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Liu X, Bao X, Li Z, Zhang Q. Investigation of Gene Networks in Three Components of Immune System Provides Novel Insights into Immune Response Mechanisms against Edwardsiella tarda Infection in Paralichthys olivaceus. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2542. [PMID: 37570350 PMCID: PMC10417057 DOI: 10.3390/ani13152542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
As a quintessential marine teleost, Paralichthys olivaceus demonstrates vulnerability to a range of pathogens. Long-term infection with Edwardsiella tarda significantly inhibits fish growth and even induces death. Gills, blood, and kidneys, pivotal components of the immune system in teleosts, elicit vital regulatory roles in immune response processes including immune cell differentiation, diseased cell clearance, and other immunity-related mechanisms. This study entailed infecting P. olivaceus with E. tarda for 48 h and examining transcriptome data from the three components at 0, 8, and 48 h post-infection employing weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis. Network analyses revealed a series of immune response processes after infection and identified multiple key modules and key, core, and hub genes including xpo1, src, tlr13, stat1, and mefv. By innovatively amalgamating WGCNA and PPI network methodologies, our investigation facilitated an in-depth examination of immune response mechanisms within three significant P. olivaceus components post-E. tarda infection. Our results provided valuable genetic resources for understanding immunity in P. olivaceus immune-related components and assisted us in further exploring the molecular mechanisms of E. tarda infection in teleosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiumei Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Xiaokai Bao
- School of Agriculture, Ludong University, Yantai 264025, China
| | - Zan Li
- School of Agriculture, Ludong University, Yantai 264025, China
| | - Quanqi Zhang
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
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2
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Polonio AM, Medrano M, Chico-Sordo L, Córdova-Oriz I, Cozzolino M, Montans J, Herraiz S, Seli E, Pellicer A, García-Velasco JA, Varela E. Impaired telomere pathway and fertility in Senescence-Accelerated Mice Prone 8 females with reproductive senescence. Aging (Albany NY) 2023; 15:4600-4624. [PMID: 37338562 DOI: 10.18632/aging.204731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
Ovarian aging is the main cause of infertility and telomere attrition is common to both aging and fertility disorders. Senescence-Accelerated Mouse Prone 8 (SAMP8) model has shortened lifespan and premature infertility, reflecting signs of reproductive senescence described in middle-aged women. Thus, our objective was to study SAMP8 female fertility and the telomere pathway at the point of reproductive senescence. The lifespan of SAMP8 and control mice was monitored. Telomere length (TL) was measured by in situ hybridization in blood and ovary. Telomerase activity (TA) was analyzed by telomere-repeat amplification protocol, and telomerase expression, by real-time quantitative PCR in ovaries from 7-month-old SAMP8 and controls. Ovarian follicles at different stages of maturation were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Reproductive outcomes were analyzed after ovarian stimulation. Unpaired t-test or Mann-Whitney test were used to calculate p-values, depending on the variable distribution. Long-rank test was used to compare survival curves and Fisher's exact test was used in contingency tables. Median lifespan of SAMP8 females was reduced compared to SAMP8 males (p = 0.0138) and control females (p < 0.0001). In blood, 7-month-old SAMP8 females presented lower mean TL compared to age-matched controls (p = 0.041). Accordingly, the accumulation of short telomeres was higher in 7-month-old SAMP8 females (p = 0.0202). Ovarian TA was lower in 7-month-old SAMP8 females compared to controls. Similarly, telomerase expression was lower in the ovaries of 7-month-old SAMP8 females (p = 0.04). Globally, mean TL in ovaries and granulosa cells (GCs) were similar. However, the percentage of long telomeres in ovaries (p = 0.004) and GCs (p = 0.004) from 7-month-old SAMP8 females was lower compared to controls. In early-antral and antral follicles, mean TL of SAMP8 GCs was lower than in age-matched controls (p = 0.0156 for early-antral and p = 0.0037 for antral follicles). Middle-aged SAMP8 showed similar numbers of follicles than controls, although recovered oocytes after ovarian stimulation were lower (p = 0.0068). Fertilization rate in oocytes from SAMP8 was not impaired, but SAMP8 mice produced significantly more morphologically abnormal embryos than controls (27.03% in SAMP8 vs. 1.22% in controls; p < 0.001). Our findings suggest telomere dysfunction in SAMP8 females, at the time of reproductive senescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba M Polonio
- IVI Foundation, The Health Research Institute La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
| | - Marta Medrano
- IVI Foundation, The Health Research Institute La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
| | - Lucía Chico-Sordo
- IVI Foundation, The Health Research Institute La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
| | - Isabel Córdova-Oriz
- IVI Foundation, The Health Research Institute La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
| | | | | | - Sonia Herraiz
- IVI Foundation, The Health Research Institute La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
| | - Emre Seli
- IVIRMA New Jersey, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Heaven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Antonio Pellicer
- IVIRMA Rome, Rome, Italy
- Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Juan A García-Velasco
- IVI Foundation, The Health Research Institute La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
- IVIRMA Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rey Juan Carlos University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Elisa Varela
- IVI Foundation, The Health Research Institute La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rey Juan Carlos University, Madrid, Spain
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3
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Schratz KE, Flasch DA, Atik CC, Cosner ZL, Blackford AL, Yang W, Gable DL, Vellanki PJ, Xiang Z, Gaysinskaya V, Vonderheide RH, Rooper LM, Zhang J, Armanios M. T cell immune deficiency rather than chromosome instability predisposes patients with short telomere syndromes to squamous cancers. Cancer Cell 2023; 41:807-817.e6. [PMID: 37037617 PMCID: PMC10188244 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2023.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
Patients with short telomere syndromes (STS) are predisposed to developing cancer, believed to stem from chromosome instability in neoplastic cells. We tested this hypothesis in a large cohort assembled over the last 20 years. We found that the only solid cancers to which patients with STS are predisposed are squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck, anus, or skin, a spectrum reminiscent of cancers seen in patients with immunodeficiency. Whole-genome sequencing showed no increase in chromosome instability, such as translocations or chromothripsis. Moreover, STS-associated cancers acquired telomere maintenance mechanisms, including telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) promoter mutations. A detailed study of the immune status of patients with STS revealed a striking T cell immunodeficiency at the time of cancer diagnosis. A similar immunodeficiency that impaired tumor surveillance was documented in mice with short telomeres. We conclude that STS patients’ predisposition to solid cancers is due to T cell exhaustion rather than autonomous defects in the neoplastic cells themselves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen E Schratz
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; Telomere Center at Johns Hopkins, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Diane A Flasch
- Department of Computational Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Christine C Atik
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Zoe L Cosner
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Amanda L Blackford
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Wentao Yang
- Department of Computational Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Dustin L Gable
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Paz J Vellanki
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Zhimin Xiang
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Valeriya Gaysinskaya
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Robert H Vonderheide
- Abramson Cancer Center, Perlman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Lisa M Rooper
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Jinghui Zhang
- Department of Computational Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Mary Armanios
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; Telomere Center at Johns Hopkins, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
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4
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Portillo AM, Varela E, García-Velasco JA. Influence of telomerase activity and initial distribution on human follicular aging: Moving from a discrete to a continuum model. Math Biosci 2023; 358:108985. [PMID: 36828232 DOI: 10.1016/j.mbs.2023.108985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
A discrete model is proposed for the temporal evolution of a population of cells sorted according to their telomeric length. This model assumes that, during cell division, the distribution of the genetic material to daughter cells is asymmetric, i.e. chromosomes of one daughter cell have the same telomere length as the mother, while in the other daughter cell telomeres are shorter. Telomerase activity and cell death are also taken into account. The continuous model is derived from the discrete model by introducing the generational age as a continuous variable in [0,h], being h the Hayflick limit, i.e. the number of times that a cell can divide before reaching the senescent state. A partial differential equation with boundary conditions is obtained. The solution to this equation depends on the initial telomere length distribution. The initial and boundary value problem is solved exactly when the initial distribution is of exponential type. For other types of initial distributions, a numerical solution is proposed. The model is applied to the human follicular growth from preantral to preovulatory follicle as a case study and the aging rate is studied as a function of telomerase activity, the initial distribution and the Hayflick limit. Young, middle and old cell-aged initial normal distributions are considered. In all cases, when telomerase activity decreases, the population ages and the smaller the h value, the higher the aging rate becomes. However, the influence of these two parameters is different depending on the initial distribution. In conclusion, the worst-case scenario corresponds to an aged initial telomere distribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Portillo
- Instituto de Investigación en Matemáticas de la Universidad de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain; Departamento de Matemática Aplicada, Escuela de Ingenierías Industriales, Universidad de Valladolid, Pso. Prado de la Magdalena 3-5, Valladolid, 47011, Spain.
| | - E Varela
- IVI Foundation, The Health Research Institute La Fe (IIS La Fe), Edificio Biopolo. Av. Fernando Abril Martorell, 106 - Torre A, Planta 1, Valencia, 46026, Spain; Rey Juan Carlos University, Edificio Departamental II. Av. de Atenas, s/n, Alcorcón, Madrid, 28922, Spain.
| | - J A García-Velasco
- IVI Foundation, The Health Research Institute La Fe (IIS La Fe), Edificio Biopolo. Av. Fernando Abril Martorell, 106 - Torre A, Planta 1, Valencia, 46026, Spain; IVIRMA Madrid, Av. del Talgo, 68, Madrid, 28023, Spain; Rey Juan Carlos University, Edificio Departamental II. Av. de Atenas, s/n, Alcorcón, Madrid, 28922, Spain.
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5
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Revy P, Kannengiesser C, Bertuch AA. Genetics of human telomere biology disorders. Nat Rev Genet 2023; 24:86-108. [PMID: 36151328 DOI: 10.1038/s41576-022-00527-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Revy
- INSERM UMR 1163, Laboratory of Genome Dynamics in the Immune System, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer, Paris, France.
- Université Paris Cité, Imagine Institute, Paris, France.
| | - Caroline Kannengiesser
- APHP Service de Génétique, Hôpital Bichat, Paris, France
- Inserm U1152, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Alison A Bertuch
- Departments of Paediatrics and Molecular & Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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6
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Implementing computational methods in tandem with synonymous gene recoding for therapeutic development. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2023; 44:73-84. [PMID: 36307252 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2022.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Synonymous gene recoding, the substitution of synonymous variants into the genetic sequence, has been used to overcome many production limitations in therapeutic development. However, the safety and efficacy of recoded therapeutics can be difficult to evaluate because synonymous codon substitutions can result in subtle, yet impactful changes in protein features and require sensitive methods for detection. Given that computational approaches have made significant leaps in recent years, we propose that machine-learning (ML) tools may be leveraged to assess gene-recoded therapeutics and foresee an opportunity to adapt codon contexts to enhance some powerful existing tools. Here, we examine how synonymous gene recoding has been used to address challenges in therapeutic development, explain the biological mechanisms underlying its effects, and explore the application of computational platforms to improve the surveillance of functional variants in therapeutic design.
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7
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Ding D, Gao R, Xue Q, Luan R, Yang J. Genomic Fingerprint Associated with Familial Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: A Review. Int J Med Sci 2023; 20:329-345. [PMID: 36860670 PMCID: PMC9969503 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.80358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a severe interstitial lung disease; although the recent introduction of two anti-fibrosis drugs, pirfenidone and Nidanib, have resulted in a significant reduction in lung function decline, IPF is still not curable. Approximately 2-20% of patients with IPF have a family history of the disease, which is considered the strongest risk factor for idiopathic interstitial pneumonia. However, the genetic predispositions of familial IPF (f-IPF), a particular type of IPF, remain largely unknown. Genetics affect the susceptibility and progression of f-IPF. Genomic markers are increasingly being recognized for their contribution to disease prognosis and drug therapy outcomes. Existing data suggest that genomics may help identify individuals at risk for f-IPF, accurately classify patients, elucidate key pathways involved in disease pathogenesis, and ultimately develop more effective targeted therapies. Since several genetic variants associated with the disease have been found in f-IPF, this review systematically summarizes the latest progress in the gene spectrum of the f-IPF population and the underlying mechanisms of f-IPF. The genetic susceptibility variation related to the disease phenotype is also illustrated. This review aims to improve the understanding of the IPF pathogenesis and facilitate his early detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongyan Ding
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Rong Gao
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Qianfei Xue
- Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Rumei Luan
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Junling Yang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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8
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Tirelli C, Pesenti C, Miozzo M, Mondoni M, Fontana L, Centanni S. The Genetic and Epigenetic Footprint in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis and Familial Pulmonary Fibrosis: A State-of-the-Art Review. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12123107. [PMID: 36553114 PMCID: PMC9777399 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12123107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a rare disease of the lung with a largely unknown etiology and a poor prognosis. Intriguingly, forms of familial pulmonary fibrosis (FPF) have long been known and linked to specific genetic mutations. There is little evidence of the possible role of genetics in the etiology of sporadic IPF. We carried out a non-systematic, narrative literature review aimed at describing the main known genetic and epigenetic mechanisms that are involved in the pathogenesis and prognosis of IPF and FPF. In this review, we highlighted the mutations in classical genes associated with FPF, including those encoding for telomerases (TERT, TERC, PARN, RTEL1), which are also found in about 10-20% of cases of sporadic IPF. In addition to the Mendelian forms, mutations in the genes encoding for the surfactant proteins (SFTPC, SFTPA1, SFTPA2, ABCA3) and polymorphisms of genes for the mucin MUC5B and the Toll-interacting protein TOLLIP are other pathways favoring the fibrogenesis that have been thoroughly explored. Moreover, great attention has been paid to the main epigenetic alterations (DNA methylation, histone modification and non-coding RNA gene silencing) that are emerging to play a role in fibrogenesis. Finally, a gaze on the shared mechanisms between cancer and fibrogenesis, and future perspectives on the genetics of pulmonary fibrosis have been analyzed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Tirelli
- Respiratory Unit, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, 20142 Milan, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Chiara Pesenti
- Medical Genetics Unit, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, 20142 Milan, Italy
| | - Monica Miozzo
- Medical Genetics Unit, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, 20142 Milan, Italy
| | - Michele Mondoni
- Respiratory Unit, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, 20142 Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Fontana
- Medical Genetics Unit, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, 20142 Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Centanni
- Respiratory Unit, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, 20142 Milan, Italy
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Papiris SA, Kannengiesser C, Borie R, Kolilekas L, Kallieri M, Apollonatou V, Ba I, Nathan N, Bush A, Griese M, Dieude P, Crestani B, Manali ED. Genetics in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: A Clinical Perspective. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:2928. [PMID: 36552935 PMCID: PMC9777433 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12122928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Unraveling the genetic background in a significant proportion of patients with both sporadic and familial IPF provided new insights into the pathogenic pathways of pulmonary fibrosis. AIM The aim of the present study is to overview the clinical significance of genetics in IPF. PERSPECTIVE It is fascinating to realize the so-far underestimated but dynamically increasing impact that genetics has on aspects related to the pathophysiology, accurate and early diagnosis, and treatment and prevention of this devastating disease. Genetics in IPF have contributed as no other in unchaining the disease from the dogma of a "a sporadic entity of the elderly, limited to the lungs" and allowed all scientists, but mostly clinicians, all over the world to consider its many aspects and "faces" in all age groups, including its co-existence with several extra pulmonary conditions from cutaneous albinism to bone-marrow and liver failure. CONCLUSION By providing additional evidence for unsuspected characteristics such as immunodeficiency, impaired mucus, and surfactant and telomere maintenance that very often co-exist through the interaction of common and rare genetic variants in the same patient, genetics have created a generous and pluralistic yet unifying platform that could lead to the understanding of the injurious and pro-fibrotic effects of many seemingly unrelated extrinsic and intrinsic offending factors. The same platform constantly instructs us about our limitations as well as about the heritability, the knowledge and the wisdom that is still missing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Spyros A. Papiris
- 2nd Pulmonary Medicine Department, General University Hospital “Attikon”, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece
| | - Caroline Kannengiesser
- Département de Génétique, APHP Hôpital Bichat, Université de Paris, 75018 Paris, France
- INSERM UMR 1152, Université de Paris, 75018 Paris, France
| | - Raphael Borie
- Service de Pneumologie A, INSERM UMR_1152, Centre de Référence des Maladies Pulmonaires Rares, FHU APOLLO, APHP Hôpital Bichat, Sorbonne Université, 75018 Paris, France
| | - Lykourgos Kolilekas
- 7th Pulmonary Department, Athens Chest Hospital “Sotiria”, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Kallieri
- 2nd Pulmonary Medicine Department, General University Hospital “Attikon”, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece
| | - Vasiliki Apollonatou
- 2nd Pulmonary Medicine Department, General University Hospital “Attikon”, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece
| | - Ibrahima Ba
- Département de Génétique, APHP Hôpital Bichat, Université de Paris, 75018 Paris, France
| | - Nadia Nathan
- Peditric Pulmonology Department and Reference Centre for Rare Lung Diseases RespiRare, INSERM UMR_S933 Laboratory of Childhood Genetic Diseases, Armand Trousseau Hospital, Sorbonne University and APHP, 75012 Paris, France
| | - Andrew Bush
- Paediatrics and Paediatric Respirology, Imperial College, Imperial Centre for Paediatrics and Child Health, Royal Brompton Harefield NHS Foundation Trust, London SW3 6NP, UK
| | - Matthias Griese
- Department of Pediatric Pneumology, Dr von Hauner Children’s Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, German Center for Lung Research, 80337 Munich, Germany
| | - Philippe Dieude
- Department of Rheumatology, INSERM U1152, APHP Hôpital Bichat-Claude Bernard, Université de Paris, 75018 Paris, France
| | - Bruno Crestani
- Service de Pneumologie A, INSERM UMR_1152, Centre de Référence des Maladies Pulmonaires Rares, FHU APOLLO, APHP Hôpital Bichat, Sorbonne Université, 75018 Paris, France
| | - Effrosyni D. Manali
- 2nd Pulmonary Medicine Department, General University Hospital “Attikon”, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece
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Abstract
Telomere biology was first studied in maize, ciliates, yeast, and mice, and in recent decades, it has informed understanding of common disease mechanisms with broad implications for patient care. Short telomere syndromes are the most prevalent premature aging disorders, with prominent phenotypes affecting the lung and hematopoietic system. Less understood are a newly recognized group of cancer-prone syndromes that are associated with mutations that lengthen telomeres. A large body of new data from Mendelian genetics and epidemiology now provides an opportunity to reconsider paradigms related to the role of telomeres in human aging and cancer, and in some cases, the findings diverge from what was interpreted from model systems. For example, short telomeres have been considered potent drivers of genome instability, but age-associated solid tumors are rare in individuals with short telomere syndromes, and T cell immunodeficiency explains their spectrum. More commonly, short telomeres promote clonal hematopoiesis, including somatic reversion, providing a new leukemogenesis paradigm that is independent of genome instability. Long telomeres, on the other hand, which extend the cellular life span in vitro, are now appreciated to be the most common shared germline risk factor for cancer in population studies. Through this contemporary lens, I revisit here the role of telomeres in human aging, focusing on how short and long telomeres drive cancer evolution but through distinct mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Armanios
- Departments of Oncology, Genetic Medicine, Pathology, and Molecular Biology and Genetics; Telomere Center at Johns Hopkins; and Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA;
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11
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Choo S, Lorbeer FK, Regalado SG, Short SB, Wu S, Rieser G, Bertuch AA, Hockemeyer D. Editing TINF2 as a potential therapeutic approach to restore telomere length in dyskeratosis congenita. Blood 2022; 140:608-618. [PMID: 35421215 PMCID: PMC9373014 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2021013750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the TINF2 gene, encoding the shelterin protein TIN2, cause telomere shortening and the inherited bone marrow (BM) failure syndrome dyskeratosis congenita (DC). A lack of suitable model systems limits the mechanistic understanding of telomere shortening in the stem cells and thus hinders the development of treatment options for BM failure. Here, we endogenously introduced TIN2-DC mutations in human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and human hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) to dissect the disease mechanism and identify a gene-editing strategy that rescued the disease phenotypes. The hESCs with the T284R disease mutation exhibited the short telomere phenotype observed in DC patients. Yet, telomeres in mutant hESCs did not trigger DNA damage responses at telomeres or show exacerbated telomere shortening when differentiated into telomerase-negative cells. Disruption of the mutant TINF2 allele by introducing a frameshift mutation in exon 2 restored telomere length in stem cells and the replicative potential of differentiated cells. Similarly, we introduced TIN2-DC disease variants in human HSPCs to assess the changes in telomere length and proliferative capacity. Lastly, we showed that editing at exon 2 of TINF2 that restored telomere length in hESCs could be generated in TINF2-DC patient HSPCs. Our study demonstrates a simple genetic intervention that rescues the TIN2-DC disease phenotype in stem cells and provides a versatile platform to assess the efficacy of potential therapeutic approaches in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seunga Choo
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
| | - Franziska K Lorbeer
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
| | - Samuel G Regalado
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
| | - Sarah B Short
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
| | - Shannon Wu
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
| | - Gabrielle Rieser
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
| | - Alison A Bertuch
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Dirk Hockemeyer
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA; and
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
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12
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Ma H, Wu X, Li Y, Xia Y. Research Progress in the Molecular Mechanisms, Therapeutic Targets, and Drug Development of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:963054. [PMID: 35935869 PMCID: PMC9349351 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.963054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a fatal interstitial lung disease. Recent studies have identified the key role of crosstalk between dysregulated epithelial cells, mesenchymal, immune, and endothelial cells in IPF. In addition, genetic mutations and environmental factors (e.g., smoking) have also been associated with the development of IPF. With the recent development of sequencing technology, epigenetics, as an intermediate link between gene expression and environmental impacts, has also been reported to be implicated in pulmonary fibrosis. Although the etiology of IPF is unknown, many novel therapeutic targets and agents have emerged from clinical trials for IPF treatment in the past years, and the successful launch of pirfenidone and nintedanib has demonstrated the promising future of anti-IPF therapy. Therefore, we aimed to gain an in-depth understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms and pathogenic factors of IPF, which would be helpful for the diagnosis of IPF, the development of anti-fibrotic drugs, and improving the prognosis of patients with IPF. In this study, we summarized the pathogenic mechanism, therapeutic targets and clinical trials from the perspective of multiple cell types, gene mutations, epigenetic and environmental factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongbo Ma
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xuyi Wu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan Province/Rehabilitation Medicine Research Institute, Chengdu, China
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan Province/Rehabilitation Medicine Research Institute, Chengdu, China
| | - Yong Xia
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan Province/Rehabilitation Medicine Research Institute, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Yong Xia,
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13
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Sarkar A, Panati K, Narala VR. Code inside the codon: The role of synonymous mutations in regulating splicing machinery and its impact on disease. MUTATION RESEARCH. REVIEWS IN MUTATION RESEARCH 2022; 790:108444. [PMID: 36307006 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrrev.2022.108444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
In eukaryotes, precise pre-mRNA processing, including alternative splicing, is essential to carry out the intricate protein translation process. Both point mutations (that alter the translated protein sequence) and synonymous mutations (that do not alter the translated protein sequence) are capable of affecting the splicing process. Synonymous mutations are known to affect gene expression via altering mRNA stability, mRNA secondary structure, splicing processes, and translational kinetics. In higher eukaryotes, precise splicing is regulated by three weakly conserved cis-elements, 5' and 3' splice sites and the branch site. Many other cis-acting elements (exonic/intronic splicing enhancers and silencers) and trans-acting splicing factors (serine and arginine-rich proteins and heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins) have also been found to enhance or suppress the splicing process. The appearance of synonymous mutations in cis-acting elements can alter the splicing process by changing the binding pattern of splicing factors to exonic splicing enhancers or silencer motifs. This results in exon skipping, intron retention, and various other forms of alternative splicing, eventually leading to the emergence of a wide range of diseases. The focus of this review is to elucidate the role of synonymous mutations and their impact on abnormal splicing mechanisms. Further, this study highlights the function of synonymous mutation in mediating abnormal splicing in cancer and development of X-linked, and autosomal inherited diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avik Sarkar
- Department of Zoology, Vidyasagar University, Midnapore, West Bengal 721102, India
| | - Kalpana Panati
- Department of Biotechnology, Government College for Men, Kadapa 516004, India
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14
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Abstract
Parenchymal lung disease is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States; among the top causes, it continues on the rise. Telomeres and telomerase have historically been linked to cellular processes related to aging and cancer, but surprisingly, in the recent decade genetic discoveries have linked the most apparent manifestations of telomere and telomerase dysfunction in humans to the etiology of lung disease: both idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and emphysema. The short telomere defect is pervasive in a subset of IPF patients, and human IPF is the phenotype most intimately tied to germline defects in telomere maintenance. One-third of families with pulmonary fibrosis carry germline mutations in telomerase or other telomere maintenance genes, and one-half of patients with apparently sporadic IPF have short telomere length. Beyond explaining genetic susceptibility, short telomere length uncovers clinically relevant syndromic extrapulmonary disease, including a T-cell immunodeficiency and a propensity to myeloid malignancies. Recognition of this subset of patients who share a unifying molecular defect has provided a precision medicine paradigm wherein the telomere-mediated lung disease diagnosis provides more prognostic value than histopathology or multidisciplinary evaluation. Here, we critically evaluate this progress, emphasizing how the genetic findings put forth a new pathogenesis paradigm of age-related lung disease that links telomere abnormalities to alveolar stem senescence, remodeling, and defective gas exchange.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan K. Alder
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh PA, United States
| | - Mary Armanios
- Departments of Oncology and Genetic Medicine, Telomere Center at Johns Hopkins, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
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15
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Molecular pathways and role of epigenetics in the idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Life Sci 2022; 291:120283. [PMID: 34998839 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.120283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a fatal lung disease with unknown etiological factors that can progress to other dangerous diseases like lung cancer. Environmental and genetic predisposition are the two major etiological or risk factors involved in the pathology of the IPF. Among the environmental risk factors, smoking is one of the major causes for the development of IPF. Epigenetic pathways like nucleosomes remodeling, DNA methylation, histone modifications and miRNA mediated genes play a crucial role in development of IPF. Mutations in the genes make the epigenetic factors as important drug targets in IPF. Transcriptional changes due to environmental factors are also involved in the progression of IPF. The mutations in human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) have shown decreased life expectancy in IPF patients. The TERT-gene is highly expressed in chronic smokers and makes the role of epigenetics evident. Drug like nintedanib acts through vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFR), while drug pirfenidone acts through transforming growth factor (TGF), which is useful in IPF. Gefitinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor of EGFR, is useful as an anti-fibrosis agent in preclinical models. Newer drugs such as Celgene-CC90001 and FibroGen-FG-3019 are currently under investigations acts through the modulating epigenetic mechanisms. Thus, the study on epigenetics opens a wide window for the discovery of newer drugs. This study provides an elementary analysis of multiple regulators of epigenetics and their roles associated with the pathology of IPF. Further, this review also includes epigenetic drugs under development in preclinical and clinical stages.
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16
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Pan X, Chen S, Chen X, Ren Q, Yue L, Niu S, Li Z, Zhu R, Chen X, Jia Z, Zhen R, Ban J. UTP14A, DKC1, DDX10, PinX1, and ESF1 Modulate Cardiac Angiogenesis Leading to Obesity-Induced Cardiac Injury. J Diabetes Res 2022; 2022:2923291. [PMID: 35734237 PMCID: PMC9208995 DOI: 10.1155/2022/2923291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study is aimed at exploring the key genes and the possible mechanism of heart damage caused by obesity. METHODS We analyzed the GSE98226 dataset. Firstly, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in heart tissues of obese and normal mice. Then, we analyzed DEGs using Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis. Thirdly, we constructed a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and key modules and searched hub genes. Finally, we observed the pathological changes associated with obesity through histopathology. RESULTS A total of 763 DEGs were discovered, including 629 upregulated and 134 downregulated genes. GO enrichment analysis showed that these DEGs were mainly related to the regulation of transcription, DNA-templated, nucleic acid binding, and metal ion binding. KEGG pathway analysis revealed that the DEGs were enriched in long-term depression, gap junction, and sphingolipid signaling pathways. Finally, we identified UTP14A, DKC1, DDX10, PinX1, and ESF1 as the hub genes. Histopathologic analysis showed that obesity increased the number of collagen fibers and decreased the number of microvessels and proliferation of the endothelium and increased endothelial cell damage which further leads to dysfunction of cardiac microcirculation. CONCLUSION UTP14A, DKC1, DDX10, PinX1, and ESF1 have been identified as hub genes in obesity-induced pathological changes in the heart and may be involved in obesity-induced cardiac injury by affecting cardiac microcirculatory function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Pan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- Department of Endocrinology, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Shuchun Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- Department of Endocrinology, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Xing Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- Department of Endocrinology, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Qingjuan Ren
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- Department of Endocrinology, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Lin Yue
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- Department of Endocrinology, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Shu Niu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- Department of Endocrinology, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Zelin Li
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- Department of Endocrinology, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Ruiyi Zhu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- Department of Endocrinology, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Xiaoyi Chen
- Department of Endocrinology, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Zhuoya Jia
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- Department of Endocrinology, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Ruoxi Zhen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- Department of Endocrinology, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Jiangli Ban
- Department of Endocrinology, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, China
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17
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Wang L, Li J, Xiong Q, Zhou YA, Li P, Wu C. Case Report: A Missense Mutation in Dyskeratosis Congenita 1 Leads to a Benign Form of Dyskeratosis Congenita Syndrome With the Mucocutaneous Triad. Front Pediatr 2022; 10:834268. [PMID: 35463902 PMCID: PMC9019361 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.834268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dyskeratosis congenita (DC) is a rare inheritable disorder characterized by bone marrow failure and mucocutaneous triad (reticular skin pigmentation, nail dystrophy, and oral leukoplakia). Dyskeratosis congenita 1 (DKC1) is responsible for 4.6% of the DC with an X-linked inheritance pattern. Almost 70 DKC1 variations causing DC have been reported in the Human Gene Mutation Database. RESULTS Here we described a 14-year-old boy in a Chinese family with a phenotype of abnormal skin pigmentation on the neck, oral leukoplakia, and nail dysplasia in his hands and feet. Genetic analysis and sequencing revealed hemizygosity for a recurrent missense mutation c.1156G > A (p.Ala386Thr) in DKC1 gene. The heterozygous mutation (c.1156G > A) from his mother and wild-type sequence from his father were obtained in the same site of DKC1. This mutation was determined as disease causing based on silico software, but the pathological phenotypes of the proband were milder than previously reported at this position (HGMDCM060959). Homology modeling revealed that the altered amino acid was located near the PUA domain, which might affect the affinity for RNA binding. CONCLUSION This DKC1 mutation (c.1156G > A, p.Ala386Thr) was first reported in a Chinese family with mucocutaneous triad phenotype. Our study reveals the pathogenesis of DKC1 c.1156G > A mutation to DC with a benign phenotype, which expands the disease variation database, the understanding of genotype-phenotype correlations, and facilitates the clinical diagnosis of DC in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liqing Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education of China, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China.,The Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Cell Biology of Shanxi Province, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Jianwei Li
- Bluttransfusion, The Second Hospital, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Qiuhong Xiong
- The Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education of China, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China.,The Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Cell Biology of Shanxi Province, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Yong-An Zhou
- Bluttransfusion, The Second Hospital, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Ping Li
- The Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education of China, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China.,The Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Cell Biology of Shanxi Province, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Changxin Wu
- The Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education of China, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China.,The Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Cell Biology of Shanxi Province, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
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18
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Zhang K, Xu L, Cong YS. Telomere Dysfunction in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:739810. [PMID: 34859008 PMCID: PMC8631932 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.739810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is an age-dependent progressive and fatal lung disease of unknown etiology, which is characterized by the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix inside the interstitial layer of the lung parenchyma that leads to abnormal scar architecture and compromised lung function capacity. Recent genetic studies have attributed the pathological genes or genetic mutations associated with familial idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and sporadic IPF to telomere-related components, suggesting that telomere dysfunction is an important determinant of this disease. In this study, we summarized recent advances in our understanding of how telomere dysfunction drives IPF genesis. We highlighted the key role of alveolar stem cell dysfunction caused by telomere shortening or telomere uncapping, which bridged the gap between telomere abnormalities and fibrotic lung pathology. We emphasized that senescence-associated secretory phenotypes, innate immune cell infiltration, and/or inflammation downstream of lung stem cell dysfunction influenced the native microenvironment and local cell signals, including increased transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) signaling in the lung, to induce pro-fibrotic conditions. In addition, the failed regeneration of new alveoli due to alveolar stem cell dysfunction might expose lung cells to elevated mechanical tension, which could activate the TGF-β signaling loop to promote the fibrotic process, especially in a periphery-to-center pattern as seen in IPF patients. Understanding the telomere-related molecular and pathophysiological mechanisms of IPF would provide new insights into IPF etiology and therapeutic strategies for this fatal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kexiong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Aging and Cancer Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lu Xu
- Key Laboratory of Aging and Cancer Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yu-Sheng Cong
- Key Laboratory of Aging and Cancer Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
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19
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Garus A, Autexier C. Dyskerin: an essential pseudouridine synthase with multifaceted roles in ribosome biogenesis, splicing, and telomere maintenance. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2021; 27:1441-1458. [PMID: 34556550 PMCID: PMC8594475 DOI: 10.1261/rna.078953.121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Dyskerin and its homologs are ancient and conserved enzymes that catalyze the most common post-transcriptional modification found in cells, pseudouridylation. The resulting pseudouridines provide stability to RNA molecules and regulate ribosome biogenesis and splicing events. Dyskerin does not act independently-it is the core component of a protein heterotetramer, which associates with RNAs that contain the H/ACA motif. The variety of H/ACA RNAs that guide the function of this ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex highlights the diversity of cellular processes in which dyskerin participates. When associated with small nucleolar (sno) RNAs, it regulates ribosomal (r) RNAs and ribosome biogenesis. By interacting with small Cajal body (sca) RNAs, it targets small nuclear (sn) RNAs to regulate pre-mRNA splicing. As a component of the telomerase holoenzyme, dyskerin binds to the telomerase RNA to modulate telomere maintenance. In a disease context, dyskerin malfunction can result in multiple detrimental phenotypes. Mutations in DKC1, the gene that encodes dyskerin, cause the premature aging syndrome X-linked dyskeratosis congenita (X-DC), a still incurable disorder that typically leads to bone marrow failure. In this review, we present the classical and most recent findings on this essential protein, discussing the evolutionary, structural, and functional aspects of dyskerin and the H/ACA RNP. The latest research underscores the role that dyskerin plays in the regulation of gene expression, translation efficiency, and telomere maintenance, along with the impacts that defective dyskerin has on aging, cell proliferation, haematopoietic potential, and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Garus
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 0C7, Canada
- Jewish General Hospital, Lady Davis Institute, Montreal, Quebec, H3T 1E2, Canada
| | - Chantal Autexier
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 0C7, Canada
- Jewish General Hospital, Lady Davis Institute, Montreal, Quebec, H3T 1E2, Canada
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20
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Vellanki PJ, DeBoy EA, Bawadkji MM, Schuchter L, Rooper L, Mehra R, Kang H, Armanios M. Ovarian Failure Preceding Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Identifies an Adult-Onset Cancer-Prone Syndrome Caused by FANCM Mutations. JCO Precis Oncol 2021; 5:PO.21.00110. [PMID: 34568721 DOI: 10.1200/po.21.00110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 05/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Paz J Vellanki
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD.,Current affiliation: Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD
| | - Emily A DeBoy
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - M Malek Bawadkji
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD.,Current affiliation: Union Memorial Hospital, Baltimore, MD
| | - Lynn Schuchter
- Division of Medical Oncology, Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Lisa Rooper
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD.,Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Ranee Mehra
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD.,Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD.,Current affiliation: Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Hyunseok Kang
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD.,Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD.,Current affiliation: Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Mary Armanios
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD.,Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD.,Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
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21
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Schratz KE, Gaysinskaya V, Cosner ZL, DeBoy EA, Xiang Z, Kasch-Semenza L, Florea L, Shah PD, Armanios M. Somatic reversion impacts evolution of myelodysplastic syndromes and acute myeloid leukemia in the short telomere disorders. J Clin Invest 2021; 131:e147598. [PMID: 34343137 DOI: 10.1172/jci147598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Germline mutations in telomerase and other telomere maintenance genes manifest in the premature aging short telomere syndromes. Myelodysplastic syndromes and acute myeloid leukemia (MDS/AML) account for 75% of associated malignancies, but how these cancers overcome the inherited telomere defect is unknown. METHODS We used ultra-deep targeted sequencing to detect somatic reversion mutations in 17 candidate telomere lengthening genes among controls and short telomere syndrome patients with and without MDS/AML and we tested the functional significance of these mutations. RESULTS While no controls carried somatic mutations in telomere maintenance genes, 29% (16 of 56) of adults with germline telomere maintenance defects carried at least one (P<0.001) and 13% (7 of 56) had 2 or more. In addition to TERT promoter mutations which were present in 19%, we identified POT1 and TERF2IP mutations in 13%. POT1 mutations impaired telomere binding in vitro and some mutations were identical to ones seen in familial melanoma associated with longer telomere length. Exclusively in patients with germline defects in telomerase RNA (TR), we identified somatic mutations in nuclear RNA exosome genes, RBM7, SKIV2L2, and DIS3, where loss-of-function upregulates mature TR levels. Somatic reversion events in six telomere-related genes were more prevalent in patients who were MDS/AML-free (P = 0.02, RR 4.4, 95% CI 1.2-16.7), and no MDS/AML patient had more than one reversion mutation. CONCLUSIONS Our data identify diverse adaptive somatic mechanisms in the short telomere syndrome; they raise the possibility that their presence alleviates the telomere crisis that promotes transformation to MDS/AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen E Schratz
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States of America
| | - Valeriya Gaysinskaya
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States of America
| | - Zoe L Cosner
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States of America
| | - Emily A DeBoy
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States of America
| | - Zhimin Xiang
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States of America
| | - Laura Kasch-Semenza
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States of America
| | - Liliana Florea
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States of America
| | - Pali D Shah
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States of America
| | - Mary Armanios
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States of America
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22
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Abstract
Telomere biology disorders (TBD) are a heterogeneous group of diseases arising from germline mutations affecting genes involved in telomere maintenance. Telomeres are DNA-protein structures at chromosome ends that maintain chromosome stability; their length affects cell replicative potential and senescence. A constellation of bone marrow failure, pulmonary fibrosis, liver cirrhosis and premature greying is suggestive, however incomplete penetrance results in highly variable manifestations, with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis as the most common presentation. Currently, the true extent of TBD burden is unknown as there is no established diagnostic criteria and the disorder often is unrecognised and underdiagnosed. There is no gold standard for measuring telomere length and not all TBD-related mutations have been identified. There is no specific cure and the only treatment is organ transplantation, which has poor outcomes. This review summarises the current literature and discusses gaps in understanding and areas of need in managing TBD.
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23
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van Moorsel CHM. Putting Genetics Into Practice: Challenges Associated With the Genetics of Short Telomere Syndromes. Chest 2020; 158:2249-2250. [PMID: 33280738 DOI: 10.1016/j.chest.2020.09.071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/06/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
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