Project description:In this study we addressed the question whether changes of DNA hydroxymethylation after X-ray irradiation occur in a random fashion or if they show preferences for specific regions or features. We did not only focus on gene loci and promotor sights but also on gene body hydroxymethylation alterations and associated changes in gene expression. A more profound insight into hydroxymethylation characteristics triggered by radiation could provide clues to mechanisms and consequences of cellular response to irradiation including the immediate consequence of DNA strand breaks associated with active DNA demethylation as well as the long term risk of tumorigenesis or other associated diseases.
Project description:Here, male and female B6C3F1 mice were given single or fractionated whole-body exposure(s) to a monoenergetic carbon ion radiotherapy beam at the Heavy Ion Medical Accelerator in Chiba, Japan, matching the radiation quality delivered to the normal tissue ahead of the tumour volume. These mice were then monitored for the remainder of their lifespan and a large number of T cell lymphomas were analysed, alongside those arising in mice exposed to equivalent doses of standard Cs137 gamma ray-irradiation. Using genome-wide DNA copy number analysis to identify genomic loci involved in radiation-induced lymphomagenesis and subsequent detailed analysis of Notch1, Ikaros, Pten, Trp53 and Bcl11b genes we compared the genetic profile of the carbon ion- and gamma ray-induced tumours. The canonical set of genes previously associated with radiation-induced T cell lymphoma was identified in both radiation groups. While the pattern of disruption of the various pathways was somewhat different between the radiation types, most notably Pten mutation frequency and loss of heterozygosity flanking Bcl11b, the most striking finding was the observation of large interstitial deletions at various sites across the genome in carbon ion-induced tumours, which were only seen infrequently in the gamma ray-induced tumours analysed. 32 unique tumours (12 gamma ray-induced, 20 carbon ion-induced) each with sex-matched reference DNA
Project description:Epigenetic processes play a key role in orchestrating transcriptional regulation during the development of the human central nervous system. We previously described dynamic changes in DNA methylation occurring during human fetal brain development, but other epigenetic processes operating during this period have not been extensively explored. Of particular interest is DNA hydroxymethylation (5hmC), a modification that is enriched in the human brain and hypothesized to play an important role in neuronal function, learning and memory. In this study, we quantify DNA hydroxymethylation across the genome of 71 human fetal brain samples spanning 23 to 184 days post-conception.
Project description:Here, male and female B6C3F1 mice were given single or fractionated whole-body exposure(s) to a monoenergetic carbon ion radiotherapy beam at the Heavy Ion Medical Accelerator in Chiba, Japan, matching the radiation quality delivered to the normal tissue ahead of the tumour volume. These mice were then monitored for the remainder of their lifespan and a large number of T cell lymphomas were analysed, alongside those arising in mice exposed to equivalent doses of standard Cs137 gamma ray-irradiation. Using genome-wide DNA copy number analysis to identify genomic loci involved in radiation-induced lymphomagenesis and subsequent detailed analysis of Notch1, Ikaros, Pten, Trp53 and Bcl11b genes we compared the genetic profile of the carbon ion- and gamma ray-induced tumours. The canonical set of genes previously associated with radiation-induced T cell lymphoma was identified in both radiation groups. While the pattern of disruption of the various pathways was somewhat different between the radiation types, most notably Pten mutation frequency and loss of heterozygosity flanking Bcl11b, the most striking finding was the observation of large interstitial deletions at various sites across the genome in carbon ion-induced tumours, which were only seen infrequently in the gamma ray-induced tumours analysed.
Project description:DNA hydroxymethylation plays a crucial role in the regulation of gene transcription. In this study, using hMeDIP-seq experiment, we report the mapping of DNA hydroxymethylation in adipocytes from mouse eWAT Examination of DNA hydroxymethylation pattern in adipocytes from mouse eWAT
Project description:To examine the global impact of iAs on DNA hdroxymethylation patterns. Genomic DNA was glucosylated, digested and analyzed using Reduced Representation Hydroxymethylation Profiling.
Project description:5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5-hmC) is a newly discovered modified form of cytosine that has been suspected to be an important epigenetic modification in neurodevelopment. While DNA methylation dynamics have already been implicated during neurodevelopment, little is known about hydroxymethylation in this process. Here we report DNA hydroxymethylation dynamics during cerebellum development in the human brain. Overall, we find a positive correlation between 5-hmC levels and cerebellum development. Genome-wide profiling reveals that 5-hmC is highly enriched on specific gene regions, including exons and especially the untranslated regions (UTRs), but it is depleted on introns and intergenic regions. Furthermore, we have identified fetus-specific and adult-specific differentially hydroxymethylated regions (DhMRs), most of which overlap with genes and CpG island shores. Surprisingly, during development DhMRs are highly enriched in genes encoding mRNAs that can be regulated by fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP), some of which are disrupted in autism, as well as in many known autism genes. Our results suggest that 5-hmC-mediated epigenetic regulation may broadly impact the development of the human brain, and its dysregulation could contribute to the molecular pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental disorders. We generated comprehensive genome-wide profiles of 5hmC in human cerebellum.