The LUminometric Methylation Assay (LUMA) measures global DNA methylation. LUMA depends on digestion of DNA with methyl-sensitive and methyl-insensitive restriction enzymes, followed by pyrosequencing. Until recently, LUMA has been principally used for biomedical research. Here, we use chickens as a model to investigate sample quality issues relating to LUMA and then apply the method to ecological species. First, we assessed the effect of tissue storage conditions on DNA methylation values. This is an important consideration for ecological species because samples are not always ideally preserved and LUMA is sensitive to poor DNA quality. We found that good quality LUMA data could be obtained from chicken liver and brain tissues stored at 21 °C for at least 2 and 12 h, respectively. Longer storage times introduced nonspecific peaks to pyrograms which were associated with reduced DNA methylation. Repeatedly, freezing and thawing the tissues did not affect LUMA data. Second, we measured DNA methylation in 12 species representing five animal classes: amphibians (African and Western clawed frog), reptiles (green anole lizard), fish (yellow perch, goldfish, lake trout), mammals (American mink, polar bear, short-beaked common dolphin, Atlantic white-sided dolphin) and birds (chicken, Japanese quail). We saw a pattern of high DNA methylation in fish (84-87%), and intermediate levels in mammals (68-72%) and birds (52-71%). This pattern corresponds well with previous measures of DNA methylation generated by HPLC. Our data represent the first CpG methylation values to be reported in several species and provide a basis for studying patterns of epigenetic inheritance in an ecological context.
Purpose-Our laboratory has developed and implanted a novel bioengineered internal anal sphincter (IAS) to treat anal incontinence. Fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) has been used in mice; however, the optimal growth factor for successful IAS implantation is unclear. This study compares several growth factors in order to optimize IAS viability and functionality.Methods-Bioengineered IAS rings were implanted subcutaneously into the dorsum of wildtype C57Bl/6 mice, with an osmotic pump dispensing FGF-2, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), or platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) (n = 4 per group). Control mice received IAS implants but no growth factor. The IAS was harvested approximately 25 days post-implantation. Tissue was subjected to physiologic testing, then histologically analyzed. Muscle phenotype was confirmed by immunofluorescence.Results-All implants supplemented with growth factors maintained smooth muscle phenotype. Histological scores, blood vessel density and muscle fiber thickness were all markedly better with growth factors. Neovascularization was comparable between the three growth factors. Basal tonic force of the constructs was highest with VEGF or PDGF.Conclusion-All growth factors demonstrated excellent performance. As our ultimate goal is clinical implantation, our strong results with PDGF, a drug approved for use in the United States and the European Union, pave the way for translating bioengineered IAS implantation to the clinical realm.
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