The Impact of the HydroxyMethylCytosine epigenetic signature on DNA structure and function

We present a comprehensive, experimental and theoretical study of the impact of 5-hydroxymethylation of DNA cytosine. Using molecular dynamics, biophysical experiments and NMR spectroscopy, we found that Ten-Eleven translocation (TET) dioxygenases generate an epigenetic variant with structural and physical properties similar to those of 5-methylcytosine. Experiments and simulations demonstrate that 5-methylcytosine (mC) and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (hmC) generally lead to stiffer DNA than normal cytosine, with poorer circularization efficiencies and lower ability to form nucleosomes. In particular, we can rule out the hypothesis that hydroxymethylation reverts to unmodified cytosine physical properties, as hmC is even more rigid than mC. Thus, we do not expect dramatic changes in the chromatin structure induced by differences in physical properties between d(mCpG) and d(hmCpG). Conversely, our simulations suggest that methylated-DNA binding domains (MBDs), associated with repression activities, are sensitive to the substitution d(mCpG) ➔ d(hmCpG), while MBD3 which has a dual activation/repression activity is not sensitive to the d(mCpG) d(hmCpG) change. Overall, while gene activity changes due to cytosine methylation are the result of the combination of stiffness-related chromatin reorganization and MBD binding, those associated to 5-hydroxylation of methylcytosine could be explained by a change in the balance of repression/activation pathways related to differential MBD binding.

Optimization of Thrombin Generation in Hemophilia a

Background: Hemophilia A (HA) is a bleeding disorder characterized by decreased or absent FVIII. Clinical analysis of coagulation potential in this patient population is classically based on APTT based FVIII assays. Although both the one-stage FVIII assay and the chromogenic FVIII assay can measure FVIII concentrations reliably these types of assays only give insight on the initiation of coagulation. Global coagulation assays, like thrombin generation (TG), can be used to measure the full coagulation spectrum of initiation, amplification and propagation. However the frequently used commercially available TG kits lack sensitivity for measurements of hemophilia plasma within the lower FVIII ranges which are essential in explaining differences in bleeding phenotype. Aim: We aim to optimize the sensitivity of the TG-assay for measurements in hemophilia A patients, especially in the lower FVIII ranges. Methods: In order to minimize patient specific sensitivity a hemophilia A pool plasma (HAPP) was created. Analysis of the influence of pre-analytical variables, like contact activation inhibitors, on the assay was performed. Initiation of coagulation by different reagents was compared for sensitivity towards factor FVIII titrations in patient plasma. Other assay variables like phospholipids and temperature were adjusted to increase sensitivity even further. Results: Commonly used tissue factor (TF) initiated TG at varying concentrations was unable to significantly differentiate in FVIII levels below 20%. In contrast, TG activation with low concentrations of TF in presence of FXIa appeared to be highly sensitive for FVIII changes both in high and low ranges. Additionally, a representative baseline TG-curve in severe HA plasma could only be produced using this dual TF/FXIa-activation. There was a value in the addition of contact activation inhibitors in the assay. Higher phospholipid concentrations seem to benefit this assay setup compared to a TF only setup. Conclusion: TF/FXIa dual activation thrombin generation increased assay sensitivity in severe hemophilia plasma, allows for dose-dependent measurements in low FVIII ranges and provides a solid baseline curve that can be used for further clinical evaluation of coagulation potential and possibly therapeutic monitoring in hemophilia A. Figure 1 Figure 1. Disclosures Hackeng: ACS Biomarker BV: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company; Coagulation Profile BV: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company.

Dual Activation of Phosphodiesterase 3 and 4 Regulates Basal Cardiac Pacemaker Function and Beyond

The sinoatrial (SA) node is the physiological pacemaker of the heart, and resting heart rate in humans is a well-known risk factor for cardiovascular disease and mortality. Consequently, the mechanisms of initiating and regulating the normal spontaneous SA node beating rate are of vital importance. Spontaneous firing of the SA node is generated within sinoatrial nodal cells (SANC), which is regulated by the coupled-clock pacemaker system. Normal spontaneous beating of SANC is driven by a high level of cAMP-mediated PKA-dependent protein phosphorylation, which rely on the balance between high basal cAMP production by adenylyl cyclases and high basal cAMP degradation by cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases (PDEs). This diverse class of enzymes includes 11 families and PDE3 and PDE4 families dominate in both the SA node and cardiac myocardium, degrading cAMP and, consequently, regulating basal cardiac pacemaker function and excitation-contraction coupling. In this review, we will demonstrate similarities between expression, distribution, and colocalization of various PDE subtypes in SANC and cardiac myocytes of different species, including humans, focusing on PDE3 and PDE4. Here, we will describe specific targets of the coupled-clock pacemaker system modulated by dual PDE3 + PDE4 activation and provide evidence that concurrent activation of PDE3 + PDE4, operating in a synergistic manner, regulates the basal cardiac pacemaker function and provides control over normal spontaneous beating of SANCs through (PDE3 + PDE4)-dependent modulation of local subsarcolemmal Ca2+ releases (LCRs).