1
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Park JH, Holló G, Schaerli Y. From resonance to chaos by modulating spatiotemporal patterns through a synthetic optogenetic oscillator. Nat Commun 2024; 15:7284. [PMID: 39179558 PMCID: PMC11343849 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-51626-w] [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: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 08/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Oscillations are a recurrent phenomenon in biological systems across scales, but deciphering their fundamental principles is very challenging. Here, we tackle this challenge by redesigning the wellcharacterised synthetic oscillator known as "repressilator" in Escherichia coli and controlling it using optogenetics, creating the "optoscillator". Bacterial colonies manifest oscillations as spatial ring patterns. When we apply periodic light pulses, the optoscillator behaves as a forced oscillator and we systematically investigate the properties of the rings under various light conditions. Combining experiments with mathematical modeling, we demonstrate that this simple oscillatory circuit can generate complex dynamics that are transformed into distinct spatial patterns. We report the observation of synchronisation, resonance, subharmonic resonance and period doubling. Furthermore, we present evidence of a chaotic regime. This work highlights the intricate spatiotemporal patterns accessible by synthetic oscillators and underscores the potential of our approach in revealing fundamental principles of biological oscillations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung Hun Park
- Department of Fundamental Microbiology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Gábor Holló
- Department of Fundamental Microbiology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Yolanda Schaerli
- Department of Fundamental Microbiology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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2
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Smart M, Moreno DF, Acar M. Rationally reprogramming single-cell aging trajectories and lifespan through dynamic modulation of environmental inputs. Cell Syst 2024; 15:676-678. [PMID: 39173583 DOI: 10.1016/j.cels.2024.07.008] [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: 07/30/2024] [Revised: 07/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024]
Abstract
How do variations in nutrient levels influence cellular lifespan? A dynamical systems model of a core circuit involved in yeast aging suggests principles underlying lifespan extension observed at static and alternating glucose levels that are reminiscent of intermittent fasting regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Smart
- Center for Computational Biology, Flatiron Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - David F Moreno
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch, France
| | - Murat Acar
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Koç University, Sarıyer, İstanbul, Türkiye; Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine, Sarıyer, İstanbul, Türkiye.
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3
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Liu Y, Zhou Z, Su H, Wu S, Ni G, Zhang A, Tsimring LS, Hasty J, Hao N. Enhanced cellular longevity arising from environmental fluctuations. Cell Syst 2024; 15:738-752.e5. [PMID: 39173586 PMCID: PMC11380573 DOI: 10.1016/j.cels.2024.07.007] [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: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024]
Abstract
Cellular longevity is regulated by both genetic and environmental factors. However, the interactions of these factors in the context of aging remain largely unclear. Here, we formulate a mathematical model for dynamic glucose modulation of a core gene circuit in yeast aging, which not only guided the design of pro-longevity interventions but also revealed the theoretical principles underlying these interventions. We introduce the dynamical systems theory to capture two general means for promoting longevity-the creation of a stable fixed point in the "healthy" state of the cell and the "dynamic stabilization" of the system around this healthy state through environmental oscillations. Guided by the model, we investigate how both of these can be experimentally realized by dynamically modulating environmental glucose levels. The results establish a paradigm for theoretically analyzing the trajectories and perturbations of aging that can be generalized to aging processes in diverse cell types and organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Liu
- Department of Molecular Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Zhen Zhou
- Department of Molecular Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
| | - Hetian Su
- Department of Molecular Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Songlin Wu
- Department of Molecular Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Gavin Ni
- Department of Molecular Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Alex Zhang
- Department of Molecular Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Lev S Tsimring
- Synthetic Biology Institute, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Jeff Hasty
- Department of Molecular Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Synthetic Biology Institute, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Nan Hao
- Department of Molecular Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Synthetic Biology Institute, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
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4
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Li Y, Tian X, Luo J, Bao T, Wang S, Wu X. Molecular mechanisms of aging and anti-aging strategies. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:285. [PMID: 38790068 PMCID: PMC11118732 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01663-1] [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: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Aging is a complex and multifaceted process involving a variety of interrelated molecular mechanisms and cellular systems. Phenotypically, the biological aging process is accompanied by a gradual loss of cellular function and the systemic deterioration of multiple tissues, resulting in susceptibility to aging-related diseases. Emerging evidence suggests that aging is closely associated with telomere attrition, DNA damage, mitochondrial dysfunction, loss of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide levels, impaired macro-autophagy, stem cell exhaustion, inflammation, loss of protein balance, deregulated nutrient sensing, altered intercellular communication, and dysbiosis. These age-related changes may be alleviated by intervention strategies, such as calorie restriction, improved sleep quality, enhanced physical activity, and targeted longevity genes. In this review, we summarise the key historical progress in the exploration of important causes of aging and anti-aging strategies in recent decades, which provides a basis for further understanding of the reversibility of aging phenotypes, the application prospect of synthetic biotechnology in anti-aging therapy is also prospected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumeng Li
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences; National Center of Technology Innovation for Synthetic Biology, Tianjin, China
| | - Xutong Tian
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences; National Center of Technology Innovation for Synthetic Biology, Tianjin, China
| | - Juyue Luo
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences; National Center of Technology Innovation for Synthetic Biology, Tianjin, China
| | - Tongtong Bao
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences; National Center of Technology Innovation for Synthetic Biology, Tianjin, China
| | - Shujin Wang
- Institute of Life Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xin Wu
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences; National Center of Technology Innovation for Synthetic Biology, Tianjin, China.
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5
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Mao Y, Wang S, Yu J, Li W. Engineering pluripotent stem cells with synthetic biology for regenerative medicine. MEDICAL REVIEW (2021) 2024; 4:90-109. [PMID: 38680679 PMCID: PMC11046572 DOI: 10.1515/mr-2023-0050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Pluripotent stem cells (PSCs), characterized by self-renewal and capacity of differentiating into three germ layers, are the programmable building blocks of life. PSC-derived cells and multicellular systems, particularly organoids, exhibit great potential for regenerative medicine. However, this field is still in its infancy, partly due to limited strategies to robustly and precisely control stem cell behaviors, which are tightly regulated by inner gene regulatory networks in response to stimuli from the extracellular environment. Synthetic receptors and genetic circuits are powerful tools to customize the cellular sense-and-response process, suggesting their underlying roles in precise control of cell fate decision and function reconstruction. Herein, we review the progress and challenges needed to be overcome in the fields of PSC-based cell therapy and multicellular system generation, respectively. Furthermore, we summarize several well-established synthetic biology tools and their applications in PSC engineering. Finally, we highlight the challenges and perspectives of harnessing synthetic biology to PSC engineering for regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihuan Mao
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Siqi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jiazhen Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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6
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Tsai K, Zhou Z, Yang J, Xu Z, Xu S, Zandi R, Hao N, Chen W, Alber M. Study of Impacts of Two Types of Cellular Aging on the Yeast Bud Morphogenesis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.29.582376. [PMID: 38464259 PMCID: PMC10925247 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.29.582376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Understanding the mechanisms of cellular aging processes is crucial for attempting to extend organismal lifespan and for studying age-related degenerative diseases. Yeast cells divide through budding, providing a classical biological model for studying cellular aging. With their powerful genetics, relatively short lifespan and well-established signaling pathways also found in animals, yeast cells offer valuable insights into the aging process. Recent experiments suggested the existence of two aging modes in yeast characterized by nucleolar and mitochondrial declines, respectively. In this study, by analyzing experimental data it was shown that cells evolving into those two aging modes behave differently when they are young. While buds grow linearly in both modes, cells that consistently generate spherical buds throughout their lifespan demonstrate greater efficacy in controlling bud size and growth rate at young ages. A three-dimensional chemical-mechanical model was developed and used to suggest and test hypothesized mechanisms of bud morphogenesis during aging. Experimentally calibrated simulations showed that tubular bud shape in one aging mode could be generated by locally inserting new materials at the bud tip guided by the polarized Cdc42 signal during the early stage of budding. Furthermore, the aspect ratio of the tubular bud could be stabilized during the late stage, as observed in experiments, through a reduction on the new cell surface material insertion or an expansion of the polarization site. Thus model simulations suggest the maintenance of new cell surface material insertion or chemical signal polarization could be weakened due to cellular aging in yeast and other cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Tsai
- Department of Mathematics, University of California, Riverside, CA, United States of America
- Interdisciplinary Center for Quantitative Modeling in Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, United States of America
| | - Zhen Zhou
- Department of Molecular Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, CA, United States of America
| | - Jiadong Yang
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, United States of America
| | - Zhiliang Xu
- Applied and Computational Mathematics and Statistics Department, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, United States of America
| | - Shixin Xu
- Duke Kunshan University, Kunshan, Jiangsu, China
| | - Roya Zandi
- Interdisciplinary Center for Quantitative Modeling in Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, United States of America
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of California, Riverside, CA, United States of America
- Biophysics Graduate Program, University of California, Riverside, CA, United States of America
| | - Nan Hao
- Department of Molecular Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, CA, United States of America
| | - Weitao Chen
- Department of Mathematics, University of California, Riverside, CA, United States of America
- Interdisciplinary Center for Quantitative Modeling in Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, United States of America
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, United States of America
- Biophysics Graduate Program, University of California, Riverside, CA, United States of America
| | - Mark Alber
- Department of Mathematics, University of California, Riverside, CA, United States of America
- Interdisciplinary Center for Quantitative Modeling in Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, United States of America
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Riverside, CA, United States of America
- Biophysics Graduate Program, University of California, Riverside, CA, United States of America
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7
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Zhu Z, Chen R, Zhang L. Simple phenylpropanoids: recent advances in biological activities, biosynthetic pathways, and microbial production. Nat Prod Rep 2024; 41:6-24. [PMID: 37807808 DOI: 10.1039/d3np00012e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Covering: 2000 to 2023Simple phenylpropanoids are a large group of natural products with primary C6-C3 skeletons. They are not only important biomolecules for plant growth but also crucial chemicals for high-value industries, including fragrances, nutraceuticals, biomaterials, and pharmaceuticals. However, with the growing global demand for simple phenylpropanoids, direct plant extraction or chemical synthesis often struggles to meet current needs in terms of yield, titre, cost, and environmental impact. Benefiting from the rapid development of metabolic engineering and synthetic biology, microbial production of natural products from inexpensive and renewable sources provides a feasible solution for sustainable supply. This review outlines the biological activities of simple phenylpropanoids, compares their biosynthetic pathways in different species (plants, bacteria, and fungi), and summarises key research on the microbial production of simple phenylpropanoids over the last decade, with a focus on engineering strategies that seem to hold most potential for further development. Moreover, constructive solutions to the current challenges and future perspectives for industrial production of phenylpropanoids are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhanpin Zhu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Botany, School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China.
| | - Ruibing Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Botany, School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China.
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Botany, School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China.
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
- Innovative Drug R&D Centre, College of Life Sciences, Huaibei Normal University, Huaibei 235000, China
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8
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Wallace JL, Pollen AA. Human neuronal maturation comes of age: cellular mechanisms and species differences. Nat Rev Neurosci 2024; 25:7-29. [PMID: 37996703 DOI: 10.1038/s41583-023-00760-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
The delayed and prolonged postmitotic maturation of human neurons, compared with neurons from other species, may contribute to human-specific cognitive abilities and neurological disorders. Here we review the mechanisms of neuronal maturation, applying lessons from model systems to understand the specific features of protracted human cortical maturation and species differences. We cover cell-intrinsic features of neuronal maturation, including transcriptional, epigenetic and metabolic mechanisms, as well as cell-extrinsic features, including the roles of activity and synapses, the actions of glial cells and the contribution of the extracellular matrix. We discuss evidence for species differences in biochemical reaction rates, the proposed existence of an epigenetic maturation clock and the contributions of both general and modular mechanisms to species-specific maturation timing. Finally, we suggest approaches to measure, improve and accelerate the maturation of human neurons in culture, examine crosstalk and interactions among these different aspects of maturation and propose conceptual models to guide future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenelle L Wallace
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Alex A Pollen
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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9
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Han JDJ. The ticking of aging clocks. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2024; 35:11-22. [PMID: 37880054 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2023.09.007] [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: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
Computational models that measure biological age and aging rate regardless of chronological age are called aging clocks. The underlying counting mechanisms of the intrinsic timers of these clocks are still unclear. Molecular mediators and determinants of aging rate point to the key roles of DNA damage, epigenetic drift, and inflammation. Persistent DNA damage leads to cellular senescence and the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), which induces cytotoxic immune cell infiltration; this further induces DNA damage through reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS). I discuss the possibility that DNA damage (or the response to it, including epigenetic changes) is the fundamental counting unit of cell cycles and cellular senescence, that ultimately accounts for cell composition changes and functional decline in tissues, as well as the key intervention points.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Dong J Han
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Center for Quantitative Biology (CQB), Peking University, Beijing, China; Peking University Chengdu Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Biotechnologies, Chengdu, China; International Center for Aging and Cancer (ICAC), The First Affiliated Hospital, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China.
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10
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Melkikh AV. Aging and group selection: New arguments in favor of partially directed evolution. Biosystems 2023; 234:105061. [PMID: 37858738 DOI: 10.1016/j.biosystems.2023.105061] [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: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
In this study, theories of aging and its mechanisms under various environmental conditions were analyzed. The analysis of published data suggested that aging is a controlled process. It is known that many mathematical algorithms utilize an analogy of aging. However, this is possible only when a "target set" is known in advance. Various forms of selection in relation to aging were analyzed both collectively and separately. The general conclusion is that aging is one of the mechanisms of directed evolution. A model was constructed, which shows how aging is integrated into partially directed evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- A V Melkikh
- Ural Federal University, Yekaterinburg, Russia.
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11
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Azbarova AV, Knorre DA. Role of Mitochondrial DNA in Yeast Replicative Aging. BIOCHEMISTRY. BIOKHIMIIA 2023; 88:1997-2006. [PMID: 38462446 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297923120040] [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: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Despite the diverse manifestations of aging across different species, some common aging features and underlying mechanisms are shared. In particular, mitochondria appear to be among the most vulnerable systems in both metazoa and fungi. In this review, we discuss how mitochondrial dysfunction is related to replicative aging in the simplest eukaryotic model, the baker's yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We discuss a chain of events that starts from asymmetric distribution of mitochondria between mother and daughter cells. With age, yeast mother cells start to experience a decrease in mitochondrial transmembrane potential and, consequently, a decrease in mitochondrial protein import efficiency. This induces mitochondrial protein precursors in the cytoplasm, the loss of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), and at the later stages - cell death. Interestingly, yeast strains without mtDNA can have either increased or decreased lifespan compared to the parental strains with mtDNA. The direction of the effect depends on their ability to activate compensatory mechanisms preventing or mitigating negative consequences of mitochondrial dysfunction. The central role of mitochondria in yeast aging and death indicates that it is one of the most complex and, therefore, deregulation-prone systems in eukaryotic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aglaia V Azbarova
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119991, Russia
- Faculty of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | - Dmitry A Knorre
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119991, Russia.
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12
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López-Gil L, Pascual-Ahuir A, Proft M. Genomic Instability and Epigenetic Changes during Aging. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14279. [PMID: 37762580 PMCID: PMC10531692 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Aging is considered the deterioration of physiological functions along with an increased mortality rate. This scientific review focuses on the central importance of genomic instability during the aging process, encompassing a range of cellular and molecular changes that occur with advancing age. In particular, this revision addresses the genetic and epigenetic alterations that contribute to genomic instability, such as telomere shortening, DNA damage accumulation, and decreased DNA repair capacity. Furthermore, the review explores the epigenetic changes that occur with aging, including modifications to histones, DNA methylation patterns, and the role of non-coding RNAs. Finally, the review discusses the organization of chromatin and its contribution to genomic instability, including heterochromatin loss, chromatin remodeling, and changes in nucleosome and histone abundance. In conclusion, this review highlights the fundamental role that genomic instability plays in the aging process and underscores the need for continued research into these complex biological mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucía López-Gil
- Department of Biotechnology, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas, Universitat Politècnica de València, Ingeniero Fausto Elio s/n, 46022 Valencia, Spain;
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pathology and Therapy, Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia IBV-CSIC, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas CSIC, Jaime Roig 11, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Amparo Pascual-Ahuir
- Department of Biotechnology, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas, Universitat Politècnica de València, Ingeniero Fausto Elio s/n, 46022 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Markus Proft
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pathology and Therapy, Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia IBV-CSIC, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas CSIC, Jaime Roig 11, 46010 Valencia, Spain
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13
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Torres A, Cockerell S, Phillips M, Balázsi G, Ghosh K. MaxCal can infer models from coupled stochastic trajectories of gene expression and cell division. Biophys J 2023; 122:2623-2635. [PMID: 37218129 PMCID: PMC10397576 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2023.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene expression is inherently noisy due to small numbers of proteins and nucleic acids inside a cell. Likewise, cell division is stochastic, particularly when tracking at the level of a single cell. The two can be coupled when gene expression affects the rate of cell division. Single-cell time-lapse experiments can measure both fluctuations by simultaneously recording protein levels inside a cell and its stochastic division. These information-rich noisy trajectory data sets can be harnessed to learn about the underlying molecular and cellular details that are often not known a priori. A critical question is: How can we infer a model given data where fluctuations at two levels-gene expression and cell division-are intricately convoluted? We show the principle of maximum caliber (MaxCal)-integrated within a Bayesian framework-can be used to infer several cellular and molecular details (division rates, protein production, and degradation rates) from these coupled stochastic trajectories (CSTs). We demonstrate this proof of concept using synthetic data generated from a known model. An additional challenge in data analysis is that trajectories are often not in protein numbers, but in noisy fluorescence that depends on protein number in a probabilistic manner. We again show that MaxCal can infer important molecular and cellular rates even when data are in fluorescence, another example of CST with three confounding factors-gene expression noise, cell division noise, and fluorescence distortion-all coupled. Our approach will provide guidance to build models in synthetic biology experiments as well as general biological systems where examples of CSTs are abundant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Torres
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Denver, Denver, Colorado
| | - Spencer Cockerell
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Denver, Denver, Colorado
| | - Michael Phillips
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Denver, Denver, Colorado
| | - Gábor Balázsi
- Laufer Center for Physical and Quantitative Biology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York
| | - Kingshuk Ghosh
- Molecular and Cellular Biophysics, University of Denver, Denver, Colorado; Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Denver, Denver, Colorado.
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14
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Liu Y, Zhou Z, Wu S, Ni G, Zhang A, Tsimring LS, Hasty J, Hao N. Enhanced cellular longevity arising from environmental fluctuations. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.05.547867. [PMID: 37461504 PMCID: PMC10350066 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.05.547867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
Cellular longevity is regulated by both genetic and environmental factors. However, the interactions of these factors in the context of aging remain largely unclear. Here, we formulate a mathematical model for dynamic glucose modulation of a core gene circuit in yeast aging, which not only guided the design of pro-longevity interventions, but also revealed the theoretical principles underlying these interventions. We introduce the dynamical systems theory to capture two general means for promoting longevity - the creation of a stable fixed point in the "healthy" state of the cell and the dynamic stabilization of the system around this healthy state through environmental oscillations. Guided by the model, we investigate how both of these can be experimentally realized by dynamically modulating environmental glucose levels. The results establish a paradigm for theoretically analyzing the trajectories and perturbations of aging that can be generalized to aging processes in diverse cell types and organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Liu
- Department of Molecular Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Zhen Zhou
- Department of Molecular Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Songlin Wu
- Department of Molecular Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Gavin Ni
- Department of Molecular Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Alex Zhang
- Department of Molecular Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Lev S. Tsimring
- Synthetic Biology Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Jeff Hasty
- Department of Molecular Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Synthetic Biology Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Nan Hao
- Department of Molecular Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Synthetic Biology Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
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Minton K. Engineering an oscillating gene circuit to delay cellular ageing. Nat Rev Genet 2023:10.1038/s41576-023-00615-8. [PMID: 37193750 DOI: 10.1038/s41576-023-00615-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
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