In this issue of Epigenetics

The pathogenesis of acute myeloid leukemias involves complex molecular events triggered by diverse alterations of genomic DNA. A limited number of initiating lesions, such as chromosomal translocations generating fusion genes, are constantly identified in specific forms of leukemia and are critical to leukemogenesis. Leukemia fusion proteins derived from chromosomal translocations can mediate epigenetic silencing of gene expression. Epigenetic deregulation of the DNA methylation status and of the chromatin “histone code” at specific gene sites cooperate in the pathogenesis of leukemias. The neutralization of these crucial oncogenic events can revert the leukemia phenotype. Thus, their identification and the study of their molecular and biological consequences is essential for the development of novel and specific therapeutic strategies. In this context, we recently reported a link between the differentiation block of leukemia and the epigenetic silencing of the microRNA-223 gene by the AML1/ETO oncoprotein, the product of the t(8;21) the commonest AML-associated chromosomal translocation. This finding indicates microRNAs as additional epigenetic targets for leukemogenesis and for therapeutic intervention in leukemias.     

Analysis of Epigenetic Factors in Mouse Embryonic Neural Stem Cells Exposed to Hyperglycemia

Background

Maternal diabetes alters gene expression leading to neural tube defects (NTDs) in the developing brain. The mechanistic pathways that deregulate the gene expression remain unknown. It is hypothesized that exposure of neural stem cells (NSCs) to high glucose/hyperglycemia results in activation of epigenetic mechanisms which alter gene expression and cell fate during brain development.

Methods and Findings

NSCs were isolated from normal pregnancy and streptozotocin induced-diabetic pregnancy and cultured in physiological glucose. In order to examine hyperglycemia induced epigenetic changes in NSCs, chromatin reorganization, global histone status at lysine 9 residue of histone H3 (acetylation and trimethylation) and global DNA methylation were examined and found to be altered by hyperglycemia. In NSCs, hyperglycemia increased the expression of Dcx (Doublecortin) and Pafah1b1 (Platelet activating factor acetyl hydrolase, isoform 1b, subunit 1) proteins concomitant with decreased expression of four microRNAs (mmu-miR-200a, mmu-miR-200b, mmu-miR-466a-3p and mmu-miR-466 d-3p) predicted to target these genes. Knockdown of specific microRNAs in NSCs resulted in increased expression of Dcx and Pafah1b1 proteins confirming target prediction and altered NSC fate by increasing the expression of neuronal and glial lineage markers.

Conclusion/Interpretation

This study revealed that hyperglycemia alters the epigenetic mechanisms in NSCs, resulting in altered expression of some development control genes which may form the basis for the NTDs. Since epigenetic changes are reversible, they may be valuable therapeutic targets in order to improve fetal outcomes in diabetic pregnancy.     

Epigenetic transitions in germ cell development and meiosis

Germ cell development is controlled by unique gene expression programs and involves epigenetic reprogramming of histone modifications and DNA methylation. The central event is meiosis, during which homologous chromosomes pair and recombine, processes that involve histone alterations. At unpaired regions, chromatin is repressed by meiotic silencing. After meiosis, male germ cells undergo chromatin remodeling, including histone-to-protamine replacement. Male and female germ cells are also differentially marked by parental imprints, which contribute to sex determination in insects and mediate genomic imprinting in mammals. Here, we review epigenetic transitions during gametogenesis and discuss novel insights from animal and human studies.