DNA methylation and targeted sequencing of methyltransferases family genes in canine acute myeloid leukaemia,modelling human myeloid leukaemia

Tumours shows aberrant DNA methylation patterns, being hypermethylated or hypomethylated compared with normal tissues. In human acute myeloid leukaemia (hAML) mutations in DNA methyltransferase (DNMT3A) are associated to a more aggressive tumour behaviour. As AML is lethal in dogs, we defined global DNA methylation content, and screened the C‐terminal domain of DNMT3 family of genes for sequence variants in 39 canine acute myeloid leukaemia (cAML) cases. A heterogeneous pattern of DNA methylation was found among cAML samples, with subsets of cases being hypermethylated or hypomethylated compared with healthy controls; four recurrent single nucleotide variations (SNVs) were found in DNMT3L gene. Although SNVs were not directly correlated to whole genome DNA methylation levels, all hypomethylated cAML cases were homozygous for the deleterious mutation at p.Arg222Trp. This study contributes to understand genetic modifications of cAML, leading up to studies that will elucidate the role of methylome alterations in the pathogenesis of AML in dogs.     

DNA methylation-dependent modulator of Gsg2/Haspin gene expression

The Gsg2 (Haspin) gene encodes a serine/threonine protein kinase and is predominantly expressed in haploid germ cells. In proliferating somatic cells, Gsg2 is shown to be expressed weakly but plays an essential role in mitosis. Although the Gsg2 minimal promoter recognized by the spermatogenic cell-specific nuclear factor(s) has been found, to date, the molecular mechanism that differentially controls Gsg2 expression levels in germ and somatic cells remains to be sufficiently clarified. In this study, we analyzed the DNA methylation status of the upstream region containing the Gsg2 promoter. We found a tissue-dependent and differentially methylated region (T-DMR) upstream (-641 to -517) of the authentic promoter that is hypomethylated in germ cells but hypermethylated in other somatic tissues. Profiling of Gsg2 expression and DNA methylation status at the T-DMR in spermatogenic cells indicated that the hypomethylation of the T-DMR is maintained during spermatogenesis. Using the reporter assay, we also demonstrated that DNA methylation at the T-DMR of Gsg2 reduced the promoter activity by 60-80%, but did not fully suppress it. Therefore, the T-DMR functions as a modulator in a DNA methylation-dependent manner. In conclusion, Gsg2 is under epigenetic control.     

哺乳动物DNA甲基化研究进展

在真核生物基因组中DNA甲基化是一种重要的修饰方式,也是一种重要的表观遗传学机制。通常甲基化发生在胞嘧啶第5个碳原子上,由DNA甲基化转移酶(DNMTs)家族催化形成的。DNA甲基化是一种可逆的过程,并且直接影响到基因的活性。DNA甲基化对于哺乳动物的正常发育起着非常重要的作用,并在很大程度上影响着哺乳动物重要的生物学进程,主要包括转录成分的沉默、基因失活、染色体的完整性和大部分基因的转录调控作用。     

产蛋前期和产蛋高峰期鸡全基因组甲基化差异及其对肝脏转录组影响的研究

旨在通过对产蛋前期和产蛋高峰期鸡肝全基因组甲基化差异进行分析,解析基因组甲基化对不同发育阶段肝中基因表达差异的影响。本研究采用全基因组重亚硫酸盐测序（WGBS）技术对产蛋前期（20周龄）和产蛋高峰期（30周龄,各3只DNA混池）卢氏绿壳蛋鸡肝全基因组的甲基化水平进行检测,并与已有的肝mRNA转录组数据进行整合分析,探讨基因组甲基化对不同生理阶段基因表达差异的影响。结果表明,全基因组范围约有4%的胞嘧啶（C）发生了甲基化（mC）;两个生理阶段的总体甲基化水平基本一致。共检测到670个差异甲基化区域（DMRs）和356个差异甲基化基因（DMGs）。基因本体（GO）和相关信号通路（KEGG）分析发现,超甲基化DMGs显著富集在发育的正向调控、细胞形态改变的调控、VEGF信号通路、肌动蛋白细胞骨架的调控、粘着斑及间隙连接等相关过程,低甲基化DMGs显著富集在胚胎消化道形态的发生、间充质细胞增殖的正向调控、淀粉和蔗糖代谢及Wnt信号通路等相关过程。基因不同功能区域甲基化水平与基因表达水平有关,启动子（promoter）及基因体（gene body）区域甲基化水平与基因表达水平呈显著负相关,其他区域（内含子、3'UTR）的甲基化水平与基因的表达水平无明显关系。其中,与肝脂质代谢相关的候选基因RASD1、HAO1、UBE2O、MSRB3受甲基化调控。本研究绘制了不同生理时期卢氏绿壳蛋鸡全基因组甲基化图谱,结合mRNA转录组数据阐述了DNA甲基化在基因表达方面的调控作用,并鉴定出了不同生理时期受甲基化调控的基因,为深入研究表观遗传调控在不同生理时期蛋鸡肝代谢中的作用机制提供参考。     

DNA甲基化及其生物学功能

DNA甲基化是一种主要的表观遗传修饰,是调节基因表达的重要手段。作者在介绍了DNA甲基化机制、DNA甲基化的模式、DNA甲基化特点的基础上,重点论述了DNA甲基化发育分化、X染色体失活、基因组印记和杂种优势等方面的作用。     

DNA methylation analysis on satellite I region in blastocysts obtained from somatic cell cloned cattle

Many observations have been made on cloned embryos and on adult clones by somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT), but it is still unclear whether the progeny of cloned animals is presenting normal epigenetic status. Here, in order to accumulate the information for evaluating the normality of cloned cattle, we analyzed the DNA methylation status on satellite I region in blastocysts obtained from cloned cattle. Embryos were produced by artificial insemination (AI) to non‐cloned or cloned dams using semen from non‐cloned or cloned sires. After 7 days of AI, embryos at blastocyst stage were collected by uterine flushing. The DNA methylation levels in embryos obtained by using semen and/or oocytes from cloned cattle were similar to those in in vivo embryos from non‐cloned cattle. In contrast, the DNA methylation levels in SCNT embryos were significantly higher (P < 0.01) than those in in vivo embryos from non‐cloned and cloned cattle, approximately similar to those in somatic cells used as donor cells. Thus, this study provides useful information that epigenetic status may be normal in the progeny of cloned cattle, suggesting the normality of germline cells in cloned cattle.     

Epigenetically immature oocytes lead to loss of imprinting during embryogenesis

Loss of imprinting (LOI) is occasionally observed in human imprinting disorders. However, the process behind the LOI is not fully understood. To gain a better understanding, we produced embryos and pups from mouse oocytes that lacked a complete methylation imprint using a method that involved transferring the nuclei of growing oocytes into the cytoplasm of enucleated fully grown oocytes following in vitro fertilization (IVF). We then analyzed the imprinting statuses. Our findings show that the incomplete methylation imprint derived from growing oocytes results in epigenetic mosaicism or a loss of methylation imprint (LOM) at maternal alleles in embryos. In some embryos, both hypo- and hypermethylated maternal Kcnq1ot1 alleles were detected, whereas either hypo- or hypermethylated maternal Kcnq1ot1 alleles were detected in others. Such tendencies were also observed at the Igf2r and Mest loci. Gene expression levels of imprinted genes were linked with their methylation statuses in some but not all embryos. Possible explanations of the inconsistency between the data from DNA methylation and gene expression include epigenetic mosaicism in embryos. Pups were successfully produced from growing oocytes at a quite low frequency. They exhibited an obese phenotype and LOI with respect to Igf2r, Snrpn and Mest. Our finding suggests the possibility that LOI/LOM at maternal alleles in human concepti could be derived from epigenetically immature/mutated oocytes.     

H19和IGF2R基因在体细胞克隆猪各组织中的甲基化状态

为了探求新生克隆猪可能的死亡原因以及是否存在不完全的DNA甲基化重编程,本试验运用亚硫酸氢盐测序法分别检测了H19基因和IGF2R基因差异甲基化区（DMR）在新生死亡克隆猪和同期正常猪心脏、肝脏、脾脏、肺脏和肾脏中的甲基化状态。结果发现,H19基因DMR在克隆猪肺脏中表现为超甲基化,极显著高于正常猪（95．20％VS46．80％P〈0．01）,且10个测序克隆中存在2处连续的全甲基化CpG位点（4-9位、12-S17位）,而在其他组织中甲基化差异不显著（P〉0．05）;IGF2R基因DMR在肝脏中处于超甲基化状态,显著高于正常猪（80．00％V839．41％P〈0．05）,而在肺脏中为去甲基化状态,板显著低于正常猪（14．71％VS66．47％P〈0．01）,在其他组织差异不显著（P〉0．05）。结果说明,在死亡克隆猪中,H19基因DMR在肺脏和IGF2R基因在肝脏与肺脏中存在不完全的DNA甲基化重编程,这可能是导致克隆动物死亡的因素之一。     

Identification of genetic and epigenetic similarities of SPHK1/Sphk1 in mammals

In normal tissues, methylation of CpG islands is generally accepted to be limited to the inactive X-chromosome and imprinting clusters. Gene Sphk1 has shown complex organization, indicated by multiple alternative splicing and tissue-dependent DNA methylation within the limited area (T-DMR) of the CpG island in the rat. Comparisons among human, mouse and rat SPHK1/Sphk1 genomic DNA revealed five coding exons and association of a CpG island at the 5' end in common. We also found two novel subtypes, for a total of eight mRNA subtypes generated through selective usage of untranslated first exons. A 38-bp region at the 5'-end of T-DMR is highly conserved. This restricted area is specifically hypomethylated in the brain. Here, we examine the complex genetic/epigenetic features of the SPHK1/Sphk1 CpG island, and suggest that the T-DMR is the core target for tissue-dependent CpG island methylation.     

Histology of uterine leiomyoma and occurrence in relation to reproductive activity in the Baltic gray seal (Halichoerus grypus)

A high prevalence of uterine leiomyoma has been reported in Baltic gray seals aged 15 years and above. Studies on Baltic seals during the 1970s revealed high tissue concentrations of the organochlorines bis(chlorophenyl)-1,1,1-trichloroethane (DDT) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), lowered reproduction rate, and pathologic changes. In the second half of the 1970s, decreases of PCB and DDT in Baltic biota occurred, and the prevalence of pregnancies in Baltic seals increased. Between 1975 and 1997, 53 Baltic gray seal females of age 15-40 years were found dead and sent to the Swedish Museum of Natural History. Seals were autopsied and 34/53 (64%) had uterine leiomyomas. Samples from 15 were sufficiently well preserved for histologic examination. Uterine leiomyomas were found most commonly in the uterine corpus but also were observed in the uterine horns, cervix, and vagina. Cut surfaces of the leiomyomas appeared as whorled white fibrous tissue. Histologically, spindle cells were arranged in a whorl-like pattern. The nuclei were rod-like and strikingly uniform in shape and size. Mitotic figures were rare. Immunohistochemical staining of the tumors showed a positive reaction to antibodies recognizing smooth muscle actin. Reproductively active gray seals have an ovarian corpus luteum or albicans for most of the year. In 22/34 (65%) gray seals with uterine leiomyomas, ovaries did not contain corpora. In gray seals without macroscopically detected uterine leiomyoma, ovaries from 6/19 (32%) seals had no corpora. It is possible that the development of leiomyoma in the seals is associated with organochlorines and the previous low reproductive activity.     

早期胚胎DNA甲基化研究进展

DNA甲基化修饰是研究最多的表观遗传修饰之一，在调控基因转录、染色体结构稳定、基因印迹、X染色体失活等方面发挥作用。尽管DNA甲基化是一种稳定的修饰，但其在个体发育进程中是动态变化的。目前，人们对早期胚胎发育中DNA甲基化修饰研究还不全面，随着全基因组DNA甲基化分析技术的进步，其在早期胚胎中的功能也逐渐揭示。作者主要论述了DNA甲基转移酶（DNMTs）的发现及其调控作用和DNA甲基化在早期胚胎中的作用。     

DNA methylation patterns at the IGF2‐H19 locus in sperm of Swiss Landrace and Swiss Large White boars

DNA methylation patterns at the IGF2‐H19 locus were investigated in sperm DNA from Swiss Landrace (SL) and Swiss Large White (LW) boars. The putative IGF2 differentially methylated regions (DMR) 0, 1 and 2, a quantitative trait nucleotide (QTN) region in the intron 3 and a CpG island in the intron 4 of the IGF2 gene as well as three regions around porcine CTCF binding sites within the H19 differentially methylated domain (DMD) were selected for the DNA methylation analysis. In both breeds putative IGF2 DMR0, 1, 2 and H19 DMD were hypermethylated. Significant differences in DNA methylation content were found between the two breeds in the two DMD regions proximal to the H19 gene. The IGF2 QTN region and the CpG island in the IGF2 intron 4 were hypomethylated in sperm DNA of both breeds. The methylation analysis revealed significantly more methylated CpG sites in the intron 4 of sperm from the LW breed than in that from SL. No difference was found in global DNA methylation between the two breeds. These results indicate differences in DNA methylation patterns between breeds and it remains to be established whether variation in DNA methylation patterns impacts on phenotypic traits.     

Gene expression and mutation assessment provide clues of genetic and epigenetic mechanisms in liver tumors of oxazepam-exposed mice

Liver tumors from a previous National Toxicology Program study were examined using global gene expression and mutation analysis to define the mechanisms of carcinogenesis in mice exposed to oxazepam. Five hepatocellular adenomas and 5 hepatocellular carcinomas from male B6C3F1 mice exposed to 5000 ppm oxazepam and 6 histologically normal liver samples from control animals were examined. One of the major findings in the study was upregulation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Genes that activate β-catenin, such as Sox4, were upregulated, whereas genes that inhibit Wnt signaling, such as APC and Crebbp, were downregulated. In addition, liver tumors from oxazepam-exposed mice displayed β-catenin mutations and increased protein expression of glutamine synthetase, a downstream target in the Wnt signaling pathway. Another important finding in this study was the altered expression of oxidative stress-related genes, specifically increased expression of cytochrome p450 genes, including Cyp1a2 and Cyp2b10, and decreased expression of genes that protect against oxidative stress, such as Sod2 and Cat. Increased oxidative stress was confirmed by measuring isoprostane expression using mass spectrometry. Furthermore, global gene expression identified altered expression of genes that are associated with epigenetic mechanisms of cancer. There was decreased expression of genes that are hypermethylated in human liver cancer, including tumor suppressors APC and Pten. Oxazepam-induced tumors also exhibited decreased expression of genes involved in DNA methylation (Crebbp, Dnmt3b) and histone modification (Sirt1). These data suggest that formation of hepatocellular adenomas and carcinomas in oxazepam-exposed mice involves alteration of the Wnt signaling pathway, oxidative stress, and potential epigenetic alterations.     

The Dnmt3b splice variant is specifically expressed in in vitro-manipulated blastocysts and their derivative ES cells

Manipulation of preimplantation embryos in vitro, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), in vitro culture (IVC), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) and other assisted reproduction technologies (ART), has contributed to the development of infertility treatment and new animal reproduction methods. However, such embryos often exhibit abnormal DNA methylation patterns in imprinted genes and centromeric satellite repeats. These DNA methylation patterns are established and maintained by three DNA methyltransferases: Dnmt1, Dnmt3a and Dnmt3b. Dnmt3b is responsible for the creation of methylation patterns during the early stage of embryogenesis and consists of many alternative splice variants that affect methylation activity; nevertheless, the roles of these variants have not yet been identified. In this study, we found an alternatively spliced variant of Dnmt3b lacking exon 6 (Dnmt3bΔ6) that is specific to mouse IVC embryos. Dnmt3bΔ6 also showed prominent expression in embryonic stem (ES) cells derived from in vitro manipulated embryos. Interestingly, IVC blastocysts were hypomethylated in centromeric satellite repeat regions that could be susceptible to methylation by Dnmt3b. In vitro methylation activity assays showed that Dnmt3bΔ6 had lower activity than normal Dnmt3b. Our findings suggest that Dnmt3bΔ6 could induce a hypomethylation status especially in in vitro manipulated embryos.     

DNA甲基化与肿瘤研究进展

对肿瘤研究的不断深入,发现除了基因突变之外,表观遗传改变也与肿瘤的发生发展密切相关。肿瘤表观遗传的改变以DNA的异常甲基化为主。DNA的异常甲基化几乎存在于任何类型的人类肿瘤中,包括皮肤恶性肿瘤。DNA甲基化是指在DNA甲基化酶的作用下,以S-腺苷酸-L-甲硫氨酸为甲基供体,将甲基转移到特定碱基上的过程。基因的正常功能除了依赖于正常结构外,还依赖于正常的甲基化状态。DNA的异常甲基化在肿瘤发生中起重要作用。     

DNA甲基化在猪胚胎发育过程中的研究进展

猪的胚胎发育需要经历受精、卵裂、孵化、形态转变、附植、器官分化等一系列重要的生理阶段。虽然在胚胎发育过程中基因的严格表达与正确指导是胚胎能否正常发育的决定性条件,但研究表明DNA甲基化修饰对胚胎的发育也起着必不可少的作用。DNA甲基化是一种常见且重要的表观遗传修饰,虽然不改变DNA的一级序列,但也包含可遗传信息,并在基因的转录调控中起重要作用。在猪的胚胎发育中,DNA甲基化呈现出高度动态的过程,这一过程受孕期母体营养和发育环境条件影响。本文将从胚胎早期发育、体细胞核移植和孕期母体营养三个方面来阐述DNA甲基化对胚胎发育的影响,为进一步研究猪胚胎在发育过程中的DNA甲基化机制和提高体细胞核移植的成功率提供参考。