Review
Cell Biology
David Pladevall-Morera, Jan J. Zylicz
Summary: Cellular metabolism and epigenetics play crucial roles in early mammalian embryo development, interacting with each other to influence cell fate and the epigenome. Recent studies have revealed the non-canonical functions of metabolism when re-localized to the nucleus, along with the challenges and future prospects in advancing the field of epi-metabolomics.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Reproductive Biology
Roxane Verdikt, Patrick Allard
Summary: Metabolites control epigenetic mechanisms, and conversely, cell metabolism is regulated at the epigenetic level. The developmental potency of stem cells and their embryonic counterparts is directly determined by metabolic rewiring. The interplay between metabolism and epigenetics in early germ cell development influences cell fate.
BIOLOGY OF REPRODUCTION
(2021)
Review
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Irving L. M. H. Aye, Catherine E. Aiken, D. Stephen Charnock-Jones, Gordon C. S. Smith
Summary: This article discusses the metabolic basis for placental dysfunction and proposes that alterations in energy metabolism may explain various placental phenotypes in preeclampsia. It also suggests that placental metabolic reprogramming may be associated with severe preeclampsia phenotypes.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Reproductive Biology
Shuai Zhu, Qiang Wang
Summary: Well balanced and timed metabolism is crucial for oocyte development. While the effects of extrinsic nutrients on oocyte maturation have been well studied, the intrinsic control of oogenesis by intracellular metabolites and metabolic enzymes has been overlooked. Understanding the comprehensive metabolic patterns could provide insights into the regulatory mechanisms of oocyte development.
BIOLOGY OF REPRODUCTION
(2022)
Review
Developmental Biology
Jing Zhao, Wenjie Wang, Ling Zhang, Jia Zhang, Roger Sturmey, Jin Zhang
Summary: Early mammalian embryos exhibit dynamic metabolism to support changing cell fates during development. Metabolic pathways play crucial roles in cellular energetic demands, cell signalling, gene regulation, cell proliferation, and differentiation. Recent advances in metabolomics and computational analysis have deepened our understanding of the important role of dynamic metabolism in early mammalian embryogenesis.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Dalma Cricri, Lara Coppi, Silvia Pedretti, Nico Mitro, Donatella Caruso, Emma De Fabiani, Maurizio Crestani
Summary: Selective inhibition of class I HDACs, particularly HDAC3, improves adipocyte functionality, promotes browning phenotype, and enhances mitochondrial activity in adipocyte precursors. These effects are exerted early in differentiation process and involve modulation of gene expression related to metabolic pathways.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Emanuela Di Gregorio, Gianmaria Miolo, Asia Saorin, Agostino Steffan, Giuseppe Corona
Summary: Cancer metabolism research has regained prominence, challenging the role of genetics in understanding cancer development; the discovery of oncometabolites has brought about a new paradigm of viewing cancer as a metabolic disease; the study of oncometabolites is pivotal in the development of new targeted cancer therapies.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Quentin Alle, Enora Le Borgne, Paul Bensadoun, Camille Lemey, Nelly Bechir, Melissa Gabanou, Fanny Estermann, Christelle Bertrand-Gaday, Laurence Pessemesse, Karine Toupet, Romain Desprat, Jerome Vialaret, Christophe Hirtz, Daniele Noel, Christian Jorgensen, Francois Casas, Ollivier Milhavet, Jean-Marc Lemaitre
Summary: Recent studies on cell reprogramming have shown that a short induction of OSKM can improve cell physiology and prevent musculoskeletal deterioration in mice. This treatment also improves tissue structures in various organs and increases lifespan by 15% through rejuvenation of age-related DNA methylation signatures.
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Shuang Cai, Shuang Quan, Guangxin Yang, Meixia Chen, Qianhong Ye, Gang Wang, Haitao Yu, Yuming Wang, Shiyan Qiao, Xiangfang Zeng
Summary: Epigenetic modifications play a crucial role in embryonic development, and disruptions caused by nutritional imbalance can impact both embryonic development and adult health. Understanding the regulation of epigenetic modifications in early embryo development is essential for improving reproductive health in mammals through reproductive technologies and nutrition regulation.
ADVANCES IN NUTRITION
(2021)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Andja Cirkovic, Dejana Stanisavljevic, Jelena Milin-Lazovic, Nina Rajovic, Vedrana Pavlovic, Ognjen Milicevic, Marko Savic, Jelena Kostic Peric, Natasa Aleksic, Nikola Milic, Tamara Stanisavljevic, Zeljko Mikovic, Vesna Garovic, Natasa Milic
Summary: This study conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the disrupted miRNA expression in women with preeclampsia (PE) compared to those without PE. The results indicated significant differences in expression levels of certain miRNAs in placenta and peripheral blood of women with PE, suggesting the important role of miRNAs in the pathophysiology of PE.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Fahim Muhammad, Bufang Fan, Ruoxi Wang, Jiayan Ren, Shuhui Jia, Liping Wang, Zuxin Chen, Xin-An Liu
Summary: The gut and the brain are connected through millions of nerves, immune factors, and hormones in the circulatory system. The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in the bidirectional communication, regulating intestinal homeostasis and influencing brain activity. Changes in gut microbiota composition and function affect neurophysiological development and immune regulatory disorders, making it a potential therapeutic target for neurodevelopmental diseases.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Rola A. Bekdash
Summary: Research shows that early-life diet quality is closely linked to long-term mental health, with environmental factors such as maternal diet during pregnancy and offspring diet causing changes in one-carbon metabolism associated micronutrients that impact brain function and mental health. Individualized dietary recommendations are needed to better understand the effects of these nutrients at different stages of development for improved mental health outcomes.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mingyu Hu, Ji Li, Philip N. Baker, Chao Tong
Summary: Preeclampsia is a major threat to the health of mothers and newborns worldwide, primarily due to placental metabolic abnormalities leading to placental dysfunction.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Jing Zhao, Ke Yao, Hua Yu, Ling Zhang, Yuyan Xu, Lang Chen, Zhen Sun, Yuqing Zhu, Cheng Zhang, Yuli Qian, Shuyan Ji, Hongru Pan, Min Zhang, Jie Chen, Cristina Correia, Taylor Weiskittel, Da-Wei Lin, Yuzheng Zhao, Sriram Chandrasekaran, Xudong Fu, Dan Zhang, Heng-Yu Fan, Wei Xie, Hu Li, Zeping Hu, Jin Zhang
Summary: This study reveals the dynamic metabolic remodelling during early mouse embryo development, with two-cell embryos favoring reductive metabolism and blastocysts showing a more oxidative state. There is a reciprocal relationship between alpha-KG and l-2-HG, with different levels in two-cell embryos and blastocysts. The data demonstrate interconnected metabolic, transcriptional, and epigenetic network remodelling, highlighting key metabolites for epigenetic reprogramming.
Review
Oncology
Sara Vasconcelos, Carla Canicais, Susana M. Chuva de Sousa Lopes, C. Joana Marques, Sofia Doria
Summary: The placenta is crucial for mammalian embryo and fetal development. Understanding the role of epigenetics, including DNA hydroxymethylation, in placental development and function can help improve diagnosis and treatment of obstetric complications. This review focuses on DNA hydroxymethylation and its regulators in both human and mouse placenta, along with its relevance to genomic imprinting and pregnancy complications such as intrauterine growth restriction, preeclampsia, and pregnancy loss. The findings suggest that DNA hydroxymethylation plays a dynamic role in trophoblast cell differentiation during gestation and may be an important factor in gene expression regulation in the placenta.
CLINICAL EPIGENETICS
(2023)
Editorial Material
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Tessa J. Roseboom, Susan E. Ozanne, Keith M. Godfrey, Carmen R. Isasi, Hiroaki Itoh, Rebecca Simmons, Amita Bansal, Mary Barker, Torsten Plosch, Deb M. Sloboda, Stephen G. Matthews, Caroline H. D. Fall, Lucilla Poston, Mark A. Hanson
JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENTAL ORIGINS OF HEALTH AND DISEASE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Khosbayar Lkhagvadorj, Zhijun Zeng, Karolin F. Meyer, Laura P. Verweij, Wierd Kooistra, Marjan Reinders-Luinge, Henk W. Dijkhuizen, Inge A. M. de Graaf, Torsten Plosch, Machteld N. Hylkema
Summary: The study revealed that postnatal smoke exposure exacerbates the effects of prenatal smoke exposure on nicotine metabolism, leading to increased cotinine levels and Cyp2a5 mRNA expression in male offspring. Both pre- and postnatal smoke exposure were found to alter DNA methylation of Cyp2a5, with prenatal smoke exposure decreasing cotinine levels in male offspring. These adverse effects were more pronounced in males and could potentially accelerate the risk of nicotine dependence later in life when considering human health implications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Lu Sun, Rikst-Nynke Verkaik-Schakel, Knut Biber, Torsten Ploesch, Tsvetan Serchov
Summary: The research demonstrated that stress-induced depression-like behavior and antidepressant treatments are associated with epigenetic alterations of the Homer1 promoter, providing new insights into the mechanism of antidepressant treatment.
JOURNAL OF AFFECTIVE DISORDERS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Laia Guardia-Escote, Jordi Blanco, Pia Basaure, Judit Biosca-Brull, Rikst Nynke Verkaik-Schakel, Maria Cabre, Fiona Peris-Sampedro, Cristian Perez-Fernandez, Fernando Sanchez-Santed, Torsten Plosch, Jose L. Domingo, Maria Teresa Colomina
Summary: The study demonstrates the importance of sex in epigenetic regulation, as well as the implications of CPF treatment and APOE genotype. The results indicate that sex plays a key role in the regulation of epigenetics.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Pediatrics
Daphne H. Klerk, Torsten Plosch, Rikst Nynke Verkaik-Schakel, Jan B. F. Hulscher, Elisabeth M. W. Kooi, Arend F. Bos
Summary: This study revealed differences in DNA methylation of TLR4, VEGFA, and DEFA5 in NEC infants, which may vary in relation to the time of NEC onset. These changes could influence gene expression and increase the risk of developing NEC. Additionally, the study demonstrated the potential use of human DNA extraction from stool samples as a non-invasive method for exploring the bowel of preterm infants, as well as NEC patients.
FRONTIERS IN PEDIATRICS
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Anne E. Richter, Iris Bekkering-Bauer, Rikst Nynke Verkaik-Schakel, Mariette Leeuwerke, Jozien C. Tanis, Caterina M. Bilardo, Elisabeth M. W. Kooi, Sicco A. Scherjon, Arend F. Bos, Torsten Plosch
Summary: In this study, follow-up of 21 FGR children revealed a correlation between fetal brain-sparing and specific trends in methylation levels of certain genes, which were associated with neurodevelopmental outcomes.
JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENTAL ORIGINS OF HEALTH AND DISEASE
(2022)
Review
Physiology
Mian Bao, Naomi Hofsink, Torsten Ploesch
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic poses acute risks to human health, especially during pregnancy. Maternal immune activation (MIA) induced by bacteria or viruses can have adverse effects on offspring, impacting multiple organ systems. This review compares bacterial and viral MIA mechanisms and the potential long-term outcomes using animal models.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-REGULATORY INTEGRATIVE AND COMPARATIVE PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Anouschka S. Ramsteijn, Rikst Nynke Verkaik-Schakel, Danielle J. Houwing, Torsten Plosch, Jocelien D. A. Olivier
Summary: This study reveals the sex-specific effects of perinatal fluoxetine exposure on brain development in juvenile rats. Males show stronger behavioral outcomes and differential gene expression in the prefrontal cortex and basolateral amygdala. Epigenetic regulation may underlie these developmental changes.
NEUROPSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Pediatrics
Nienke H. van Dokkum, Sofia Bachini, Rikst Nynke Verkaik-Schakel, Dyvonne H. Baptist, Sahar Salavati, Karianne E. Kraft, Sicco A. Scherjon, Arend F. Bos, Torsten Plosch
Summary: This study found that hypomethylation of NR3C1 in placental tissue is associated with poorer neurological functioning at 3 months post-term in extremely preterm infants. The findings suggest a need for further investigation on alleviating stress during pregnancy and its impact on preterm infants and their neurodevelopmental outcomes.
FRONTIERS IN PEDIATRICS
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Naomi Hofsink, Dorieke J. Dijkstra, Violeta Stojanovska, Sicco A. Scherjon, Torsten Ploesch
Summary: Exposure to pregnancy complications, such as preeclampsia (PE), has long-term effects on the health of offspring. This study examines the molecular changes in the fetal brain and liver caused by PE exposure, with a focus on gene transcription and DNA methylation. The results show altered gene expression and DNA methylation in several key regulatory genes in both fetal brain and liver, suggesting potential effects on glucose metabolism in the liver and neurogenesis in the brain. The observed sex-specific growth restriction pattern does not align with the molecular data, indicating that PE drives the molecular phenotype of the offspring rather than tissue growth.
JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENTAL ORIGINS OF HEALTH AND DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Nuan Lin, Jiazhe Lin, Torsten Plosch, Pingnan Sun, Xiaoling Zhou
Summary: This study identifies a six-gene granulosa cell signature associated with oxidative stress and ovarian aging.
OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY
(2022)
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Andreas B. Gevaert, Nathanael Wood, Jente R. A. Boen, Constantinos H. Davos, Dominique Hansen, Henner Hanssen, Guido Krenning, Trine Moholdt, Elena Osto, Francesco Paneni, Roberto F. E. Pedretti, Torsten Plosch, Maria Simonenko, T. Scott Bowen
Summary: This article discusses the link between changes in epigenetic systems and cardiovascular disease, as well as the acute and chronic effects of physical activity and dietary changes on epigenetics. It proposes exercise and nutrition as potential triggers for epigenetic signals that can reshape the transcriptional programs affecting CVD phenotypes.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PREVENTIVE CARDIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Violeta Stojanovska, Susanne Arnold, Mario Bauer, Hermann Voss, Stefan Fest, Ana Claudia Zenclussen
Summary: This study characterized three different 3D cultures derived from trophoblast cell lines and compared them to primary fetal trophoblasts and placental tissue. The results showed that these 3D cell culture models exhibit similar functionality and gene expression profiles to primary placental tissue, making them ideal models for studying the placenta.
Article
Oncology
Elze R. Timmers, Torsten Plosch, Marenka Smit, Ingrid H. Hof, Rikst Nynke Verkaik-Schakel, Marina A. J. Tijssen, Tom J. de Koning, Klary E. Niezen-Koning
Summary: This study found differences in the percentage of methylation of the gene encoding for the serotonin reuptake transporter between dystonia patients and healthy controls. Methylation levels were also associated with the severity of anxiety and presence of a depressive disorder. These findings suggest that there may be alterations in the serotonin metabolism in dystonia patients, which could contribute to their non-motor symptoms.
CLINICAL EPIGENETICS
(2022)