Work

The Histone Methyltransferase Smyd2 Is a Negative Regulator of Macrophage Activation by Suppressing Interleukin 6 (IL-6) and Tumor Necrosis Factor α (TNF-α) Production

Year: 2015

Type: article

Abstract: SET and MYND domain-containing 2 (Smyd2), a histone 3 lysine 4- and histone 3 lysine 36 (H3K36)-specific methyltransferase, plays critical roles in cardiac development and tumorigenesis. However, the role of Smyd2 in immunity and inflammation remains poorly understood. In this study, we report that Smyd2 is a novel negative regulator for macrophage activation and M1 polarization. Elevated Smyd2 expression suppresses the production of proinflammatory cytokines, including IL-6 and TNF, and inhibits the expression of important cell surface molecules, including major MHC-II and costimulatory molecules. Furthermore, macrophages with high Smyd2 expression inhibit Th-17 cell differentiation but promote regulatory T cell differentiation as a result of increased TGF-β production and decreased IL-6 secretion. In macrophages, Smyd2 specifically facilitates H3K36 dimethylation at Tnf and Il6 promoters to suppress their transcription and inhibits NF-κB and ERK signaling. Therefore, our data demonstrate that epigenetic modification by Smyd2-mediated H3K36 dimethylation at Tnf and Il6 promoters plays an important role in the regulation of macrophage activation during inflammation. Background Macrophages express Smyd2 during development and differentiation. Results Smyd2 inhibits macrophage IL-6 and TNF-α production. Conclusion Smyd2 negatively regulates M1 macrophage polarization. Significance These findings are important for understanding the regulation of macrophage polarization and provide new insights for autoimmune disease therapy.

Source: Journal of Biological Chemistry

DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m114.610345

Authors: Guiliang Xu, Guilin Liu, Sidong Xiong, Haiyan Liu, Xi Chen, Biao Zheng

Institutions: Soochow University, Baylor College of Medicine, East China Normal University

Language: English

Topic: Immune cells in cancer

Subfield: Immunology

Field: Immunology and Microbiology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,430