Conserved telomere maintenance component 1 interacts with STN1 and maintains chromosome ends in higher eukaryotes

Telomeres: an organized string linking plants and mammals

Telomeres are pivotal determinants of cell stemness, organismal aging, and lifespan. Herein, we examined similarities in telomeres of Arabidopsis thaliana, mice, and humans. We report the common traits, which include their composition in multimers of TTAGGG sequences and their protection by specialized proteins. Moreover, given the link between telomeres, on the one hand, and cell proliferation and stemness on the other, we discuss the counterintuitive convergence between plants and mammals in this regard, focusing on the impact of niches on cell stemness. Finally, we suggest that tackling the study of telomere function and cell stemness by taking into consideration both plants and mammals can aid in the understanding of interconnections and contribute to research focusing on aging and organismal lifespan determinants.

Dysfunction of Telomeric Cdc13-Stn1-Ten1 Simultaneously Activates DNA Damage and Spindle Checkpoints

Telomeres, the ends of eukaryotic linear chromosomes, are composed of repeated DNA sequences and specialized proteins, with the conserved telomeric Cdc13/CTC1-Stn1-Ten1 (CST) complex providing chromosome stability via telomere end protection and the regulation of telomerase accessibility. In this study, SIZ1, coding for a SUMO E3 ligase, and TOP2 (a SUMO target for Siz1 and Siz2) were isolated as extragenic suppressors of Saccharomyces cerevisiae CST temperature-sensitive mutants. ten1-sz, stn1-sz and cdc13-sz mutants were isolated next due to being sensitive to intracellular Siz1 dosage. In parallel, strong negative genetic interactions between mutants of CST and septins were identified, with septins being noticeably sumoylated through the action of Siz1. The temperature-sensitive arrest in these new mutants of CST was dependent on the G2/M Mad2-mediated and Bub2-mediated spindle checkpoints as well as on the G2/M Mec1-mediated DNA damage checkpoint. Our data suggest the existence of yet unknown functions of the telomeric Cdc13-Stn1-Ten1 complex associated with mitotic spindle positioning and/or assembly that could be further elucidated by studying these new ten1-sz, stn1-sz and cdc13-sz mutants.

Suppression of CTC1 inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma cell growth and enhances RHPS4 cytotoxicity

BACKGROUND

Although DNA repair mechanisms function to maintain genomic integrity, in cancer cells these mechanisms may negatively affect treatment efficiency. The strategy of targeting cancer cells via inhibiting DNA damage repair has been successfully used in breast and ovarian cancer using PARP inhibitors. Unfortunately, such strategies have not yet yielded results in liver cancer. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common type of liver cancer, is a treatment-resistant malignancy. Despite the development of guided therapies, treatment regimens for advanced HCC patients still fall short of the current need and significant problems such as cancer relapse with resistance still exist. In this paper, we targeted telomeric replication protein CTC1, which is responsible for telomere maintenance.

METHODS

CTC expression was analyzed using tumor and matched-tissue RNA-sequencing data from TCGA and GTEx. In HCC cell lines, q-RT-PCR and Western blotting were used to detect CTC1 expression. The knock-down of CTC1 was achieved using lentiviral plasmids. The effects of CTC1 silencing on HCC cells were analyzed by flow cytometry, MTT, spheroid and colony formation assays.

RESULTS

CTC1 is significantly downregulated in HCC tumor samples. However, CTC1 protein levels were higher in sorafenib-resistant cell lines compared to the parental groups. CTC1 inhibition reduced cell proliferation in sorafenib-resistant HCC cell lines and diminished their spheroid and colony forming capacities. Moreover, these cells were more sensitive to single and combined drug treatment with G4 stabilizer RHPS4 and sorafenib.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that targeting CTC1 might be a viable option for combinational therapies designed for sorafenib resistant HCC patients.

Arabidopsis AN3 and OLIGOCELLULA genes link telomere maintenance mechanisms with cell division and expansion control

Telomeres are conserved chromosomal structures necessary for continued cell division and proliferation. In addition to the classical telomerase pathway, multiple other genes including those involved in ribosome metabolism and chromatin modification contribute to telomere length maintenance. We previously reported that Arabidopsis thaliana ribosome biogenesis genes OLI2/NOP2A, OLI5/RPL5A and OLI7/RPL5B have critical roles in telomere length regulation. These three OLIGOCELLULA genes were also shown to function in cell proliferation and expansion control and to genetically interact with the transcriptional co-activator ANGUSTIFOLIA3 (AN3). Here we show that AN3-deficient plants progressively lose telomeric DNA in early homozygous mutant generations, but ultimately establish a new shorter telomere length setpoint by the fifth mutant generation with a telomere length similar to oli2/nop2a -deficient plants. Analysis of double an3 oli2 mutants indicates that the two genes are epistatic for telomere length control. Telomere shortening in an3 and oli mutants is not caused by telomerase inhibition; wild type levels of telomerase activity are detected in all analyzed mutants in vitro. Late generations of an3 and oli mutants are prone to stem cell damage in the root apical meristem, implying that genes regulating telomere length may have conserved functional roles in stem cell maintenance mechanisms. Multiple instances of anaphase fusions in late generations of oli5 and oli7 mutants were observed, highlighting an unexpected effect of ribosome biogenesis factors on chromosome integrity. Overall, our data implicate AN3 transcription coactivator and OLIGOCELLULA proteins in the establishment of telomere length set point in plants and further suggest that multiple regulators with pleiotropic functions can connect telomere biology with cell proliferation and cell expansion pathways.

Conditional Depletion of STN1 in Mouse Embryonic Fibroblasts

The CTC1-STN1-TEN1 (CST) complex is a single-strand DNA-binding protein complex that plays an important role in genome maintenance in various model eukaryotes. Dysfunction of CST is the underlying cause of the rare genetic disorder known as Coats plus disease. In addition, down regulation of STN1 promotes colorectal cancer development in mice. While prior studies have utilized RNAi to knock down CST components in mammalian cells, this approach is associated with off-target effects. Attempts to employ CRISPR/Cas9-based knockout of CST components in somatic cell lines have been unsuccessful due to CST's indispensable role in DNA replication and cell proliferation. To address these challenges, we outline a novel approach utilizing a Cre-loxP-based conditional knockout in mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs). This method offers an alternative means to investigate the function and characteristics of the CST complex in mammalian systems, potentially shedding new light on its roles in genome maintenance. Key features • Conditional depletion of mammalian STN1 using mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEFs). • Analysis of oxidative damage sensitivity using STN1-depleted MEFs. • This protocol requires Stn1flox/flox mice.

CST-polymerase α-primase solves a second telomere end-replication problem

Telomerase adds G-rich telomeric repeats to the 3' ends of telomeres1, counteracting telomere shortening caused by loss of telomeric 3' overhangs during leading-strand DNA synthesis ('the end-replication problem'2). Here we report a second end-replication problem that originates from the incomplete duplication of the C-rich telomeric repeat strand (C-strand) by lagging-strand DNA synthesis. This problem is resolved by fill-in synthesis mediated by polymerase α-primase bound to Ctc1-Stn1-Ten1 (CST-Polα-primase). In vitro, priming for lagging-strand DNA replication does not occur on the 3' overhang and lagging-strand synthesis stops in a zone of approximately 150 nucleotides (nt) more than 26 nt from the end of the template. Consistent with the in vitro data, lagging-end telomeres of cells lacking CST-Polα-primase lost 50-60 nt of telomeric CCCTAA repeats per population doubling. The C-strands of leading-end telomeres shortened by around 100 nt per population doubling, reflecting the generation of 3' overhangs through resection. The measured overall C-strand shortening in the absence of CST-Polα-primase fill-in is consistent with the combined effects of incomplete lagging-strand synthesis and 5' resection at the leading ends. We conclude that canonical DNA replication creates two telomere end-replication problems that require telomerase to maintain the G-rich strand and CST-Polα-primase to maintain the C-strand.

Telomere dynamics and oxidative stress in Arabidopsis grown in lunar regolith simulant

NASA envisions a future where humans establish a thriving colony on the Moon by 2050. Plants will be essential for this endeavor, but little is known about their adaptation to extraterrestrial bodies. The capacity to grow plants in lunar regolith would represent a major step towards this goal by minimizing the reliance on resources transported from Earth. Recent studies reveal that Arabidopsis thaliana can germinate and grow on genuine lunar regolith as well as on lunar regolith simulant. However, plants arrest in vegetative development and activate a variety of stress response pathways, most notably the oxidative stress response. Telomeres are hotspots for oxidative damage in the genome and a marker of fitness in many organisms. Here we examine A. thaliana growth on a lunar regolith simulant and the impact of this resource on plant physiology and on telomere dynamics, telomerase enzyme activity and genome oxidation. We report that plants successfully set seed and generate a viable second plant generation if the lunar regolith simulant is pre-washed with an antioxidant cocktail. However, plants sustain a higher degree of genome oxidation and decreased biomass relative to conventional Earth soil cultivation. Moreover, telomerase activity substantially declines and telomeres shorten in plants grown in lunar regolith simulant, implying that genome integrity may not be sustainable over the long-term. Overcoming these challenges will be an important goal in ensuring success on the lunar frontier.

Genome stability from the perspective of telomere length

Telomeres and their associated proteins protect the ends of chromosomes to maintain genome stability. Telomeres undergo progressive shortening with each cell division in mammalian somatic cells without telomerase, resulting in genome instability. When telomeres reach a critically short length or are recognized as a damage signal, cells enter a state of senescence, followed by cell cycle arrest, programmed cell death, or immortalization. This review provides an overview of recent advances in the intricate relationship between telomeres and genome instability. Alongside well-established mechanisms such as chromosomal fusion and telomere fusion, we will delve into the perspective on genome stability by examining the role of retrotransposons. Retrotransposons represent an emerging pathway to regulate genome stability through their interactions with telomeres.

CST-Polymeraseα-primase solves a second telomere end-replication problem

Telomerase adds G-rich telomeric repeats to the 3' ends of telomeres1, counteracting telomere shortening caused by loss of telomeric 3' overhangs during leading-strand DNA synthesis ("the end-replication problem"2). We report a second end-replication problem that originates from the incomplete duplication of the C-rich telomeric repeat strand by lagging-strand synthesis. This problem is solved by CST-Polymeraseα(Polα)-primase fill-in synthesis. In vitro, priming for lagging-strand DNA replication does not occur on the 3' overhang and lagging-strand synthesis stops in an ~150-nt zone more than 26 nt from the end of the template. Consistent with the in vitro data, lagging-end telomeres of cells lacking CST-Polα-primase lost ~50-60 nt of CCCTAA repeats per population doubling (PD). The C-strands of leading-end telomeres shortened by ~100 nt/PD, reflecting the generation of 3' overhangs through resection. The measured overall C-strand shortening in absence of CST-Polα-primase fill-in is consistent with the combined effects of incomplete lagging-strand synthesis and 5' resection at the leading-ends. We conclude that canonical DNA replication creates two telomere end-replication problems that require telomerase to maintain the G-strand and CST-Polα-primase to maintain the C-strand.

A Nested PCR Telomere Fusion Assay Highlights the Widespread End-Capping Protection of Arabidopsis CTC1

Telomeres protect the ends of linear eukaryotic chromosomes from being recognized as DNA double-strand breaks. Two major protein complexes are involved in the protection of telomeres: shelterin and CST. The dysfunction of these complexes can challenge the function of telomeres and lead to telomere fusions, breakage-fusion-bridge cycles, and cell death. Therefore, monitoring telomere fusions helps to understand telomeres biology. Telomere fusions are often analyzed by Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization (FISH) or PCR. Usually, both methods involve hybridization with a telomeric probe, which allows the detection of fusions containing telomeric sequences, but not of those lacking them. With the aim of detecting both types of fusion events, we have developed a nested PCR method to analyze telomere fusions in Arabidopsis thaliana. This method is simple, accurate, and does not require hybridization. We have used it to analyze telomere fusions in wild-type and mutant plants altered in CTC1, one of the three components of the Arabidopsis CST telomere capping complex. Our results show that null ctc1-2 mutant plants display fusions between all telomeric regions present in Arabidopsis chromosomes 1, 3 and 5, thus highlighting the widespread end-capping protection achieved by CTC1.

Telomere C-Strand Fill-In Machinery: New Insights into the Human CST-DNA Polymerase Alpha-Primase Structures and Functions

Telomeres at the end of eukaryotic chromosomes are extended by a specialized set of enzymes and telomere-associated proteins, collectively termed here the telomere "replisome." The telomere replisome acts on a unique replicon at each chromosomal end of the telomeres, the 3' DNA overhang. This telomere replication process is distinct from the replisome mechanism deployed to duplicate the human genome. The G-rich overhang is first extended before the complementary C-strand is filled in. This overhang is extended by telomerase, a specialized ribonucleoprotein and reverse transcriptase. The overhang extension process is terminated when telomerase is displaced by CTC1-STN1-TEN1 (CST), a single-stranded DNA-binding protein complex. CST then recruits DNA polymerase α-primase to complete the telomere replication process by filling in the complementary C-strand. In this chapter, the recent structure-function insights into the human telomere C-strand fill-in machinery (DNA polymerase α-primase and CST) will be discussed.

Arabidopsis AN3 and OLIGOCELLULA genes link telomere maintenance mechanisms with cell division and expansion control

Telomeres are conserved chromosomal structures necessary for continued cell division and proliferation. In addition to the classical telomerase pathway, multiple other genes including those involved in ribosome metabolism and chromatin modification contribute to telomere length maintenance. We previously reported that Arabidopsis thaliana ribosome biogenesis genes OLI2/NOP2A, OLI5/RPL5A and OLI7/RPL5B have critical roles in telomere length regulation. These three OLIGOCELLULA genes were also shown to function in cell proliferation and expansion control and to genetically interact with the transcriptional co-activator ANGUSTIFOLIA3 (AN3). Here we show that AN3-deficient plants progressively lose telomeric DNA in early homozygous mutant generations, but ultimately establish a new shorter telomere length setpoint by the fifth mutant generation with a telomere length similar to oli2/nop2a - deficient plants. Analysis of double an3 oli2 mutants indicates that the two genes are epistatic for telomere length control. Telomere shortening in an3 and oli mutants is not caused by telomerase inhibition; wild type levels of telomerase activity are detected in all analyzed mutants in vitro. Late generations of an3 and oli mutants are prone to stem cell damage in the root apical meristem, implying that genes regulating telomere length may have conserved functional roles in stem cell maintenance mechanisms. Multiple instances of anaphase fusions in late generations of oli5 and oli7 mutants were observed, highlighting an unexpected effect of ribosome biogenesis factors on chromosome integrity. Overall, our data implicate AN3 transcription coactivator and OLIGOCELLULA proteins in the establishment of telomere length set point in plants and further suggest that multiple regulators with pleiotropic functions can connect telomere biology with cell proliferation and cell expansion pathways.

Models for human telomere C-strand fill-in by CST-Polα-primase

Telomere maintenance is essential for the genome integrity of eukaryotes, and this function is underpinned by the two-step telomeric DNA synthesis process: telomere G-overhang extension by telomerase and complementary strand fill-in by DNA polymerase alpha-primase (polα-primase). Compared to the telomerase step, the telomere C-strand fill-in mechanism is less understood. Recent studies have provided new insights into how telomeric single-stranded DNA-binding protein CTC1-STN1-TEN1 (CST) and polα-primase coordinate to synthesize the telomeric C-strand for telomere overhang fill-in. Cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of CST-polα-primase complexes have provided additional insights into how they assemble at telomeric templates and de novo synthesize the telomere C-strand. In this review, we discuss how these latest findings coalesce with existing understanding to develop a human telomere C-strand fill-in mechanism model.

CST-Polα/Primase: the second telomere maintenance machine

It has been known for decades that telomerase extends the 3' end of linear eukaryotic chromosomes and dictates the telomeric repeat sequence based on the template in its RNA. However, telomerase does not mitigate sequence loss at the 5' ends of chromosomes, which results from lagging strand DNA synthesis and nucleolytic processing. Therefore, a second enzyme is needed to keep telomeres intact: DNA polymerase α/Primase bound to Ctc1-Stn1-Ten1 (CST). CST-Polα/Primase maintains telomeres through a fill-in reaction that replenishes the lost sequences at the 5' ends. CST not only serves to maintain telomeres but also determines their length by keeping telomerase from overelongating telomeres. Here we discuss recent data on the evolution, structure, function, and recruitment of mammalian CST-Polα/Primase, highlighting the role of this complex and telomere length control in human disease.

CTC1 OB-B interaction with TPP1 terminates telomerase and prevents telomere overextension

CST (CTC1-STN1-TEN1) is a telomere associated complex that binds ssDNA and is required for multiple steps in telomere replication, including termination of G-strand extension by telomerase and synthesis of the complementary C-strand. CST contains seven OB-folds which appear to mediate CST function by modulating CST binding to ssDNA and the ability of CST to recruit or engage partner proteins. However, the mechanism whereby CST achieves its various functions remains unclear. To address the mechanism, we generated a series of CTC1 mutants and studied their effect on CST binding to ssDNA and their ability to rescue CST function in CTC1-/- cells. We identified the OB-B domain as a key determinant of telomerase termination but not C-strand synthesis. CTC1-ΔB expression rescued C-strand fill-in, prevented telomeric DNA damage signaling and growth arrest. However, it caused progressive telomere elongation and the accumulation of telomerase at telomeres, indicating an inability to limit telomerase action. The CTC1-ΔB mutation greatly reduced CST-TPP1 interaction but only modestly affected ssDNA binding. OB-B point mutations also weakened TPP1 association, with the deficiency in TPP1 interaction tracking with an inability to limit telomerase action. Overall, our results indicate that CTC1-TPP1 interaction plays a key role in telomerase termination.

G-quadruplexes and associated proteins in aging and Alzheimer's disease

Aging is a prominent risk factor for many neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Alzheimer's disease is characterized by progressive cognitive decline, memory loss, and neuropsychiatric and behavioral symptoms, accounting for most of the reported dementia cases. This disease is now becoming a major challenge and burden on modern society, especially with the aging population. Over the last few decades, a significant understanding of the pathophysiology of AD has been gained by studying amyloid deposition, hyperphosphorylated tau, synaptic dysfunction, oxidative stress, calcium dysregulation, and neuroinflammation. This review focuses on the role of non-canonical secondary structures of DNA/RNA G-quadruplexes (G4s, G4-DNA, and G4-RNA), G4-binding proteins (G4BPs), and helicases, and their roles in aging and AD. Being critically important for cellular function, G4s are involved in the regulation of DNA and RNA processes, such as replication, transcription, translation, RNA localization, and degradation. Recent studies have also highlighted G4-DNA's roles in inducing DNA double-strand breaks that cause genomic instability and G4-RNA's participation in regulating stress granule formation. This review emphasizes the significance of G4s in aging processes and how their homeostatic imbalance may contribute to the pathophysiology of AD.

SCARECROW maintains the stem cell niche in Arabidopsis roots by ensuring telomere integrity

Stem cells are the ultimate source of cells for various tissues and organs and thus are essential for postembryonic plant growth and development. SCARECROW (SCR) is a plant-specific transcription regulator well known for its role in stem cell renewal in plant roots, but the mechanism by which SCR exerts this function remains unclear. To address this question, we carried out a genetic screen for mutants that no longer express SCR in the stem cell niche of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) roots and characterized 1 of these mutants. Molecular genetics methods allowed us to pinpoint the causal mutation in this mutant in TELOMERIC PATHWAYS IN ASSOCIATION WITH STN 1 (TEN1), encoding a factor that protects telomere ends. Interestingly, TEN1 expression was dramatically reduced in the scr mutant. Telomerase and STN1 and CONSERVED TELOMERE MAINTENANCE COMPONENT 1 (CTC1), components of the same protein complex as TEN1, were also dramatically downregulated in scr. Loss of STN1, CTC1, and telomerase caused defects in root stem cells. These results together suggest that SCR maintains root stem cells by promoting expression of genes that ensure genome integrity. Supporting this conclusion, we demonstrated that the scr mutant accumulates more DNA damage than wild-type Arabidopsis and that this problem is aggravated after exposure to zeocin, a DNA damage reagent. Finally, we identified 2 previously uncharacterized motifs in TEN1 and provide evidence that a conserved amino acid residue in 1 of the motifs is indispensable for TEN1 function. SCR thus provides a connection between genome integrity and stem cell maintenance in Arabidopsis roots.

Deficiency in mammalian STN1 promotes colon cancer development via inhibiting DNA repair

Despite the high lethality of colorectal cancers (CRCs), only a limited number of genetic risk factors are identified. The mammalian ssDNA-binding protein complex CTC1-STN1-TEN1 protects genome stability, yet its role in tumorigenesis is unknown. Here, we show that attenuated CTC1/STN1 expression is common in CRCs. We generated an inducible STN1 knockout mouse model and found that STN1 deficiency in young adult mice increased CRC incidence, tumor size, and tumor load. CRC tumors exhibited enhanced proliferation, reduced apoptosis, and elevated DNA damage and replication stress. We found that STN1 deficiency down-regulated multiple DNA glycosylases, resulting in defective base excision repair (BER) and accumulation of oxidative damage. Collectively, this study identifies STN1 deficiency as a risk factor for CRC and implicates the previously unknown STN1-BER axis in protecting colon tissues from oxidative damage, therefore providing insights into the CRC tumor-suppressing mechanism.

Widely spaced and divergent inverted repeats become a potent source of chromosomal rearrangements in long single-stranded DNA regions

DNA inverted repeats (IRs) are widespread across many eukaryotic genomes. Their ability to form stable hairpin/cruciform secondary structures is causative in triggering chromosome instability leading to several human diseases. Distance and sequence divergence between IRs are inversely correlated with their ability to induce gross chromosomal rearrangements (GCRs) because of a lesser probability of secondary structure formation and chromosomal breakage. In this study, we demonstrate that structural parameters that normally constrain the instability of IRs are overcome when the repeats interact in single-stranded DNA (ssDNA). We established a system in budding yeast whereby >73 kb of ssDNA can be formed in cdc13-707fs mutants. We found that in ssDNA, 12 bp or 30 kb spaced Alu-IRs show similarly high levels of GCRs, while heterology only beyond 25% suppresses IR-induced instability. Mechanistically, rearrangements arise after cis-interaction of IRs leading to a DNA fold-back and the formation of a dicentric chromosome, which requires Rad52/Rad59 for IR annealing as well as Rad1-Rad10, Slx4, Msh2/Msh3 and Saw1 proteins for nonhomologous tail removal. Importantly, using structural characteristics rendering IRs permissive to DNA fold-back in yeast, we found that ssDNA regions mapped in cancer genomes contain a substantial number of potentially interacting and unstable IRs.

Lagging Strand Initiation Processes in DNA Replication of Eukaryotes-Strings of Highly Coordinated Reactions Governed by Multiprotein Complexes

In their influential reviews, Hanahan and Weinberg coined the term 'Hallmarks of Cancer' and described genome instability as a property of cells enabling cancer development. Accurate DNA replication of genomes is central to diminishing genome instability. Here, the understanding of the initiation of DNA synthesis in origins of DNA replication to start leading strand synthesis and the initiation of Okazaki fragment on the lagging strand are crucial to control genome instability. Recent findings have provided new insights into the mechanism of the remodelling of the prime initiation enzyme, DNA polymerase α-primase (Pol-prim), during primer synthesis, how the enzyme complex achieves lagging strand synthesis, and how it is linked to replication forks to achieve optimal initiation of Okazaki fragments. Moreover, the central roles of RNA primer synthesis by Pol-prim in multiple genome stability pathways such as replication fork restart and protection of DNA against degradation by exonucleases during double-strand break repair are discussed.

DNA-binding mechanism and evolution of replication protein A

Replication Protein A (RPA) is a heterotrimeric single stranded DNA-binding protein with essential roles in DNA replication, recombination and repair. Little is known about the structure of RPA in Archaea, the third domain of life. By using an integrative structural, biochemical and biophysical approach, we extensively characterize RPA from Pyrococcus abyssi in the presence and absence of DNA. The obtained X-ray and cryo-EM structures reveal that the trimerization core and interactions promoting RPA clustering on ssDNA are shared between archaea and eukaryotes. However, we also identified a helical domain named AROD (Acidic Rpa1 OB-binding Domain), and showed that, in Archaea, RPA forms an unanticipated tetrameric supercomplex in the absence of DNA. The four RPA molecules clustered within the tetramer could efficiently coat and protect stretches of ssDNA created by the advancing replisome. Finally, our results provide insights into the evolution of this primordial replication factor in eukaryotes.

Genetics of human telomere biology disorders

Telomeres are specialized nucleoprotein structures at the ends of linear chromosomes that prevent the activation of DNA damage response and repair pathways. Numerous factors localize at telomeres to regulate their length, structure and function, to avert replicative senescence or genome instability and cell death. In humans, Mendelian defects in several of these factors can result in abnormally short or dysfunctional telomeres, causing a group of rare heterogeneous premature-ageing diseases, termed telomeropathies, short-telomere syndromes or telomere biology disorders (TBDs). Here, we review the TBD-causing genes identified so far and describe their main functions associated with telomere biology. We present molecular aspects of TBDs, including genetic anticipation, phenocopy, incomplete penetrance and somatic genetic rescue, which underlie the complexity of these diseases. We also discuss the implications of phenotypic and genetic features of TBDs on fundamental aspects related to human telomere biology, ageing and cancer, as well as on diagnostic, therapeutic and clinical approaches.

Genetic architecture of fresh-market tomato yield

BACKGROUND

The fresh-market tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is bred for direct consumption and is selected for a high yield of large fruits. To understand the genetic variations (distinct types of DNA sequence polymorphism) that influence the yield, we collected the phenotypic variations in the yields of total fruit, extra-large-sized fruit, small-sized fruit, or red-colored fruit from 68 core inbred contemporary U.S. fresh-market tomatoes for three consecutive years and the genomic information in 8,289,741 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) positions from the whole-genome resequencing of these tomatoes.

RESULTS

Genome-wide association (GWA) mapping using the SNP data with or without SNP filtering steps using the regularization methods, validated with quantitative trait loci (QTL) linkage mapping, identified 18 significant association signals for traits evaluated. Among them, 10 of which were not located within genomic regions previously identified as being associated with fruit size/shape. When mapping-driven association signals [558 SNPs associated with 28 yield (component) traits] were used to calculate genomic estimated breeding values (GEBVs) of evaluated traits, the prediction accuracies of the extra-large-sized fruit and small-sized fruit yields were higher than those of the total and red-colored fruit yields, as we tested the generated breeding values in inbred tomatoes and F2 populations. Improved accuracy in GEBV calculation of evaluated traits was achieved by using 364 SNPs identified using the regularization methods.

CONCLUSIONS

Together, these results provide an understanding of the genetic variations underlying the heritable phenotypic variability in yield in contemporary tomato breeding and the information necessary for improving such economically important and complex quantitative trait through breeding.

Tieing together loose ends: telomere instability in cancer and aging

Telomere maintenance is essential for maintaining genome integrity in both normal and cancer cells. Without functional telomeres, chromosomes lose their protective structure and undergo fusion and breakage events that drive further genome instability, including cell arrest or death. One means by which this loss can be overcome in stem cells and cancer cells is via re-addition of G-rich telomeric repeats by the telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT). During aging of somatic tissues, however, insufficient telomerase expression leads to a proliferative arrest called replicative senescence, which is triggered when telomeres reach a critically short threshold that induces a DNA damage response. Cancer cells express telomerase but do not entirely escape telomere instability as they often possess short telomeres; hence there is often selection for genetic alterations in the TERT promoter that result in increased telomerase expression. In this review, we discuss our current understanding of the consequences of telomere instability in cancer and aging, and outline the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead in exploiting the reliance of cells on telomere maintenance for preserving genome stability.

Structures of the human CST-Polα-primase complex bound to telomere templates

The mammalian DNA polymerase-α-primase (Polα-primase) complex is essential for DNA metabolism, providing the de novo RNA-DNA primer for several DNA replication pathways^1-4 such as lagging-strand synthesis and telomere C-strand fill-in. The physical mechanism underlying how Polα-primase, alone or in partnership with accessory proteins, performs its complicated multistep primer synthesis function is unknown. Here we show that CST, a single-stranded DNA-binding accessory protein complex for Polα-primase, physically organizes the enzyme for efficient primer synthesis. Cryogenic electron microscopy structures of the CST-Polα-primase preinitiation complex (PIC) bound to various types of telomere overhang reveal that template-bound CST partitions the DNA and RNA catalytic centres of Polα-primase into two separate domains and effectively arranges them in RNA-DNA synthesis order. The architecture of the PIC provides a single solution for the multiple structural requirements for the synthesis of RNA-DNA primers by Polα-primase. Several insights into the template-binding specificity of CST, template requirement for assembly of the CST-Polα-primase PIC and activation are also revealed in this study.

Two-step regulation of centromere distribution by condensin II and the nuclear envelope proteins

The arrangement of centromeres within the nucleus differs among species and cell types. However, neither the mechanisms determining centromere distribution nor its biological significance are currently well understood. In this study, we demonstrate the importance of centromere distribution for the maintenance of genome integrity through the cytogenic and molecular analysis of mutants defective in centromere distribution. We propose a two-step regulatory mechanism that shapes the non-Rabl-like centromere distribution in Arabidopsis thaliana through condensin II and the linker of the nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton (LINC) complex. Condensin II is enriched at centromeres and, in cooperation with the LINC complex, induces the scattering of centromeres around the nuclear periphery during late anaphase/telophase. After entering interphase, the positions of the scattered centromeres are then stabilized by nuclear lamina proteins of the CROWDED NUCLEI (CRWN) family. We also found that, despite their strong impact on centromere distribution, condensin II and CRWN proteins have little effect on chromatin organization involved in the control of gene expression, indicating a robustness of chromatin organization regardless of the type of centromere distribution.

Structure of Tetrahymena telomerase-bound CST with polymerase α-primase

Telomeres are the physical ends of linear chromosomes. They are composed of short repeating sequences (such as TTGGGG in the G-strand for Tetrahymena thermophila) of double-stranded DNA with a single-strand 3' overhang of the G-strand and, in humans, the six shelterin proteins: TPP1, POT1, TRF1, TRF2, RAP1 and TIN2^1,2. TPP1 and POT1 associate with the 3' overhang, with POT1 binding the G-strand³ and TPP1 (in complex with TIN2⁴) recruiting telomerase via interaction with telomerase reverse transcriptase⁵ (TERT). The telomere DNA ends are replicated and maintained by telomerase⁶, for the G-strand, and subsequently DNA polymerase α-primase^7,8 (PolαPrim), for the C-strand⁹. PolαPrim activity is stimulated by the heterotrimeric complex CTC1-STN1-TEN1^10-12 (CST), but the structural basis of the recruitment of PolαPrim and CST to telomere ends remains unknown. Here we report cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of Tetrahymena CST in the context of the telomerase holoenzyme, in both the absence and the presence of PolαPrim, and of PolαPrim alone. Tetrahymena Ctc1 binds telomerase subunit p50, a TPP1 orthologue, on a flexible Ctc1 binding motif revealed by cryo-EM and NMR spectroscopy. The PolαPrim polymerase subunit POLA1 binds Ctc1 and Stn1, and its interface with Ctc1 forms an entry port for G-strand DNA to the POLA1 active site. We thus provide a snapshot of four key components that are required for telomeric DNA synthesis in a single active complex-telomerase-core ribonucleoprotein, p50, CST and PolαPrim-that provides insights into the recruitment of CST and PolαPrim and the handoff between G-strand and C-strand synthesis.

Reconstitution of a telomeric replicon organized by CST

Telomeres, the natural ends of linear chromosomes, comprise repeat-sequence DNA and associated proteins¹. Replication of telomeres allows continued proliferation of human stem cells and immortality of cancer cells². This replication requires telomerase³ extension of the single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) of the telomeric G-strand ((TTAGGG)_n); the synthesis of the complementary C-strand ((CCCTAA)_n) is much less well characterized. The CST (CTC1–STN1–TEN1) protein complex, a DNA polymerase α-primase accessory factor^4,5, is known to be required for telomere replication in vivo^6–9, and the molecular analysis presented here reveals key features of its mechanism. We find that human CST uses its ssDNA-binding activity to specify the origins for telomeric C-strand synthesis by bound Polα-primase. CST-organized DNA polymerization can copy a telomeric DNA template that folds into G-quadruplex structures, but the challenges presented by this template probably contribute to telomere replication problems observed in vivo. Combining telomerase, a short telomeric ssDNA primer and CST–Polα–primase gives complete telomeric DNA replication, resulting in the same sort of ssDNA 3′ overhang found naturally on human telomeres. We conclude that the CST complex not only terminates telomerase extension^10,11 and recruits Polα–primase to telomeric ssDNA^4,12,13 but also orchestrates C-strand synthesis. Because replication of the telomere has features distinct from replication of the rest of the genome, targeting telomere-replication components including CST holds promise for cancer therapeutics.

The Polα–primase-associated CST complex organizes telomeric C-strand DNA synthesis, and, in combination with telomerase, it carries out complete replication of the single-stranded DNA overhang found at human telomeres.

Plant telomere biology: The green solution to the end-replication problem

Telomere maintenance is a fundamental cellular process conserved across all eukaryotic lineages. Although plants and animals diverged over 1.5 billion years ago, lessons learned from plants continue to push the boundaries of science, revealing detailed molecular mechanisms in telomere biology with broad implications for human health, aging biology, and stress responses. Recent studies of plant telomeres have unveiled unexpected divergence in telomere sequence and architecture, and the proteins that engage telomeric DNA and telomerase. The discovery of telomerase RNA components in the plant kingdom and some algae groups revealed new insight into the divergent evolution and the universal core of telomerase across major eukaryotic kingdoms. In addition, resources cataloging the abundant natural variation in Arabidopsis thaliana, maize (Zea mays), and other plants are providing unparalleled opportunities to understand the genetic networks that govern telomere length polymorphism and, as a result, are uncovering unanticipated crosstalk between telomeres, environmental factors, organismal fitness, and plant physiology. Here we recap current advances in plant telomere biology and put this field in perspective relative to telomere and telomerase research in other eukaryotic lineages.

G-Quadruplex-Binding Proteins: Promising Targets for Drug Design

G-quadruplexes (G4s) are non-canonical secondary nucleic acid structures. Sequences with the potential to form G4s are abundant in regulatory regions of the genome including telomeres, promoters and 5′ non-coding regions, indicating they fulfill important genome regulatory functions. Generally, G4s perform various biological functions by interacting with proteins. In recent years, an increasing number of G-quadruplex-binding proteins have been identified with biochemical experiments. G4-binding proteins are involved in vital cellular processes such as telomere maintenance, DNA replication, gene transcription, mRNA processing. Therefore, G4-binding proteins are also associated with various human diseases. An intensive study of G4-protein interactions provides an attractive approach for potential therapeutics and these proteins can be considered as drug targets for novel medical treatment. In this review, we present biological functions and structural properties of G4-binding proteins, and discuss how to exploit G4-protein interactions to develop new therapeutic targets.

Hepatitis C Virus Nonstructural 5A Protein Interacts with Telomere Length Regulation Protein: Implications for Telomere Shortening in Patients Infected with HCV

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause of chronic liver disease and is highly dependent on cellular proteins for viral propagation. Using protein microarray analysis, we identified 90 cellular proteins as HCV nonstructural 5A (NS5A) interacting partners, and selected telomere length regulation protein (TEN1) for further study. TEN1 forms a heterotrimeric complex with CTC and STN1, which is essential for telomere protection and maintenance. Telomere length decreases in patients with active HCV, chronic liver disease, and hepatocellular carcinoma. However, the molecular mechanism of telomere length shortening in HCV-associated disease is largely unknown. In the present study, protein interactions between NS5A and TEN1 were confirmed by immunoprecipitation assays. Silencing of TEN1 reduced both viral RNA and protein expression levels of HCV, while ectopic expression of the siRNA-resistant TEN1 recovered the viral protein level, suggesting that TEN1 was specifically required for HCV propagation. Importantly, we found that TEN1 is re-localized from the nucleus to the cytoplasm in HCV-infected cells. These data suggest that HCV exploits TEN1 to promote viral propagation and that telomere protection is compromised in HCV-infected cells. Overall, our findings provide mechanistic insight into the telomere shortening in HCV-infected cells.

Telomeres and Cancer

Telomeres cap the ends of eukaryotic chromosomes and are indispensable chromatin structures for genome protection and replication. Telomere length maintenance has been attributed to several functional modulators, including telomerase, the shelterin complex, and the CST complex, synergizing with DNA replication, repair, and the RNA metabolism pathway components. As dysfunctional telomere maintenance and telomerase activation are associated with several human diseases, including cancer, the molecular mechanisms behind telomere length regulation and protection need particular emphasis. Cancer cells exhibit telomerase activation, enabling replicative immortality. Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) activation is involved in cancer development through diverse activities other than mediating telomere elongation. This review describes the telomere functions, the role of functional modulators, the implications in cancer development, and the future therapeutic opportunities.

CST does not evict elongating telomerase but prevents initiation by ssDNA binding

The CST complex (CTC1-STN1-TEN1) has been shown to inhibit telomerase extension of the G-strand of telomeres and facilitate the switch to C-strand synthesis by DNA polymerase alpha-primase (pol α-primase). Recently the structure of human CST was solved by cryo-EM, allowing the design of mutant proteins defective in telomeric ssDNA binding and prompting the reexamination of CST inhibition of telomerase. The previous proposal that human CST inhibits telomerase by sequestration of the DNA primer was tested with a series of DNA-binding mutants of CST and modeled by a competitive binding simulation. The DNA-binding mutants had substantially reduced ability to inhibit telomerase, as predicted from their reduced affinity for telomeric DNA. These results provide strong support for the previous primer sequestration model. We then tested whether addition of CST to an ongoing processive telomerase reaction would terminate DNA extension. Pulse-chase telomerase reactions with addition of either wild-type CST or DNA-binding mutants showed that CST has no detectable ability to terminate ongoing telomerase extension in vitro. The same lack of inhibition was observed with or without pol α-primase bound to CST. These results suggest how the switch from telomerase extension to C-strand synthesis may occur.

A hypomorphic allele of telomerase uncovers the minimal functional length of telomeres in Arabidopsis

Despite the essential requirement of telomeric DNA for genome stability, the length of telomere tracts between species substantially differs, raising the question of the minimal length of telomeric DNA necessary for proper function. Here, we address this question using a hypomorphic allele of the telomerase catalytic subunit, TERT. We show that although this construct partially restored telomerase activity to a tert mutant, telomeres continued to shorten over several generations, ultimately stabilizing at a bimodal size distribution. Telomeres on two chromosome arms were maintained at a length of 1 kb, while the remaining telomeres were maintained at 400 bp. The longest telomeres identified in this background were also significantly longer in wild-type populations, suggesting cis-acting elements on these arms either promote telomerase processivity or recruitment. Genetically disrupting telomerase processivity in this background resulted in immediate lethality. Thus, telomeres of 400 bp are both necessary and sufficient for Arabidopsis viability. As this length is the estimated minimal length for t-loop formation, our data suggest that telomeres long enough to form a t-loop constitute the minimal functional length.

Regulation of Antigenic Variation by Trypanosoma brucei Telomere Proteins Depends on Their Unique DNA Binding Activities

Trypanosoma brucei causes human African trypanosomiasis and regularly switches its major surface antigen, Variant Surface Glycoprotein (VSG), to evade the host immune response. Such antigenic variation is a key pathogenesis mechanism that enables T. brucei to establish long-term infections. VSG is expressed exclusively from subtelomere loci in a strictly monoallelic manner, and DNA recombination is an important VSG switching pathway. The integrity of telomere and subtelomere structure, maintained by multiple telomere proteins, is essential for T. brucei viability and for regulating the monoallelic VSG expression and VSG switching. Here we will focus on T. brucei TRF and RAP1, two telomere proteins with unique nucleic acid binding activities, and summarize their functions in telomere integrity and stability, VSG switching, and monoallelic VSG expression. Targeting the unique features of TbTRF and TbRAP1′s nucleic acid binding activities to perturb the integrity of telomere structure and disrupt VSG monoallelic expression may serve as potential therapeutic strategy against T. brucei.

To Join or Not to Join: Decision Points Along the Pathway to Double-Strand Break Repair vs. Chromosome End Protection

The regulation of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) and telomeres are diametrically opposed in the cell. DSBs are considered one of the most deleterious forms of DNA damage and must be quickly recognized and repaired. Telomeres, on the other hand, are specialized, stable DNA ends that must be protected from recognition as DSBs to inhibit unwanted chromosome fusions. Decisions to join DNA ends, or not, are therefore critical to genome stability. Yet, the processing of telomeres and DSBs share many commonalities. Accordingly, key decision points are used to shift DNA ends toward DSB repair vs. end protection. Additionally, DSBs can be repaired by two major pathways, namely homologous recombination (HR) and non-homologous end joining (NHEJ). The choice of which repair pathway is employed is also dictated by a series of decision points that shift the break toward HR or NHEJ. In this review, we will focus on these decision points and the mechanisms that dictate end protection vs. DSB repair and DSB repair choice.

OB-Folds and Genome Maintenance: Targeting Protein-DNA Interactions for Cancer Therapy

Genome stability and maintenance pathways along with their requisite proteins are critical for the accurate duplication of genetic material, mutation avoidance, and suppression of human diseases including cancer. Many of these proteins participate in these pathways by binding directly to DNA, and a subset employ oligonucleotide/oligosaccharide binding folds (OB-fold) to facilitate the protein-DNA interactions. OB-fold motifs allow for sequence independent binding to single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) and can serve to position specific proteins at specific DNA structures and then, via protein-protein interaction motifs, assemble the machinery to catalyze the replication, repair, or recombination of DNA. This review provides an overview of the OB-fold structural organization of some of the most relevant OB-fold containing proteins for oncology and drug discovery. We discuss their individual roles in DNA metabolism, progress toward drugging these motifs and their utility as potential cancer therapeutics. While protein-DNA interactions were initially thought to be undruggable, recent reports of success with molecules targeting OB-fold containing proteins suggest otherwise. The potential for the development of agents targeting OB-folds is in its infancy, but if successful, would expand the opportunities to impinge on genome stability and maintenance pathways for more effective cancer treatment.

Chromatin dynamics during DNA damage and repair in plants: new roles for old players

The genome of plants is organized into chromatin. The chromatin structure regulates the rates of DNA metabolic processes such as replication, transcription, DNA recombination, and repair. Different aspects of plant growth and development are regulated by changes in chromatin status by the action of chromatin-remodeling activities. Recent data have also shown that many of these chromatin-associated proteins participate in different aspects of the DNA damage response, regulating DNA damage and repair, cell cycle progression, programmed cell death, and entry into the endocycle. In this review, we present different examples of proteins and chromatin-modifying enzymes with roles during DNA damage responses, demonstrating that rapid changes in chromatin structure are essential to maintain genome stability.

Structural genomics approach to investigate deleterious impact of nsSNPs in conserved telomere maintenance component 1

Conserved telomere maintenance component 1 (CTC1) is an important component of the CST (CTC1-STN1-TEN1) complex, involved in maintaining the stability of telomeric DNA. Several non-synonymous single-nucleotide polymorphisms (nsSNPs) in CTC1 have been reported to cause Coats plus syndrome and Dyskeratosis congenital diseases. Here, we have performed sequence and structure analyses of nsSNPs of CTC1 using state-of-the-art computational methods. The structure-based study focuses on the C-terminal OB-fold region of CTC1. There are 11 pathogenic mutations identified, and detailed structural analyses were performed. These mutations cause a significant disruption of noncovalent interactions, which may be a possible reason for CTC1 instability and consequent diseases. To see the impact of such mutations on the protein conformation, all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of CTC1-wild-type (WT) and two of the selected mutations, R806C and R806L for 200 ns, were carried out. A significant conformational change in the structure of the R806C mutant was observed. This study provides a valuable direction to understand the molecular basis of CTC1 dysfunction in disease progression, including Coats plus syndrome.

Phyllotaxis: from classical knowledge to molecular genetics

Plant organs are repetitively generated at the shoot apical meristem (SAM) in recognizable patterns. This phenomenon, known as phyllotaxis, has long fascinated scientists from different disciplines. While we have an enriched body of knowledge on phyllotactic patterns, parameters, and transitions, only in the past 20 years, however, have we started to identify genes and elucidate genetic pathways that involved in phyllotaxis. In this review, I first summarize the classical knowledge of phyllotaxis from a morphological perspective. I then discuss recent advances in the regulation of phyllotaxis, from a molecular genetics perspective. I show that the morphological beauty of phyllotaxis we appreciate is the manifestation of many regulators, in addition to the critical role of auxin as a patterning signal, exerting their respective effects in a coordinated fashion either directly or indirectly in the SAM.

miR-376a Provokes Rectum Adenocarcinoma Via CTC1 Depletion-Induced Telomere Dysfunction

CTC1 is a component of the mammalian CST (CTC1–STN1–TEN1) complex which plays essential roles in resolving replication problems to facilitate telomeric DNA and genomic DNA replication. We previously reported that the depletion of CTC1 leads to stalled replication fork restart defects. Moreover, the mutation in CTC1 caused cancer-prone diseases including Coats plus (CP) or dyskeratosis congenita (DC). To better understand the CTC1 regulatory axis, the microRNAs (miRNAs) targeting to CTC1 were predicted by a bioinformatics tool, and the selected candidates were further confirmed by a dual-luciferase reporter assay. Here, our current results revealed that miR-376a significantly reduced CTC1 expression at the transcription level by recognizing CTC1 3′-UTR. In addition, the overexpression of miR-376a induced telomere replication defection and resulted in direct replicative telomere damage, which could be rescued by adding back CTC1. Telomere shortening was also observed upon miR-376a treatment. Furthermore, for the clinical patient samples, the high expression of miR-376a was associated with the deregulation of CTC1 and a poor outcome for the rectum adenocarcinoma patients. Together, our results uncovered a novel role of miR-376a in stimulating rectum adenocarcinoma progression via CTC1 downregulating induced telomere dysfunction.

Ssu72 Dual-Specific Protein Phosphatase: From Gene to Diseases

More than 70% of eukaryotic proteins are regulated by phosphorylation. However, the mechanism of dephosphorylation that counteracts phosphorylation is less studied. Phosphatases are classified into 104 distinct groups based on substrate-specific features and the sequence homologies in their catalytic domains. Among them, dual-specificity phosphatases (DUSPs) that dephosphorylate both phosphoserine/threonine and phosphotyrosine are important for cellular homeostasis. Ssu72 is a newly studied phosphatase with dual specificity that can dephosphorylate both phosphoserine/threonine and phosphotyrosine. It is important for cell-growth signaling, metabolism, and immune activation. Ssu72 was initially identified as a phosphatase for the Ser5 and Ser7 residues of the C-terminal domain of RNA polymerase II. It prefers the cis configuration of the serine-proline motif within its substrate and regulates Pin1, different from other phosphatases. It has recently been reported that Ssu72 can regulate sister chromatid cohesion and the separation of duplicated chromosomes during the cell cycle. Furthermore, Ssu72 appears to be involved in the regulation of T cell receptor signaling, telomere regulation, and even hepatocyte homeostasis in response to a variety of stress and damage signals. In this review, we aim to summarize various functions of the Ssu72 phosphatase, their implications in diseases, and potential therapeutic indications.

Pol α-primase dependent nuclear localization of the mammalian CST complex

The human CST complex composed of CTC1, STN1, and TEN1 is critically involved in telomere maintenance and homeostasis. Specifically, CST terminates telomere extension by inhibiting telomerase access to the telomeric overhang and facilitates lagging strand fill in by recruiting DNA Polymerase alpha primase (Pol α-primase) to the telomeric C-strand. Here we reveal that CST has a dynamic intracellular localization that is cell cycle dependent. We report an increase in nuclear CST several hours after the initiation of DNA replication, followed by exit from the nucleus prior to mitosis. We identify amino acids of CTC1 involved in Pol α-primase binding and nuclear localization. We conclude, the CST complex does not contain a nuclear localization signal (NLS) and suggest that its nuclear localization is reliant on Pol α-primase. Hypomorphic mutations affecting CST nuclear import are associated with telomere syndromes and cancer, emphasizing the important role of this process in health.

Shaping human telomeres: from shelterin and CST complexes to telomeric chromatin organization

The regulation of telomere length in mammals is crucial for chromosome end-capping and thus for maintaining genome stability and cellular lifespan. This process requires coordination between telomeric protein complexes and the ribonucleoprotein telomerase, which extends the telomeric DNA. Telomeric proteins modulate telomere architecture, recruit telomerase to accessible telomeres and orchestrate the conversion of the newly synthesized telomeric single-stranded DNA tail into double-stranded DNA. Dysfunctional telomere maintenance leads to telomere shortening, which causes human diseases including bone marrow failure, premature ageing and cancer. Recent studies provide new insights into telomerase-related interactions (the 'telomere replisome') and reveal new challenges for future telomere structural biology endeavours owing to the dynamic nature of telomere architecture and the great number of structures that telomeres form. In this Review, we discuss recently determined structures of the shelterin and CTC1-STN1-TEN1 (CST) complexes, how they may participate in the regulation of telomere replication and chromosome end-capping, and how disease-causing mutations in their encoding genes may affect specific functions. Major outstanding questions in the field include how all of the telomere components assemble relative to each other and how the switching between different telomere structures is achieved.

Molecular mechanisms of telomere biology disorders

Genetic mutations that affect telomerase function or telomere maintenance result in a variety of diseases collectively called telomeropathies. This wide spectrum of disorders, which include dyskeratosis congenita, pulmonary fibrosis, and aplastic anemia, is characterized by severely short telomeres, often resulting in hematopoietic stem cell failure in the most severe cases. Recent work has focused on understanding the molecular basis of these diseases. Mutations in the catalytic TERT and TR subunits of telomerase compromise activity, while others, such as those found in the telomeric protein TPP1, reduce the recruitment of telomerase to the telomere. Mutant telomerase-associated proteins TCAB1 and dyskerin and the telomerase RNA maturation component poly(A)-specific ribonuclease affect the maturation and stability of telomerase. In contrast, disease-associated mutations in either CTC1 or RTEL1 are more broadly associated with telomere replication defects. Yet even with the recent surge in studies decoding the mechanisms underlying these diseases, a significant proportion of dyskeratosis congenita mutations remain uncharacterized or poorly understood. Here we review the current understanding of the molecular basis of telomeropathies and highlight experimental data that illustrate how genetic mutations drive telomere shortening and dysfunction in these patients. This review connects insights from both clinical and molecular studies to create a comprehensive view of the underlying mechanisms that drive these diseases. Through this, we emphasize recent advances in therapeutics and pinpoint disease-associated variants that remain poorly defined in their mechanism of action. Finally, we suggest future avenues of research that will deepen our understanding of telomere biology and telomere-related disease.

tRNA ADENOSINE DEAMINASE 3 is required for telomere maintenance in Arabidopsis thaliana

KEY MESSAGE: tRNA Adenosine Deaminase 3 helps to sustain telomere tracts in a telomerase-independent fashion, likely through regulating cellular metabolism. Telomere length maintenance is influenced by a complex web of chromatin and metabolism-related factors. We previously reported that a lncRNA termed AtTER2 regulates telomerase activity in Arabidopsis thaliana in response to DNA damage. AtTER2 was initially shown to partially overlap with the 5' UTR of the tRNA ADENOSINE DEAMINASE 3 (TAD3) gene. However, updated genome annotation showed that AtTER2 was completely embedded in TAD3, raising the possibility that phenotypes ascribed to AtTER2 could be derived from TAD3. Here we show through strand-specific RNA-Seq, strand-specific qRT-PCR and bioinformatic analyses that AtTER2 does not encode a stable lncRNA. Further examination of the original tad3 (ter2-1/tad3-1) mutant revealed expression of an antisense transcript driven by a cryptic promoter in the T-DNA. Hence, a new hypomorphic allele of TAD3 (tad3-2) was examined. tad3-2 mutants showed hypersensitivity to DNA damage, but no deregulation of telomerase, suggesting that the telomerase phenotype of tad3-1 mutants reflects an off-target effect. Unexpectedly, however, tad3-2 plants displayed progressive loss of telomeric DNA over successive generations that was not accompanied by alteration of terminal architecture or end protection. The phenotype was exacerbated in plants lacking the telomerase processivity factor POT1a, indicating that TAD3 promotes telomere maintenance through a non-canonical, telomerase-independent pathway. The transcriptome of tad3-2 mutants revealed significant dysregulation of genes involved in auxin signaling and glucosinolate biosynthesis, pathways that intersect the stress response, cell cycle regulation and DNA metabolism. These findings indicate that the TAD3 locus indirectly contributes to telomere length homeostasis by altering the metabolic profile in Arabidopsis.

Ophthalmic findings and a novel CTC1 gene mutation in coats plus syndrome: a case report

BACKGROUND

Coats plus syndrome is a rare multisystem disorder, and is also a telomere-related disorder caused by CTC1 gene mutation. We reported ophthalmic findings in a Chinese child with genetically confirmed Coats plus syndrome.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The comprehensive ophthalmic findings were presented, as well as treatment history and systemic manifestations. In addition, genetic testing was performed to confirm the diagnosis.

RESULTS

Examination under anesthesia showed notable retinal vasculopathy, including vascular tortuosity and dilation, abnormal vascular anastomosis, retinal telangiectasias and mild exudation, extensive peripheral avascularity, as well as the presence of retinal neovascularization. The patient developed vitreous hemorrhage and tractional retinal detachment, and then underwent vitrectomy. Meanwhile, the patient was noted to have growth retardation and leukoencephalopathy. Gene testing identified a compound heterozygous mutation in CTC1 gene: a novel splicing site mutation (c.33 + 1 G > T) and a deletion mutation (c.2954_2956del, p.C985del), which were inherited from his mother and father, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The present report expanded the genotype and phenotype spectrum of CTC1 gene associated with Coats plus syndrome.

Roles of OB-Fold Proteins in Replication Stress

Accurate DNA replication is essential for maintaining genome stability. However, this stability becomes vulnerable when replication fork progression is stalled or slowed - a condition known as replication stress. Prolonged fork stalling can cause DNA damage, leading to genome instabilities. Thus, cells have developed several pathways and a complex set of proteins to overcome the challenge at stalled replication forks. Oligonucleotide/oligosaccharide binding (OB)-fold containing proteins are a group of proteins that play a crucial role in fork protection and fork restart. These proteins bind to single-stranded DNA with high affinity and prevent premature annealing and unwanted nuclease digestion. Among these OB-fold containing proteins, the best studied in eukaryotic cells are replication protein A (RPA) and breast cancer susceptibility protein 2 (BRCA2). Recently, another RPA-like protein complex CTC1-STN1-TEN1 (CST) complex has been found to counter replication perturbation. In this review, we discuss the latest findings on how these OB-fold containing proteins (RPA, BRCA2, CST) cooperate to safeguard DNA replication and maintain genome stability.