RPA Interacts with HIRA and Regulates H3.3 Deposition at Gene Regulatory Elements in Mammalian Cells.

The histone chaperone HIRA is involved in depositing histone variant H3.3 into distinct genic regions, including promoters, enhancers, and gene bodies. However, how HIRA deposits H3.3 to these regions remains elusive. Through a short hairpin RNA (shRNA) screening, we identified single-stranded DNA binding protein replication protein A (RPA) as a regulator of the deposition of newly synthesized H3.3 into chromatin. We show that RPA physically interacts with HIRA to form RPA-HIRA-H3.3 complexes, and it co-localizes with HIRA and H3.3 at gene promoters and enhancers. Depletion of RPA1, the largest subunit of the RPA complex, dramatically reduces both HIRA association with chromatin and the deposition of newly synthesized H3.3 at promoters and enhancers and leads to altered transcription at gene promoters. These results support a model whereby RPA, best known for its role in DNA replication and repair, recruits HIRA to promoters and enhancers and regulates deposition of newly synthesized H3.3 to these regulatory elements for gene regulation.

Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1α Stabilization Restores Epigenetic Control of Nitric Oxide Synthase 1 Expression and Reverses Gastroparesis in Female Diabetic Mice.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Although depletion of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (NOS1)-expressing neurons contributes to gastroparesis, stimulating nitrergic signaling is not an effective therapy. We investigated whether hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF1A), which is activated by high O2 consumption in central neurons, is a Nos1 transcription factor in enteric neurons and whether stabilizing HIF1A reverses gastroparesis. METHODS: Mice with streptozotocin-induced diabetes, human and mouse tissues, NOS1+ mouse neuroblastoma cells, and isolated nitrergic neurons were studied. Gastric emptying of solids and volumes were determined by breath test and single-photon emission computed tomography, respectively. Gene expression was analyzed by RNA-sequencing, microarrays, immunoblotting, and immunofluorescence. Epigenetic assays included chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (13 targets), chromosome conformation capture sequencing, and reporter assays. Mechanistic studies used Cre-mediated recombination, RNA interference, and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9)-mediated epigenome editing. RESULTS: HIF1A signaling from physiological intracellular hypoxia was active in mouse and human NOS1+ myenteric neurons but reduced in diabetes. Deleting Hif1a in Nos1-expressing neurons reduced NOS1 protein by 50% to 92% and delayed gastric emptying of solids in female but not male mice. Stabilizing HIF1A with roxadustat (FG-4592), which is approved for human use, restored NOS1 and reversed gastroparesis in female diabetic mice. In nitrergic neurons, HIF1A up-regulated Nos1 transcription by binding and activating proximal and distal cis-regulatory elements, including newly discovered super-enhancers, facilitating RNA polymerase loading and pause-release, and by recruiting cohesin to loop anchors to alter chromosome topology. CONCLUSIONS: Pharmacologic HIF1A stabilization is a novel, translatable approach to restoring nitrergic signaling and treating diabetic gastroparesis. The newly recognized effects of HIF1A on chromosome topology may provide insights into physioxia- and ischemia-related organ function.

ZWC complex-mediated SPT5 phosphorylation suppresses divergent antisense RNA transcription at active gene promoters.

The human genome encodes large numbers of non-coding RNAs, including divergent antisense transcripts at transcription start sites (TSSs). However, molecular mechanisms by which divergent antisense transcription is regulated have not been detailed. Here, we report a novel ZWC complex composed of ZC3H4, WDR82 and CK2 that suppresses divergent antisense transcription. The ZWC complex preferentially localizes at TSSs of active genes through direct interactions of ZC3H4 and WDR82 subunits with the S5p RNAPII C-terminal domain. ZC3H4 depletion leads to increased divergent antisense transcription, especially at genes that naturally produce divergent antisense transcripts. We further demonstrate that the ZWC complex phosphorylates the previously uncharacterized N-terminal acidic domain of SPT5, a subunit of the transcription-elongation factor DSIF, and that this phosphorylation is responsible for suppressing divergent antisense transcription. Our study provides evidence that the newly identified ZWC-DSIF axis regulates the direction of transcription during the transition from early to productive elongation.

Glucocorticoids unmask silent non-coding genetic risk variants for common diseases.

Understanding the function of non-coding genomic sequence variants represents a challenge for biomedicine. Many diseases are products of gene-by-environment interactions with complex mechanisms. This study addresses these themes by mechanistic characterization of non-coding variants that influence gene expression only after drug or hormone exposure. Using glucocorticoid signaling as a model system, we integrated genomic, transcriptomic, and epigenomic approaches to unravel mechanisms by which variant function could be revealed by hormones or drugs. Specifically, we identified cis-regulatory elements and 3D interactions underlying ligand-dependent associations between variants and gene expression. One-quarter of the glucocorticoid-modulated variants that we identified had already been associated with clinical phenotypes. However, their affected genes were 'unmasked' only after glucocorticoid exposure and often with function relevant to the disease phenotypes. These diseases involved glucocorticoids as risk factors or therapeutic agents and included autoimmunity, metabolic and mood disorders, osteoporosis and cancer. For example, we identified a novel breast cancer risk gene, MAST4, with expression that was repressed by glucocorticoids in cells carrying the risk genotype, repression that correlated with MAST4 expression in breast cancer and treatment outcomes. These observations provide a mechanistic framework for understanding non-coding genetic variant-chemical environment interactions and their role in disease risk and drug response.

Amoebicidal effect of chlorine dioxide gas against pathogenic Naegleria fowleri and Acanthamoeba polyphaga.

The pathogenic free-living amoebae, Naegleria fowleri and Acanthamoeba polyphaga, are found in freshwater, soil, and unchlorinated or minimally chlorinated swimming pools. N. fowleri and A. polyphaga are becoming problematic as water leisure activities and drinking water are sources of infection. Chlorine dioxide (ClO2) gas is a potent disinfectant that is relatively harmless to humans at the concentration used for disinfection. In this study, we examined the amoebicidal effects of ClO2 gas on N. fowleri and A. polyphaga. These amoebae were exposed to ClO2 gas from a ready-to-use product (0.36 ppmv/h) for 12, 24, 36, and 48 h. Microscopic examination showed that the viability of N. fowleri and A. polyphaga was effectively inhibited by treatment with ClO2 gas in a time-dependent manner. The growth of N. fowleri and A. polyphaga exposed to ClO2 gas for 36 h was completely inhibited. In both cases, the mRNA levels of their respective actin genes were significantly reduced following treatment with ClO2 gas. ClO2 gas has an amoebicidal effect on N. fowleri and A. polyphaga. Therefore, ClO2 gas has been proposed as an effective agent for the prevention and control of pathogenic free-living amoeba contamination.

USP51 deubiquitylates H2AK13,15ub and regulates DNA damage response.

Dynamic regulation of RNF168-mediated ubiquitylation of histone H2A Lys13,15 (H2AK13,15ub) at DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) is crucial for preventing aberrant DNA repair and maintaining genome stability. However, it remains unclear which deubiquitylating enzyme (DUB) removes H2AK13,15ub. Here we show that USP51, a previously uncharacterized DUB, deubiquitylates H2AK13,15ub and regulates DNA damage response. USP51 depletion results in increased spontaneous DNA damage foci and elevated levels of H2AK15ub and impairs DNA damage response. USP51 overexpression suppresses the formation of ionizing radiation-induced 53BP1 and BRCA1 but not RNF168 foci, suggesting that USP51 functions downstream from RNF168 in DNA damage response. In vitro, USP51 binds to H2A-H2B directly and deubiquitylates H2AK13,15ub. In cells, USP51 is recruited to chromatin after DNA damage and regulates the dynamic assembly/disassembly of 53BP1 and BRCA1 foci. These results show that USP51 is the DUB for H2AK13,15ub and regulates DNA damage response.

Titration-based normalization of antibody amount improves consistency of ChIP-seq experiments.

Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) is an antibody-based approach that is frequently utilized in chromatin biology and epigenetics. The challenge in experimental variability by unpredictable nature of usable input amounts from samples and undefined antibody titer in ChIP reaction still remains to be addressed. Here, we introduce a simple and quick method to quantify chromatin inputs and demonstrate its utility for normalizing antibody amounts to the optimal titer in individual ChIP reactions. For a proof of concept, we utilized ChIP-seq validated antibodies against the key enhancer mark, acetylation of histone H3 on lysine 27 (H3K27ac), in the experiments. The results indicate that the titration-based normalization of antibody amounts improves assay outcomes including the consistency among samples both within and across experiments for a broad range of input amounts.

Interferon drives HCV scarring of the epigenome and creates targetable vulnerabilities following viral clearance.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Chronic HCV infection is a leading etiologic driver of cirrhosis and ultimately HCC. Of the approximately 71 million individuals chronically infected with HCV, 10%-20% are expected to develop severe liver complications in their lifetime. Epigenetic mechanisms including DNA methylation and histone modifications become profoundly disrupted in disease processes including liver disease. APPROACH AND RESULTS: To understand how HCV infection influences the epigenome and whether these events remain as "scars" following cure of chronic HCV infection, we mapped genome-wide DNA methylation, four key regulatory histone modifications (H3K4me3, H3K4me1, H3K27ac, and H3K27me3), and open chromatin in parental and HCV-infected immortalized hepatocytes and the Huh7.5 HCC cell line, along with DNA methylation and gene-expression analyses following elimination of HCV in these models through treatment with interferon-α (IFN-α) or a direct-acting antiviral (DAA). Our data demonstrate that HCV infection profoundly affects the epigenome (particularly enhancers); HCV shares epigenetic targets with interferon-α targets; and an overwhelming majority of epigenetic changes induced by HCV remain as "scars" on the epigenome following viral cure. Similar findings are observed in primary human patient samples cured of chronic HCV infection. Supplementation of IFN-α/DAA antiviral regimens with DNA methyltransferase inhibitor 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine synergizes in reverting aberrant DNA methylation induced by HCV. Finally, both HCV-infected and cured cells displayed a blunted immune response, demonstrating a functional effect of epigenetic scarring. CONCLUSIONS: Integration of epigenetic and transcriptional data elucidate key gene deregulation events driven by HCV infection and how this may underpin the long-term elevated risk for HCC in patients cured of HCV due to epigenome scarring.

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) risk is mediated by multiple enhancer variants within CLL risk loci.

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most common adult leukemia in Western countries. It has a strong genetic basis, showing a ~ 8-fold increased risk of CLL in first-degree relatives. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified 41 risk variants across 41 loci. However, for a majority of the loci, the functional variants and the mechanisms underlying their causal roles remain undefined. Here, we examined the genetic and epigenetic features associated with 12 index variants, along with any correlated (r2 ≥ 0.5) variants, at the CLL risk loci located outside of gene promoters. Based on publicly available ChIP-seq and chromatin accessibility data as well as our own ChIP-seq data from CLL patients, we identified six candidate functional variants at six loci and at least two candidate functional variants at each of the remaining six loci. The functional variants are predominantly located within enhancers or super-enhancers, including bi-directionally transcribed enhancers, which are often restricted to immune cell types. Furthermore, we found that, at 78% of the functional variants, the alternative alleles altered the transcription factor binding motifs or histone modifications, indicating the involvement of these variants in the change of local chromatin state. Finally, the enhancers carrying functional variants physically interacted with genes enriched in the type I interferon signaling pathway, apoptosis, or TP53 network that are known to play key roles in CLL. These results support the regulatory roles for inherited noncoding variants in the pathogenesis of CLL.

TCF7L2 lncRNA: a link between bipolar disorder and body mass index through glucocorticoid signaling.

Bipolar disorder (BD) and obesity are highly comorbid. We previously performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) for BD risk accounting for the effect of body mass index (BMI), which identified a genome-wide significant single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the gene encoding the transcription factor 7 like 2 (TCF7L2). However, the molecular function of TCF7L2 in the central nervous system (CNS) and its possible role in the BD and BMI interaction remained unclear. In the present study, we demonstrated by studying human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived astrocytes, cells that highly express TCF7L2 in the CNS, that the BD-BMI GWAS risk SNP is associated with glucocorticoid-dependent repression of the expression of a previously uncharacterized TCF7L2 transcript variant. That transcript is a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA-TCF7L2) that is highly expressed in the CNS but not in peripheral tissues such as the liver and pancreas that are involved in metabolism. In astrocytes, knockdown of the lncRNA-TCF7L2 resulted in decreased expression of the parent gene, TCF7L2, as well as alterations in the expression of a series of genes involved in insulin signaling and diabetes. We also studied the function of TCF7L2 in hiPSC-derived astrocytes by integrating RNA sequencing data after TCF7L2 knockdown with TCF7L2 chromatin-immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq) data. Those studies showed that TCF7L2 directly regulated a series of BD risk genes. In summary, these results support the existence of a CNS-based mechanism underlying BD-BMI genetic risk, a mechanism based on a glucocorticoid-dependent expression quantitative trait locus that regulates the expression of a novel TCF7L2 non-coding transcript.

Utricular dysfunction in patients with orthostatic hypotension.

PURPOSE: To delineate the association between otolithic dysfunction and orthostatic hypotension (OH). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 382 patients who presented with orthostatic dizziness at a tertiary dizziness center between July 2017 and December 2021. Patients were included for analyses when they had completed ocular (oVEMP) and/or cervical vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials (cVEMP), and head-up tilt table test with a Finometer (n = 155). We compared the results between the patients with OH (n = 38) and those with NOI (normal head-up tilt table test despite orthostatic intolerance, n = 117). RESULTS: Thirty-eight patients with OH were further categorized as either classic (n = 30), delayed (n = 7), or initial (n = 1) types. Multivariable logistic regression showed that OH was associated with high baseline systolic BP (p = 0.046), presence of heart failure (p = 0.016), and unilateral oVEMP abnormalities (p = 0.016). n1 latency of oVEMP were negatively correlated with the maximal changes of systolic blood pressure (BP) in 15 s ([Formula: see text]SBP15s, p = 0.013), 3 min ([Formula: see text]SBP3min, p = 0.005) and 10 min ([Formula: see text]SBP10min, p = 0.002). In contrast, the n1-p1 amplitude was positively correlated with [Formula: see text]SBP15s (p = 0.029). Meanwhile, p13 latency of cVEMP was negatively correlated with [Formula: see text]SBP10min (p = 0.018). CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides evidence of utricular dysfunction related to OH.

H2B ubiquitylation enhances H3K4 methylation activities of human KMT2 family complexes.

In mammalian cells, distinct H3K4 methylation states are created by deposition of methyl groups by multiple complexes of histone lysine methyltransferase 2 (KMT2) family proteins. For comprehensive analyses that directly compare the catalytic properties of all six human KMT2 complexes, we employed a biochemically defined system reconstituted with recombinant KMT2 core complexes (KMT2CoreCs) containing minimal components required for nucleosomal H3K4 methylation activity. We found that each KMT2CoreC generates distinct states and different levels of H3K4 methylation, and except for MLL3 all are stimulated by H2Bub. Notably, SET1BCoreC exhibited the strongest H3K4 methylation activity and, to our surprise, did not require H2B ubiquitylation (H2Bub); in contrast, H2Bub was required for the H3K4me2/3 activity of the paralog SET1ACoreC. We also found that WDR5, RbBP5, ASH2L and DPY30 are required for efficient H3K4 methyltransferase activities of all KMT2CoreCs except MLL3, which could produce H3K4me1 in the absence of WDR5. Importantly, deletion of the PHD2 domain of CFP1 led to complete loss of the H3K4me2/3 activities of SET1A/BCoreCs in the presence of H2Bub, indicating a critical role for this domain in the H2Bub-stimulated H3K4 methylation. Collectively, our results suggest that each KMT2 complex methylates H3K4 through distinct mechanisms in which individual subunits differentially participate.

Recurrent MSC E116K mutations in ALK-negative anaplastic large cell lymphoma.

Anaplastic large cell lymphomas (ALCLs) represent a relatively common group of T-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas (T-NHLs) that are unified by similar pathologic features but demonstrate marked genetic heterogeneity. ALCLs are broadly classified as being anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)+ or ALK-, based on the presence or absence of ALK rearrangements. Exome sequencing of 62 T-NHLs identified a previously unreported recurrent mutation in the musculin gene, MSC E116K, exclusively in ALK- ALCLs. Additional sequencing for a total of 238 T-NHLs confirmed the specificity of MSC E116K for ALK- ALCL and further demonstrated that 14 of 15 mutated cases (93%) had coexisting DUSP22 rearrangements. Musculin is a basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor that heterodimerizes with other bHLH proteins to regulate lymphocyte development. The E116K mutation localized to the DNA binding domain of musculin and permitted formation of musculin-bHLH heterodimers but prevented their binding to authentic target sequence. Functional analysis showed MSCE116K acted in a dominant-negative fashion, reversing wild-type musculin-induced repression of MYC and cell cycle inhibition. Chromatin immunoprecipitation-sequencing and transcriptome analysis identified the cell cycle regulatory gene E2F2 as a direct transcriptional target of musculin. MSCE116K reversed E2F2-induced cell cycle arrest and promoted expression of the CD30-IRF4-MYC axis, whereas its expression was reciprocally induced by binding of IRF4 to the MSC promoter. Finally, ALCL cells expressing MSC E116K were preferentially targeted by the BET inhibitor JQ1. These findings identify a novel recurrent MSC mutation as a key driver of the CD30-IRF4-MYC axis and cell cycle progression in a unique subset of ALCLs.

Integrating the Epigenome to Identify Drivers of Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Disruption of epigenetic mechanisms has been intimately linked to the etiology of human cancer. Understanding how these epigenetic mechanisms (including DNA methylation [5mC], hydroxymethylation [5hmC], and histone post-translational modifications) work in concert to drive cancer initiation and progression remains unknown. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is increasing in frequency in Western countries but lacks efficacious treatments. The epigenome of HCC remains understudied. To better understand the epigenetic underpinnings of HCC, we performed a genome-wide assessment of 5mC, 5hmC, four histone modifications linked to promoter/enhancer function (H3K4me1, H3K27ac, H3K4me3, and H3K27me3), and transcription across normal, cirrhotic, and HCC liver tissue. Implementation of bioinformatic strategies integrated these epigenetic marks with each other and with transcription to provide a comprehensive epigenetic profile of how and when the liver epigenome is perturbed during progression to HCC. Our data demonstrate significant deregulation of epigenetic regulators combined with disruptions in the epigenome hallmarked by profound loss of 5hmC, locus-specific gains in 5mC and 5hmC, and markedly altered histone modification profiles, particularly remodeling of enhancers. Data integration demonstrates that these marks collaborate to influence transcription (e.g., hyper-5hmC in HCC-gained active enhancers is linked to elevated expression) of genes regulating HCC proliferation. Two such putative epigenetic driver loci identified through our integrative approach, COMT and FMO3, increase apoptosis and decrease cell viability in liver-derived cancer cell lines when ectopically re-expressed. Conclusion: Altogether, integration of multiple epigenetic parameters is a powerful tool for identifying epigenetically regulated drivers of HCC and elucidating how epigenome deregulation contributes to liver disease and HCC.

ZBTB24 is a transcriptional regulator that coordinates with DNMT3B to control DNA methylation.

The interplay between transcription factors and epigenetic writers like the DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs), and the role of this interplay in gene expression, is being increasingly appreciated. ZBTB24, a poorly characterized zinc-finger protein, or the de novo methyltransferase DNMT3B, when mutated, cause Immunodeficiency, Centromere Instability, and Facial anomalies (ICF) syndrome, suggesting an underlying mechanistic link. Chromatin immunoprecipitation coupled with loss-of-function approaches in model systems revealed common loci bound by ZBTB24 and DNMT3B, where they function to regulate gene body methylation. Genes coordinately regulated by ZBTB24 and DNMT3B are enriched for molecular mechanisms essential for cellular homeostasis, highlighting the importance of the ZBTB24-DNMT3B interplay in maintaining epigenetic patterns required for normal cellular function. We identify a ZBTB24 DNA binding motif, which is contained within the promoters of most of its transcriptional targets, including CDCA7, AXIN2, and OSTC. Direct binding of ZBTB24 at the promoters of these genes targets them for transcriptional activation. ZBTB24 binding at the promoters of RNF169 and CAMKMT, however, targets them for transcriptional repression. The involvement of ZBTB24 targets in diverse cellular programs, including the VDR/RXR and interferon regulatory pathways, suggest that ZBTB24's role as a transcriptional regulator is not restricted to immune cells.

Myosin-1E interacts with FAK proline-rich region 1 to induce fibronectin-type matrix.

Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a nonreceptor tyrosine kinase involved in development and human disease, including cancer. It is currently thought that the four-point one, ezrin, radixin, moesin (FERM)-kinase domain linker, which contains autophosphorylation site tyrosine (Y) 397, is not required for in vivo FAK function until late midgestation. Here, we directly tested this hypothesis by generating mice with FAK Y397-to-phenylalanine (F) mutations in the germline. We found that Y397F embryos exhibited reduced mesodermal fibronectin (FN) and osteopontin expression and died during mesoderm development akin to FAK kinase-dead mice. We identified myosin-1E (MYO1E), an actin-dependent molecular motor, to interact directly with the FAK FERM-kinase linker and induce FAK kinase activity and Y397 phosphorylation. Active FAK in turn accumulated in the nucleus where it led to the expression of osteopontin and other FN-type matrix in both mouse embryonic fibroblasts and human melanoma. Our data support a model in which FAK Y397 autophosphorylation is required for FAK function in vivo and is positively regulated by MYO1E.

Cfp1 integrates both CpG content and gene activity for accurate H3K4me3 deposition in embryonic stem cells.

Trimethylation of histone H3 Lys 4 (H3K4me3) is a mark of active and poised promoters. The Set1 complex is responsible for most somatic H3K4me3 and contains the conserved subunit CxxC finger protein 1 (Cfp1), which binds to unmethylated CpGs and links H3K4me3 with CpG islands (CGIs). Here we report that Cfp1 plays unanticipated roles in organizing genome-wide H3K4me3 in embryonic stem cells. Cfp1 deficiency caused two contrasting phenotypes: drastic loss of H3K4me3 at expressed CGI-associated genes, with minimal consequences for transcription, and creation of "ectopic" H3K4me3 peaks at numerous regulatory regions. DNA binding by Cfp1 was dispensable for targeting H3K4me3 to active genes but was required to prevent ectopic H3K4me3 peaks. The presence of ectopic peaks at enhancers often coincided with increased expression of nearby genes. This suggests that CpG targeting prevents "leakage" of H3K4me3 to inappropriate chromatin compartments. Our results demonstrate that Cfp1 is a specificity factor that integrates multiple signals, including promoter CpG content and gene activity, to regulate genome-wide patterns of H3K4me3.

Enhanced and controlled chromatin extraction from FFPE tissues and the application to ChIP-seq.

BACKGROUND: Epigenetic dysregulation is involved in the etiology and progression of various human diseases. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples represent the gold standard for archiving pathology samples, and thus FFPE samples are a major resource of samples in clinical research. However, chromatin-based epigenetic assays in the clinical settings are limited to fresh or frozen samples, and are hampered by low chromatin yield in FFPE samples due to the lack of a reliable and efficient chromatin preparation method. Here, we introduce a new chromatin extraction method from FFPE tissues (Chrom-EX PE) for chromatin-based epigenetic assays. RESULTS: During rehydration of FFPE tissues, applying a tissue-level cross-link reversal into the deparaffinized tissue at 65 °C dramatically increased chromatin yield in the soluble fraction. The resulting chromatin is compatible with targeted ChIP-qPCR and genome-wide ChIP-seq approaches. The chromatin prepared by Chrom-EX PE showed a gradual fragmentation pattern with varying incubation temperature. At temperatures below 37 °C, the majority of soluble chromatin is over 1 kb. The soluble chromatin prepared in the range of 45-60 °C showed a typical nucleosomal pattern. And the majority of chromatin prepared at 65 °C is close to mononucleosomal size. These observations indicate that chromatin preparation from FFPE samples can be controlled for downstream chromatin-based epigenetic assays. CONCLUSIONS: This study provided a new method that achieves efficient extraction of high-quality chromatin suitable for chromatin-based epigenetic assays with less damage on chromatin. This approach may provide a way to circumvent the over-fixed nature of FFPE tissues for future technology development.

Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms at a Distance from Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AHR) Binding Sites Influence AHR Ligand-Dependent Gene Expression.

Greater than 90% of significant genome-wide association study (GWAS) single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are in noncoding regions of the genome, but only 25.6% are known expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs). Therefore, the function of many significant GWAS SNPs remains unclear. We have identified a novel type of eQTL for which SNPs distant from ligand-activated transcription factor (TF) binding sites can alter target gene expression in a SNP genotype-by-ligand-dependent fashion that we refer to as pharmacogenomic eQTLs (PGx-eQTLs)-loci that may have important pharmacotherapeutic implications. In the present study, we integrated chromatin immunoprecipitation-seq with RNA-seq and SNP genotype data for a panel of lymphoblastoid cell lines to identify 10 novel cis PGx-eQTLs dependent on the ligand-activated TF aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR)-a critical environmental sensor for xenobiotic (drug) and immune response. Those 10 cis PGx-eQTLs were eQTLs only after AHR ligand treatment, even though the SNPs did not create/destroy an AHR response element-the DNA sequence motif recognized and bound by AHR. Additional functional studies in multiple cell lines demonstrated that some cis PGx-eQTLs are functional in multiple cell types, whereas others displayed SNP-by-ligand-dependent effects in just one cell type. Furthermore, four of those cis PGx-eQTLs had previously been associated with clinical phenotypes, indicating that those loci might have the potential to inform clinical decisions. Therefore, SNPs across the genome that are distant from TF binding sites for ligand-activated TFs might function as PGx-eQTLs and, as a result, might have important clinical implications for interindividual variation in drug response. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: More than 90% of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that are associated with clinical phenotypes are located in noncoding regions of the genome. However, the mechanisms of action of many of those SNPs have not been elucidated, and drugs may unmask functional expression quantitative trail loci (eQTLs). In the current study, we used drugs that bind to the ligand-activated transcription factor aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) and identified SNPs that were associated with interindividual variation in gene expression following drug exposure-termed pharmacogenomic (PGx)-eQTLs. Possibly of greater significance, those PGx-eQTL SNPs were outside of AHR binding sites, indicating that they do not interrupt AHR DNA recognition. PGx-eQTLs such as those described in this work may have crucial implications for interindividual variation in drug.

A novel pilot animal model for the surgical prevention of lymphedema: the power of optical imaging.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer-related lymphedema affects more than 400,000 survivors in the United States. In 2009, lymphatic microsurgical preventive healing approach (LYMPHA) was first described as a surgical technique to prevent lymphedema by bypassing divided arm lymphatics into adjacent veins at the time of an axillary lymph node dissection. We describe the first animal model of LYMPHA. METHODS: In Yorkshire pigs, each distal hind limb lymphatic system was cannulated and injected with a different fluorophore (human serum albumin-conjugated indocyanine green or Evans Blue). Fluorescence-assisted resection and exploration imaging system was used to map the respective lymphangiosomes to the groin. Baseline lymphatic clearance of each hind limb lymphangiosome was obtained by measuring the fluorescence of each dye from centrally obtained blood samples. A lymphadenectomy versus lymphadenectomy with LYMPHA was then performed. The injections were then repeated to obtain clearance rates that were compared against baseline values. RESULTS: Human serum albumin-conjugated indocyanine green and Evans Blue allowed for precise lymphatic mapping of each respective hind limb using fluorescence-assisted resection and exploration imaging. Lymphatic clearance from the distal hind limb dropped 68% when comparing baseline clearance versus after a groin lymphadenectomy. In comparison, lymphatic clearance dropped only 21% when comparing baseline clearance versus a lymphadenectomy with LYMPHA. CONCLUSIONS: We describe the first animal model for LYMPHA, which will enable future studies to further evaluate the efficacy and potential limitations of this technique. Of equal importance, we demonstrate the power of optical imaging to provide real-time lymphatic clearance rates for each hind limb.