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Michael Sabo T, Trent JO, Chaires JB, Monsen RC. Strategy for modeling higher-order G-quadruplex structures recalcitrant to NMR determination. Methods 2024; 230:9-20. [PMID: 39032720 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2024.07.004] [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: 04/05/2024] [Revised: 06/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Guanine-rich nucleic acids can form intramolecularly folded four-stranded structures known as G-quadruplexes (G4s). Traditionally, G4 research has focused on short, highly modified DNA or RNA sequences that form well-defined homogeneous compact structures. However, the existence of longer sequences with multiple G4 repeats, from proto-oncogene promoters to telomeres, suggests the potential for more complex higher-order structures with multiple G4 units that might offer selective drug-targeting sites for therapeutic development. These larger structures present significant challenges for structural characterization by traditional high-resolution methods like multi-dimensional NMR and X-ray crystallography due to their molecular complexity. To address this current challenge, we have developed an integrated structural biology (ISB) platform, combining experimental and computational methods to determine self-consistent molecular models of higher-order G4s (xG4s). Here we outline our ISB method using two recent examples from our lab, an extended c-Myc promoter and long human telomere G4 repeats, that highlights the utility and generality of our approach to characterizing biologically relevant xG4s.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Michael Sabo
- UofL Health Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - John O Trent
- UofL Health Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Jonathan B Chaires
- UofL Health Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Robert C Monsen
- UofL Health Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States.
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2
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Sung YN, Stojanova M, Shin S, Cho H, Heaphy CM, Hong SM. Gradual telomere shortening in the tumorigenesis of pancreatic and hepatic mucinous cystic neoplasms. Hum Pathol 2024; 152:105653. [PMID: 39214240 DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2024.105653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 08/22/2024] [Accepted: 08/27/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Mucinous cystic neoplasm (MCN) is one of the precursor lesions of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. The aim of this study is to examine the presence of short telomeres in promoting the tumorigenesis of MCN by measuring telomere lengths in distinct components of MCN, including the mucinous lining epithelium, non-mucinous lining epithelium, and ovarian-type stroma. A total of 45 patients with MCN (30 pancreatic and 15 hepatic cases) were obtained. Quantitative telomere-specific fluorescent in situ hybridization was performed to measure the telomere length of specific cell types within MCNs, including mucinous lining epithelium, non-mucinous lining epithelium, and ovarian-type stroma, as well as normal ductal epithelium and adenocarcinoma. Relative telomere lengths tended to decrease between normal ductal epithelium, ovarian-type stroma, non-mucinous lining epithelium, mucinous lining epithelium, and adenocarcinoma regardless of the involved organs. Among the analyzed cell types, relative telomere lengths were significantly different between normal ductal epithelium (3.31 ± 0.78), ovarian-type stroma (2.90 ± 0.93), non-mucinous lining epithelium (2.84 ± 0.79), mucinous lining epithelium (2.49 ± 0.93), and adenocarcinoma (1.19 ± 0.59), respectively (P < 0.001, mixed-effects model). As expected, no difference in relative telomere lengths was observed between normal ductal epithelium and ovarian-type stroma; however, significant differences were observed in pair-wise comparisons between ovarian-type stroma vs. non-mucinous lining epithelium (P = 0.001), non-mucinous lining epithelium vs. mucinous lining epithelium (P = 0.005), and mucinous lining epithelium vs. adenocarcinoma (P < 0.001). These findings suggest gradual telomere shortening occurs in the tumorigenesis of MCN, which may have important implications for the progression of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- You-Na Sung
- Department of Pathology, Korea University Anam Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Marija Stojanova
- Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Seungbeom Shin
- Department of Statistics, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - HyungJun Cho
- Department of Statistics, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Christopher M Heaphy
- Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Seung-Mo Hong
- Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Roggia M, Natale B, Amendola G, Grasso N, Di Maro S, Taliani S, Castellano S, Reina SCR, Salvati E, Amato J, Cosconati S. Discovering Dually Active Anti-cancer Compounds with a Hybrid AI-structure-based Approach. J Chem Inf Model 2024. [PMID: 39276072 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.4c01132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/16/2024]
Abstract
Cancer's persistent growth often relies on its ability to maintain telomere length and tolerate the accumulation of DNA damage. This study explores a computational approach to identify compounds that can simultaneously target both G-quadruplex (G4) structures and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP)1 enzyme, offering a potential multipronged attack on cancer cells. We employed a hybrid virtual screening (VS) protocol, combining the power of machine learning with traditional structure-based methods. PyRMD, our AI-powered tool, was first used to analyze vast chemical libraries and to identify potential PARP1 inhibitors based on known bioactivity data. Subsequently, a structure-based VS approach selected compounds from these identified inhibitors for their G4 stabilization potential. This two-step process yielded 50 promising candidates, which were then experimentally validated for their ability to inhibit PARP1 and stabilize G4 structures. Ultimately, four lead compounds emerged as promising candidates with the desired dual activity and demonstrated antiproliferative effects against specific cancer cell lines. This study highlights the potential of combining Artificial Intelligence and structure-based methods for the discovery of multitarget anticancer compounds, offering a valuable approach for future drug development efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Roggia
- DiSTABiF, Università della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Via Vivaldi 43, Caserta 81100, Italy
| | - Benito Natale
- DiSTABiF, Università della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Via Vivaldi 43, Caserta 81100, Italy
| | - Giorgio Amendola
- DiSTABiF, Università della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Via Vivaldi 43, Caserta 81100, Italy
| | - Nicola Grasso
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Salvatore Di Maro
- DiSTABiF, Università della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Via Vivaldi 43, Caserta 81100, Italy
| | - Sabrina Taliani
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, Pisa 56126, Italy
| | - Sabrina Castellano
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università di Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano Salerno, Italy
| | | | - Erica Salvati
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| | - Jussara Amato
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Sandro Cosconati
- DiSTABiF, Università della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Via Vivaldi 43, Caserta 81100, Italy
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Shiekh S, Feldt D, Jack A, Kodikara SG, Alfehaid J, Pasha S, Yildiz A, Balci H. Protection of the Telomeric Junction by the Shelterin Complex. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:25158-25165. [PMID: 39207958 PMCID: PMC11404488 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c08649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Shelterin serves critical roles in suppressing superfluous DNA damage repair pathways on telomeres. The junction between double-stranded telomeric tracts (dsTEL) and single-stranded telomeric overhang (ssTEL) is the most accessible region of the telomeric DNA. The shelterin complex contains dsTEL and ssTEL binding proteins and can protect this junction by bridging the ssTEL and dsTEL tracts. To test this possibility, we monitored shelterin binding to telomeric DNA substrates with varying ssTEL and dsTEL lengths and quantified its impact on telomere accessibility using single-molecule fluorescence microscopy methods in vitro. We identified the first dsTEL repeat nearest the junction as the preferred binding site for creating the shelterin bridge. Shelterin requires at least two ssTEL repeats, while the POT1 subunit of shelterin that binds to ssTEL requires longer ssTEL tracts for stable binding to telomeres and effective protection of the junction region. The ability of POT1 to protect the junction is significantly enhanced by the 5'-phosphate at the junction. Collectively, our results show that shelterin enhances the binding stability of POT1 to ssTEL and provides more effective protection compared with POT1 alone by bridging single- and double-stranded telomeric tracts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajad Shiekh
- Department of Physics, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio 44242, United States
| | - Darion Feldt
- Department of Physics, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio 44242, United States
| | - Amanda Jack
- Biophysics Graduate Group, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Sineth G Kodikara
- Department of Physics, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio 44242, United States
| | - Janan Alfehaid
- Department of Physics, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio 44242, United States
| | - Sabaha Pasha
- Department of Physics, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio 44242, United States
| | - Ahmet Yildiz
- Biophysics Graduate Group, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
- Physics Department, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Hamza Balci
- Department of Physics, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio 44242, United States
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Wondimagegnhu B, Ma W, Paul T, Liao TW, Lee CY, Sanford S, Opresko PL, Myong S. The molecular mechanism for TERRA recruitment and annealing to telomeres. Nucleic Acids Res 2024:gkae732. [PMID: 39189448 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 08/16/2024] [Indexed: 08/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Telomeric repeat containing RNA (TERRA) is a noncoding RNA that is transcribed from telomeres. Previous study showed that TERRA trans anneals by invading into the telomeric duplex to form an R-loop in mammalian cells. Here, we elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying TERRA recruitment and invasion into telomeres in the context of shelterin proteins, RAD51 and RNase H using single molecule (sm) assays. We demonstrate that TERRA trans annealing into telomeric DNA exhibits dynamic movement that is stabilized by TRF2. TERRA annealing to the telomeric duplex results in the formation of a stable triplex structure which differs from a conventional R-loop. We identified that the presence of a sub-telomeric DNA and a telomeric overhang in the form of a G-quadruplex significantly enhances TERRA annealing to telomeric duplex. We also demonstrate that RAD51-TERRA complex invades telomere duplex more efficiently than TERRA alone. Additionally, TRF2 increases TERRA affinity to telomeric duplex and protects it from RNase H digestion. In contrast, TRF1 represses TERRA annealing to telomeric duplex and fails to provide protection against RNase H digestion. Our findings provide an in-depth molecular mechanism underpinning TERRA recruitment and annealing to the telomere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bersabel Wondimagegnhu
- Program in Cell, Molecular, Developmental Biology and Biophysics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Wen Ma
- Department of Physics, The University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA
| | - Tapas Paul
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Ting-Wei Liao
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Biophysics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Chun Ying Lee
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Samantha Sanford
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Patricia L Opresko
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Sua Myong
- Program in Cell, Molecular, Developmental Biology and Biophysics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Biophysics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
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Burrow TA, Koneru B, Macha SJ, Sun W, Barr FG, Triche TJ, Reynolds CP. Prevalence of alternative lengthening of telomeres in pediatric sarcomas determined by the telomeric DNA C-circle assay. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1399442. [PMID: 39224814 PMCID: PMC11366626 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1399442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) occurs in sarcomas and ALT cancers share common mechanisms of therapy resistance or sensitivity. Telomeric DNA C-circles are self-primed circular telomeric repeats detected with a PCR assay that provide a sensitive and specific biomarker exclusive to ALT cancers. We have previously shown that 23% of high-risk neuroblastomas are of the ALT phenotype. Here, we investigate the frequency of ALT in Ewing's family sarcoma (EFS), rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), and osteosarcoma (OS) by analyzing DNA from fresh frozen primary tumor samples utilizing the real-time PCR C-circle Assay (CCA). Methods We reviewed prior publications on ALT detection in pediatric sarcomas. DNA was extracted from fresh frozen primary tumors, fluorometrically quantified, C-circles were selectively enriched by isothermal rolling cycle amplification and detected by real-time PCR. Results The sample cohort consisted of DNA from 95 EFS, 191 RMS, and 87 OS primary tumors. One EFS and 4 RMS samples were inevaluable. Using C-circle positive (CC+) cutoffs previously defined for high-risk neuroblastoma, we observed 0 of 94 EFS, 5 of 187 RMS, and 62 of 87 OS CC+ tumors. Conclusions Utilizing the ALT-specific CCA we observed ALT in 0% of EFS, 2.7% of RMS, and 71% of OS. These data are comparable to prior studies in EFS and OS using less specific ALT markers. The CCA can provide a robust and sensitive means of identifying ALT in sarcomas and has potential as a companion diagnostic for ALT targeted therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trevor A. Burrow
- Department of Pediatrics, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine Cancer Center, Lubbock, TX, United States
- Department of Translational Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States
| | - Balakrishna Koneru
- Department of Pediatrics, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine Cancer Center, Lubbock, TX, United States
| | - Shawn J. Macha
- Department of Pediatrics, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine Cancer Center, Lubbock, TX, United States
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Lubbock, TX, United States
| | - Wenyue Sun
- Laboratory of Pathology, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Frederic G. Barr
- Laboratory of Pathology, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Timothy J. Triche
- Children’s Hospital Los Angles, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - C. Patrick Reynolds
- Department of Pediatrics, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine Cancer Center, Lubbock, TX, United States
- Department of Translational Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Lubbock, TX, United States
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7
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Shiekh S, Feldt D, Jack A, Kodikara SG, Alfehaid J, Pasha S, Yildiz A, Balci H. Protection of the Telomeric Junction by the Shelterin Complex. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.08.18.608453. [PMID: 39229120 PMCID: PMC11370466 DOI: 10.1101/2024.08.18.608453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/05/2024]
Abstract
Shelterin serves critical roles in suppressing superfluous DNA damage repair pathways on telomeres. The junction between double-stranded telomeric tracts (dsTEL) and single-stranded telomeric overhang (ssTEL) is the most accessible region of the telomeric DNA. The shelterin complex contains dsTEL and ssTEL binding proteins and can protect this junction by bridging between the ssTEL and dsTEL tracts. To test this possibility, we monitored shelterin binding to telomeric DNA substrates with varying ssTEL and dsTEL lengths and quantified its impact on telomere accessibility using single-molecule fluorescence microscopy methods in vitro. We identified the first dsTEL repeat nearest to the junction as the preferred binding site for creating the shelterin bridge. Shelterin requires at least two ssTEL repeats while the POT1 subunit of shelterin that binds to ssTEL requires longer ssTEL tracts for stable binding to telomeres and effective protection of the junction region. The ability of POT1 to protect the junction is significantly enhanced by the 5'-phosphate at the junction. Collectively, our results show that shelterin enhances the binding stability of POT1 to ssTEL and provides more effective protection compared to POT1 alone by bridging single- and double-stranded telomeric tracts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajad Shiekh
- Department of Physics, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA
| | - Darion Feldt
- Department of Physics, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA
| | - Amanda Jack
- Biophysics Graduate Group, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | | | - Janan Alfehaid
- Department of Physics, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA
| | - Sabaha Pasha
- Department of Physics, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA
| | - Ahmet Yildiz
- Biophysics Graduate Group, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
- Physics Department, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Hamza Balci
- Department of Physics, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA
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Pennisi G, Bruzzaniti P, Burattini B, Piaser Guerrato G, Della Pepa GM, Sturiale CL, Lapolla P, Familiari P, La Pira B, D’Andrea G, Olivi A, D’Alessandris QG, Montano N. Advancements in Telomerase-Targeted Therapies for Glioblastoma: A Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8700. [PMID: 39201386 PMCID: PMC11354571 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25168700] [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: 06/25/2024] [Revised: 07/25/2024] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is a primary CNS tumor that is highly lethal in adults and has limited treatment options. Despite advancements in understanding the GBM biology, the standard treatment for GBM has remained unchanged for more than a decade. Only 6.8% of patients survive beyond five years. Telomerase, particularly the hTERT promoter mutations present in up to 80% of GBM cases, represents a promising therapeutic target due to its role in sustaining telomere length and cancer cell proliferation. This review examines the biology of telomerase in GBM and explores potential telomerase-targeted therapies. We conducted a systematic review following the PRISMA-P guidelines in the MEDLINE/PubMed and Scopus databases, from January 1995 to April 2024. We searched for suitable articles by utilizing the terms "GBM", "high-grade gliomas", "hTERT" and "telomerase". We incorporated studies addressing telomerase-targeted therapies into GBM studies, excluding non-English articles, reviews, and meta-analyses. We evaluated a total of 777 records and 46 full texts, including 36 studies in the final review. Several compounds aimed at inhibiting hTERT transcription demonstrated promising preclinical outcomes; however, they were unsuccessful in clinical trials owing to intricate regulatory pathways and inadequate pharmacokinetics. Direct hTERT inhibitors encountered numerous obstacles, including a prolonged latency for telomere shortening and the activation of the alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT). The G-quadruplex DNA stabilizers appeared to be potential indirect inhibitors, but further clinical studies are required. Imetelstat, the only telomerase inhibitor that has undergone clinical trials, has demonstrated efficacy in various cancers, but its efficacy in GBM has been limited. Telomerase-targeted therapies in GBM is challenging due to complex hTERT regulation and inadequate inhibitor pharmacokinetics. Our study demonstrates that, despite promising preclinical results, no Telomerase inhibitors have been approved for GBM, and clinical trials have been largely unsuccessful. Future strategies may include Telomerase-based vaccines and multi-target inhibitors, which may provide more effective treatments when combined with a better understanding of telomere dynamics and tumor biology. These treatments have the potential to be integrated with existing ones and to improve the outcomes for patients with GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Pennisi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (G.P.); (B.B.); (G.P.G.); (G.M.D.P.); (C.L.S.); (A.O.); (Q.G.D.); (N.M.)
- Department of Neurosurgery, F. Spaziani Hospital, 03100 Frosinone, Italy; (B.L.P.); (G.D.)
| | - Placido Bruzzaniti
- Department of Neurosurgery, F. Spaziani Hospital, 03100 Frosinone, Italy; (B.L.P.); (G.D.)
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Division of Neurosurgery, Policlinico Umberto I University Hospital, Sapienza, University of Rome, 00157 Rome, Italy;
| | - Benedetta Burattini
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (G.P.); (B.B.); (G.P.G.); (G.M.D.P.); (C.L.S.); (A.O.); (Q.G.D.); (N.M.)
| | - Giacomo Piaser Guerrato
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (G.P.); (B.B.); (G.P.G.); (G.M.D.P.); (C.L.S.); (A.O.); (Q.G.D.); (N.M.)
| | - Giuseppe Maria Della Pepa
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (G.P.); (B.B.); (G.P.G.); (G.M.D.P.); (C.L.S.); (A.O.); (Q.G.D.); (N.M.)
| | - Carmelo Lucio Sturiale
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (G.P.); (B.B.); (G.P.G.); (G.M.D.P.); (C.L.S.); (A.O.); (Q.G.D.); (N.M.)
| | | | - Pietro Familiari
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Division of Neurosurgery, Policlinico Umberto I University Hospital, Sapienza, University of Rome, 00157 Rome, Italy;
| | - Biagia La Pira
- Department of Neurosurgery, F. Spaziani Hospital, 03100 Frosinone, Italy; (B.L.P.); (G.D.)
| | - Giancarlo D’Andrea
- Department of Neurosurgery, F. Spaziani Hospital, 03100 Frosinone, Italy; (B.L.P.); (G.D.)
| | - Alessandro Olivi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (G.P.); (B.B.); (G.P.G.); (G.M.D.P.); (C.L.S.); (A.O.); (Q.G.D.); (N.M.)
| | - Quintino Giorgio D’Alessandris
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (G.P.); (B.B.); (G.P.G.); (G.M.D.P.); (C.L.S.); (A.O.); (Q.G.D.); (N.M.)
| | - Nicola Montano
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (G.P.); (B.B.); (G.P.G.); (G.M.D.P.); (C.L.S.); (A.O.); (Q.G.D.); (N.M.)
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Boccardi V, Marano L. Aging, Cancer, and Inflammation: The Telomerase Connection. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8542. [PMID: 39126110 PMCID: PMC11313618 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25158542] [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: 07/24/2024] [Revised: 07/31/2024] [Accepted: 08/04/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Understanding the complex dynamics of telomere biology is important in the strong link between aging and cancer. Telomeres, the protective caps at the end of chromosomes, are central players in this connection. While their gradual shortening due to replication limits tumors expansion by triggering DNA repair mechanisms, it also promotes oncogenic changes within chromosomes, thus sustaining tumorigenesis. The enzyme telomerase, responsible for maintaining telomere length, emerges as a central player in this context. Its expression in cancer cells facilitates the preservation of telomeres, allowing them to circumvent the growth-limiting effects of short telomeres. Interestingly, the influence of telomerase extends beyond telomere maintenance, as evidenced by its involvement in promoting cell growth through alternative pathways. In this context, inflammation accelerates telomere shortening, resulting in telomere dysfunction, while telomere elements also play a role in modulating the inflammatory response. The recognition of this interplay has promoted the development of novel therapeutic approaches centered around telomerase inhibition. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the field, emphasizing recent progress in knowledge and the implications in understanding of cancer biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Boccardi
- Division of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy
| | - Luigi Marano
- Department of Medicine, Academy of Applied Medical and Social Sciences—AMiSNS: Akademia Medycznych I Spolecznych Nauk Stosowanych, 82-300 Elbląg, Poland;
- Department of General Surgery and Surgical Oncology, “Saint Wojciech” Hospital, “Nicolaus Copernicus” Health Center, 80-462 Gdańsk, Poland
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Levstek T, Breznik N, Vujkovac B, Nowak A, Trebušak Podkrajšek K. Dynamics of Leukocyte Telomere Length in Patients with Fabry Disease. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1724. [PMID: 39200189 PMCID: PMC11351930 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12081724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2024] [Revised: 07/26/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Fabry disease (FD) leads to significant morbidity and mortality, which may indicate accelerated ageing. However, it is still unclear whether there is a relationship between telomere length (TL), a marker of biological ageing, and disease outcome. We aimed to examine the relationship between leukocyte TL (LTL) dynamics and the presence of advanced disease stages and/or late complications of FD, including hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, nephropathy and stroke, both cross-sectionally and longitudinally. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood leukocytes and quantitative PCR was utilized to determine relative LTL in 99 Fabry patients. In the longitudinal analysis, we included 50 patients in whom at least three measurements were performed over a period of 5-10 years. The results showed a significant inverse correlation between LTL and age (ρ = -0.20, p = 0.05). No significant differences in LTL were found between females and males (p = 0.79) or between patients receiving disease-specific therapy and those without (p = 0.34). In a cross-sectional analysis, no association was found between the presence (p = 0.15) or number (p = 0.28) of advanced stages of the disease and/or late complications and LTL. Similarly, in a longitudinal analysis, no difference in LTL dynamics was found regarding the presence (p = 0.16) of advanced stage organ involvement and/or late complications or their number. These findings indicate that LTL dynamics in adulthood may not be a reliable indicator of disease outcomes in Fabry patients. Therefore, LTL may more accurately reflect the disease burden in early life, when TL is primarily determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Levstek
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Clinical Institute for Special Laboratory Diagnostics, University Children’s Hospital, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Nika Breznik
- Clinical Institute for Special Laboratory Diagnostics, University Children’s Hospital, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Bojan Vujkovac
- Centre for Fabry Disease, General Hospital Slovenj Gradec, 2380 Slovenj Gradec, Slovenia
| | - Albina Nowak
- Department of Endocrinology and Clinical Nutrition, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Internal Medicine, Psychiatry University Clinic Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Katarina Trebušak Podkrajšek
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Clinical Institute for Special Laboratory Diagnostics, University Children’s Hospital, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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11
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Joo SY, Sung K, Lee H. Balancing act: BRCA2's elaborate management of telomere replication through control of G-quadruplex dynamicity. Bioessays 2024; 46:e2300229. [PMID: 38922965 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202300229] [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: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
In billion years of evolution, eukaryotes preserved the chromosome ends with arrays of guanine repeats surrounded by thymines and adenines, which can form stacks of four-stranded planar structure known as G-quadruplex (G4). The rationale behind the evolutionary conservation of the G4 structure at the telomere remained elusive. Our recent study has shed light on this matter by revealing that telomere G4 undergoes oscillation between at least two distinct folded conformations. Additionally, tumor suppressor BRCA2 exhibits a unique mode of interaction with telomere G4. To elaborate, BRCA2 directly interacts with G-triplex (G3)-derived intermediates that form during the interconversion of the two different G4 states. In doing so, BRCA2 remodels the G4, facilitating the restart of stalled replication forks. In this review, we succinctly summarize the findings regarding the dynamicity of telomeric G4, emphasize its importance in maintaining telomere replication homeostasis, and the physiological consequences of losing G4 dynamicity at the telomere.
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Affiliation(s)
- So Young Joo
- Department of Biological Sciences & Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics (IMBG), Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Keewon Sung
- Center for RNA Research, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hyunsook Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences & Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics (IMBG), Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
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12
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Bailey SM, Kunkel SR, Bedford JS, Cornforth MN. The Central Role of Cytogenetics in Radiation Biology. Radiat Res 2024; 202:227-259. [PMID: 38981612 DOI: 10.1667/rade-24-00038.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Radiation cytogenetics has a rich history seldom appreciated by those outside the field. Early radiobiology was dominated by physics and biophysical concepts that borrowed heavily from the study of radiation-induced chromosome aberrations. From such studies, quantitative relationships between biological effect and changes in absorbed dose, dose rate and ionization density were codified into key concepts of radiobiological theory that have persisted for nearly a century. This review aims to provide a historical perspective of some of these concepts, including evidence supporting the contention that chromosome aberrations underlie development of many, if not most, of the biological effects of concern for humans exposed to ionizing radiations including cancer induction, on the one hand, and tumor eradication on the other. The significance of discoveries originating from these studies has widened and extended far beyond their original scope. Chromosome structural rearrangements viewed in mitotic cells were first attributed to the production of breaks by the radiations during interphase, followed by the rejoining or mis-rejoining among ends of other nearby breaks. These relatively modest beginnings eventually led to the discovery and characterization of DNA repair of double-strand breaks by non-homologous end joining, whose importance to various biological processes is now widely appreciated. Two examples, among many, are V(D)J recombination and speciation. Rapid technological advancements in cytogenetics, the burgeoning fields of molecular radiobiology and third-generation sequencing served as a point of confluence between the old and new. As a result, the emergent field of "cytogenomics" now becomes uniquely positioned for the purpose of more fully understanding mechanisms underlying the biological effects of ionizing radiation exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan M Bailey
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Stephen R Kunkel
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
| | - Joel S Bedford
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Michael N Cornforth
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
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13
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Brankiewicz-Kopcinska W, Kallingal A, Krzemieniecki R, Baginski M. Targeting shelterin proteins for cancer therapy. Drug Discov Today 2024; 29:104056. [PMID: 38844065 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2024.104056] [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: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
As a global health challenge, cancer prompts continuous exploration for innovative therapies that are also based on new targets. One promising avenue is targeting the shelterin protein complex, a safeguard for telomeres crucial in preventing DNA damage. The role of shelterin in modulating ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM) and ataxia-telangiectasia and Rad3-related (ATR) kinases, key players in the DNA damage response (DDR), establishes its significance in cancer cells. Disrupting these defence mechanisms of shelterins, especially in cancer cells, renders telomeres vulnerable, potentially leading to genomic instability and hindering cancer cell survival. In this review, we outline recent approaches exploring shelterins as potential anticancer targets, highlighting the prospect of developing selective molecules to exploit telomere vulnerabilities toward new innovative cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wioletta Brankiewicz-Kopcinska
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biochemistry, Gdansk University of Technology, G. Narutowicza St 11/12, 80-233 Gdansk, Poland; Department of Medical Genetics, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Kirkeveien 166, 0450 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Anoop Kallingal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biochemistry, Gdansk University of Technology, G. Narutowicza St 11/12, 80-233 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Radoslaw Krzemieniecki
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biochemistry, Gdansk University of Technology, G. Narutowicza St 11/12, 80-233 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Maciej Baginski
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biochemistry, Gdansk University of Technology, G. Narutowicza St 11/12, 80-233 Gdansk, Poland.
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14
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Liu F, Chen J, Li K, Li H, Zhu Y, Zhai Y, Lu B, Fan Y, Liu Z, Chen X, Jia X, Dong Z, Liu K. Ubiquitination and deubiquitination in cancer: from mechanisms to novel therapeutic approaches. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:148. [PMID: 39048965 PMCID: PMC11270804 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-024-02046-3] [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: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Ubiquitination, a pivotal posttranslational modification of proteins, plays a fundamental role in regulating protein stability. The dysregulation of ubiquitinating and deubiquitinating enzymes is a common feature in various cancers, underscoring the imperative to investigate ubiquitin ligases and deubiquitinases (DUBs) for insights into oncogenic processes and the development of therapeutic interventions. In this review, we discuss the contributions of the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) in all hallmarks of cancer and progress in drug discovery. We delve into the multiple functions of the UPS in oncology, including its regulation of multiple cancer-associated pathways, its role in metabolic reprogramming, its engagement with tumor immune responses, its function in phenotypic plasticity and polymorphic microbiomes, and other essential cellular functions. Furthermore, we provide a comprehensive overview of novel anticancer strategies that leverage the UPS, including the development and application of proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) and molecular glues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangfang Liu
- Tianjian Laboratory of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Academy of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, China
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450000, China
| | - Jingyu Chen
- Department of Pediatric Medicine, School of Third Clinical Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Kai Li
- Department of Clinical Medicine, School of First Clinical Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Haochen Li
- Department of Clinical Medicine, School of First Clinical Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Yiyi Zhu
- Department of Clinical Medicine, School of First Clinical Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Yubo Zhai
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Bingbing Lu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Yanle Fan
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450000, China
| | - Ziyue Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Xiaojie Chen
- School of Basic Medicine, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
| | - Xuechao Jia
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of TCM Syndrome and Prescription in Signaling, Traditional Chinese Medicine (Zhong Jing) School, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
| | - Zigang Dong
- Tianjian Laboratory of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Academy of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, China.
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450000, China.
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China.
| | - Kangdong Liu
- Tianjian Laboratory of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Academy of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, China.
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China.
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15
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Kallingal A, Krzemieniecki R, Maciejewska N, Brankiewicz-Kopcińska W, Baginski M. TRF1 and TRF2: pioneering targets in telomere-based cancer therapy. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2024; 150:353. [PMID: 39012375 PMCID: PMC11252209 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-024-05867-3] [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: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
This article presents an in-depth exploration of the roles of Telomere Repeat-binding Factors 1 and 2 (TRF1 and TRF2), and the shelterin complex, in the context of cancer biology. It emphasizes their emerging significance as potential biomarkers and targets for therapeutic intervention. Central to the shelterin complex, TRF1 and TRF2 are crucial in maintaining telomere integrity and genomic stability, their dysregulation often being a hallmark of cancerous cells. The article delves into the diagnostic and prognostic capabilities of TRF1 and TRF2 across various cancer types, highlighting their sensitivity and specificity. Furthermore, it reviews current strides in drug discovery targeting the shelterin complex, detailing specific compounds and their modes of action. The review candidly addresses the challenges in developing therapies aimed at the shelterin complex, including drug resistance, off-target effects, and issues in drug delivery. By synthesizing recent research findings, the article sheds light on the intricate relationship between telomere biology and cancer development. It underscores the urgency for continued research to navigate the existing challenges and fully leverage the therapeutic potential of TRF1, TRF2, and the shelterin complex in the realm of cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anoop Kallingal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdansk University of Technology, Gdansk, 80-233, Poland.
| | - Radosław Krzemieniecki
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdansk University of Technology, Gdansk, 80-233, Poland
| | - Natalia Maciejewska
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdansk University of Technology, Gdansk, 80-233, Poland
| | | | - Maciej Baginski
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdansk University of Technology, Gdansk, 80-233, Poland
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16
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Macamo ED, Mkhize-Kwitshana ZL, Mthombeni J, Naidoo P. The Impact of HIV and Parasite Single Infection and Coinfection on Telomere Length: A Systematic Review. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:7258-7290. [PMID: 39057072 PMCID: PMC11275449 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46070431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2024] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
HIV and parasite infections accelerate biological aging, resulting in immune senescence, apoptosis and cellular damage. Telomere length is considered to be one of the most effective biomarkers of biological aging. HIV and parasite infection have been reported to shorten telomere length in the host. This systematic review aimed to highlight work that explored the influence of HIV and parasite single infections and coinfection on telomere length. Using specific keywords related to the topic of interest, an electronic search of several online databases (Google Scholar, Web of Science, Scopus, Science Direct and PubMed) was conducted to extract eligible articles. The association between HIV infection or parasite infection and telomere length and the association between HIV and parasite coinfection and telomere length were assessed independently. The studies reported were mostly conducted in the European countries. Of the 42 eligible research articles reviewed, HIV and parasite single infections were independently associated with telomere length shortening. Some studies found no association between antiretroviral therapy (ART) and telomere length shortening, while others found an association between ART and telomere length shortening. No studies reported on the association between HIV and parasite coinfection and telomere length. HIV and parasite infections independently accelerate telomere length shortening and biological aging. It is possible that coinfection with HIV and parasites may further accelerate telomere length shortening; however, this is a neglected field of research with no reported studies to date.
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Affiliation(s)
- Engelinah D. Macamo
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Nelson R. Mandela Medical School Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4001, South Africa
- Division of Research Capacity Development (RCD), South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), Tygerberg, Cape Town 7505, South Africa
| | - Zilungile L. Mkhize-Kwitshana
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Nelson R. Mandela Medical School Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4001, South Africa
- Division of Research Capacity Development (RCD), South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), Tygerberg, Cape Town 7505, South Africa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Doorfontein Campus, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 1710, South Africa
- Biomedical Sciences Department of Life and Consumer Sciences, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of South Africa, Florida Campus, Johannesburg 1710, South Africa
| | - Julian Mthombeni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Doorfontein Campus, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 1710, South Africa
| | - Pragalathan Naidoo
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Nelson R. Mandela Medical School Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4001, South Africa
- Division of Research Capacity Development (RCD), South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), Tygerberg, Cape Town 7505, South Africa
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17
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Wei Q, Chen R, He X, Qu Y, Yan C, Liu X, Liu J, Luo J, Yu Z, Hu W, Wang L, Lin X, Wu C, Xiao J, Zhou H, Wang J, Zhu M, Yang P, Chen Y, Tan Q, Yuan X, Jing H, Zhang W. Multi-omics and single cell characterization of cancer immunosenescence landscape. Sci Data 2024; 11:739. [PMID: 38972884 PMCID: PMC11228048 DOI: 10.1038/s41597-024-03562-z] [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: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Cellular senescence (CS) is closely related to tumor progression. However, the studies about CS genes across human cancers have not explored the relationship between cancer senescence signature and telomere length. Additionally, single-cell analyses have not revealed the evolutionary trends of malignant cells and immune cells at the CS level. We defined a CS-associated signature, called "senescence signature", and found that patients with higher senescence signature had worse prognosis. Higher senescence signature was related to older age, higher genomic instability, longer telomeres, increased lymphocytic infiltration, higher pro-tumor immune infiltrates (Treg cells and MDSCs), and could predict responses to immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. Single-cell analysis further reveals malignant cells and immune cells share a consistent evolutionary trend at the CS level. MAPK signaling pathway and apoptotic processes may play a key role in CS, and senescence signature may effectively predict sensitivity of MEK1/2 inhibitors, ERK1/2 inhibitors and BCL-2 family inhibitors. We also developed a new CS prediction model of cancer survival and established a portal website to apply this model ( https://bio-pub.shinyapps.io/cs_nomo/ ).
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuxia Wei
- Department of Hematology, Lymphoma Research Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Ruizhi Chen
- Department of Hematology, Lymphoma Research Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
- Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China
- Suichang County People's Hospital, Lishui, 323000, China
| | - Xue He
- Department of Pathology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100070, China
| | - Yanan Qu
- Peking University Research Center on Aging, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, 100191, Beijing, China
| | - Changjian Yan
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, 362000, China
| | - Xiaoni Liu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China
| | - Jiahao Luo
- Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China
| | - Zining Yu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shangrao Municipal Hospital, Jiangxi, 334000, China
| | - Wenping Hu
- Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China
| | - Liqun Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150000, China
| | - Xiaoya Lin
- Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China
| | - Chaoling Wu
- Department of Respiratory medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Jiujiang University, Jiujiang, 332000, China
| | - Jinyuan Xiao
- Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China
| | - Haibo Zhou
- Department of Epidemiology & Health Statistics, School of Public Health, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Hematology, Lymphoma Research Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Mingxia Zhu
- Department of Hematology, Lymphoma Research Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Ping Yang
- Department of Hematology, Lymphoma Research Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Yingtong Chen
- Department of Hematology, Lymphoma Research Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Qilong Tan
- School of Public Health, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Xiaoliang Yuan
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China.
| | - Hongmei Jing
- Department of Hematology, Lymphoma Research Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China.
| | - Weilong Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Lymphoma Research Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China.
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18
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Wang C, Huang Y, Yang Y, Li R, Li Y, Qiu H, Wu J, Shi G, Ma W, Songyang Z. ILF3 safeguards telomeres from aberrant homologous recombination as a telomeric R-loop reader. Protein Cell 2024; 15:493-511. [PMID: 37991243 PMCID: PMC11214836 DOI: 10.1093/procel/pwad054] [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: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomeres are specialized structures at the ends of linear chromosomes that protect genome stability. The telomeric repeat-containing RNA (TERRA) that is transcribed from subtelomeric regions can invade into double-stranded DNA regions and form RNA:DNA hybrid-containing structure called R-loop. In tumor cells, R-loop formation is closely linked to gene expression and the alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) pathway. Dysregulated R-loops can cause stalled replication forks and telomere instability. However, how R-loops are recognized and regulated, particularly at telomeres, is not well understood. We discovered that ILF3 selectively associates with telomeric R-loops and safeguards telomeres from abnormal homologous recombination. Knocking out ILF3 results in excessive R-loops at telomeres and triggers telomeric DNA damage responses. In addition, ILF3 deficiency disrupts telomere homeostasis and causes abnormalities in the ALT pathway. Using the proximity-dependent biotin identification (BioID) technology, we mapped the ILF3 interactome and discovered that ILF3 could interact with several DNA/RNA helicases, including DHX9. Importantly, ILF3 may aid in the resolution of telomeric R-loops through its interaction with DHX9. Our findings suggest that ILF3 may function as a reader of telomeric R-loops, helping to prevent abnormal homologous recombination and maintain telomere homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuanle Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol and Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging, School of Lifesciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
- Department of Oncology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Yan Huang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol and Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging, School of Lifesciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Yue Yang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol and Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging, School of Lifesciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Ruofei Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol and Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging, School of Lifesciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Yingying Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol and Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging, School of Lifesciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Hongxin Qiu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol and Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging, School of Lifesciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Jiali Wu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol and Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging, School of Lifesciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Guang Shi
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol and Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging, School of Lifesciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Wenbin Ma
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol and Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging, School of Lifesciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Zhou Songyang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol and Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging, School of Lifesciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
- Department of Oncology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
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19
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Lacen A, Symasek A, Gunter A, Lee HT. Slow G-Quadruplex Conformation Rearrangement and Accessibility Change Induced by Potassium in Human Telomeric Single-Stranded DNA. J Phys Chem B 2024; 128:5950-5965. [PMID: 38875355 PMCID: PMC11216195 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.4c00719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
The guanine-rich telomeric repeats can form G-quadruplexes (G4s) that alter the accessibility of the single-stranded telomeric overhang. In this study, we investigated the effects of Na+ and K+ on G4 folding and accessibility through cation introduction and exchange. We combined differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), circular dichroism (CD), and single molecule Förster resonance energy transfer (smFRET) to monitor the stability, conformational dynamics, and complementary strand binding accessibility of G4 formed by single-stranded telomeric DNA. Our data showed that G4 formed through heating and slow cooling in K+ solution exhibited fewer conformational dynamics than G4 formed in Na+ solution, which is consistent with the higher thermal stability of G4 in K+. Monitoring cation exchange with real time smFRET at room temperature shows that Na+ and K+ can replace each other in G4. When encountering high K+ at room or body temperature, G4 undergoes a slow conformational rearrangement process which is mostly complete by 2 h. The slow conformational rearrangement ends with a stable G4 that is unable to be unfolded by a complementary strand. This study provides new insights into the accessibility of G4 forming sequences at different time points after introduction to a high K+ environment in cells, which may affect how the nascent telomeric overhang interacts with proteins and telomerase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianna
N. Lacen
- Department of Chemistry, University
of Alabama at Birmingham, 901 14th Street South, Birmingham, Alabama 35294, United
States
| | - Andrew Symasek
- Department of Chemistry, University
of Alabama at Birmingham, 901 14th Street South, Birmingham, Alabama 35294, United
States
| | - Alan Gunter
- Department of Chemistry, University
of Alabama at Birmingham, 901 14th Street South, Birmingham, Alabama 35294, United
States
| | - Hui-Ting Lee
- Department of Chemistry, University
of Alabama at Birmingham, 901 14th Street South, Birmingham, Alabama 35294, United
States
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20
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Shi HZ, Wang MW, Huang YS, Liu Z, Li L, Wan LP. A telomere-related gene risk model for predicting prognosis and treatment response in acute myeloid leukemia. Heliyon 2024; 10:e31705. [PMID: 38845982 PMCID: PMC11153201 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31705] [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: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a prevalent hematological malignancy among adults. Recent studies suggest that the length of telomeres could significantly affect both the risk of developing AML and the overall survival (OS). Despite the limited focus on the prognostic value of telomere-related genes (TRGs) in AML, our study aims at addressing this gap by compiling a list of TRGs from TelNet, as well as collecting clinical information and TRGs expression data through the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The GSE37642 dataset, sourced from GEO and based on the GPL96 platform, was divided into training and validation sets at a 6:4 ratio. Additionally, the GSE71014 dataset (based on the GPL10558 platform), GSE12417 dataset (based on the GPL96 and GPL570 platforms), and another portion of the GSE37642 dataset (based on the GPL570 platform) were designated as external testing sets. Univariate Cox regression analysis identified 96 TRGs significantly associated with OS. Subsequent Lasso-Cox stepwise regression analysis pinpointed eight TRGs (MCPH1, SLC25A6, STK19, PSAT1, KCTD15, DNMT3B, PSMD5, and TAF2) exhibiting robust predictive potential for patient survival. Both univariate and multivariate survival analyses unveiled TRG risk scores and age as independent prognostic variables. To refine the accuracy of survival prognosis, we developed both a nomogram integrating clinical parameters and a predictive risk score model based on TRGs. In subsequent investigations, associations were emphasized not solely regarding the TRG risk score and immune infiltration patterns but also concerning the response to immune-checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy. In summary, the establishment of a telomere-associated genetic risk model offers a valuable tool for prognosticating AML outcomes, thereby facilitating informed treatment decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Zhong Shi
- Department of Hematology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 100 Haining Road, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Ming-Wei Wang
- Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Chengdu 610052, China
- Key Laboratory of Transfusion Adverse Reactions, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, China
| | - Yu-Song Huang
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhong Liu
- Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Chengdu 610052, China
- Key Laboratory of Transfusion Adverse Reactions, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, China
| | - Ling Li
- Department of Blood Transfusion, The Third People's Hospital of Chengdu, College of Medicine, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, China
| | - Li-Ping Wan
- Department of Hematology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 100 Haining Road, Shanghai, 200080, China
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21
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Silva JPL, Donaires FS, Gutierrez-Rodrigues F, Martins DJ, Carvalho VS, Santana BA, Cunha RLG, Kajigaya S, Menck CFM, Young NS, Kjeldsen E, Calado RT. RecQ helicase expression in patients with telomeropathies. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:754. [PMID: 38874681 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09678-0] [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: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Telomeropathies are a group of inherited disorders caused by germline pathogenic variants in genes involved in telomere maintenance, resulting in excessive telomere attrition that affects several tissues, including hematopoiesis. RecQ and RTEL1 helicases contribute to telomere maintenance by unwinding telomeric structures such as G-quadruplexes (G4), preventing replication defects. Germline RTEL1 variants also are etiologic in telomeropathies. METHODS AND RESULTS Here we investigated the expression of RecQ (RECQL1, BLM, WRN, RECQL4, and RECQL5) and RTEL1 helicase genes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from human telomeropathy patients. The mRNA expression levels of all RecQ helicases, but not RTEL1, were significantly downregulated in patients' primary cells. Reduced RecQ expression was not attributable to cell proliferative exhaustion, as RecQ helicases were not attenuated in T cells exhausted in vitro. An additional fifteen genes involved in DNA damage repair and RecQ functional partners also were downregulated in the telomeropathy cells. CONCLUSION These findings indicate that the expression of RecQ helicases and functional partners involved in DNA repair is downregulated in PBMCs of telomeropathy patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Paulo L Silva
- Department of Medical Imaging, Hematology, and Oncology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes, 3900 - 7 o andar, sala 743 - HCRP, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Flávia S Donaires
- Department of Medical Imaging, Hematology, and Oncology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes, 3900 - 7 o andar, sala 743 - HCRP, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14049-900, Brazil
| | | | - Davi J Martins
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Vinicius S Carvalho
- Department of Medical Imaging, Hematology, and Oncology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes, 3900 - 7 o andar, sala 743 - HCRP, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Barbara A Santana
- Department of Medical Imaging, Hematology, and Oncology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes, 3900 - 7 o andar, sala 743 - HCRP, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Renato L G Cunha
- Department of Medical Imaging, Hematology, and Oncology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes, 3900 - 7 o andar, sala 743 - HCRP, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Sachiko Kajigaya
- Hematology Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Carlos F M Menck
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Neal S Young
- Hematology Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Eigil Kjeldsen
- Department of Hematology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Rodrigo T Calado
- Department of Medical Imaging, Hematology, and Oncology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes, 3900 - 7 o andar, sala 743 - HCRP, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14049-900, Brazil.
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22
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Al-Turki TM, Maranon DG, Nelson CB, Lewis AM, Luxton JJ, Taylor LE, Altina N, Wu F, Du H, Kim J, Damle N, Overbey E, Meydan C, Grigorev K, Winer DA, Furman D, Mason CE, Bailey SM. Telomeric RNA (TERRA) increases in response to spaceflight and high-altitude climbing. Commun Biol 2024; 7:698. [PMID: 38862827 PMCID: PMC11167063 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06014-x] [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: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Telomeres are repetitive nucleoprotein complexes at chromosomal termini essential for maintaining genome stability. Telomeric RNA, or TERRA, is a previously presumed long noncoding RNA of heterogeneous lengths that contributes to end-capping structure and function, and facilitates telomeric recombination in tumors that maintain telomere length via the telomerase-independent Alternative Lengthening of Telomeres (ALT) pathway. Here, we investigated TERRA in the radiation-induced DNA damage response (DDR) across astronauts, high-altitude climbers, healthy donors, and cellular models. Similar to astronauts in the space radiation environment and climbers of Mt. Everest, in vitro radiation exposure prompted increased transcription of TERRA, while simulated microgravity did not. Data suggest a specific TERRA DDR to telomeric double-strand breaks (DSBs), and provide direct demonstration of hybridized TERRA at telomere-specific DSB sites, indicative of protective TERRA:telomeric DNA hybrid formation. Targeted telomeric DSBs also resulted in accumulation of TERRA foci in G2-phase, supportive of TERRA's role in facilitating recombination-mediated telomere elongation. Results have important implications for scenarios involving persistent telomeric DNA damage, such as those associated with chronic oxidative stress (e.g., aging, systemic inflammation, environmental and occupational radiation exposures), which can trigger transient ALT in normal human cells, as well as for targeting TERRA as a therapeutic strategy against ALT-positive tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taghreed M Al-Turki
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
- Cell and Molecular Biology Program, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center and Departments of Microbiology and Immunology, and Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - David G Maranon
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Christopher B Nelson
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
- Cell and Molecular Biology Program, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
- Children's Medical Research Institute, 214 Hawkesbury Road, Westmead, Sydney, NSW, 2145, Australia
| | - Aidan M Lewis
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
- Cell and Molecular Biology Program, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Jared J Luxton
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
- Cell and Molecular Biology Program, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Lynn E Taylor
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Noelia Altina
- Cell and Molecular Biology Program, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Fei Wu
- Buck AI Platform, Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA, USA
| | - Huixun Du
- Buck AI Platform, Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA, USA
| | - JangKeun Kim
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine and WorldQuant Initiative for Quantitative Prediction, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Namita Damle
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine and WorldQuant Initiative for Quantitative Prediction, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Eliah Overbey
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine and WorldQuant Initiative for Quantitative Prediction, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Cem Meydan
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine and WorldQuant Initiative for Quantitative Prediction, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kirill Grigorev
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine and WorldQuant Initiative for Quantitative Prediction, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Daniel A Winer
- Buck AI Platform, Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA, USA
| | - David Furman
- Buck AI Platform, Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA, USA
- Stanford 1000 Immunomes Project, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional (IIMT), Universidad Austral, CONICET, Pilar, Argentina
| | - Christopher E Mason
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
- The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine and WorldQuant Initiative for Quantitative Prediction, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Susan M Bailey
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA.
- Cell and Molecular Biology Program, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA.
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23
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Gu L, Liu M, Zhang Y, Zhou H, Wang Y, Xu ZX. Telomere-related DNA damage response pathways in cancer therapy: prospective targets. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1379166. [PMID: 38910895 PMCID: PMC11190371 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1379166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Maintaining the structural integrity of genomic chromosomal DNA is an essential role of cellular life and requires two important biological mechanisms: the DNA damage response (DDR) mechanism and telomere protection mechanism at chromosome ends. Because abnormalities in telomeres and cellular DDR regulation are strongly associated with human aging and cancer, there is a reciprocal regulation of telomeres and cellular DDR. Moreover, several drug treatments for DDR are currently available. This paper reviews the progress in research on the interaction between telomeres and cellular DNA damage repair pathways. The research on the crosstalk between telomere damage and DDR is important for improving the efficacy of tumor treatment. However, further studies are required to confirm this hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liting Gu
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Mingdi Liu
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Yuning Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Honglan Zhou
- Department of Urology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Yishu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Zhi-Xiang Xu
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
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24
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Shoeb M, Meighan T, Kodali VK, Abadin H, Faroon O, Zarus GM, Erdely A, Antonini JM. TERT-independent telomere elongation and shelterin dysregulation after pulmonary exposure to stainless-steel welding fume in-vivo. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 250:118515. [PMID: 38373547 PMCID: PMC11375608 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
Telomeres are inert DNA sequences (TTAGGG) at the end of chromosomes that protect genetic information and maintain DNA integrity. Emerging evidence has demonstrated that telomere alteration can be closely related to occupational exposure and the development of various disease conditions, including cancer. However, the functions and underlying molecular mechanisms of telomere alteration and shelterin dysregulation after welding fume exposures have not been broadly defined. In this study, we analyzed telomere length and shelterin complex proteins in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and in lung tissue recovered from male Sprague-Dawley rats following exposure by intratracheal instillation (ITI) to 2 mg/rat of manual metal arc-stainless steel (MMA-SS) welding fume particulate or saline (vehicle control). PBMCs and lung tissue were harvested at 30 d after instillation. Our study identified telomere elongation and shelterin dysregulation in PBMCs and lung tissue after welding fume exposure. Mechanistically, telomere elongation was independent of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) activation. Collectively, our findings demonstrated that welding fume-induced telomere elongation was (a) TERT-independent and (b) associated with shelterin complex dysregulation. It is possible that an alteration of telomere length and its regulatory proteins may be utilized as predictive biomarkers for various disease conditions after welding fume exposure. This needs further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Shoeb
- Office of Innovation and Analytics, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 4770 Buford Highway, Mailstop S106-5, Chamblee, GA, 30341, USA.
| | - Terence Meighan
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, 26505, USA
| | - Vamsi K Kodali
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, 26505, USA
| | - Henry Abadin
- Office of Innovation and Analytics, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 4770 Buford Highway, Mailstop S106-5, Chamblee, GA, 30341, USA
| | - Obaid Faroon
- Office of Innovation and Analytics, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 4770 Buford Highway, Mailstop S106-5, Chamblee, GA, 30341, USA
| | - Gregory M Zarus
- Office of Innovation and Analytics, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 4770 Buford Highway, Mailstop S106-5, Chamblee, GA, 30341, USA
| | - Aaron Erdely
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, 26505, USA
| | - James M Antonini
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, 26505, USA
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25
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Hakobyan M, Binder H, Arakelyan A. Pan-cancer analysis of telomere maintenance mechanisms. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:107392. [PMID: 38763334 PMCID: PMC11225560 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107392] [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: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Telomeres, protective caps at chromosome ends, maintain genomic stability and control cell lifespan. Dysregulated telomere maintenance mechanisms (TMMs) are cancer hallmarks, enabling unchecked cell proliferation. We conducted a pan-cancer evaluation of TMM using RNA sequencing data from The Cancer Genome Atlas for 33 different cancer types and analyzed the activities of telomerase-dependent (TEL) and alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) TMM pathways in detail. To further characterize the TMM profiles, we categorized the tumors based on their ALT and TEL TMM pathway activities into five major phenotypes: ALT high TEL low, ALT low TEL low, ALT middle TEL middle, ALT high TEL high, and ALT low TEL high. These phenotypes refer to variations in telomere maintenance strategies, shedding light on the heterogeneous nature of telomere regulation in cancer. Moreover, we investigated the clinical implications of TMM phenotypes by examining their associations with clinical characteristics and patient outcomes. Specific TMM profiles were linked to specific survival patterns, emphasizing the potential of TMM profiling as a prognostic indicator and aiding in personalized cancer treatment strategies. Gene ontology analysis of the TMM phenotypes unveiled enriched biological processes associated with cell cycle regulation (both TEL and ALT), DNA replication (TEL), and chromosome dynamics (ALT) showing that telomere maintenance is tightly intertwined with cellular processes governing proliferation and genomic stability. Overall, our study provides an overview of the complexity of transcriptional regulation of telomere maintenance mechanisms in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meline Hakobyan
- Bioinformatics Group, Institute of Molecular Biology NAS RA, Yerevan, Armenia.
| | - Hans Binder
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Bioinformatics, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany; Armenian Bioinformatics Institute, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Arsen Arakelyan
- Bioinformatics Group, Institute of Molecular Biology NAS RA, Yerevan, Armenia
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26
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Dos Santos GA, Viana NI, Pimenta R, de Camargo JA, Guimaraes VR, Romão P, Candido P, Dos Santos VG, Ghazarian V, Reis ST, Leite KRM, Srougi M. Upregulation of shelterin and CST genes and longer telomeres are associated with unfavorable prognostic characteristics in prostate cancer. Cancer Genet 2024; 284-285:20-29. [PMID: 38503134 DOI: 10.1016/j.cancergen.2024.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Search for new clinical biomarkers targets in prostate cancer (PC) is urgent. Telomeres might be one of these targets. Telomeres are the extremities of linear chromosomes, essential for genome stability and control of cell divisions. Telomere homeostasis relies on the proper functioning of shelterin and CST complexes. Telomeric dysfunction and abnormal expression of its components are reported in most cancers and are associated with PC. Despite this, there are only a few studies about the expression of the main telomere complexes and their relationship with PC progression. We aimed to evaluate the role of shelterin (POT1, TRF2, TPP1, TIN2, and RAP1) and CST (CTC1, STN1, and TEN1) genes and telomere length in the progression of PC. METHODS We evaluated genetic alterations of shelterin and CST by bioinformatics in samples of localized (n = 499) and metastatic castration-resistant PC (n = 444). We also analyzed the expression of the genes using TCGA (localized PC n = 497 and control n = 152) and experimental approaches, with surgical specimens (localized PC n = 81 and BPH n = 10) and metastatic cell lines (LNCaP, DU145, PC3 and PNT2 as control) by real-time PCR. Real-time PCR also determined the telomere length in the same experimental samples. All acquired data were associated with clinical parameters. RESULTS Genetic alterations are uncommon in PC, but POT1, TIN2, and TEN1 showed significantly more amplifications in the metastatic cancer. Except for CTC1 and TEN1, which are differentially expressed in localized PC samples, we did not detect an expression pattern relative to control and cell lines. Nevertheless, except for TEN1, the upregulation of all genes is associated with a worse prognosis in localized PC. We also found that increased telomere length is associated with disease aggressiveness in localized PC. CONCLUSION The upregulation of shelterin and CST genes creates an environment that favors telomere elongation, giving selective advantages for localized PC cells to progress to more aggressive stages of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Arantes Dos Santos
- Laboratory of Medical Investigation (LIM55), Urology Department, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Nayara I Viana
- Laboratory of Medical Investigation (LIM55), Urology Department, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil; Minas Gerais State University (UEMG), Passos, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Ruan Pimenta
- Laboratory of Medical Investigation (LIM55), Urology Department, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil; D'Or Institute for Research and Education (IDOR), Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Juliana Alves de Camargo
- Laboratory of Medical Investigation (LIM55), Urology Department, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Vanessa R Guimaraes
- Laboratory of Medical Investigation (LIM55), Urology Department, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Poliana Romão
- Laboratory of Medical Investigation (LIM55), Urology Department, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Candido
- Laboratory of Medical Investigation (LIM55), Urology Department, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Vinicius Genuino Dos Santos
- Laboratory of Medical Investigation (LIM55), Urology Department, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Vitória Ghazarian
- Laboratory of Medical Investigation (LIM55), Urology Department, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sabrina T Reis
- Laboratory of Medical Investigation (LIM55), Urology Department, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil; Minas Gerais State University (UEMG), Passos, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Katia Ramos Moreira Leite
- Laboratory of Medical Investigation (LIM55), Urology Department, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Miguel Srougi
- Laboratory of Medical Investigation (LIM55), Urology Department, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil; D'Or Institute for Research and Education (IDOR), Sao Paulo, Brazil
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27
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Ng YB, Akincilar SC. Shaping DNA damage responses: Therapeutic potential of targeting telomeric proteins and DNA repair factors in cancer. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2024; 76:102460. [PMID: 38776747 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2024.102460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Shelterin proteins regulate genomic stability by preventing inappropriate DNA damage responses (DDRs) at telomeres. Unprotected telomeres lead to persistent DDR causing cell cycle inhibition, growth arrest, and apoptosis. Cancer cells rely on DDR to protect themselves from DNA lesions and exogenous DNA-damaging agents such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Therefore, targeting DDR machinery is a promising strategy to increase the sensitivity of cancer cells to existing cancer therapies. However, the success of these DDR inhibitors depends on other mutations, and over time, patients develop resistance to these therapies. This suggests the need for alternative approaches. One promising strategy is co-inhibiting shelterin proteins with DDR molecules, which would offset cellular fitness in DNA repair in a mutation-independent manner. This review highlights the associations and dependencies of the shelterin complex with the DDR proteins and discusses potential co-inhibition strategies that might improve the therapeutic potential of current inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Bin Ng
- Laboratory of NFκB Signalling, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A∗STAR), 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos, Singapore 138673, Republic of Singapore
| | - Semih Can Akincilar
- Laboratory of NFκB Signalling, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A∗STAR), 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos, Singapore 138673, Republic of Singapore.
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Huang M, Liu M, Wang R, Man Y, Zhou H, Xu ZX, Wang Y. The crosstalk between glucose metabolism and telomerase regulation in cancer. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 175:116643. [PMID: 38696988 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116643] [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: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Accumulated alterations in metabolic control provide energy and anabolic demands for enhanced cancer cell proliferation. Exemplified by the Warburg effect, changes in glucose metabolism during cancer progression are widely recognized as a characteristic of metabolic disorders. Since telomerases are a vital factor in maintaining DNA integrity and stability, any damage threatening telomerases could have a severe impact on DNA and, subsequently, whole-cell homeostasis. However, it remains unclear whether the regulation of glucose metabolism in cancer is connected to the regulation of telomerase. In this review, we present the latest insights into the crosstalk between telomerase function and glucose metabolism in cancer cells. However, at this moment this subject is not well investigated that the association is mostly indirectly regulations and few explicit regulating pathways were identified between telomerase and glucose metabolism. Therefore, the information presented in this review can provide a scientific basis for further research on the detail mechanism and the clinical application of cancer therapy, which could be valuable in improving the effectiveness of chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingrui Huang
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China; The First Norman Bethune College of Clinical Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Mingdi Liu
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Ruijia Wang
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China; The First Norman Bethune College of Clinical Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Yifan Man
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China; The First Norman Bethune College of Clinical Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Honglan Zhou
- Department of Urology, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China.
| | - Zhi-Xiang Xu
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China.
| | - Yishu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China.
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Silva-Rodríguez P, Bande M, Pardo M, Domínguez F, Loidi L, Blanco-Teijeiro MJ. Bilateral Uveal Melanoma: An Insight into Genetic Predisposition in Four New Unrelated Patients and Review of Published Cases. J Clin Med 2024; 13:3035. [PMID: 38892746 PMCID: PMC11172988 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13113035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Primary bilateral uveal melanoma (BUM) is an exceptionally rare form of uveal melanoma (UM). This study aimed to explore the potential existence of a genetic predisposition towards the development of BUM. Methods: We employed an exome sequencing approach on germline DNA from four unrelated patients diagnosed with BUM, seeking pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants indicative of a genetic predisposition to UM. Results: None of the patients exhibited pathogenic variants in the BAP1 gene. However, loss-of-function (LoF) variants in the TERF2IP and BAX genes were identified in two of the BUM patients. For patients BUM1 and BUM2, no pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants of significant clinical relevance to BUM were found to warrant inclusion in this report. Conclusions: Our findings suggest the presence of yet-to-be-discovered genes that may contribute to UM predisposition, as evidenced by the absence of pathogenic variants in known UM predisposition genes among the four BUM patients studied. The TERF2IP and BAX genes emerge as noteworthy candidates for further investigation regarding their role in genetic predisposition to UM. Specifically, the potential role of UM as a candidate cancer within the spectrum of cancers linked to pathogenic variants in the TERF2IP gene and other genes associated with the shelterin complex warrants further examination. Additional functional studies are necessary to support or challenge this hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Silva-Rodríguez
- Fundación Pública Galega de Medicina Xenómica (FPGMX), 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (P.S.-R.); (L.L.)
- Grupo de Oftalmología Traslacional, Área Oncología, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain;
| | - Manuel Bande
- Grupo de Oftalmología Traslacional, Área Oncología, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain;
- Department of Ophthalmology, Clinical University Hospital of Santiago de Compostela, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - María Pardo
- Grupo Obesidómica, Área de Endocrinología, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain;
| | - Fernando Domínguez
- Department of Physiology and Centro de Investigaciones en Medicina Molecular y Enfermedades Crónicas (CiMUS), University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain;
| | - Lourdes Loidi
- Fundación Pública Galega de Medicina Xenómica (FPGMX), 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (P.S.-R.); (L.L.)
| | - María José Blanco-Teijeiro
- Grupo de Oftalmología Traslacional, Área Oncología, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain;
- Department of Ophthalmology, Clinical University Hospital of Santiago de Compostela, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
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30
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Deb S, Berei J, Miliavski E, Khan MJ, Broder TJ, Akurugo TA, Lund C, Fleming SE, Hillwig R, Ross J, Puri N. The Effects of Smoking on Telomere Length, Induction of Oncogenic Stress, and Chronic Inflammatory Responses Leading to Aging. Cells 2024; 13:884. [PMID: 38891017 PMCID: PMC11172003 DOI: 10.3390/cells13110884] [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: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Telomeres, potential biomarkers of aging, are known to shorten with continued cigarette smoke exposure. In order to further investigate this process and its impact on cellular stress and inflammation, we used an in vitro model with cigarette smoke extract (CSE) and observed the downregulation of telomere stabilizing TRF2 and POT1 genes after CSE treatment. hTERT is a subunit of telomerase and a well-known oncogenic marker, which is overexpressed in over 85% of cancers and may contribute to lung cancer development in smokers. We also observed an increase in hTERT and ISG15 expression levels after CSE treatment, as well as increased protein levels revealed by immunohistochemical staining in smokers' lung tissue samples compared to non-smokers. The effects of ISG15 overexpression were further studied by quantifying IFN-γ, an inflammatory protein induced by ISG15, which showed greater upregulation in smokers compared to non-smokers. Similar changes in gene expression patterns for TRF2, POT1, hTERT, and ISG15 were observed in blood and buccal swab samples from smokers compared to non-smokers. The results from this study provide insight into the mechanisms behind smoking causing telomere shortening and how this may contribute to the induction of inflammation and/or tumorigenesis, which may lead to comorbidities in smokers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shreya Deb
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford, Rockford, IL 61107, USA; (S.D.); (J.B.); (E.M.); (M.J.K.); (T.J.B.); (T.A.A.); (C.L.)
| | - Joseph Berei
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford, Rockford, IL 61107, USA; (S.D.); (J.B.); (E.M.); (M.J.K.); (T.J.B.); (T.A.A.); (C.L.)
| | - Edward Miliavski
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford, Rockford, IL 61107, USA; (S.D.); (J.B.); (E.M.); (M.J.K.); (T.J.B.); (T.A.A.); (C.L.)
| | - Muhammad J. Khan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford, Rockford, IL 61107, USA; (S.D.); (J.B.); (E.M.); (M.J.K.); (T.J.B.); (T.A.A.); (C.L.)
| | - Taylor J. Broder
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford, Rockford, IL 61107, USA; (S.D.); (J.B.); (E.M.); (M.J.K.); (T.J.B.); (T.A.A.); (C.L.)
| | - Thomas A. Akurugo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford, Rockford, IL 61107, USA; (S.D.); (J.B.); (E.M.); (M.J.K.); (T.J.B.); (T.A.A.); (C.L.)
| | - Cody Lund
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford, Rockford, IL 61107, USA; (S.D.); (J.B.); (E.M.); (M.J.K.); (T.J.B.); (T.A.A.); (C.L.)
| | - Sara E. Fleming
- Department of Pathology, UW Health SwedishAmerican Hospital, Rockford, IL 61107, USA;
| | - Robert Hillwig
- Department of Health Sciences Education, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford, Rockford, IL 61107, USA;
| | - Joseph Ross
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford, Rockford, IL 61107, USA;
| | - Neelu Puri
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford, Rockford, IL 61107, USA; (S.D.); (J.B.); (E.M.); (M.J.K.); (T.J.B.); (T.A.A.); (C.L.)
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31
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Siametis A, Stratigi K, Giamaki D, Chatzinikolaou G, Akalestou-Clocher A, Goulielmaki E, Luke B, Schumacher B, Garinis GA. Transcription stress at telomeres leads to cytosolic DNA release and paracrine senescence. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4061. [PMID: 38744897 PMCID: PMC11094137 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48443-6] [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: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Transcription stress has been linked to DNA damage -driven aging, yet the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate that Tcea1-/- cells, which harbor a TFIIS defect in transcription elongation, exhibit RNAPII stalling at oxidative DNA damage sites, impaired transcription, accumulation of R-loops, telomere uncapping, chromatin bridges, and genome instability, ultimately resulting in cellular senescence. We found that R-loops at telomeres causally contribute to the release of telomeric DNA fragments in the cytoplasm of Tcea1-/- cells and primary cells derived from naturally aged animals triggering a viral-like immune response. TFIIS-defective cells release extracellular vesicles laden with telomeric DNA fragments that target neighboring cells, which consequently undergo cellular senescence. Thus, transcription stress elicits paracrine signals leading to cellular senescence, promoting aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athanasios Siametis
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB), Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Kalliopi Stratigi
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB), Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Despoina Giamaki
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB), Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
- Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB), Mainz, Germany; Institute of Developmental Biology and Neurobiology (IDN), Johannes Gutenberg-Universität, Mainz, Germany
- Institute of Animal Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Georgia Chatzinikolaou
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB), Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Alexia Akalestou-Clocher
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB), Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Evi Goulielmaki
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB), Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Brian Luke
- Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB), Mainz, Germany; Institute of Developmental Biology and Neurobiology (IDN), Johannes Gutenberg-Universität, Mainz, Germany
| | - Björn Schumacher
- Institute for Genome Stability in Aging and Disease, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Cologne Excellence Cluster for Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD) and Center for Molecular Medicine (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - George A Garinis
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB), Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, Heraklion, Crete, Greece.
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece.
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32
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Štefanovie B, Jenner LP, Bozděchová L, Fajkus P, Sýkorová E, Fajkus J, Paleček JJ. Characterisation of the Arabidopsis thaliana telomerase TERT-TR complex. PLANT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 114:56. [PMID: 38743198 PMCID: PMC11093817 DOI: 10.1007/s11103-024-01461-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Most eukaryotic organisms employ a telomerase complex for the maintenance of chromosome ends. The core of this complex is composed of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) and telomerase RNA (TR) subunits. The TERT reverse transcriptase (RT) domain synthesises telomeric DNA using the TR template sequence. The other TERT domains contribute to this process in different ways. In particular, the TERT RNA-binding domain (TRBD) interacts with specific TR motif(s). Using a yeast 3-hybrid system, we show the critical role of Arabidopsis thaliana (At) TRBD and embryophyta-conserved KRxR motif in the unstructured linker preceding the TRBD domain for binding to the recently identified AtTR subunit. We also show the essential role of the predicted P4 stem and pseudoknot AtTR structures and provide evidence for the binding of AtTRBD to pseudoknot and KRxR motif stabilising interaction with the P4 stem structure. Our results thus provide the first insight into the core part of the plant telomerase complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbora Štefanovie
- Faculty of Science, National Centre for Biomolecular Research, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 62500, Brno, Czech Republic
- Mendel Centre for Plant Genomics and Proteomics, Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 62500, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Leon P Jenner
- Institute of Biophysics, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Kralovopolska 135, 61200, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Lucie Bozděchová
- Mendel Centre for Plant Genomics and Proteomics, Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 62500, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Fajkus
- Faculty of Science, National Centre for Biomolecular Research, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 62500, Brno, Czech Republic
- Institute of Biophysics, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Kralovopolska 135, 61200, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Eva Sýkorová
- Institute of Biophysics, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Kralovopolska 135, 61200, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jiří Fajkus
- Faculty of Science, National Centre for Biomolecular Research, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 62500, Brno, Czech Republic.
- Mendel Centre for Plant Genomics and Proteomics, Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 62500, Brno, Czech Republic.
- Institute of Biophysics, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Kralovopolska 135, 61200, Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Jan J Paleček
- Faculty of Science, National Centre for Biomolecular Research, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 62500, Brno, Czech Republic.
- Mendel Centre for Plant Genomics and Proteomics, Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 62500, Brno, Czech Republic.
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33
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Wang QL, Gong C, Meng XY, Fu M, Yang H, Zhou F, Wu Q, Zhou Y. TPP1 is associated with risk of advanced precursors and cervical cancer survival. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0298118. [PMID: 38722833 PMCID: PMC11081309 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
It is unclear how telomere-binding protein TPP1 interacts with human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) and influences cervical cancer development and progression. This study included all eligible 156 cervical cancers diagnosed during 2003-2008 and followed up through 2014, 102 cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) patients, and 16 participants with normal cervix identified at the same period. Correlation of expression of TPP1 and hTERT in these lesions was assessed using Kappa statistics. TPP1 was knocked down by siRNA in three cervical cancer cell lines. We assessed mRNA expression using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and protein expression using tissue microarray-based immunohistochemical staining. We further analyzed the impact of TPP1 expression on the overall survival of cervical cancer patients by calculating the hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using the multivariable-adjusted Cox regression model. Compared to the normal cervix, high TPP1expression was significantly associated with CIN 3 and cervical cancers (P<0.001 for both). Expressions of TPP1 and hTERT were highly correlated in CIN 3 (Kappa statistics = 0.50, P = 0.005), squamous cell carcinoma (Kappa statistics = 0.22, P = 0.011), and adenocarcinoma/adenosquamous carcinoma (Kappa statistics = 0.77, P = 0.001). Mechanistically, knockdown of TPP1 inhibited the expression of hTERT in both mRNA and protein levels. High expression of TPP1 (HR = 2.61, 95% CI 1.23-5.51) and co-high expression of TPP1 and hTERT (HR = 2.38, 95% CI 1.28-4.43) were independently associated with worse survival in cervical cancer patients. TPP1 and hTERT expression was correlated and high expression of TPP1 was associated with high risk of CIN 3 and cervical cancer and could predict a worse survival in cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiao-Li Wang
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Hubei Cancer Clinical Study Center, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Caifeng Gong
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Hubei Cancer Clinical Study Center, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xiang-Yu Meng
- Health Science Center, Hubei Minzu University, Enshi, China
| | - Min Fu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hui Yang
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Hubei Cancer Clinical Study Center, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Fuxiang Zhou
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Hubei Cancer Clinical Study Center, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Qiuji Wu
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Hubei Cancer Clinical Study Center, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yunfeng Zhou
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Hubei Cancer Clinical Study Center, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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34
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Rasouli S, Dakic A, Wang QE, Mitchell D, Blakaj DM, Putluri N, Li J, Liu X. Noncanonical functions of telomerase and telomeres in viruses-associated cancer. J Med Virol 2024; 96:e29665. [PMID: 38738582 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29665] [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: 03/09/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
The cause of cancer is attributed to the uncontrolled growth and proliferation of cells resulting from genetic changes and alterations in cell behavior, a phenomenon known as epigenetics. Telomeres, protective caps on the ends of chromosomes, regulate both cellular aging and cancer formation. In most cancers, telomerase is upregulated, with the telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) enzyme and telomerase RNA component (TERC) RNA element contributing to the maintenance of telomere length. Additionally, it is noteworthy that two viruses, human papillomavirus (HPV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), utilize telomerase for their replication or persistence in infected cells. Also, TERT and TERC may play major roles in cancer not related to telomere biology. They are involved in the regulation of gene expression, signal transduction pathways, cellular metabolism, or even immune response modulation. Furthermore, the crosstalk between TERT, TERC, RNA-binding proteins, and microRNAs contributes to a greater extent to cancer biology. To understand the multifaceted roles played by TERT and TERC in cancer and viral life cycles, and then to develop effective therapeutic strategies against these diseases, are fundamental for this goal. By investigating deeply, the complicated mechanisms and relationships between TERT and TERC, scientists will open the doors to new therapies. In its analysis, the review emphasizes the significance of gaining insight into the multifaceted roles that TERT and TERC play in cancer pathogenesis, as well as their involvement in the viral life cycle for designing effective anticancer therapy approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Rasouli
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Aleksandra Dakic
- Division of Neuroscience, National Institute of Aging, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Qi-En Wang
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Wexner Medical Center, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Darrion Mitchell
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Wexner Medical Center, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Dukagjin M Blakaj
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Wexner Medical Center, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Nagireddy Putluri
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jenny Li
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Xuefeng Liu
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Wexner Medical Center, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Department of Pathology, Wexner Medical Center, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Department of Urology, Wexner Medical Center, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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35
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Tao HY, Zhao CY, Wang Y, Sheng WJ, Zhen YS. Targeting Telomere Dynamics as an Effective Approach for the Development of Cancer Therapeutics. Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:3805-3825. [PMID: 38708177 PMCID: PMC11069074 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s448556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Telomere is a protective structure located at the end of chromosomes of eukaryotes, involved in maintaining the integrity and stability of the genome. Telomeres play an essential role in cancer progression; accordingly, targeting telomere dynamics emerges as an effective approach for the development of cancer therapeutics. Targeting telomere dynamics may work through multifaceted molecular mechanisms; those include the activation of anti-telomerase immune responses, shortening of telomere lengths, induction of telomere dysfunction and constitution of telomerase-responsive drug release systems. In this review, we summarize a wide variety of telomere dynamics-targeted agents in preclinical studies and clinical trials, and reveal their promising therapeutic potential in cancer therapy. As shown, telomere dynamics-active agents are effective as anti-cancer chemotherapeutics and immunotherapeutics. Notably, these agents may display efficacy against cancer stem cells, reducing cancer stem levels. Furthermore, these agents can be integrated with the capability of tumor-specific drug delivery by the constitution of related nanoparticles, antibody drug conjugates and HSA-based drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-yu Tao
- Laboratory of Oncology, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chun-yan Zhao
- Laboratory of Oncology, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ying Wang
- Laboratory of Oncology, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wei-jin Sheng
- Laboratory of Oncology, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yong-su Zhen
- Laboratory of Oncology, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
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Li C, Yang J, Chu L, Tian J, Xiao J, Huang Y, Wang Q, Guo B, Huang L, Hu Y, Luo Y. The function of Bazhen decoction in rescuing progeroid cell senescence via facilitating G-quadruplex resolving and telomere elongation. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 323:117694. [PMID: 38163559 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117694] [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: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The Bazhen decoction is one of the most extensively used Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescriptions for treatment of aging related diseases. However, due to the complexity of the components, the pharmacological mechanism of Bazhen decoction is still limited. AIM OF THE STUDY In this study, with the aim of helping the clinical precision medicine of TCM, we try out a systematic analysis for dissecting the molecular mechanism of complicated TCM prescription: Bazhen decoction. We identify the pharmacological mechanism of Bazhen decoction in telomere elongation as revealed by systematic analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS By RNA sequencing and transcriptome analysis of Bazhen decoction treated wild type cells, we reveal the transcriptome profile induced by Bazhen decoction. We utilized the cells derived from Werner syndrome (WS) mice, which is known to be dysfunctional in telomere elongation due to the deficiency of DNA helicase Wrn. By Western blot, qPCR, Immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, telomere FISH, and SA-β-Gal staining, we verify the transcriptome data and confirm the pharmacological function of Bazhen decoction and its drug containing serum in telomere elongation and reversing progeroid cell senescence. RESULTS We reveal that Bazhen decoction may systematically regulate multiple anti-aging pathways, including stem cell regulation, protein homeostasis, cardiovascular function, neuronal function, anti-inflammation, anti-DNA damage induced stress, DNA helicase activity and telomere lengthening. We find that Bazhen decoction and its drug containing serum could up-regulate multiple DNA helicases and telomere regulating proteins. The increased DNA helicases promote the resolving of G-quadruplex (G4) structures, and facilitate DNA replication and telomere elongation. These improvements also endow the cellular resistance to DNA damages induced by replication stress, and rescue the WS caused cellular senescence. CONCLUSIONS Together these data suggest that Bazhen decoction up-regulate the expression of DNA helicases, thus facilitate G4 resolving and telomere maintenance, which rescue the progeroid cellular senescence and contribute to its anti-aging properties. Our data reveal a new molecular mechanism of Bazhen decoction in anti-aging related diseases via elongating telomere, this may shed light in the application of Bazhen decoction in multiple degenerative diseases caused by telomere erosion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuanbiao Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guizhou, China
| | - Jun Yang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guizhou, China
| | - Lili Chu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guizhou, China
| | - Jie Tian
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guizhou, China
| | - Jinchao Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, Guizhou Medical University, Guizhou, China
| | - Yong Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, Guizhou Medical University, Guizhou, China
| | - Qianqian Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guizhou, China
| | - Bing Guo
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guizhou, China
| | - Liming Huang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guizhou, China
| | - Ying Hu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guizhou, China.
| | - Ying Luo
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guizhou, China.
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Appin CL, Hong C, Suwala AK, Hilz S, Mathur R, Solomon DA, Smirnov IV, Stevers NO, Shai A, Wang A, Berger MS, Chang SM, Phillips JJ, Costello JF. Whole tumor analysis reveals early origin of the TERT promoter mutation and intercellular heterogeneity in TERT expression. Neuro Oncol 2024; 26:640-652. [PMID: 38141254 PMCID: PMC10995505 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noad231] [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: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The TERT promoter mutation (TPM) is acquired in most IDH-wildtype glioblastomas (GBM) and IDH-mutant oligodendrogliomas (OD) enabling tumor cell immortality. Previous studies on TPM clonality show conflicting results. This study was performed to determine whether TPM is clonal on a tumor-wide scale. METHODS We investigated TPM clonality in relation to presumed early events in 19 IDH-wildtype GBM and 10 IDH-mutant OD using 3-dimensional comprehensive tumor sampling. We performed Sanger sequencing on 264 tumor samples and deep amplicon sequencing on 187 tumor samples. We obtained tumor purity and copy number estimates from whole exome sequencing. TERT expression was assessed by RNA-seq and RNAscope. RESULTS We detected TPM in 100% of tumor samples with quantifiable tumor purity (219 samples). Variant allele frequencies (VAF) of TPM correlate positively with chromosome 10 loss in GBM (R = 0.85), IDH1 mutation in OD (R = 0.87), and with tumor purity (R = 0.91 for GBM; R = 0.90 for OD). In comparison, oncogene amplification was tumor-wide for MDM4- and most EGFR-amplified cases but heterogeneous for MYCN and PDGFRA, and strikingly high in low-purity samples. TPM VAF was moderately correlated with TERT expression (R = 0.52 for GBM; R = 0.65 for OD). TERT expression was detected in a subset of cells, solely in TPM-positive samples, including samples equivocal for tumor. CONCLUSIONS On a tumor-wide scale, TPM is among the earliest events in glioma evolution. Intercellular heterogeneity of TERT expression, however, suggests dynamic regulation during tumor growth. TERT expression may be a tumor cell-specific biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina L Appin
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Chibo Hong
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Abigail K Suwala
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
- Department of Neuropathology, University of Heidelberg, Institute of Pathology, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stephanie Hilz
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Radhika Mathur
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - David A Solomon
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Ivan V Smirnov
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Nicholas O Stevers
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Anny Shai
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Albert Wang
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Mitchel S Berger
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Susan M Chang
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Joanna J Phillips
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Joseph F Costello
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
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Huang R, Bornman MSR, Stricker PD, Simoni Brum I, Mutambirwa SBA, Jaratlerdsiri W, Hayes VM. The impact of telomere length on prostate cancer aggressiveness, genomic instability and health disparities. Sci Rep 2024; 14:7706. [PMID: 38565642 PMCID: PMC10987561 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57566-1] [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: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The telomere repetitive TTAGGG motif at the ends of chromosomes, serves to preserve genomic integrity and chromosomal stability. In turn, genomic instability is a hallmark of cancer-implicating telomere disturbance. Prostate cancer (PCa) shows significant ancestral disparities, with men of African ancestry at the greatest risk for aggressive disease and associated genomic instability. Yet, no study has explored the role of telomere length (TL) with respect to ancestrally driven PCa health disparities. Patient- and technically-matched tumour-blood whole genome sequencing data for 179 ancestrally defined treatment naïve PCa patients (117 African, 62 European), we assessed for TL (blood and tumour) associations. We found shortened tumour TL to be associated with aggressive PCa presentation and elevated genomic instabilities, including percentage of genome alteration and copy number gains, in men of African ancestry. For European patients, tumour TL showed significant associations with PCa driver genes PTEN, TP53, MSH2, SETBP1 and DDX11L1, while shorter blood TL (< 3200 base pairs) and tumour TL (< 2861 base pairs) were correlated with higher risk for biochemical recurrence. Concurring with previous studies linking TL to PCa diagnosis and/or prognosis, for the first time we correlated TL differences with patient ancestry with important implications for future treatments targeting telomere dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruotian Huang
- Ancestry and Health Genomics Laboratory, Charles Perkins Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - M S Riana Bornman
- School of Health Systems and Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0084, South Africa
| | - Phillip D Stricker
- Department of Urology, St Vincent's Hospital, Darlinghurst, NSW, 2010, Australia
| | - Ilma Simoni Brum
- Endocrine and Tumor Molecular Biology Laboratory, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Shingai B A Mutambirwa
- Department of Urology, Sefako Makgatho Health Science University, Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital, Medunsa, 0208, South Africa
| | - Weerachai Jaratlerdsiri
- Ancestry and Health Genomics Laboratory, Charles Perkins Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Vanessa M Hayes
- Ancestry and Health Genomics Laboratory, Charles Perkins Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia.
- School of Health Systems and Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0084, South Africa.
- Manchester Cancer Research Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, M20 4GJ, UK.
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Limpopo, Turfloop Campus, Sovenga, 0727, Limpopo, South Africa.
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Mason CE, Sierra MA, Feng HJ, Bailey SM. Telomeres and aging: on and off the planet! Biogerontology 2024; 25:313-327. [PMID: 38581556 PMCID: PMC10998805 DOI: 10.1007/s10522-024-10098-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
Improving human healthspan in our rapidly aging population has never been more imperative. Telomeres, protective "caps" at the ends of linear chromosomes, are essential for maintaining genome stability of eukaryotic genomes. Due to their physical location and the "end-replication problem" first envisioned by Dr. Alexey Olovnikov, telomeres shorten with cell division, the implications of which are remarkably profound. Telomeres are hallmarks and molecular drivers of aging, as well as fundamental integrating components of the cumulative effects of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors that erode telomere length over time. Ongoing telomere attrition and the resulting limit to replicative potential imposed by cellular senescence serves a powerful tumor suppressor function, and also underlies aging and a spectrum of age-related degenerative pathologies, including reduced fertility, dementias, cardiovascular disease and cancer. However, very little data exists regarding the extraordinary stressors and exposures associated with long-duration space exploration and eventual habitation of other planets, nor how such missions will influence telomeres, reproduction, health, disease risk, and aging. Here, we briefly review our current understanding, which has advanced significantly in recent years as a result of the NASA Twins Study, the most comprehensive evaluation of human health effects associated with spaceflight ever conducted. Thus, the Twins Study is at the forefront of personalized space medicine approaches for astronauts and sets the stage for subsequent missions. We also extrapolate from current understanding to future missions, highlighting potential biological and biochemical strategies that may enable human survival, and consider the prospect of longevity in the extreme environment of space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher E Mason
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine and WorldQuant Initiative for Quantitative Prediction, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Maria A Sierra
- The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine and WorldQuant Initiative for Quantitative Prediction, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Tri-Institutional Computational Biology & Medicine Program, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Henry J Feng
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Susan M Bailey
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA.
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Vaurs M, Dolu EB, Decottignies A. Mitochondria and telomeres: hand in glove. Biogerontology 2024; 25:289-300. [PMID: 37864609 DOI: 10.1007/s10522-023-10074-7] [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: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023]
Abstract
Born as an endosymbiont, the bacteria engulfed by the proto-eukaryotic cell more than 1.45 billion years ago progressively evolved as an important organelle with multiple interactions with the host cell. In particular, strong connections between mitochondria and the chromosome ends, the telomeres, led to propose a new theory of ageing in which dysfunctional telomeres and mitochondria are the main actors of a vicious circle reducing cell fitness and promoting cellular ageing. We review the evidences that oxidative stress and dysfunctional mitochondria damage telomeres and further discuss the interrelationship between telomere biology and mitochondria through the lens of telomerase which shuttles between the nucleus and mitochondria. Finally, we elaborate on the possible role of the mitochondrial genome on the inheritance of human telomere length through the expression of mitochondrial gene variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mélina Vaurs
- de Duve Institute, UCLouvain, Avenue Hippocrate, 1200, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Elif Beyza Dolu
- de Duve Institute, UCLouvain, Avenue Hippocrate, 1200, Brussels, Belgium
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Chebly A, Khalil C, Kuzyk A, Beylot-Barry M, Chevret E. T-cell lymphocytes' aging clock: telomeres, telomerase and aging. Biogerontology 2024; 25:279-288. [PMID: 37917220 DOI: 10.1007/s10522-023-10075-6] [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: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Aging is the decline of physiological capabilities required for life maintenance and reproduction over time. The human immune cells, including T-cells lymphocytes, undergo dramatic aging-related changes, including those related to telomeres and telomerase. It was demonstrated that telomeres and telomerase play crucial roles in T-cell differentiation, aging, and diseases, including a well-documented link between short telomeres and telomerase activation demonstrated in several T-cells malignancies. Herein, we provide a comprehensive review of the literature regarding T-cells' telomeres and telomerase in health and age related-diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alain Chebly
- Jacques Loiselet Center for Medical Genetics and Genomics (CGGM), Faculty of Medicine, Saint Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon.
- Higher Institute of Public Health, Saint Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon.
| | - Charbel Khalil
- Reviva Stem Cell Platform for Research and Applications Center, Bsalim, Lebanon
- Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, Burjeel Medical City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Lebanese American University School of Medicine, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Alexandra Kuzyk
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Marie Beylot-Barry
- Dermatology Department, Bordeaux University Hospital, Bordeaux, France
- Univ. Bordeaux, INSERM, BRIC, U1312, 33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - Edith Chevret
- Univ. Bordeaux, INSERM, BRIC, U1312, 33000, Bordeaux, France
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Ozturk S. The close relationship between oocyte aging and telomere shortening, and possible interventions for telomere protection. Mech Ageing Dev 2024; 218:111913. [PMID: 38307343 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2024.111913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
As women delay childbearing due to socioeconomic reasons, understanding molecular mechanisms decreasing oocyte quantity and quality during ovarian aging becomes increasingly important. The ovary undergoes biological aging at a higher pace when compared to other organs. As is known, telomeres play crucial roles in maintaining genomic integrity, and their shortening owing to increased reactive oxygen species, consecutive cellular divisions, genetic and epigenetic alterations is associated with loss of developmental competence of oocytes. Novel interventions such as antioxidant treatments and regulation of gene expression are being investigated to prevent or rescue telomere attrition and thereby oocyte aging. Herein, potential factors and molecular mechanisms causing telomere shortening in aging oocytes were comprehensively reviewed. For the purpose of extending reproductive lifespan, possible therapeutic interventions to protect telomere length were also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saffet Ozturk
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Akdeniz University School of Medicine, Antalya, Turkey.
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Rodrigues DB, Moreira HR, Jarnalo M, Horta R, Marques AP, Reis RL, Pirraco RP. Generation of 3D melanoma models using an assembloid-based approach. Acta Biomater 2024; 178:93-110. [PMID: 38382833 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2024.02.023] [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: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
While 3D tumor models have greatly evolved over the past years, there is still a strong requirement for more biosimilar models which are capable of recapitulating cellular crosstalk within the tumor microenvironment while equally displaying representative levels of tumor aggressiveness and invasion. Herein, we disclose an assembloid melanoma model based on the fusion of individual stromal multicellular spheroids (MCSs). In contrast to more traditional tumor models, we show that it is possible to develop self-organizing, heterotypic melanoma models where tumor cells present stem-cell like features like up-regulated pluripotency master regulators SOX2, POU5F1 and NANOG. Additionally, these assembloids display high levels of invasiveness while embedded in 3D matrices as evidenced by stromal cell promotion of melanoma cell invasion via metalloproteinase production. Furthermore, sensitivity to anticancer drug doxorubicin was demonstrated for the melanoma assembloid model. These findings suggest that melanoma assembloids may play a significant role in the field of 3D cancer models as they more closely mimic the tumor microenvironment when compared to more traditional MCSs, opening the doors to a better understanding of the role of tumor microenvironment in supporting tumor progression. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The development of complex 3D tumor models that better recapitulate the tumor microenvironment is crucial for both an improved comprehension of intercellular crosstalk and for more efficient drug screening. We have herein developed a self-organizing heterotypic assembloid-based melanoma model capable of closely mimicking the tumor microenvironment. Key features recapitulated were the preservation of cancer cell stemness, sensitivity to anti-cancer agents and tumor cell invasion promoted by stromal cells. The approach of pre-establishing distinct stromal domains for subsequent combination into more complex tumor constructs provides a route for developing superior tumor models with a higher degree of similarity to native cancer tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel B Rodrigues
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs - Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, 4805-017 Barco, Guimarães, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães 4805-017, Portugal
| | - Helena R Moreira
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs - Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, 4805-017 Barco, Guimarães, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães 4805-017, Portugal
| | - Mariana Jarnalo
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and Burn Unity, Centro Hospitalar de São João, Porto, Portugal; Faculty of Medicine - University of Porto, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Horta
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and Burn Unity, Centro Hospitalar de São João, Porto, Portugal; Faculty of Medicine - University of Porto, Portugal
| | - Alexandra P Marques
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs - Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, 4805-017 Barco, Guimarães, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães 4805-017, Portugal
| | - Rui L Reis
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs - Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, 4805-017 Barco, Guimarães, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães 4805-017, Portugal
| | - Rogério P Pirraco
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs - Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, 4805-017 Barco, Guimarães, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães 4805-017, Portugal.
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Eppard M, Passos JF, Victorelli S. Telomeres, cellular senescence, and aging: past and future. Biogerontology 2024; 25:329-339. [PMID: 38150087 DOI: 10.1007/s10522-023-10085-4] [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: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
Over half a century has passed since Alexey Olovnikov's groundbreaking proposal of the end-replication problem in 1971, laying the foundation for our understanding of telomeres and their pivotal role in cellular senescence. This review paper delves into the intricate and multifaceted relationship between cellular senescence, the influence of telomeres in this process, and the far-reaching consequences of telomeres in the context of aging and age-related diseases. Additionally, the paper investigates the various factors that can influence telomere shortening beyond the confines of the end-replication problem and how telomeres can exert their impact on aging, even in the absence of significant shortening. Ultimately, this paper stands as a tribute to the pioneering work of Olovnikov, whose seminal contributions established the solid foundation upon which our ongoing explorations of telomeres and the aging process are based.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeline Eppard
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
- Robert and Arlene Kogod Center on Aging, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - João F Passos
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.
- Robert and Arlene Kogod Center on Aging, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.
| | - Stella Victorelli
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.
- Robert and Arlene Kogod Center on Aging, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.
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Wakita H, Lu Y, Li X, Kobayashi T, Hachiya T, Ide H, Horie S. Evaluating Leukocyte Telomere Length and Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells as Biomarkers for Prostate Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1386. [PMID: 38611064 PMCID: PMC11011111 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16071386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leukocyte telomere length (LTL) and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) are associated with aging and the development and progression of cancer. However, the exact nature of this relationship remains unclear. Our study aimed to investigate the potential of LTL and MDSC as diagnostic biomarkers for prostate cancer while also seeking to deepen our understanding of the relationship of these potential biomarkers to each other. METHODS Our study involved patients undergoing a prostate biopsy. We analyzed the relative LTL in genomic DNA obtained from peripheral blood leukocytes as well as the percentage of MDSC and their subtypes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Our evaluation focused on examining the relationship between LTL and MDSC and pathological diagnoses as well as investigating the correlation between LTL and MDSC levels. RESULTS In our study of 102 participants, 56 were pathologically diagnosed with localized prostate cancer (cancer group), while 46 tested negative (control group). The cancer group exhibited significantly shorter LTL in comparison to the control group (p = 0.024). Additionally, the cancer group showed a tendency towards a higher percentage of monocytic MDSC (M-MDSC), although this difference did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.056). Our multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that patients with shorter LTL and higher percentages of M-MDSC had a 2.98-fold (95% CI = 1.001-8.869, p = 0.049) and 3.03-fold (95% CI = 1.152-7.977, p = 0.025) increased risk of prostate cancer diagnosis, respectively. There was also a significant negative correlation between LTL and M-MDSC. (r = -0.347, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Our research has established a correlation between LTL and MDSC in patients undergoing biopsy for prostate cancer. Notably, we observed that individuals with localized prostate cancer tend to have shorter LTL and a higher percentage of M-MDSC prior to their diagnosis. These findings suggest that LTL and M-MDSC could potentially serve as adjunctive biomarkers for the early diagnosis of prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haruhiko Wakita
- Department of Urology, Graduate School of Medicine, Juntendo University, Tokyo 113-8431, Japan; (H.W.); (Y.L.); (X.L.); (T.K.); (H.I.)
| | - Yan Lu
- Department of Urology, Graduate School of Medicine, Juntendo University, Tokyo 113-8431, Japan; (H.W.); (Y.L.); (X.L.); (T.K.); (H.I.)
| | - Xiaoxu Li
- Department of Urology, Graduate School of Medicine, Juntendo University, Tokyo 113-8431, Japan; (H.W.); (Y.L.); (X.L.); (T.K.); (H.I.)
| | - Takuro Kobayashi
- Department of Urology, Graduate School of Medicine, Juntendo University, Tokyo 113-8431, Japan; (H.W.); (Y.L.); (X.L.); (T.K.); (H.I.)
| | - Tsuyoshi Hachiya
- Department of Advanced Informatics for Genetic Disease, Graduate School of Medicine, Juntendo University, Tokyo 113-8431, Japan;
| | - Hisamitsu Ide
- Department of Urology, Graduate School of Medicine, Juntendo University, Tokyo 113-8431, Japan; (H.W.); (Y.L.); (X.L.); (T.K.); (H.I.)
- Department of Digital Therapeutics, Graduate School of Medicine, Juntendo University, Tokyo 113-8431, Japan
| | - Shigeo Horie
- Department of Urology, Graduate School of Medicine, Juntendo University, Tokyo 113-8431, Japan; (H.W.); (Y.L.); (X.L.); (T.K.); (H.I.)
- Department of Advanced Informatics for Genetic Disease, Graduate School of Medicine, Juntendo University, Tokyo 113-8431, Japan;
- Department of Digital Therapeutics, Graduate School of Medicine, Juntendo University, Tokyo 113-8431, Japan
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Meltzer WA, Gupta A, Lin PN, Brown RA, Benyamien-Roufaeil DS, Khatri R, Mahurkar AA, Song Y, Taylor RJ, Zalzman M. Reprogramming Chromosome Ends by Functional Histone Acetylation. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3898. [PMID: 38612707 PMCID: PMC11011970 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073898] [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: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancers harness embryonic programs to evade aging and promote survival. Normally, sequences at chromosome ends called telomeres shorten with cell division, serving as a countdown clock to limit cell replication. Therefore, a crucial aspect of cancerous transformation is avoiding replicative aging by activation of telomere repair programs. Mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) activate a transient expression of the gene Zscan4, which correlates with chromatin de-condensation and telomere extension. Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cancers reactivate ZSCAN4, which in turn regulates the phenotype of cancer stem cells (CSCs). Our study reveals a new role for human ZSCAN4 in facilitating functional histone H3 acetylation at telomere chromatin. Next-generation sequencing indicates ZSCAN4 enrichment at telomere chromatin. These changes correlate with ZSCAN4-induced histone H3 acetylation and telomere elongation, while CRISPR/Cas9 knockout of ZSCAN4 leads to reduced H3 acetylation and telomere shortening. Our study elucidates the intricate involvement of ZSCAN4 and its significant contribution to telomere chromatin remodeling. These findings suggest that ZSCAN4 induction serves as a novel link between 'stemness' and telomere maintenance. Targeting ZSCAN4 may offer new therapeutic approaches to effectively limit or enhance the replicative lifespan of stem cells and cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- W. Alex Meltzer
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA (A.G.); (P.N.L.); (R.A.B.); (D.S.B.-R.); (R.K.)
| | - Aditi Gupta
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA (A.G.); (P.N.L.); (R.A.B.); (D.S.B.-R.); (R.K.)
| | - Phyo Nay Lin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA (A.G.); (P.N.L.); (R.A.B.); (D.S.B.-R.); (R.K.)
| | - Robert A. Brown
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA (A.G.); (P.N.L.); (R.A.B.); (D.S.B.-R.); (R.K.)
| | - Daniel S. Benyamien-Roufaeil
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA (A.G.); (P.N.L.); (R.A.B.); (D.S.B.-R.); (R.K.)
| | - Raju Khatri
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA (A.G.); (P.N.L.); (R.A.B.); (D.S.B.-R.); (R.K.)
| | - Anup A. Mahurkar
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (A.A.M.); (Y.S.)
| | - Yang Song
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (A.A.M.); (Y.S.)
| | - Rodney J. Taylor
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA;
- Marlene and Stewart Greenbaum Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Michal Zalzman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA (A.G.); (P.N.L.); (R.A.B.); (D.S.B.-R.); (R.K.)
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA;
- Marlene and Stewart Greenbaum Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- The Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
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Yin L, Jiang N, Li T, Zhang Y, Yuan S. Telomeric function and regulation during male meiosis in mice and humans. Andrology 2024. [PMID: 38511802 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Telomeres are unique structures situated at the ends of chromosomes. Preserving the structure and function of telomeres is essential for maintaining genomic stability and promoting genetic diversity during male meiosis in mammals. MATERIAL-METHODS This review compiled recent literature on the function and regulation of telomeres during male meiosis in both mice and humans, and also highlighted the critical roles of telomeres in reproductive biology and medicine. RESULTS-DISCUSSION Various structures, consisting of the LINC complex (SUN-KASH), SPDYA-CDK2, TTM trimer (TERB1-TERB2-MAJIN), and shelterin, are critical in controlling telomeric activities, such as nuclear envelope attachment and bouquet formation. Other than telomere-related proteins, cohesins and genes responsible for regulating telomere function are also highlighted, though the exact mechanism remains unclear. The gene-mutant mouse models with meiotic defects directly reveal the essential roles of telomeres in male meiosis. Recently reported mutant genes associated with telomere activity in clinical practice have also been illustrated in detail. CONCLUSIONS Proper regulation of telomere activities is essential for male meiosis progression in mice and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisha Yin
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Nan Jiang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Tao Li
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Youzhi Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology; Hubei Engineering Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine of South Hubei Province, Xianning, China
| | - Shuiqiao Yuan
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Laboratory of Animal Center, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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48
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Banjan B, Koshy AJ, Kalath H, John L, Soman S, Raju R, Revikumar A. Potential protein kinase inhibitors that target G-quadruplex DNA structures in the human telomeric regions. Mol Divers 2024:10.1007/s11030-023-10768-7. [PMID: 38509417 DOI: 10.1007/s11030-023-10768-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Telomeric regions contain Guanine-rich sequences arranged in a planar manner and connected by Hoogsteen hydrogen bonds that can fold into G-quadruplex (G4) DNA structures, and can be stabilized by monovalent metal cations. The presence of G4 DNA holds significance in cancer-related processes, especially due to their regulatory potential at transcriptional and translational levels of oncogene and tumor suppressor genes. The objective of this current research is to explore the evolving realm of FDA-approved protein kinase inhibitors, with a specific emphasis on their capacity to stabilize the G4 DNA structures formed at the human telomeric regions. This involves investigating the possibility of repurposing FDA-approved protein kinase inhibitors as a novel approach for targeting multiple cancer types. In this context, we have selected 16 telomeric G4 DNA structures as targets and 71 FDA-approved small-molecule protein kinase inhibitors as ligands. To investigate their binding affinities, molecular docking of human telomeric G4 DNA with nuclear protein kinase inhibitors and their corresponding co-crystalized ligands were performed. We found that Ponatinib and Lapatinib interact with all the selected G4 targets, the binding free energy calculations, and molecular dynamic simulations confirm their binding efficacy and stability. Thus, it is hypothesized that Ponatinib and Lapatinib may stabilize human telomeric G4 DNA in addition to their ability to inhibit BCR-ABL and the other members of the EGFR family. As a result, we also hypothesize that the stabilization of G4 DNA might represent an additional underlying mechanism contributing to their efficacy in exerting anti-cancer effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhavya Banjan
- Centre for Integrative Omics Data Science (CIODS), Yenepoya (Deemed to Be University), Mangalore, Karnataka, 575018, India
| | - Abel John Koshy
- Centre for Integrative Omics Data Science (CIODS), Yenepoya (Deemed to Be University), Mangalore, Karnataka, 575018, India
| | - Haritha Kalath
- Centre for Integrative Omics Data Science (CIODS), Yenepoya (Deemed to Be University), Mangalore, Karnataka, 575018, India
| | - Levin John
- Centre for Integrative Omics Data Science (CIODS), Yenepoya (Deemed to Be University), Mangalore, Karnataka, 575018, India
| | - Sowmya Soman
- Centre for Integrative Omics Data Science (CIODS), Yenepoya (Deemed to Be University), Mangalore, Karnataka, 575018, India
| | - Rajesh Raju
- Centre for Integrative Omics Data Science (CIODS), Yenepoya (Deemed to Be University), Mangalore, Karnataka, 575018, India.
| | - Amjesh Revikumar
- Centre for Integrative Omics Data Science (CIODS), Yenepoya (Deemed to Be University), Mangalore, Karnataka, 575018, India.
- Kerala Genome Data Centre, Kerala Development and Innovation Strategic Council, Vazhuthacaud, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 695014, India.
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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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Das A, Giri AK, Bhattacharjee P. Targeting 'histone mark': Advanced approaches in epigenetic regulation of telomere dynamics in cancer. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2024; 1867:195007. [PMID: 38237857 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2024.195007] [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: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Telomere integrity is required for the maintenance of genome stability and prevention of oncogenic transformation of cells. Recent evidence suggests the presence of epigenetic modifications as an important regulator of mammalian telomeres. Telomeric and subtelomeric regions are rich in epigenetic marks that regulate telomere length majorly through DNA methylation and post-translational histone modifications. Specific histone modifying enzymes play an integral role in establishing telomeric histone codes necessary for the maintenance of structural integrity. Alterations of crucial histone moieties and histone modifiers cause deregulations in the telomeric chromatin leading to carcinogenic manifestations. This review delves into the significance of histone modifications and their influence on telomere dynamics concerning cancer. Additionally, it highlights the existing research gaps that hold the potential to drive the development of therapeutic interventions targeting the telomere epigenome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankita Das
- Department of Environmental Science, University of Calcutta, Kolkata 700019, India; Department of Zoology, University of Calcutta, Kolkata 700019, India
| | - Ashok K Giri
- Molecular Genetics Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata 700032, India
| | - Pritha Bhattacharjee
- Department of Environmental Science, University of Calcutta, Kolkata 700019, India.
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