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Emerson FJ, Lee SS. Chromatin: the old and young of it. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1270285. [PMID: 37877123 PMCID: PMC10591336 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1270285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Aging affects nearly all aspects of our cells, from our DNA to our proteins to how our cells handle stress and communicate with each other. Age-related chromatin changes are of particular interest because chromatin can dynamically respond to the cellular and organismal environment, and many modifications at chromatin are reversible. Changes at chromatin occur during aging, and evidence from model organisms suggests that chromatin factors could play a role in modulating the aging process itself, as altering proteins that work at chromatin often affect the lifespan of yeast, worms, flies, and mice. The field of chromatin and aging is rapidly expanding, and high-resolution genomics tools make it possible to survey the chromatin environment or track chromatin factors implicated in longevity with precision that was not previously possible. In this review, we discuss the state of chromatin and aging research. We include examples from yeast, Drosophila, mice, and humans, but we particularly focus on the commonly used aging model, the worm Caenorhabditis elegans, in which there are many examples of chromatin factors that modulate longevity. We include evidence of both age-related changes to chromatin and evidence of specific chromatin factors linked to longevity in core histones, nuclear architecture, chromatin remodeling, and histone modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Siu Sylvia Lee
- Lee Lab, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
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Fragoso-Luna A, Askjaer P. The Nuclear Envelope in Ageing and Progeria. Subcell Biochem 2023; 102:53-75. [PMID: 36600129 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-21410-3_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Development from embryo to adult, organismal homeostasis and ageing are consecutive processes that rely on several functions of the nuclear envelope (NE). The NE compartmentalises the eukaryotic cells and provides physical stability to the genetic material in the nucleus. It provides spatiotemporal regulation of gene expression by controlling nuclear import and hence access of transcription factors to target genes as well as organisation of the genome into open and closed compartments. In addition, positioning of chromatin relative to the NE is important for DNA replication and repair and thereby also for genome stability. We discuss here the relevance of the NE in two classes of age-related human diseases. Firstly, we focus on the progeria syndromes Hutchinson-Gilford (HGPS) and Nestor-Guillermo (NGPS), which are caused by mutations in the LMNA and BANF1 genes, respectively. Both genes encode ubiquitously expressed components of the nuclear lamina that underlines the nuclear membranes. HGPS and NGPS patients manifest symptoms of accelerated ageing and cells from affected individuals show similar defects as cells from healthy old donors, including signs of increased DNA damage and epigenetic alternations. Secondly, we describe how several age-related neurodegenerative diseases, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Huntington's disease, are related with defects in nucleocytoplasmic transport. A common feature of this class of diseases is the accumulation of nuclear pore proteins and other transport factors in inclusions. Importantly, genetic manipulations of the nucleocytoplasmic transport machinery can alleviate disease-related phenotypes in cell and animal models, paving the way for potential therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrián Fragoso-Luna
- Andalusian Centre for Developmental Biology, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Peter Askjaer
- Andalusian Centre for Developmental Biology, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Sevilla, Spain.
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Abstract
Nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) are essential to communication of macromolecules between the cell nucleus and the surrounding cytoplasm. RNA synthesized in the nucleus is exported through NPCs to function in the cytoplasm, whereas transcription factors and other proteins are selectively and actively imported. In addition, many NPC constituents, known as nuclear pore proteins (nucleoporins or nups), also play critical roles in other processes, such as genome organization, gene expression, and kinetochore function. Thanks to its genetic amenability and transparent body, the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans is an attractive model to study NPC dynamics. We provide here an overview of available genome engineered strains and FLP/Frt-based tools to study tissue-specific functions of individual nucleoporins. We also present protocols for live imaging of fluorescently tagged nucleoporins in intact tissues of embryos, larvae, and adult and for analysis of interactions between nucleoporins and chromatin by DamID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia de la Cruz Ruiz
- Andalusian Center for Developmental Biology (CABD), CSIC/JA/Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Seville, Spain
| | - Raquel Romero-Bueno
- Andalusian Center for Developmental Biology (CABD), CSIC/JA/Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Seville, Spain
| | - Peter Askjaer
- Andalusian Center for Developmental Biology (CABD), CSIC/JA/Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Seville, Spain.
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Charar C, Metsuyanim-Cohen S, Bar DZ. Lamin regulates the dietary restriction response via the mTOR pathway in Caenorhabditis elegans. J Cell Sci 2021; 134:272061. [PMID: 34383046 PMCID: PMC8445603 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.258428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Animals subjected to dietary restriction (DR) have reduced body size, low fecundity, slower development, lower fat content and longer life span. We identified lamin as a regulator of multiple dietary restriction phenotypes. Downregulation of lmn-1, the single Caenorhabditis elegans lamin gene, increased animal size and fat content specifically in DR animals. The LMN-1 protein acts in the mTOR pathway, upstream of RAPTOR and S6 kinase β1 (S6K), a key component of and target of the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) complex 1 (mTORC1), respectively. DR excludes the mTORC1 activator RAGC-1 from the nucleus. Downregulation of lmn-1 restores RAGC-1 to the nucleus, a necessary step for the activation of the mTOR pathway. These findings further link lamin to metabolic regulation. Summary: Downregulation of the single C. elegans lamin gene increases animal size and fat content specifically in dietary restricted animals. The lamin protein acts in the mTOR pathway to regulate these phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chayki Charar
- The School of Dental Medicine, The Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel.,The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel
| | | | - Daniel Z Bar
- The School of Dental Medicine, The Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel
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Abstract
The eukaryotic genome inside the nucleus is enveloped by two membranes, the Outer Nuclear Membrane (ONM) and the Inner Nuclear Membrane (INM). Tethered to the INM is the nuclear lamina, a fibrillar network composed of lamins-the nuclear intermediate filaments, and membrane associated proteins. The nuclear lamina interacts with several nuclear structures, including chromatin. As most nuclear functions, including regulation of gene expression, chromosome segregation and duplication as well as nuclear structure, are highly conserved in metazoans, the Caenorhabditis elegans nematode serves as a powerful model organism to study nuclear processes and architecture. This translucent organism can easily be observed under a microscope as a live embryo, larvae and even adult. Here we will review the data on nuclear lamina composition and functions gathered from studies using C. elegans model organisms: We will discuss genome spatial organization and its contribution to gene expression. We will review both the interaction between the cytoplasm and the nucleus and mechanotransduction mechanism. Finally, we will discuss disease causing mutation in nuclear lamins, including the use of this animal model in diseases research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chayki Charar
- Department of Genetics, Institute of Life Sciences, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel; Department of Oral Biology, The Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Sally Metsuyanim-Cohen
- Department of Oral Biology, The Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Yosef Gruenbaum
- Department of Genetics, Institute of Life Sciences, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Daniel Z Bar
- Department of Oral Biology, The Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
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Abstract
The Caenorhabditis elegans genome possesses homologs of about two-thirds of all human disease genes. Based on its physiological aging characteristics and superiority, the use of C. elegans as a model system for studies on aging, age-related diseases, mechanisms of longevity, and drug screening has been widely acknowledged in recent decades. Lifespan increasing mutations in C. elegans were found to delay aging by impinging several signaling pathways and related epigenetic modifications, including the insulin/IGF-1 signaling (IIS), AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathways. Interestingly, dietary restriction (DR) has been shown to increase the lifespan of numerous metazoans and protect them from multiple age-related pathologies. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are unclear. In recent decades, C. elegans has been used as a unique model system for high-throughput drug screening. Here, we review C. elegans mutants exhibiting increased in lifespan and age-dependent changes under DR, as well as the utility of C. elegans for drug screening. Thus, we provide evidence for the use of this model organism in research on the prevention of aging.
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Romero-Bueno R, de la Cruz Ruiz P, Artal-Sanz M, Askjaer P, Dobrzynska A. Nuclear Organization in Stress and Aging. Cells 2019; 8:cells8070664. [PMID: 31266244 PMCID: PMC6678840 DOI: 10.3390/cells8070664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Revised: 06/23/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The eukaryotic nucleus controls most cellular processes. It is isolated from the cytoplasm by the nuclear envelope, which plays a prominent role in the structural organization of the cell, including nucleocytoplasmic communication, chromatin positioning, and gene expression. Alterations in nuclear composition and function are eminently pronounced upon stress and during premature and physiological aging. These alterations are often accompanied by epigenetic changes in histone modifications. We review, here, the role of nuclear envelope proteins and histone modifiers in the 3-dimensional organization of the genome and the implications for gene expression. In particular, we focus on the nuclear lamins and the chromatin-associated protein BAF, which are linked to Hutchinson–Gilford and Nestor–Guillermo progeria syndromes, respectively. We also discuss alterations in nuclear organization and the epigenetic landscapes during normal aging and various stress conditions, ranging from yeast to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Romero-Bueno
- Andalusian Center for Developmental Biology (CABD), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas/Junta de Andalucia/Universidad Pablo de Olavide, 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - Patricia de la Cruz Ruiz
- Andalusian Center for Developmental Biology (CABD), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas/Junta de Andalucia/Universidad Pablo de Olavide, 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - Marta Artal-Sanz
- Andalusian Center for Developmental Biology (CABD), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas/Junta de Andalucia/Universidad Pablo de Olavide, 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - Peter Askjaer
- Andalusian Center for Developmental Biology (CABD), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas/Junta de Andalucia/Universidad Pablo de Olavide, 41013 Seville, Spain.
| | - Agnieszka Dobrzynska
- Andalusian Center for Developmental Biology (CABD), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas/Junta de Andalucia/Universidad Pablo de Olavide, 41013 Seville, Spain.
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Abstract
Studies on the Caenorhabditis elegans nucleus have provided fascinating insight to the organization and activities of eukaryotic cells. Being the organelle that holds the genetic blueprint of the cell, the nucleus is critical for basically every aspect of cell biology. The stereotypical development of C. elegans from a one cell-stage embryo to a fertile hermaphrodite with 959 somatic nuclei has allowed the identification of mutants with specific alterations in gene expression programs, nuclear morphology, or nuclear positioning. Moreover, the early C. elegans embryo is an excellent model to dissect the mitotic processes of nuclear disassembly and reformation with high spatiotemporal resolution. We review here several features of the C. elegans nucleus, including its composition, structure, and dynamics. We also discuss the spatial organization of chromatin and regulation of gene expression and how this depends on tight control of nucleocytoplasmic transport. Finally, the extensive connections of the nucleus with the cytoskeleton and their implications during development are described. Most processes of the C. elegans nucleus are evolutionarily conserved, highlighting the relevance of this powerful and versatile model organism to human biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orna Cohen-Fix
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
| | - Peter Askjaer
- Andalusian Center for Developmental Biology, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas/Junta de Andalucia/Universidad Pablo de Olavide, 41013 Seville, Spain
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Abstract
Prohibitin (PHB) was discovered in a quest to find genes with antiproliferative functions. However, the attribute of PHB that is responsible for its antiproliferative function remains elusive. Meanwhile, recent studies have established PHB as a pleiotropic protein with roles in metabolism, immunity, and senescence. PHB has cell compartment-specific functions, acting as a scaffolding protein in mitochondria, an adaptor molecule in membrane signaling, and a transcriptional coregulator in the nucleus. However, it remains unclear whether different functions and locations of PHB are interrelated or independent from each other, or if PHB works in a tissue-specific manner. Here, we discuss new findings on the role of PHB in adipose-immune interaction and an unexpected role in sex differences in adipose and immune functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudharsana R Ande
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - K Hoa Nguyen
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | | | - Suresh Mishra
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada; Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.
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