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Klinaki E, Ogrodnik M. In the land of not-unhappiness: On the state-of-the-art of targeting aging and age-related diseases by biomedical research. Mech Ageing Dev 2024; 219:111929. [PMID: 38561164 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2024.111929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
The concept of the Land of Not-Unhappiness refers to the potential achievement of eliminating the pathologies of the aging process. To inform of how close we are to settling in the land, we summarize and review the achievements of research on anti-aging interventions over the last hundred years with a specific focus on strategies that slow down metabolism, compensate for aging-related losses, and target a broad range of age-related diseases. We critically evaluate the existing interventions labeled as "anti-aging," such as calorie restriction, exercise, stem cell administration, and senolytics, to provide a down-to-earth evaluation of their current applicability in counteracting aging. Throughout the text, we have maintained a light tone to make it accessible to non-experts in biogerontology, and provide a broad overview for those considering conducting studies, research, or seeking to understand the scientific basis of anti-aging medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eirini Klinaki
- Ludwig Boltzmann Research Group Senescence and Healing of Wounds, Vienna 1200, Austria; Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Traumatology, The Research Centre in Cooperation with AUVA, Vienna 1200, Austria; Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria
| | - Mikolaj Ogrodnik
- Ludwig Boltzmann Research Group Senescence and Healing of Wounds, Vienna 1200, Austria; Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Traumatology, The Research Centre in Cooperation with AUVA, Vienna 1200, Austria; Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria.
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2
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Schmidt KA, Simonetto DA. The telomere tango: Liver disease in the genomic spotlight. Hepatology 2024; 79:1249-1251. [PMID: 37983765 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn A Schmidt
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
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Zhang Q, Hu J, Li DL, Qiu JG, Jiang BH, Zhang CY. Construction of single-molecule counting-based biosensors for DNA-modifying enzymes: A review. Anal Chim Acta 2024; 1298:342395. [PMID: 38462345 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2024.342395] [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: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
DNA-modifying enzymes act as critical regulators in a wide range of genetic functions (e.g., DNA damage & repair, DNA replication), and their aberrant expression may interfere with regular genetic functions and induce various malignant diseases including cancers. DNA-modifying enzymes have emerged as the potential biomarkers in early diagnosis of diseases and new therapeutic targets in genomic research. Consequently, the development of highly specific and sensitive biosensors for the detection of DNA-modifying enzymes is of great importance for basic biomedical research, disease diagnosis, and drug discovery. Single-molecule fluorescence detection has been widely implemented in the field of molecular diagnosis due to its simplicity, high sensitivity, visualization capability, and low sample consumption. In this paper, we summarize the recent advances in single-molecule counting-based biosensors for DNA-modifying enzyme (i.e, alkaline phosphatase, DNA methyltransferase, DNA glycosylase, flap endonuclease 1, and telomerase) assays in the past four years (2019 - 2023). We highlight the principles and applications of these biosensors, and give new insight into the future challenges and perspectives in the development of single-molecule counting-based biosensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Zhang
- Translational Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, The Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China; College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, 250014, China
| | - Juan Hu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, China
| | - Dong-Ling Li
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, China
| | - Jian-Ge Qiu
- Translational Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, The Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Bing-Hua Jiang
- Translational Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, The Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.
| | - Chun-Yang Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, China.
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Savage SA. Telomere length and cancer risk: finding Goldilocks. Biogerontology 2024; 25:265-278. [PMID: 38109000 DOI: 10.1007/s10522-023-10080-9] [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: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Telomeres are the nucleoprotein complex at chromosome ends essential in genomic stability. Baseline telomere length (TL) is determined by rare and common germline genetic variants but shortens with age and is susceptible to certain environmental exposures. Cellular senescence or apoptosis are normally triggered when telomeres reach a critically short length, but cancer cells overcome these protective mechanisms and continue to divide despite chromosomal instability. Rare germline variants in telomere maintenance genes cause exceedingly short telomeres for age (< 1st percentile) and the telomere biology disorders, which are associated with elevated risks of bone marrow failure, myelodysplastic syndrome, acute myeloid leukemia, and squamous cell carcinoma of the head/neck and anogenital regions. Long telomeres due to rare germline variants in the same or different telomere maintenance genes are associated with elevated risks of other cancers, such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia or sarcoma. Early epidemiology studies of TL in the general population lacked reproducibility but new methods, including creation of a TL polygenic score using common variants, have found longer telomeres associated with excess risks of renal cell carcinoma, glioma, lung cancer, and others. It has become clear that when it comes to TL and cancer etiology, not too short, not too long, but "just right" telomeres are important in minimizing cancer risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon A Savage
- Clinical Genetics Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, 9609 Medical Center Drive, 6E456, Bethesda, MD, 20892-6772, USA.
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Bartle L, Wellinger RJ. Methods that shaped telomerase research. Biogerontology 2024; 25:249-263. [PMID: 37903970 PMCID: PMC10998806 DOI: 10.1007/s10522-023-10073-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023]
Abstract
Telomerase, the ribonucleoprotein (RNP) responsible for telomere maintenance, has a complex life. Complex in that it is made of multiple proteins and an RNA, and complex because it undergoes many changes, and passes through different cell compartments. As such, many methods have been developed to discover telomerase components, delve deep into understanding its structure and function and to figure out how telomerase biology ultimately relates to human health and disease. While some old gold-standard methods are still key for determining telomere length and measuring telomerase activity, new technologies are providing promising new ways to gain detailed information that we have never had access to before. Therefore, we thought it timely to briefly review the methods that have revealed information about the telomerase RNP and outline some of the remaining questions that could be answered using new methodology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Bartle
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Applied Cancer Research Pavilion, 3201 rue Jean-Mignault, Sherbrooke, QC, J1E 4K8, Canada
| | - Raymund J Wellinger
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Applied Cancer Research Pavilion, 3201 rue Jean-Mignault, Sherbrooke, QC, J1E 4K8, Canada.
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Paul S, McCourt PM, Le LTM, Ryu J, Czaja W, Bode AM, Contreras-Galindo R, Dong Z. Fyn-mediated phosphorylation of Menin disrupts telomere maintenance in stem cells. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.10.04.560876. [PMID: 37873235 PMCID: PMC10592958 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.04.560876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Telomeres protect chromosome ends and determine the replication potential of dividing cells. The canonical telomere sequence TTAGGG is synthesized by telomerase holoenzyme, which maintains telomere length in proliferative stem cells. Although the core components of telomerase are well-defined, mechanisms of telomerase regulation are still under investigation. We report a novel role for the Src family kinase Fyn, which disrupts telomere maintenance in stem cells by phosphorylating the scaffold protein Menin. We found that Fyn knockdown prevented telomere erosion in human and mouse stem cells, validating the results with four telomere measurement techniques. We show that Fyn phosphorylates Menin at tyrosine 603 (Y603), which increases Menin's SUMO1 modification, C-terminal stability, and importantly, its association with the telomerase RNA component (TR). Using mass spectrometry, immunoprecipitation, and immunofluorescence experiments we found that SUMO1-Menin decreases TR's association with telomerase subunit Dyskerin, suggesting that Fyn's phosphorylation of Menin induces telomerase subunit mislocalization and may compromise telomerase function at telomeres. Importantly, we find that Fyn inhibition reduces accelerated telomere shortening in human iPSCs harboring mutations for dyskeratosis congenita.
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Affiliation(s)
- Souren Paul
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, 801 16th Avenue NE, Austin, MN 55912, USA
| | - Preston M. McCourt
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, 801 16th Avenue NE, Austin, MN 55912, USA
| | - Le Thi My Le
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, 801 16th Avenue NE, Austin, MN 55912, USA
| | - Joohyun Ryu
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, 801 16th Avenue NE, Austin, MN 55912, USA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota School of Medicine, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Wioletta Czaja
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, 801 16th Avenue NE, Austin, MN 55912, USA
- Department of Genetics, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Ann M. Bode
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, 801 16th Avenue NE, Austin, MN 55912, USA
| | - Rafael Contreras-Galindo
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, 801 16th Avenue NE, Austin, MN 55912, USA
- Department of Genetics, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Zigang Dong
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Henan, China 450001
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Şerifoğlu N, Lopes-Bastos B, Ferreira MG. Lack of telomerase reduces cancer incidence and increases lifespan of zebrafish tp53 M214K mutants. Sci Rep 2024; 14:5382. [PMID: 38443436 PMCID: PMC10914805 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-56153-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Telomerase activity is restricted in humans and telomere attrition occurs in several tissues accompanying natural aging. Critically short telomeres trigger DNA damage responses and activate p53 which leads to apoptosis or replicative senescence. These processes reduce cell proliferation and disrupt tissue homeostasis, thus contributing to systemic aging. Similarly, zebrafish have restricted telomerase expression, and telomeres shorten to critical length during their lifespan. Telomerase-deficient zebrafish (tert -/-) is a premature model of aging that anticipates aging phenotypes due to early telomere shortening. tert -/- zebrafish have impaired cell proliferation, accumulation of DNA damage markers and p53 response. These cellular defects lead to disruption of tissue homeostasis, resulting in premature infertility, gastrointestinal atrophy, sarcopenia and kyphosis. Such consequences contribute to its premature death. Here we reveal a genetic interdependence between tp53 and telomerase function. Mutation of tp53 abrogates premature aging of tert -/- zebrafish, prolonging male fertility and lifespan. However, it does not fully rescue healthspan. tp53mut tert -/- zebrafish retain high levels of inflammation and increased spontaneous cancer incidence. Conversely, loss of telomerase prolongs the lifespan of tp53mut single mutants. Lack of telomerase reduces two-fold the cancer incidence in double mutants and increases lifetime survival. Thus, we observe a reciprocal rescue of tp53mut and tert -/- that ameliorates lifespan but not spontaneous cancer incidence of tp53mut, likely due to higher levels of inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naz Şerifoğlu
- Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging of Nice (IRCAN), UMR7284, INSERM U1081, CNRS, Université Cote d'Azur, 06107, Nice, France
| | - Bruno Lopes-Bastos
- Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging of Nice (IRCAN), UMR7284, INSERM U1081, CNRS, Université Cote d'Azur, 06107, Nice, France
| | - Miguel Godinho Ferreira
- Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging of Nice (IRCAN), UMR7284, INSERM U1081, CNRS, Université Cote d'Azur, 06107, Nice, France.
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Klump BM, Schmidt JC. Advances in understanding telomerase assembly. Biochem Soc Trans 2023; 51:2093-2101. [PMID: 38108475 PMCID: PMC10754283 DOI: 10.1042/bst20230269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Telomerase is a complex ribonucleoprotein scaffolded by the telomerase RNA (TR). Telomere lengthening by telomerase is essential to maintain the proliferative potential of stem cells and germ cells, and telomerase is inappropriately activated in the majority of cancers. Assembly of TR with its 12 protein co-factors and the maturation of the 5'- and 3'-ends of TR have been the focus of intense research efforts over the past two decades. High-resolution Cryo-EM structures of human telomerase, high-throughput sequencing of the 3' end of TR, and live cell imaging of various telomerase components have significantly advanced our understanding of the molecular mechanisms that govern telomerase biogenesis, yet many important questions remain unaddressed. In this review, we will summarize these recent advances and highlight the remaining key questions with the ultimate goal of targeting telomerase assembly to suppress telomere maintenance in cancer cells or to promote telomerase activity in patients affected by telomere shortening disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Basma M. Klump
- Institute for Quantitative Health Sciences and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, U.S.A
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, U.S.A
- Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, College of Natural Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, U.S.A
| | - Jens C. Schmidt
- Institute for Quantitative Health Sciences and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, U.S.A
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, U.S.A
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9
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He Q, Lim CJ. Models for human telomere C-strand fill-in by CST-Polα-primase. Trends Biochem Sci 2023; 48:860-872. [PMID: 37586999 PMCID: PMC10528720 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2023.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Telomere maintenance is essential for the genome integrity of eukaryotes, and this function is underpinned by the two-step telomeric DNA synthesis process: telomere G-overhang extension by telomerase and complementary strand fill-in by DNA polymerase alpha-primase (polα-primase). Compared to the telomerase step, the telomere C-strand fill-in mechanism is less understood. Recent studies have provided new insights into how telomeric single-stranded DNA-binding protein CTC1-STN1-TEN1 (CST) and polα-primase coordinate to synthesize the telomeric C-strand for telomere overhang fill-in. Cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of CST-polα-primase complexes have provided additional insights into how they assemble at telomeric templates and de novo synthesize the telomere C-strand. In this review, we discuss how these latest findings coalesce with existing understanding to develop a human telomere C-strand fill-in mechanism model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qixiang He
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Ci Ji Lim
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
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Ye L, Yao X, Xu B, Chen W, Lou H, Tong X, Fang S, Zou R, Hu Y, Wang Z, Xiang D, Lin Q, Feng S, Xue X, Guo G. RNA epigenetic modifications in ovarian cancer: The changes, chances, and challenges. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. RNA 2023; 14:e1784. [PMID: 36811232 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) is the most common female cancer worldwide. Patients with OC have high mortality because of its complex and poorly understood pathogenesis. RNA epigenetic modifications, such as m6 A, m1 A, and m5 C, are closely associated with the occurrence and development of OC. RNA modifications can affect the stability of mRNA transcripts, nuclear export of RNAs, translation efficiency, and decoding accuracy. However, there are few overviews that summarize the link between m6 A RNA modification and OC. Here, we discuss the molecular and cellular functions of different RNA modifications and how their regulation contributes to the pathogenesis of OC. By improving our understanding of the role of RNA modifications in the etiology of OC, we provide new perspectives for their use in OC diagnosis and treatment. This article is categorized under: RNA Processing > RNA Editing and Modification RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lele Ye
- Wenzhou Collaborative Innovation Center of Gastrointestinal Cancer in Basic Research and Precision Medicine, Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Cancer-related Pathogens and Immunity, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xuyang Yao
- First Clinical College, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Binbing Xu
- First Clinical College, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Wenwen Chen
- Wenzhou Collaborative Innovation Center of Gastrointestinal Cancer in Basic Research and Precision Medicine, Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Cancer-related Pathogens and Immunity, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Han Lou
- Wenzhou Collaborative Innovation Center of Gastrointestinal Cancer in Basic Research and Precision Medicine, Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Cancer-related Pathogens and Immunity, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xinya Tong
- Wenzhou Collaborative Innovation Center of Gastrointestinal Cancer in Basic Research and Precision Medicine, Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Cancer-related Pathogens and Immunity, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Su Fang
- Wenzhou Collaborative Innovation Center of Gastrointestinal Cancer in Basic Research and Precision Medicine, Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Cancer-related Pathogens and Immunity, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Ruanmin Zou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yingying Hu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Zhibin Wang
- Wenzhou Collaborative Innovation Center of Gastrointestinal Cancer in Basic Research and Precision Medicine, Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Cancer-related Pathogens and Immunity, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Dan Xiang
- Wenzhou Collaborative Innovation Center of Gastrointestinal Cancer in Basic Research and Precision Medicine, Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Cancer-related Pathogens and Immunity, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Qiaoai Lin
- Wenzhou Collaborative Innovation Center of Gastrointestinal Cancer in Basic Research and Precision Medicine, Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Cancer-related Pathogens and Immunity, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Shiyu Feng
- Wenzhou Collaborative Innovation Center of Gastrointestinal Cancer in Basic Research and Precision Medicine, Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Cancer-related Pathogens and Immunity, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xiangyang Xue
- Wenzhou Collaborative Innovation Center of Gastrointestinal Cancer in Basic Research and Precision Medicine, Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Cancer-related Pathogens and Immunity, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Gangqiang Guo
- Wenzhou Collaborative Innovation Center of Gastrointestinal Cancer in Basic Research and Precision Medicine, Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Cancer-related Pathogens and Immunity, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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Peka M, Balatsky V, Saienko A, Tsereniuk O. Bioinformatic analysis of the effect of SNPs in the pig TERT gene on the structural and functional characteristics of the enzyme to develop new genetic markers of productivity traits. BMC Genomics 2023; 24:487. [PMID: 37626279 PMCID: PMC10463782 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09592-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) plays a crucial role in synthesizing telomeric repeats that safeguard chromosomes from damage and fusion, thereby maintaining genome stability. Mutations in the TERT gene can lead to a deviation in gene expression, impaired enzyme activity, and, as a result, abnormal telomere shortening. Genetic markers of productivity traits in livestock can be developed based on the TERT gene polymorphism for use in marker-associated selection (MAS). In this study, a bioinformatic-based approach is proposed to evaluate the effect of missense single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the pig TERT gene on enzyme function and structure, with the prospect of developing genetic markers. RESULTS A comparative analysis of the coding and amino acid sequences of the pig TERT was performed with corresponding sequences of other species. The distribution of polymorphisms in the pig TERT gene, with respect to the enzyme's structural-functional domains, was established. A three-dimensional model of the pig TERT structure was obtained through homological modeling. The potential impact of each of the 23 missense SNPs in the pig TERT gene on telomerase function and stability was assessed using predictive bioinformatic tools utilizing data on the amino acid sequence and structure of pig TERT. CONCLUSIONS According to bioinformatic analysis of 23 missense SNPs of the pig TERT gene, a predictive effect of rs789641834 (TEN domain), rs706045634 (TEN domain), rs325294961 (TRBD domain) and rs705602819 (RTD domain) on the structural and functional parameters of the enzyme was established. These SNPs hold the potential to serve as genetic markers of productivity traits. Therefore, the possibility of their application in MAS should be further evaluated in associative analysis studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mykyta Peka
- Institute of Pig Breeding and Agroindustrial Production, National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine, 1 Shvedska Mohyla St, Poltava, 36013 Ukraine
- V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, 4 Svobody Sq, Kharkiv, 61022 Ukraine
| | - Viktor Balatsky
- Institute of Pig Breeding and Agroindustrial Production, National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine, 1 Shvedska Mohyla St, Poltava, 36013 Ukraine
- V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, 4 Svobody Sq, Kharkiv, 61022 Ukraine
| | - Artem Saienko
- Institute of Pig Breeding and Agroindustrial Production, National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine, 1 Shvedska Mohyla St, Poltava, 36013 Ukraine
| | - Oleksandr Tsereniuk
- Institute of Pig Breeding and Agroindustrial Production, National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine, 1 Shvedska Mohyla St, Poltava, 36013 Ukraine
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12
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Uria-Oficialdegui ML, Navarro S, Murillo-Sanjuan L, Rodriguez-Vigil C, Benitez-Carbante MI, Blazquez-Goñi C, Salinas JA, Diaz-de-Heredia C. Dyskeratosis congenita: natural history of the disease through the study of a cohort of patients diagnosed in childhood. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1182476. [PMID: 37593443 PMCID: PMC10427857 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1182476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Dyskeratosis congenita (DC) is a multisystem and ultra-rare hereditary disease characterized by somatic involvement, bone marrow failure, and predisposition to cancer. The main objective of this study is to describe the natural history of DC through a cohort of patients diagnosed in childhood and followed up for a long period of time. Material and methods Multicenter, retrospective, longitudinal study conducted in patients followed up to 24 years since being diagnosed in childhood (between 1998 and 2020). Results Fourteen patients were diagnosed with DC between the ages of 3 and 17 years (median, 8.5 years). They all had hematologic manifestations at diagnosis, and nine developed mucocutaneous manifestations during the first decade of life. Seven presented severe DC variants. All developed non-hematologic manifestations during follow-up. Mutations were identified in 12 patients. Thirteen progressed to bone marrow failure at a median age of 8 years [range, 3-18 years], and eight received a hematopoietic stem cell transplant. Median follow-up time was 9 years [range, 2-24 years]. Six patients died, the median age was 13 years [range, 6-24 years]. As of November 2022, eight patients were still alive, with a median age of 18 years [range, 6-32 years]. None of them have developed myeloblastic syndrome or cancer. Conclusions DC was associated with high morbidity and mortality in our series. Hematologic manifestations appeared early and consistently. Non-hematologic manifestations developed progressively. No patient developed cancer possibly due to their young age. Due to the complexity of the disease multidisciplinary follow-up and adequate transition to adult care are essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. L. Uria-Oficialdegui
- Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Division, Hospital Universitari Vall d´Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | - S. Navarro
- Pediatric Division, Hospital Universitario SonEspases, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - L. Murillo-Sanjuan
- Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Division, Hospital Universitari Vall d´Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | - C. Rodriguez-Vigil
- Pediatric Oncohaematology Unit, Paediatric Division, Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - M. I. Benitez-Carbante
- Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Division, Hospital Universitari Vall d´Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - J. A. Salinas
- Pediatric Division, Hospital Universitario SonEspases, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - C. Diaz-de-Heredia
- Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Division, Hospital Universitari Vall d´Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
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13
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Pederiva C, Trevisan DM, Peirasmaki D, Chen S, Savage SA, Larsson O, Ule J, Baranello L, Agostini F, Farnebo M. Control of protein synthesis through mRNA pseudouridylation by dyskerin. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadg1805. [PMID: 37506213 PMCID: PMC10381945 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adg1805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Posttranscriptional modifications of mRNA have emerged as regulators of gene expression. Although pseudouridylation is the most abundant, its biological role remains poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that the pseudouridine synthase dyskerin associates with RNA polymerase II, binds to thousands of mRNAs, and is responsible for their pseudouridylation, an action that occurs in chromatin and does not appear to require a guide RNA with full complementarity. In cells lacking dyskerin, mRNA pseudouridylation is reduced, while at the same time, de novo protein synthesis is enhanced, indicating that this modification interferes with translation. Accordingly, mRNAs with fewer pseudouridines due to knockdown of dyskerin are translated more efficiently. Moreover, mRNA pseudouridylation is severely reduced in patients with dyskeratosis congenita caused by inherited mutations in the gene encoding dyskerin (i.e., DKC1). Our findings demonstrate that pseudouridylation by dyskerin modulates mRNA translatability, with important implications for both normal development and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Pederiva
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Solna 17165, Sweden
| | - Davide M. Trevisan
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge 14152, Sweden
| | - Dimitra Peirasmaki
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Solna 17165, Sweden
| | - Shan Chen
- Department of Oncology and Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Solna 17165, Sweden
- Science for Life Laboratory, Stockholm 17165, Sweden
| | - Sharon A. Savage
- Clinical Genetics Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology & Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD 20852, USA
| | - Ola Larsson
- Department of Oncology and Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Solna 17165, Sweden
- Science for Life Laboratory, Stockholm 17165, Sweden
| | - Jernej Ule
- The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute, King’s College London, London W1T 7NF, UK
- National Institute of Chemistry, 1001 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Laura Baranello
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Solna 17165, Sweden
| | - Federico Agostini
- Science for Life Laboratory, Stockholm 17165, Sweden
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Solna 17165, Sweden
| | - Marianne Farnebo
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Solna 17165, Sweden
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge 14152, Sweden
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14
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Yuan H, Qin X, Yang Q, Liu L, Fang Z, Fan Y, Xu D. Dyskerin and telomerase RNA component are sex-differentially associated with outcomes and Sunitinib response in patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Biol Sex Differ 2023; 14:46. [PMID: 37434223 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-023-00526-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) displays sex-biased incidence, outcomes, molecular alterations and treatment efficacy; however, clinical managements are largely identical in male and female patients. Moreover, many biomarkers have been identified as predictors for ccRCC outcomes and response to therapeutic drugs, such as multitargeted tyrosine-kinase receptor (TKR) inhibitors, but little is known about their sex-specificity. Dyskerin (DKC1), encoded by the DKC1 gene within Xq28, is a telomerase co-factor stabilizing telomerase RNA component (TERC) and overexpressed in various cancers. Here, we determined whether DKC1 and/or TERC affect ccRCC sex-differentially. METHODS DKC1 and TERC expression in primary ccRCC tumors was assessed using RNA sequencing and qPCR. DKC1 association with molecular alterations and overall or progression-free survival (OS or PFS) was analyzed in the TCGA cohort of ccRCC. The IMmotion 151 and 150 ccRCC cohorts were analyzed to evaluate impacts of DKC1 and TERC on Sunitinib response and PFS. RESULTS DKC1 and TERC expression was significantly upregulated in ccRCC tumors. High DKC1 expression predicts shorter PFS independently in female but not male patients. Tumors in the female DKC1-high group exhibited more frequent alterations in PIK3CA, MYC and TP53 genes. Analyses of the IMmotion 151 ccRCC cohort treated with the TKR inhibitor Sunitinib showed that female patients in the DKC1-high group was significantly associated with lower response rates (P = 0.021) accompanied by markedly shortened PFS (6.1 vs 14.2 months, P = 0.004). DKC1 and TERC expression correlated positively with each other, and higher TERC expression predicted poor Sunitinib response (P = 0.031) and shorter PFS (P = 0.004), too. However, DKC1 rather than TERC acted as an independent predictor (P < 0.001, HR = 2.0, 95% CI 1.480-2.704). In male patients, DKC1 expression was associated with neither Sunitinib response (P = 0.131) nor PFS (P = 0.184), while higher TERC levels did not predict response rates. Similar results were obtained from the analysis of the Sunitinib-treated IMmotion 150 ccRCC patients. CONCLUSIONS DKC1 serves as an independent female-specific predictor for survival and Sunitinib efficacy in ccRCC, which contribute to better understanding of the sex-biased ccRCC pathogenesis and improve personalized interventions of ccRCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiyang Yuan
- Department of Urology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Xin Qin
- Department of Urology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Qingya Yang
- Department of Urology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Li Liu
- School of Nursing, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Zhiqing Fang
- Department of Urology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China.
| | - Yidong Fan
- Department of Urology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China.
| | - Dawei Xu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Bioclinicum and Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institute and Karolinska University Hospital Solna, 171 76, Stockholm, Sweden.
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15
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Lue NF, Autexier C. Orchestrating nucleic acid-protein interactions at chromosome ends: telomerase mechanisms come into focus. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2023; 30:878-890. [PMID: 37400652 PMCID: PMC10539978 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-023-01022-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
Telomerase is a special reverse transcriptase ribonucleoprotein dedicated to the synthesis of telomere repeats that protect chromosome ends. Among reverse transcriptases, telomerase is unique in using a stably associated RNA with an embedded template to synthesize a specified sequence. Moreover, it is capable of iteratively copying the same template region (repeat addition processivity) through multiple rounds of RNA-DNA unpairing and reannealing, that is, the translocation reaction. Biochemical analyses of telomerase over the past 3 decades in protozoa, fungi and mammals have identified structural elements that underpin telomerase mechanisms and have led to models that account for the special attributes of telomerase. Notably, these findings and models can now be interpreted and adjudicated through recent cryo-EM structures of Tetrahymena and human telomerase holoenzyme complexes in association with substrates and regulatory proteins. Collectively, these structures reveal the intricate protein-nucleic acid interactions that potentiate telomerase's unique translocation reaction and clarify how this enzyme reconfigures the basic reverse transcriptase scaffold to craft a polymerase dedicated to the synthesis of telomere DNA. Among the many new insights is the resolution of the telomerase 'anchor site' proposed more than 3 decades ago. The structures also highlight the nearly universal conservation of a protein-protein interface between an oligonucleotide/oligosaccharide-binding (OB)-fold regulatory protein and the telomerase catalytic subunit, which enables spatial and temporal regulation of telomerase function in vivo. In this Review, we discuss key features of the structures in combination with relevant functional analyses. We also examine conserved and divergent aspects of telomerase mechanisms as gleaned from studies in different model organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neal F Lue
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Chantal Autexier
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital and Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology and Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
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16
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Jalan A, Jayasree PJ, Karemore P, Narayan KP, Khandelia P. Decoding the 'Fifth' Nucleotide: Impact of RNA Pseudouridylation on Gene Expression and Human Disease. Mol Biotechnol 2023:10.1007/s12033-023-00792-1. [PMID: 37341888 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-023-00792-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
Cellular RNAs, both coding and noncoding are adorned by > 100 chemical modifications, which impact various facets of RNA metabolism and gene expression. Very often derailments in these modifications are associated with a plethora of human diseases. One of the most oldest of such modification is pseudouridylation of RNA, wherein uridine is converted to a pseudouridine (Ψ) via an isomerization reaction. When discovered, Ψ was referred to as the 'fifth nucleotide' and is chemically distinct from uridine and any other known nucleotides. Experimental evidence accumulated over the past six decades, coupled together with the recent technological advances in pseudouridine detection, suggest the presence of pseudouridine on messenger RNA, as well as on diverse classes of non-coding RNA in human cells. RNA pseudouridylation has widespread effects on cellular RNA metabolism and gene expression, primarily via stabilizing RNA conformations and destabilizing interactions with RNA-binding proteins. However, much remains to be understood about the RNA targets and their recognition by the pseudouridylation machinery, the regulation of RNA pseudouridylation, and its crosstalk with other RNA modifications and gene regulatory processes. In this review, we summarize the mechanism and molecular machinery involved in depositing pseudouridine on target RNAs, molecular functions of RNA pseudouridylation, tools to detect pseudouridines, the role of RNA pseudouridylation in human diseases like cancer, and finally, the potential of pseudouridine to serve as a biomarker and as an attractive therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Jalan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani - Hyderabad Campus, Jawahar Nagar, Kapra Mandal, Medchal-Malkajgiri District, Telangana, 500078, India
| | - P J Jayasree
- Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani - Hyderabad Campus, Jawahar Nagar, Kapra Mandal, Medchal-Malkajgiri District, Telangana, 500078, India
| | - Pragati Karemore
- Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani - Hyderabad Campus, Jawahar Nagar, Kapra Mandal, Medchal-Malkajgiri District, Telangana, 500078, India
| | - Kumar Pranav Narayan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani - Hyderabad Campus, Jawahar Nagar, Kapra Mandal, Medchal-Malkajgiri District, Telangana, 500078, India
| | - Piyush Khandelia
- Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani - Hyderabad Campus, Jawahar Nagar, Kapra Mandal, Medchal-Malkajgiri District, Telangana, 500078, India.
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17
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Saretzki G. Role of Telomeres and Telomerase in Cancer and Aging. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:9932. [PMID: 37373080 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24129932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Seventeen papers published in 2019 and early 2020 demonstrate the ongoing interest and research concerning telomeres and telomerase in aging and cancer [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Saretzki
- Biosciences Institute, Campus for Ageing and Vitality, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 5PL, UK
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18
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El Maï M, Bird M, Allouche A, Targen S, Şerifoğlu N, Lopes-Bastos B, Guigonis JM, Kang D, Pourcher T, Yue JX, Ferreira MG. Gut-specific telomerase expression counteracts systemic aging in telomerase-deficient zebrafish. NATURE AGING 2023; 3:567-584. [PMID: 37142828 DOI: 10.1038/s43587-023-00401-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Telomere shortening is a hallmark of aging and is counteracted by telomerase. As in humans, the zebrafish gut is one of the organs with the fastest rate of telomere decline, triggering early tissue dysfunction during normal zebrafish aging and in prematurely aged telomerase mutants. However, whether telomere-dependent aging of an individual organ, the gut, causes systemic aging is unknown. Here we show that tissue-specific telomerase expression in the gut can prevent telomere shortening and rescues premature aging of tert-/-. Induction of telomerase rescues gut senescence and low cell proliferation, while restoring tissue integrity, inflammation and age-dependent microbiota dysbiosis. Averting gut aging causes systemic beneficial impacts, rescuing aging of distant organs such as reproductive and hematopoietic systems. Conclusively, we show that gut-specific telomerase expression extends the lifespan of tert-/- by 40%, while ameliorating natural aging. Our work demonstrates that gut-specific rescue of telomerase expression leading to telomere elongation is sufficient to systemically counteract aging in zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mounir El Maï
- Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging of Nice (IRCAN), CNRS UMR7284, INSERM U1081, Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France
- Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Malia Bird
- Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging of Nice (IRCAN), CNRS UMR7284, INSERM U1081, Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France
| | - Asma Allouche
- Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging of Nice (IRCAN), CNRS UMR7284, INSERM U1081, Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France
| | - Seniye Targen
- Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging of Nice (IRCAN), CNRS UMR7284, INSERM U1081, Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France
| | - Naz Şerifoğlu
- Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging of Nice (IRCAN), CNRS UMR7284, INSERM U1081, Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France
| | - Bruno Lopes-Bastos
- Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging of Nice (IRCAN), CNRS UMR7284, INSERM U1081, Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France
| | - Jean-Marie Guigonis
- Laboratory Transporter in Imaging and Radiotherapy in Oncology, Institut des Sciences du Vivant Frederic Joliot, Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives, Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France
| | - Da Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Thierry Pourcher
- Laboratory Transporter in Imaging and Radiotherapy in Oncology, Institut des Sciences du Vivant Frederic Joliot, Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives, Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France
| | - Jia-Xing Yue
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Miguel Godinho Ferreira
- Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging of Nice (IRCAN), CNRS UMR7284, INSERM U1081, Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France.
- Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Oeiras, Portugal.
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19
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Gener-Ricos G, Gerstein YS, Hammond D, DiNardo CD. Germline Predisposition to Myelodysplastic Syndromes. Cancer J 2023; 29:143-151. [PMID: 37195770 DOI: 10.1097/ppo.0000000000000660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT While germline predisposition to myelodysplastic syndromes is well-established, knowledge has advanced rapidly resulting in more cases of inherited hematologic malignancies being identified. Understanding the biological features and main clinical manifestations of hereditary hematologic malignancies is essential to recognizing and referring patients with myelodysplastic syndrome, who may underlie inherited predisposition, for appropriate genetic evaluation. Importance lies in individualized genetic counseling along with informed treatment decisions, especially with regard to hematopoietic stem cell transplant-related donor selection. Future studies will improve comprehension of these disorders, enabling better management of affected patients and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yoheved S Gerstein
- Clinical Cancer Genetics Program, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
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20
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Keszthelyi TM, Tory K. The importance of pseudouridylation: human disorders related to the fifth nucleoside. Biol Futur 2023:10.1007/s42977-023-00158-3. [PMID: 37000312 DOI: 10.1007/s42977-023-00158-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023]
Abstract
Pseudouridylation is one of the most abundant RNA modifications in eukaryotes, making pseudouridine known as the "fifth nucleoside." This highly conserved alteration affects all non-coding and coding RNA types. Its role and importance have been increasingly widely researched, especially considering that its absence or damage leads to serious hereditary diseases. Here, we summarize the human genetic disorders described to date that are related to the participants of the pseudouridylation process.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kálmán Tory
- Department of Pediatrics, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
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21
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Nayir Buyuksahin H, Kiper N. Childhood Interstitial Lung Disease. PEDIATRIC ALLERGY, IMMUNOLOGY, AND PULMONOLOGY 2023; 36:5-15. [PMID: 36695653 DOI: 10.1089/ped.2022.0013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Childhood interstitial lung disease (chILD) is a heterogeneous group of diseases with various clinical and imaging findings. The incidence and prevalence have increased in recent years, probably due to better comprehension of these rare diseases and increased awareness among physicians. chILDs present with nonspecific pulmonary symptoms, such as tachypnea, hypoxemia, cough, rales, and failure to thrive. Unnecessary invasive procedures can be avoided if specific mutations are detected through genetic examinations or if typical imaging patterns are recognized on computed tomography. Disease knowledge and targeted therapies are improving through international collaboration. Pulmonary involvement in systemic diseases is not uncommon. Pulmonary involvement may be the first finding in connective tissue diseases. This review aims to present a systematic patient-targeted approach to the diagnosis of chILD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Halime Nayir Buyuksahin
- Department of Pediatric Pulmonology, School of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ihsan Dogramaci Children's Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Nural Kiper
- Department of Pediatric Pulmonology, School of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ihsan Dogramaci Children's Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
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22
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Nelson N, Feurstein S, Niaz A, Truong J, Holien JK, Lucas S, Fairfax K, Dickinson J, Bryan TM. Functional genomics for curation of variants in telomere biology disorder associated genes: A systematic review. Genet Med 2023; 25:100354. [PMID: 36496180 DOI: 10.1016/j.gim.2022.11.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Patients with an underlying telomere biology disorder (TBD) have variable clinical presentations, and they can be challenging to diagnose clinically. A genomic diagnosis for patients presenting with TBD is vital for optimal treatment. Unfortunately, many variants identified during diagnostic testing are variants of uncertain significance. This complicates management decisions, delays treatment, and risks nonuptake of potentially curative therapies. Improved application of functional genomic evidence may reduce variants of uncertain significance classifications. METHODS We systematically searched the literature for published functional assays interrogating TBD gene variants. When possible, established likely benign/benign and likely pathogenic/pathogenic variants were used to estimate the assay sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and odds of pathogenicity. RESULTS In total, 3131 articles were screened and 151 met inclusion criteria. Sufficient data to enable a PS3/BS3 recommendation were available for TERT variants only. We recommend that PS3 and BS3 can be applied at a moderate and supportive level, respectively. PS3/BS3 application was limited by a lack of assay standardization and limited inclusion of benign variants. CONCLUSION Further assay standardization and assessment of benign variants are required for optimal use of the PS3/BS3 criterion for TBD gene variant classification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niles Nelson
- The Menzies Institute for Medical Research, College of Health and Medicine, The University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia; Department of Molecular Medicine, The Royal Hobart Hospital, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia; Department of Molecular Haematology, The Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Simone Feurstein
- Section of Hematology, Oncology, and Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Aram Niaz
- Children's Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jia Truong
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jessica K Holien
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sionne Lucas
- The Menzies Institute for Medical Research, College of Health and Medicine, The University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Kirsten Fairfax
- The Menzies Institute for Medical Research, College of Health and Medicine, The University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Joanne Dickinson
- The Menzies Institute for Medical Research, College of Health and Medicine, The University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Tracy M Bryan
- Children's Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
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23
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Inherited Chromosomally Integrated Human Herpesvirus 6: Laboratory and Clinical Features. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11030548. [PMID: 36985122 PMCID: PMC10052293 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11030548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Inherited chromosomally integrated human herpesvirus 6 (iciHHV-6) is a condition in which the complete HHV-6 genome is integrated into the chromosomes of the host germ cell and is vertically transmitted. The aims of this study were to identify iciHHV-6 prevalence in hospitalized patients and clinical features in individuals carrying this integration. HHV-6 PCR on hair follicles was used to confirm iciHHV-6 status when the blood viral load was more than 5 Log10 copies/mL. From January 2012 to June 2022, HHV-6 DNAemia was investigated in 2019 patients. In particular, 49 had a viral load higher than 6 Log10 copies/mL and HHV-6 DNA in hair follicles was positive. A viral load between 5.0 and 5.9 Log10 copies/mL was observed in 10 patients: 6 infants with acute HHV-6 infection and 4 patients with leukopenia and HHV-6 integration. Therefore, the iciHHV-6 prevalence in our population was 2.6% (53/2019). Adult patients with integration presented hematological (24%), autoimmune (11%), autoimmune neurological (19%), not-autoimmune neurological (22%), and other diseases (19%), whereas 5% had no clinically relevant disease. Although in our study population a high percentage of iciHHV-6 adult hospitalized patients presented a specific pathology, it is still unknown whether the integration is responsible for, or contributes to, the disease development.
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24
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Liu B, Xu J, Lu L, Gao L, Zhu S, Sui Y, Cao T, Yang T. Metformin induces pyroptosis in leptin receptor-defective hepatocytes via overactivation of the AMPK axis. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:82. [PMID: 36737598 PMCID: PMC9898507 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-05623-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Metformin is the biguanide of hepatic insulin sensitizer for patients with non-alcohol fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Findings regarding its efficacy in restoring blood lipids and liver histology have been contradictory. In this study, we explore metformin's preventive effects on NAFLD in leptin-insensitive individuals. We used liver tissue, serum exosomes and isolated hepatocytes from high-fat diet (HFD)-induced Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats and leptin receptor (Lepr) knockout rats to investigate the correlation between hepatic Lepr defective and liver damage caused by metformin. Through immunostaining, RT-PCR and glucose uptake monitoring, we showed that metformin treatment activates adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and its downstream cytochrome C oxidase (CCO). This leads to overactivation of glucose catabolism-related genes, excessive energy repertoire consumption, and subsequent hepatocyte pyroptosis. Single-cell RNA sequencing further confirmed the hyper-activation of glucose catabolism after metformin treatment. Altogether, we showed that functional Lepr is necessary for metformin treatment to be effective, and that long-term metformin treatment might promote NAFLD progression in leptin-insensitive individuals. This provides important insight into the clinical application of metformin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingli Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Pudong New Area People's Hospital, Shanghai, 201299, China
| | - Jingyuan Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai, 201399, China
| | - Linyao Lu
- Center for Medical Research and Innovation, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai, 201399, China
| | - Lili Gao
- Center for Medical Research and Innovation, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai, 201399, China
| | - Shengjuan Zhu
- Center for Medical Research and Innovation, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai, 201399, China
| | - Yi Sui
- Department of Nutrition, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Ting Cao
- Center for Medical Research and Innovation, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai, 201399, China
| | - Tao Yang
- Center for Medical Research and Innovation, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai, 201399, China.
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25
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Vulsteke JB, Smith V, Bonroy C, Derua R, Blockmans D, De Haes P, Vanderschueren S, Lenaerts JL, Claeys KG, Wuyts WA, Verschueren P, Vanhandsaeme G, Piette Y, De Langhe E, Bossuyt X. Identification of new telomere- and telomerase-associated autoantigens in systemic sclerosis. J Autoimmun 2023; 135:102988. [PMID: 36634459 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2022.102988] [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: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE In up to 20% of patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) no known autoantibody specificity can be identified. Recently discovered autoantigens, such as telomeric repeat binding factor 1 (TERF1), as well as established autoantigens, like RuvBL1/2, are associated with telomere and telomerase biology. We aimed to identify new telomere- and telomerase-associated autoantigens in patients with SSc without known autoantibody specificity. METHODS Unlabelled protein immunoprecipitation combined with gel-free liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (IP-MS) was performed with sera of 106 patients with SSc from two tertiary referral centres that had a nuclear pattern on HEp-2 indirect immunofluorescence without previously identified autoantibody. Telomere- or telomerase-associated proteins or protein complexes precipitated by individual sera were identified. Candidate autoantigens were confirmed through immunoprecipitation-western blot (IP-WB). A custom Luminex xMAP assay for 5 proteins was evaluated with sera from persons with SSc (n = 467), other systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (n = 923), non-rheumatic disease controls (n = 187) and healthy controls (n = 199). RESULTS Eight telomere- and telomerase-associated autoantigens were identified in a total of 11 index patients, including the THO complex (n = 3, all with interstitial lung disease and two with cardiac involvement), telomeric repeat-binding factor 2 (TERF2, n = 1), homeobox-containing protein 1 (HMBOX1, n = 2), regulator of chromosome condensation 1 (RCC1, n = 1), nucleolar and coiled-body phosphoprotein 1 (NOLC1, n = 1), dyskerin (DKC1, n = 1), probable 28S rRNA (cytosine(4447)-C(5))-methyltransferase (NOP2, n = 1) and nuclear valosin-containing protein-like (NVL, n = 2). A Luminex xMAP assay for THO complex subunit 1 (THOC1), TERF2, NOLC1, NOP2 and NVL revealed high reactivity in all index patients, but also in other patients with SSc and disease controls. However, the reactivity by xMAP assay in these other patients was not confirmed by IP-WB. CONCLUSION IP-MS revealed key telomere- and telomerase-associated proteins and protein complexes as autoantigens in patients with SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Baptiste Vulsteke
- KU Leuven, Department of Development and Regeneration, Skeletal Biology and Engineering Research Center, Leuven, Belgium; Rheumatology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Vanessa Smith
- Ghent University, Department of Internal Medicine, Ghent, Belgium; Unit for Molecular Immunology and Inflammation, VIB Inflammation Research Center (IRC), Ghent, Belgium; Rheumatology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium; European Reference Network on Rare and Complex Connective Tissue and Musculoskeletal Diseases (ERN ReCONNET), Belgium
| | - Carolien Bonroy
- Ghent University, Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent, Belgium; Laboratory Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Rita Derua
- KU Leuven, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Protein Phosphorylation and Proteomics, Leuven, Belgium; KU Leuven, SyBioMa, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Daniel Blockmans
- KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Laboratory for Clinical Infectious and Inflammatory Disorders, Leuven, Belgium; General Internal Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Petra De Haes
- KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Leuven, Belgium; Dermatology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Steven Vanderschueren
- KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Laboratory for Clinical Infectious and Inflammatory Disorders, Leuven, Belgium; General Internal Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; European Reference Network on Rare Immunodeficiency, Autoinflammatory and Autoimmune Diseases (ERN RITA), Belgium
| | - Jan L Lenaerts
- Rheumatology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Kristl G Claeys
- KU Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Laboratory for Muscle Diseases and Neuropathies, Neurology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; European Reference Network on Rare Neuromuscular Diseases (ERN EURO-NMD), Belgium
| | - Wim A Wuyts
- KU Leuven, Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery, Unit for Interstitial Lung Diseases, Respiratory Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; European Reference Network on Rare Respiratory Diseases (ERN LUNG), Belgium
| | - Patrick Verschueren
- KU Leuven, Department of Development and Regeneration, Skeletal Biology and Engineering Research Center, Leuven, Belgium; Rheumatology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Yves Piette
- Ghent University, Department of Internal Medicine, Ghent, Belgium; Rheumatology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ellen De Langhe
- KU Leuven, Department of Development and Regeneration, Skeletal Biology and Engineering Research Center, Leuven, Belgium; Rheumatology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; European Reference Network on Rare and Complex Connective Tissue and Musculoskeletal Diseases (ERN ReCONNET), Belgium; European Reference Network on Rare Immunodeficiency, Autoinflammatory and Autoimmune Diseases (ERN RITA), Belgium
| | - Xavier Bossuyt
- KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Clinical and Diagnostic Immunology, Leuven, Belgium; Laboratory Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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Naarmann-de Vries IS, Zorbas C, Lemsara A, Piechotta M, Ernst FGM, Wacheul L, Lafontaine DLJ, Dieterich C. Comprehensive identification of diverse ribosomal RNA modifications by targeted nanopore direct RNA sequencing and JACUSA2. RNA Biol 2023; 20:652-665. [PMID: 37635368 PMCID: PMC10464549 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2023.2248752] [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] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Ribosomal RNAs are decorated by numerous post-transcriptional modifications whose exact roles in ribosome biogenesis, function, and human pathophysiology remain largely unknown. Here, we report a targeted direct rRNA sequencing approach involving a substrate selection step and demonstrate its suitability to identify differential modification sites in combination with the JACUSA2 software. We compared JACUSA2 to other tools designed for RNA modification detection and show that JACUSA2 outperforms other software with regard to detection of base modifications such as methylation, acetylation and aminocarboxypropylation. To illustrate its widespread usability, we applied our method to a collection of CRISPR-Cas9 engineered colon carcinoma cells lacking specific enzymatic activities responsible for particular rRNA modifications and systematically compared them to isogenic wild-type RNAs. Besides the numerous 2'-O methylated riboses and pseudouridylated residues, our approach was suitable to reliably identify differential base methylation and acetylation events. Importantly, our method does not require any prior knowledge of modification sites or the need to train complex models. We further report for the first time detection of human rRNA modifications by direct RNA-sequencing on Flongle flow cells, the smallest-scale nanopore flow cell available to date. The use of these smaller flow cells reduces RNA input requirements, making our workflow suitable for the analysis of samples with limited availability and clinical work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel S. Naarmann-de Vries
- Section of Bioinformatics and Systems Cardiology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Heidelberg/Mannheim, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christiane Zorbas
- RNA Molecular Biology, Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Fonds de la Recherche Scientifique (F.R.S./FNRS), Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Amina Lemsara
- Section of Bioinformatics and Systems Cardiology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael Piechotta
- Section of Bioinformatics and Systems Cardiology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Felix G. M. Ernst
- RNA Molecular Biology, Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Fonds de la Recherche Scientifique (F.R.S./FNRS), Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Ludivine Wacheul
- RNA Molecular Biology, Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Fonds de la Recherche Scientifique (F.R.S./FNRS), Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Denis L. J. Lafontaine
- RNA Molecular Biology, Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Fonds de la Recherche Scientifique (F.R.S./FNRS), Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Christoph Dieterich
- Section of Bioinformatics and Systems Cardiology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Heidelberg/Mannheim, Heidelberg, Germany
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27
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Zheng B, Fu J. Telomere dysfunction in some pediatric congenital and growth-related diseases. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1133102. [PMID: 37077333 PMCID: PMC10106694 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1133102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomere wear and dysfunction may lead to aging-related diseases. Moreover, increasing evidence show that the occurrence, development, and prognosis of some pediatric diseases are also related to telomere dysfunction. In this review, we systematically analyzed the relationship between telomere biology and some pediatric congenital and growth-related diseases and proposed new theoretical basis and therapeutic targets for the treatment of these diseases.
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28
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Dyskeratosis congenita and telomere biology disorders. HEMATOLOGY. AMERICAN SOCIETY OF HEMATOLOGY. EDUCATION PROGRAM 2022; 2022:637-648. [PMID: 36485133 PMCID: PMC9821046 DOI: 10.1182/hematology.2022000394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Numerous genetic discoveries and the advent of clinical telomere length testing have led to the recognition of a spectrum of telomere biology disorders (TBDs) beyond the classic dyskeratosis congenita (DC) triad of nail dysplasia, abnormal skin pigmentation, and oral leukoplakia occurring with pediatric bone marrow failure. Patients with DC/TBDs have very short telomeres for their age and are at high risk of bone marrow failure, cancer, pulmonary fibrosis (PF), pulmonary arteriovenous malformations, liver disease, stenosis of the urethra, esophagus, and/or lacrimal ducts, avascular necrosis of the hips and/or shoulders, and other medical problems. However, many patients with TBDs do not develop classic DC features; they may present in middle age and/or with just 1 feature, such as PF or aplastic anemia. TBD-associated clinical manifestations are progressive and attributed to aberrant telomere biology caused by the X-linked recessive, autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, or de novo occurrence of pathogenic germline variants in at least 18 different genes. This review describes the genetics and clinical manifestations of TBDs and highlights areas in need of additional clinical and basic science research.
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Wang J, Dai M, Xing X, Wang X, Qin X, Huang T, Fang Z, Fan Y, Xu D. Genomic, epigenomic, and transcriptomic signatures for telomerase complex components: a pan-cancer analysis. Mol Oncol 2022; 17:150-172. [PMID: 36239411 PMCID: PMC9812836 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomerase activation is required for malignant transformation. Recent advances in high-throughput technologies have enabled the generation of complex datasets, thus providing alternative approaches to exploring telomerase biology more comprehensively, which has proven to be challenging due to the need for laborious assays required to test for telomerase activity. To solve these issues, several groups have analyzed TCGA pan-cancer tumor datasets by investigating telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT), the catalytic subunit for telomerase activity, or its surrogates. However, telomerase is a multiunit complex containing not only TERT, but also numerus cofactors required for telomerase function. Here we determined genomic and molecular alterations of 10 well-characterized telomerase components in the TCGA and CCLE datasets. We calculated a telomerase score (TS) based on their expression profiles and clustered tumors into low, high, and intermediate subtypes. To validate the in silico analysis result, we used immunoblotting and telomerase assays. High TS subtypes were significantly associated with stemness, proliferation, epithelial to mesenchymal transition, hyperactivation of oncogenic signaling pathways, shorter patient survival, and infiltration of dysfunctional T-cells or poor response to immunotherapy. Copy number alterations in 10 telomerase components were widespread and associated with the level of their expression. Surprisingly, primary tumors and cancer cell lines frequently displayed a homozygous deletion of the TCAB1 gene, encoding a telomerase protein essential for telomerase trafficking, assembling, and function, as previously reported. However, tumors or cells carrying a TCAB1 deletion still exhibited telomerase activity comparable to or even higher than their wildtype counterparts. Collectively, applying telomerase component-based TS in complex datasets provided a robust tool for telomerase analyses. Our findings also reveal a tight connection between telomerase and other oncogenic signaling pathways; TCAB1 may acts as a dispensable telomerase component. Moreover, TS may serve as a useful biomarker to predict patient outcomes and response to immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wang
- Department of Urologic Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and MedicineUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiChina
| | - Mingkai Dai
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Bioclinicum and Center for Molecular MedicineKarolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital SolnaStockholmSweden
| | - Xiangling Xing
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Bioclinicum and Center for Molecular MedicineKarolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital SolnaStockholmSweden
| | - Xing Wang
- Department of Urology SurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Wannan Medical collegeWuhuChina
| | - Xin Qin
- Department of UrologyQilu Hospital of Shandong UniversityJinanChina
| | - Tao Huang
- Department of Urologic Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and MedicineUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiChina,Department of Urology SurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Wannan Medical collegeWuhuChina
| | - Zhiqing Fang
- Department of UrologyQilu Hospital of Shandong UniversityJinanChina
| | - Yidong Fan
- Department of UrologyQilu Hospital of Shandong UniversityJinanChina
| | - Dawei Xu
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Bioclinicum and Center for Molecular MedicineKarolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital SolnaStockholmSweden
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30
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Carvalho VS, Gomes WR, Calado RT. Recent advances in understanding telomere diseases. Fac Rev 2022; 11:31. [PMID: 36311538 PMCID: PMC9586155 DOI: 10.12703/r/11-31] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Germline genetic defects impairing telomere length maintenance may result in severe medical conditions in humans, from aplastic anemia and myeloid neoplasms to interstitial lung disease and liver cirrhosis, from childhood (dyskeratosis congenita) to old age (pulmonary fibrosis). The molecular mechanisms underlying these clinically distinct disorders are pathologically excessive telomere erosion, limiting cell proliferation and differentiation, tissue regeneration, and increasing genomic instability. Recent findings also indicate that telomere shortening imbalances stem cell fate and is associated with an abnormal inflammatory response and the senescent-associated secretory phenotype. Bone marrow failure is the most common phenotype in patients with telomere diseases. Pulmonary fibrosis is a typical phenotype in older patients, and disease progression appears faster than in pulmonary fibrosis not associated with telomeropathies. Liver cirrhosis may present in isolation or in combination with other phenotypes. Diagnosis is based on clinical suspicion and may be confirmed by telomere length measurement and genetic testing. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) techniques have improved genetic testing; today, at least 16 genes have been implicated in telomeropathies. NGS also allows tracking of clonal hematopoiesis and malignant transformation. Patients with telomere diseases are at high risk of developing cancers, including myeloid neoplasms and head and neck cancer. However, treatment options are still limited. Transplant modalities (bone marrow, lung, and liver) may be definitive to the respective organ involvement but limited by donor availability, comorbidities, and impact on other affected organs. In clinical trials, androgens elongate telomeres of peripheral blood leukocytes and improve hematopoiesis. Further understanding of how telomere erosion impairs organ function and how somatic mutations evolve in the hematopoietic tissue may help develop new strategies to treat and prevent telomere diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinicius S Carvalho
- Department of Medical Imaging, Hematology, and Oncology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Willian R Gomes
- Department of Medical Imaging, Hematology, and Oncology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo T Calado
- Department of Medical Imaging, Hematology, and Oncology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
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31
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Zhang Q, Zhang X, Ma F, Zhang CY. Advances in quantum dot-based biosensors for DNA-modifying enzymes assay. Coord Chem Rev 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2022.214674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Nagpal N, Tai AK, Nandakumar J, Agarwal S. Domain specific mutations in dyskerin disrupt 3' end processing of scaRNA13. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:9413-9425. [PMID: 36018809 PMCID: PMC9458449 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in DKC1 (encoding dyskerin) cause telomere diseases including dyskeratosis congenita (DC) by decreasing steady-state levels of TERC, the non-coding RNA component of telomerase. How DKC1 mutations variably impact numerous other snoRNAs remains unclear, which is a barrier to understanding disease mechanisms in DC beyond impaired telomere maintenance. Here, using DC patient iPSCs, we show that mutations in the dyskerin N-terminal extension domain (NTE) dysregulate scaRNA13. In iPSCs carrying the del37L NTE mutation or engineered to carry NTE mutations via CRISPR/Cas9, but not in those with C-terminal mutations, we found scaRNA13 transcripts with aberrant 3' extensions, as seen when the exoribonuclease PARN is mutated in DC. Biogenesis of scaRNA13 was rescued by repair of the del37L DKC1 mutation by genome-editing, or genetic or pharmacological inactivation of the polymerase PAPD5, which counteracts PARN. Inspection of the human telomerase cryo-EM structure revealed that in addition to mediating intermolecular dyskerin interactions, the NTE interacts with terminal residues of the associated snoRNA, indicating a role for this domain in 3' end definition. Our results provide mechanistic insights into the interplay of dyskerin and the PARN/PAPD5 axis in the biogenesis and accumulation of snoRNAs beyond TERC, broadening our understanding of ncRNA dysregulation in human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha Nagpal
- Division of Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Program, Boston Children's Hospital; Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute; Harvard Stem Cell Institute; Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School; Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research; Harvard Initiative in RNA Medicine; Boston, MA, USA
| | - Albert K Tai
- Department of Immunology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Data Intensive Studies Center, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
| | - Jayakrishnan Nandakumar
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Suneet Agarwal
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. Tel: +1 617 919 4610; Fax: +1 617 919 3359;
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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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Fiesco-Roa MÓ, García-de Teresa B, Leal-Anaya P, van ‘t Hek R, Wegman-Ostrosky T, Frías S, Rodríguez A. Fanconi anemia and dyskeratosis congenita/telomere biology disorders: Two inherited bone marrow failure syndromes with genomic instability. Front Oncol 2022; 12:949435. [PMID: 36091172 PMCID: PMC9453478 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.949435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Inherited bone marrow failure syndromes (IBMFS) are a complex and heterogeneous group of genetic diseases. To date, at least 13 IBMFS have been characterized. Their pathophysiology is associated with germline pathogenic variants in genes that affect hematopoiesis. A couple of these diseases also have genomic instability, Fanconi anemia due to DNA damage repair deficiency and dyskeratosis congenita/telomere biology disorders as a result of an alteration in telomere maintenance. Patients can have extramedullary manifestations, including cancer and functional or structural physical abnormalities. Furthermore, the phenotypic spectrum varies from cryptic features to patients with significantly evident manifestations. These diseases require a high index of suspicion and should be considered in any patient with abnormal hematopoiesis, even if extramedullary manifestations are not evident. This review describes the disrupted cellular processes that lead to the affected maintenance of the genome structure, contrasting the dysmorphological and oncological phenotypes of Fanconi anemia and dyskeratosis congenita/telomere biology disorders. Through a dysmorphological analysis, we describe the phenotypic features that allow to make the differential diagnosis and the early identification of patients, even before the onset of hematological or oncological manifestations. From the oncological perspective, we analyzed the spectrum and risks of cancers in patients and carriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moisés Ó. Fiesco-Roa
- Laboratorio de Citogenética, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Ciudad de México, Mexico
- Maestría y Doctorado en Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Ciudad Universitaria, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | | | - Paula Leal-Anaya
- Departamento de Genética Humana, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Renée van ‘t Hek
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autoínoma de Meíxico (UNAM), Ciudad Universitaria, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Talia Wegman-Ostrosky
- Subdirección de Investigación Básica, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Sara Frías
- Laboratorio de Citogenética, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Ciudad de México, Mexico
- Departamento de Medicina Genómica y Toxicología Ambiental, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Ciudad de México, Mexico
- *Correspondence: Alfredo Rodríguez, ; Sara Frías,
| | - Alfredo Rodríguez
- Departamento de Medicina Genómica y Toxicología Ambiental, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Ciudad de México, Mexico
- Unidad de Genética de la Nutrición, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Ciudad de México, Mexico
- *Correspondence: Alfredo Rodríguez, ; Sara Frías,
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Zacchini F, Venturi G, De Sanctis V, Bertorelli R, Ceccarelli C, Santini D, Taffurelli M, Penzo M, Treré D, Inga A, Dassi E, Montanaro L. Human dyskerin binds to cytoplasmic H/ACA-box-containing transcripts affecting nuclear hormone receptor dependence. Genome Biol 2022; 23:177. [PMID: 35996163 PMCID: PMC9394076 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-022-02746-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Dyskerin is a nuclear protein involved in H/ACA box snoRNA-guided uridine modification of RNA. In humans, its defective function is associated with cancer development and induces specific post-transcriptional alterations of gene expression. In this study, we seek to unbiasedly identify mRNAs regulated by dyskerin in human breast cancer-derived cells. Results We find that dyskerin depletion affects the expression and the association with polysomes of selected mRNA isoforms characterized by the retention of H/ACA box snoRNA-containing introns. These snoRNA retaining transcripts (snoRTs) are bound by dyskerin in the cytoplasm in the form of shorter 3′ snoRT fragments. We then characterize the whole cytoplasmic dyskerin RNA interactome and find both H/ACA box snoRTs and protein-coding transcripts which may be targeted by the snoRTs’ guide properties. Since a fraction of these protein-coding transcripts is involved in the nuclear hormone receptor binding, we test to see if this specific activity is affected by dyskerin. Obtained results indicate that dyskerin dysregulation may alter the dependence on nuclear hormone receptor ligands in breast cancer cells. These results are paralleled by consistent observations on the outcome of primary breast cancer patients stratified according to their tumor hormonal status. Accordingly, experiments in nude mice show that the reduction of dyskerin levels in estrogen-dependent cells favors xenograft development in the absence of estrogen supplementation. Conclusions Our work suggests a cytoplasmic function for dyskerin which could affect mRNA post-transcriptional networks relevant for nuclear hormone receptor functions. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13059-022-02746-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Zacchini
- Dipartimento di Medicina Specialistica, Diagnostica e Sperimentale (DIMES), Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, I-40138, Bologna, Italy.,Centro di Ricerca Biomedica Applicata - CRBA, Università̀ di Bologna, Policlinico di Sant'Orsola, I-40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giulia Venturi
- Dipartimento di Medicina Specialistica, Diagnostica e Sperimentale (DIMES), Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, I-40138, Bologna, Italy.,Centro di Ricerca Biomedica Applicata - CRBA, Università̀ di Bologna, Policlinico di Sant'Orsola, I-40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Veronica De Sanctis
- Dipartimento di Biologia Cellulare, Computazionale e Integrata (CIBIO), Università di Trento, I-38123, Trento, Italy
| | - Roberto Bertorelli
- Dipartimento di Biologia Cellulare, Computazionale e Integrata (CIBIO), Università di Trento, I-38123, Trento, Italy
| | - Claudio Ceccarelli
- Dipartimento di Medicina Specialistica, Diagnostica e Sperimentale (DIMES), Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, I-40138, Bologna, Italy.,Unità Operativa di Anatomia e Istologia Patologica, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Albertoni 15, I-40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Donatella Santini
- Unità Operativa di Anatomia e Istologia Patologica, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Albertoni 15, I-40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Mario Taffurelli
- Unità Operativa di Chirurgia Senologica, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Albertoni 15, I-40138, Bologna, Italy.,Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche (DIMEC), Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, I-40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marianna Penzo
- Dipartimento di Medicina Specialistica, Diagnostica e Sperimentale (DIMES), Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, I-40138, Bologna, Italy.,Centro di Ricerca Biomedica Applicata - CRBA, Università̀ di Bologna, Policlinico di Sant'Orsola, I-40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Davide Treré
- Dipartimento di Medicina Specialistica, Diagnostica e Sperimentale (DIMES), Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, I-40138, Bologna, Italy.,Departmental Program in Laboratory Medicine, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Albertoni 15, I-40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alberto Inga
- Dipartimento di Biologia Cellulare, Computazionale e Integrata (CIBIO), Università di Trento, I-38123, Trento, Italy
| | - Erik Dassi
- Dipartimento di Biologia Cellulare, Computazionale e Integrata (CIBIO), Università di Trento, I-38123, Trento, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Montanaro
- Dipartimento di Medicina Specialistica, Diagnostica e Sperimentale (DIMES), Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, I-40138, Bologna, Italy. .,Departmental Program in Laboratory Medicine, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Albertoni 15, I-40138, Bologna, Italy.
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36
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Dokal I, Tummala H, Vulliamy T. Inherited bone marrow failure in the pediatric patient. Blood 2022; 140:556-570. [PMID: 35605178 PMCID: PMC9373017 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2020006481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Inherited bone marrow (BM) failure syndromes are a diverse group of disorders characterized by BM failure, usually in association with ≥1 extrahematopoietic abnormalities. BM failure, which can involve ≥1 cell lineages, often presents in the pediatric age group. Furthermore, some children initially labeled as having idiopathic aplastic anemia or myelodysplasia represent cryptic cases of inherited BM failure. Significant advances in the genetics of these syndromes have been made, identifying more than 100 disease genes, giving insights into normal hematopoiesis and how it is disrupted in patients with BM failure. They have also provided important information on fundamental biological pathways, including DNA repair: Fanconi anemia (FA) genes; telomere maintenance: dyskeratosis congenita (DC) genes; and ribosome biogenesis: Shwachman-Diamond syndrome and Diamond-Blackfan anemia genes. In addition, because these disorders are usually associated with extrahematopoietic abnormalities and increased risk of cancer, they have provided insights into human development and cancer. In the clinic, genetic tests stemming from the recent advances facilitate diagnosis, especially when clinical features are insufficient to accurately classify a disorder. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation using fludarabine-based protocols has significantly improved outcomes, particularly in patients with FA or DC. Management of some other complications, such as cancer, remains a challenge. Recent studies have suggested the possibility of new and potentially more efficacious therapies, including a renewed focus on hematopoietic gene therapy and drugs [transforming growth factor-β inhibitors for FA and PAPD5, a human poly(A) polymerase, inhibitors for DC] that target disease-specific defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inderjeet Dokal
- Centre for Genomics and Child Health, Blizard Institute, London, United Kingdom; and
- Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, Barts Health National Health Service (NHS) Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Hemanth Tummala
- Centre for Genomics and Child Health, Blizard Institute, London, United Kingdom; and
- Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, Barts Health National Health Service (NHS) Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tom Vulliamy
- Centre for Genomics and Child Health, Blizard Institute, London, United Kingdom; and
- Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, Barts Health National Health Service (NHS) Trust, London, United Kingdom
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37
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Fujino T, Asada S, Goyama S, Kitamura T. Mechanisms involved in hematopoietic stem cell aging. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:473. [PMID: 35941268 PMCID: PMC11072869 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04356-5] [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: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) undergo progressive functional decline over time due to both internal and external stressors, leading to aging of the hematopoietic system. A comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying HSC aging will be valuable in developing novel therapies for HSC rejuvenation and to prevent the onset of several age-associated diseases and hematological malignancies. This review considers the general causes of HSC aging that range from cell-intrinsic factors to cell-extrinsic factors. In particular, epigenetics and inflammation have been implicated in the linkage of HSC aging, clonality, and oncogenesis. The challenges in clarifying mechanisms of HSC aging have accelerated the development of therapeutic interventions to rejuvenate HSCs, the major goal of aging research; these details are also discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Fujino
- Division of Cellular Therapy, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 108-8639, Japan
| | - Shuhei Asada
- The Institute of Laboratory Animals, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, 1628666, Japan
| | - Susumu Goyama
- Division of Molecular Oncology Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 1088639, Japan
| | - Toshio Kitamura
- Division of Cellular Therapy, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 108-8639, Japan.
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38
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Tummala H, Walne A, Dokal I. The biology and management of dyskeratosis congenita and related disorders of telomeres. Expert Rev Hematol 2022; 15:685-696. [PMID: 35929966 DOI: 10.1080/17474086.2022.2108784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dyskeratosis congenita (DC) is a multisystem syndrome characterized by mucocutaneous abnormalities, bone marrow failure, and predisposition to cancer. Studies over the last 25 years have led to the identification of 18 disease genes. These have a principal role in telomere maintenance, and patients usually have very short/abnormal telomeres. The advances have also led to the unification of DC with a number of other diseases, now collectively referred to as the telomeropathies or telomere biology disorders. WHAT IS COVERED Clinical features, genetics, and biology of the different subtypes. Expert view on diagnosis, treatment of the hematological complications and future. EXPERT VIEW As these are very pleotropic disorders affecting multiple organs, a high index of suspicion is necessary to make the diagnosis. Telomere length measurement and genetic analysis of the disease genes have become useful diagnostic tools. Although hematological defects can respond to danazol/oxymetholone, the only current curative treatment for these is hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) using fludarabine-based conditioning protocols. New therapies are needed where danazol/oxymetholone is ineffective and HSCT is not feasible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hemanth Tummala
- Centre for Genomics and Child Health, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Amanda Walne
- Centre for Genomics and Child Health, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Inderjeet Dokal
- Centre for Genomics and Child Health, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
- Department of Haematology, Barts Health, London, UK
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39
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Wang JY, Young LR. Insights into the Pathogenesis of Pulmonary Fibrosis from Genetic Diseases. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2022; 67:20-35. [PMID: 35294321 PMCID: PMC9273221 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2021-0557tr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis is a disease process associated with significant morbidity and mortality, with limited therapeutic options owing to an incomplete understanding of the underlying pathophysiology. Mechanisms driving the fibrotic cascade have been elucidated through studies of rare and common variants in surfactant-related and telomere-related genes in familial and sporadic forms of pulmonary fibrosis, as well as in multisystem Mendelian genetic disorders that present with pulmonary fibrosis. In this translational review, we outline insights into the pathophysiology of pulmonary fibrosis derived from genetic forms of the disease, with a focus on model systems, shared cellular and molecular mechanisms, and potential targets for therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Y. Wang
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care, Department of Medicine, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and
| | - Lisa R. Young
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care, Department of Medicine, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and
- Division of Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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40
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Telomere Maintenance and the cGAS-STING Pathway in Cancer. Cells 2022; 11:cells11121958. [PMID: 35741087 PMCID: PMC9221635 DOI: 10.3390/cells11121958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells exhibit the unique characteristics of high proliferation and aberrant DNA damage response, which prevents cancer therapy from effectively eliminating them. The machinery required for telomere maintenance, such as telomerase and the alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT), enables cancer cells to proliferate indefinitely. In addition, the molecules in this system are involved in noncanonical pro-tumorigenic functions. Of these, the function of the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway, which contains telomere-related molecules, is a well-known contributor to the tumor microenvironment (TME). This review summarizes the current knowledge of the role of telomerase and ALT in cancer regulation, with emphasis on their noncanonical roles beyond telomere maintenance. The components of the cGAS-STING pathway are summarized with respect to intercell communication in the TME. Elucidating the underlying functional connection between telomere-related molecules and TME regulation is important for the development of cancer therapeutics that target cancer-specific pathways in different contexts. Finally, strategies for designing new cancer therapies that target cancer cells and the TME are discussed.
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41
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Wang R, Li J, Zhang C, Guan X, Qin B, Jin R, Qin L, Xu S, Zhang X, Liu R, Ye Q, Cheng L. Lactate Dehydrogenase B Is Required for Pancreatic Cancer Cell Immortalization Through Activation of Telomerase Activity. Front Oncol 2022; 12:821620. [PMID: 35669414 PMCID: PMC9163669 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.821620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomerase activity is elevated in most cancer cells and is required for telomere length maintenance and immortalization of cancer cells. Glucose metabolic reprogramming is a hallmark of cancer and accompanied with increased expression of key metabolic enzymes. Whether these enzymes influence telomerase activity and cell immortalization remains unclear. In the current study, we screened metabolic enzymes using telomerase activity assay and identified lactate dehydrogenase B (LDHB) as a regulator of telomerase activity. Sodium lactate and sodium pyruvate did not influence telomerase activity, indicating LDHB regulates telomerase activity independent of its metabolism regulating function. Further studies revealed that LDHB directly interacted with TERT and regulated the interaction between TERT and TERC. Additionally, long-term knockdown of LDHB inhibited cancer cell growth and induced cell senescence in vitro and in vivo. Higher LDHB expression was detected in pancreatic cancer tissues compared with that in adjacent normal tissues and expression of LDHB correlated negatively with prognosis. Thus, we identified LDHB as the first glucose metabolic enzyme contributing to telomerase activity and pancreatic cancer cell immortalization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiguan Wang
- Department of Cell Engineering, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
- Faculty of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the Eight Medical Center, Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jiangbo Li
- Department of Cell Engineering, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Changjian Zhang
- Department of Cell Engineering, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
- Senior Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, the Sixth Medical Center, Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Guan
- Strategic Support Force Medical Center, Beijing, China
| | - Boyu Qin
- Department of Medical Oncology, the First Medical Centre, Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Rui Jin
- Department of Cell Engineering, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Lingmei Qin
- Department of Cell Engineering, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Shanrong Xu
- Department of Cell Engineering, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
- School of Life Science, Anqing Normal University, Anqing, China
| | - Xiaona Zhang
- Department of Cell Engineering, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
- College of Life Sciences, Capital Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Rong Liu
- Faculty of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the Eight Medical Center, Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Long Cheng, ; Qinong Ye, ; Rong Liu,
| | - Qinong Ye
- Department of Cell Engineering, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Long Cheng, ; Qinong Ye, ; Rong Liu,
| | - Long Cheng
- Department of Cell Engineering, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Long Cheng, ; Qinong Ye, ; Rong Liu,
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42
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Lyu Y, Ge Y. Toward Elucidating Epigenetic and Metabolic Regulation of Stem Cell Lineage Plasticity in Skin Aging. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:903904. [PMID: 35663405 PMCID: PMC9160930 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.903904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Skin is the largest organ in human body, harboring a plethora of cell types and serving as the organismal barrier. Skin aging such as wrinkling and hair graying is graphically pronounced, and the molecular mechanisms behind these phenotypic manifestations are beginning to unfold. As in many other organs and tissues, epigenetic and metabolic deregulations have emerged as key aging drivers. Particularly in the context of the skin epithelium, the epigenome and metabolome coordinately shape lineage plasticity and orchestrate stem cell function during aging. Our review discusses recent studies that proposed molecular mechanisms that drive the degeneration of hair follicles, a major appendage of the skin. By focusing on skin while comparing it to model organisms and adult stem cells of other tissues, we summarize literature on genotoxic stress, nutritional sensing, metabolic rewiring, mitochondrial activity, and epigenetic regulations of stem cell plasticity. Finally, we speculate about the rejuvenation potential of rate-limiting upstream signals during aging and the dominant role of the tissue microenvironment in dictating aged epithelial stem cell function.
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43
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Role of main RNA modifications in cancer: N 6-methyladenosine, 5-methylcytosine, and pseudouridine. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:142. [PMID: 35484099 PMCID: PMC9051163 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01003-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is one of the major diseases threatening human life and health worldwide. Epigenetic modification refers to heritable changes in the genetic material without any changes in the nucleic acid sequence and results in heritable phenotypic changes. Epigenetic modifications regulate many biological processes, such as growth, aging, and various diseases, including cancer. With the advancement of next-generation sequencing technology, the role of RNA modifications in cancer progression has become increasingly prominent and is a hot spot in scientific research. This review studied several common RNA modifications, such as N6-methyladenosine, 5-methylcytosine, and pseudouridine. The deposition and roles of these modifications in coding and noncoding RNAs are summarized in detail. Based on the RNA modification background, this review summarized the expression, function, and underlying molecular mechanism of these modifications and their regulators in cancer and further discussed the role of some existing small-molecule inhibitors. More in-depth studies on RNA modification and cancer are needed to broaden the understanding of epigenetics and cancer diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.
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44
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Functional interaction between compound heterozygous TERT mutations causes severe telomere biology disorder. Blood Adv 2022; 6:3779-3791. [PMID: 35477117 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2022007029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomere biology disorders (TBDs) are a spectrum of multisystem inherited disorders characterized by bone marrow failure, resulting from mutations in genes encoding telomerase or other proteins involved in maintaining telomere length and integrity. Pathogenicity of variants in these genes can be hard to evaluate, since TBD mutations show highly variable penetrance and genetic anticipation due to inheritance of shorter telomeres with each generation. Thus, detailed functional analysis of newly identified variants is often essential. Here we describe a patient with compound heterozygous variants in the TERT gene, which encodes the catalytic subunit of telomerase, hTERT; this patient has the extremely severe Hoyeraal-Hreidarsson form of TBD, although his heterozygous parents are clinically unaffected. Molecular dynamic modeling and detailed biochemical analyses demonstrate that 1 allele (L557P) affects association of hTERT with its cognate RNA component hTR, while the other (K1050E) affects the binding of telomerase to its DNA substrate and enzyme processivity. Unexpectedly, the data demonstrate a functional interaction between the proteins encoded by the 2 alleles, with WT hTERT able to rescue the effect of K1050E on processivity, whereas L557P hTERT cannot. These data contribute to the mechanistic understanding of telomerase, indicating that RNA binding in 1 hTERT molecule affects the processivity of telomere addition by the other molecule. This work emphasizes the importance of functional characterization of TERT variants to reach a definitive molecular diagnosis for TBD patients, and in particular it illustrates the importance of analyzing the effects of compound heterozygous variants in combination to reveal interallelic effects.
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45
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Metabolic Alterations in Cellular Senescence: The Role of Citrate in Ageing and Age-Related Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073652. [PMID: 35409012 PMCID: PMC8998297 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent mouse model experiments support an instrumental role for senescent cells in age-related diseases and senescent cells may be causal to certain age-related pathologies. A strongly supported hypothesis is that extranuclear chromatin is recognized by the cyclic GMP–AMP synthase-stimulator of interferon genes pathway, which in turn leads to the induction of several inflammatory cytokines as part of the senescence-associated secretory phenotype. This sterile inflammation increases with chronological age and age-associated disease. More recently, several intracellular and extracellular metabolic changes have been described in senescent cells but it is not clear whether any of them have functional significance. In this review, we highlight the potential effect of dietary and age-related metabolites in the modulation of the senescent phenotype in addition to discussing how experimental conditions may influence senescent cell metabolism, especially that of energy regulation. Finally, as extracellular citrate accumulates following certain types of senescence, we focus on the recently reported role of extracellular citrate in aging and age-related pathologies. We propose that citrate may be an active component of the senescence-associated secretory phenotype and via its intake through the diet may even contribute to the cause of age-related disease.
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46
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Niewisch MR, Giri N, McReynolds LJ, Alsaggaf R, Bhala S, Alter BP, Savage SA. Disease progression and clinical outcomes in telomere biology disorders. Blood 2022; 139:1807-1819. [PMID: 34852175 PMCID: PMC8952184 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2021013523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Dyskeratosis congenita related telomere biology disorders (DC/TBDs) are characterized by very short telomeres caused by germline pathogenic variants in telomere biology genes. Clinical presentations can affect all organs, and inheritance patterns include autosomal dominant (AD), autosomal recessive (AR), X-linked (XLR), or de novo. This study examined the associations between mode of inheritance with phenotypes and long-term clinical outcomes. Two hundred thirty-one individuals with DC/TBDs (144 male, 86.6% known genotype, median age at diagnosis 19.4 years [range 0 to 71.6]), enrolled in the National Cancer Institute's Inherited Bone Marrow Failure Syndrome Study, underwent detailed clinical assessments and longitudinal follow-up (median follow-up 5.2 years [range 0 to 36.7]). Patients were grouped by inheritance pattern, considering AD-nonTINF2, AR/XLR, and TINF2 variants separately. Severe bone marrow failure (BMF), severe liver disease, and gastrointestinal telangiectasias were more prevalent in AR/XLR or TINF2 disease, whereas pulmonary fibrosis developed predominantly in adults with AD disease. After adjusting for age at DC/TBD diagnosis, we observed the highest cancer risk in AR/XLR individuals. At last follow-up, 42% of patients were deceased with a median overall survival (OS) of 52.8 years (95% confidence interval [CI] 45.5-57.6), and the hematopoietic cell or solid organ transplant-free median survival was 45.3 years (95% CI 37.4-52.1). Significantly better OS was present in AD vs AR/XLR/TINF2 disease (P < .01), while patients with AR/XLR and TINF2 disease had similar survival probabilities. This long-term study of the clinical manifestations of DC/TBDs creates a foundation for incorporating the mode of inheritance into evidence-based clinical care guidelines and risk stratification in patients with DC/TBDs. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT00027274.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marena R Niewisch
- Clinical Genetics Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Neelam Giri
- Clinical Genetics Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Lisa J McReynolds
- Clinical Genetics Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Rotana Alsaggaf
- Clinical Genetics Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Sonia Bhala
- Clinical Genetics Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Blanche P Alter
- Clinical Genetics Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Sharon A Savage
- Clinical Genetics Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
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47
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Hong X, Wang L, Zhang K, Liu J, Liu JP. Molecular Mechanisms of Alveolar Epithelial Stem Cell Senescence and Senescence-Associated Differentiation Disorders in Pulmonary Fibrosis. Cells 2022; 11:cells11050877. [PMID: 35269498 PMCID: PMC8909789 DOI: 10.3390/cells11050877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary senescence is accelerated by unresolved DNA damage response, underpinning susceptibility to pulmonary fibrosis. Recently it was reported that the SARS-Cov-2 viral infection induces acute pulmonary epithelial senescence followed by fibrosis, although the mechanism remains unclear. Here, we examine roles of alveolar epithelial stem cell senescence and senescence-associated differentiation disorders in pulmonary fibrosis, exploring the mechanisms mediating and preventing pulmonary fibrogenic crisis. Notably, the TGF-β signalling pathway mediates alveolar epithelial stem cell senescence by mechanisms involving suppression of the telomerase reverse transcriptase gene in pulmonary fibrosis. Alternatively, telomere uncapping caused by stress-induced telomeric shelterin protein TPP1 degradation mediates DNA damage response, pulmonary senescence and fibrosis. However, targeted intervention of cellular senescence disrupts pulmonary remodelling and fibrosis by clearing senescent cells using senolytics or preventing senescence using telomere dysfunction inhibitor (TELODIN). Studies indicate that the development of senescence-associated differentiation disorders is reprogrammable and reversible by inhibiting stem cell replicative senescence in pulmonary fibrosis, providing a framework for targeted intervention of the molecular mechanisms of alveolar stem cell senescence and pulmonary fibrosis. Abbreviations: DPS, developmental programmed senescence; IPF, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis; OIS, oncogene-induced replicative senescence; SADD, senescence-associated differentiation disorder; SALI, senescence-associated low-grade inflammation; SIPS, stress-induced premature senescence; TERC, telomerase RNA component; TERT, telomerase reverse transcriptase; TIFs, telomere dysfunction-induced foci; TIS, therapy-induced senescence; VIS, virus-induced senescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojing Hong
- Institute of Ageing Research, Hangzhou Normal University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 311121, China; (X.H.); (L.W.); (K.Z.); (J.L.)
| | - Lihui Wang
- Institute of Ageing Research, Hangzhou Normal University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 311121, China; (X.H.); (L.W.); (K.Z.); (J.L.)
| | - Kexiong Zhang
- Institute of Ageing Research, Hangzhou Normal University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 311121, China; (X.H.); (L.W.); (K.Z.); (J.L.)
| | - Jun Liu
- Institute of Ageing Research, Hangzhou Normal University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 311121, China; (X.H.); (L.W.); (K.Z.); (J.L.)
| | - Jun-Ping Liu
- Institute of Ageing Research, Hangzhou Normal University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 311121, China; (X.H.); (L.W.); (K.Z.); (J.L.)
- Department of Immunology and Pathology, Monash University Faculty of Medicine, Prahran, VIC 3181, Australia
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Monash University Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
- Correspondence:
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48
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Guo L, Chen Y, Li H, Yin F, Ge M, Hu L, Zi M, Qin Z, He Y. Telomere length is maternally inherited and associated with lipid metabolism in Chinese population. Aging (Albany NY) 2022; 14:354-367. [PMID: 34995210 PMCID: PMC8791204 DOI: 10.18632/aging.203810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Telomere is a unique DNA-protein complex which covers the ends of chromosomes to avoid end fusion and maintain the stability and integrity of chromosomes. Telomere length (TL) shortening has been linked to aging and various age-related diseases in humans. Here we recruited a total of 1031 Chinese individuals aged between 12 and 111 years, including 108 families with parents and their offspring. DNA was extracted from peripheral white blood cells and TL was measured by quantitative PCR (qPCR). We explored the associations of TL with age, gender and clinical variables, and tested the parental effects on TL variation. First, we found that TL was shortened with age, however, TL was better maintained in females than males. Second, there was a robust association of TL between mother and offspring, but not between father and their offspring. In addition, TL was inversely associated with visceral fat index in females, and positively associated with apolipoprotein A levels. Knockdown of the key genes for lipid metabolism (PNPLA2 and CPT1) shortened the TL in HepG2 cells. These findings indicate that TL is maternally inherited, and impairment of lipid metabolism may contribute to the TL shortening in the Chinese population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyun Guo
- Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Research of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, China
- Department of Pharmacology and Laboratory of Aging and Nervous Diseases and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Yajuan Chen
- School of Rehabilitation, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Huiqin Li
- Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Research of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, China
| | - Fanqian Yin
- Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Research of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, China
- Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Mingxia Ge
- Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Research of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, China
- Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Li Hu
- Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Research of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, China
- College of Basic Medicine and Life Sciences, Hainan Medical University, Haikou 571199, China
| | - Meiting Zi
- Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Research of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, China
| | - Zhenghong Qin
- Department of Pharmacology and Laboratory of Aging and Nervous Diseases and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Yonghan He
- Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Research of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, China
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Single-Run Catalysis and Kinetic Control of Human Telomerase Holoenzyme. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1371:109-129. [PMID: 34962637 DOI: 10.1007/5584_2021_676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Genome stability in eukaryotic cells relies on proper maintenance of telomeres at the termini of linear chromosomes. Human telomerase holoenzyme is required for maintaining telomere stability in a majority of proliferative human cells, making it essential for control of cell division and aging, stem cell maintenance, and development and survival of tumor or cancer. A dividing human cell usually contains a limited number of active telomerase holoenzymes. Recently, we discovered that a human telomerase catalytic site undergoes catalysis-dependent shut-off and an inactive site can be reactivated by cellular fractions containing human intracellular telomerase-activating factors (hiTAFs). Such ON-OFF control of human telomerase activity suggests a dynamic switch between inactive and active pools of the holoenzymes. In this review, we will link the ON-OFF control to the thermodynamic and kinetic properties of human telomerase holoenzymes, and discuss its potential contributions to the maintenance of telomere length equilibrium. This treatment suggests probabilistic fluctuations in the number of active telomerase holoenzymes as well as the number of telomeres that are extended in a limited number of cell cycles, and may be an important component of a fully quantitative model for the dynamic control of telomerase activities and telomere lengths in different types of eukaryotic cells.
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50
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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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