Targeting DNMT1 Attenuates Radiation-Induced Heart Disease: An Integrated Multiomic and Functional Study

Gang Wang1, Yan-Ling Li2,3, Bo-Wen Wang2,3

  • 1The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.

Insights

DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) promotes radiation-induced heart disease (RIHD) by regulating the PI3K/AKT pathway. DNMT1 inhibition may offer a new therapeutic strategy for preventing RIHD.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Radiation-induced heart disease (RIHD) is a severe complication of radiotherapy with unclear mechanisms.
  • DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) is implicated in various biological processes, but its role in RIHD is unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the molecular mechanisms of RIHD using multiomic approaches.
  • To investigate the specific function and role of DNMT1 in RIHD development.

Main Methods:

  • Construction of in vivo and in vitro models of radiation-induced cardiac injury.
  • Transcriptomic and proteomic analyses to identify molecular changes.
  • DNMT1 knockdown using viral vectors to assess its functional role.
  • Co-immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry to identify DNMT1 interacting proteins.

Main Results:

  • Multiomic analysis revealed immune activation, inflammation, and metabolic disorders in RIHD.
  • X-ray irradiation induced myocardial damage and inhibited PI3K/AKT signaling.
  • Radiation upregulated DNMT1 expression; DNMT1 knockdown alleviated damage and partially restored PI3K/AKT signaling.
  • 15 proteins interacting with DNMT1 were identified, suggesting diverse molecular roles.

Conclusions:

  • DNMT1 promotes RIHD progression by regulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
  • DNMT1 is a potential therapeutic target for preventing RIHD.
  • This study provides novel insights into RIHD pathogenesis.