Epigenetic dysregulation of enhancers in neurons is associated with Alzheimer's disease pathology and cognitive symptoms

Nat Commun. 2019 May 21;10(1):2246. doi: 10.1038/s41467-019-10101-7.

Abstract

Epigenetic control of enhancers alters neuronal functions and may be involved in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Here, we identify enhancers in neurons contributing to AD by comprehensive fine-mapping of DNA methylation at enhancers, genome-wide. We examine 1.2 million CpG and CpH sites in enhancers in prefrontal cortex neurons of individuals with no/mild, moderate, and severe AD pathology (n = 101). We identify 1224 differentially methylated enhancer regions; most of which are hypomethylated at CpH sites in AD neurons. CpH methylation losses occur in normal aging neurons, but are accelerated in AD. Integration of epigenetic and transcriptomic data demonstrates a pro-apoptotic reactivation of the cell cycle in post-mitotic AD neurons. Furthermore, AD neurons have a large cluster of significantly hypomethylated enhancers in the DSCAML1 gene that targets BACE1. Hypomethylation of these enhancers in AD is associated with an upregulation of BACE1 transcripts and an increase in amyloid plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, and cognitive decline.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Alzheimer Disease / genetics
  • Alzheimer Disease / pathology*
  • Amyloid Precursor Protein Secretases / genetics
  • Amyloid Precursor Protein Secretases / metabolism
  • Aspartic Acid Endopeptidases / genetics
  • Aspartic Acid Endopeptidases / metabolism
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules / genetics
  • Cognitive Dysfunction / genetics
  • Cognitive Dysfunction / pathology*
  • Cohort Studies
  • CpG Islands / genetics
  • DNA Methylation
  • Enhancer Elements, Genetic*
  • Epigenesis, Genetic
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neurons / pathology*
  • Prefrontal Cortex / cytology
  • Prefrontal Cortex / pathology*
  • Up-Regulation

Substances

  • Cell Adhesion Molecules
  • DSCAML1 protein, human
  • Amyloid Precursor Protein Secretases
  • Aspartic Acid Endopeptidases
  • BACE1 protein, human