Over the past 20 years, breakthrough discoveries of chromatin-modifying enzymes and associated mechanisms that alter chromatin in response to physiological or pathological signals have transformed our knowledge of epigenetics from a collection of curious biological phenomena to a functionally dissected research field. Here, we provide a personal perspective on the development of epigenetics, from its historical origins to what we define as 'the modern era of epigenetic research'. We primarily highlight key molecular mechanisms of and conceptual advances in epigenetic control that have changed our understanding of normal and perturbed development.

The molecular hallmarks of epigenetic control

Over the last 10 years the prevalence of obesity across the European continent has in general been rising. With the exception of a few countries where a levelling-off can be perceived, albeit at a high level, this upward trend seems likely to continue. However, considerable country to country variation is noticeable, with the proportion of people with obesity varying by 10% or more. This variation is intriguing and suggests the existence of different profiles of risk or protection factors operating in different countries. The identification of such protection factors could indicate suitable targets for interventions to help manage the obesity epidemic in Europe. This report is the output of a 2-day workshop on the ‘Diversity of Obesity in Europe'. The workshop included 14 delegates from 12 different European countries. This report contains the contributions and discussions of the materials and viewpoints provided by these 14 experts; it is not the output of a single mind. However, such is the nature of scientific analysis regarding obesity that it is possible that a different set of 14 experts may have come to a different set of conclusions. Therefore the report should not be seen as a definitive statement of a stable situation. Rather it is a focus for discussion and comment, and a vehicle to drive forward further understanding and management of obesity in Europe.

/pdf/variations-in-the-prevalence-of-obesity-among-european-45zf6pooac.pdf

Variations in the Prevalence of Obesity Among European Countries, and a Consideration of Possible Causes

https://www.cell.com/cell/pdf/S0092-8674%2815%2900186-5.pdf

Promoting Health and Longevity through Diet: From Model Organisms to Humans

Epigenetic research has accelerated rapidly in the twenty-first century, generating justified excitement and hope, but also a degree of hype. Here we review how the field has evolved over the last few decades and reflect on some of the recent advances that are changing our understanding of biology. We discuss the interplay between epigenetics and DNA sequence variation as well as the implications of epigenetics for cellular memory and plasticity. We consider the effects of the environment and both intergenerational and transgenerational epigenetic inheritance on biology, disease and evolution. Finally, we present some new frontiers in epigenetics with implications for human health.

/pdf/advances-in-epigenetics-link-genetics-to-the-environment-and-3a9hz9pcpi.pdf

Advances in epigenetics link genetics to the environment and disease

Animals transmit not only DNA but also other molecules, such as RNA, proteins and metabolites, to their progeny via gametes. It is currently unclear to what extent these molecules convey information between generations and whether this information changes according to their physiological state and environment. Here, we review recent work on the molecular mechanisms by which 'epigenetic' information is transmitted between generations over different timescales, and the importance of this information for development and physiology.

/pdf/intergenerational-and-transgenerational-epigenetic-2hpej9dq49.pdf

Intergenerational and transgenerational epigenetic inheritance in animals

https://www.cell.com/cell/pdf/S0092-8674(14)01436-6.pdf

Paternal Diet Defines Offspring Chromatin State and Intergenerational Obesity

Abstract Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are ideal for liquid biopsy, but distinguishing cancer cell‐derived EVs and subpopulations of biomarker‐containing EVs in body fluids has been challenging. Here, we identified that the glycoproteins CD147 and CD98 define subpopulations of EVs that are distinct from classical tetraspanin+ EVs in their biogenesis. Notably, we identified that CD147+ EVs have substantially higher microRNA (miRNA) content than tetraspanin+ EVs and are selectively enriched in miRNA through the interaction of CD147 with heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A2/B1. Studies using mouse xenograft models showed that CD147+ EVs predominantly derive from cancer cells, whereas the majority of tetraspanin+ EVs are not of cancer cell origin. Circulating CD147+ EVs, but not tetraspanin+ EVs, were significantly increased in prevalence in patients with ovarian and renal cancers as compared to healthy individuals and patients with benign conditions. Furthermore, we found that isolating miRNAs from body fluids by CD147 immunocapture increases the sensitivity of detecting cancer cell‐specific miRNAs, and that circulating miRNAs isolated by CD147 immunocapture more closely reflect the tumor miRNA signature than circulating miRNAs isolated by conventional methods. Collectively, our findings reveal that CD147 defines miRNA‐enriched, cancer cell‐derived EVs, and that CD147 immunocapture could be an effective approach to isolate cancer‐derived miRNAs for liquid biopsy.

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdfdirect/10.1002/jev2.12318

The glycoprotein CD147 defines miRNA‐enriched extracellular vesicles that derive from cancer cells

As part of the Human Cell Atlas initiative, we generated transcriptomic (scRNA-seq; 86,708 cells) and regulatory (scATAC-seq; 59,118 cells) profiles of the normal postmenopausal ovary and fallopian tube (FT) at single-cell resolution. In the FT, 22 cell clusters integrated into 11 cell types, including ciliated and secretory epithelial cells, while the ovary had 17 distinct cell clusters defining 6 major cell types. The dominant cell type in both the postmenopausal ovary and FT was stromal cells, which expressed several genes associated with aging. The fimbrial end of the FT had a significant number and variety of immune cells and active communication with the ovary; the ovary contained mostly stromal cells but few immune cells. The epithelial cells of the normal FT expressed multiple ovarian cancer risk-associated genes (CCDC170, RND3, TACC2, STK33, and ADGB). By integrating paired single-cell transcriptomics and chromatin accessibility data we found that the regulatory landscape of the fimbriae was markedly different from the isthmus and ampulla. Intriguingly, several cell types in the FT had comparable gene expression but different transcriptional regulations. Our single-cell transcriptional and regulatory maps allowed us to disentangle the complex cellular makeup of the postmenopausal FT and ovary and will contribute to a better understanding of gynecologic diseases in menopause.

A molecular atlas of the human postmenopausal fallopian tube and ovary from single-cell RNA and ATAC sequencing

This diagnostic study evaluates the performance of 3 ultrasonography-based risk models for differentiating between benign and malignant adnexal lesions in a US cohort.

Diagnostic Performance of Ultrasonography-Based Risk Models in Differentiating Between Benign and Malignant Ovarian Tumors in a US Cohort

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Paternal Diet Defines Offspring Chromatin State and Intergenerational Obesity

The glycoprotein CD147 defines miRNA‐enriched extracellular vesicles that derive from cancer cells

A molecular atlas of the human postmenopausal fallopian tube and ovary from single-cell RNA and ATAC sequencing

Diagnostic Performance of Ultrasonography-Based Risk Models in Differentiating Between Benign and Malignant Ovarian Tumors in a US Cohort