scholarly journals The conserved DNMT1 dependent methylation regions in human cells are vulnerable to environmental rotenone

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dana M. Freeman ◽  
Dan Lou ◽  
Yanqiang Li ◽  
Suzanne N. Martos ◽  
Zhibin Wang

AbstractAllele-specific DNA methylation (ASM) describes genomic loci that maintain CpG methylation at only one inherited allele rather than having coordinated methylation across both alleles. The most prominent of these regions are germline ASMs (gASMs) that control the expression of imprinted genes in a parent of origin-dependent manner and are associated with disease. However, our recent report reveals numerous ASMs at non-imprinted genes. These non-germline ASMs are dependent on DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) and strikingly show the feature of random, switchable monoallelic methylation patterns in the mouse genome. The significance of these ASMs to human health has not been explored. Due to their shared allelicity with gASMs, herein, we propose that non-traditional ASMs are sensitive to exposures in association with human disease. We first explore their conservancy in the human genome. Our data show that our putative non-germline ASMs were in conserved regions of the human genome and located adjacent to genes vital for neuronal development and maturation. We next tested the hypothesized vulnerability of these regions by exposing human embryonic kidney cell HEK293 with the neurotoxicant rotenone for 24h. Indeed,14 genes adjacent to our identified regions were differentially expressed from RNA-sequencing. We analyzed the base-resolution methylation patterns of the predicted non-germline ASMs at two neurological genes, HCN2 and NEFM, with potential to increase the risk of neurodegeneration. Both regions were significantly hypomethylated in response to rotenone. Our data indicate that non-germline ASMs seem conserved between mouse and human genomes, overlap important regulatory factor binding motifs, and regulate the expression of genes vital to neuronal function. These results support the notion that ASMs are sensitive to environmental factors and may alter the risk of neurological disease later in life by disrupting neuronal development.

2014 ◽  
Vol 34 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessilyn Dunn ◽  
Haiwei Qiu ◽  
Soyeon Kim ◽  
Daudi Jjingo ◽  
Ryan Hoffman ◽  
...  

Atherosclerosis preferentially occurs in arterial regions of disturbed blood flow (d-flow), which alters gene expression, endothelial function, and atherosclerosis. Here, we show that d-flow regulates genome-wide DNA methylation patterns in a DNA methyltransferase (DNMT)-dependent manner. We found that d-flow induced expression of DNMT1, but not DNMT3a or DNMT3b, in mouse arterial endothelium in vivo and in cultured endothelial cells by oscillatory shear (OS) compared to unidirectional laminar shear in vitro. The DNMT inhibitor 5-Aza-2’deoxycytidine (5Aza) or DNMT1 siRNA significantly reduced OS-induced endothelial inflammation. Moreover, 5Aza reduced lesion formation in two atherosclerosis models using ApoE-/- mice (western diet for 3 months and the partial carotid ligation model with western diet for 3 weeks). To identify the 5Aza mechanisms, we conducted two genome-wide studies: reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS) and transcript microarray using endothelial-enriched gDNA and RNA, respectively, obtained from the partially-ligated left common carotid artery (LCA exposed to d-flow) and the right contralateral control (RCA exposed to s-flow) of mice treated with 5Aza or vehicle. D-flow induced DNA hypermethylation in 421 gene promoters, which was significantly prevented by 5Aza in 335 genes. Systems biological analyses using the RRBS and the transcriptome data revealed 11 mechanosensitive genes whose promoters were hypermethylated by d-flow but rescued by 5Aza treatment. Of those, five genes contain hypermethylated cAMP-response-elements in their promoters, including the transcription factors HoxA5 and Klf3. Their methylation status could serve as a mechanosensitive master switch in endothelial gene expression. Our results demonstrate that d-flow controls epigenomic DNA methylation patterns in a DNMT-dependent manner, which in turn alters endothelial gene expression and induces atherosclerosis.


2015 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 254 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. F. Bressan ◽  
J. Therrien ◽  
F. Filion ◽  
F. Perecin ◽  
L. C. Smith ◽  
...  

Pluripotency reacquisition of somatic cells has been achieved through nuclear transfer (NT) to oocytes and, more recently, through induction with pluripotency-related factors (iPS cells). However, the epigenetic reprogramming process that enables the derivation of both NT-derived cloned animals and iPS cells is usually incomplete, leading to unhealthy offspring and poorly reprogrammed iPS cell lines. These unfavourable outcomes result in part from abnormal genome DNA methylation that leads to aberrant gene expression patterns. For instance, differentially methylated regions (DMR) and monoalleleic expression of imprinted genes, essential for normal cellular commitment and early development, are thought to be severely disturbed by reprogramming techniques. Indeed, H19 and SNRPN, imprinted genes, were disturbed in bovine NT-derived embryos and fetuses. Herein we investigated whether the DMR and parent-of-origin expression of the imprinted genes H19 and SNRPN are also perturbed in iPS lines. To analyse the DMR methylation patterns and allelic expression of H19 and SNRPN using parental-specific polymorphisms, we derived multiple clones of bovine iPS (biPS) cells from an interspecies (Bos indicus × Bos taurus) fetal fibroblast (bFF) using transduction with a policystronic lentivirus containing mouse Oct4, Sox2 c-Myc, and Klf-4 transcription factors. The DNA methylation patterns were evaluated by bisulfite sequencing and allelic expression by designing allele-specific PCR probes. We also quantified transcript expression by RT-PCR of H19, IGF2, SNRPN, OCT4, and NANOG by normalization with 3 housekeeping genes (GAPDH, NAT1, and ACTB). The biPS lines were characterised by a high nuclear : cytoplasmic ratio, dome-shaped colonies, positive AP activity, embryoid body formation, in vitro and in vivo (teratoma) formation, and expression of pluripotency-related genes. Compared to the bFF cells, methylation analyses of H19 showed partial hypomethylation of the paternal DMR on 1 iPS cell line and partial demethylation of the CTCF-binding region in the DMR of 2 other biPS lines, indicating abnormal demethylation of 3 out of the 4 biPS lines analysed. Methylation analyses of SNRPN revealed a partial hypomethylation in the maternal DMR and partial hypermethylation of the paternal DMR in 2 iPS lines. Gene expression analyses revealed the biallelic expression of H19 and decreased global expression of both H19 and IGF2, as well as the exclusively monoallelic paternal expression and significant increase in global expression of SNRPN. Interestingly, although OCT4 was substantially overexpressed in biPS lines, we identified a hypermethylation of the CG-rich region of the OCT4 exon 1. Endogenous NANOG expression was observed in 2 biPS clones. We conclude that imprinting errors are observed in biPS clones, suggesting that these epigenetic anomalies are related to the reprogramming process and could be directly responsible for the variable phenotypes and low success rates of both cloning and iPS derivation procedures.Financial support was from NSERC, FAPESP (13/13686-8, 11/08376-4, 57877-3/2008, 08.135-2/2013), CNPq (573754/2008-0, 482163/2013-5).


Development ◽  
1998 ◽  
Vol 125 (5) ◽  
pp. 889-897 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Mertineit ◽  
J.A. Yoder ◽  
T. Taketo ◽  
D.W. Laird ◽  
J.M. Trasler ◽  
...  

The spermatozoon and oocyte genomes bear sex-specific methylation patterns that are established during gametogenesis and are required for the allele-specific expression of imprinted genes in somatic tissues. The mRNA for Dnmt1, the predominant maintenance and de novo DNA (cytosine-5)-methyl transferase in mammals, is present at high levels in postmitotic murine germ cells but undergoes alternative splicing of sex-specific 5′ exons, which controls the production and localization of enzyme during specific stages of gametogenesis. An oocyte-specific 5′ exon is associated with the production of very large amounts of active Dnmt1 protein, which is truncated at the N terminus and sequestered in the cytoplasm during the later stages of oocyte growth, while a spermatocyte-specific 5′ exon interferes with translation and prevents production of Dnmt1 during the prolonged crossing-over stage of male meiosis. During the course of postnatal oogenesis, Dnmt1 is present at high levels in nuclei only in growing dictyate oocytes, a stage during which gynogenetic developmental potential is lost and biparental developmental potential is gained.


eLife ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ting-Ya Chang ◽  
Chen Chen ◽  
Min Lee ◽  
Ya-Chu Chang ◽  
Chi-Huan Lu ◽  
...  

Neurite initiation is the first step in neuronal development and occurs spontaneously in soft tissue environments. Although the mechanisms regulating the morphology of migratory cells on rigid substrates in cell culture are widely known, how soft environments modulate neurite initiation remains elusive. Using hydrogel cultures, pharmacologic inhibition, and genetic approaches, we reveal that paxillin-linked endocytosis and adhesion are components of a bistable switch controlling neurite initiation in a substrate modulus-dependent manner. On soft substrates, most paxillin binds to endocytic factors and facilitates vesicle invagination, elevating neuritogenic Rac1 activity and expression of genes encoding the endocytic machinery. By contrast, on rigid substrates, cells develop extensive adhesions, increase RhoA activity and sequester paxillin from the endocytic machinery, thereby delaying neurite initiation. Our results highlight paxillin as a core molecule in substrate modulus-controlled morphogenesis and define a mechanism whereby neuronal cells respond to environments exhibiting varying mechanical properties.


Zygote ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Liliana Burlibaşa ◽  
Alina-Teodora Nicu ◽  
Carmen Domnariu

Summary The process of cytodifferentiation in spermatogenesis is governed by a unique genetic and molecular programme. In this context, accurate ‘tuning’ of the regulatory mechanisms involved in germ cells differentiation is required, as any error could have dramatic consequences on species survival and maintenance. To study the processes that govern the spatial–temporal expression of genes, as well as analyse transmission of epigenetic information to descendants, an integrated approach of genetics, biochemistry and cytology data is necessary. As information in the literature on interplay between DNA methylation and histone H3 lysine 4 trimethylation (H3K4me3) in the advanced stages of murine spermatogenesis is still scarce, we investigated the effect of a DNA methyltransferase inhibitor, 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine, at the cytological level using immunocytochemistry methodology. Our results revealed a particular distribution of H3K4me3 during sperm cell differentiation and highlighted an important role for regulation of DNA methylation in controlling histone methylation and chromatin remodelling during spermatogenesis.


Genetics ◽  
2003 ◽  
Vol 163 (3) ◽  
pp. 1135-1146 ◽  
Author(s):  
Surinder Chopra ◽  
Suzy M Cocciolone ◽  
Shaun Bushman ◽  
Vineet Sangar ◽  
Michael D McMullen ◽  
...  

Abstract We have characterized Unstable factor for orange1 (Ufo1), a dominant, allele-specific modifier of expression of the maize pericarp color1 (p1) gene. The p1 gene encodes an Myb-homologous transcriptional activator of genes required for biosynthesis of red phlobaphene pigments. The P1-wr allele specifies colorless kernel pericarp and red cobs, whereas Ufo1 modifies P1-wr expression to confer pigmentation in kernel pericarp, as well as vegetative tissues, which normally do not accumulate significant amounts of phlobaphene pigments. In the presence of Ufo1, P1-wr transcript levels and transcription rate are increased in kernel pericarp. The P1-wr allele contains approximately six p1 gene copies present in a hypermethylated and multicopy tandem array. In P1-wr Ufo1 plants, methylation of P1-wr DNA sequences is reduced, whereas the methylation state of other repetitive genomic sequences was not detectably affected. The phenotypes produced by the interaction of P1-wr and Ufo1 are unstable, exhibiting somatic mosaicism and variable penetrance. Moreover, the changes in P1-wr expression and methylation are not heritable: meiotic segregants that lack Ufo1 revert to the normal P1-wr expression and methylation patterns. These results demonstrate the existence of a class of modifiers of gene expression whose effects are associated with transient changes in DNA methylation of specific loci.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (8) ◽  
pp. 4150
Author(s):  
Paweł Kochanowski ◽  
Jessica Catapano ◽  
Maciej Pudełek ◽  
Tomasz Wróbel ◽  
Zbigniew Madeja ◽  
...  

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) recurrences after temozolomide (TMZ) treatment result from the expansion of drug-resistant and potentially invasive GBM cells. This process is facilitated by O6-Methylguanine-DNA Methyltransferase (MGMT), which counteracts alkylating TMZ activity. We traced the expansion of invasive cell lineages under persistent chemotherapeutic stress in MGMTlow (U87) and MGMThigh (T98G) GBM populations to look into the mechanisms of TMZ-induced microevolution of GBM invasiveness. TMZ treatment induced short-term, pro-invasive phenotypic shifts of U87 cells, in the absence of Snail-1 activation. They were illustrated by a transient induction of their motility and followed by the hypertrophy and the signs of senescence in scarce U87 sub-populations that survived long-term TMZ stress. In turn, MGMThigh T98G cells reacted to the long-term TMZ treatment with the permanent induction of invasiveness. Ectopic Snail-1 down-regulation attenuated this effect, whereas its up-regulation augmented T98G invasiveness. MGMTlow and MGMThigh cells both reacted to the long-term TMZ stress with the induction of Cx43 expression. However, only in MGMThigh T98G populations, Cx43 was directly involved in the induction of invasiveness, as manifested by the induction of T98G invasiveness after ectopic Cx43 up-regulation and by the opposite effect after Cx43 down-regulation. Collectively, Snail-1/Cx43-dependent signaling participates in the long-term TMZ-induced microevolution of the invasive GBM front. High MGMT activity remains a prerequisite for this process, even though MGMT-related GBM chemoresistance is not necessary for its initiation.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (11) ◽  
pp. 5516
Author(s):  
Qiting Zhang ◽  
Ziyan Wang ◽  
Xinyuan Chen ◽  
Haoxiang Qiu ◽  
Yifan Gu ◽  
...  

Epigenetic therapy using histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors has become an attractive project in new drug development. However, DNA methylation and histone acetylation are important epigenetic ways to regulate the occurrence and development of leukemia. Given previous studies, N-(2-aminophenyl)benzamide acridine (8a), as a histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1) inhibitor, induces apoptosis and shows significant anti-proliferative activity against histiocytic lymphoma U937 cells. HDAC1 plays a role in the nucleus, which we confirmed by finding that 8a entered the nucleus. Subsequently, we verified that 8a mainly passes through the endogenous (mitochondrial) pathway to induce cell apoptosis. From the protein interaction data, we found that 8a also affected the expression of DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1). Therefore, an experiment was performed to assess the binding of 8a to DNMT1 at the molecular and cellular levels. We found that the binding strength of 8a to DNMT1 enhanced in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, 8a inhibits the expression of DNMT1 mRNA and its protein. These findings suggested that the anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic activities of 8a against leukemia cells were achieved by targeting HDAC1 and DNMT1.


2021 ◽  
Vol 20 ◽  
pp. 153473542110316
Author(s):  
Liang Wang ◽  
Lei Xu ◽  
Yu Wang

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) is a malignant tumor that originates from keratinocytes in the epidermis or appendage. Traditional Chinese medicine Huaier has anti-tumor activity in various malignancies. Little is known about the role of Huaier in CSCC. Here, we investigated the function of Huaier in CSCC. We treated CSCC cell line (SCL-1 and A431) with a series of concentration gradients of Huaier to examine the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of Huaier on SCL-1 and A431 cells. The IC50 of Huaier on growth of SCL-1 and A431 cells were 6.96 and 7.57 mg/mL, respectively. Moreover, Huaier reduced the methylation levels of CDKN2A and TP53, and enhanced the expression of CDKN2A and TP53 in SCL-1 and A431 cells in a dosage-dependent manner. The expression of DNA methyltransferase DNMT1 was severely repressed by Huaier treatment in SCL-1 and A431 cells. DNMT1 overexpression enhanced the methylation levels of CDKN2A and TP53, and suppressed the expression of CDKN2A and TP53 in Huaier-treated SCL-1 and A431 cells. Huaier treatment inhibited proliferation, migration, and invasion of SCL-1 and A431 cells. However, inhibition of CDKN2A or TP53 reversed the influence of Huaier treatment on proliferation, migration, and invasion of CSCC cells. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that Huaier inhibits proliferation, migration, and invasion of CSCC cells by regulating DNA methylation of CDKN2A and TP53, thereby attenuating the progression of CSCC. Thus, Huaier extract may act as a drug for treating CSCC.


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