DNA methylation patterns contribute to changes of cellular differentiation pathways in leukocytes with LOY from patients with Alzheimer’s disease

Abstract

ABSTRACTAlzheimer’s disease (AD) is a common and increasing societal problem due to the extending human lifespan. In males, loss of chromosome Y (LOY) in leukocytes is strongly associated with AD. We studied here DNA methylation and RNA expression in sorted monocytes and granulocytes with and without LOY from male AD patients. Through multi-omic analysis, we identified new candidate genes and confirmed the involvement of numerous genes previously associated with AD. Our findings highlight LOY-related differences in DNA methylation that occur in gene regulatory regions and are predominantly accompanied by down-regulation of affected genes. Specifically, we observed alterations in key genes involved in leukocyte differentiation:FLI1, involved in early hematopoiesis;RUNX1, essential for blood cell development;RARA, regulating gene expression in response to retinoic acid;CANX, crucial for protein folding;CEBPB, a transcription factor important for immune responses; andMYADM, implicated in cell adhesion and migration. Moreover, protein-protein interaction analysis in granulocytes identified that products of two of these genes,CANXandCEBPB, are key hub proteins. Thus, LOY appears to dysregulate genes involved in leukocyte differentiation and induce higher-level epigenetic changes. This research underscores the potential of multi-omic approaches in pure cell populations to uncover the molecular underpinnings of AD and reinforces the significance of LOY as a pathogenic factor in this disease. Overall, results support the hypothesis that age-related immune cell dysfunction contributes to AD development. Finally, our results link previous analysis showing impact of LOY on leukocyte differentiation, LOY-associated transcriptional dysregulation and GWAS studies of LOY.