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Dissection and function of autoimmunity-associated TNFAIP3 (A20) gene enhancers in humanized mouse models.

ABSTRACT: Enhancers regulate gene expression and have been linked with disease pathogenesis. Little is known about enhancers that regulate human disease-associated genes in primary cells relevant for pathogenesis. Here we use BAC transgenics and genome editing to dissect, in vivo and in primary immune cells, enhancers that regulate human TNFAIP3, which encodes A20 and is linked with autoimmune diseases. A20 expression is dependent on a topologically associating subdomain (sub-TAD) that harbors four enhancers, while another >20 enhancers in the A20 locus are redundant. This sub-TAD contains cell- and activation-specific enhancers, including an enhancer (termed TT>A) harboring a proposed causal SLE-associated SNV. Deletion of the sub-TAD or the TT>A enhancer results in enhanced inflammatory responses, autoantibody production, and inflammatory arthritis, thus establishing functional importance in vivo and linking enhancers with a specific disease phenotype. These findings provide insights into enhancers that regulate human A20 expression to prevent inflammatory pathology and autoimmunity.

SUBMITTER: Sokhi UK

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5811492 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Dissection and function of autoimmunity-associated TNFAIP3 (A20) gene enhancers in humanized mouse models.

Sokhi Upneet K UK Liber Mark P MP Frye Laura L Park Sungho S Kang Kyuho K Pannellini Tania T Zhao Baohong B Norinsky Rada R Ivashkiv Lionel B LB Gong Shiaoching S

Nature communications 20180213 1

Enhancers regulate gene expression and have been linked with disease pathogenesis. Little is known about enhancers that regulate human disease-associated genes in primary cells relevant for pathogenesis. Here we use BAC transgenics and genome editing to dissect, in vivo and in primary immune cells, enhancers that regulate human TNFAIP3, which encodes A20 and is linked with autoimmune diseases. A20 expression is dependent on a topologically associating subdomain (sub-TAD) that harbors four enhanc ...[more]

PMID: 29440643

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Project description:Background Neuropsychiatric lupus (NPSLE) refers to the neurological and psychiatric manifestations that are commonly observed in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). An important question regarding the pathogenesis of NPSLE is whether the symptoms are caused primarily by CNS-intrinsic mechanisms or develop as a consequence of systemic autoimmunity. Currently used spontaneous mouse models for SLE have already contributed significantly to unraveling how systemic immunity affects the CNS. However, they are less suited when interested in CNS primary mechanisms. In addition, none of these models are based on genes that are associated with SLE. In this study, we evaluate the influence of A20, a well-known susceptibility locus for SLE, on behavior and CNS-associated changes in inflammatory markers. Furthermore, given the importance of environmental triggers for disease onset and progression, the influence of an acute immunological challenge was evaluated. Methods Female and male A20 heterozygous mice (A20+/−) and wildtype littermates were tested in an extensive behavioral battery. This was done at the age of 10±2weeks and 24 ± 2 weeks to evaluate the impact of aging. To investigate the contribution of an acute immunological challenge, LPS was injected intracerebroventricularly at the age of 10±2weeks followed by behavioral analysis. Underlying molecular mechanisms were evaluated in gene expression assays on hippocampus and cortex. White blood cell count and blood-brain barrier permeability were analyzed to determine whether peripheral inflammation is a relevant factor. Results A20 heterozygosity predisposes to cognitive symptoms that were observed at the age of 10 ± 2 weeks and 24 ± 2 weeks. Young A20+/− males and females showed a subtle cognitive phenotype (10±2weeks) with distinct neuroinflammatory phenotypes. Aging was associated with clear neuroinflammation in female A20+/− mice only. The genetic predisposition in combination with an environmental stimulus exacerbates the behavioral impairments related to anxiety, cognitive dysfunction and sensorimotor gating. This was predominantly observed in females. Furthermore, signs of neuroinflammation were solely observed in female A20+/− mice. All above observations were made in the absence of peripheral inflammation and of changes in blood-brain barrier permeability, thus consistent with the CNS-primary hypothesis. Conclusions We show that A20 heterozygosity is a predisposing factor for NPSLE. Further mechanistic insight and possible therapeutic interventions can be studied in this mouse model that recapitulates several key hallmarks of the disease. Highlights • A novel mouse model for neuropsychiatric lupus was established.• Loss of 1 copy of A20/TNFAIP3 leads to neuroinflammation and cognitive symptoms.• Female-specific neuroinflammation was seen with age.• An environmental stimulus worsens the behavioral impairments.• The results show that the brain is the primary affected site.

Dataset Information

Dissection and function of autoimmunity-associated TNFAIP3 (A20) gene enhancers in humanized mouse models.

Publications

Dissection and function of autoimmunity-associated TNFAIP3 (A20) gene enhancers in humanized mouse models.

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