Dr. Manel Esteller Epigenetics and Rett Syndrome

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Dr. Manel Esteller Epigenetics and Rett Syndrome Epigenetics and Rett Syndrome Dr. Manel Esteller Director Elect Josep Carreras Institute (IJC) Director Cancer Epigenetics and Biology Program (PEBC) Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL) Genetics Professor, University of Barcelona ICREA Research Professor [email protected] Urdinguio, Sanchez-Mut and Esteller, Lancet Neurology, 2009 miRNA PROCESSING Genetic syndromes caused by mutations in Epigenetic genes FMRP Fragile X Syndrome DNA METHYLATION DGCR8 DiGeorge Syndrome Goiter multinodular 1 Syndrome Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) TARDBP DNA METHYLATION DICERDICER miRNA/mRNA XPO5 DNMT1 Hereditary Sensory and Autonomic Drosha Pri-mRNA Neuropathy 1 (HSAN1) RISC DNMT3 Immunodeficiency-Centromeric Instability-Facilal Anomalies (ICF1) miRNA Pre-mRNA MeCP2 Rett Syndrome Angelman Syndrome CH3 HISTONE MODIFICATIONSHISTONEHISTONE MODIFICATIONS MODIFICATIONS Claes- Jensen X-linked Mental Retardation Syndrome JARIDC1JARIDC1 MLL2 Kabuki Syndrome 1 Siderius X-linked Mental Retardation Syndrome PHF8PHF8 MLL2 EZH2EZH2 Weaver Syndrome 2 Kabuki Syndrome JMJD3JMJD3 EHMT1EHMT1 KleefstraSyndrome Sotos Syndrome Weaver Syndrome 1 NSD1NSD1 CREBBP/CREBBP/ Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome P300P300 Berdasco and Esteller, Hum Genet. 2013 H4 H4 Brachydactyl- mental retardation Syndrome HDAC4HDAC4 MYST4MYST4 Genitopatellar Syndrome Say-Barber-Biesecker-Young-Sympson (SBBYS) - N--Nterminal- terminal …K……K… DRLVKRHRKAGGKGLGKGGKGRGS DRLVKRHRKAGGKGLGKGGKGRGS 1 1 3 3 5 5 8 8 1212 1616 1818AcAc2020 9191AcAc CHROMATINPP MeMeAcAc AcAc MeMe- REMODELINGAcAc PP MeMe FACTORS ERCC6ERCC6 Alpha-Thalassemia X-linked mental retardation Syndrome Cockayne Syndrome, type A ATRXATRX Mental Retardation-hypotonic facies Syndrome, X-linked Cockayne Syndrome, type B ERCC8ERCC8 CDH7CDH7 CHARGE Syndrome Coffin- Siris Syndrome ARID1BARID1B SMARCB1SMARCB1 Coffin- Siris Syndrome Coffin- Siris Syndrome ARID1AARID1A SMARCAA4SMARCAA4 Coffin- Siris Syndrome Floating- Harbor Syndrome SRCAPSRCAP Coffin- Siris Syndrome SMARCA2SMARCA2 Nicolaides-Baraitser Syndrome Spinocerebellar ataxia 7 ATXN7ATXN7 CHROMATINCHROMATIN-REMODELING-REMODELING FACTORS FACTORS Rett Syndrome Rett Syndrome (RS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder believed to Rett Syndrome (RS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder believed to affect 1 in 10,000 females.. Germline mutations in MECP2 (Methyl-CpG Binding Protein-2) found in 65% of Rett patients. MECP2 is located in Xq28. Girls with Rett Syndrome appear to develop normally until 6 to 18 months of age. They then enter a period of regression, losing speech and hand skills they had acquired. Most girls develop seizures, repetitive hand movements, irregular breathing and motor-control problems. A slowing of the rate of head growth also becomes apparent. Most researchers agree that RS is a developmental disorder rather than a progressive, degenerative disorder. The girls can live to adulthood, but most never regain the ability to use their hands or to speak. Germline mutations in MECP2 (Methyl-CpG Binding Protein-2) found in 65% of Rett patients. MECP2 is located in Xq28. Girls with Rett Syndrome appear to develop normally until 6 to 18 months of age. They then enter a period of regression, losing speech and hand skills they had acquired. Most girls develop seizures, repetitive hand movements, irregular breathing and motor-control problems. A slowing of the rate of head growth also becomes apparent. Most researchers agree that RS is a developmental disorder rather than a progressive, degenerative disorder. The girls can live to adulthood, but most never regain the ability to use their hands or to speak. MeCP2 ➢ Protein with affinity for methylated DNA (CpG pairs). ➢ i.e. Fraga et al. NAR 2003; Ballestar et al. EMBO J 2003 ➢ Transcriptional repressor. ➢ i.e. Fournier et al. EMBO J 2002; Ballestar et al. EMBO J 2003; Lopez-Serra et al. Cancer Res 2006; Lopez-Serra et al., Oncogene 2008 Two main functional domains: MBD TRD Lopez-Serra et al., British Journal of Cancer 2008 Establishment of Immortalized Lymphocyte Cell Lines Healthy Donor MeCP2 Rett Patient Lymphoblastoid Cell Lines Available MeCP2 CDKL5 NTG1 FOXG1 n=23 n=7 n=3 n=2 Clustering expression analysis and release of MeCP2- Silencing in Rett Syndrome Patients R294X R106W NoMut2 R255X NoMut4 NoMut1 NoMut3 P391X T158M R306C MPP1 MeCP2 NAB I UB B UB B Control R106W - 264 + 103 N1 N2 Gene Primer sequence Annealing MPP1 Forward 5´-YGAATTTGGTTAGGGTATTYGGG-3´ 57 ºC Reverse 5´-CTTAAAAATCATCTCRCAAAAACT-3´ N2 MPP1 125 123 126 112 125 120 56 53 77 71 36 38 35 49 36 41 105 108 84 90 Ballestar et al., Human Mutation, 2005 Mouse Model of Rett 1 3 2 7.5gr/10.25cms 1.-Encéfalo 299mg 2.-Mesencéfalo 3.-Cerebelo 1 3 2 8.1gr/11.05cms 310mg Looking for transcriptional changes Wild type mice Mecp2-null mice Cortex Cortex Midbrain Midbrain Cerebellum Cerebellum RNA Extraction RNA Extraction Amplification Amplification Candidate overexpressed genes Reverse Reverse in Mecp2-null mice transcription and transcription and labeling labeling Hybridization Image scanning Data analysis Mobp Dlk1 – Gtl2 Myelin-associated oligodendrocytic basic protein Family of abundant CNS myelin proteins Localizes to major dense line of compact myelin Plagl1 Ddc zinc finger protein regulator of apoptosis DOPA decarboxylase and cell cycle arrest (Zac1) L-Dopa Dopamine L-5-HTP Serotonine Urdinguio et al., PLoS ONE, 2008 Effective drugs for Parkinson's reduce symptoms of Rett syndrome in mice 100 8 vehicle 80 L-Dopa L-Dopa / Ddci 6 60 * 4 * * 40 Percent survival 2 20 ** *** Total ScoreSymptom 0 0 60 70 80 90 100 6 7 8 9 10 Life span (days) Time (weeks) *** *** * ** *** *** ** *** *** *** *** ** 1.0 * ** 1.0 * * 1.0 * * * * * *** * ** ** * *** 0.5 0.5 0.5 Tremor Mobility Breathing 0.0 0.0 0.0 7 w eeks 8 w eeks 9 w eeks 10 w eeks 7 w eeks 8 w eeks 9 w eeks 10 w eeks 7 w eeks 8 w eeks 9 w eeks 10 w eeks Szczesna et al., Neuropsychopharmacology 2014 An Impact of MeCP2 Disruption on lncRNA Transcription: The Mouse Model of Rett Syndrome Wild type MeCP2 KO Wild-type MeCP2 KO Brain Brain Mouse LncRNA Microarray GAMMA-AMINOBUTYRIC ACID RECEPTOR, RHO-2 AK08122 7 AK081227/RPL 5 38** Gabrr2/RPL38 W… 2,0 K… 4 W… 3 K… * 1,0 * 2 * * 1 0,0 0 BO FC HIP HTA TH C Petazzi et al., RNA Biology, 2013 MECP2 duplication syndrome Intellectual disability, weak muscle tone in infancy, feeding difficulties, poor or absent speech, seizures, delayed development of motor skills, such as sitting, loss of previously acquired skills (developmental regression), one third cannot walk without assistance. An Increase in MECP2 Dosage Impairs Neural Tube Formation •We report a new in vivo model of MeCP2 overexpression. •The increase in MeCP2 dosage prevents the correct formation of the neural tube. •MeCP2-electroporated cells show an ectopic neuronal localization. •Neuroblasts overexpressing MeCP2 undergo decreased proliferation and increased death. Petazzi et al., Neurobiology of Disease, 2014 Circadian Cycle-Dependent MeCP2 and Brain Chromatin Changes Martínez de Paz et al, PLoS One (2015) Genomics Girls with Clinical Features of Rett Syndrome but without any mutation in the “usual suspect” genes Whole-Exome Sequencing Mutations in JMJD1C (jumonji domain containing 1C) are involved in Rett syndrome and intellectual disability Saez et al., Genetics in Medicine , 2015 Other Mutations in Histone Modifiers Are Also Involved in Intellectual Disability Dravet syndrome Pitt-Hopkins syndrome SCN1A mutation TCF4 mutation Lucariello et al., Human Genetics 135, 1343-1354, 2016 Final Update Mllt2h Eya2 Suggested transcriptional factor Transcriptional coactivator Specifically expressed in Purkinje cell (Af4) Expressed during development of several organs S100a9 S100 calcium binding protein A9 (calgranulin B) IRAK1 !!!! Marenholz I, Heizmann CW and Fritz G. (2004) Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 322:1111-22 Urdinguio et al., PLoS ONE, 2008 Inhibition of Gsk3b reduces NFk-B signaling and rescues synaptic activity to improve the Rett syndrome phenotype in Mecp2-knockout mice Jorge-Torres et al., Cell Reports 2018 Treatment with a GSK3β inhibitor (SB216763) Improves Neuronal Functionality WT KO VEH KO+SB216763 Merge Psd95 Dapi WT Map2 KO VEH KO KO + + KO Thresholding SB216763 Branching Postsynaptic Jorge-Torres et al., Cell Reports 2018 Future Genetic Edition of MeCP2 in Neurons Normal Neurons Neurons with MeCP2 Loss Genetic Edition of MeCP2 in Neurons MECP2DAPITUJ Obtaining GABAergic Neurons CTR Protocol GABADAPITUJ Thanks to all the families and research supporters…. Sonia Guil Raul Delgado-Morales Catalan Rett Syndrome Association Valencian Rett Syndrome Association.
Recommended publications
  • The Mysteries of Metastasis Researchers Investigate the Epigenetics Behind Cancer Metastasis Using the Humanmethylation450 Beadchip and the Hiseq® System
    October 2015 The Mysteries of Metastasis Researchers investigate the epigenetics behind cancer metastasis using the HumanMethylation450 BeadChip and the HiSeq® System. Introduction Q: What types of questions is your lab trying to answer? ME: The aim of our laboratory is to map the main epigenetic There is a mystery to the process of metastasis, the insidious spread differences between normal cells and disease-associated cells. We of cancer cells from a primary tumor to other parts of the body. Why focus on cancer, neurogenetic, and cardiovascular disorders. With do some cancers travel, while others remain contained to the original cancer, we are interested in DNA methylation. We have focused on tumor? Take melanoma for example. Although it is the least common identifying all the genes that are methylated in cancer cells and have type of skin cancer, it is one of the most feared because of its ability to learned that they can behave like tumor suppressors. metastasize quickly and easily throughout the body. The mystery of metastasis is an important one to solve. Metastatic Q: What do we know about the role of methylation in cancer can change a patient’s treatment plan and prognosis radically. cancer development? Individuals with metastases undergo treatments that are longer, more ME: It’s clear that the genome is important in cancer, however we now invasive, and more expensive, and are much less likely to survive realize that there aren’t as many cancer mutations as we once thought their disease. there would be. In fact, there are many tumors with a very low number of mutational events.
    [Show full text]
  • Circulating Cell-Free DNA in Breast Cancer: Searching for Hidden Information Towards Precision Medicine
    cancers Review Circulating Cell-Free DNA in Breast Cancer: Searching for Hidden Information towards Precision Medicine Maria Panagopoulou 1,*, Manel Esteller 2,3,4,5 and Ekaterini Chatzaki 1,6 1 Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace (DUTH), 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece; [email protected] 2 Josep Carreras Leukemia Research Institute (IJC), Badalona, 08016 Barcelona, Spain; [email protected] 3 Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red Cancer (CIBERONC), 28029 Madrid, Spain 4 Institucio Catalana de Recerca I Estudis Avancats (ICREA), 08016 Barcelona, Spain 5 Physiological Sciences Department, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona (UB), 08016 Barcelona, Spain 6 Institute of Agri-Food and Life Sciences Agro-Health, Hellenic Mediterranean University, 71003 Crete, Greece * Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +30-694-248-5045 Simple Summary: Our research focuses in the elucidation of the nature of circulating cell-free DNA (ccfDNA) as a biological entity and its exploitation as a liquid biopsy biomaterial. Working on breast cancer, it became clear that although a promising biosource, its clinical exploitation is burdened mainly by gaps in knowledge about its biology and specific characteristics. The current review covers multiple aspects of ccfDNA in breast cancer. We cover key issues such as quantity, integrity, releasing structures, methylation specific changes, release mechanisms, biological role. Machine learning approaches for analyzing ccfDNA-generated data to produce classifiers for clinical use are also discussed. Citation: Panagopoulou, M.; Esteller, M.; Chatzaki, E. Circulating Cell-Free Abstract: Breast cancer (BC) is a leading cause of death between women. Mortality is significantly DNA in Breast Cancer: Searching for raised due to drug resistance and metastasis, while personalized treatment options are obstructed Hidden Information towards by the limitations of conventional biopsy follow-up.
    [Show full text]
  • Short CV Dr Esteller
    MANEL ESTELLER, M.D., Ph.D. Manel Esteller (Sant Boi de Llobregat, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain, 1968) graduated in Medicine from the Universidad de Barcelona in 1992, where he also obtained his Ph.D. degree specialising in molecular genetics of endometrial carcinoma, in 1996. He was an Invited Researcher at the School of Biological and Medical Sciences at the University of St. Andrews, (Scotland, UK) during which time his research interests focused on the molecular genetics of inherited breast cancer. From 1997 to 2001, Esteller was a Postdoctoral Fellow and a Research Associate at the Johns Hopkins University and School of Medicine, (Baltimore, USA) where he studied DNA methylation and human cancer. His work was decisive in establishing promoter hypermethylation of tumour suppressor genes as a common hallmark of all human tumours. From October 2001 to September 2008 Manel Esteller was the Leader of the CNIO Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, where his principal area of research were the alterations in DNA methylation, histone modifications and chromatin in human cancer. Since October 2008 untill May 2019, Dr Esteller has been the Director of the Cancer Epigenetics and Biology Program (PEBC) of the Bellvitge Institute for Biomedical Research (IDIBELL) in Barcelona. He is currently Director of the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), Chairman of Genetics in the School of Medicine of the University of Barcelona, and an ICREA Research Professor. His current research is devoted to the establishment of the epigenome and epitranscriptome maps of normal and transformed cells, the study of the interactions between epigenetic modifications and non-coding RNAs, and the development of new epigenetic drugs for cancer therapy.
    [Show full text]
  • Epigenetic Inactivation of the Splicing RNA-Binding Protein CELF2 in Human Breast Cancer
    Oncogene (2019) 38:7106–7112 https://doi.org/10.1038/s41388-019-0936-x BRIEF COMMUNICATION Epigenetic inactivation of the splicing RNA-binding protein CELF2 in human breast cancer 1 1 1 1 1 Laia Piqué ● Alexia Martinez de Paz ● David Piñeyro ● Anna Martínez-Cardús ● Manuel Castro de Moura ● 1 1 1 1 2 Pere Llinàs-Arias ● Fernando Setien ● Jorge Gomez-Miragaya ● Eva Gonzalez-Suarez ● Stefan Sigurdsson ● 3,4 5 6 1 1,7,8,9,10 Jon G. Jonasson ● Alberto Villanueva ● August Vidal ● Veronica Davalos ● Manel Esteller Received: 27 December 2018 / Revised: 19 May 2019 / Accepted: 10 June 2019 / Published online: 13 August 2019 © The Author(s) 2019. This article is published with open access Abstract Human tumors show altered patterns of protein isoforms that can be related to the dysregulation of messenger RNA alternative splicing also observed in transformed cells. Although somatic mutations in core spliceosome components and their associated factors have been described in some cases, almost nothing is known about the contribution of distorted epigenetic patterns to aberrant splicing. Herein, we show that the splicing RNA-binding protein CELF2 is targeted by promoter hypermethylation-associated transcriptional silencing in human cancer. Focusing on the context of breast cancer, 1234567890();,: 1234567890();,: we also demonstrate that CELF2 restoration has growth-inhibitory effects and that its epigenetic loss induces an aberrant downstream pattern of alternative splicing, affecting key genes in breast cancer biology such as the autophagy factor ULK1 and the apoptotic protein CARD10. Furthermore, the presence of CELF2 hypermethylation in the clinical setting is associated with shorter overall survival of the breast cancer patients carrying this epigenetic lesion.
    [Show full text]
  • Epigenetic Awakening of Viral Mimicry in Cancer
    VIEWS IN THE SPOTLIGHT Epigenetic Awakening of Viral Mimicry in Cancer Maxime Janin 1 and Manel Esteller 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 Summary: In this issue, Deblois and colleagues show how taxane-resistant triple-negative breast cancer cells evade viral mimicry response as a result of metabolic alteration, DNA hypomethylation, and relocation of histone H3K27 trimethylation (H3K27me3). This adaptation confers a therapeutic vulnerability to the inhibition of the H3K27me3 methyltransferase EZH2 in resistant cells, leading to tumor growth inhibition by viral mimicry reactivation. See related article by Deblois et al., p. 1312 (4). Tumor progression by resistance to pharmacologic ther- and the concomitant signifi cant upregulation of EZH2 in apy is a major issue for managing patients with cancer, with TNBC compared with the other breast cancer subtypes ( 3 ) few treatment alternatives, and is associated with poor prog- makes the study by Deblois and colleagues in this issue ( 4 ) nosis. This is particularly the case for triple-negative breast a useful reference for better drug resistance understanding cancer (TNBC), which initially tends to respond to treatment and therapy development. The mechanism of resistance to but often develops resistance, leading to the advancement therapy pinpointed herein ( 4 ) is the escape from viral mim- of the disease. Thus, deciphering by which mechanism the icry response. This response normally occurs through the cancer cells adapt to the cytotoxic pressure of the drugs is activation of human endogenous retroviral elements (HERV) of utmost importance. During the last decades, efforts by that leads to double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) production and the research community have led to the expansion of tumor IFN-mediated T-cell recognition.
    [Show full text]
  • Epigenetic Loss of M a RNA Demethylase ALKBH3 in Hodgkin
    American Society of Hematology 2021 L Street NW, Suite 900, Washington, DC 20036 Phone: 202-776-0544 | Fax 202-776-0545 [email protected] Epigenetic Loss of m1A RNA Demethylase ALKBH3 in Hodgkin Lymphoma Targets Collagen Downloaded from https://ashpublications.org/blood/article-pdf/doi/10.1182/blood.2020005823/1758308/blood.2020005823.pdf by CRAI UNIVERSITY OF BARCELONA user on 14 September 2020 Conferring Poor Clinical Outcome Tracking no: BLD-2020-005823R1 Rosaura Esteve-Puig (Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), Spain) Fina Climent (Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge-IDIBELL, Spain) David Piñeyro (Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), Spain) Eva Domingo-Domenech (Institut Catala d'Oncologia, Spain) Veronica Davalos (Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), Spain) Maite Encuentra (Institut Catala d'Oncologia, Spain) Anna Rea (Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), Spain) Nadia Espejo-Herrera (Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, Spain) Marta Soler (Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), Spain) Miguel Lopez (Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), Spain) Vanessa Ortiz-Barahona (Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), Spain) Gustavo Tapia (Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol. Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona. Institut d'Investigació en Ciències de la Salut Germans Trias i Pujol, Spain) Jose Tomas Navarro (ICO-Germans Trias i Pujol Hospital. Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute, Spain) Joan Cid (Hospital Clínic Barcelona, Spain) Lourdes Farre (Catalan
    [Show full text]
  • Moving Closer to a Prognostic DNA Methylation Signature in Colon Cancer
    Clinical Cancer CCR Translations Research Commentary on Yi et al., p. 1535 Moving Closer to a Prognostic DNA Methylation Signature in Colon Cancer F. Javier Carmona1 and Manel Esteller1,2,3 Although large panels of genes undergoing aberrant CpG island methylation in colorectal cancer have been identified, reliable predictors for clinical management in this tumor type remain elusive. A new DNA methylation signature affecting the extracellular matrix (ECM) pathway has been identified with potential prognostic value in colon cancer. Clin Cancer Res; 17(6); 1215–7. Ó2011 AACR. In this issue of Clinical Cancer Research, Yi and colleagues methylation biomarkers lies in their stability in the face of (1) report a widespread epigenetic inactivation affecting subtle variations in the cell environment, which can never- extracellular matrix (ECM) pathway genes in colon cancer. theless deeply affect transcription profiles, and in the In addition, the authors have tested this signature as a availability of sensitive, simple, and cost-effective techni- prognostic indicator for individualizing stage II colon ques to detect them. Importantly, gene hypermethylation is cancer patients at high risk of recurrence, who would frequently associated with gene inactivation, and, given its benefit from adjuvant treatments (1). plasticity, it is a modification that has the potential to be An aberrant DNA methylation profile has been recog- reverted by epigenetic drugs. Thus, aberrant DNA methyla- nized as a common hallmark in all types of human neo- tion has important implications for cancer research and plasia (2). DNA methylation is an essential process for the management. However, despite all the efforts made, clini- maintenance of homeostatic equilibrium in normal cells, cally relevant biomarkers valuable in the management of and alterations in normal DNA methylation patterns in cancer patients remain scarce, with the exception of MGMT association with human disease affect almost all cellular and GSTP1 hypermethylation in gliomas and prostate pathways.
    [Show full text]
  • Epigenetic Differences Arise During the Lifetime of Monozygotic Twins
    Epigenetic differences arise during the lifetime of monozygotic twins Mario F. Fraga*, Esteban Ballestar*, Maria F. Paz*, Santiago Ropero*, Fernando Setien*, Maria L. Ballestar†, Damia Heine-Sun˜ er‡, Juan C. Cigudosa§, Miguel Urioste¶, Javier Benitez¶, Manuel Boix-Chornet†, Abel Sanchez-Aguilera†, Charlotte Lingʈ, Emma Carlssonʈ, Pernille Poulsen**, Allan Vaag**, Zarko Stephan††, Tim D. Spector††, Yue-Zhong Wu‡‡, Christoph Plass‡‡, and Manel Esteller*§§ *Epigenetics, §Cytogenetics, and ¶Genetic Laboratories, Spanish National Cancer Centre (CNIO), Melchor Fernandez Almagro 3, 28029 Madrid, Spain; †Department of Behavioral Science, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; ‡Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Genetics Department, Son Dureta Hospital, 07014 Palma de Mallorca, Spain; ʈDepartment of Clinical Sciences, University Hospital Malmo¨, Lund University, S-205 02 Malmo¨, Sweden; **Steno Diabetes Center, 2820 Gentofte, Denmark; ††Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology Unit, St. Thomas’ Hospital, London SE1 7EH, United Kingdom; and ‡‡Human Cancer Genetics Program, Department of Molecular Virology, Immunology, and Medical Genetics, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210 Edited by Stanley M. Gartler, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, and approved May 23, 2005 (received for review January 17, 2005) Monozygous twins share a common genotype. However, most Materials and Methods monozygotic twin pairs are not identical; several types of pheno- Subjects. Eighty volunteer Caucasian twins from Spain were re- typic discordance may be observed, such as differences in suscep- cruited in the study, including 30 male and 50 female subjects. Their tibilities to disease and a wide range of anthropomorphic features. mean (ϮSD) age was 30.6 (Ϯ14.2) years (range, 3–74 years). Twins There are several possible explanations for these observations, but studied included monochorionic and dichorionic.
    [Show full text]
  • The AACR Human Epigenome Workshop
    Special Workshop Report A Blueprint for a Human Epigenome Project: The AACR Human Epigenome Workshop Peter A. Jones1 and Robert Martienssen2 1University of Southern California/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, California and 2Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York Abstract There is, therefore, ample justification to begin this project; however, Epigenetic processes control the packaging and function of several issues need to be resolved before a coordinated effort is mounted. the human genome and contribute to normal and pathologic Among these issues are questions, such as the following: How many states, including cancer. The time is ripe to undertake an epigenomes should be sequenced and at what level of resolution? international effort to identify all the chemical changes and Which of the bewildering array of histone modifications should be relationships between chromatin constituents that provide examined? How will the project be coordinated? Is the technology ready? function to the genetic code. A timely workshop of leading To begin to answer these questions, the AACR organized a experts, convened by the American Association for Cancer Human Epigenome Workshop in June 2005 that was focused on Research (AACR), confirmed that the technology is at hand to planning a HEP. This workshop followed a 2004 National Cancer begin defining human epigenomes at high resolution. (Cancer Institute-sponsored workshop, ‘‘Epigenetic Mechanisms in Cancer,’’ Res 2005; 65(24): 11241-6) chaired by Andrew P. Feinberg and Terumi Kohwi-Shigematsu, which had preliminary discussions of these issues. Introduction The AACR-sponsored workshop developed key strategies to answer these questions and concluded that the time is ripe to begin The Human Genome Project, which defined the exact sequence of 9 a HEP.
    [Show full text]
  • First Stage Researcher (R1) - Cancer Epigenetics (Ref.: R1 Me 66)
    FIRST STAGE RESEARCHER (R1) - CANCER EPIGENETICS (REF.: R1_ME_66) The Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC) is a non-profit research institute based in Barcelona and dedicated to advancing our understanding about leukaemia and related disorders, in partnership with the University of Barcelona and University Autònoma of Barcelona. The IJC has laboratories in three clinical campuses: i) Clinic Hospital, ii) Sant Pau Hospital and iii) Germans Trias i Pujol Hospital. IJC serves as a collaborative hub for basic investigators and physicians to work together on fundamental biological and clinical aspects of leukaemia. The IJC offers an excellent work environment built around a multi-disciplinary fusion of ideas and state-of-the-art facilities. Research Description We, the team of Manel Esteller at the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), are seeking for a motivated FIRST STAGE RESEARCHER. The group continues the wide-ranging work on epigenetics that Manel Esteller, has carried out during his career, devoted to the establishment of the epigenome and epitranscriptome maps for normal and transformed cells. His laboratory pioneered the observation that epigenetic disruption of mRNA transcription, related to DNA methylation and histone modification patterns, contributed to cancer (Esteller, NEJM 2008; Heyn and Esteller, Nat Rev Genet 2012). His lab characterized the first ncRNAs undergoing specific cancer-methylation associated silencing (Cancer Res 2007; PNAS 2008; Oncogene 2012, Oncogene 2010; NSMB 2012; Mol Cell 2014; PNAS 2016, Genome Biol 2016; Oncogene 2017; Leukaemia 2019). The lab has also a strong interest in the establishment of new epigenomic platforms to elaborate comprehensive DNA methylome maps (Epigenetics 2011; Epigenomics 2016).
    [Show full text]
  • The Epigenetic Basis of Twin Discordance in Age-Related Diseases
    0031-3998/07/6105-0038R PEDIATRIC RESEARCH Vol. 61, No. 5, Pt 2, 2007 Copyright © 2007 International Pediatric Research Foundation, Inc. Printed in U.S.A. The Epigenetic Basis of Twin Discordance in Age-Related Diseases PERNILLE POULSEN, MANEL ESTELLER, ALLAN VAAG, AND MARIO F. FRAGA Steno Diabetes Center [P.P., A.V.], 2820 Gentofte, Denmark; Epigenetics Laboratory [M.E., M.F.F.], Spanish National Cancer Centre (CNIO), 28029 Madrid, Spain ABSTRACT: Monozygotic twins share the same genotype because have reported significantly lower concordance rates, which is they are derived from the same zygote. However, monozygotic twin considered evidence of a genetic component in the etiology of siblings frequently present many phenotypic differences, such as their Type 2 diabetes. Despite the indication that there is some susceptibility to disease and a wide range of anthropomorphic fea- genetic control, no fully penetrant genes have been identified tures. Recent studies suggest that phenotypic discordance between that in itself fully explains the common form of type 2 diabetes. monozygotic twins is at least to some extent due to epigenetic factors However, some studies have demonstrated associations between that change over the lifetime of a multicellular organism. It has been proposed that epigenetic drift during development can be stochastic various metabolic defects underlying the development of type 2 or determined by environmental factors. In reality, a combination of diabetes and polymorphisms in several susceptibility genes, such the two causes prevails in most cases. Acute environmental factors as PPAR␥ (6), PGC-1 (7), and, most recently, TCF7L2 (8). A are directly associated with epigenetic-dependent disease pheno- fully penetrant dominant disorder would result in 100% and 50% types, as demonstrated by the increased CpG-island promoter hyper- concordance in MZ and DZ twins, respectively (9).
    [Show full text]
  • Scientific Programme Programme Scientifique
    October 10-13, 2008 / 10-13 Octobre 2008 Maison de la Mutualité, Paris - France Programme Abstract Book / Recueil des Résumés WITH THE SUPPORT OF / AVEC LE SOUTIEN DE : SUMMARY / SOMMAIRE - Welcome Messages Messages de Bienvenue P. 5 - Programme at a Glance Aperçu du programme P. 8 - Scientific Programme Programme Scientifique AKNOWLEDGEMENTS P. 16 / REMERCIEMENTS IRSF is the world’s largest private source of - Associations’ Presentations funds for biomedical and applied research Présentation des Associations of Rett syndrome. Research P. 47 Family Support IRSF is the largest and most comprehensive not-for-profi t organization for parents, scientists, interested professionals - Abstract Book Advocacy and others concerned with Rett syndrome. The mission of IRSF Recueil des résumés is to fund research for treatments and a cure for Rett syndrome while enhancing the overall quality of life for those living with P. 56 Rett syndrome by providing information, programs and services. - Biographies Annually, the IRSF organizes and hosts: • The IRSF Scientifi c Symposium: The world’s largest annual P. 103 meeting of leading Rett syndrome researchers and clinicians - General Information • The IRSF Family Conference: Families from across the globe Informations Générales come together to bond, learn and face the future together P. 107 4600 Devitt Drive Cincinnati, Ohio 45246 +1 513 874 3020 phone www.rettsyndrome.org +1 800 818 RETT (7388) toll free IRSF is proud to sponsor the 6th World Rett Syndrome Congress IRSF_ad_journal_082808.indd 1 8/29/08 4:25:28 PM «Two things are simple: to tell the past and predict the future. To see clear day by day is another task» « Deux choses sont simples : raconter le passé et prédire l’avenir.
    [Show full text]