding RNAs have no known homologs in eutherian mammals, while the remaining genes have important functions in pluripotency, transcription regulation, nucleolar homeostasis, and neural differentiation. Methylation analyses at promoter CpG islands revealed differentially methylated regions in five of these marsupial-specific imprinted genes, suggesting that differential methylation is a common mechanism in the epigenetic regulation of marsupial imprinting. Clustering and co-regulation were observed at marsupial imprinting loci Pou5f3-Npdc1 and Nkrfl-Ipncr2, but eutherian-type multi-gene imprinting clusters were not detected. Also differing from eutherian mammals, the brain and placenta imprinting profiles are remarkably similar in opossums, presumably due to the shared origin of these organs from the trophectoderm. Our results contribute to a fuller understanding of the origin, evolution, and mechanisms of genomic imprinting in therian mammals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenqi Cao
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
- Innovation, and Commerce, Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station, Auburn University Center for Advanced Science, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Kory C Douglas
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Paul B Samollow
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - John L VandeBerg
- South Texas Diabetes and Obesity Institute and Department of Human Genetics, School of Medicine, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Brownsville, TX, USA
| | - Xu Wang
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
- Innovation, and Commerce, Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station, Auburn University Center for Advanced Science, Auburn, AL, USA
- Scott-Ritchey Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
- HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, Huntsville, AL, USA
| | - Andrew G Clark
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Riegl SD, Starnes C, Jima DD, Baptissart M, Diehl AM, Belcher SM, Cowley M. The imprinted gene Zac1 regulates steatosis in developmental cadmium-induced nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Toxicol Sci 2023; 191:34-46. [PMID: 36200916 PMCID: PMC9887675 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfac106] [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] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) exposure in adulthood is associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), characterized by steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis. The prevalence of NAFLD in children is increasing, suggesting a role for the developmental environment in programming susceptibility. However, the role of developmental Cd exposure in programming NAFLD and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. We have proposed that imprinted genes are strong candidates for connecting the early life environment and later life disease. In support of this, we previously identified roles for the Imprinted Gene Network (IGN) and its regulator Zac1 in programming NAFLD in response to maternal metabolic dysfunction. Here, we test the hypothesis that developmental Cd exposure is sufficient to program NAFLD, and further, that this process is mediated by Zac1 and the IGN. Using mice, we show that developmental cadmium chloride (CdCl2) exposure leads to histological, biochemical, and molecular signatures of steatosis and fibrosis in juveniles. Transcriptomic analyses comparing livers of CdCl2-exposed and control mice show upregulation of Zac1 and the IGN coincident with disease presentation. Increased hepatic Zac1 expression is independent of promoter methylation and imprinting statuses. Finally, we show that over-expression of Zac1 in cultured hepatocytes is sufficient to induce lipid accumulation in a Pparγ-dependent manner and demonstrate direct binding of Zac1 to the Pparγ promoter. Our findings demonstrate that developmental Cd exposure is sufficient to program NAFLD in later life, and with our previous work, establish Zac1 and the IGN as key regulators of prosteatotic and profibrotic pathways, two of the major pathological hallmarks of NAFLD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sierra D Riegl
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, USA
| | - Cassie Starnes
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, USA
| | - Dereje D Jima
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, USA
- Bioinformatics Research Center, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, USA
| | - Marine Baptissart
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, USA
| | - Anna Mae Diehl
- Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
| | - Scott M Belcher
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, USA
| | - Michael Cowley
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, USA
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Luca M, Carli D, Cardaropoli S, Milani D, Cocchi G, Leoni C, Macchiaiolo M, Bartuli A, Tarani L, Melis D, Bontempo P, D'Elia G, Prada E, Vitale R, Grammegna A, Tannorella P, Sparago A, Pignata L, Riccio A, Russo S, Ferrero GB, Mussa A. Performance Metrics of the Scoring System for the Diagnosis of the Beckwith-Wiedemann Spectrum (BWSp) and Its Correlation with Cancer Development. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15. [PMID: 36765732 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15030773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Different scoring systems for the clinical diagnosis of the Beckwith-Wiedemann spectrum (BWSp) have been developed over time, the most recent being the international consensus score. Here we try to validate and provide data on the performance metrics of these scoring systems of the 2018 international consensus and the previous ones, relating them to BWSp features, molecular tests, and the probability of cancer development in a cohort of 831 patients. The consensus scoring system had the best performance (sensitivity 0.85 and specificity 0.43). In our cohort, the diagnostic yield of tests on blood-extracted DNA was low in patients with a low consensus score (~20% with a score = 2), and the score did not correlate with cancer development. We observed hepatoblastoma (HB) in 4.3% of patients with UPD(11)pat and Wilms tumor in 1.9% of patients with isolated lateralized overgrowth (ILO). We validated the efficacy of the currently used consensus score for BWSp clinical diagnosis. Based on our observation, a first-tier analysis of tissue-extracted DNA in patients with <4 points may be considered. We discourage the use of the consensus score value as an indicator of the probability of cancer development. Moreover, we suggest considering cancer screening for negative patients with ILO (risk ~2%) and HB screening for patients with UPD(11)pat (risk ~4%).
Collapse
|
43
|
Ahn J, Hwang IS, Park MR, Hwang S, Cho IC, Lee K. The AIRN lncRNA is imprinted and paternally expressed in pigs. J Anim Sci 2023; 101:skad367. [PMID: 37925372 PMCID: PMC10638104 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skad367] [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: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Genomic imprinting plays critical roles during the development of mammalian species and underlying epigenetic mechanisms frequently involve long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). The paternal transcription of the antisense Igf2r RNA noncoding (Airn) is responsible for paternal silencing of the mouse insulin-like growth factor 2 receptor (Igf2r) gene and maternal Igf2r expression. Although the corresponding maternal DNA methylation imprint is conserved in humans and pigs, the orthologous AIRN lncRNA has been identified in humans but not in pigs. Here, we aimed to examine imprinted allelic expression of the porcine AIRN lncRNA along with a corresponding differentially methylated region (DMR) and to analyze allelic expression of AIRN and IGF2R in pigs. By comparing parthenogenetic and control porcine embryos, we identified a maternally methylated DMR and a significantly higher expression of AIRN lncRNA in control embryos (P < 0.05) indicating its paternal expression. Further analyses revealed that the expression of AIRN lncRNA was enriched in the pig brain and its subregions, and it was monoallelically expressed; whereas, IGF2R was expressed biallelically suggesting an absence of allele-specific transcriptional regulation. Our findings will lead to further investigations into the role of the imprinted porcine AIRN lncRNA during pig development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinsoo Ahn
- Department of Animal Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210
| | - In-Sul Hwang
- Animal Biotechnology Division, National Institute of Animal Science, RDA, Jeonbuk 55365, Republic of Korea
- Columbia Center for Translational Immunology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032
| | - Mi-Ryung Park
- Animal Biotechnology Division, National Institute of Animal Science, RDA, Jeonbuk 55365, Republic of Korea
| | - Seongsoo Hwang
- Animal Welfare Research Team, National Institute of Animal Science, RDA, Jeonbuk 55365, Republic of Korea
| | - In-Cheol Cho
- Subtropical Livestock Research Institute, National Institute of Animal Science, RDA, Jeju 63242, Republic of Korea
| | - Kichoon Lee
- Department of Animal Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Sun J, Shu J, Shi D, Liu W, Zhang Y, Luo B. Effects of methylation and imprinting expression of Insulin-like growth factor 2 gene in gastric cancer. Cancer Biomark 2023; 38:355-366. [PMID: 37718779 DOI: 10.3233/cbm-230105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated gastric cancer (EBVaGC) is a common malignant tumor associated with EBV infection. Insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) is an imprinted gene and a key protein that regulates growth, especially during normal fetal development. Loss of imprinting (LOI), is a common epigenetic anomaly in a variety of human cancers. However, the promoter methylation, imprinting status and function of IGF2 gene in GC are unclear. OBJECTIVE To explore the role of IGF2 in the occurrence and development of gastric cancer. METHODS The biological function of IGF2 in gastric cancer was investigated by Transwell, wound healing, CCK-8 and flow cytometry assays. IGF2 imprinting status and gene promoter methylation in gastric cancer tissues were detected by PCR-RFLP and BGS. RESULTS The results showed that the expression of IGF2 was higher in GC tissues than adjacent tissues. IGF2 gene promoter methylation and LOI were significantly higher in EBVaGC tissues than in EBV-negative gastric cancer (EBVnGC) tissues. The high expression of IGF2 in gastric cancer can promote the migration and proliferation of gastric cancer cells. CONCLUSION Our data suggest that IGF2 is involved in the occurrence and development of gastric cancer. Targeting IGF2 may be a potential therapeutic target for gastric cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiting Sun
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Jun Shu
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), School of Basic Medical Sciences, and Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Duo Shi
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Wen Liu
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zibo Central Hospital, Zibo, Shandong, China
| | - Bing Luo
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Sheng KY, Nakano T, Yamaguchi S. A region-dependent allele-biased expression of Dopa decarboxylase in mouse brain. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1078927. [PMID: 36568970 PMCID: PMC9768605 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1078927] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Genomic imprinting is an epigenetic event in which genes are expressed only from either the paternal or maternal allele. Dopa decarboxylase (Ddc), is an imprinted gene that encodes an enzyme which catalyzes the conversion of L-dopa to dopamine. Although Ddc has been reported to be paternally expressed in embryonic and neonatal hearts, its expression pattern in the brain has been controversial. To visualize Ddc-expressing neurons, we established a knock-in mouse carrying a humanized Kusabira orange 1 (hKO1) reporter cassette at the Ddc locus (Ddc-hKO1). The expression of Ddc-hKO1 was detected in all known Ddc-positive cells in the brains of embryonic, neonatal, adult, and aged mice. We further developed an efficient purification method for Ddc-hKO1-positive neurons using a cell sorter. RNA sequencing analysis confirmed the enrichment of dopaminergic, serotonergic and cholinergic neurons in Ddc-hKO1-positive cell population recovered using this method. A detailed analysis of Ddc-hKO1 paternally and maternally derived heterozygous mice combined with immunostaining revealed that Ddc was preferentially expressed from the maternal allele in ventral tegmented area (VTA), substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc), and retrorubral field (RRF); while it was expressed from both alleles in dorsal raphe nucleus (DR). These results indicate that Ddc exhibit an allele-specific expression pattern in different brain regions, presumably reflecting the diverse regulatory mechanisms of imprinting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kit-Yeng Sheng
- Department of Pathology, Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka, Japan
| | - Toru Nakano
- Department of Pathology, Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka, Japan,Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Shinpei Yamaguchi
- Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan,Stem Cells and Reprogramming Laboratory, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Toho University, Chiba, Japan,*Correspondence: Shinpei Yamaguchi,
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Salminen I, Read S, Crespi B. Do the diverse phenotypes of Prader-Willi syndrome reflect extremes of covariation in typical populations? Front Genet 2022; 13:1041943. [PMID: 36506301 PMCID: PMC9731222 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.1041943] [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: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The phenotypes of human imprinted neurogenetic disorders can be hypothesized as extreme alterations of typical human phenotypes. The imprinted neurogenetic disorder Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) features covarying phenotypes that centrally involve altered social behaviors, attachment, mood, circadian rhythms, and eating habits, that can be traced to altered functioning of the hypothalamus. Here, we conducted analyses to investigate the extent to which the behavioral variation shown in typical human populations for a set of PWAS-associated traits including autism spectrum cognition, schizotypal cognition, mood, eating, and sleeping phenotypes shows covariability that recapitulates the covariation observed in individuals with PWS. To this end, we collected data from 296 typical individuals for this set of phenotypes, and showed, using principal components analysis, evidence of a major axis reflecting key covarying PWS traits. We also reviewed the literature regarding neurogenetic syndromes that overlap in their affected traits with PWS, to determine their prevalence and properties. These findings demonstrate that a notable suite of syndromes shows phenotypic overlap with PWS, implicating a large set of imprinted and non-imprinted genes, some of which interact, in the phenotypes of this disorder. Considered together, these findings link variation in and among neurogenetic disorders with variation in typical populations, especially with regard to pleiotropic effects mediated by the hypothalamus. This work also implicates effects of imprinted gene variation on cognition and behavior in typical human populations.
Collapse
|
47
|
Bhadsavle SS, Golding MC. Paternal epigenetic influences on placental health and their impacts on offspring development and disease. Front Genet 2022; 13:1068408. [PMID: 36468017 PMCID: PMC9716072 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.1068408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [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: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Our efforts to understand the developmental origins of birth defects and disease have primarily focused on maternal exposures and intrauterine stressors. Recently, research into non-genomic mechanisms of inheritance has led to the recognition that epigenetic factors carried in sperm also significantly impact the health of future generations. However, although researchers have described a range of potential epigenetic signals transmitted through sperm, we have yet to obtain a mechanistic understanding of how these paternally-inherited factors influence offspring development and modify life-long health. In this endeavor, the emerging influence of the paternal epigenetic program on placental development, patterning, and function may help explain how a diverse range of male exposures induce comparable intergenerational effects on offspring health. During pregnancy, the placenta serves as the dynamic interface between mother and fetus, regulating nutrient, oxygen, and waste exchange and coordinating fetal growth and maturation. Studies examining intrauterine maternal stressors routinely describe alterations in placental growth, histological organization, and glycogen content, which correlate with well-described influences on infant health and adult onset of disease. Significantly, the emergence of similar phenotypes in models examining preconception male exposures indicates that paternal stressors transmit an epigenetic memory to their offspring that also negatively impacts placental function. Like maternal models, paternally programmed placental dysfunction exerts life-long consequences on offspring health, particularly metabolic function. Here, focusing primarily on rodent models, we review the literature and discuss the influences of preconception male health and exposure history on placental growth and patterning. We emphasize the emergence of common placental phenotypes shared between models examining preconception male and intrauterine stressors but note that the direction of change frequently differs between maternal and paternal exposures. We posit that alterations in placental growth, histological organization, and glycogen content broadly serve as reliable markers of altered paternal developmental programming, predicting the emergence of structural and metabolic defects in the offspring. Finally, we suggest the existence of an unrecognized developmental axis between the male germline and the extraembryonic lineages that may have evolved to enhance fetal adaptation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael C. Golding
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Soejima H, Hara S, Ohba T, Higashimoto K. Placental Mesenchymal Dysplasia and Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14. [PMID: 36428656 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14225563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Placental mesenchymal dysplasia (PMD) is characterized by placentomegaly, aneurysmally dilated chorionic plate vessels, thrombosis of the dilated vessels, and large grapelike vesicles, and is often mistaken for partial or complete hydatidiform mole with a coexisting normal fetus. Androgenetic/biparental mosaicism (ABM) has been found in many PMD cases. Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) is an imprinting disorder with complex and diverse phenotypes and an increased risk of developing embryonal tumors. There are five major causative alterations: loss of methylation of imprinting control region 2 (KCNQ1OT1:TSS-DMR) (ICR2-LOM), gain of methylation at ICR1 (H19/IGF2:IG-DMR) (ICR1-GOM), paternal uniparental disomy of 11 (pUPD11), loss-of-function variants of the CDKN1C gene, and paternal duplication of 11p15. Additional minor alterations include genetic variants within ICR1, paternal uniparental diploidy/biparental diploidy mosaicism (PUDM, also called ABM), and genetic variants of KCNQ1. ABM (PUDM) is found in both conditions, and approximately 20% of fetuses from PMD cases are BWS and vice versa, suggesting a molecular link. PMD and BWS share some molecular characteristics in some cases, but not in others. These findings raise questions concerning the timing of the occurrence of the molecularly abnormal cells during the postfertilization period and the effects of these abnormalities on cell fates after implantation.
Collapse
|
49
|
Eggermann T, Prawitt D. Further understanding of paternal uniparental disomy in Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome. Expert Rev Endocrinol Metab 2022; 17:513-521. [PMID: 36377076 DOI: 10.1080/17446651.2022.2144228] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Paternal uniparental disomy of chromosome 11 (upd(11)pat) accounts for up to 20% of molecularly confirmed Beckwith-Wiedemann spectrum (BWSp) cases. It belongs to the BWSp subgroup with the second highest tumor risk, and therefore needs particular awareness in research, diagnostics and clinical management. AREAS COVERED We overview the contribution of paternal (mosaic) uniparental disomy of chromosome 11 (UPD, upd(11)pat) and mosaic paternal uniparental diploidy in patients with Beckwith-Wiedemann features. The review comprises the current knowledge on their formation and their molecular and clinical consequences. Accordingly, the consequences for diagnostic testing and clinical monitoring are compiled. EXPERT OPINION The necessity to diagnostically identify and thus discriminate genome-wide paternal uniparental disomy, and upd(11)pat becomes obvious, due to the differences in the clinical course, disease prognosis, and treatment. In particular, monitoring of tumor development by liquid biopsy might be a promising option in the future. From the research point of view, it should be addressed why 11p is prone to mitotic recombination and thus also provide to the role of upd(11) as second hit in tumorigenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Eggermann
- Medical Faculty, Institute of Human Genetics, RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Dirk Prawitt
- Center for Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center, Mainz, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Juan AM, Foong YH, Thorvaldsen JL, Lan Y, Leu NA, Rurik JG, Li L, Krapp C, Rosier CL, Epstein JA, Bartolomei MS. Tissue-specific Grb10/Ddc insulator drives allelic architecture for cardiac development. Mol Cell 2022; 82:3613-3631.e7. [PMID: 36108632 PMCID: PMC9547965 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2022.08.021] [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: 12/27/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Allele-specific expression of imprinted gene clusters is governed by gametic DNA methylation at master regulators called imprinting control regions (ICRs). Non-gametic or secondary differentially methylated regions (DMRs) at promoters and exonic regions reinforce monoallelic expression but do not control an entire cluster. Here, we unveil an unconventional secondary DMR that is indispensable for tissue-specific imprinting of two previously unlinked genes, Grb10 and Ddc. Using polymorphic mice, we mapped an intronic secondary DMR at Grb10 with paternal-specific CTCF binding (CBR2.3) that forms contacts with Ddc. Deletion of paternal CBR2.3 removed a critical insulator, resulting in substantial shifting of chromatin looping and ectopic enhancer-promoter contacts. Destabilized gene architecture precipitated abnormal Grb10-Ddc expression with developmental consequences in the heart and muscle. Thus, we redefine the Grb10-Ddc imprinting domain by uncovering an unconventional intronic secondary DMR that functions as an insulator to instruct the tissue-specific, monoallelic expression of multiple genes-a feature previously ICR exclusive.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aimee M Juan
- Epigenetics Institute, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Yee Hoon Foong
- Epigenetics Institute, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Joanne L Thorvaldsen
- Epigenetics Institute, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Yemin Lan
- Epigenetics Institute, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Nicolae A Leu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Center for Animal Transgenesis and Germ Cell Research, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Joel G Rurik
- Penn Cardiovascular Institute, Department of Medicine, Department Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Li Li
- Penn Cardiovascular Institute, Department of Medicine, Department Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Christopher Krapp
- Epigenetics Institute, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Casey L Rosier
- Epigenetics Institute, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jonathan A Epstein
- Epigenetics Institute, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Penn Cardiovascular Institute, Department of Medicine, Department Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Marisa S Bartolomei
- Epigenetics Institute, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| |
Collapse
|