Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 9, 2025
Author Spotlight: Novel Assay for Studying B-Cell Responses in Multiple Sclerosis Research
Published on: December 1, 2023
INFβ treatment affects global DNA methylation in monocytes of patients with multiple sclerosis
Susana Nogueira Diniz1, Claudia Forlin da Silva2, Inara Tais de Almeida3
1Universidade Anhanguera de São Paulo, UNIAN, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmácia e Biotecnologia e Inovação em Saúde, Rua Raimundo Pereira de Magalhães, 3305, Pirituba, Zip Code: 05145-200 São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
Abstract:
The combination of genetic and epigenetic influences alters the development of complex diseases. Aberrant patterns of DNA methylation are associated with inflammation and clinical activity in MS. We evaluated the differences between global DNA methylation in lymphocytes and monocytes of patients with MS compared to healthy controls. Thirty-three patients with RRMS (PwRMS) and five healthy individuals were included. DNA was isolated from PBMCs by a phenol-chloroform method, and global methylation was analyzed by Imprint® Methylated DNA Quantification Kit. We observed a cell-type-specific DNA methylation pattern and showed that monocyte global DNA methylation was significantly affected by IFNβ treatment.
Insights
Global DNA methylation patterns differ between immune cells in multiple sclerosis (MS). Monocyte DNA methylation was notably impacted by interferon-beta (IFNβ) treatment in patients with MS.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Epigenetics
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Complex diseases arise from interactions between genetic and epigenetic factors.
- Altered DNA methylation patterns are linked to inflammation and disease activity in multiple sclerosis (MS).
- Understanding cell-type-specific epigenetic modifications is crucial for disease insights.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate differences in global DNA methylation between lymphocytes and monocytes in MS patients versus healthy controls.
- To explore the impact of interferon-beta (IFNβ) treatment on DNA methylation in MS patients.
Main Methods:
- Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from 33 patients with relapsing-remitting MS (PwRMS) and 5 healthy controls.
- DNA was extracted using the phenol-chloroform method.
- Global DNA methylation levels were quantified using the Imprint® Methylated DNA Quantification Kit.
Main Results:
- A cell-type-specific pattern of global DNA methylation was observed.
- Monocyte global DNA methylation levels were significantly altered in patients with MS.
- IFNβ treatment demonstrated a significant effect on monocyte global DNA methylation.
Conclusions:
- Global DNA methylation exhibits cell-type specificity in the context of MS.
- Monocytes represent a key cell type where epigenetic alterations, particularly global DNA methylation, are influenced by MS and its treatment.
- These findings highlight the role of epigenetics in MS pathogenesis and therapeutic response.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Immunomodulatory Agents
01:24Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Biologic Agents: Anti-TNF