DNMT1-mediated PPARα methylation aggravates damage of retinal tissues in diabetic retinopathy mice

BACKGROUND: Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) is associated with diabetic retinopathy (DR), and the underlying mechanism is still unclear. Aim of this work was to investigate the mechanism of PPARα in DR. METHODS: Human retinal capillary pericytes (HRCPs) were treated with high glucose (HG) to induce DR cell model. DR mouse model was established by streptozotocin injection, and then received 5-Aza-2-deoxycytidine (DAC; DNA methyltransferase inhibitor) treatment. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was performed to assess retinal tissue damage. PPARα methylation was examined by Methylation-Specific PCR. Flow cytometry and DCFH-DA fluorescent probe was used to estimate apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS). The interaction between DNA methyltransferase-1 (DNMT1) and PPARα promoter was examined by Chromatin Immunoprecipitation. Quantitative real-time PCR and western blot were performed to assess gene and protein expression. RESULTS: HG treatment enhanced the methylation levels of PPARα, and repressed PPARα expression in HRCPs. The levels of apoptotic cells and ROS were significantly increased in HRCPs in the presence of HG. Moreover, DNMT1 was highly expressed in HG-treated HRCPs, and DNMT1 interacted with PPARα promoter. PPARα overexpression suppressed apoptosis and ROS levels of HRCPs, which was rescued by DNMT1 up-regulation. In DR mice, DAC treatment inhibited PPARα methylation and reduced damage of retinal tissues. CONCLUSION: DNMT1-mediated PPARα methylation promotes apoptosis and ROS levels of HRCPs and aggravates damage of retinal tissues in DR mice. Thus, this study may highlight novel insights into DR pathogenesis.

Inhibitory effect of polyphyllin Ⅰ on the proliferation of prostate cancer PC3 cells via ERK1/2/P65/DNMT1 and its molecular mechanism / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>Objective</b>To explore the inhibitory effect of polyphyllin Ⅰ (PPⅠ) on the proliferation of castration-resistant prostate cancer PC3 cells and its molecular mechanism.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We cultured human prostate cancer PC3 cells in vitro and treated them with PPⅠ at the concentrations of 0 (blank group), 0.4, 0.8, 1.2, 1.6, 2.0, and 2.4 μmol/L for 24, 48, and 72 hours, respectively. Then we detected the proliferation of the cells by MTT assay, measured their apoptosis by flow cytometry, and determined the expressions of p-ERK1/2, ERK1/2, NF-κB/p65 and DNMT1 proteins as well as the level of NF-κB/p65 in the cells additionally treated with the ERK1/2 inhibitor SP600125 by Western blot.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the blank control group, the PPⅠ-treated PC3 cells showed a concentration- and time-dependent reduction of the survival rate (1.00 ± 0.00 vs 0.85 ± 0.05, P < 0.01) at 0.4 μmol/L after 48 hours of intervention, concentration-dependent early apoptosis at 0.8 μmol/L (4.83 ± 0.95 vs 13.83 ± 2.97, P < 0.01), time-dependent increase of the expressions of p-ERK1/2 (1.00 ± 0.00 vs 1.73 ± 0.17, P < 0.01) and ERK1/2 (1.00 ± 0.00 vs 1.36 ± 0.12, P < 0.01) at 2 hours, and concentration-dependent decrease of the expressions of NF-κB/p65 and DNMT1 at 1.2 μmol/L (1.00 ± 0.00 vs 0.78 ± 0.10 and 0.63 ± 0.06, P < 0.01) and 1.6 μmol/L (1.00 ± 0.00 vs 0.67 ± 0.11 and 0.52 ± 0.09, P<0.01). Inhibition of ERK1/2 phosphorylation with PD98059 markedly reversed PPⅠ-induced decrease of the NF-κB/p65 expression as compared with that in the PPⅠ group (0.86 ± 0.18 vs 0.43 ± 0.09, P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>PPⅠ induces the early apoptosis and suppresses the proliferation of PC3 cells, probably by activating the ERK1/2 pathway and inhibiting the expressions of the NF-κB/p65 and DNMT1 proteins.</p>

Effect of phenelzine on the proliferation, apoptosis and histone methylation and acetylation of Molt-4 cells / 中华血液学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect of monoamine oxidase inhibitor phenelzine on proliferation, apoptosis and histone modulation in acute lymphoblastic leukemia cell line Molt-4 cells.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The effect of Phenelzine on cell proliferation was detected by MTT. Apoptotic rate was measured by flow cytometry. The variation of apoptosis associated proteins Caspase-3, Bcl-2 and Bax, cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21, tumor suppressor protein p15, and the expression level of histone methylation of H3K4, H3K9 and histone acetylation of H3, DNMT1 were detected by Western Blot.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>① Molt-4 cell proliferation rates were (87.68±3.54)%, (67.84±3.24)%, (51.48±3.37)%, (28.72±2.56)% respectively after exposured to phenelzine at 5, 10, 15, 20 μmol/L for 24 h, P<0.05. ② After 10 μmol/L of phenelzine exposure for 24, 48, 72 h, cell proliferation rates were (67.84±3.24)%, (50.24±2.01)%, (40.31±2.25)%, P<0.05. ③ The apoptotic rates were (13.64±2.58)%, (31.24±3.42)%, (56.37±4.26)% after phenelzine treatment at 5, 10, 20 μmol/L for 24 h, which was concentration dependent. ④ Phenelzine could upregulate the expression of Bax, caspase-3, p21, and downregulate Bcl-2 expression. Phenelzine upregulated the methylation level of histone H3K4me1, H3K4me2 and histone acetylated H3, while it didn't change the level of histone H3K4me3, H3K9me1, H3K9me2. ⑤ Phenelzine inhibited DNMT1 expression and promoted p15 expression.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Phenelzine increased the methylation of histone H3K4me1, H3K4me2, acetylation of histone H3 and p21, and decreased the expression of DNMT1 and p15, and ultimately inhibited the proliferation and apoptosis of Molt-4 cells.</p>

Effect of Pinggan Qianyang Recipe Containing Serum on Angiotensin II Induced Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation and Migration and DNA Methylation / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effect of Pinggan Qianyang Recipe (PQR) on inhibiting angiotensin II (Ang II) induced proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and changes of DNA methylation.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>VSMCs were cultured using tissue explant method, and PQR containing serum was prepared. Primarily cultured VSMCs were divided into four groups, the normal group, the model group, the folate group (folic acid intervention) , and the PQR group. The proliferation and migration of VSMCs was duplicated by Ang II. After 24-h Ang II induced culture, 40 microg/mL folic acid was added to the folate group for 48 h, while 5% PQR containing serum was added to the PQR group for 48 h. The cell growth curve of VSMCs was drawn by using Cell Counting Kit (CCK-8). The proliferative activity of VSMC was determined by MTT assay. The migration of VSMCs was measured by Millicell chamber. The general level of cytosine methylation in cell nucleus was detected via 5-mC antibodies immunofluorescence, and mRNA expression levels of DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) were measured by Real-time q-polymerase chain reaction (q-PCR).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>VSMCs were promoted by Ang II at 10(-6) mol/L for 24 h. Compared with the normal group, the proliferative activity and migration quantity of VSMCs obviously increased, and DNA methylation level obviously decreased (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Compared with the model group, the cell growth, proliferative activity and migration quantity of VSMCs obviously decreased and the general DNA methylation level increased in the folate group and the PQR group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Compared with the normal group, the mRNA expression of DNMT1 decreased in the model group (P < 0.01). Compared with the model group, mRNA expression of DNMT1 in Ang II induced VSMCs was obviously enhanced in the folate group and the PQR group (P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>PQR could inhibit Ang II induced proliferation and migration of VSMCs, and cause high genomic DNA methylation level. Changes of DNA methylation might be associated with DNMT1 expression.</p>

Effect of SET deficiency on the trichloroethylene-induced alteration of DNA methylation in human hepatic L-02 cells / 中华预防医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To compare the DNA methylation-related alteration induced by trichloroethylene (TCE) in human hepatic L-02 cells (L-02 cells) and SET deficient cells, and reveal the role of SET on the mechanisms in TCE-induced epigenetic pathway.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The L-02 cells and pre-established SET deficient cells were treated with different TCE concentrations, and the changes of total cell viability, DNA methylation level and DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) activity were measured, respectively. In addition, the TCE-induced alteration in the protein expression of DNMT1, DNMT3a and DNMT3b were analyzed by Western blotting.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After treatment with TCE for 24 h, the cell proliferation level was significantly decreased in both cell lines. When concentrations of TCE were 0, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0 and 8.0 mmol/L, the proliferation levels of L-02 cells were 100.00±2.70, 83.34±2.38, 75.56±4.51, 71.67±2.77 and 66.67±1.63, respectively (F = 58.29, P < 0.001); the cell proliferation levels of SET deficient cells were 101.12±1.67, 85.01±2.33, 79.44±1.67, 78.337±3.89 and 76.11±3.33, respectively (F = 42.41, P < 0.001). When concentration of TCE reached 4.0 mmol/L, the difference of cell proliferation level between two groups was statistically significant (t = -3.51; P = 0.013). After treated by TCE for 24 h, the global DNA methylation significantly decreased in both cell lines (F value was 212.87 and 79.32, respectively, P < 0.001). The difference between two groups was not statistically significant. After treated by TCE for 24 h, the methyltransferases activities were significantly decreased in both cell cells (F values were 77.92 and 113.80, respectively, P-0.001). The SET deficiency could inhibit the decrease of methyltransferases activity under TCE treatment. When the concentration of TCE reached 8.0 mmol/L, the enzymatic activity of L-02 cells and SET deficient cells decreased to 67.61%±2.85% and 72.97%± 1.94%, respectively. The difference between two groups was statistically significant (t = -3.94, P = 0.008). After treated with TCE for 24 h, concentrations of TCE were 0, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0 and 8.0 mmol/L, and the relative protein levels of DNMT1 in normal L-02 cells increased significantly to 1.00±0.03, 1.28±0.04, 1.20±0.04, 1.62±0.05, 1.43±0.04 (F = 103.00, P < 0.001); In SET deficient cells, the expressions of DNMT1 were 1.00±0.04, 0.96±0.02, 1.19±0.05, 0.85±0.03, 0.83±0.03, which was significantly down-regulated under TCE treatment (F = 44.18, P < 0.001).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>SET deficiency can significantly attenuate the TCE-induced decreases of cell viability and DNMTs activity, as well as alteration of protein expression of DNMT1 in L-02 cells, which indicated that SET was involved in the mechanism of TCE-induced cytotoxicity and epigenetic pathway in L-02 cells.</p>

Interaction between miR-21 and DNA methylation in different breast cancer cells / 中国应用生理学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To determine the interaction between miR-21 and DNA methylation in different breast cancer cells.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Fluorescence tagged miR-21 inhibitor and its negative control (NC) were transient transfected into MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell, the transfection efficiency was observed using fluorescence microscopy, and the miR-21 expression level and genome DNA methylation status before and after transfection were assessed by real-time PCR and bisulfite-qMSP respectively. To investigate the regulation effect of DNA methylation on miR-21, cells were treated with 5-AZA (2.5 µmol/L) for 72 h, with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) treatment as its negative control (NC), and the expression level of phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome ten (PTEN) and AKT(also known as Protein Kinase B), two downstream genes of miR-21 were detected by Western blot.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The expression of miR-21 in MCF-7 cell was significantly knocked down (P < 0.01) by miR-21 inhibitor, with the genome DNA methylation level (P < 0.05) and all the three Dnmts: Dnmt1, Dnmt3a, and Dnmt3b unregulated. In contrast, the miR-21 expression in MDA-MB-231 cell was elevated ( P < 0.01) by miR-21 inhibitor, meanwhile, down- regulated of genome DNA methylation (P < 0.05) and Dnmt3b expression, upregulation of Dnmt3a were also observed. In addition, treated with 5-AZA resulted in significant increases of miR-21 expression in both MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells (P < 0.01), with the protein level of PTEN increased in MCF-7 cell, which was further involved in the downregulation of AKT.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The regulation effects of DNA methylation by transient transfection of miR-21 in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells are almost opposite, whilst the expression of miR-21 in two cell lines were all upregulated by decreased DNA methylation level and our results may provide some experimental evidences for the future development of rational therapy for different breast cancer.</p>

Association between SNPs in DNMT1 and noise-induced hearing loss in Chinese Han population / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) (rs12984523, rs16999593, and rs2228612) and noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) in Chinese Han population.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>This case-control study consisted of 188 cases (case group) and 300 controls (control group) in the same working position, who were matched for age and gender. The cases had a binaural average high-frequency hearing threshold not less than 40 dB, and the controls had a binaural average high-frequency hearing threshold less than 40 dB. The genotypes at the three SNPs were determined by TaqMan probe.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>TT genotype at DNMT1 rs2228612 is a risk factor for NIHL (adjusted OR = 1.69, 95% CI: 1.14-2.52).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The study of Chinese Han population suggested that DNMT1 rs2228612 is associated with susceptibility to NIHL.</p>

Role of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 in DNA methylation changes induced by hydroquinone in human bronchial epithelial cell / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the DNA methylation changes induced by hydroquinone (HQ) in human bronchial epithelial cells and to explore the role of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-l (PARP-l) in this process.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Human bronchial epithelial 16HBE cells and PARP-l-deficient 16HBE cells (16HBE-shPARP-l cells) were exposed to HQ (10, 20, 40, 60, and 80 µmol/L) for 48h, while control cells were treated with an equal volume of PBS solution. The changes in genomic DNA methylation were investigated by high-performance capillary electrophoresis, and the expression levels of PARP-l and DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) were measured.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The percentages of methylated DNA of overall genome (mCpG%) in 16HBE and 16HBE-shPARP-l cells were 4.89%±0.07% and 9.53%±0.51%, respectively; after treatment with 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine for 72 h, mCpG% decreased to 3.07±0.12% and 6.34%±0.3%, respectively. The one-way analysis of variance revealed significant differences in mCpG% between the cells exposed to different concentrations of HQ in both 16HBE and 16HBE-shPARP-l groups (F = 61.25, P < 0.01; F = 60.36, P < 0.01). For 16HBE cells treated with HQ (10, 20, 40, 60, and 80 µmol/L), the mRNA expression levels of PARP-1 were 145.0%, 159.0%, 169.0%, 215.0%, and 236.0%, respectively, compared with those in the control group, with significant differences (P < 0.01 for all); for 16HBE-shPARP-l cells treated with HQ (10, 20, 40, 60, and 80 µmol/L), the mRNA expression levels of PARP-l were 170.0%, 223.0%, 264.0%, 327.0%, and 320.0%, respectively, compared with those in the control group, with significant differences (P < 0.01 for all). When the dose of HQ reached 20, 40, 60, and 80 µmol/L, the mRNA expression levels of DNMT1 in 16HBE group were 114.0%, 126.0%, 136.0%, and 162.0%, respectively, compared with those in the control group, with significant differences (P < 0.01 for all); when the dose of HQ reached 10, 20, 40, 60, and 80 µmol/L, the mRNA expression levels of DNMT1 in the 16HBE-shPARP-l group were 141.0%, 165.2%, 186.9%, 202.1%, and 217.3%, respectively, compared with those in the control group, with significant differences (P < 0.01 for all).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>HQ can induce hypomethylation in 16HBE cells, and PARP-1 can regulate DNA methylation in 16HBE cells by influencing the expression and activity of DNMT1.</p>

Effect of poly-ADP-ribosylation on the alteration of DNA methylation level of human bronchial epithelial cells induced by Cr (VI) / 中华预防医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To reveal the role of poly-ADP-ribosylation and DNA methylation in carcinogenic process induced induced by Cr (VI), and to discuss the relations between them.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The pre-established Poly (ADP-ribose) glycohydrolase (PARG) deficient cells and 16HBE cells were treated with different concentrations of Cr (VI), and the changes of total genomic DNA methylation level in different groups were detected by methylation immunofluorescent detection, as well as the changes of the activity of methyltransferases. Moreover, RT-PCR and western blotting method were applied to analyze the changes of expression of DNMT1, DNMT3a, DNMT3b and MBD2, upon the protein level.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After treated by Cr(VI) for 24 h, the healthy 16HBE cells showed a significant lower level of genomic DNA methylation; however, there was no significant changes (P > 0.05) found in PARG deficient cells by immunofluorescence assay. When the dose of Cr (VI) reached 5.0 µmol/L, the activity of methyltransferases in 16HBE cells and PARG deficient cells (49.33 ± 2.65, 80.05 ± 2.05) decreased by 20% and 50% comparing with contrast group (99.27 ± 1.10, 99.30 ± 0.60) . After treated by Cr (VI) for 24 h, the expression of mRNA and protein level among DNMT1, DNMT3a, DNMT3b and MBD2 decreased significantly in healthy 16HBE cells; and the expression of DNMT1 and DNMT3a decreased in PARG deficiency cells. The relevant expression levels of mRNA of DNMT1 were separately (0.99 ± 0.09), (0.79 ± 0.10), (0.59 ± 0.13) and (0.39 ± 0.02) (F = 247.17, P < 0.01), the expression levels of protein were separately (1.00 ± 0.03), (0.69 ± 0.15), (0.65 ± 0.10) and (0.55 ± 0.13) (F = 214.12, P < 0.01), the expression levels of DNMT3a mRNA were separately (1.00 ± 0.04) , (0.93 ± 0.11) , (0.79 ± 0.07) , (0.59 ± 0.05) (F = 498.16, P < 0.01) , and the expression levels of protein were separately (1.00 ± 0.14) , (0.97 ± 0.11) , (0.79 ± 0.17) , (0.57 ± 0.15) (F = 390.11, P < 0.01) when the dose of Cr (VI) at 0, 0.3, 1.2 and 5.0 µmol/L. However, there were no significant changes of expression found in DNMT3b and MBD2.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Poly-ADP-ribosylation could regulate the activity of DNMT3b and MBD2, protect cells against the DNA methylation alteration induced by Cr(VI) and maintain the global genomic DNA methylation level.</p>

Correlation of genomic DNA methylation level with unexplained early spontaneous abortion / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the correlation of genomic DNA methylation level with unexplained early spontaneous abortion and analyze the role of DNMT1, DNMT3A and DNMT3B.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Forty-five villus samples from spontaneous abortion cases (with 33 maternal peripheral blood samples) and 44 villus samples from induced abortion (with 34 maternal peripheral blood samples) were examined with high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) to measure the overall methylation level of the genomic DNA. The expressions of DNMT mRNAs were detected using fluorescence quantitative-PCR in the villus samples from 33 induced abortion cases and 30 spontaneous abortion cases.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Genomic DNA methylation level was significantly lower in the villus in spontaneous abortion group than in induced abortion group (P<0.01), but similar in the maternal blood samples between the two groups (P>0.05). The mean mRNA expression levels of DNMT1 and DNMT3A in the villus were significantly lower in spontaneous abortion group than in induced abortion group (P<0.05), but DNMT3B expression showed no significant difference between them (P>0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Insufficient genomic DNA methylation in the villus does exist in human early spontaneous abortion, and this insufficiency is probably associated with down-regulated expressions of DNMT1 and DNMT3A.</p>

Effects of bromopropane exposure on expression of DNA methyltransferases and level of histone acetylation in testis of male rats / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the changes in the expression of DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) and activities of histone acetyltransferase (HAT) and histone deacetylase (HDAC) in the testis of male rats exposed to bromopropanes (BPs).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Twenty-seven male rats were randomly divided into three groups to be intraperitoneally injected with 1-BP,2-BP, or corn oil (as a control) for two weeks. The sperm count and morphology in the epididymis were evaluated. The mRNA expression of DNMT1, DNMT3a, and DNMT3b and activities of HAT and HDAC in the testis were measured by quantitative real-time PCR and ELISA.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the control group, the BP exposure groups showed significant decreased absolute and relative sperm counts; the proportion of tailless sperm increased in the 1-BP exposure group, while the proportion of sperm with abnormal heads increased in the 2-BP exposure group. The 2-BP exposure group had significantly lower mRNA expression of DNMT1, DNMT3a, and DNMT3b than the control group (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the activities of HAT and HDAC between the control group and 1-BP exposure group; the 2-BP exposure group showed significantly higher HAT activity than the control group (P < 0.05), but no significant difference was found in HDAC activity between them.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Exposure to 2-BP might induce abnormal DNA methylation and histone acetylation, and epigenetic regulation might play an important role in the reproductive toxicity of 2-BP.</p>

Expression of DNMT1, DNMT3a, and DNMT3b in eutopic endometrium / 中南大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To examine the expression of DNMT1, DNMT3a, and DNMT3b in the eutopic and ectopic endometrium in women with endometriosis.@*METHODS@#RT-PCR and real-time RT-PCR were used to examine the expression of DNMT1, DNMT3a, and DNMT3b in the eutopic and ectopic endometrium in 20 women with endometriosis and the endometrium in 20 women without endometriosis. Immunofluorescene staining was used to detect the expression of DNMT1 in these tissues.@*RESULTS@#The expression levels of DNMT1, DNMT3a, and DNMT3b were significantly lower in the ectopic endometrium and eutopic endometrium than those of the control endometium (P0.05 ). Immunofluorescence staining that DNMT1 protein level significantly decreased in the ectopic endometrium and eutopic endometrium of endometriosis patients.@*CONCLUSION@#Decreased expression levels of DNMT1, DNMT3a, and DNMT3b in the ectopic endometrium and eutopic endometrium may play a role in patients with abnormal epigenetics which may lead to endometriosis.

Arsenic trioxide restores ERα expression in ERα-negative human breast cancer cells and its treatment efficacy in combination with tamoxifen in xenografts in nude mice / 中华肿瘤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the demethylation effect of arsenic trioxide (As2O3) on ERα-negative human breast cancer MDA-MB-435s cells and its possible mechanisms, and to observe its treatment efficacy in combination with tamoxifen (TAM) after ERα re-expression.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>MTT assay was used to examine the inhibitory effect of As2O3 treatment alone or in combination with TAM on cell proliferation. A nude mouse xenograft model was used to further examine the treatment efficacy in vivo. MSP was used to detect the methylation status of ERα gene after treated with As2O3 in MDA-MB-435s cells and the transplanted tumor tissues. RT-PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of DNMT1 and Erα. Western bolt was used to detect the DNMT1 and ERα protein expression. The diameter of xenograft tumors was measured weekly, and the tumor growth curve was drawn.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The level of proliferation of the MDA-MB-435s cells was significantly suppressed after treatment with different concentration of As2O3 alone or As2O3 combined with TAM, and the 4 µmol/L As2O3 + TAM treatment for 72 h showed the highest inhibition rate (62.6%). 1, 2, 4 µmol/L As2O3 had demethylation effect on MDA-MB-435s cells, and the DNMT1 mRNA and protein expression was inhibited and accompanied by ERα mRNA and protein re-expression. The unmethylation specific bands of ERα gene were enhanced after treated by As2O3 alone or As2O3 combined with TAM in the xenograft tumors. The expression of DNMT1 mRNA and protein was inhibited, and accompanied by ERα mRNA and protein re-expression. An significant decrease of volume and weight of the xenograft tumors in the As2O3 treated alone or combined with TAM groups was observed compared with those of the normal saline group or TAM alone group (P < 0.05), and the 4 mg/kg As2O3 + TAM group had the highest inhibition rate of tumor weight (79.5%) and volume (76.4%).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>ERα can be re-expressed in ERα-negative breast cancer MDA-MB-435s cells after treated with As2O3 by inhibiting the DNMT1 activity. MDA-MB-435s cells are re-sensitized to endocrine therapy after ERα re-expression. As2O3 combined with TAM may provide a new therapeutic approach for patients with ERα-negative breast cancer in the clinic.</p>

Interaction of folate deficiency and aberrant profile of DNA methyltransferase 1 in the progression of cervix carcinogenesis / 中华预防医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the interaction of folate deficiency and aberration of DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) in the progression of cervix carcinogenesis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>All clinical samples were collected from 80 patients with cervix squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), 105 patients with cervical intraepithelial neoplasm (CINI, n = 52; CINII/III, n = 53) and 53 patients with cervix inflammation (CI). The participants were diagnosed by histology at Shanxi Province Tumor Hospital and Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University during the period of September 2009 to May 2010. Meanwhile, cervical cancer cell lines Caski and C33A were treated with different concentration of folate. Radioimmunoassay (RIA), Western blotting and real-time PCR were used to detect the levels of serum folate, the expression of DNMT1 protein and mRNA, respectively. The data were analyzed by Student t test, ANOVA, chi-square test and Spearman correlation using SPSS statistical package. The correlation strength between factors and cervical canceration was calculated by OR and 95%CI value. Interaction effect was evaluated by the application of additive effect model.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The levels of serum folate (median inter-quartile range) were (2.66 ± 1.82), (2.83 ± 2.23), (3.17 ± 1.91) and (3.21 ± 1.74) ng/ml, the levels of DNMT1 protein (x(-) ± s) were 2.28 ± 0.55, 1.84 ± 0.37, 1.33 ± 0.38 and 0.92 ± 0.29, the Ct-ratio (Ct value of DNMT1/Ct value of β-actin) of DNMT1 mRNA (x(-) ± s) were 1.26 ± 0.13, 1.27 ± 0.12, 1.27 ± 0.12 and 1.33 ± 0.11 in the group of SCC, CINII/III, CINIand CI, respectively. The results showed that the serum folate levels were descended, and the expression levels of DNMT1 protein (χ(2)(tend) = 50.80, P < 0.05) and mRNA (χ(2)(tend) = 17.63, P < 0.05) were increased steadily with the severity of the cervix lesions. Moreover, our results revealed that there was an additive interaction between folate deficiency and high-expression of DNMT1 protein related to the risk of CIN and SCC. And it showed that the relative excess risk of interaction (RERI), attributable proportion of interaction (API) and synergy index(S) was 0.27, 0.14 and 1.40 in CINI group, 0.47, 0.19, 1.46 in CINII/III group, 1.60, 0.31, 1.61 in SCC group, respectively. It was found that folate was able to reduce the proliferation of Caski and C33A cells (r values were 0.954 and 0.969, all P values < 0.05), with 11.4% and 13.6% of growth inhibition at the concentration of 10 µg/ml, 64.8% and 49.4% at 1000 µg/ml in Caski and C33A cells, respectively. The result showed there was an inverse correlation between the levels of folate and DNMT1 protein (r values were -0.859 and -0.914, all P values < 0.05), with 1.96 and 1.92 of expression levels at the concentration of 10 µg/ml, and 1.60 and 1.38 at 1000 µg/ml in Caski and C33A cells, respectively. At folate concentration of 1000 µg/ml, the expression of DNMT1 protein or mRNA was higher in Caski cell than in C33A cell (t values were -4.22 and 3.50, all P values < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Our finding indicated that the low levels of serum folate and high-expression of DNMT1 protein or mRNA seemed to be associated with high risk of cervical cancer and cervix precancerous lesion. Sufficient folate is able to effectively inhibit the growth of cervical cancer cells in vitro, and would counteract transcriptional and posttranscriptional aberration of DNMT1. It suggested that there might be a synergistic action between folate deficiency and aberration of DNMT1 in the progression of cervix carcinogenesis.</p>

Expression of DNMT gene in bone marrow of patients with acute myelogenous leukemia and its significance / 中国实验血液学杂志

This study was aimed to explore the expression and significance of DNMT1 gene in bone marrow of patients with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). The expression of DNMT1 gene was detected by real-time PCR in 30 healthy people and 126 AML patients. The results showed that the expression level of DNMT1 gene was lower in the 30 healthy people and was higher in AML patients. There was a marked decline in the expression level of DNMT1 gene after complete remission (CR) as compared with the initial treatment. The expression level of DNMT1 gene did not correlated with age, sex and the clinical characteristics at initial diagnosis such as white blood cell count and chromosomal karyotype in AML patients. The CR rate in AML patients with low expression level of DNMT1 gene was lower than that in those with high expression level. It is concluded that bone marrow DNMT1 gene level may play an important role in AML pathogenesis and can serve as an index in evaluating AML prognosis.

Role of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 on DNA methylation variation induced by B(a)P in human bronchial epithelial cell / 中华预防医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate DNA methylation variation in human cells induces by B(a)P, and to explore the role of PARP1 during this process.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The changes of DNA methylation of 16HBE and its PARP1-deficient cells exposed to B(a)P (1.0, 2.0, 5.0, 10.0, 15.0, 30.0 µmol/L) were investigated by immunofluorescence and high performance capillary electrophoresis, and simultaneously, the expression level of PARP 1 and DNMT 1 were monitored dynamically.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The percentage of methylated DNA of overall genome (mCpG%) in 16HBE and 16HBE-shPARP1 cells were separately (4.04 ± 0.08)% and (9.69 ± 0.50)%. After being treated by 5-DAC for 72 hours, mCpG% decreased to (3.15 ± 0.14)% and (6.07 ± 0.54)%. After both being exposed to B(a)P for 72 hours, the mCpG% in 16HBE group (ascending rank) were separately (5.10 ± 0.13), (4.25 ± 0.10), (3.91 ± 0.10), (4.23 ± 0.27), (3.70 ± 0.15), (3.08 ± 0.07); while the figures in 16HBE-shPARP1 group (ascending rank) were respectively (10.63 ± 0.60), (13.08 ± 0.68), (9.75 ± 0.55), (7.32 ± 0.67), (6.90 ± 0.49) and (6.27 ± 0.21). The difference of the results was statistically significant (F values were 61.67 and 60.91, P < 0.01). For 16HBE group, expression of PARP 1 and DNMT 1 were 141.0%, 158.0%, 167.0%, 239.0%, 149.0%, 82.9% and 108.0%, 117.0%, 125.0%, 162.0%, 275.0%, 233.0% comparing with the control group, whose difference also has statistical significance (t values were 11.45, 17.32, 32.24, 33.44, 20.21 and 9.87, P < 0.01). For 16HBE-shPARP1 group, expression of PARP 1 and DNMT 1 were 169.0%, 217.0%, 259.0%, 323.0%, 321.0%, 256.0% and 86.0%, 135.0%, 151.0%, 180.0%, 229.0%, 186.0% comparing with the control group, with statistical significance (t values were 9.06, 15.92, 22.68, 26.23, 37.19 and 21.15, P < 0.01). When the dose of B(a)P reached 5.0 µmol/L, the mRNA expression of DNMT 1 in 16HBE group (ascending rank) were 125.0%, 162.0%, 275.0%, 233.0% times of it in control group, with statistical significance (t values were 12.74, 24.92, 55.11, 59.07, P < 0.01); while the dose of B(a)P reached 2.0 µmol/L, the mRNA expression of DNMT 1 in 16HBE-shPARP1 group were 135.0%, 151.0%, 180.0%, 229.0%, 186.0% of the results in control group, and the differences were statistically significant (t values were 23.82, 40.17, 32.69, 74.85, 46.76, P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The hypomethylation of 16HBE cells induced by B(a)P might be one important molecular phenomenon in its malignant transformation process. It suggests that PARP1 could regulate DNA methylation by inhibiting the enzyme activity of DNMT1, and this effect could be alleviated by PARP1-deficiency.</p>

Expression of DNA methyltransferase in myeloma U266 cells and its significance / 中国实验血液学杂志

In order to study the activity and gene expression of DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) on U266 myeloma cells and to analyze their significance, the activity of DNMT was detected by ELISA, and the expressions of DNMT1, DNMT3a and 3b were analyzed by RT-PCR. U266 cells were treated by phenylhexyl isothiocyanate (PHI), and the change of activity and gene expression of DNMT were determined. The results indicated that the activity and expression of DNMT in U266 myeloma cells were higher, compared with normal control. After being treated by different concentration of PHI, U266 cells were driven into apoptosis and the activity of DNMT decreased obviously and the mRNA level of DNMT declined. It is concluded that the activity and gene expression of DNMT on U266 myeloma cells are higher, and DNMT may be a new therapeutic target of multiple myeloma.

The effect of DNA methyltransferase 1 low expression on the global genome DNA methylation status of 16HBE cell / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To construct DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) low expression 16HBE cell line and observe the variation of cell cycle and global genomic DNA methylation.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The method of Lenti-virus induced RNA interference was applied to introduce four different shRNA fragment into 16HBE cells. Flow cytometry and 5-mC immunofluorescence methods were used to observe the cell cycle and global DNA methylation status of DNMT1 low expression 16HBE cells.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The DNMT1 protein relative expression level of 16HBE-shDNMT1-4 cell line was down regulated about 44% (P < 0.05) compared with the control. No obvious differences of cell cycle and global genome DNA methylation status were observed between the 16HBE and 16HBE-shDNMT1.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The DNMT1 gene low expression cell is successfully constructed, and there are no obvious changes happened on the cell cycle and global genomic DNA methylation.</p>

The expression of DNMT1 in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma and its clinical significance / 临床耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the expression of DNMT1 in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) and its relationship with clinicopathological factors.@*METHOD@#Ninety-six cases of LSCC samples were detected by immunohistochemical staining to analyze the expression of DNMT1 protein, while 66 cases of them were detected by real-time PCR. And the relationship between the expression of DNMT1 mRNA and clinicopathologic factors was then analyzed.@*RESULT@#The expression of DNMT1 mRNA in LSCC were up-regulated (P < 0.05). The positive rate of DNMT1 protein expression in LSCC and in peri-cancer tissue were 100% (96/96) and 36% (8/22) respectively, which showed a significant difference (P < 0.05). DNMT1 mRNA expression wasn't correlated with patients' age, gender, T stage and lympha node metastasis, but was associated with smoking habit (P < 0.05, respectively).@*CONCLUSION@#DNMT1 may initiate the oncogenesis of LSCC by increasing expression, and smoking habit may induce the expression of DNMT1 gene.

Clinicopathologic features and protein expression study of Epstein-Barr virus-associated gastric carcinoma in Guangzhou / 中华病理学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the prevalence of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated gastric carcinomas in Guangzhou, their clinicopathologic features and related protein expressions including DNMT1, p16, and cyclin D1.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>A total of 676 cases of EBV-associated gastric carcinoma were included in the study. The presence of EBV-encoded small RNA1 (EBER1), a marker for EBV infection, was analyzed by in-situ hybridization using formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tumor samples. Expression of EBV-encoded proteins, DNMT1, p16 and cyclin D1 were detected by immunohistochemistry.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Forty-five of 676 gastric carcinomas showed EBER intranuclear positivity in all tumor cells. EBV involvement was significantly more frequent among the male than the female patients, especially in tumors of less differentiated types (diffuse type) and involving the upper stomach (P < 0.05). EBNA1 and LMP2A expression were detected in 42 (93.3%) and 24 (53.3%) cases, respectively. None expressed EBNA2, LMP1, and ZEBRA. Among 45 cases of EBV associated gastric carcinomas, DNMT1, p16 and cyclin D1 expression were seen in 35 (77.8%), 10 (22.2%), and 29 (64.4%) cases, respectively. In contrast, among 40 EBV negative gastric carcinomas, expression of the three proteins were 20 (50.0%), 25 (62.5%) and 12 (30.0%), respectively. The difference of expression of the three proteins between the two groups was significant (P < 0.05). Expression of p16 correlated with the depth of the tumor invasion. Correlated protein expression was seen between LMP2A and DNMT1, between DNMT1 and p16, and between p16 and cyclin D1 (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>EBV associated gastric carcinoma accounts for 6.7% of gastric carcinomas in Guangzhou with the Latency I pattern in some cases and between Latency I and II in others. The correlated expression of LMP2A, DNMT1, p16 and cyclin D1 may contribute to the pathogenesis of EBV associated gastric carcinomas.</p>