Tet1 and Tet2 maintain mesenchymal stem cell homeostasis via demethylation of the P2rX7 promoter

Nat Commun. 2018 Jun 1;9(1):2143. doi: 10.1038/s41467-018-04464-6.

Abstract

Ten-eleven translocation (Tet) family-mediated DNA oxidation represents an epigenetic modification capable of converting 5-methylcytosine (5-mC) to 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5-hmC), which regulates various biological processes. However, it is unknown whether Tet family affects mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) or the skeletal system. Here we show that depletion of Tet1 and Tet2 results in impaired self-renewal and differentiation of bone marrow MSCs (BMMSCs) and a significant osteopenia phenotype. Tet1 and Tet2 deficiency reduces demethylation of the P2rX7 promoter and downregulates exosome release, leading to intracellular accumulation of miR-297a-5p, miR-297b-5p, and miR-297c-5p. These miRNAs inhibit Runx2 signaling to impair BMMSC function. We show that overexpression of P2rX7 rescues the impaired BMMSCs and osteoporotic phenotype in Tet1 and Tet2 double knockout mice. These results indicate that Tet1 and Tet2 play a critical role in maintaining BMMSC and bone homeostasis through demethylation of P2rX7 to control exosome and miRNA release. This Tet/P2rX7/Runx2 cascade may serve as a target for the development of novel therapies for osteopenia disorders.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cells, Cultured
  • DNA Demethylation*
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / genetics*
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism
  • Dioxygenases
  • Exosomes / genetics
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Profiling
  • Homeostasis / genetics
  • Humans
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cells / metabolism*
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Knockout
  • MicroRNAs / genetics
  • Promoter Regions, Genetic / genetics*
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins / genetics*
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins / metabolism
  • Receptors, Purinergic P2X7 / genetics*

Substances

  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • MicroRNAs
  • P2rx7 protein, mouse
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins
  • Receptors, Purinergic P2X7
  • TET1 protein, mouse
  • Dioxygenases
  • Tet2 protein, mouse