Histone Post-translational Modifications Research Articles

Histone methylation: at the crossroad between circadian rhythms in transcription and metabolism.

Circadian rhythms, essential 24-hour cycles guiding biological functions, synchronize organisms with daily environmental changes. These rhythms, which are evolutionarily conserved, govern key processes like feeding, sleep, metabolism, body temperature, and endocrine secretion. The central clock, located in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), orchestrates a hierarchical network, synchronizing subsidiary peripheral clocks. At the cellular level, circadian expression involves transcription factors and epigenetic remodelers, with environmental signals contributing flexibility. Circadian disruption links to diverse diseases, emphasizing the urgency to comprehend the underlying mechanisms. This review explores the communication between the environment and chromatin, focusing on histone post-translational modifications. Special attention is given to the significance of histone methylation in circadian rhythms and metabolic control, highlighting its potential role as a crucial link between metabolism and circadian rhythms. Understanding these molecular intricacies holds promise for preventing and treating complex diseases associated with circadian disruption.

HiChIP-Based Epigenomic Footprinting Identifies a Promoter Variant of UXS1 That Confers Genetic Susceptibility to Gastroesophageal Cancer.

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified more than a hundred single nucleotide variants (SNV) associated with the risk of gastroesophageal cancer (GEC). The majority of the identified SNVs map to noncoding regions of the genome. Uncovering the causal SNVs and genes they modulate could help improve GEC prevention and treatment. Herein, we used HiChIP against histone 3 lysine 27 acetylation (H3K27ac) to simultaneously annotate active promoters and enhancers, identify the interactions between them, and detect nucleosome-free regions (NFR) harboring potential causal SNVs in a single assay. The application of H3K27ac HiChIP in GEC relevant models identified 61 potential functional SNVs that reside in NFRs and interact with 49 genes at 17 loci. The approach led to a 67% reduction in the number of SNVs in linkage disequilibrium at these 17 loci, and at 7 loci, a single putative causal SNV was identified. One SNV, rs147518036, located within the promoter of the UDP-glucuronate decarboxylase 1 (UXS1) gene, seemed to underlie the GEC risk association captured by the rs75460256 index SNV. The rs147518036 SNV creates a GABPA DNA recognition motif, resulting in increased promoter activity, and CRISPR-mediated inhibition of the UXS1 promoter reduced the viability of the GEC cells. These findings provide a framework that simplifies the identification of potentially functional regulatory SNVs and target genes underlying risk-associated loci. In addition, the study implicates increased expression of the enzyme UXS1 and activation of its metabolic pathway as a predisposition to gastric cancer, which highlights potential therapeutic avenues to treat this disease. Significance: Epigenomic footprinting using a histone posttranslational modification targeted 3D genomics methodology elucidates functional noncoding sequence variants and their target genes at cancer risk loci.

Histone H3 posttranslational modified enzymes defined neutrophil plasticity and their vulnerability to IL-10 in the course of the inflammation

BackgroundNeutrophils are a heterogeneous population capable of antimicrobial functions associated with pre-activation/activation and tissue regeneration. The specific polarisation of immune cells is mediated by the modification of ‘chromatin landscapes’, which enables differentiated access and activity of regulatory elements that guarantee their plasticity during inflammation No specific pattern within histone posttranslational modifications (PTMs) controlling this plasticity has been identified.MethodsUsing the in vitro model of inflammation, reflecting different states of neutrophils from resting, pre-activated cells to activated and reducing tissue regeneration, we have analysed 11 different histone posttranslational modifications (PTMs), PTM enzymes associated with remodelling neutrophil chromatin, and H3K4me3 ChIP-Seq Gene Ontology analysis focusing on the processes related to histone PTMs. These findings were verified by extrapolation to adequate clinical status, using neutrophils derived from the patients with sepsis (systemic septic inflammation with LPS-stimulated neutrophils), neuromyelitis optical spectrum disorders (aseptic inflammation with pre-activated neutrophils) and periodontitis (local self-limiting septic inflammation with IL-10-positive neutrophils).ResultsPhysiological activation of neutrophils comprises a pre-activation characterised by histone H3K27ac and H3K4me1, which position enhancers; direct LPS exposure is induced explicitly by H3K4me3 which marked Transcription Start Site (TSS) regions and low-level of H3K9me3, H3K79me2 and H3K27me3 which, in turn, marked repressed genes. Contrary to antimicrobial action, IL-10 positively induced levels of H3S10p and negatively H3K9me3, which characterised processes related to the activation of genes within heterochromatin mediated by CHD1 and H3K9me3 specific demethylase JMJD2A. IL-10 protects changes within histone PTMs induced by TNF or LPS that affected H3K4me3-specific methyltransferase SETD1A and MLL1. Neutrophils previously exposed to inflammatory factors become unvulnerable to IL-10 because previous LPS stimulation interrupts TSS regions marked by H3K4me3 of CHD1 and JMJD2A genes. Therefore, LPS-activated neutrophils are disabled to induce CHD1/JMJD2A enzymes by IL-10, making this process irreversible. Because transcription of JMJD2A and CHD1 also depends on TSS positioning by H3K4me3, neutrophils before LPS stimulation become insensitive to IL-10.ConclusionNeutrophils, once pre-activated by TNF or directly stimulated by LPS, become insensitive to the anti-inflammatory effects of IL-10, and vice versa; IL-10 protects neutrophils against these proinflammatory stimuli. This phenomenon is responsible for disturbing the natural process of resolving inflammation and tissue regeneration.Graphical

Impact of Combinatorial Histone Modifications on Acetyllysine Recognition by the ATAD2 and ATAD2B Bromodomains.

The ATPase family AAA+ domain containing 2 (ATAD2) protein and its paralog ATAD2B have a C-terminal bromodomain (BRD) that functions as a reader of acetylated lysine residues on histone proteins. Using a structure-function approach, we investigated the ability of the ATAD2/B BRDs to select acetylated lysine among multiple histone post-translational modifications. The ATAD2B BRD can bind acetylated histone ligands that also contain adjacent methylation or phosphorylation marks, while the presence of these modifications significantly weakened the acetyllysine binding activity of the ATAD2 BRD. Our structural studies provide mechanistic insights into how ATAD2/B BRD-binding pocket residues coordinate the acetyllysine group in the context of adjacent post-translational modifications. Furthermore, we investigated how sequence changes in amino acids of the histone ligands impact the recognition of an adjacent acetyllysine residue. Our study highlights how the interplay between multiple combinations of histone modifications influences the reader activity of the ATAD2/B BRDs, resulting in distinct binding modes.

Epigenetic and gene therapy in human and veterinary medicine.

Gene therapy is a focus of interest in both human and veterinary medicine, especially in recent years due to the potential applications of CRISPR/Cas9 technology. Another relatively new approach is that of epigenetic therapy, which involves an intervention based on epigenetic marks, including DNA methylation, histone post-translational modifications, and post-transcription modifications of distinct RNAs. The epigenome results from enzymatic reactions, which regulate gene expression without altering DNA sequences. In contrast to conventional CRISP/Cas9 techniques, the recently established methodology of epigenetic editing mediated by the CRISPR/dCas9 system is designed to target specific genes without causing DNA breaks. Both natural epigenetic processes and epigenetic editing regulate gene expression and thereby contribute to maintaining the balance between physiological functions and pathophysiological states. From this perspective, knowledge of specific epigenetic marks has immense potential in both human and veterinary medicine. For instance, the use of epigenetic drugs (chemical compounds with therapeutic potential affecting the epigenome) seems to be promising for the treatment of cancer, metabolic, and infectious diseases. Also, there is evidence that an epigenetic diet (nutrition-like factors affecting epigenome) should be considered as part of a healthy lifestyle and could contribute to the prevention of pathophysiological processes. In summary, epigenetic-based approaches in human and veterinary medicine have increasing significance in targeting aberrant gene expression associated with various diseases. In this case, CRISPR/dCas9, epigenetic targeting, and some epigenetic nutrition factors could contribute to reversing an abnormal epigenetic landscape to a healthy physiological state.

Lactylproteome analysis indicates histone H4K12 lactylation as a novel biomarker in triple-negative breast cancer.

The established link between posttranslational modifications of histone and non-histone lysine (K) residues in cell metabolism, and their role in cancer progression, is well-documented. However, the lactylation expression signature in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains underexplored. We conducted a comprehensive lactylproteome profiling of eight pairs of TNBC samples and their matched adjacent tissues. This was achieved through 4-Dimensional label-free quantitative proteomics combined with lactylation analysis (4D-LFQP-LA). The expression of identified lactylated proteins in TNBC was detected using immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry (IHC) with specific primary antibodies, and their clinicopathological and prognostic significance was evaluated. Our analysis identified 58 lactylation sites on 48 proteins, delineating the protein lactylation alteration signature in TNBC. Bioinformatic and functional analyses indicated that these lactylated proteins play crucial roles in regulating key biological processes in TNBC. Notably, lactylation of lysine at position 12 (H4K12lac) in the histone H4 domain was found to be upregulated in TNBC. Further investigations showed a high prevalence of H4K12lac upregulation in TNBC, with positive rates of 93.19% (137/147) and 92.93% (92/99) in TNBC tissue chip and validation cohorts, respectively. H4K12lac expression correlated positively with Ki-67 and inversely with overall survival (OS) in TNBC (HR [hazard ratio] =2.813, 95%CI [credibility interval]: 1.242-6.371, P=0.0164), suggesting its potential as an independent prognostic marker (HR=3.477, 95%CI: 1.324-9.130, P=0.011). Lactylation is a significant post-translational modification in TNBC proteins. H4K12lac emerges as a promising biomarker for TNBC, offering insights into the lactylation profiles of TNBC proteins and linking histone modifications to clinical implications in TNBC.

H2B oncohistones cause homologous recombination defect and genomic instability through reducing H2B monoubiquitination in Schizosaccharomyces pombe

Canonical oncohistones are histone H3 mutations in the N-terminal tail associated with tumors and affect gene expression by altering H3 post-translational modifications (PTMs) and the epigenetic landscape. Noncanonical oncohistone mutations occur in both tails and globular domains of all 4 core histones and alter gene expression by perturbing chromatin remodeling. However, the effects and mechanisms of noncanonical oncohistones remain largely unknown. Here we characterized 16 noncanonical H2B oncohistones in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe. We found that 7 of them exhibited temperature sensitivities and 11 exhibited genotoxic sensitivities. A detailed study of 2 of these onco-mutants H2BG52D and H2BP102L revealed that they were defective in homologous recombination (HR) repair with compromised histone eviction and Rad51 recruitment. Interestingly, their genotoxic sensitivities and HR defects were rescued by inactivation of the H2BK119 deubiquitination function of Ubp8 in the Spt-Ada-Gcn5-Acetyltransferase (SAGA) complex. The levels of H2BK119 monoubiquitination (H2Bub) in the H2BG52D and H2BP102L mutants are reduced in global and local DNA break sites presumably due to enhanced recruitment of Ubp8 onto nucleosomes, and are recovered upon loss of H2B deubiquitination function of the SAGA complex. Moreover, H2BG52D and H2BP102L heterozygotes exhibit genotoxic sensitivities and reduced H2Bub in cis. We therefore conclude that H2BG52D and H2BP102L oncohistones affect HR repair and genome stability via reduction of H2Bub and propose that other noncanonical oncohistones may also affect histone PTMs to cause diseases.

Abstract PO5-24-05: The Metabolic and Epigenetic Contributions of Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor-Mediated Breast Cancer Progression

Abstract Despite recent improvements in treatment options, breast cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women, with metastasis of the primary tumor accounting for most of these deaths. Signaling by fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs) is active in 85% of breast cancers and results in enhanced proliferation, migration, invasion, and therapeutic resistance of tumor cells. A common feature of breast cancer is altered cholesterol metabolism including an increase in cholesterol stored intracellularly as cholesteryl esters (CEs). In breast cancer cells, high levels of CEs are associated with aggressive disease and CEs are essential for growth and migration of cancer cells. Furthermore, there is mounting evidence that modifications to metabolic pathways impact epigenetic processes including DNA methylation and histone post-translational modifications. These epigenetic changes support tumor progression and metastasis through oncogene activation and silencing of tumor suppressors. While there have been numerous studies focused on the role of metabolic and epigenetic changes in breast cancer, none have attempted to connect these altered pathways to upstream growth factor receptor pathways, such as the FGFR pathway, in cancer cells. We hypothesize that FGFR signaling promotes changes to cholesterol metabolism and epigenetic regulation which lead to breast cancer progression. To study the proposed roles of FGFR signaling, we utilized murine mammary cells of differing metastatic abilities with inducible, oncogenic FGFR1 signaling. We also included the FGFR-dependent murine mammary tumor lines 4T1 and 4T07 which demonstrate differing metastatic capabilities. Through gene expression studies, we found an FGFR-mediated increase in cholesterol metabolic processes including cholesterol storage, uptake, and synthesis. Along with this, we found an FGFR-mediated increase in CE content in our models. Interestingly, these changes were exclusive to our highly metastatic models. Additionally, we have identified FGFR-mediated changes in the expression of histone modifying enzymes in our cell lines. Many of the enzymes modified by FGFR have been previously reported to play a role in breast cancer metastasis. To further elucidate the role of enhanced cholesterol storage in breast cancer progression, we treated cells with pharmacological inhibitors of cholesterol storage. Using in vitro assays, we demonstrate that cell survival, migration, and invasion all decrease when cholesterol storage is inhibited. Again, we observe that our highly metastatic cell line models are more sensitive to this inhibition. Taken together, these data suggest a role for FGFR signaling in promoting breast cancer progression and metastasis. With further studies, this connection may inform the development of novel therapeutic strategies to combat therapeutic resistance in breast cancer. Citation Format: Jennifer Tuokkola, Lyndsay Reese, Kaylee Schwertfeger. The Metabolic and Epigenetic Contributions of Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor-Mediated Breast Cancer Progression [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO5-24-05.

The Impacts of Osmotic Stress During the Critical Window of Development on Protein and Histone PTM Alterations in California grunion

The California Grunion, Leuresthes tenuis, can experience a broad range of salinities during their early life stages, with their nursery grounds measuring salinities of 21 to 42ppt under normal conditions. Due to the unique subterrestrial incubation of their eggs within the sand of California beaches, it is not unlikely for this marine fish to hatch in non-seawater conditions, whereafter the larvae may transition to relatively diluted estuaries or concentrated harbors to develop as juveniles for several months. Consequently, they are an ideal system to study the impacts of ecologically relevant salinity stress on the alteration of proteins and histone post-translational modifications (PTMs) during early development. The study of the relationship between the critical window of development (CWD), in which sexual bipotential is lost, and the longevity of protein landscape and histone PTM changes has not been widely explored. The CWD is of interest as this is when the gametes of this species become set. Therefore, we hypothesize that histone PTM changes that occur during this time may thus be a form of heritable epigenetics. Thus, hypo-and-hyperosmotic exposures of L. tenuis hatchlings during this window, and past it, attempt to identify if the CWD is relevant to the presence and persistence of protein and histone PTM changes under salinity stress. We hypothesize that exposure to osmotic stress during the CWD will result in induced compensatory mechanisms in the protein landscape of the California grunion larvae, as well as persistent alterations in the histone PTMs in the larvae. To elucidate the relationship between these factors, California grunion larvae were exposed in replicate to one of three chronic salinity treatments (16ppt, 32ppt, or 40ppt) for the duration of their CWD (68dph), with 16ppt and 40ppt inducing hypoosmotic and hyperosmotic stress respectively. Chronic post-CWD exposures and recovery times until 98dph were used to determine whether the CWD or prolonged salinity exposures were key to alterations in the histone PTM and protein landscape of the larvae. After each timepoint, L. tenuis were culled and processed for histone PTM enrichment and proteomic analysis. At the time of culling, there were no significant differences in survivorship between replicates and experimental groups, with statistically significant different deaths between groups occurring only shortly after hatching. Skyline and MSstats were used in the analysis of the statistical significance of differential regulation of proteins and histone PTMs under stress conditions versus the controls. Of special interest is the osmoregulatory mechanisms involved in the myo-inositol biosynthesis pathway, with analysis focusing on the abundance of histone acetylation, amidation, ubiquitylation, and 4-hydroxynonelation in histone PTMs, as the accumulations of these have been found to be correlated with osmotic stress in some fish tissues. Funding provided by NSF IOS-2209383 and NSF GRFP. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Reinforcement of repressive marks in the chicken primordial germ cell epigenetic signature: divergence from basal state resetting in mammals

BackgroundIn mammals, primordial germ cells (PGCs), the embryonic precursors of the germline, arise from embryonic or extra-embryonic cells upon induction by the surrounding tissues during gastrulation, according to mechanisms which are elucidated in mice but remain controversial in primates. They undergo genome-wide epigenetic reprogramming, consisting of extensive DNA demethylation and histone post-translational modification (PTM) changes, toward a basal, euchromatinized state. In contrast, chicken PGCs are specified by preformation before gastrulation based on maternally-inherited factors. They can be isolated from the bloodstream during their migration to the genital ridges. Our prior research highlighted differences in the global epigenetic profile of cultured chicken PGCs compared with chicken somatic cells and mammalian PGCs. This study investigates the acquisition and evolution of this profile during development.ResultsQuantitative analysis of global DNA methylation and histone PTMs, including their distribution, during key stages of chicken early development revealed divergent PGC epigenetic changes compared with mammals. Unlike mammalian PGCs, chicken PGCs do not undergo genome-wide DNA demethylation or exhibit a decrease in histone H3 lysine 9 dimethylation. However, chicken PGCs show 5‑hydroxymethylcytosine loss, macroH2A redistribution, and chromatin decompaction, mirroring mammalian processes. Chicken PGCs initiate their epigenetic signature during migration, progressively accumulating high global levels of H3K9me3, with preferential enrichment in inactive genome regions. Despite apparent global chromatin decompaction, abundant heterochromatin marks, including repressive histone PTMs, HP1 variants, and DNA methylation, persists in chicken PGCs, contrasting with mammalian PGCs.ConclusionsChicken PGCs’ epigenetic signature does not align with the basal chromatin state observed in mammals, suggesting a departure from extensive epigenetic reprogramming. Despite disparities in early PGC development, the persistence of several epigenetic features shared with mammals implies their involvement in chromatin-regulated germ cell properties, with the distinctive elevation of chicken-specific H3K9me3 potentially participating in these processes.

Antipsychotic-induced epigenomic reorganization in frontal cortex of individuals with schizophrenia

Genome-wide association studies have revealed >270 loci associated with schizophrenia risk, yet these genetic factors do not seem to be sufficient to fully explain the molecular determinants behind this psychiatric condition. Epigenetic marks such as post-translational histone modifications remain largely plastic during development and adulthood, allowing a dynamic impact of environmental factors, including antipsychotic medications, on access to genes and regulatory elements. However, few studies so far have profiled cell-specific genome-wide histone modifications in postmortem brain samples from schizophrenia subjects, or the effect of antipsychotic treatment on such epigenetic marks. Here, we conducted ChIP-seq analyses focusing on histone marks indicative of active enhancers (H3K27ac) and active promoters (H3K4me3), alongside RNA-seq, using frontal cortex samples from antipsychotic-free (AF) and antipsychotic-treated (AT) individuals with schizophrenia, as well as individually matched controls (n=58). Schizophrenia subjects exhibited thousands of neuronal and non-neuronal epigenetic differences at regions that included several susceptibility genetic loci, such as NRG1, DISC1, and DRD3. By analyzing the AF and AT cohorts separately, we identified schizophrenia-associated alterations in specific transcription factors, their regulatees, and epigenomic and transcriptomic features that were reversed by antipsychotic treatment; as well as those that represented a consequence of antipsychotic medication rather than a hallmark of schizophrenia in postmortem human brain samples. Notably, we also found that the effect of age on epigenomic landscapes was more pronounced in frontal cortex of AT-schizophrenics, as compared to AF-schizophrenics and controls. Together, these data provide important evidence of epigenetic alterations in the frontal cortex of individuals with schizophrenia, and remark for the first time on the impact of age and antipsychotic treatment on chromatin organization.

DNA Repair in Nucleosomes: Insights from Histone Modifications and Mutants.

DNA repair pathways play a critical role in genome stability, but in eukaryotic cells, they must operate to repair DNA lesions in the compact and tangled environment of chromatin. Previous studies have shown that the packaging of DNA into nucleosomes, which form the basic building block of chromatin, has a profound impact on DNA repair. In this review, we discuss the principles and mechanisms governing DNA repair in chromatin. We focus on the role of histone post-translational modifications (PTMs) in repair, as well as the molecular mechanisms by which histone mutants affect cellular sensitivity to DNA damage agents and repair activity in chromatin. Importantly, these mechanisms are thought to significantly impact somatic mutation rates in human cancers and potentially contribute to carcinogenesis and other human diseases. For example, a number of the histone mutants studied primarily in yeast have been identified as candidate oncohistone mutations in different cancers. This review highlights these connections and discusses the potential importance of DNA repair in chromatin to human health.

Unveiling the molecular networks underlying cellular impairment in Saccharomyces cerevisiae: investigating the effects of magnesium oxide nanoparticles on cell wall integrity and endoplasmic reticulum stress response.

Nanoparticles, particularly magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO-NPs), are increasingly utilized in various fields, yet their potential impact on cellular systems remains a topic of concern. This study aimed to comprehensively investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying MgO-NP-induced cellular impairment in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, with a focus on cell wall integrity, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response, mitochondrial function, lipid metabolism, autophagy, and epigenetic alterations. MgO-NPs were synthesized through a chemical reduction method, characterized for morphology, size distribution, and elemental composition. Concentration-dependent toxicity assays were conducted to evaluate the inhibitory effect on yeast growth, accompanied by propidium iodide (PI) staining to assess membrane damage. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation was measured, and chitin synthesis, indicative of cell wall perturbation, was examined along with the expression of chitin synthesis genes. Mitochondrial function was assessed through Psd1 localization, and ER structure was analyzed using dsRed-HDEL marker. The unfolded protein response (UPR) pathway activation was monitored, and lipid droplet formation and autophagy induction were investigated. Results demonstrated a dose-dependent inhibition of yeast growth by MgO-NPs, with concomitant membrane damage and ROS accumulation. Cell wall perturbation was evidenced by increased chitin synthesis and upregulation of chitin synthesis genes. MgO-NPs impaired mitochondrial function, disrupted ER structure, and activated the UPR pathway. Lipid droplet formation and autophagy were induced, indicating cellular stress responses. Additionally, MgO-NPs exhibited differential cytotoxicity on histone mutant strains, implicating specific histone residues in cellular response to nanoparticle stress. Immunoblotting revealed alterations in histone posttranslational modifications, particularly enhanced methylation of H3K4me. This study provides comprehensive insights into the multifaceted effects of MgO-NPs on S. cerevisiae, elucidating key molecular pathways involved in nanoparticle-induced cellular impairment. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for assessing nanoparticle toxicity and developing strategies for safer nanoparticle applications.

Histone Methyltransferase SsDim5 Regulates Fungal Virulence through H3K9 Trimethylation in Sclerotinia sclerotiorum.

Histone post-translational modification is one of the main mechanisms of epigenetic regulation, which plays a crucial role in the control of gene expression and various biological processes. However, whether or not it affects fungal virulence in Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is not clear. In this study, we identified and cloned the histone methyltransferase Defective in methylation 5 (Dim5) in S. sclerotiorum, which encodes a protein containing a typical SET domain. SsDim5 was found to be dynamically expressed during infection. Knockout experiment demonstrated that deletion of SsDim5 reduced the virulence in Ssdim5-1/Ssdim5-2 mutant strains, accompanied by a significant decrease in H3K9 trimethylation levels. Transcriptomic analysis further revealed the downregulation of genes associated with mycotoxins biosynthesis in SsDim5 deletion mutants. Additionally, the absence of SsDim5 affected the fungus's response to oxidative and osmotic, as well as cellular integrity. Together, our results indicate that the H3K9 methyltransferase SsDim5 is essential for H3K9 trimethylation, regulating fungal virulence throug mycotoxins biosynthesis, and the response to environmental stresses in S. sclerotiorum.

Recent Updates on Epigenetic-Based Pharmacotherapy for Atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis is one of the most dominant pathological processes responsible in cardiovascular diseases (CVD) caused by cholesterol accumulation accompanied by inflammation in the arteries which will subsequently lead to further complications, including myocardial infarction and stroke. Although the incidence of atherosclerosis is decreasing in some countries, it is still considered the leading cause of death worldwide. Atherosclerosis is a vascular pathological process that is chronically inflammatory and is characterized by the invasion of inflammatory cells and cytokines. Many reports have unraveled the pivotal roles of epigenetics such as DNA methylation, post-translational histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in atherogenesis, which regulate the expression of numerous genes related to various responsible pathways. Many studies have been conducted to develop new therapeutical approaches based on epigenetic changes for combating atherosclerosis. This review elaborates on recent updates on the development of new atherosclerosis drugs whose mechanism of action is associated with the modulation of DNA methylation, posttranslational histone modifications, and ncRNA-based gene regulation.

Fármacos Epigenéticos y Epitranscriptómicos

The activity of our cells not only depends on the naked DNA sequence but also on the chemical marks that control the genetic material. The most recognized regulatory level in this field is epigenetics. This includes DNA methylation and post-translational modifications of histones that confer specificity to gene expression and determine the three-dimensional conformation of our genome. A second component would be RNA modifications, a field known as epitranscriptomics. Chemical changes in both coding and messenger RNAs determine the activity of these molecules. Both the epigenome and epitranscriptome undergo profound alterations in disease, particularly in cancer. However, since these are plastic and dynamic chemical modifications, it is possible to reverse them using different pharmacological principles. Epigenetic drugs, such as DNA methylation inhibitors and histone deacetylase inhibitors, have already been approved for clinical use in oncology. Epitranscriptomic drugs will be the next to achieve this goal. Keywords: drugs; epigenetics; methylation; acetylation; epitranscriptomics; cancer

Abstract 7027: Direct multi-omics for the masses: Linking DNA methylation to chromatin targets via TEM-seq

Abstract DNA methylation (DNAme) is an epigenetic mark that includes the modification of cytosine resides (5mC) within CpG islands. In addition to well characterized roles regulating gene expression, imprinting and silencing parasitic DNA elements, the misregulation of DNAme is implicated in multiple diseases. Evidence is emerging that DNAme is not an independent epigenetic mark but rather closely linked to the post translational modification (PTM) of histone proteins. However, examining the relationship between 5mC and PTMs are hampered by the usual approach of independent analyses that cannot establish a direct linkage. Furthermore, the traditional approach to measure 5mC relies upon harsh bisulfite chemical conversation of DNA, which introduces damage and systemic biases. To address these limitations, we developed Targeted Enzymatic Methylation-sequencing (TEM-seq): an ultra-sensitive multi-omic genomic mapping technology that delivers high resolution DNAme profiles at epitope-defined chromatin features. Importantly this assay is capable of directly examining the link between 5mC and histone PTMs and/or chromatin associated proteins (ChAPs). The TEM-seq workflow integrates CUT&RUN for genomic mapping with NEB’s enzymatic methyl-seq (EM-seq) for unbiased DNAme analysis. CUT&RUN is a highly sensitive, standards-driven assay that uses antibodies to locally tether protein A/G-micrococcal nuclease (pAG-MNase) to chromatin within intact cells or nuclei, followed by controlled activation of the MNase to cleave nearby DNA. EM-seq then enzymatically converts [5mC/5hmC] to generate single-base resolution, unbiased DNAme profiles from sub-ng samples. To determine the capabilities and limitations of this novel approach, we tested multiple chromatin targets in various cell lines. We demonstrate that TEM-seq is highly reproducible, specific, and efficient (<10% off-target binding, >90% enzymatic conversion of DNAme, <0.5% conversion of unmethylated DNA). TEM-seq is also highly-sensitive, requiring only five million short-read sequences per assay (10-50x less than whole-genome 5mC-sequencing), demonstrating the disruptive potential of the assay to enable cost-effective approach for targeted DNAme analysis. Finally, we leveraged TEM-seq to gain mechanistic insights to Rett syndrome a neurodegenerative disorder that results from mutations in the 5mC-binding domain of the MECP2 gene. Citation Format: Keith E. Maier, Vishnu U. Sunitha Kumary, Bryan J. Venters, Allison Hickman, Anup Vaidya, James Anderson, Ryan Ezell, Jonathan M. Burg, Louise Williams, Chaithanya Ponnaluri, Pierre Esteve, Isaac Meek, Zu-wen Sun, Martis W. Cowles, Sriharsa Pradhan, Michael-Christopher Keogh. Direct multi-omics for the masses: Linking DNA methylation to chromatin targets via TEM-seq [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 7027.

Abstract 7026: Multi-omic genomic mapping with long read sequencing

Abstract Gene transcription is regulated by the complex interplay between histone post-translational modifications (PTMs), chromatin associated proteins (CAPs), and DNA methylation (DNAme). Mapping their genomic locations and examining the relationships between these chromatin elements is a powerful approach to decipher mechanisms of disease, thereby enabling discovery of novel biomarkers and therapeutics. Leading epigenomic mapping technologies (e.g., ChIP-seq, CUT&RUN) rely upon DNA fragmentation to isolate regions of interest for sequencing on short read platforms (e.g., Illumina). This strategy leads to substantial loss of contextual information regarding the surrounding DNA, precluding the identification of multiple co-occurring epigenomic features on a single DNA molecule. By contrast, long-read sequencing (LRS) platforms are capable of sequencing very long reads from a single molecule (typically >10kb), allowing relationships between features on a single molecule to be used to resolve heterogeneity within mixed populations. Here we report a robust multi-omic method that leverages LRS to simultaneously profile histone PTMs (or CAPs), DNAme, and parental haplotype in a single assay. This nondestructive, epigenomic mapping approach leverages a novel DNA methyltransferase fusion protein (pAG-M.EcoGII) to label DNA underneath antibody-targeted chromatin features, thereby marking sites of interest while preserving DNA molecules intact for LRS. Inspired by our work with state-of-the-art immunotethering-based approaches (CUT&RUN/CUT&Tag), nuclei are bound to magnetic beads to streamline and automate sample processing. Next, adenosines nearby antibody-targeted chromatin features are methylated with pAG-M.EcoGII, which are then directly read from genomic DNA using Oxford Nanopore Technologies or Pacific Biosciences LRS platforms. To determine the capabilities and limitations of this assay, we tested multiple chromatin targets in various cell lines. Importantly, this method is highly reproducible across biological replicates, and highly concordant with orthogonal SRS assays (e.g., CUT&RUN). Further, we showed that this method is a true multi-omic approach by simultaneously profiling histone PTMs, native DNAme (5mC), and parental single-nucleotide variants from single DNA molecules within a single reaction. Finally, this workflow preserves chromatin integrity for LRS, revealing heterogeneity (e.g., haplotype or paternal origin) within/between data types and providing access to previously unmappable genomic regions (e.g., centromeres). Citation Format: Bryan J. Venters, Paul W. Hook, Vishnu S. Kumary, Alli R. Hickman, James T. Anderson, Anup Vaidya, Ryan J. Ezell, Jonathan M. Burg, Zu-Wen Sun, Martis W. Cowles, Winston Timp, Michael-Christopher Keogh. Multi-omic genomic mapping with long read sequencing [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 7026.

Abstract 3241: Elevated H3K27 trimethylation mediates adaptation to DNA demethylation in BRAFV600E-mutated colorectal cancer

Abstract Background: BRAFV600E in colorectal cancer (CRC) defines a unique subgroup of patients with poor prognosis and scarcely benefit from BRAF inhibitor-based treatment. Interestingly, BRAFV600E tumors demonstrated profound CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP), suggesting extensive epigenetic dysregulation. Thus, we investigated epigenomic regulations in this subset of tumors with treatment-induced DNA demethylation. Methods: We treated six cell lines and two patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models of BRAFV600E CRC with vehicle, 5-azacitidine (DNMTi), vemurafenib (BRAFi), and combination treatment. PDX tumors treated with either vehicle or 5-azacitidine were collected on day 21 and sequenced for DNA methylation (Infinium HumanMethylation 450k BeadChip array), histone marks (ChIP-seq), chromatin accessibility (ATAC-seq), and gene expression (RNA-seq). Comprehensive post-translational modifications (PTMs) in histones with DNMTi or BRAFi treatment were assessed by mass spectrometry (MS). The combinational effect of 5-azacitidine with EZH2 or RNF2 inhibitors (Polycomb repressive complex activity (PRC) inhibition) was assessed through cell viability assays and colony formation assays in BRAFV600E CRC cell lines. Results: Analysis of TCGA COAD/READ tumors demonstrated a higher DNA methylation profile in BRAFV600E tumors than wild-type tumors even among the CIMP population (FDR < 1e-4). The combination of DNMTi with BRAFi showed selective additivity in vitro; however, did not improve efficacies in PDXs. The 5-azacitidine treatment induced profound demethylation in PDXs compared to control samples, predominantly attributed to promoter regions (48%). However, DNA demethylation failed to reactivate classic CIMP markers or tumor suppressor genes in CRC (e.g., CDKN2A, MGMT). Interestingly, demethylated genomic regions gained H3K27 trimethylation, repressive histone mark, in azacitidine-treated samples compared to control (9,431 vs 5,147 peaks respectively). We validated the elevation of H3K27 trimethylation as well as additional histone PTMs following DNMTi in MS-based histone analysis. Finally, combining a demethylating agent with EZH2i or RNF2i, which either deplete H3K27 trimethylation or block the PRC activity respectively, has demonstrated additive growth inhibitory effects in BRAFV600E CRC cell lines (p <0.05). Conclusions: This study unveiled intriguing aspects of demethylation agent treatment, which led to the compensatory engagement of other epigenomic markers, particularly repressive histone marks, resulting in limited efficacies to azacitidine treatment in preclinical BRAFV600E CRC models. This finding suggests the existence of adaptive interactions between epigenetic modifiers and potential clinical strategies in combinational epigenetic therapeutics. Citation Format: Hey Min Lee, Ajay Kumar Saw, Van Karlyle Morris, Anand Kamal Singh, Stefania Napolitano, Alexey Sorokin, Preeti Kanikarla Marie, Oluwadara Coker, Oscar Eduardo Villarreal, Nazanin Esmaeili Anvar, Kunal Rai, Scott Kopetz. Elevated H3K27 trimethylation mediates adaptation to DNA demethylation in BRAFV600E-mutated colorectal cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 3241.

Abstract 4293: Chromosomal instability causes epigenetic aberrations in cancer

Abstract Chromosomal instability and changes in the epigenome are defining features in most metastatic cancers. Our research links chromosomal missegregation, their containment in micronuclei, and subsequent rupture of the micronuclear envelope to histone post-translational modification aberrations. This relationship was across all tested human and murine cancer cell lines, as well as non-transformed cells. Furthermore, we discovered that the observed changes in histone PTMs were caused by either micronuclear rupture or the persistence of histone PTM status during cell division. Moreover, we revealed substantial chromatin accessibility differences in micronuclei. Notably, there is a distinct bias in chromatin accessibility between promoter regions compared to distal and intergenic regions of the genome, which aligned well with observed changes in histone modifications. The induction of chromosomal instability leads to widespread, heterogeneous, and heritable abnormalities in the epigenetic landscape of cancer cells. Therefore, on top of genomic copy number changes, chromosomal instability causes epigenetic reprogramming, which adds another layer to cancer heterogeneity. Citation Format: Albert S. Agustinus, Duaa Al-Rawi, Bhargavi Dameracharla, Ramya Raviram, Bailey S. Jones, Stephanie Stransky, Lorenzo Scipioni, Jens Luebeck, Melody Di Bona, Danguole Norkunaite, Robert M. Myers, Mercedes Duran, Seongmin Choi, Britta Weigelt, Shira Yomtoubian, Andrew McPherson, Eleonore Toufektchan, Kristina Keuper, Paul S. Mischel, Vivek Mittal, Sohrab P. Shah, John Maciejowski, Zuzana Storchova, Enrico Gratton, Peter Ly, Dan Landau, Mathieu F. Bakhoum, Richard P. Koche, Simone Sidoli, Vineet Bafna, Yael David, Samuel F. Bakhoum. Chromosomal instability causes epigenetic aberrations in cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 4293.