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Fiorillo C, D'Apice MR, Trucco F, Murdocca M, Spitalieri P, Assereto S, Baratto S, Morcaldi G, Minetti C, Sangiuolo F, Novelli G. Characterization of MDPL Fibroblasts Carrying the Recurrent p.Ser605del Mutation in POLD1 Gene. DNA Cell Biol 2018; 37:1061-1067. [PMID: 30388038 DOI: 10.1089/dna.2018.4335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Mandibular hypoplasia, deafness, and progeroid features, with concomitant lipodystrophy, define a multisystem disorder named MDPL syndrome. MDPL has been associated with heterozygous mutations in POLD1 gene resulting in loss of DNA polymerase δ activity. In this study, we report clinical, genetic, and cellular studies of a 13-year-old Pakistani girl, presenting growth retardation, sensorineural deafness, altered distribution of subcutaneous adipose tissue, and insulin resistance. We performed Sanger sequencing of POLD1 gene in the proband and the healthy parents. Fibroblasts obtained from dermal biopsy were evaluated for the specific hallmarks of cellular senescence and for their response to the DNA-induced damage. Patient carried the recurrent heterozygous de novo in frame deletion (c.1812_1814delCTC, p.Ser605del ) within POLD1 gene, previously detected in 16 MDPL patients. In patient's fibroblasts we observed severe nuclear envelope anomalies, presence of micronuclei, accumulation of prelamin A, altered cell growth, and cellular senescence. In addition, we observed a persistence of DNA damage after cisplatin exposure, compared to control cells. In conclusion, the MDPL nuclear and cellular findings resemble features observed in other progeroid syndromes and familial lipodystrophies. Although further investigations will be necessary, these information could be used to establish targeted therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Fiorillo
- 1 Paediatric Neurology and Neuromuscular Disorders, University of Genoa and Istituto G. Gaslini , Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Federica Trucco
- 1 Paediatric Neurology and Neuromuscular Disorders, University of Genoa and Istituto G. Gaslini , Genoa, Italy
| | - Michela Murdocca
- 3 Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata ," Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Spitalieri
- 3 Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata ," Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Assereto
- 1 Paediatric Neurology and Neuromuscular Disorders, University of Genoa and Istituto G. Gaslini , Genoa, Italy
| | - Serena Baratto
- 1 Paediatric Neurology and Neuromuscular Disorders, University of Genoa and Istituto G. Gaslini , Genoa, Italy
| | - Guido Morcaldi
- 1 Paediatric Neurology and Neuromuscular Disorders, University of Genoa and Istituto G. Gaslini , Genoa, Italy
| | - Carlo Minetti
- 1 Paediatric Neurology and Neuromuscular Disorders, University of Genoa and Istituto G. Gaslini , Genoa, Italy
| | - Federica Sangiuolo
- 2 Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Tor Vergata Hospital , Rome, Italy
- 3 Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata ," Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Novelli
- 2 Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Tor Vergata Hospital , Rome, Italy
- 3 Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata ," Rome, Italy
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2
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Wu Z, Zhang W, Song M, Wang W, Wei G, Li W, Lei J, Huang Y, Sang Y, Chan P, Chen C, Qu J, Suzuki K, Belmonte JCI, Liu GH. Differential stem cell aging kinetics in Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome and Werner syndrome. Protein Cell 2018; 9:333-350. [PMID: 29476423 PMCID: PMC5876188 DOI: 10.1007/s13238-018-0517-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2018] [Accepted: 02/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) and Werner syndrome (WS) are two of the best characterized human progeroid syndromes. HGPS is caused by a point mutation in lamin A (LMNA) gene, resulting in the production of a truncated protein product-progerin. WS is caused by mutations in WRN gene, encoding a loss-of-function RecQ DNA helicase. Here, by gene editing we created isogenic human embryonic stem cells (ESCs) with heterozygous (G608G/+) or homozygous (G608G/G608G) LMNA mutation and biallelic WRN knockout, for modeling HGPS and WS pathogenesis, respectively. While ESCs and endothelial cells (ECs) did not present any features of premature senescence, HGPS- and WS-mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) showed aging-associated phenotypes with different kinetics. WS-MSCs had early-onset mild premature aging phenotypes while HGPS-MSCs exhibited late-onset acute premature aging characterisitcs. Taken together, our study compares and contrasts the distinct pathologies underpinning the two premature aging disorders, and provides reliable stem-cell based models to identify new therapeutic strategies for pathological and physiological aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeming Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.,National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Weiqi Zhang
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China
| | - Moshi Song
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.,State Key Laboratory of Biomembrane and Membrane Biotechnology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Wei Wang
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Gang Wei
- Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, CAS-MPG Partner Institute for Computational Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Wei Li
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China
| | - Jinghui Lei
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China
| | - Yu Huang
- Department of Medical genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Yanmei Sang
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology and Genetic Metabolism, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, 100045, China
| | - Piu Chan
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China
| | - Chang Chen
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jing Qu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China. .,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
| | - Keiichiro Suzuki
- Institute for Advanced Co-Creation Studies, Osaka University, Osaka, 560-8531, Japan. .,Graduate School of Engineering Science, Osaka University, Osaka, 560-8531, Japan.
| | | | - Guang-Hui Liu
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China. .,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China. .,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China. .,Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Aging and Regenerative Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
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3
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Hydrogen sulfide restores a normal morphological phenotype in Werner syndrome fibroblasts, attenuates oxidative damage and modulates mTOR pathway. Pharmacol Res 2013; 74:34-44. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2013.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2013] [Revised: 04/29/2013] [Accepted: 04/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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4
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Donadille B, D'Anella P, Auclair M, Uhrhammer N, Sorel M, Grigorescu R, Ouzounian S, Cambonie G, Boulot P, Laforêt P, Carbonne B, Christin-Maitre S, Bignon YJ, Vigouroux C. Partial lipodystrophy with severe insulin resistance and adult progeria Werner syndrome. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2013; 8:106. [PMID: 23849162 PMCID: PMC3720184 DOI: 10.1186/1750-1172-8-106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2013] [Accepted: 07/03/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Laminopathies, due to mutations in LMNA, encoding A type-lamins, can lead to premature ageing and/or lipodystrophic syndromes, showing that these diseases could have close physiopathological relationships. We show here that lipodystrophy and extreme insulin resistance can also reveal the adult progeria Werner syndrome linked to mutations in WRN, encoding a RecQ DNA helicase. Methods We analysed the clinical and biological features of two women, aged 32 and 36, referred for partial lipodystrophic syndrome which led to the molecular diagnosis of Werner syndrome. Cultured skin fibroblasts from one patient were studied. Results Two normal-weighted women presented with a partial lipodystrophic syndrome with hypertriglyceridemia and liver steatosis. One of them had also diabetes. Both patients showed a peculiar, striking lipodystrophic phenotype with subcutaneous lipoatrophy of the four limbs contrasting with truncal and abdominal fat accumulation. Their oral glucose tolerance tests showed extremely high levels of insulinemia, revealing major insulin resistance. Low serum levels of sex-hormone binding globulin and adiponectin suggested a post-receptor insulin signalling defect. Other clinical features included bilateral cataracts, greying hair and distal skin atrophy. We observed biallelic WRN null mutations in both women (p.Q748X homozygous, and compound heterozygous p.Q1257X/p.M1329fs). Their fertility was decreased, with preserved menstrual cycles and normal follicle-stimulating hormone levels ruling out premature ovarian failure. However undetectable anti-müllerian hormone and inhibin B indicated diminished follicular ovarian reserve. Insulin-resistance linked ovarian hyperandrogenism could also contribute to decreased fertility, and the two patients became pregnant after initiation of insulin-sensitizers (metformin). Both pregnancies were complicated by severe cervical incompetence, leading to the preterm birth of a healthy newborn in one case, but to a second trimester-abortion in the other. WRN-mutated fibroblasts showed oxidative stress, increased lamin B1 expression, nuclear dysmorphies and premature senescence. Conclusions We show here for the first time that partial lipodystrophy with severe insulin resistance can reveal WRN-linked premature aging syndrome. Increased expression of lamin B1 with altered lamina architecture observed in WRN-mutated fibroblasts could contribute to premature cellular senescence. Primary alterations in DNA replication and/or repair should be considered as possible causes of lipodystrophic syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Donadille
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Hôpital Saint-Antoine, Endocrinologie, Diabétologie et Endocrinologie de la Reproduction, F-75012, Paris, France
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5
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C1824T mutation in the LMNA gene has no association with senile cataract. Neurobiol Aging 2012; 33:1487.e15-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2011.09.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2011] [Revised: 09/27/2011] [Accepted: 09/30/2011] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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6
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Choi S, Wang W, Ribeiro AJS, Kalinowski A, Gregg SQ, Opresko PL, Niedernhofer LJ, Rohde GK, Dahl KN. Computational image analysis of nuclear morphology associated with various nuclear-specific aging disorders. Nucleus 2011; 2:570-9. [PMID: 22127259 DOI: 10.4161/nucl.2.6.17798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Computational image analysis is used in many areas of biological and medical research, but advanced techniques including machine learning remain underutilized. Here, we used automated segmentation and shape analyses, with pre-defined features and with computer generated components, to compare nuclei from various premature aging disorders caused by alterations in nuclear proteins. We considered cells from patients with Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) with an altered nucleoskeletal protein; a mouse model of XFE progeroid syndrome caused by a deficiency of ERCC1-XPF DNA repair nuclease; and patients with Werner syndrome (WS) lacking a functional WRN exonuclease and helicase protein. Using feature space analysis, including circularity, eccentricity, and solidity, we found that XFE nuclei were larger and significantly more elongated than control nuclei. HGPS nuclei were smaller and rounder than the control nuclei with features suggesting small bumps. WS nuclei did not show any significant shape changes from control. We also performed principle component analysis (PCA) and a geometric, contour based metric. PCA allowed direct visualization of morphological changes in diseased nuclei, whereas standard, feature-based approaches required pre-defined parameters and indirect interpretation of multiple parameters. Both methods yielded similar results, but PCA proves to be a powerful pre-analysis methodology for unknown systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siwon Choi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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7
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Lachapelle S, Gagné JP, Garand C, Desbiens M, Coulombe Y, Bohr VA, Hendzel MJ, Masson JY, Poirier GG, Lebel M. Proteome-wide identification of WRN-interacting proteins in untreated and nuclease-treated samples. J Proteome Res 2011; 10:1216-27. [PMID: 21210717 DOI: 10.1021/pr100990s] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Werner syndrome (WS) is characterized by the premature onset of several age-associated pathologies. The protein defective in WS patients (WRN) is a helicase/exonuclease involved in DNA repair, replication, telomere maintenance, and transcription. Here, we present the results of a large-scale proteome analysis to determine protein partners of WRN. We expressed fluorescent tagged-WRN (eYFP-WRN) in human 293 embryonic kidney cells and detected interacting proteins by co-immunoprecipitation from cell extract. We identified by mass spectrometry 220 nuclear proteins that complexed with WRN. This number was reduced to 40 when broad-spectrum nucleases were added to the lysate. We consider these 40 proteins as directly interacting with WRN. Some of these proteins have previously been shown to interact with WRN, whereas most are new partners. Among the top 15 hits, we find the new interactors TMPO, HNRNPU, RPS3, RALY, RPS9 DDX21, and HNRNPM. These proteins are likely important components in understanding the function of WRN in preventing premature aging and deserve further investigation. We have confirmed endogenous WRN interaction with endogenous RPS3, a ribosomal protein with endonuclease activities involved in oxidative DNA damage recognition. Our results suggest that the use of nucleases during cell lysis severely restricts interacting protein partners and thus enhances specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Lachapelle
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de l'Université Laval, Hôpital Hôtel-Dieu de Québec, Québec City, Québec, G1R 2J6, Canada
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8
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Torbé A, Czajka R, Gutowska-Czajka D, Sipak-Szmigiel O, Ronin-Walknowska E, Andrysiak-Mamos E, Syrenicz A. Successful outcome of pregnancy complicated by Werner's syndrome. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2010; 23:1056-8. [PMID: 19895352 DOI: 10.3109/14767050903177151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Werner's syndrome is an extremely rare genetic disorder of the autosomal recessive type, characterized by features suggesting premature aging in young adulthood. Because of the concomitant hypogonadism, pregnancy among patients with Werner's syndrome occurs extremely rarely. We present a case of a successful outcome of pregnancy complicated by Werner's syndrome in a 34-year-old primigravida. The reason for early delivery by caesarean section, at 34th week of pregnancy, was exacerbation of coronary symptoms, with early signs of cardiac insufficiency. A healthy female child was born in a good condition, with birth weight of 1950 g.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrzej Torbé
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland.
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9
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Dahl KN, Kalinowski A, Pekkan K. Mechanobiology and the microcirculation: cellular, nuclear and fluid mechanics. Microcirculation 2010; 17:179-91. [PMID: 20374482 DOI: 10.1111/j.1549-8719.2009.00016.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Endothelial cells are stimulated by shear stress throughout the vasculature and respond with changes in gene expression and by morphological reorganization. Mechanical sensors of the cell are varied and include cell surface sensors that activate intracellular chemical signaling pathways. Here, possible mechanical sensors of the cell including reorganization of the cytoskeleton and the nucleus are discussed in relation to shear flow. A mutation in the nuclear structural protein lamin A, related to Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome, is reviewed specifically as the mutation results in altered nuclear structure and stiffer nuclei; animal models also suggest significantly altered vascular structure. Nuclear and cellular deformation of endothelial cells in response to shear stress provides partial understanding of possible mechanical regulation in the microcirculation. Increasing sophistication of fluid flow simulations inside the vessel is also an emerging area relevant to the microcirculation as visualization in situ is difficult. This integrated approach to study--including medicine, molecular and cell biology, biophysics and engineering--provides a unique understanding of multi-scale interactions in the microcirculation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kris Noel Dahl
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
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10
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From the rarest to the most common: insights from progeroid syndromes into skin cancer and aging. J Invest Dermatol 2009; 129:2340-50. [PMID: 19387478 DOI: 10.1038/jid.2009.103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Despite their rarity, diseases of premature aging, or "progeroid" syndromes, have provided important insights into basic mechanisms that may underlie cancer and normal aging. In this review, we highlight these recent developments in Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS), Werner syndrome, Bloom syndrome, Cockayne syndrome, trichothiodystrophy, ataxia-telangiectasia, Rothmund-Thomson syndrome, and xeroderma pigmentosum. Though they are caused by different mutations in various genes and often result in quite disparate phenotypes, deciphering the molecular bases of these conditions has served to highlight their underlying basic similarities. Studies of progeroid syndromes, particularly HGPS, the most dramatic form of premature aging, have contributed to our knowledge of fundamental processes of importance to skin biology, including DNA transcription, replication, and repair, genome instability, cellular senescence, and stem-cell differentiation.
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Ohshima S. Abnormal mitosis in hypertetraploid cells causes aberrant nuclear morphology in association with H2O2-induced premature senescence. Cytometry A 2008; 73:808-15. [DOI: 10.1002/cyto.a.20604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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12
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Kandert S, Lüke Y, Kleinhenz T, Neumann S, Lu W, Jaeger VM, Munck M, Wehnert M, Müller CR, Zhou Z, Noegel AA, Dabauvalle MC, Karakesisoglou I. Nesprin-2 giant safeguards nuclear envelope architecture in LMNA S143F progeria cells. Hum Mol Genet 2007; 16:2944-59. [PMID: 17881656 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddm255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The S143F lamin A/C point mutation causes a phenotype combining features of myopathy and progeria. We demonstrate here that patient dermal fibroblast cells have dysmorphic nuclei containing numerous blebs and lobulations, which progressively accumulate as cells age in culture. The lamin A/C organization is altered, showing intranuclear and nuclear envelope (NE) aggregates and presenting often a honeycomb appearance. Immunofluorescence microscopy showed that nesprin-2 C-terminal isoforms and LAP2alpha were recovered in the cytoplasm, whereas LAP2beta and emerin were unevenly localized along the NE. In addition, the intranuclear organization of acetylated histones, histone H1 and the active form of RNA polymerase II were markedly different in patient cells. A subpopulation of mutant cells, however, expressing the 800 kDa nesprin-2 giant isoform, did not show an overt nuclear phenotype. Ectopic expression of p.S143F lamin A in fibroblasts recapitulates the patient cell phenotype, whereas no effects were observed in p.S143F LMNA keratinocytes, which highly express nesprin-2 giant. Overexpression of the mutant lamin A protein had a more severe impact on the NE of nesprin-2 giant deficient fibroblasts when compared with wild-type. In summary, our results suggest that the p.S143F lamin A mutation affects NE architecture and composition, chromatin organization, gene expression and transcription. Furthermore, our findings implicate a direct involvement of the nesprins in laminopathies and propose nesprin-2 giant as a structural reinforcer at the NE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Kandert
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Würzburg, D97074, Würzburg, Germany
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Abstract
In the past several years, remarkable progress has been made in the understanding of the mechanisms of premature aging. These rare, genetic conditions offer valuable insights into the normal aging process and the complex biology of cardiovascular disease. Many of these advances have been made in the most dramatic of these disorders, Hutchinson–Gilford progeria syndrome. Although characterized by features of normal aging such as alopecia, skin wrinkling, and osteoporosis, patients with Hutchinson–Gilford progeria syndrome are affected by accelerated, premature arteriosclerotic disease that leads to heart attacks and strokes at a mean age of 13 years. In this review, we highlight recent advances in the biology of premature aging uncovered in Hutchinson–Gilford progeria syndrome and other accelerated aging syndromes, advances that provide insight into the mechanisms of cardiovascular diseases ranging from atherosclerosis to arrhythmias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian C Capell
- Genome Technology Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892-2486, USA
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Abstract
Few genes have generated as much recent interest as LMNA, LMNB1 and LMNB2, which encode the components of the nuclear lamina. Over 180 mutations in these genes are associated with at least 13 known diseases--the laminopathies. In particular, the study of LMNA, its products and the phenotypes that result from its mutation have provided important insights into subjects ranging from transcriptional regulation, the cell biology of the nuclear lamina and mechanisms of ageing. Recent studies have begun the difficult task of correlating the genotypes of laminopathies with their phenotypes, and potential therapeutic strategies using existing drugs, modified oligonucleotides and RNAi are showing real promise for the treatment of these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian C Capell
- Genome Technology Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, 50 South Drive MSC8004, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-8004, USA
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15
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Abstract
The relationship between progerias--diseases that resemble premature aging--and the normal aging process has been a source of debate in the aging research community. A recent study finds that LMNA, a gene targeted for mutation in Hutchinson Gilford Progeria Syndrome, may control the onset of aging-associated decline in normal fibroblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian A Kudlow
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
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