The co-activator-associated arginine methyltransferase 1 (CARM1) gene is overexpressed in type 2 diabetes.

Purpose: We examined the expression of a panel of epigenetic enzymes catalyzing histone tails post-transcriptional modifications, together with effectors of metabolic and inflammatory alterations, in type 2 diabetes.

Methods: Cross-sectional, case-control study of 21 people with type 2 diabetes and 21 matched controls. Total RNA was extracted from white cells and reverse transcribed. PCR primer assays for 84 key genes encoding enzymes known to modify genomic DNA and histones were performed. Western blot was performed on lysates using primary antibodies for abnormally expressed enzymes. Hormones and cytokines were measured by multiplex kits. A Bayesian network was built to investigate the relationships between epigenetic, cytokine, and endocrine variables.

Results: Co-activator-associated aRginine Methyltransferase 1 (CARM1) expression showed a five-fold higher median value, matched by higher protein levels, among patients who also had increased GIP, IL-4, IL-7, IL-13, IL-17, FGF basic, G-CSF, IFN-γ, and TNFα and decreased IP-10. In a Bayesian network approach, CARM1 expression showed a conditional dependence on diabetes, but was independent of all other variables nor appeared to influence any.

Conclusions: Increased CARM1 expression in type 2 diabetes suggests that epigenetic mechanisms are altered in human diabetes. The impact of lifestyle and pharmacological treatment on regulation of this enzyme should be further investigated.