Tissue-specific changes in H19 methylation and expression in mice with hyperhomocysteinemia

Expression of the imprinted genes H19 and insulinlike growth factor 2 ( Igf2), which lie in close proximity on mouse chromosome 7, is regulated by methylation of a differentially methylated domain ( DMD) located 5 ' to H19. Biallelic expression of H19 has been observed in renal disease patients with hyperhomocysteinemia, a cardiovascular disease risk factor. The present study determined whether hyperhomocysteinemia produces decreased tissue methylation capacity, hypomethylation of the H19 DMD, and altered expression of H19 and Igf2 in adult mice. Mice heterozygous for disruption of the gene for cystathionine-beta- synthase ( Cbs +/-) and C57BL/ 6 ( Cbs +/+) mice were fed a hyperhomocysteinemic or control diet, respectively, from weaning until 9 - 12 months of age. Higher plasma total homocysteine ( p < 0.001) was found in hyperhomocysteinemic mice than in control mice ( 95 +/- 12 versus 5.0 +/- 0.3 mu mol/ liter). Hyperhomocysteinemia was accompanied by higher levels of S- adenosylhomocysteine ( p < 0.05) and lower S- adenosylmethionine/ S- adenosylhomocysteine ratios ( p < 0.001) in liver and brain. The effect of hyperhomocysteinemia on H19 DMD methylation was tissuespecific. In liver, hyperhomocysteinemic mice had decreased H19 DMD methylation ( p < 0.001). In brain, hyperhomocysteinemia was accompanied by increased H19 DMD methylation ( p < 0.001) and a decrease in the ratio of H19/ Igf2 transcripts ( p < 0.05). In aorta, hyperhomocysteinemia produced an increase in H19 DMD methylation ( p < 0.001) and a 2.5- fold increase in expression of H19 transcripts ( p < 0.05). Levels of H19 transcripts in aorta correlated positively with plasma total homocysteine concentration ( p < 0.05, r = 0.620). We conclude that hyperhomocysteinemia produces tissuespecific changes in H19 DMD methylation and increased vascular expression of H19 in adult mice.