Potassium bisperoxo(1,10-phenanthroline) oxovanadate suppresses proliferation of hippocampal neuronal cell lines by increasing DNA methyltransferases

Bisperoxo(1,10-phenanthroline) oxovanadate(BpV) can reportedly block the cell cycle. The present study examined whether BpV alters gene expression by affecting DNA methyltransferases(DNMTs), which would impact the cell cycle. Immortalized mouse hippocampal neuronal precursor cells(HT_(22)) were treated with 0.3 or 3 μM BpV. Proliferation, morphology, and viability of HT_(22) cells were detected with an IncuCyte real-time video imaging system or inverted microscope and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5(3-carboxymethonyphenol)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium, respectively. mRNA and protein expression of DNMTs and p21 in HT_(22) cells was detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunoblotting, respectively. In addition, DNMT activity was measured with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Effects of BpV on the cell cycle were analyzed using flow cytometry. Results demonstrated that treatment with 0.3 μM BpV did not affect cell proliferation, morphology, or viability; however, treatment with 3 μM BpV decreased cell viability, increased expression of both DNMT3B mRNA and protein, and inhibited the proliferation of HT_(22) cells; and 3 μM BpV also blocked the cell cycle and increased expression of the regulatory factor p21 by increasing DNMT expression in mouse hippocampal neurons.

Regulation of neuronal survival by DNA methyltransferases

The limited regenerative capacity of neuronal cells requires tight orchestration of cell death and survival regulation in the context of longevity, age-associated diseases as well as during the development of the nervous system. Subordinate to genetic networks epigenetic mechanisms like DNA methylation and histone modifications are involved in the regulation of neuronal development, function and aging. DNA methylation by DNA methyltransferases （DNMTs）, mostly correlated with gene silencing, is a dynamic and reversible process. In addition to their canonical actions performing cytosine methylation, DNMTs influence gene expression by interactions with histone modifying enzymes or complexes increasing the complexity of epigenetic transcriptional networks. DNMTs are expressed in neuronal progenitors, post-mi- totic as well as adult neurons. In this review, we discuss the role and mode of actions of DNMTs including downstream networks in the regulation of neuronal survival in the developing and aging nervous system and its relevance for associated disorders.

Genome-wide Identification and Analysis of DNA Methyltransferases in Grape

DNA methylation is an important epigenetic regulation mechanism, which is catalyzed by DNA methyltransferases. In this study, eight DNA methyltransferase genes were identified in grape genome to analyze the selective pressure, gene expression and codon usage bias. The results showed grape DNA methyltransferase MET subfamily underwent relatively strong purifying selection during evolution, while chromomethylase CMT subfamily underwent positive selection during evolution. Under different abiotic(heat, drought or cold) stresses, the expression level of many grape DNA methyltransferase genes changed significantly. The expression level of these genes might be related with cis-regulatory elements of their promoters. The results of codon usage bias analysis showed that synonymous codon bias existed in grape DNA methyltransferase gene family, which might be affected by mutation pressure. These results laid a solid foundation for in-depth study of DNA methyltransferases in grape.

DNA Methyltransferases Directed Anti-Cancerous Plant Medicine (Xanthomicrol and Galloyl) Based Molecular Docking and Dynamics Simulation

DNA methyltransferases 1 (DNMT1) has been looked as crucial targets against various types of cancers. MD simulations have advanced to a point where the atomic level information of biological macromolecule (protein or DNA-protein or protein-protein) can easily be advantageous to predict the functionality. In this study we utilize xanthomicrol and galloyl compounds to investigate potential compounds for the inhibition of DNMT1, and the results of these two compounds are compared with drug decitabine. Xanthomicrol and galloyl are found to dock successfully within the active site of DNMT1. A comparison of the inhibitory potential of screened xanthomicrol inhibited DNMT1 approximately is identical with those of their corresponding drugs, decitabine. The stability of the DNMT1 with the best docked xanthomicrol, were further analysed in molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and compared with those of the respective drugs namely decitabine which revealed stabilization of these complexes within 300 ns of simulation with better stability of DNMT1.

3-76 Histone Methyltransferase NSD2 is Transcriptionally Down-regulated by p53 Upon Etoposide-induced DNA Damage in 92-1 Cells

Nuclear Receptor-binding SET Domain 2 (NSD2) is a SET domain-containing protein lysine methyltransferase (PKMT) implicated in a lot of human diseases. Its haploinsufficiency is implicated in the developmental disorder Wolf Hirschhorn syndrome (WHS), which is characterized by growth and mental retardation, congenital heart defects, etc. Moreover, it is over-expressed in a large number of tumors, including malignant melanoma. However, the underlying mechanisms of its deregulation in most tumors are still not unclear.

Expression of histone methyltransferase G9a and clinical significance in extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

Objective: To investigate the mRNA and protein expression of histone methyltransferase G9a and its clinical significance in extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Methods: Using RT-PCR and Western Blotting to detect the expression of G9a at the level of mRNA and protein in 48 tumor samples and 39 control tissues. Results: The mRNA and protein expres- sion of G9a in extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma was higher than control statistically (P < 0.05) and positively correlated with lymph metastasis (P < 0.05) and TNM stage (P < 0.01). Conclusion: The significant difference of G9a expression between tumors and control implicated that the important role of histone methylation disruption resulted from increased G9a expression in extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.

Novel insights into histone lysine methyltransferases in cancer therapy:From epigenetic regulation to selective drugs

The reversible and precise temporal and spatial regulation of histone lysine methyltransferases(KMTs)is essential for epigenome homeostasis.The dysregulation of KMTs is associated with tumor initiation,metastasis,chemoresistance,invasiveness,and the immune microenvironment.Therapeutically,their promising effects are being evaluated in diversified preclinical and clinical trials,demonstrating encouraging outcomes in multiple malignancies.In this review,we have updated recent understandings of KMTs'functions and the development of their targeted inhibitors.First,we provide an updated overview of the regulatory roles of several KMT activities in oncogenesis,tumor suppression,and immune regulation.In addition,we summarize the current targeting strategies in different cancer types and multiple ongoing clinical trials of combination therapies with KMT inhibitors.In summary,we endeavor to depict the regulation of KMT-mediated epigenetic landscape and provide potential epigenetic targets in the treatment of cancers.

DNA methyltransferases in hematological malignancies

DNA methyltransferases(DNMTs)are an evolutionarily conserved family of DNA methylases,transferring a methyl group onto the fifth carbon of a cytosine residue.The mammalian DNMT family includes three major members that have functional methylation activities,termed DNMT1,DNMT3A,and DNMT3B.DNMT3A and DNMT3B are responsible for methylation establishment,whereas DNMT1 maintains methylation during DNA replication.Accumulating evidence demonstrates that regulation of DNAmethylation by DNMTs is critical for normal hematopoiesis.Aberrant DNA methylation due to DNMT dysregulation and mutations is known as an important molecular event of hematological malignancies,such as DNMT3A mutations in acute myeloid leukemia.In this reviewwe first describe the basic methylation mechanisms of DNMTs and their functions in lymphocyte maturation and differentiation,We then discuss the current understanding of DNA methylation heterogeneity in leukemia and lymphoma to highlight the importance of studying DNA methylation targets.We also discuss DNMT mu-tations and pathogenic roles in human leukemia and lymphoma.We summarize the recent understanding of how DNMTs interact with transcription factors or cofactors to repress the expression of tumor suppressor genes.Firnally.we highlight current clinical studies using DNMT inhibitors for the treatment of these hematological malignancies.

Histone methyltransferases and demethylases:regulators in balancing osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells

Mesenchymal stem cells （MSCs） are characterized by their self-renewing capacity and differentiation potential into multiple tissues. Thus, management of the differentiation capacities of MSCs is important for MSC-based regenerative medicine, such as craniofacial bone regeneration, and in new treatments for metabolic bone diseases, such as osteoporosis. In recent years, histone modification has been a growing topic in the field of MSC lineage specification, in which the Su（var）3-9, enhancer-of-zeste, trithorax （SET） domain-containing family and the Jumonji C （JmjC） domain-containing family represent the major histone lysine methyltransferases （KMTs） and histone lysine demethylases （KDMs）, respectively. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the epigenetic mechanisms by which SET domain-containine KMTs and JmiC domain-containinlz KDMs balance the osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation of MSCs.

放射治疗对宫颈癌DNA甲基转移酶表达的影响

目的:研究放射治疗对宫颈癌(cervical cancer,CIN)组织中DNA甲基转移酶(DNA methyltransferase,DNMT)1、3A和3B表达的影响,探讨其在放射治疗耐受中的作用。方法:选用12例宫颈癌患者放射治疗前、中、后三个时期的组织,应用qPCR检测宫颈癌组织在放射治疗前期、中期和后期的DNMT1、DNMT3A和DNMT3B mRNA的表达变化。结果:宫颈癌放射治疗前、中、后三个时期DNMT1对β-actin mRNA的相对表达量分别是(0.1229±0.0217)、(0.5696±0.0217)和(0.1620±0.0352);放射治疗期间和放射治疗之前宫颈癌组织中DNMT1 mRNA的表达差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),放射治疗期间和放射治疗之后宫颈癌组织中DNMT1 mRNA的表达差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),放射治疗之前和放射治疗之后宫颈癌组织中DNMT1 mRNA的表达差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);DNMT3A对β-actin mRNA的相对表达量分别是(0.0012±0.0001)、(0.0021±0.0001)和(0.0014±0.0001),放射治疗期间和放射治疗之前宫颈癌组织中DNMT3A mRNA的表达差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),放射治疗期间和放射治疗之后宫颈癌组织中DNMT3A mRNA的表达差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),放射治疗之前和放射治疗之后宫颈癌组织中DNMT3A mRNA的表达差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);DNMT3B对β-actin mRNA的相对表达量分别是(0.6627±0.0348)、(0.8104±0.0845)和(0.2391±0.0470),放射治疗期间和放射治疗之前宫颈癌组织中DNMT3B mRNA的表达差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),放射治疗期间和放射治疗之后宫颈癌组织中DNMT3B mRNA的表达差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),放射治疗之前和放射治疗之后宫颈癌组织中DNMT3B mRNA的表达差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论:放射治疗使宫颈癌组织中DNMT1,DNMT3A和DNMT3B表达发生变化,其可能在放射耐受中起到了作用。

何首乌饮通过DNA甲基转移酶1延缓大鼠睾丸间质细胞衰老

目的探讨何首乌饮能否通过DNA甲基转移酶1(DNMT1)延缓大鼠睾丸间质细胞衰老。方法40只Wistar雄性大鼠随机分为4组,每组10只。免疫组织化学检测各组大鼠睾丸组织中DNMT1表达水平。ELISA实验检测各组大鼠血清中的睾酮含量。通过自由基氧化损伤建立大鼠睾丸间质细胞衰老模型。在睾丸间质细胞中使用慢病毒敲低DNMT1,通过β-半乳糖苷酶(β-GAL)染色、免疫荧光染色和ELISA实验检测细胞衰老状态和细胞上清液中睾酮和睾酮合成关键酶3β羟基类固醇脱氢酶(3β-HSD)、细胞色素P450家族成员11A1(CYP11A1)的含量。结果与青年对照组相比,自然衰老组大鼠睾丸组织中P16蛋白表达和β-GAL阳性率明显升高,DNMT1表达和血清睾酮含量降低(P<0.05);何首乌饮干预能够降低衰老大鼠睾丸组织P16蛋白表达和β-GAL阳性率,提高DNMT1表达和血清中的睾酮含量(P<0.05)。衰老的睾丸间质细胞中呈现相同的趋势。在睾丸间质细胞中敲低DNMT1后,β-GAL阳性率和P16蛋白表达明显增加,睾丸间质细胞的睾酮分泌量和睾酮合成关键酶3β-HSD、CYP11A1含量明显减少,与正常组相比差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。加入何首乌饮后,上述现象得到改善。结论何首乌饮可以通过DNMT1延缓大鼠睾丸间质细胞衰老。

非小细胞肺癌患者组织MutS同种组织蛋白2、O6-甲基鸟嘌呤-DNA甲基转移酶表达分析

目的探讨非小细胞肺癌(NSCLC)患者癌组织MutS同种组织蛋白2(MSH2)、O6-甲基鸟嘌呤-DNA甲基转移酶(MGMT)表达情况及与临床病理参数、预后的关系。方法2021年7月至2022年7月我院收治的96例NSCLC患者,取其手术切除的NSCLC组织标本(NSCLC组)及距癌边缘3 cm处的癌旁正常组织(对照组)。检测两组MSH2和MGMT的表达水平,分析MSH2和MGMT表达水平与患者临床病理参数及预后的关系。结果与对照组比较,NSCLC组MSH2和MGMT阳性率更低(P<0.05);MSH2阳性与患者分化程度有关(P<0.05);MGMT阳性与患者吸烟史和分化程度有关(P<0.05);与MSH2和MGMT阴性患者比较,阳性患者1年生存率均更高(P<0.05)。结论MSH2和MGMT均在NSCLC组织中存在较低表达,其表达水平与临床病理参数、预后密切相关。

Unraveling the relationship between histone methylation and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)poses a significant health challenge in modern societies due to shifts in lifestyle and dietary habits.Its complexity stems from genetic predisposition,environmental influences,and metabolic factors.Epigenetic processes govern various cellular functions such as transcription,chromatin structure,and cell division.In NAFLD,these epigenetic tendencies,especially the process of histone methylation,are intricately intertwined with fat accumulation in the liver.Histone methylation is regulated by different enzymes like methyltransferases and demethylases and influences the expression of genes related to adipogenesis.While early-stage NAFLD is reversible,its progression to severe stages becomes almost irreversible.Therefore,early detection and intervention in NAFLD are crucial,and understanding the precise role of histone methylation in the early stages of NAFLD could be vital in halting or potentially reversing the progression of this disease.

Effects of maternal aging on localizations and expression levels of DNA methyltransferases and chromosome architecture in in-vivo matured mouse oocytes

This paper investigated the age-related changes in the expression patterns of maintenance methyltransferase (DNMT1) and de novo methyltransferases (DNMT3a, 3b, 3L) and the chromosome architecture in in-vivo matured mouse oocytes using two-photon laser-scanning microscope. Our results showed that (1) DNMT1 and DNMT3a, 3b, 3L in the oocytes of pubertal mice were located in the cortical region of oocyte cytoplasm. In aging groups, DNMT1 was also located in the cortical region. However, DNMT3a, 3b, 3L had a relatively wider distribution in the oocyte cytoplasm and appeared near the chromosomes. These differences between pubertal and aging groups suggested that aging might affect DNA methylation; (2) the expression of DNMT1, and DNMT3a, 3b in aging groups increased significantly compared to pubertal groups, while, the expression of DNMT3L decreased. These results might be explained by the compensation mechanism among DNMTs, which might be impervious to aging; (3) aging caused increased errors in the distribution and three-dimensional morphology of chromosomes, including the increased total volume and surface area, the high ratio of height to diameter of a circular cylinder enclosing the chromosomes (H/D). Our work provided morphological information for the studies of age-related decline in oocyte qualities.

急性脑出血患者血清E盒锌指结合蛋白1及DNA甲基化转移酶1与神经功能缺损和预后的相关性分析

目的探讨急性脑出血(ACH)患者血清E盒锌指结合蛋白1(ZEB1)、DNA甲基化转移酶1(DNMTl)与神经功能缺损、预后的关系。方法选取2019年7月—2022年7月本院收治的105例ACH患者为ACH组,依据ACH患者入院时美国国立卫生研究院卒中量表(NIHSS)评分将其分为轻度组(n=34)、中度组(n=41)、重度组(n=30)。根据改良Rankin量表(mRS)评分将ACH患者分为预后良好组(n=65)和预后不良组(n=40)。另纳入同期105例体检健康者为对照组。选取2021年7月—2022年7月本院诊治的45例ACH患者对构建的ACH预后模型的受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线进行验证。采用酶联免疫吸附试验检测血清ZEB1、DNMT1水平;采用Spearman法分析ACH患者ZEB1、DNMT1水平与NIHSS评分的关系;采用多因素Logistic回归模型分析ACH患者预后的影响因素,采用ROC曲线评估血清ZEB1、DNMT1水平对ACH患者预后的预测价值。结果与对照组相比,ACH组血清ZEB1、DNMT1水平升高,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。与轻度组相比,中度组和重度组ACH患者血清ZEB1、DNMT1、NIHSS评分均升高,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);与中度组相比,重度组ACH患者血清ZEB1、DNMT1、NIHSS评分均升高,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。Spearman分析结果显示,ACH患者血清ZEB1、DNMT1水平与NIHSS评分均呈正相关(r=0.569、0.763,P均<0.001)。单因素分析结果显示,与预后良好组比较,预后不良组患者NIHSS评分、血肿体积、ZEB1及DNMT1水平均升高或增大,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。Logistic回归分析结果显示,ZEB1、DNMT1、NIHSS评分、血肿体积增大是ACH患者预后不良的危险因素(P<0.05)。血清ZEB1、DNMT1预测ACH患者预后的曲线下面积(AUC)分别为0.834、0.854,ZEB1、DNMT1联合预测ACH患者预后的AUC为0.944,灵敏度为95.0%,特异度为86.2%。以验证组人群对预测预后的ROC曲线进行验证,结果显示AUC为0.903(95%CI:0.854~0.951),提示预后预测曲线具有较好的区分度。结论ACH患者血清ZEB1、DNMT1水平较高,二者均与ACH患者神经功能缺损、预后显著相关,且血清ZEB1、DNMT1联合可能更有利于临床评估ACH患者预后情况。

刺五加DNA甲基转移酶基因的适应性进化分析

本研究以刺五加(Eleutherococcussenticosus)的DNA甲基转移酶(cytosine-5DNA methyltransferase,C5-MTase)基因为研究对象,探究其适应性进化的特征。在刺五加的基因组中共鉴定出11条C5-MTases序列,对其进行生物信息学分析和系统发育分析,并分别利用PAML软件的分支模型、位点模型、分支-位点模型以及MEC模型、SLAC(singlelikelihood ancestorcounting,SLAC)和FEL(fixed effects likelihood model,FEL)等方法对刺五加C5-MTases基因的选择位点进行检测。生物信息学分析结果表明刺五加C5-MTases的基因结构高度保守。系统发育分析结果显示,11条C5-MTases基因序列可分为CMT、MET和DNMT三大分支。适应性进化分析结果表明,纯净选择在刺五加C5-MTases基因的进化过程中占主导地位。

Rice SUVH Histone Methyltransferase Genes Display Specific Functions in Chromatin Modification and Retrotransposon Repression

Histone lysine methylation plays an important role in heterochromatin formation and reprogramming of gene expression. SET-domain-containing proteins are shown to have histone lysine methyltransferase activities. A large number of SET-domain genes are identified in plant genomes. The function of most SET-domain genes is not known. In this work, we studied the 12 rice （Oryza sativa） homologs of Su（var）3-9, the histone H3 lysine 9 （H3K9） methyltransferase identified in Drosophila. Several rice SUVHs （i.e. SDG714, SDG727, and SDG710） were found to have an antagonistic func- tion to the histone H3K9 demethylase JMJ706, as down-regulation of these genes could partially complement the jmj706 phenotype and reduced histone H3K9 methylation. Down-regulation of a rice Su（var）3-9 homolog （SUVH）, namely SDG728, decreased H3K9 methylation and altered seed morphology. Overexpression of the gene increased H3K9 methylation. SDG728 and other SUVH genes were found to be involved in the repression of retrotransposons such as Tos17 and a Tyl-copia element. Analysis of histone methylation suggested that SDG728-mediated H3K9 methylation may play an important role in retrotransposon repression.

原核DNA甲基化的表观调控作用的研究进展

自从2009年第三代DNA测序技术平台商业化以来,测序、绘制原核DNA甲基化组飞速发展,10余年来已完成甲基化组测序的细菌超过4000种,极大推动了原核表观遗传学的研究.越来越多的研究表明,DNA甲基化修饰不仅仅局限于宿主的防御功能,而且广泛参与各种细胞过程及基因的表达调控,在染色体的复制起始、细胞周期、致病性、抗生素抗性等方面起到了重要的作用.在简要回顾原核DNA甲基转移酶及其甲基化修饰的相关研究的基础上,着重对近期原核甲基化修饰的调控作用的研究进展进行综述,以期推动原核甲基化修饰表观遗传的研究.

Aberrant DNA methylation in 5′ regions of DNA methyltransferase genes in aborted bovine clones

High rate of abortion and developmental abnormalities is thought to be closely associated with inefficient epigenetic reprogramming of the transplanted nuclei during bovine cloning. It is known that one of the important mechanisms for epigenetic reprogramming is DNA methylation. DNA methylation is established and maintained by DNA methyltransferases （DNMTs）, therefore, it is postulated that the inefficient epigenetic reprogramming of transplanted nuclei may be due to abnormal expression of DNMTs. Since DNA methylation can strongly inhibit gene expression, aberrant DNA methylation of DNMT genes may disturb gene expression. But presently, it is not clear whether the methylation abnormality of DNMT genes is related to developmental failure of somatic cell nuclear transfer embryos. In our study, we analyzed methylation patterns of the 5＇ regions of four DNMT genes including Dnmt3a, Dnmt3b, Dnmtl and Dnmt2 in four aborted bovine clones. Using bisulfite sequencing method, we found that 3 out of 4 aborted bovine clones （AF1, AF2 and AF3） showed either hypermethylation or hypomethylation in the 5＇ regions of Dnmt3a and Dnmt3b, indicating that Dnmt3a and Dnmt3b genes are not properly reprogrammed. However, the individual AF4 exhibited similar methylation level and pattern to age-matched in vitro fertilized （IVF） fetuses. Besides, we found that the 5＇ regions of Dnmtl and Dnmt2 were nearly completely unmethylated in all normal adults, IVF fetuses, sperm and aborted clones. Together, our results suggest that the aberrant methylation of Dnmt3a and Dnmt3b 5＇ regions is probably associated with the high abortion of bovine clones.

DNA methyltransferase3a expression is an independent poor prognostic indicator in gastric cancer

AIM: To explore the alteration of DNA methyltransferase expression in gastric cancer and to assess its prognostic value.METHODS: From April 2000 to December 2010, 227men and 73 women with gastric cancer were enrolled in the study. The expression of DNA methyltransferases(DNMTs), including DNMT1, DNMT3a and DNMT3b,in the 300 cases of gastric carcinoma, of which 85 hadpaired adjacent normal gastric mucus samples, was evaluated by immunohistochemistry using a tissue microarray. Serum anti-Helicobacter pylori(H. pylori) IgG was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). The relationships between the above results and the clinicopathological characteristics were analyzed. Their prognostic value was evaluated using the Cox proportional hazards model.RESULTS: In gastric cancer, expression of DNMTs was mainly seen in the nucleus. Weak staining was also observed in the cytoplasm. Expression of DNMT1, DNMT3a and DNMT3b in gastric cancer was significantly higher compared to that in the paired control samples(60.0% vs 37.6%, 61.2% vs 4.7%, and 94.1% vs 71.8%, P < 0.01). The overall survival rate was significantly higher in the DNMT3a negative group than in the DNMT3a positive group in gastric cancer patients(Log-rank test, P = 0.032). No significant correlation was observed between DNMT1 and DNMT3b expression and the overall survival time(Log-rank test, P = 0.289, P = 0.347). Multivariate regression analysis indicated that DNMT3a expression(P = 0.025) and TNM stage(P < 0.001), but not DNMT1(P = 0.54) or DNMT3b(P = 0.62), were independent prognostic factors in gastric cancer. H. pylori infection did not induce protein expression of DNMTs.CONCLUSION: The results suggest that expression of DNMT3a is an independent poor prognostic indicator in gastric cancer. DNMT3a might play an important role in gastric carcinogenesis.