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Brown LM, Elbon MC, Bharadwaj A, Damle G, Lachance J. Does Effective Population Size Govern Evolutionary Differences in Telomere Length? Genome Biol Evol 2024; 16:evae111. [PMID: 38771124 PMCID: PMC11140418 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evae111] [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: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Lengths of telomeres vary by an order of magnitude across mammalian species. Similarly, age- and sex-standardized telomere lengths differ by up to 1 kb (14%) across human populations. How to explain these differences? Telomeres play a central role in senescence and aging, and genes that affect telomere length are likely under weak selection (i.e. telomere length is a trait that is subject to nearly neutral evolution). Importantly, natural selection is more effective in large populations than in small populations. Here, we propose that observed differences in telomere length across species and populations are largely due to differences in effective population sizes. In this perspective, we present preliminary evolutionary genetic evidence supporting this hypothesis and highlight the need for more data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lyda M Brown
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Mia C Elbon
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Ajay Bharadwaj
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Gargi Damle
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Joseph Lachance
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
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2
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Romero-Haro AÁ, Mulder E, Haussmann MF, Tschirren B. The association between age and telomere length is age-dependent: Evidence for a threshold model of telomere length maintenance. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY. PART A, ECOLOGICAL AND INTEGRATIVE PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 341:338-344. [PMID: 38258326 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2785] [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: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Telomere length and dynamics are commonly used biomarkers of somatic state, yet the role of telomeres underlying the aging process is still debated. Indeed, to date, empirical evidence for an association between age and telomere length is mixed. Here, we test if the age-dependency of the association between age and telomere length can provide a potential explanation for the reported inconsistencies across studies. To this end, we quantified telomere length by telomere restriction fragment analysis in two groups of Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) that differed in their age distribution. One group consisted of young adults only, whereas the second group consisted of adults across a wide range of ages. In the young adults group, there was a highly significant negative association between telomere length and age, whereas no association between age and telomere length was found in the all-ages adults group. This difference between groups was not due to telomere length-dependent selective disappearance. Our results shows that the association between telomere length and age is age-dependent and suggest that the costs and benefits associated with telomere maintenance are dynamic across an individual's life course.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Á Romero-Haro
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC), CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ciudad Real, Spain
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn, UK
| | - Ellis Mulder
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Mark F Haussmann
- Department of Biology, Bucknell University, Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Barbara Tschirren
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC), CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ciudad Real, Spain
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3
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Frydrychová RČ, Konopová B, Peska V, Brejcha M, Sábová M. Telomeres and telomerase: active but complex players in life-history decisions. Biogerontology 2024; 25:205-226. [PMID: 37610666 DOI: 10.1007/s10522-023-10060-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: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Studies on human telomeres have established that telomeres exert a significant influence on lifespan and health of organisms. However, recent research has indicated that the original idea that telomeres affect lifespan in a universal and central manner across all eukaryotic species is an oversimplification. Indeed, findings from a variety of animal species revealed that the role of telomere biology in aging is more subtle and intricate than previously recognized. Here, we show how telomere biology varies depending on the taxon. We also show how telomere biology corresponds to basic life history traits and affects the life table of a species and investments in growth, body size, reproduction, and lifespan; telomeres are hypothesized to shape evolutionary perspectives for species in an active but complex manner. Our evaluation is based on telomere biology data from many examples from throughout the animal kingdom that vary according to the degree of organismal complexity and life history strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radmila Čapková Frydrychová
- Institute of Entomology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, 370 05, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic.
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 1760, 370 05, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic.
| | - Barbora Konopová
- Institute of Entomology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, 370 05, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Vratislav Peska
- Department of Cell Biology and Radiobiology, Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Královopolská 135, 612 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Miloslav Brejcha
- Institute of Entomology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, 370 05, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 1760, 370 05, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Michala Sábová
- Institute of Entomology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, 370 05, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
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4
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Saraiva DM, de Souza MS, Tura V, de Rosso VO, Zefa E, Garnero ADV, Gunski RJ, Sassi FDMC, Cioffi MDB, Kretschmer R. Comparative Cytogenetics in Tyrannidae (Aves, Passeriformes): High Genetic Diversity despite Conserved Karyotype Organization. Cytogenet Genome Res 2024; 164:43-51. [PMID: 38547850 DOI: 10.1159/000538586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/21/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Passeriformes has the greatest species diversity among Neoaves, and the Tyrannidae is the richest in this order with about 600 valid species. The diploid number of this family remains constant, ranging from 2n = 76 to 84, but the chromosomal morphology varies, indicating the occurrence of different chromosomal rearrangements. Cytogenetic studies of the Tyrannidae remain limited, with approximately 20 species having been karyotyped thus far. This study aimed to describe the karyotypes of two species from this family, Myiopagis viridicata and Sirystes sibilator. METHODS Skin biopsies were taken from each individual to establish fibroblast cell cultures and to obtain chromosomal preparations using the standard methodology. The chromosomal distribution of constitutive heterochromatin was investigated by C-banding, while the location of simple repetitive sequences (SSRs), 18S rDNA, and telomeric sequences was found through fluorescence in situ hybridization. RESULTS The karyotypes of both species are composed of 2n = 80. The 18S rDNA probes hybridized into two pairs of microchromosomes in M. viridicata, but only a single pair in S. sibilator. Only the telomeric portions of each chromosome in both species were hybridized by the telomere sequence probes. Most of the SSRs were found accumulated in the centromeric and telomeric regions of several macro- and microchromosomes in both species, which likely correspond to the heterochromatin-rich regions. CONCLUSION Although both species analyzed showed a conserved karyotype organization (2n = 80), our study revealed significant differences in their chromosomal architecture, rDNA distribution, and SSR accumulation. These findings were discussed in the context of the evolution of Tyrannidae karyotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Madruga Saraiva
- Laboratório de Diversidade Genética Animal, Universidade Federal do Pampa, São Gabriel, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Santos de Souza
- Laboratório de Diversidade Genética Animal, Universidade Federal do Pampa, São Gabriel, Brazil
| | - Victoria Tura
- Laboratório de Diversidade Genética Animal, Universidade Federal do Pampa, São Gabriel, Brazil
| | - Vitor Oliveira de Rosso
- Laboratório de Diversidade Genética Animal, Universidade Federal do Pampa, São Gabriel, Brazil
| | - Edison Zefa
- Departamento de Ecologia, Zoologia e Genética, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
| | | | - Ricardo José Gunski
- Laboratório de Diversidade Genética Animal, Universidade Federal do Pampa, São Gabriel, Brazil
| | | | | | - Rafael Kretschmer
- Departamento de Ecologia, Zoologia e Genética, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
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5
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Wood ML, Neumann R, Roy P, Nair V, Royle NJ. Characterization of integrated Marek's disease virus genomes supports a model of integration by homology-directed recombination and telomere-loop-driven excision. J Virol 2023; 97:e0071623. [PMID: 37737586 PMCID: PMC10617522 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00716-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Marek's disease virus (MDV) is a ubiquitous chicken pathogen that inflicts a large economic burden on the poultry industry, despite worldwide vaccination programs. MDV is only partially controlled by available vaccines, and the virus retains the ability to replicate and spread between vaccinated birds. Following an initial infection, MDV enters a latent state and integrates into host telomeres and this may be a prerequisite for malignant transformation, which is usually fatal. To understand the mechanism that underlies the dynamic relationship between integrated-latent and reactivated MDV, we have characterized integrated MDV (iMDV) genomes and their associated telomeres. This revealed a single orientation among iMDV genomes and the loss of some terminal sequences that is consistent with integration by homology-directed recombination and excision via a telomere-loop-mediated process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael L. Wood
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Rita Neumann
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Poornima Roy
- Viral Oncogenesis Group, The Pirbright Institute, Pirbright, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Venugopal Nair
- Viral Oncogenesis Group, The Pirbright Institute, Pirbright, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola J. Royle
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
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6
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Pepke ML, Ringsby TH, Eisenberg DTA. The evolution of early-life telomere length, pace-of-life and telomere-chromosome length dynamics in birds. Mol Ecol 2023; 32:2898-2912. [PMID: 36847070 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
Telomeres, the short DNA sequences that protect chromosome ends, are an ancient molecular structure, which is highly conserved across most eukaryotes. Species differ in their telomere lengths, but the causes of this variation are not well understood. Here, we demonstrate that mean early-life telomere length is an evolutionary labile trait across 57 bird species (representing 35 families in 12 orders) with the greatest trait diversity found among passerines. Among these species, telomeres are significantly shorter in fast-lived than in slow-lived species, suggesting that telomere length may have evolved to mediate trade-offs between physiological requirements underlying the diversity of pace-of-life strategies in birds. This association was attenuated when excluding studies that may include interstitial telomeres in the estimation of mean telomere length. Curiously, within some species, larger individual chromosome size predicts longer telomere lengths on that chromosome, leading to the hypothesis that telomere length also covaries with chromosome length across species. We show that longer mean chromosome length or genome size tends to be associated with longer mean early-life telomere length (measured across all chromosomes) within a phylogenetic framework constituting up to 31 bird species. These associations were strengthened when excluding highly influential outliers. However, sensitivity analyses suggested that they were susceptible to sample size effects and not robust to the exclusion of studies that may include interstitial telomeres. Combined, our analyses generalize patterns previously found within a few species and provide potential adaptive explanations for the 10-fold variation in telomere lengths observed among birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Le Pepke
- Department of Biology, Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics (CBD), Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Thor Harald Ringsby
- Department of Biology, Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics (CBD), Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Dan T A Eisenberg
- Department of Anthropology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Centre for Studies in Demography and Ecology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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7
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Olsson M, Bererhi B, Miller E, Schwartz T, Rollings N, Lindsay W, Wapstra E. Inbreeding effects on telomeres in hatchling sand lizards (Lacerta agilis): An optimal family affair? Mol Ecol 2022; 31:6605-6616. [PMID: 36208022 PMCID: PMC10092626 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Telomeres are nucleotide-protein caps, predominantly at the ends of Metazoan linear chromosomes, showing complex dynamics with regard to their lengthening and shortening through life. Their complexity has entertained the idea that net telomere length and attrition could be valuable biomarkers of phenotypic and genetic quality of their bearer. Intuitively, those individuals could be more heterozygous and, hence, less inbred. However, some inbred taxa have longer, not shorter, telomeres. To understand the role of inbreeding in this complex scenario we need large samples across a range of genotypes with known maternity and paternity in telomere-screened organisms under natural conditions. We assessed the effects of parental and hatchling inbreeding on telomere length in >1300 offspring from >500 sires and dams in a population of sand lizards (Lacerta agilis). Maternal and paternal ID and their interactions predict hatchling telomere length at substantial effect sizes (R2 > .50). Deviation from mean maternal heterozygosity statistically predicts shorter offspring telomeres but this only when sibship is controlled for by paternal ID, and then is still limited (R2 = .06). Raw maternal heterozygosity scores, ignoring absolute deviation from the mean, explained 0.07% of the variance in hatchling telomere length. In conclusion, inbreeding is not a driver of telomere dynamics in the sand lizard (Lacerta agilis) study system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mats Olsson
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,School of Biological Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Badreddine Bererhi
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Emily Miller
- Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Tonia Schwartz
- Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
| | - Nicky Rollings
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Willow Lindsay
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Erik Wapstra
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
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8
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Bauch C, Boonekamp JJ, Korsten P, Mulder E, Verhulst S. High heritability of telomere length and low heritability of telomere shortening in wild birds. Mol Ecol 2022; 31:6308-6323. [PMID: 34532917 PMCID: PMC9787985 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Telomere length and telomere shortening predict survival in many organisms. This raises the question of the contribution of genetic and environmental effects to variation in these traits, which is still poorly known, particularly for telomere shortening. We used experimental (cross-fostering) and statistical (quantitative genetic "animal models") means to disentangle and estimate genetic and environmental contributions to telomere length variation in pedigreed free-living jackdaws (Corvus monedula). Telomere length was measured twice in nestlings, at ages 4 (n = 715) and 29 days (n = 474), using telomere restriction fragment (TRF) analysis, adapted to exclude interstitial telomeric sequences. Telomere length shortened significantly over the nestling period (10.4 ± 0.3 bp day-1 ) and was highly phenotypically (rP = 0.95 ± 0.01) and genetically (rG > 0.99 ± 0.01) correlated within individuals. Additive genetic effects explained a major part of telomere length variation among individuals, with its heritability estimated at h2 = 0.74 on average. We note that TRF-based studies reported higher heritabilities than qPCR-based studies, and we discuss possible explanations. Parent-offspring regressions yielded similar heritability estimates for mothers and fathers when accounting for changes in paternal telomere length over life. Year effects explained a small but significant part of telomere length variation. Heritable variation for telomere shortening was low (h2 = 0.09 ± 0.11). The difference in heritability between telomere length (high) and telomere shortening (low) agrees with evolutionary theory, in that telomere shortening has stronger fitness consequences in this population. Despite the high heritability of telomere length, its evolvability, which scales the additive genetic variance by mean telomere length, was on average 0.48%. Hence, evolutionary change of telomere length due to selection is likely to be slow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Bauch
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life SciencesUniversity of GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Jelle J. Boonekamp
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life SciencesUniversity of GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands,Present address:
Institute of Biodiversity Animal Health & Comparative MedicineCollege of Medical, Veterinary and Life SciencesUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
| | - Peter Korsten
- Department of Animal BehaviourBielefeld UniversityBielefeldGermany
| | - Ellis Mulder
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life SciencesUniversity of GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Simon Verhulst
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life SciencesUniversity of GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
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Dobson FS, Schull Q, Criscuolo F. Two aspects of longevity are associated with rates of loss of telomeres in birds. Ecol Evol 2022; 12:e9364. [PMID: 36311389 PMCID: PMC9596331 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.9364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomeres, the terminal repetitive DNA sequences at the ends of linear chromosomes, have strong associations with longevity in some major taxa. Longevity has been linked to rate of decline in telomere length in birds and mammals, and absolute telomere length seems to be associated with body mass in mammals. Using a phylogenetic comparative method and 30 species of birds, we examined longevity (reflected by maximum lifespan), absolute telomere length, the rate of change in telomere length (TROC), and body mass (often strongly associated with longevity) to ascertain their degree of association. We divided lifespan into two life-history components, one reflected by body size (measured as body mass) and a component that was statistically independent of body mass. While both lifespan and body mass were strongly associated with a family tree of the species (viz., the phylogeny of the species), telomere measures were not. Telomere length was not significantly associated with longevity or body mass or our measure of mass-independent lifespan. TROC, however, was strongly associated with mass-independent lifespan, but only to a much lesser degree at best with body mass-predicted lifespan. Our results supported an association of TROC and longevity, in particular longevity that was independent of body size and part of the pace-of-life syndrome of life histories.
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Affiliation(s)
- F. Stephen Dobson
- University of Strasbourg, Institut Pluridisciplinaire Hubert Curien, UMR 7178CNRSStrasbourgFrance
- Department of Biological SciencesAuburn UniversityAuburnAlabamaUSA
| | - Quentin Schull
- University of Strasbourg, Institut Pluridisciplinaire Hubert Curien, UMR 7178CNRSStrasbourgFrance
- MARBEC, University of Montpellier, IFREMERIRD, CNRSSèteFrance
| | - François Criscuolo
- University of Strasbourg, Institut Pluridisciplinaire Hubert Curien, UMR 7178CNRSStrasbourgFrance
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10
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Romero-Haro AÁ, Morger J, Haussmann MF, Tschirren B. Reproductive strategies affect telomere dynamics across the life course. Am Nat 2022; 200:373-382. [DOI: 10.1086/720440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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11
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Morosinotto C, Bensch S, Tarka M, Karell P. Heritability and parental effects in telomere length in a color polymorphic long-lived bird. Physiol Biochem Zool 2022; 95:350-364. [DOI: 10.1086/720161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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12
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Vicari MR, Bruschi DP, Cabral-de-Mello DC, Nogaroto V. Telomere organization and the interstitial telomeric sites involvement in insects and vertebrates chromosome evolution. Genet Mol Biol 2022; 45:e20220071. [DOI: 10.1590/1678-4685-gmb-2022-0071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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13
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Xiang Y, Yu Y, Li Q, Jiang Z, Li J, Liang C, Chen J, Li Y, Chen X, Cao W. Mutual regulation between chicken telomerase reverse transcriptase and the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway inhibits apoptosis and promotes the replication of ALV-J in LMH cells. Vet Res 2021; 52:110. [PMID: 34412690 PMCID: PMC8375160 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-021-00979-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to explore the mutual regulation between chicken telomerase reverse transcriptase (chTERT) and the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway and its effects on cell growth and avian leukosis virus subgroup J (ALV-J) replication in LMH cells. First, LMH cells stably overexpressing the chTERT gene (LMH-chTERT cells) and corresponding control cells (LMH-NC cells) were successfully constructed with a lentiviral vector expression system. The results showed that chTERT upregulated the expression of β-catenin, Cyclin D1, TCF4 and c-Myc. chTERT expression level and telomerase activity were increased when cells were treated with LiCl. When the cells were treated with ICG001 or IWP-2, the activity of the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway was significantly inhibited, and chTERT expression and telomerase activity were also inhibited. However, when the β-catenin gene was knocked down by small interfering RNA (siRNA), the changes in chTERT expression and telomerase activity were consistent with those in cells treated with ICG001 or IWP-2. These results indicated that chTERT and the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway can be mutually regulated. Subsequently, we found that chTERT not only shortened the cell cycle to promote proliferation but also inhibited apoptosis by downregulating the expression of Caspase 3, Caspase 9 and BAX; upregulating BCL-2 and BCL-X expression; and promoting autophagy. Moreover, chTERT significantly enhanced the migration ability of LMH cells, upregulated the protein and mRNA expression of ALV-J and increased the virus titre. ALV-J replication promoted chTERT expression and telomerase activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Xiang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Yun Yu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Qingbo Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Zeng Jiang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Jinqun Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Canxin Liang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Jian Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Yu Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Xiaoyan Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Weisheng Cao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China. .,Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Prevention and Control of Guangdong Province, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China. .,Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China. .,National and Regional Joint Engineering Laboratory for Medicament of Zoonosis Prevention and Control, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China. .,Key Laboratory of Veterinary Vaccine Innovation of the Ministry of Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, China.
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14
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Harper JM, Holmes DJ. New Perspectives on Avian Models for Studies of Basic Aging Processes. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9060649. [PMID: 34200297 PMCID: PMC8230007 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9060649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Avian models have the potential to elucidate basic cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the slow aging rates and exceptional longevity typical of this group of vertebrates. To date, most studies of avian aging have focused on relatively few of the phenomena now thought to be intrinsic to the aging process, but primarily on responses to oxidative stress and telomere dynamics. But a variety of whole-animal and cell-based approaches to avian aging and stress resistance have been developed-especially the use of primary cell lines and isolated erythrocytes-which permit other processes to be investigated. In this review, we highlight newer studies using these approaches. We also discuss recent research on age-related changes in neural function in birds in the context of sensory changes relevant to homing and navigation, as well as the maintenance of song. More recently, with the advent of "-omic" methodologies, including whole-genome studies, new approaches have gained momentum for investigating the mechanistic basis of aging in birds. Overall, current research suggests that birds exhibit an enhanced resistance to the detrimental effects of oxidative damage and maintain higher than expected levels of cellular function as they age. There is also evidence that genetic signatures associated with cellular defenses, as well as metabolic and immune function, are enhanced in birds but data are still lacking relative to that available from more conventional model organisms. We are optimistic that continued development of avian models in geroscience, especially under controlled laboratory conditions, will provide novel insights into the exceptional longevity of this animal taxon.
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Affiliation(s)
- James M. Harper
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX 77341, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-936-294-1543
| | - Donna J. Holmes
- Department of Biological Sciences and WWAMI Medical Education Program, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID 83844, USA;
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15
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Casagrande S, Stier A, Monaghan P, Loveland JL, Boner W, Lupi S, Trevisi R, Hau M. Increased glucocorticoid concentrations in early life cause mitochondrial inefficiency and short telomeres. J Exp Biol 2020; 223:jeb222513. [PMID: 32532864 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.222513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Telomeres are DNA structures that protect chromosome ends. However, telomeres shorten during cell replication and at critically low lengths can reduce cell replicative potential, induce cell senescence and decrease fitness. Stress exposure, which elevates glucocorticoid hormone concentrations, can exacerbate telomere attrition. This phenomenon has been attributed to increased oxidative stress generated by glucocorticoids ('oxidative stress hypothesis'). We recently suggested that glucocorticoids could increase telomere attrition during stressful periods by reducing the resources available for telomere maintenance through changes in the metabolic machinery ('metabolic telomere attrition hypothesis'). Here, we tested whether experimental increases in glucocorticoid levels affected telomere length and mitochondrial function in wild great tit (Parus major) nestlings during the energy-demanding early growth period. We monitored resulting corticosterone (Cort) concentrations in plasma and red blood cells, telomere lengths and mitochondrial metabolism (metabolic rate, proton leak, oxidative phosphorylation, maximal mitochondrial capacity and mitochondrial inefficiency). We assessed oxidative damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolites as well as the total non-enzymatic antioxidant protection in plasma. Compared with control nestlings, Cort-nestlings had higher baseline corticosterone, shorter telomeres and higher mitochondrial metabolic rate. Importantly, Cort-nestlings showed increased mitochondrial proton leak, leading to a decreased ATP production efficiency. Treatment groups did not differ in oxidative damage or antioxidants. Hence, glucocorticoid-induced telomere attrition is associated with changes in mitochondrial metabolism, but not with ROS production. These findings support the hypothesis that shortening of telomere length during stressful periods is mediated by glucocorticoids through metabolic rearrangements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Casagrande
- Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, Evolutionary Physiology Group, 82319 Seewiesen, Germany
| | - Antoine Stier
- Institute of Biodiversity Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, FI-20014 Turku, Finland
| | - Pat Monaghan
- Institute of Biodiversity Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Jasmine L Loveland
- Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, Behavioural Genetics and Evolutionary Ecology Group, 82319 Seewiesen, Germany
| | - Winifred Boner
- Institute of Biodiversity Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Sara Lupi
- Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, Evolutionary Physiology Group, 82319 Seewiesen, Germany
- Konrad Lorenz Institute of Ethology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, A-1160 Vienna, Austria
| | - Rachele Trevisi
- Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, Evolutionary Physiology Group, 82319 Seewiesen, Germany
| | - Michaela Hau
- Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, Evolutionary Physiology Group, 82319 Seewiesen, Germany
- Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, D-78464 Konstanz, Germany
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16
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Clemente L, Mazzoleni S, Pensabene Bellavia E, Augstenová B, Auer M, Praschag P, Protiva T, Velenský P, Wagner P, Fritz U, Kratochvíl L, Rovatsos M. Interstitial Telomeric Repeats Are Rare in Turtles. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:genes11060657. [PMID: 32560114 PMCID: PMC7348932 DOI: 10.3390/genes11060657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomeres are nucleoprotein complexes protecting chromosome ends in most eukaryotic organisms. In addition to chromosome ends, telomeric-like motifs can be accumulated in centromeric, pericentromeric and intermediate (i.e., between centromeres and telomeres) positions as so-called interstitial telomeric repeats (ITRs). We mapped the distribution of (TTAGGG)n repeats in the karyotypes of 30 species from nine families of turtles using fluorescence in situ hybridization. All examined species showed the expected terminal topology of telomeric motifs at the edges of chromosomes. We detected ITRs in only five species from three families. Combining our and literature data, we inferred seven independent origins of ITRs among turtles. ITRs occurred in turtles in centromeric positions, often in several chromosomal pairs, in a given species. Their distribution does not correspond directly to interchromosomal rearrangements. Our findings support that centromeres and non-recombining parts of sex chromosomes are very dynamic genomic regions, even in turtles, a group generally thought to be slowly evolving. However, in contrast to squamate reptiles (lizards and snakes), where ITRs were found in more than half of the examined species, and birds, the presence of ITRs is generally rare in turtles, which agrees with the expected low rates of chromosomal rearrangements and rather slow karyotype evolution in this group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Clemente
- Department of Ecology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, 12844 Prague, Czech Republic; (L.C.); (S.M.); (E.P.B.); (B.A.); (L.K.)
| | - Sofia Mazzoleni
- Department of Ecology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, 12844 Prague, Czech Republic; (L.C.); (S.M.); (E.P.B.); (B.A.); (L.K.)
| | - Eleonora Pensabene Bellavia
- Department of Ecology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, 12844 Prague, Czech Republic; (L.C.); (S.M.); (E.P.B.); (B.A.); (L.K.)
| | - Barbora Augstenová
- Department of Ecology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, 12844 Prague, Czech Republic; (L.C.); (S.M.); (E.P.B.); (B.A.); (L.K.)
| | - Markus Auer
- Museum of Zoology, Senckenberg Dresden, 01109 Dresden, Germany; (M.A.); (U.F.)
| | | | | | - Petr Velenský
- Prague Zoological Garden, 17100 Prague, Czech Republic;
| | | | - Uwe Fritz
- Museum of Zoology, Senckenberg Dresden, 01109 Dresden, Germany; (M.A.); (U.F.)
| | - Lukáš Kratochvíl
- Department of Ecology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, 12844 Prague, Czech Republic; (L.C.); (S.M.); (E.P.B.); (B.A.); (L.K.)
| | - Michail Rovatsos
- Department of Ecology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, 12844 Prague, Czech Republic; (L.C.); (S.M.); (E.P.B.); (B.A.); (L.K.)
- Correspondence:
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17
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Piégu B, Arensburger P, Beauclair L, Chabault M, Raynaud E, Coustham V, Brard S, Guizard S, Burlot T, Le Bihan-Duval E, Bigot Y. Variations in genome size between wild and domesticated lineages of fowls belonging to the Gallus gallus species. Genomics 2020; 112:1660-1673. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2019.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2019] [Revised: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 10/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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18
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Atema E, Mulder E, van Noordwijk AJ, Verhulst S. Ultralong telomeres shorten with age in nestling great tits but are static in adults and mask attrition of short telomeres. Mol Ecol Resour 2019; 19:648-658. [PMID: 30672119 PMCID: PMC6849772 DOI: 10.1111/1755-0998.12996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2018] [Accepted: 08/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Telomere length (TL) is increasingly being used as a biomarker of senescence, but measuring telomeres remains a challenge. Within tissue samples, TL varies between cells and chromosomes. Class I telomeres are (presumably static) interstitial telomeric sequences, while terminal telomeres have been divided in shorter (Class II) telomeres and ultralong (Class III) telomeres, and the presence of the latter varies strongly between species. Class II telomeres typically shorten with age, but little is known of Class III telomere dynamics. Using multiple experimental approaches, we show great tits to have ultralong telomeres, and we investigated age effects on Class II and III telomeres using a longitudinal approach (our method excludes Class I telomeres). In adults, TL averaged over the whole distribution did not significantly change with age. However, more detailed analyses showed that Class II TL did shorten with age, and, as in other species, the longest Class II telomeres within individuals shortened more quickly with age. In contrast, Class III TL did not shorten with age within individual adults. Surprisingly, we found the opposite pattern in nestlings: Class III TL shortened significantly with age, while the age effect on Class II TL was close to zero. Thus, Class III TL may provide information on developmental history, while Class II TL provides information on telomere dynamics in adulthood. These findings have practical implications for telomere studies and raise the interesting question of what causes variation in TL dynamics between chromosomes within individuals and how this is related to development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Els Atema
- Department of Animal Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Wageningen, The Netherlands.,Groningen Institute of Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ellis Mulder
- Groningen Institute of Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Arie J van Noordwijk
- Department of Animal Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Simon Verhulst
- Groningen Institute of Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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20
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Klegarth AR, Eisenberg DTA. Mammalian chromosome-telomere length dynamics. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2018; 5:180492. [PMID: 30109098 PMCID: PMC6083700 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.180492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2018] [Accepted: 06/19/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Individual chromosome arms have specific individual telomere lengths (TLs). Past studies within species have shown strong positive correlations between individual chromosome length and TL at that chromosome. While the reasons for these associations are unclear, the strength and consistency of the associations across disparate taxa suggest that this is important to telomere biology and should be explored further. If TL is primarily determined by chromosome length, then chromosome length should be considered and controlled for in cross-species analyses of TL. Here, we employ a cross-species approach to explore whether the chromosome length-TL association observed intraspecifically is a determinant of mean TL across species. Data were compiled from two studies characterizing TL across a range of mammalian taxa and analysed in a phylogenetic framework. We found no significant relationship between TL and chromosome size across mammals or within mammalians orders. The pattern trends in the expected direction and we suggest may be masked by evolutionary lag effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy R. Klegarth
- Department of Anthropology, University of Washington, 314 Denny Hall, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
- Center for Studies in Demography and Ecology, University of Washington, 230 Raitt Hall, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
| | - Dan T. A. Eisenberg
- Department of Anthropology, University of Washington, 314 Denny Hall, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
- Center for Studies in Demography and Ecology, University of Washington, 230 Raitt Hall, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
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21
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A Comparative Approach to Metabolic Aspects of Aging: Conserved Mechanisms and Effects of Calorie Restriction and Environment. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2018; 155:109-127. [PMID: 29653678 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2017.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Metabolic systems and the function of these systems are complex, involving biochemical pathways, endocrine, neuroendocrine systems, and physiological systems and interact with environmental conditions. Studies in animal models have been invaluable in gaining an understanding of the mechanisms involved in metabolic endocrine changes during normal aging and with conditions, such as diabetes and obesity. Together, these studies have revealed some conserved mechanisms and identified specific biomarkers of aging related to metabolic changes. Further, characterization of these mechanisms provides an opportunity to develop interventions and treatments for both humans and other vertebrates. This chapter will provide an overview of age-related changes in metabolism from studies in human populations and the perspective of information gained from comparative animal models. Detailed molecular mechanisms and endocrine pathways have already been discussed in other chapters of this volume. Finally, calorie restriction (CR) has shown consistent benefit to age-related disease incidence with effects that has been consistent across animal models These studies on the effects of CR enable further discernment of disease versus healthy aging processes.
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Salmón P, Nilsson JF, Watson H, Bensch S, Isaksson C. Selective disappearance of great tits with short telomeres in urban areas. Proc Biol Sci 2018; 284:rspb.2017.1349. [PMID: 28878065 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2017.1349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2017] [Accepted: 07/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Urban environments pose novel challenges, as well as opportunities, for urban-dwelling wildlife. Although differences have been reported in several phenotypic traits (e.g. morphology, physiology and behaviour) between urban and rural populations, it is poorly understood whether this affects individual fitness. Telomere dynamics are posited as one possible mechanism underlying senescence and mortality. It was recently shown that telomere shortening is accelerated when growing up in an urban, compared with a rural, environment. However, the implications of accelerated telomere attrition for fitness are still unclear. Here, we examine the relationship between telomere length (TL) and survival in a bird common to urban and rural environments, and during both early and later life. The results reveal that TL is a strong predictor of post-fledging survival and recruitment in both habitats but, crucially, selective disappearance of individuals with short telomeres early in life is more pronounced in the urban environment, resulting in a longer average TL among the adult population. However, following recruitment, we found no difference in the relationship between TL and survival between the urban and rural environments. This indicates that the urban environment has negative effects in early life, while during later life the benefits could potentially outweigh the costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Salmón
- Evolutionary Ecology, Department of Biology, Lund University, Ecology Building, Lund 223 62, Sweden
| | - Johan F Nilsson
- Evolutionary Ecology, Department of Biology, Lund University, Ecology Building, Lund 223 62, Sweden
| | - Hannah Watson
- Evolutionary Ecology, Department of Biology, Lund University, Ecology Building, Lund 223 62, Sweden
| | - Staffan Bensch
- MEMEG, Molecular Ecology and Evolution Group, Department of Biology, Lund University, Ecology Building, Lund 223 62, Sweden
| | - Caroline Isaksson
- Evolutionary Ecology, Department of Biology, Lund University, Ecology Building, Lund 223 62, Sweden
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23
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Ottinger MA. Functional and Anatomic Correlates of Neural Aging in Birds. Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract 2018; 21:151-158. [PMID: 29146028 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvex.2017.08.006] [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] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Avian species show variation in longevity, habitat, physiologic characteristics, and lifetime endocrine patterns. Lifetime reproductive and metabolic function vary. Much is known about the neurobiology of the song system in many altricial birds. Little is known about aging in neural systems in birds. Captive birds often survive beyond the age they would in the wild, providing an opportunity to gain an understanding of the physiologic and neural changes. This paper reviews the available information with the goal of capturing areas of potential investigation into gaps in our understanding of neural aging as reflected in physiologic, endocrine, and cognitive aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Ann Ottinger
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, 4302 University Drive, Room 316, Houston, TX 77204, USA.
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24
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A Novel Long Non-Coding RNA in the hTERT Promoter Region Regulates hTERT Expression. Noncoding RNA 2017; 4:ncrna4010001. [PMID: 29657298 PMCID: PMC5890388 DOI: 10.3390/ncrna4010001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2017] [Revised: 12/15/2017] [Accepted: 12/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
A novel antisense transcript was identified in the human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) promoter region, suggesting that the hTERT promoter is bidirectional. This transcript, named hTERT antisense promoter-associated (hTAPAS) RNA, is a 1.6 kb long non-coding RNA. hTAPAS transcription is initiated 167 nucleotides upstream of the hTERT transcription start site and is present in both the nucleus and the cytoplasm. Surprisingly, we observed that a large fraction of the hTERT polyadenylated RNA is localized in the nucleus, suggesting this might be an additional means of regulating the cellular abundance of hTERT protein. Both hTAPAS and hTERT are expressed in immortalized B-cells and human embryonic stem cells but are not detected in normal somatic cells. hTAPAS expression inversely correlates with hTERT expression in different types of cancer samples. Moreover, hTAPAS expression is not promoted by an hTERT promoter mutation (-124 C>T). Antisense-oligonucleotide mediated knockdown of hTAPAS results in an increase in hTERT expression. Conversely, ectopic overexpression of hTAPAS down regulates hTERT expression, suggesting a negative role in hTERT gene regulation. These observations provide insights into hTAPAS as a novel player that negatively regulates hTERT expression and may be involved in telomere length homeostasis.
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25
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Telomeres, Aging and Exercise: Guilty by Association? Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18122573. [PMID: 29186077 PMCID: PMC5751176 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18122573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2017] [Revised: 11/24/2017] [Accepted: 11/25/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomeres are repetitive tandem DNA sequences that cap chromosomal ends protecting genomic DNA from enzymatic degradation. Telomeres progressively shorten with cellular replication and are therefore assumed to correlate with biological and chronological age. An expanding body of evidence suggests (i) a predictable inverse association between telomere length, aging and age-related diseases and (ii) a positive association between physical activity and telomere length. Both hypotheses have garnered tremendous research attention and broad consensus; however, the evidence for each proposition is inconsistent and equivocal at best. Telomere length does not meet the basic criteria for an aging biomarker and at least 50% of key studies fail to find associations with physical activity. In this review, we address the evidence in support and refutation of the putative associations between telomere length, aging and physical activity. We finish with a brief review of plausible mechanisms and potential future research directions.
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26
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Malhotra S, Winans S, Lam G, Justice J, Morgan R, Beemon K. Selection for avian leukosis virus integration sites determines the clonal progression of B-cell lymphomas. PLoS Pathog 2017; 13:e1006708. [PMID: 29099869 PMCID: PMC5687753 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1006708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2017] [Revised: 11/15/2017] [Accepted: 10/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Avian leukosis virus (ALV) is a simple retrovirus that causes a wide range of tumors in chickens, the most common of which are B-cell lymphomas. The viral genome integrates into the host genome and uses its strong promoter and enhancer sequences to alter the expression of nearby genes, frequently inducing tumors. In this study, we compare the preferences for ALV integration sites in cultured cells and in tumors, by analysis of over 87,000 unique integration sites. In tissue culture we observed integration was relatively random with slight preferences for genes, transcription start sites and CpG islands. We also observed a preference for integrations in or near expressed and spliced genes. The integration pattern in cultured cells changed over the course of selection for oncogenic characteristics in tumors. In comparison to tissue culture, ALV integrations are more highly selected for proximity to transcription start sites in tumors. There is also a significant selection of ALV integrations away from CpG islands in the highly clonally expanded cells in tumors. Additionally, we utilized a high throughput method to quantify the magnitude of clonality in different stages of tumorigenesis. An ALV-induced tumor carries between 700 and 3000 unique integrations, with an average of 2.3 to 4 copies of proviral DNA per infected cell. We observed increasing tumor clonality during progression of B-cell lymphomas and identified gene players (especially TERT and MYB) and biological processes involved in tumor progression. The Avian Leukosis Virus (ALV) is a simple retrovirus that causes cancer in chickens. The virus integrates its genome into the host genome and induces changes in expression of nearby genes. Here, we determine the sites of viral integrations and their role in the progression of tumors. We report pathways and novel gene players that might cooperate and play a role in the progression of B-cell lymphomas. Our study provides new insights into the changes during lymphoma initiation, progression, and metastasis, as a result of selection for specific ALV integration sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanandan Malhotra
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Shelby Winans
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Gary Lam
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - James Justice
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Robin Morgan
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, United States of America
| | - Karen Beemon
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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27
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Olsson M, Wapstra E, Friesen CR. Evolutionary ecology of telomeres: a review. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2017; 1422:5-28. [DOI: 10.1111/nyas.13443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2017] [Revised: 06/30/2017] [Accepted: 07/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mats Olsson
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences University of Gothenburg Gothenburg Sweden
- School of Biological Sciences The University of Wollongong Wollongong New South Wales Australia
| | - Erik Wapstra
- School of Biological Sciences University of Tasmania Hobart Tasmania Australia
| | - Christopher R. Friesen
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
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28
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Is telomere length associated with mate choice in a songbird with a high rate of extra-pair paternity? PLoS One 2017; 12:e0182446. [PMID: 28783753 PMCID: PMC5544213 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0182446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2017] [Accepted: 07/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomere length is related to aging in many eukaryotes and the rate of telomere attrition has been suggested to reflect individual genetic quality. Telomere length could thus have implications for mate choice. We investigated telomere length variation in bluethroat Luscinia svecica families with mixed paternity, including social parents, extra-pair fathers and nestlings, testing whether telomere length is associated with social and/or extra-pair mate choice through assortative mating or selection of mates with relatively long telomeres. In adults, relative telomere length (rTL) did not differ between the sexes, nor between two age categories. In chicks, however, rTL decreased with body mass at sampling (an index of nestling age). We found a positive correlation between the rTL of social mates, suggesting assortative mating with respect to telomere length or a correlative thereof. However, extra-pair males did not differ from social mates in rTL, and accordingly there was also no difference between within- and extra-pair young (i.e. half-siblings) when controlling for the effect of mass. We found no relationships between telomere length, age and fitness-related traits in adults, but an intriguing year-difference in telomere length in both sexes. In conclusion, we found no support for the idea that females choose extra-pair males based on their telomere length, but social mate choice seems to be influenced by rTL, possibly through its co-variation with aspects reflecting individual quality, like early arrival at the breeding grounds.
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29
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Jenkins FJ, Kerr CM, Fouquerel E, Bovbjerg DH, Opresko PL. Modified Terminal Restriction Fragment Analysis for Quantifying Telomere Length Using In-gel Hybridization. J Vis Exp 2017. [PMID: 28715381 DOI: 10.3791/56001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
There are several different techniques for measuring telomere length, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. The traditional approach, Telomere Restriction Fragment (TRF) analysis, utilizes a DNA hybridization technique whereby genomic DNA samples are digested with restriction enzymes, leaving behind telomere DNA repeats and some sub-telomeric DNA. These are separated by agarose gel electrophoresis, transferred to a filter membrane and hybridized to oligonucleotide probes tagged with either chemiluminescence or radioactivity to visualize telomere restriction fragments. This approach, while requiring a larger quantity of DNA than other techniques such as PCR, can measure the telomere length distribution of a population of cells and allows measurement expressed in absolute kilobases. This manuscript demonstrates a modified DNA hybridization procedure for determining telomere length. Genomic DNA is first digested with restriction enzymes (that do not cut telomeres) and separated by agarose gel electrophoresis. The gel is then dried and the DNA is denatured and hybridized in situ to a radiolabeled oligonucleotide probe. This in situ hybridization avoids loss of telomere DNA and improves signal intensity. Following hybridization, the gels are imaged utilizing phosphor screens and the telomere length is quantified using a graphing program. This procedure was developed by the laboratories of Drs. Woodring Wright and Jerry Shay at the University of Texas Southwestern1,2. Here, we present a detailed description of this procedure, with some modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank J Jenkins
- Departments of Pathology and Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University of Pittsburgh; University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute;
| | | | - Elise Fouquerel
- University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute; Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh
| | - Dana H Bovbjerg
- University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute; Departments of Psychiatry, Psychology, Behavioral & Community Health Sciences, University of Pittsburgh
| | - Patricia L Opresko
- University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute; Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh
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Abstract
Rodents are the most commonly used model organisms in studies of aging in vertebrates. However, there are species that may suit this role much better. Most birds (Aves), having higher rate of metabolism, live two-to-three times longer than mammals of the same size. This mini-review briefly covers several evolutionary, ecological, and physiological aspects that may contribute to the phenomenon of birds' longevity. The role of different molecular mechanisms known to take part in the process of aging according to various existing theories, e.g. telomere shortening, protection against reactive oxygen species, and formation of advanced glycation end-products is discussed. We also address some features of birds' aging that make this group unique and perspective model organisms in longevity studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Y Travin
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, Faculty of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics, Moscow, 119991, Russia
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dos Santos MDS, Kretschmer R, Frankl-Vilches C, Bakker A, Gahr M, O´Brien PCM, Ferguson-Smith MA, de Oliveira EHC. Comparative Cytogenetics between Two Important Songbird, Models: The Zebra Finch and the Canary. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0170997. [PMID: 28129381 PMCID: PMC5271350 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0170997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2016] [Accepted: 01/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Songbird species (order Passeriformes, suborder Oscines) are important models in various experimental fields spanning behavioural genomics to neurobiology. Although the genomes of some songbird species were sequenced recently, the chromosomal organization of these species is mostly unknown. Here we focused on the two most studied songbird species in neuroscience, the zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata) and the canary (Serinus canaria). In order to clarify these issues and also to integrate chromosome data with their assembled genomes, we used classical and molecular cytogenetics in both zebra finch and canary to define their chromosomal homology, localization of heterochromatic blocks and distribution of rDNA clusters. We confirmed the same diploid number (2n = 80) in both species, as previously reported. FISH experiments confirmed the occurrence of multiple paracentric and pericentric inversions previously found in other species of Passeriformes, providing a cytogenetic signature for this order, and corroborating data from in silico analyses. Additionally, compared to other Passeriformes, we detected differences in the zebra finch karyotype concerning the morphology of some chromosomes, in the distribution of 5S rDNA clusters, and an inversion in chromosome 1.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rafael Kretschmer
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Genética e Biologia Molecular, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Carolina Frankl-Vilches
- Department of Behavioral Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, Seewiesen, Germany
| | - Antje Bakker
- Department of Behavioral Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, Seewiesen, Germany
| | - Manfred Gahr
- Department of Behavioral Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, Seewiesen, Germany
| | - Patricia C. M. O´Brien
- Cambridge Resource Centre for Comparative Genomics, University of Cambridge Department of Veterinary Medicine, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Malcolm A. Ferguson-Smith
- Cambridge Resource Centre for Comparative Genomics, University of Cambridge Department of Veterinary Medicine, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Edivaldo H. C. de Oliveira
- Laboratório de Cultura de Tecidos e Citogenética, SAMAM, Instituto Evandro Chagas, Ananindeua, PA, Brazil
- Faculdade de Ciências Naturais, ICEN, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Brazil
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Avian Leukosis Virus Activation of an Antisense RNA Upstream of TERT in B-Cell Lymphomas. J Virol 2016; 90:9509-17. [PMID: 27512065 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01127-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2016] [Accepted: 08/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Avian leukosis virus (ALV) induces tumors by integrating its proviral DNA into the chicken genome and altering the expression of nearby genes via strong promoter and enhancer elements. Viral integration sites that contribute to oncogenesis are selected in tumor cells. Deep-sequencing analysis of B-cell lymphoma DNA confirmed that the telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) gene promoter is a common ALV integration target. Twenty-six unique proviral integration sites were mapped between 46 and 3,552 nucleotides (nt) upstream of the TERT transcription start site, predominantly in the opposite transcriptional orientation to TERT Transcriptome-sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis of normal bursa revealed a transcribed region upstream of TERT in the opposite orientation, suggesting the TERT promoter is bidirectional. This transcript appears to be an uncharacterized antisense RNA. We have previously shown that TERT expression is upregulated in tumors with integrations in the TERT promoter region. We now report that the viral promoter drives the expression of a chimeric transcript containing viral sequences spliced to exons 4 through 7 of this antisense RNA. Clonal expansion of cells with ALV integrations driving overexpression of the TERT antisense RNA suggest it may have a role in tumorigenesis. IMPORTANCE The data suggest that ALV integrations in the TERT promoter region drive the overexpression of a novel antisense RNA and contribute to the development of lymphomas.
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Guizard S, Piégu B, Arensburger P, Guillou F, Bigot Y. Deep landscape update of dispersed and tandem repeats in the genome model of the red jungle fowl, Gallus gallus, using a series of de novo investigating tools. BMC Genomics 2016; 17:659. [PMID: 27542599 PMCID: PMC4992247 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-016-3015-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2016] [Accepted: 08/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The program RepeatMasker and the database Repbase-ISB are part of the most widely used strategy for annotating repeats in animal genomes. They have been used to show that avian genomes have a lower repeat content (8-12 %) than the sequenced genomes of many vertebrate species (30-55 %). However, the efficiency of such a library-based strategies is dependent on the quality and completeness of the sequences in the database that is used. An alternative to these library based methods are methods that identify repeats de novo. These alternative methods have existed for a least a decade and may be more powerful than the library based methods. We have used an annotation strategy involving several complementary de novo tools to determine the repeat content of the model genome galGal4 (1.04 Gbp), including identifying simple sequence repeats (SSRs), tandem repeats and transposable elements (TEs). RESULTS We annotated over one Gbp. of the galGal4 genome and showed that it is composed of approximately 19 % SSRs and TEs repeats. Furthermore, we estimate that the actual genome of the red jungle fowl contains about 31-35 % repeats. We find that library-based methods tend to overestimate TE diversity. These results have a major impact on the current understanding of repeats distributions throughout chromosomes in the red jungle fowl. CONCLUSIONS Our results are a proof of concept of the reliability of using de novo tools to annotate repeats in large animal genomes. They have also revealed issues that will need to be resolved in order to develop gold-standard methodologies for annotating repeats in eukaryote genomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sébastien Guizard
- Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, UMR INRA-CNRS 7247, PRC, 37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Benoît Piégu
- Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, UMR INRA-CNRS 7247, PRC, 37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Peter Arensburger
- Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, UMR INRA-CNRS 7247, PRC, 37380 Nouzilly, France
- Biological Sciences Department, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, CA 91768 USA
| | - Florian Guillou
- Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, UMR INRA-CNRS 7247, PRC, 37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Yves Bigot
- Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, UMR INRA-CNRS 7247, PRC, 37380 Nouzilly, France
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Abstract
Progress in improving animal welfare is currently limited by the lack of objective methods for assessing lifetime experience. I propose that telomere attrition, a cellular biomarker of biological age, provides a molecular measure of cumulative experience that could be used to assess the welfare impact of husbandry regimes and/or experimental procedures on non-human animals. I review evidence from humans that telomere attrition is accelerated by negative experiences in a cumulative and dose-dependent manner, but that this attrition can be mitigated or even reversed by positive life-style interventions. Evidence from non-human animals suggests that despite some specific differences in telomere biology, stress-induced telomere attrition is a robust phenomenon, occurring in a range of species including mice and chickens. I conclude that telomere attrition apparently integrates positive and negative experience in an accessible common currency that translates readily to novel species--the Holy Grail of a cumulative welfare indicator.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Bateson
- Centre for Behaviour and Evolution/Institute of NeuroscienceNewcastle UniversityNewcastle upon TyneUK
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McPherson MC, Delany ME. Virus and host genomic, molecular, and cellular interactions during Marek's disease pathogenesis and oncogenesis. Poult Sci 2016; 95:412-29. [PMID: 26755654 PMCID: PMC4957504 DOI: 10.3382/ps/pev369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2015] [Accepted: 11/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Marek's Disease Virus (MDV) is a chicken alphaherpesvirus that causes paralysis, chronic wasting, blindness, and fatal lymphoma development in infected, susceptible host birds. This disease and its protective vaccines are highly relevant research targets, given their enormous impact within the poultry industry. Further, Marek's disease (MD) serves as a valuable model for the investigation of oncogenic viruses and herpesvirus patterns of viral latency and persistence--as pertinent to human health as to poultry health. The objectives of this article are to review MDV interactions with its host from a variety of genomic, molecular, and cellular perspectives. In particular, we focus on cytogenetic studies, which precisely assess the physical status of the MDV genome in the context of the chicken host genome. Combined, the cytogenetic and genomic research indicates that MDV-host genome interactions, specifically integration of the virus into the host telomeres, is a key feature of the virus life cycle, contributing to the viral achievement of latency, transformation, and reactivation of lytic replication. We present a model that outlines the variety of virus-host interactions, at the multiple levels, and with regard to the disease states.
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Affiliation(s)
- M C McPherson
- Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis, CA 95616
| | - M E Delany
- Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis, CA 95616
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Early-Life Telomere Dynamics Differ between the Sexes and Predict Growth in the Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica). PLoS One 2015; 10:e0142530. [PMID: 26565632 PMCID: PMC4643985 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0142530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2015] [Accepted: 10/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomeres are conserved DNA-protein structures at the termini of eukaryotic chromosomes which contribute to maintenance of genome integrity, and their shortening leads to cell senescence, with negative consequences for organismal functions. Because telomere erosion is influenced by extrinsic and endogenous factors, telomere dynamics may provide a mechanistic basis for evolutionary and physiological trade-offs. Yet, knowledge of fundamental aspects of telomere biology under natural selection regimes, including sex- and context-dependent variation in early-life, and the covariation between telomere dynamics and growth, is scant. In this study of barn swallows (Hirundo rustica) we investigated the sex-dependent telomere erosion during nestling period, and the covariation between relative telomere length and body and plumage growth. Finally, we tested whether any covariation between growth traits and relative telomere length depends on the social environment, as influenced by sibling sex ratio. Relative telomere length declined on average over the period of nestling maximal growth rate (between 7 and 16 days of age) and differently covaried with initial relative telomere length in either sex. The frequency distribution of changes in relative telomere length was bimodal, with most nestlings decreasing and some increasing relative telomere length, but none of the offspring traits predicted the a posteriori identified group to which individual nestlings belonged. Tail and wing length increased with relative telomere length, but more steeply in males than females, and this relationship held both at the within- and among-broods levels. Moreover, the increase in plumage phenotypic values was steeper when the sex ratio of an individual’s siblings was female-biased. Our study provides evidence for telomere shortening during early life according to subtly different dynamics in either sex. Furthermore, it shows that the positive covariation between growth and relative telomere length depends on sex as well as social environment, in terms of sibling sex ratio.
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Stier A, Reichert S, Criscuolo F, Bize P. Red blood cells open promising avenues for longitudinal studies of ageing in laboratory, non-model and wild animals. Exp Gerontol 2015; 71:118-34. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2015.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2015] [Revised: 09/01/2015] [Accepted: 09/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Matsubara K, Uno Y, Srikulnath K, Matsuda Y, Miller E, Olsson M. No Interstitial Telomeres on Autosomes but Remarkable Amplification of Telomeric Repeats on the W Sex Chromosome in the Sand Lizard (Lacerta agilis). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 106:753-7. [PMID: 26464091 DOI: 10.1093/jhered/esv083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2015] [Accepted: 09/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Telomeres are repeat (TTAGGG) n sequences that form terminal ends of chromosomes and have several functions, such as protecting the coding DNA from erosion at mitosis. Due to chromosomal rearrangements through evolutionary history (e.g., inversions and fusions), telomeric sequences are also found between the centromere and the terminal ends (i.e., at interstitial telomeric sites, ITSs). ITS telomere sequences have been implicated in heritable disease caused by genomic instability of ITS polymorphic variants, both with respect to copy number and sequence. In the sand lizard (Lacerta agilis), we have shown that telomere length is predictive of lifetime fitness in females but not males. To assess whether this sex specific fitness effect could be traced to ITSs differences, we mapped (TTAGGG) n sequences using fluorescence in situ hybridization in fibroblast cells cultured from 4 specimens of known sex. No ITSs could be found on autosomes in either sex. However, females have heterogametic sex chromosomes in sand lizards (ZW, 2n = 38) and the female W chromosome showed degeneration and remarkable (TTAGGG) n amplification, which was absent in the Z chromosomes. This work warrants further research on sex chromosome content, in particular of the degenerate W chromosome, and links to female fitness in sand lizards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazumi Matsubara
- From the Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Department of Applied Molecular Biosciences, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, Japan (Matsubara, Uno, Srikulnath, and Matsuda); Department of Information and Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Natural Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya, Japan (Matsubara); Laboratory of Animal Cytogenetics & Comparative Genomics, Department of Genetics, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand (Srikulnath); Avian Bioscience Research Center, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan (Matsuda); Sydney Medical School QEII Research Institute for Mothers and Infants D02, The University of Sydney , NSW 2006, Australia (Miller); School of Biological Sciences, The University of Sydney, Heydon-Laurence Building A08, NSW 2006, Australia (Olsson); and Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden (Olsson)
| | - Yoshinobu Uno
- From the Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Department of Applied Molecular Biosciences, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, Japan (Matsubara, Uno, Srikulnath, and Matsuda); Department of Information and Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Natural Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya, Japan (Matsubara); Laboratory of Animal Cytogenetics & Comparative Genomics, Department of Genetics, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand (Srikulnath); Avian Bioscience Research Center, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan (Matsuda); Sydney Medical School QEII Research Institute for Mothers and Infants D02, The University of Sydney , NSW 2006, Australia (Miller); School of Biological Sciences, The University of Sydney, Heydon-Laurence Building A08, NSW 2006, Australia (Olsson); and Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden (Olsson)
| | - Kornsorn Srikulnath
- From the Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Department of Applied Molecular Biosciences, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, Japan (Matsubara, Uno, Srikulnath, and Matsuda); Department of Information and Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Natural Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya, Japan (Matsubara); Laboratory of Animal Cytogenetics & Comparative Genomics, Department of Genetics, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand (Srikulnath); Avian Bioscience Research Center, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan (Matsuda); Sydney Medical School QEII Research Institute for Mothers and Infants D02, The University of Sydney , NSW 2006, Australia (Miller); School of Biological Sciences, The University of Sydney, Heydon-Laurence Building A08, NSW 2006, Australia (Olsson); and Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden (Olsson)
| | - Yoichi Matsuda
- From the Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Department of Applied Molecular Biosciences, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, Japan (Matsubara, Uno, Srikulnath, and Matsuda); Department of Information and Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Natural Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya, Japan (Matsubara); Laboratory of Animal Cytogenetics & Comparative Genomics, Department of Genetics, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand (Srikulnath); Avian Bioscience Research Center, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan (Matsuda); Sydney Medical School QEII Research Institute for Mothers and Infants D02, The University of Sydney , NSW 2006, Australia (Miller); School of Biological Sciences, The University of Sydney, Heydon-Laurence Building A08, NSW 2006, Australia (Olsson); and Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden (Olsson)
| | - Emily Miller
- From the Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Department of Applied Molecular Biosciences, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, Japan (Matsubara, Uno, Srikulnath, and Matsuda); Department of Information and Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Natural Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya, Japan (Matsubara); Laboratory of Animal Cytogenetics & Comparative Genomics, Department of Genetics, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand (Srikulnath); Avian Bioscience Research Center, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan (Matsuda); Sydney Medical School QEII Research Institute for Mothers and Infants D02, The University of Sydney , NSW 2006, Australia (Miller); School of Biological Sciences, The University of Sydney, Heydon-Laurence Building A08, NSW 2006, Australia (Olsson); and Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden (Olsson)
| | - Mats Olsson
- From the Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Department of Applied Molecular Biosciences, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, Japan (Matsubara, Uno, Srikulnath, and Matsuda); Department of Information and Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Natural Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya, Japan (Matsubara); Laboratory of Animal Cytogenetics & Comparative Genomics, Department of Genetics, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand (Srikulnath); Avian Bioscience Research Center, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan (Matsuda); Sydney Medical School QEII Research Institute for Mothers and Infants D02, The University of Sydney , NSW 2006, Australia (Miller); School of Biological Sciences, The University of Sydney, Heydon-Laurence Building A08, NSW 2006, Australia (Olsson); and Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden (Olsson).
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Pauliny A, Devlin RH, Johnsson JI, Blomqvist D. Rapid growth accelerates telomere attrition in a transgenic fish. BMC Evol Biol 2015; 15:159. [PMID: 26268318 PMCID: PMC4535669 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-015-0436-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2015] [Accepted: 07/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Individuals rarely grow as fast as their physiologies permit despite the fitness advantages of being large. One reason may be that rapid growth is costly, resulting for example in somatic damage. The chromosomal ends, the telomeres, are particularly vulnerable to such damage, and telomere attrition thus influences the rate of ageing. Here, we used a transgenic salmon model with an artificially increased growth rate to test the hypothesis that rapid growth is traded off against the ability to maintain somatic health, assessed as telomere attrition. Results We found substantial telomere attrition in transgenic fish, while maternal half-sibs growing at a lower, wild-type rate seemed better able to maintain the length of their telomeres during the same time period. Conclusions Our results are consistent with a trade-off between rapid growth and somatic (telomere) maintenance in growth-manipulated fish. Since telomere erosion reflects cellular ageing, our findings also support theories of ageing postulating that unrepaired somatic damage is associated with senescence. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12862-015-0436-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Pauliny
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Box 463, 405 30, Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Robert H Devlin
- Marine Ecosystems and Aquaculture Division, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, 4160 Marine Drive, West Vancouver, BC, V7V 1N6, Canada.
| | - Jörgen I Johnsson
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Box 463, 405 30, Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Donald Blomqvist
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Box 463, 405 30, Gothenburg, Sweden.
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40
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Comparative cytogenomics of poultry: mapping of single gene and repeat loci in the Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica). Chromosome Res 2014; 22:71-83. [PMID: 24604153 DOI: 10.1007/s10577-014-9411-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Well-characterized molecular and cytogenetic maps are yet to be established in Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica). The aim of the current study was to cytogenetically map and determine linkage of specific genes and gene complexes in Japanese quail through the use of chicken (Gallus gallus) and turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) genomic DNA probes and conduct a comparative study among the three genomes. Chicken and turkey clones were used as probes on mitotic metaphase and meiotic pachytene stage chromosomes of the three species for the purpose of high-resolution fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). The genes and complexes studied included telomerase RNA (TR), telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT), 5S rDNA, 18S-5.8S-28S rDNA (i.e., nucleolus organizer region (NOR)), and the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). The telomeric profile of Japanese quail was investigated through the use of FISH with a TTAGGG-PNA probe. A range of telomeric array sizes were confirmed as found for the other poultry species. Three NOR loci were identified in Japanese quail, and single loci each for TR, TERT, 5S rDNA and the MHC-B. The MHC-B and one NOR locus were linked on a microchromosome in Japanese quail. We confirmed physical linkage of 5S rDNA and the TR gene on an intermediate-sized chromosome in quail, similar to both chicken and turkey. TERT localized to CJA 2 in quail and the orthologous chromosome region in chicken (GGA 2) and in turkey (MGA 3). The cytogenetic profile of Japanese quail was further developed by this study and synteny was identified among the three poultry species.
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Distribution of TTAGG-specific telomerase activity in insects. Chromosome Res 2014; 22:495-503. [DOI: 10.1007/s10577-014-9436-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2014] [Revised: 06/17/2014] [Accepted: 07/10/2014] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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Nussey DH, Baird D, Barrett E, Boner W, Fairlie J, Gemmell N, Hartmann N, Horn T, Haussmann M, Olsson M, Turbill C, Verhulst S, Zahn S, Monaghan P. Measuring telomere length and telomere dynamics in evolutionary biology and ecology. Methods Ecol Evol 2014; 5:299-310. [PMID: 25834722 PMCID: PMC4375921 DOI: 10.1111/2041-210x.12161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2013] [Accepted: 01/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Telomeres play a fundamental role in the protection of chromosomal DNA and in the regulation of cellular senescence. Recent work in human epidemiology and evolutionary ecology suggests adult telomere length (TL) may reflect past physiological stress and predict subsequent morbidity and mortality, independent of chronological age. Several different methods have been developed to measure TL, each offering its own technical challenges. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the advantages and drawbacks of each method for researchers, with a particular focus on issues that are likely to face ecologists and evolutionary biologists collecting samples in the field or in organisms that may never have been studied in this context before. We discuss the key issues to consider and wherever possible try to provide current consensus view regarding best practice with regard to sample collection and storage, DNA extraction and storage, and the five main methods currently available to measure TL. Decisions regarding which tissues to sample, how to store them, how to extract DNA, and which TL measurement method to use cannot be prescribed, and are dependent on the biological question addressed and the constraints imposed by the study system. What is essential for future studies of telomere dynamics in evolution and ecology is that researchers publish full details of their methods and the quality control thresholds they employ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel H Nussey
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology and Centre for Immunity, Infection & Evolution, University of Edinburgh Edinburgh, EH9 3JT, UK
| | - Duncan Baird
- Institute of Cancer and Genetics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University Cardiff, CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Emma Barrett
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Winnie Boner
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Jennifer Fairlie
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology and Centre for Immunity, Infection & Evolution, University of Edinburgh Edinburgh, EH9 3JT, UK
| | - Neil Gemmell
- Department of Anatomy, Allan Wilson Centre for Molecular Ecology and Evolution, University of Otago Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand
| | - Nils Hartmann
- Leibniz Institute for Age Research - Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI), Molecular Genetics Group Jena, 07745, Germany
| | - Thorsten Horn
- Institute for Developmental Biology, Cologne Biocenter, University of Cologne Cologne, 50674, Germany
| | - Mark Haussmann
- Department of Biology, Bucknell University Lewisburg, PA, 17837, USA
| | - Mats Olsson
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Sydney Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Chris Turbill
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, University of Western Sydney Richmond, NSW, 2753, Australia
| | | | - Sandrine Zahn
- Département d'Ecologie, Physiologie et Ethologie (DEPE), Institut Pluridisciplinaire Huber Curien, CNRS UMR7178 Strasbourg Cedex 2, 67087, France ; University of Strasbourg Strasbourg Cedex, F-67081, France
| | - Pat Monaghan
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK
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Bauch C, Becker PH, Verhulst S. Within the genome, long telomeres are more informative than short telomeres with respect to fitness components in a long-lived seabird. Mol Ecol 2013; 23:300-10. [DOI: 10.1111/mec.12602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2013] [Revised: 10/22/2013] [Accepted: 10/30/2013] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Christina Bauch
- Institute of Avian Research “Vogelwarte Helgoland”; An der Vogelwarte 21 26386 Wilhelmshaven Germany
| | - Peter H. Becker
- Institute of Avian Research “Vogelwarte Helgoland”; An der Vogelwarte 21 26386 Wilhelmshaven Germany
| | - Simon Verhulst
- Behavioural Biology; Centre for Life Sciences; University of Groningen; PO Box 11103 9700 CC Groningen The Netherlands
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44
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Foote CG, Vleck D, Vleck CM. Extent and variability of interstitial telomeric sequences and their effects on estimates of telomere length. Mol Ecol Resour 2013; 13:417-28. [DOI: 10.1111/1755-0998.12079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2012] [Revised: 12/22/2012] [Accepted: 12/28/2012] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher G. Foote
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Organismal Biology Iowa State University Ames IA 50011 USA
| | - David Vleck
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Organismal Biology Iowa State University Ames IA 50011 USA
| | - Carol M. Vleck
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Organismal Biology Iowa State University Ames IA 50011 USA
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Pauliny A, Larsson K, Blomqvist D. Telomere dynamics in a long-lived bird, the barnacle goose. BMC Evol Biol 2012; 12:257. [PMID: 23273548 PMCID: PMC3546850 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2148-12-257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2012] [Accepted: 12/26/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Theories of ageing predict a trade-off between metabolism, reproduction, and maintenance. Species with low investment in early reproduction are thus expected to be able to evolve more efficient maintenance and repair mechanisms, allowing for a longer potential life span (intrinsic longevity). The erosion of telomeres, the protective caps at the ends of linear chromosomes, plays an important role in cellular and organismal senescence, signalling the onset of age-related disease due to accumulation of unrepaired somatic damage. Using extensive longitudinal data from a long-term study of a natural population of barnacle geese Branta leucopsis, we investigated individual rates of telomere length changes over two years in 34 birds between 0 and 22 years of age, covering almost 80% of the species’ lifespan. Results We show that telomeres in this long-lived bird are very well maintained, as theoretically expected, with an average loss rate of only 5 base pairs per year among adults. We thus found no significant relationship between change in telomere length and age. However, telomeres tended to shorten at a faster pace in juveniles compared to adults. For the first time, we demonstrate a faster telomere attrition rate in females compared to males. We found no correlation between telomere loss rate and adult survival or change in body mass. Conclusions Our results add further support for a link between longevity and telomere maintenance, and highlight the complexities of telomere dynamics in natural populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Pauliny
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Box 463, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden.
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Bauch C, Becker PH, Verhulst S. Telomere length reflects phenotypic quality and costs of reproduction in a long-lived seabird. Proc Biol Sci 2012; 280:20122540. [PMID: 23222450 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2012.2540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomere length is associated with cellular senescence, lifestyle and ageing. Short telomeres indicate poor health in humans and reduced life expectancy in several bird species, but little is known about telomeres in relation to phenotypic quality in wild animals. We investigated telomere lengths in erythrocytes of known-age common terns (Sterna hirundo), a migratory seabird, in relation to arrival date and reproductive performance. Cross-sectional data revealed that, independent of age, individuals with short telomeres performed better: they arrived and reproduced earlier in the season and had more chicks in the nest. The latter effect was stronger the older the brood and stronger in males, which do most of the chick provisioning. Longitudinal data confirmed this pattern: compared with birds that lost their brood, birds that raised chicks beyond the 10th nestling day experienced higher telomere attrition from one year to the next. However, more detailed analysis revealed that the least and most successful individuals lost the fewest base pairs compared with birds with intermediate success. Our results suggest that reproductive success is achieved at the expense of telomeres, but that individual heterogeneity in susceptibility to such detrimental effects is important, as indicated by low telomere loss in the most successful birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Bauch
- Institute of Avian Research Vogelwarte Helgoland, An der Vogelwarte 21, 26386 Wilhelmshaven, Germany
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Wójcik E, Andraszek K, Gryzinska M, Witkowski A, Palyszka M, Smalec E. Sister chromatid exchange in Greenleg Partridge and Polbar hens covered by the gene-pool protection program for farm animals in Poland. Poult Sci 2012; 91:2424-30. [PMID: 22991523 DOI: 10.3382/ps.2012-02327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
A basic assay that detects genotoxic DNA damage disrupting DNA replication and repair mechanisms is the sister chromatid exchange test. The frequency of sister chromatid exchanges was analyzed in chromosomes of the following hen breeds: Greenleg Partridge and Polbar. Chromosome preparations were obtained from our in vitro culture of peripheral blood lymphocytes stained using the fluorescence plus Giemsa (FPG) technique. The sister chromatid exchange (SCE)/cell mean of the hens under analysis was 7.83 ± 1.76 (7.22 ± 1.70 in the Greenleg Partridge and 8.43 ± 1.61 in the Polbar population). Statistically significant differences were identified between the hen breeds. A higher mean number of SCE/cell was observed in the group of hens producing fewer eggs (8.55 ± 1.51) compared with the group with a better egg yield (7.10 ± 1.65). The differences were statistically significant. Additionally, SCE frequency in the first, second, and third chromosome was analyzed in detail. The highest number of SCE was observed in the first and the lowest in the third chromosome. The SCE distribution in the particular regions of the analyzed chromosomes was also studied. The most numerous exchanges were observed in the proximal region, followed by the interstitial and distal areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Wójcik
- Department of Animal Genetics and Horse Breeding, Siedlce University of Natural Sciences and Humanities, Siedlce, Poland.
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Sohn S, Subramani V, Moon Y, Jang I. Telomeric DNA quantity, DNA damage, and heat shock protein gene expression as physiological stress markers in chickens. Poult Sci 2012; 91:829-36. [DOI: 10.3382/ps.2011-01904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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Abstract
Telomeres, the nucleoprotein "caps" protecting the ends of linear chromosomes, are maintained by telomerase. Telomeres have important roles in maintaining genomic stability and preventing senescence or oncogenesis. Chicken is a classical model animal for genetic and developmental studies. With further development of chicken genomics, great progress has been made in research of chicken telomere and telomerase. This review describes recent advances and future research directions in chicken telomere biology.
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