The promoter region of interferon-gamma is hypermethylated in neonatal foals and its demethylation is associated with increased gene expression.
While born with a limited production, foals' interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) expression increases after birth. The underlying mechanisms remain unknown. DNA methylation is considered to be involved. Therefore, the DNA methylation status of the Ifng promoter in CD4(+) cells from neonatal foal was determined using a methylation-specific PCR (MSP), and its relevance to IFN-γ mRNA expression was estimated. The effect of environment on the DNA methylation was also evaluated by comparing ponies that were kept in a barn versus those on pasture. The DNA in the Ifng promoter was hypermethylated and its demethylation was correlated with an increase in IFN-γ mRNA expression and age. This age-associated demethylation was accelerated by barn-air exposure. In conclusion, IFN-γ expression in foals appears to be controlled by DNA methylation in the promoter region of Ifng. The age-associated demethylation of the DNA in foals may be induced by exposure to environmental antigens and their effect on lymphoproliferation.
Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546-0099, USA.
Lingshuang
L
Sun
Zhangbin
Z
Gong
Eric J
EJ
Oberst
Alejandra
A
Betancourt
Amanda A
AA
Adams
David W
DW
Horohov
D000367:Age Factors; D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D002469:Cell Separation; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D019175:DNA Methylation; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D006736:Horses / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000235:genetics*; D011401:Promoter Regions, Genetic / Q000235:genetics
D007371:Interferon-gamma