This SuperSeries is composed of the SubSeries listed below.
Histone H3 lysine 9 di-methylation as an epigenetic signature of the interferon response.
Specimen part, Treatment
View SamplesEffective anti-viral immunity depends on the ability of infected cells or cells triggered with virus-derived nucleic acids to produce type I interferon (IFN), which activates transcription of numerous antiviral genes. However, disproportionately strong or chronic IFN expression is a common cause of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Here we describe an epigenetic mechanism that determines cell-type specific differences in IFN and IFN-stimulated gene expression in response to exogenous signals. We identify di-methylation of histone H3 at lysine 9 (H3K9me2) as a suppressor of IFN and IFN-inducible antiviral gene expression. We show that levels of H3K9me2 at IFN and IFN stimulated genes (ISG) correlate inversely with the scope and amplitude of IFN and ISG expression in fibroblasts and dendritic cells. Accordingly, genetic ablation or pharmacological inactivation of lysine methyltransferase G9a, which is essential for the generation of H3K9me2, resulted in phenotypic conversion of fibroblasts into highly potent IFN-producing cells and rendered these cells resistant to pathogenic RNA viruses. In summary, our studies implicate H3K9me2 and enzymes controlling its abundance as key regulators of innate antiviral immunity.
Histone H3 lysine 9 di-methylation as an epigenetic signature of the interferon response.
Treatment
View SamplesBromodomain-containing proteins bind acetylated lysine residues on histone tails and are involved in the recruitment of additional factors that mediate histone modifications and enable transcription. A compound, I-BET-762, that inhibits binding of an acetylated histone peptide to BRD4 and other proteins of the BET (bromodomain and extra-terminal domain) family, was previously shown to suppress the production of pro-inflammatory proteins by macrophages and block acute inflammation in mice. Here we investigate the effect of I-BET-762 on T cell function. We show that treatment of nave CD4+ T cells with I-BET-762 during early differentiation modulates subsequent cytokine production, and inhibits the ability of Th1-skewed cells to induce autoimmune pathogenesis in a model of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in vivo. The suppressive effects of I-BET-762 on T-cell mediated inflammation were not due to inhibition of expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines, IFN-. or IL-17, but correlated with the ability to suppress GM-CSF production from CNS-infiltrating T cells, resulting in decreased recruitment of macrophages and granulocytes. The effects of I-BET-762 were distinct from those of the fumarate ester, dimethyl fumarate (DMF), a candidate drug for treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). Our data suggest that I-BET and DMF could have complementary roles in the treatment of MS, and provide a strong rationale for inhibitors of BET-family proteins in the treatment of autoimmune diseases, based on their dual ability to suppress granulocyte and macrophage recruitment by T cells as well as production of pro-inflammatory proteins by macrophages.
Selective inhibition of CD4+ T-cell cytokine production and autoimmunity by BET protein and c-Myc inhibitors.
Specimen part
View SamplesStudies investigating the causes of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) point to genetic as well as epigenetic mechanisms of the disease. Identification of epigenetic processes that contribute to ASD development and progression is of major importance and may lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies. Here we identify the bromodomain and extra-terminal domain containing transcriptional regulators (BETs) as epigenetic drivers of an ASD-like disorder in mice. We found that the pharmacological suppression of the BET proteins by a novel, highly selective and brain-permeable inhibitor, I-BET858, leads to selective suppression of neuronal gene expression followed by the development of an autism-like syndrome in mice. Many of the I-BET858 affected genes have been linked to ASD in humans thus suggesting the key role of the BET-controlled gene network in ASD. Our studies also suggest that environmental factors controlling BET proteins or their target genes may contribute to the epigenetic mechanism of ASD.
Autism-like syndrome is induced by pharmacological suppression of BET proteins in young mice.
Specimen part
View SamplesThe expansion, trafficking and functional effectiveness of adoptively transferred CD8+ T-cells play a critical role in mediating effective anti-tumor immunity. However, the mechanisms which program the highly proliferative and functional state of CD8+ T-cells are not completely understood. We hypothesized that IL-12, a cytokine commonly induced by TLR activation, could enhance T-cell priming by altering responsiveness to antigen and cytokines. Priming of tumor specific CD8+ T-cells in the presence of IL-12 induced the acquisition of a 'polyfunctional' effector response and increased the generation of memory cells. Moreover, IL-12 priming also promoted high levels of the IL-2 receptor alpha-chain (CD25) and robust IL-2 mediated activation of STAT5. This sensitivity to IL-2 translated into enhanced in vivo proliferation of adoptively transferred CD8+ T-cells. Furthermore, real-time, in vivo imaging of T-cell trafficking confirmed the ability of IL-12 priming to drive in vivo proliferation. IL-12 priming enhanced the anti-tumor function of adoptively transferred cells by reducing established subcutaneous tumor burden, and significantly increasing survival in an established intracranial tumor model. Finally, IL-12 priming of human PBMCs generates tumor specific T-cells phenotypically and functionally similar to IL-12 primed Pmel-1 T-cells. These results highlight IL-12 as an important mediator of CD8+ T-cell effector function and anti-tumor immunity.
Enhanced sensitivity to IL-2 signaling regulates the clinical responsiveness of IL-12-primed CD8(+) T cells in a melanoma model.
Sex, Specimen part, Treatment
View SamplesUsing primary cultures of normal human prostate epithelial cells, we developed a novel prostasphere-based, label-retention assay that permits identification and isolation of stem cells at a single cell level. Their bona fide stem cell nature was confirmed using in vitro and in vivo regenerative assays and documentation of symmetric/asymmetric division. Robust WNT10B and KRT13 expression without E-cadherin or KRT14 staining distinguished individual stem cells from daughter progenitors in spheroids. Following FACS to separate stem and progenitor cells, RNA-seq identified unique gene signatures for the separate populations which may serve as biomarkers. Pathways enrichment in stem cells identified ribosome biogenesis and membrane estrogen-receptor signaling with NF?B signaling enriched in progenitors and these were biologically confirmed. Further, bioassays identified heightened autophagy flux and reduced metabolism in stem cells relative to progenitors. These approaches similarly identified cancer stem-like cells from prostate cancer specimens and prostate, breast and colon cancer cell lines suggesting wide applicability. Together, the present studies isolate and identify unique characteristics of normal human prostate stem cells and uncover processes that maintain stem cell homeostasis in the prostate gland. Overall design: Comparing RNA-seq gene profiles in label-retaining prostate stem cells and non-retaining progenitor cells
Isolation and functional interrogation of adult human prostate epithelial stem cells at single cell resolution.
Specimen part, Subject
View SamplesCombined treatment with all-trans retinoic acid and GSK2879552 results in synergistic effects on gene expression, cell proliferation, markers of differentiation, and, most importantly, cytotoxicity. Overall design: Gene expression analysis of DMSO, single and combination treatment (ATRA and GSK2879552) on 6 AML cell lines at two time-points with two replicates (paired end RNA-seq on 96 samples in total)
Lysine specific demethylase 1 inactivation enhances differentiation and promotes cytotoxic response when combined with all-<i>trans</i> retinoic acid in acute myeloid leukemia across subtypes.
Cell line, Treatment, Subject
View SamplesWe investigated the anti-leukemic effects of the Bromodomain and Extra Terminal inhibitor I-BET151 on primary MLL-AF4 patient samples, using a xenotransplantation mouse model of MLL+ infant ALL in vivo. We reported that I-BET151 treatment impairs the engraftment and the disease burden of primary MLL+ infant ALL samples transplanted into immunedeficient mice. I-BET151 is able to arrest the growth of leukemic cells by blocking cell division and rapidly inducing apoptosis, through the deregulation of crucial target genes of the BRD4 and HOXA9/HOXA7 network. Moreover I-BET151 sensitizes glucocorticoid-resistant MLL+ cells to Prednisolone. Finally we observed that I-BET151 treatment is even more efficient when used in combination with HDAC inhibitor.
Antileukemic Efficacy of BET Inhibitor in a Preclinical Mouse Model of MLL-AF4<sup>+</sup> Infant ALL.
Treatment, Subject
View SamplesMaternal IL10 deficiency elevates susceptibility to fetal loss induced by the model Toll-like receptor agonist lipopolysaccharide, but the mechanisms are not well elucidated. Here we show that Il10 null mutant (Il10-/-) mice exhibit altered local T cell responses in pregnancy, exhibiting pronounced hyperplasia in para-aortic lymph nodes draining the uterus with >6-fold increased CD4+ and CD8+ T cells compared with wild-type controls. Amongst these CD4+ cells, Foxp3+ Treg cells were substantially enriched, with 11-fold higher numbers at day 9.5 post coitum (pc). Lymph node hypertrophy in Il10-/- mice was associated with more activated phenotypes in dendritic cells and macrophages, with elevated expression of MHCII, scavenger receptor and CD80. Affymetrix microarray revealed an altered transcriptional profile in Treg cells from pregnant Il10-/- mice, with elevated expression of Ctse (cathepsin E), Il1r1, Il12rb2 and Ifng. In vitro, Il10-/- Treg cells showed reduced steady state Foxp3 expression, and polyclonal stimulation caused greater loss of Foxp3 and reduced capacity to suppress IL17 in CD4+Foxp3- T cells. We conclude that despite a substantially expanded Treg cell pool, diminished stability of Treg cells, increased numbers of effector T cells, and altered phenotypes in dendritic cells and macrophages in pregnancy all potentially confer vulnerability to inflammation-induced fetal loss in Il10-/- mice. These findings suggest a pivotal role for IL10 in facilitating robust immune protection of the fetus from inflammatory challenge and suggest IL10 deficiency could contribute to human gestational disorders where altered T cell responses are implicated.
Unstable Foxp3+ regulatory T cells and altered dendritic cells are associated with lipopolysaccharide-induced fetal loss in pregnant interleukin 10-deficient mice.
Specimen part
View SamplesGene expression was influenced most by the tissue source, followed by culture methodology, next by location where the cells were cultured and lastly the donor variability.
The impact of cell source, culture methodology, culture location, and individual donors on gene expression profiles of bone marrow-derived and adipose-derived stromal cells.
Subject
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