Altered Expression of Dna Methyltransferases and Methylation Status of the Tlr4 and Tnf-alpha Promoters in Covid-19

Strategic Insights -

Researchers from the National Research Centre in Cairo, Egypt, have conducted a study on the role of epigenetic modifications in the host's immune response to COVID-19. The study, published in the Archives of Virology, investigated the expression of genes involved in epigenetic machinery and the degree of methylation of promoters of immune response genes in blood samples from COVID-19 patients. The results showed that DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) expression was significantly downregulated in COVID-19 cases, whereas DNMT1, HDAC2, and HDAC3 expression did not change. The study also found a correlation between the expression of DNMT3B and the methylation level of the TLR4 promoter, and that patients with a positive outcome (recovery) had less methylation of the TLR3 promoter.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that epigenetic modifications play a significant role in the host's immune response to COVID-19.
  • DNMTs expression was significantly downregulated in COVID-19 cases, while DNMT1, HDAC2, and HDAC3 expression remained unchanged.
  • The study found a correlation between the expression of DNMT3B and the methylation level of the TLR4 promoter.
  • Patients with a positive outcome (recovery) had less methylation of the TLR3 promoter.
  • The study suggests the exclusion of DNMTs inhibitors previously recommended for COVID-19 treatment and the need for additional research in this area.
  • The study was funded by the Science and Technology Development Fund (STDF), Egyptian Knowledge Bank (EKB), and Science and Technology Development Fund (STDF).

Statistics:

  • The study included 120 COVID-19 patients (30 mild, 30 moderate, 30 severe, and 30 critical) and 30 healthy subjects without COVID-19.
  • DNMT3A and DNMT3B expression was found to be significantly downregulated in COVID-19 cases (p 0.05).
  • The methylation level of the TNF-alpha promoter increased as disease severity increased (p < 0.01).
  • Patients with a positive outcome (recovery) had significantly less methylation of the TLR3 promoter (p < 0.01).

Sources:

  • Altered Expression of Dna Methyltransferases and Methylation Status of the Tlr4 and Tnf-alpha Promoters In Covid-19. Archives of Virology, 2023;168(3).
  • National Research Centre. Human Genet & Genome Res Inst, Mol Genet & Enzymol Dept, El Buhouth St, Cairo 12622, Egypt.
  • Science and Technology Development Fund (STDF), Egyptian Knowledge Bank (EKB), and Science and Technology Development Fund (STDF).