DNA methylation profiles of THP1 monocyte cells following Echinaforce treatment

ABSTRACT: Until today, natural Echinacea purpurea extracts are widely used to prevent and treat respiratory trac infections. Although its immunomodulatory effects have already been demonstrated by several studies, the molecular mechanisms involved are not yet completely understood. In this study, we applied a systems biology approach by integrating transcriptome, kinome and methylome profiles of THP-1 monocyte cells treated with Echinaforce®, a commercial standardized ethanolic tincture of Echinacea purpurea. The latter induced the expression of various genes linked to the anti-viral interferon pathway, NF-κB signaling and chemotaxis. In addition, kinase activity profiling showed that Echinaforce® increased JAK1 kinase activity, which is crucial in the activation of the JAK-STAT pathway to induce interferon-stimulated genes and MAPK kinase activity. Furthermore, gene expression changes following Echinaforce® treatment occurred largely independent from DNA methylation changes. Of special note, Echinaforce® induced global DNA hypermethylation in gene bodies, intergenic, and CpG-poor repeat regions, which could be part of an evolutionary conserved anti-viral response to suppress viral integration and/or replication. Altogether, we demonstrate that Echinaforce® treatment promotes an anti-viral response in THP-1 cells through activation of interferon, MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways and DNA hypermethylation of repeat elements.

ORGANISM(S): Homo sapiens

PROVIDER: GSE117903 | GEO | 2019/03/31

REPOSITORIES: GEO