The Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is the most common androgenic disorder in women during reproductive life. PCOS may also be accompanied by metabolic syndrome and recent studies point to leptin as playing a role in disrupting infertility and in changing the energy balance in obese mice through its action on the hypothalamus. The aim is to assess the expression of the Polycomb & Trithorax Complexes genes in brain of mice transplanted with fat tissue from normal mice, in order to better understand the neuronal mechanisms underlying the reversion of PCOS. Three B6 V-Lepob/J mouse groups: Normal weight, obese and seven-day-treatment obese had their brain RNA extracted and submitted to an 84 Polycomb & Trithorax Complexes genes PCR Array plate and MetacoreTM pathways localization. Genomic profiles obtained were compared to the ones of the normal-weight-mice group. Differentially expressed genes were 13% and 26% respectively to control and treatment. Major changes were in genes: Snai1/31; Smarca1/?17; Dnmt3b/4.7; Ezh1/ 15. Altered genes were associated to canonical pathways and provided 3 networks related to epigenetics. Underlying neuronal changes caused by leptin in obese mice brain, there is an important role being played by the histone code. Here there is evidence that leptin drives the chromatin packing to a more condensed pattern. Upregulation of methyltransferase genes, like Ezh1, favors this thought. In summary the Polycomb & Trithorax complexes might answer for the silencing of some downregulated genes in the obese mice brain when exposed to leptin.
The Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is the most common androgenic disorder in women during reproduc- tive life [
It is known that epigenetic mechanisms times the initiation of female puberty in rats and regulates the re- lease of kisspeptins, gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteining hormone (LH) in mouse [
Proteins of the polycomb group exert their function by forming three multi-protein complexes that act as transcriptional repressors, PRC1, PRC2 and PhoRC [
Trithorax group (TrxG) proteins form multi-subunit complexes to exert their functions as well. Three com- plexes have been purified in mammalian cells so far, SET1-like, BRM and the MLL supercomplex [
The objective of this study is to assess the expression of the Polycomb & Trithorax Complexes genes in the brain of mice transplanted with fat tissue from normal mice, in order to better understand the neuronal mechan- isms underlying the reversion of PCOS.
B6.V-Lepob/J mice with 2 and 3 months of age were divided into three groups: normal weight control (lean), obesity control and obese seven days mice transplanted with adipose tissue from lean mice. After treatment, these mice were sacrificed and their brains were used to total RNA extraction.
After using liquid nitrogen for cryogenic soaking, tissues were homogenized in Trizol reagent (Invitrogen) ac- cording to the manufacturer’s protocol. Total RNA was purified with Qiagen RNeasy Mini Kit and treated with DNase A. The quantity and quality of extracted RNA were measured by espectrophotometer (Nanodrop Tech- nologies Inc., Rockland, DE).
According to the manufacturer’s (Qiagen) methodology, reverse transcriptase (RT) was carried out for the syn- thesis of cDNA. For each sample we used a PCR array plate containing 84 different pairs of primers as a tem- plate in order to study the expression of genes related to the Polycomb & Trithorax Complexes (RT² Profiler™ PCR Array; SABiosciences).
The MetaCore software (GeneGo, St. Joseph, MI) is a computational resource that uses logic operations for identifying biological processes that are altered because of changes in gene expression. Genes with altered ex- pression were mapped to Gene Ontol’ogy (GO) using MetaCore algorithm. GO annotations were used as indi- cators of the biological functions. GO describes gene products in terms of their associated biological processes, cellular components, and molecular functions. The GO entries are hierarchically linked, thus allowing construc- tion of cluster genes of crossed pathways.
These results were analyzed by descriptive statistics (means and standard deviation) and inferential statistics through the Student’s t-test, with significance level of 5% (p < 0.05). Real-time PCR array reactions were pro- cessed through the online software RT2 Profiler™ PCR Array Data Analysis (SABiosciences).
The results presented in this subsection is relate to the treatment for seven days with implantation of gonadal fat in obese ob/ob mice.
After treatment for seven days with the implantation of gonadal fat from lean mices, we performed the analy- sis of gene expression data. The treated mice were compared to untreated controls. And, after this comparison, the values of Fold Regulation (FR), which expresses how many times increase (hyper-regulation) or decreased (hypo-regulating) the expression of a specific gene occurs with which build Tables 1-3 were obtained and the respective Figures 3-5, shown immediately.
The increase in gene expression was determined when the RF is greater than 2.0 or less than −2.0. Only con-
FR | p Value | |
---|---|---|
Ezh1 | 5.6584 | 0.013714* |
Eed | 2.8655 | 0.028566* |
Rbbp4 | 2.2595 | 0.018420* |
Bap1 | −2.0851 | 0.020469* |
Snai1 | 30.7590 | 0.018652* |
Pcgf2 | 2.4044 | 0.052437# |
FR = Fold Regulation; *p < 0.05; #p for trend.
FR | p Value | |
---|---|---|
Ctbp2 | 4.8470 | 0.007365* |
Ino80b | 3.0283 | 0.001128* |
Trim27 | 3.0178 | 0.001059* |
Larp7 | 2.4170 | 0.012660* |
Scmh1 | 2.4077 | 0.052471# |
Mov10 | 2.4068 | 0.051891# |
Bap1 | −2.0851 | 0.020469* |
Pcgf5 | −2.6338 | 0.000035* |
Usp11 | −2.6368 | 0.067188# |
Htt | −2.6422 | 0.057305# |
FR = Fold Regulation; *p < 0.05; #p for trend.
FR | p Value | |
---|---|---|
Pbrm1 | 2.4271 | 0.019194* |
Wbp7 | 2.4071 | 0.054424# |
Smarcc1 | 2.3904 | 0.051972# |
Rbbp7 | 2.3864 | 0.050874# |
Rbbp4 | 1.9235 | 0.026220* |
Smarca1 | −16.767 | 0.000002* |
sider the values on which the p value was less than 0.05 and significant.
Most genes are presented hyper-regulated (71%); furthermore, most belong to the Polycomb complex (71%) than to Trithorax complex (21%).
The results presented in this subsection relate to the treatment for 45 days in implant gonadal fat in obese mice
ob/ob mice.
After treatment for 45 days with the implantation of gonadal fat from lean rats, we performed the analysis of gene expression data. The treated mice were compared to untreated controls. And, after this comparison, the values obtained Fold Regulation (FR), which expresses how many times increase (hyper-regulation) or de- creased (hypo-regulating) the expression of a specific gene occurs, and build
In Figures 10-12 we can see the pathways constructed by the genes in the program Metacore® (Thonson Reuters) for the genes related to Polycomb and Thritorax that presented with differential expression.
Polycomb (PcG) proteins were originally identified as part of an epigenetic cellular memory system that controls gene silencing via chromatin structure. However, recent reports suggest that they are also involved in controlling dynamics and plasticity of gene regulation, particularly during differentiation, by interacting with other compo- nents of the transcriptional apparatus [
Enhancer of zeste homolog 1 (Ezh1) is a gene that encodes a PcG protein that initiates repressionin certain chromatin domains and regulates developmental genes expression, which is closely related to cell proliferation [
Others genes related to transcription factors, DNA methyltransferases and chromatin remodeling proteins member were also studied. Snail homolog 1 (SNAl1) proteins are zinc-finger that play important roles in deter- mining cell-fate [
DNA methyltransferase 3B (Dnmt3b) dynamically regulate chromatin remodeling and gene expression. DNA methyltransferases contribute to the establishment and maturation of cell fate during retinal development [
SWI/SNF related, matrix associated, actin dependent regulator of chromatin (Smarca1) is a component of the chromatin remodeling complex. This gene is related to neuron differentiation, brain development and chromatin remodeling. In the brain, SMARCA1 is prevalent in proliferating cell populations whereas, it is predominantly expressed in terminally differentiated neurons after birth and in adult animals. These results suggest that SMARCA1 complexes have distinct functions associated with cell maturation or differentiation [
Fold Regulation | p Value | |
---|---|---|
Cbx7 | 3.1463 | 0.0221* |
Ino80b | 2.5308 | 0.00019* |
Ezh1 | 2.5181 | 0.0002* |
Wdr5 | 2.514 | 0.0002* |
Ctbp1 | 2.4937 | 0.0002* |
Ino80 | 2.4980 | 0.0002* |
Trim27 | 2.4821 | 0.0002* |
Snai1 | 2.4512 | 0.0001* |
L3mbtl2 | 2.0035 | 0.0261* |
FR = Fold Regulation; *p < 0.05.
In summary, exogenous leptin drives the phisyological variables related to POS to a normal status (glycemia, ovulation and fertility, body weight and food intake) only after a 45-day treatment period. Exogenous leptin reestablishes a normal pattern of ovarian cycle controlling hormones release after a 7-day treatment period. Un- derlying neuronal changes caused by leptin in obese mice brain, there is an important role being played by the histone code. Here there is evidence that leptin drives the chromatin packing to a more condensed pattern. Upregulation of methyltransferase genes, like Ezh1, favors this thought. In summary the Polycomb & Trithorax complexes might answer for the silencing of some downregulated genes in the obese mice brain when exposed to leptin, like Neu4 and Scg2.
15 genes (68%) of that differentially expressed were related to polycomb and seven genes (32%) were related to trithorax.
Chromatin consists of proteins that serve as the structural organizer of DNA, binding DNA into higher order structures and ultimately forming the chromosome itself. Chromatin restricts the access of DNA to transcription factors. Both Polycomb and trithorax group proteins act to remodel chromatin altering the accessibility of DNA to factors required for gene transcription. Polycomb group genes are involved in chromatin based gene silencing, while trithorax group genes counteract the silencing effects of chromatin to maintain gene activity.
Begun et al. (2013) hypothetised that maternal undernutrition around conception (UN) in sheep would lead to epigenetic changes in hypothalamic neurones regulating energy balance in the offspring, up to five years after the maternal insult. This authors found striking evidence of decreased glucocorticoid receptor (GR) promoter methylation, decreased H3K27 trimethylation and increased H3K9 acetylation in hypothalami from male and female adult offspring of UN mothers. These findings are entirely compatible with the increased GR mRNA and protein observed in the hypothalami. The increased GR predicted the decreased hypothalamic pro-opiomela- nocortin expression and increased obesity we observed in the 5-year-old adult males. Theepigenetic and ex- pression changes in GR were specific to the hypothalamus. Hippocampal GR mRNA and protein were de- creased in UN offspring, whereas pituitary GR was altered in a sex-specific manner. In peripheral polymor- phonuclear leukocytes there were no changes in GR methylation or protein, indicating that this epigenetic analysis did not predict changes in the brain. Overall, these results suggest that moderate changes in maternal nutrition, around the time of conception, signal life-long and tissue-specific epigenetic alterations in a key gene regulating energy balance in the hypothalamus [
De Giorgio et al. (2009) investigated the modifications in the hypothalamic gene expression induced by high-fat (HF) and low-fat (LF) meal ingestion in mice, in order to identify the signals rapidly mediating the hy- pothalamic control on energy intake. The hypothalamus was sampled and the serial analysis of gene expression method was performed. Approximately 254,588 tags, which correspond to 65,548 tag species, were isolated from the 3 groups. The data showed twelve transcripts regulated by food intake. Among these, 2 transcripts have mitochondrial functions (MtCo1, Ppid), 3 are involved in protein transport and regulation (Ube2q2, Mup1, Sec13), 1 in cellular pH control (Slc4a3) and another 1 has a role in the epigenetic control of gene expression (Setd3). In addition, 5 potentially novel transcripts were differentially modulated. So, these authors identified genes that may regulate hypothalamic circuits governing the early response to food intake 3 genes were specifically mod- ulated by high-fat intake [
Makedonski et al. (2005) hypothesize that part of the Rett syndrome (RS), a neurodevelopmental disorder, phenotype is due to MeCP2-associated silencing of UBE3A. Indeed, UBE3A mRNA and protein are shown here to be significantly reduced in human and mouse MECP2 deficient brains. This reduced UBE3A level was asso- ciated with biallelic production of the UBE3A antisense RNA. In addition, MeCP2 deficiency resulted in ele- vated histone H3 acetylation and H3 (K4) methylation and reduced H3 (K9) methylation at the PWS/AS im- printing center, with no effect on DNA methylation or SNRPN expression. We conclude, therefore, that MeCP2 deficiency causes epigenetic aberrations at the PWS imprinting center. These changes in histonemodifications result in loss of imprinting of the UBE3A antisense gene in the brain, increase in UBE3A antisense RNA level and, consequently reduction in UBE3A production [
There are no studies in the literature reporting the study of epigenetic modifications in brain of mice PCOS, diabetic or infertile. This present work is the first to study the alterations of genes related to these changes.
The genes of the Polycomb Complexes and cofactors that changed were: CBX2, Ctbp2, DNMT3B, Eed, EzH1, INO80B, JARID2, Larp7, Mov10, Pcgf2, Pcgf5, RNase I, Scmh1, Snai1 and Trim27.All genes in this group were up-regulated, except for Pcgf5. The most over-expressed genes were Snai1, Ctbp2, DNMT3B, and Ezh1 RnaseI.
Cromobox 2 (CBX2) is a component of Polycomb repressive complex 1 (PRC1) [
C-terminal binding protein 2 (CTBP2), in mammals, are among the best characterized transcriptional core- pressors [
Embryonic ectoderm development (EED) is related to chromatin modification and histone mthylation.
Preventing the eviction of EED from the Kiss1 promoter disrupted pulsatile gonadotropin-releasing hormone release, delayed puberty and compromised fecundity. This results identify epigenetic silencing as a mechanism underlying the neuroendocrine control of female puberty [
Enhancer of zeste homolog 1 (EZH1) belongs to PcG complex in promoting mRNA transcription [
The genes related to Trithorax Complexes were Pbrm1, Rbbp4, Rbbp7, Smarca 1, Smarcc1 e Wbp7. Also, most of the genes were hyper-regulated, except for the gene Smarca, which was the most drastic change in the expression.
Polybromo 1 (PBRM1) has a function of chromatin binding and is related to process of chromatin modifi- cation and regulation of transcription, DNA-dependent. PBRM1 is envolved in inhibition of cell proliferation [
Smarcc1, SWI/SNF related, matrix associated, actin dependent regulator of chromatin, subfamily c, member 1 [Mus musculus, is related to process to chromatin modification and chromatin remodeling. SWI/SNF DNA chromatin remodeling complex family controlling epigenetic modifications, and signaling pathways might indi- cate differences in the therapeutic potential of our examined two cell populations in relation to in cell survival, proliferation, migration, and differentiation following engraftments in different CNS insults [
Wbp7, a lysine (K)-specific methyltransferase 2B, has a function as DNA binding, histone methyltransferase activity (H3-K4 specific) and histone-lysine N-methyltransferase activity. The process related to chromatin mo- difycation, gene silencing, histone H3-K4 methylation, histone H3-K4 trimethylation, histone lysine methylation and methylation. There are a possible link between histone-modifying enzyme to a biosynthetic pathway and in- dicate a specialized biological role for Wbp7 in macrophage function and antimicrobial response [
The Polycomb group (PcG) and Trithorax group (TrxG) of proteins have long been recognized as regulators that maintain the gene expression pattern established during development [
Three families of complexes containing PcG proteins have been identified in Drosophila to date: Polycomb Repressive Complex 1 and 2 (PRC1 and PRC2) and PhoRC. PRC2 is composed of four core components, the mammalian counterparts of which are: Ezh2, Suz12, RbAp46/48 and Eed. Ezh2 is the catalytic subunit and harbors histone lysine methyltransferase activity within its SET domain that gives rise to di- and tri-methylated versions of lysine residue 27 within histone H3 (H3K27me2/3) [
PcG proteins bind to Polycomb Response Elements (PRE) that have been identified and characterized in Drosophila. Several DNA binding proteins were shown to be required for PcG recruitment such as GAF, Pips- queak, Zeste or PHO. Surprisingly, no mammalian counterparts were found for these recruiters and, despite ex- tensive searches, PREs have not been identified to date in mammals [
With few exceptions, invertebrates such as Drosophila or sea urchins have only one copy of PcG genes [
We investigated the cellular role of Ezh1 relative to that of Ezh2. Here, we show that Ezh1 is ubiquitously expressed whereas Ezh2 expression is associated with proliferating tissues. Ezh1 is part of a PRC2 complex quite similar to the one containing Ezh2 and they share an overlapping set of target genes that they appear to co-occupy. Yet surprisingly and in contrast to PRC2-Ezh2, PRC2-Ezh1 exhibits low levels of histone methyl- transferase (HKMT) activity. On the other hand, PRC2-Ezh1 efficiently represses transcription and compact chromatin, in contrast to PRC2-Ezh2. These distinct functional roles for PRC2-Ezh1 and PRC2-Ezh2 in repres- sion might pertain to their differential expression and to sub-functionalization of Ez during evolution.
Altogheter, our results show that the Leptin can change molecularly the expression of genes related to Polycomb group (PcG) and Trithorax group (TrxG) in the brain of mice transplanted with fat tissue from normal mice. This work can help us to better understand the neuronal mechanisms underlying the reversion of PCOS.
To Sao Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) for Research Grants number 2008/54383-0.