Aflatoxin B1 induces persistent epigenomic effects in primary human hepatocytes associated with hepatocellular carcinoma [mRNA]

Chronic exposure to aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) has, in certain regions in the world, been strongly associated with the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). AFB1 is a very potent hepatotoxic and carcinogenic mycotoxin which is frequently reported as a food contaminant. Epigenetic modifications provoked by environmental exposures, such as AFB1, may create a so called persistent "epigenetic memory" or "footprint". Deregulation of epigenetic mechanisms has actually been reported in HCC patients following AFB1 exposure; however no attempts have yet been made to investigate early effects on the epigenome level which may be persistent on longer term thereby possibly initiating carcinogenic events. In this study, we aim to identify methyl DNA-mRNA-interactions representative for a persistent epigenetic "footprint" associated with the early onset of AFB1-induced HCC. For this, primary human hepatocytes were exposed to 0.3 M of AFB1 for 5 days. Persistent epigenetic effects were m easured 3 days after terminating the carcinogenic treatment. Whole genome DNA methylation changes and whole genome transcriptomic analysis were analyzed applying microarray technologies, and cross-omics interactions were evaluated. Upon combining transcriptomics data with results on DNA methylation, a range of persistent hyper- and hypomethylated genes was identified which appeared also affected on the transcriptome level. For six of the hypomethylated and upregulated genes, namely TXNRD1, PCNA, CCNK, DIAPH3, RAB27A and HIST1H2BF, a clear role in carcinogenic events could be identified. This study is the first to report on a carcinogen-induced persistent impact on the "epigenetic footprint" in relation with the transcriptome which could be indicative for the early onset of AFB1-related development of HCC.

6

Rieswijk L, Claessen SM, Bekers O, van Herwijnen M, Theunissen DH, Jennen DG, de Kok TM, Kleinjans JC, van Breda SG