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Dos Santos GA, Viana NI, Pimenta R, de Camargo JA, Guimaraes VR, Romão P, Candido P, Dos Santos VG, Ghazarian V, Reis ST, Leite KRM, Srougi M. Upregulation of shelterin and CST genes and longer telomeres are associated with unfavorable prognostic characteristics in prostate cancer. Cancer Genet 2024; 284-285:20-29. [PMID: 38503134 DOI: 10.1016/j.cancergen.2024.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Search for new clinical biomarkers targets in prostate cancer (PC) is urgent. Telomeres might be one of these targets. Telomeres are the extremities of linear chromosomes, essential for genome stability and control of cell divisions. Telomere homeostasis relies on the proper functioning of shelterin and CST complexes. Telomeric dysfunction and abnormal expression of its components are reported in most cancers and are associated with PC. Despite this, there are only a few studies about the expression of the main telomere complexes and their relationship with PC progression. We aimed to evaluate the role of shelterin (POT1, TRF2, TPP1, TIN2, and RAP1) and CST (CTC1, STN1, and TEN1) genes and telomere length in the progression of PC. METHODS We evaluated genetic alterations of shelterin and CST by bioinformatics in samples of localized (n = 499) and metastatic castration-resistant PC (n = 444). We also analyzed the expression of the genes using TCGA (localized PC n = 497 and control n = 152) and experimental approaches, with surgical specimens (localized PC n = 81 and BPH n = 10) and metastatic cell lines (LNCaP, DU145, PC3 and PNT2 as control) by real-time PCR. Real-time PCR also determined the telomere length in the same experimental samples. All acquired data were associated with clinical parameters. RESULTS Genetic alterations are uncommon in PC, but POT1, TIN2, and TEN1 showed significantly more amplifications in the metastatic cancer. Except for CTC1 and TEN1, which are differentially expressed in localized PC samples, we did not detect an expression pattern relative to control and cell lines. Nevertheless, except for TEN1, the upregulation of all genes is associated with a worse prognosis in localized PC. We also found that increased telomere length is associated with disease aggressiveness in localized PC. CONCLUSION The upregulation of shelterin and CST genes creates an environment that favors telomere elongation, giving selective advantages for localized PC cells to progress to more aggressive stages of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Arantes Dos Santos
- Laboratory of Medical Investigation (LIM55), Urology Department, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Nayara I Viana
- Laboratory of Medical Investigation (LIM55), Urology Department, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil; Minas Gerais State University (UEMG), Passos, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Ruan Pimenta
- Laboratory of Medical Investigation (LIM55), Urology Department, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil; D'Or Institute for Research and Education (IDOR), Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Juliana Alves de Camargo
- Laboratory of Medical Investigation (LIM55), Urology Department, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Vanessa R Guimaraes
- Laboratory of Medical Investigation (LIM55), Urology Department, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Poliana Romão
- Laboratory of Medical Investigation (LIM55), Urology Department, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Candido
- Laboratory of Medical Investigation (LIM55), Urology Department, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Vinicius Genuino Dos Santos
- Laboratory of Medical Investigation (LIM55), Urology Department, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Vitória Ghazarian
- Laboratory of Medical Investigation (LIM55), Urology Department, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sabrina T Reis
- Laboratory of Medical Investigation (LIM55), Urology Department, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil; Minas Gerais State University (UEMG), Passos, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Katia Ramos Moreira Leite
- Laboratory of Medical Investigation (LIM55), Urology Department, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Miguel Srougi
- Laboratory of Medical Investigation (LIM55), Urology Department, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil; D'Or Institute for Research and Education (IDOR), Sao Paulo, Brazil
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El Habre R, Aoun R, Tahtouh R, Hilal G. All-trans-retinoic acid modulates glycolysis via H19 and telomerase: the role of mir-let-7a in estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer cells. BMC Cancer 2024; 24:615. [PMID: 38773429 PMCID: PMC11106948 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-12379-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer (BC) is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women. Treatment approaches that differ between estrogen-positive (ER+) and triple-negative BC cells (TNBCs) and may subsequently affect cancer biomarkers, such as H19 and telomerase, are an emanating delight in BC research. For instance, all-trans-Retinoic acid (ATRA) could represent a potent regulator of these oncogenes, regulating microRNAs, mostly let-7a microRNA (miR-let-7a), which targets the glycolysis pathway, mainly pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) and lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA) enzymes. Here, we investigated the potential role of ATRA in H19, telomerase, miR-let-7a, and glycolytic enzymes modulation in ER + and TNBC cells. METHODS MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells were treated with 5 µM ATRA and/or 100 nM fulvestrant. Then, ATRA-treated or control MCF-7 cells were transfected with either H19 or hTERT siRNA. Afterward, ATRA-treated or untreated MDA-MB-231 cells were transfected with estrogen receptor alpha ER(α) or beta ER(β) expression plasmids. RNA expression was evaluated by RT‒qPCR, and proteins were assessed by Western blot. PKM2 activity was measured using an NADH/LDH coupled enzymatic assay, and telomerase activity was evaluated with a quantitative telomeric repeat amplification protocol assay. Student's t-test or one-way ANOVA was used to analyze data from replicates. RESULTS Our results showed that MCF-7 cells were more responsive to ATRA than MDA-MB-231 cells. In MCF-7 cells, ATRA and/or fulvestrant decreased ER(α), H19, telomerase, PKM2, and LDHA, whereas ER(β) and miR-let-7a increased. H19 or hTERT knockdown with or without ATRA treatment showed similar results to those obtained after ATRA treatment, and a potential interconnection between H19 and hTERT was found. However, in MDA-MB-231 cells, RNA expression of the aforementioned genes was modulated after ATRA and/or fulvestrant, with no significant effect on protein and activity levels. Overexpression of ER(α) or ER(β) in MDA-MB-231 cells induced telomerase activity, PKM2 and LDHA expression, in which ATRA treatment combined with plasmid transfection decreased glycolytic enzyme expression. CONCLUSIONS To the best of our knowledge, our study is the first to elucidate a new potential interaction between the estrogen receptor and glycolytic enzymes in ER + BC cells through miR-let-7a.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita El Habre
- Cancer and Metabolism Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, Saint-Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Rita Aoun
- Cancer and Metabolism Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, Saint-Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Roula Tahtouh
- Cancer and Metabolism Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, Saint-Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - George Hilal
- Cancer and Metabolism Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, Saint-Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon.
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de Queiroz LF, Silva MSDME, de Souza HSP, Rosas SLB, Carvalho MDGDC. hTERT gene methylation in circulating DNA, tumor, and surrounding tissue in breast cancer: a prospective study. SAO PAULO MED J 2024; 142:e2023140. [PMID: 38747873 PMCID: PMC11087006 DOI: 10.1590/1516-3180.2023.0140.r1.04032024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) enzyme, encoded by the hTERT gene, synthesizes protective telomeric sequences on chromosomes and plays a fundamental role in cancer formation. Methylation of the hTERT gene has an upregulatory effect, increasing hTERT enzyme synthesis and allowing continuous tumor cell division. OBJECTIVE In a group of patients with breast cancer, we aimed to analyze the methylation status of hTERT in the tumor, surrounding tissue, and circulating free deoxyribonucleic acid (cfDNA) of blood collected on the day of mastectomy and then approximately one year later. DESIGN AND SETTING A prospective study was conducted at a university hospital in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. METHODS Samples were collected from 15 women with breast cancer on the day of mastectomy and approximately one year postoperatively. cfDNA was analyzed by sodium bisulfite conversion, followed by polymerase chain reaction, electrophoresis, and silver nitrate staining. RESULTS Methylation of hTERT was detected in the tumors and surrounding tissues of all 15 patients. Five patients displayed hTERT methylation in the cfDNA from the blood of the first collection. Of the ten patients who returned for the second collection, three showed methylation. Two patients with methylation in the first collection did not display methylation in the second collection. One patient with no methylation in the first collection displayed methylation in the second collection, and one patient had a diminished level of methylation in the second collection. CONCLUSION Only one-third of patients displayed methylation in their cfDNA, which may be related to the success of chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luiz Fernando de Queiroz
- MD, PhD. Molecular Biologist, Department of Pathology, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro (RJ), Brazil
| | - Marcelo Soares da Mota e Silva
- MD, PhD. Molecular Biologist, Department of Pathology, Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro (RJ), Brazil
| | - Heitor Siffert Pereira de Souza
- MD, PhD. Physician and Full Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro (RJ), Brazil
| | - Siane Lopes Bittencourt Rosas
- MD, PhD. Molecular Biologist, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro (RJ), Brazil
| | - Maria da Glória da Costa Carvalho
- MD, PhD. Physician and Associate Professor, Department of Pathology, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro (RJ), Brazil
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Lopez-Lee C, Torres ERS, Carling G, Gan L. Mechanisms of sex differences in Alzheimer's disease. Neuron 2024; 112:1208-1221. [PMID: 38402606 PMCID: PMC11076015 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2024.01.024] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) and the mechanisms underlying its etiology and progression are complex and multifactorial. The higher AD risk in women may serve as a clue to better understand these complicated processes. In this review, we examine aspects of AD that demonstrate sex-dependent effects and delve into the potential biological mechanisms responsible, compiling findings from advanced technologies such as single-cell RNA sequencing, metabolomics, and multi-omics analyses. We review evidence that sex hormones and sex chromosomes interact with various disease mechanisms during aging, encompassing inflammation, metabolism, and autophagy, leading to unique characteristics in disease progression between men and women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe Lopez-Lee
- Helen and Robert Appel Alzheimer's Disease Institute, Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Eileen Ruth S Torres
- Helen and Robert Appel Alzheimer's Disease Institute, Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Gillian Carling
- Helen and Robert Appel Alzheimer's Disease Institute, Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Li Gan
- Helen and Robert Appel Alzheimer's Disease Institute, Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
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Hall G. Interleukin-15 in kidney disease and therapeutics. Curr Opin Nephrol Hypertens 2024; 33:174-180. [PMID: 38164877 PMCID: PMC10893218 DOI: 10.1097/mnh.0000000000000964] [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] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Interleukin 15 (IL-15) is a member of the IL-2 family of common gamma chain receptor cytokines with well described anti-inflammatory, pro-survival and pro-proliferative signaling properties. The cytoprotective role of IL-15 in the kidney is now coming into focus with recent reports of its beneficial actions in various forms of kidney disease. This review will summarize what is currently known about IL-15 signaling in the kidney and highlight recent evidence of its beneficial effects on kidney physiology. RECENT FINDINGS IL-15 and its heterotrimeric receptor are expressed throughout the kidney. Like all IL-2 family cytokines, IL-15 can activate signaling through the Janus Kinase (JAK)/Signal transducer of activated T-cells (STAT), phosphoinositol-3 kinase (PI-3K)/AKT and mitogen activated protein kinase kinase (MEK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathways and recent evidence suggests that STAT5B is an essential transcriptional mediator of prosurvival signaling in glomerular visceral epithelial cells (i.e. podocytes). IL-15 has also been shown to suppress pro-apoptotic signaling in models of acute kidney injury and pro-fibrotic signaling in models of chronic kidney disease. SUMMARY The cytoprotective properties of IL-15 suggest that it may have potential as a nonimmunosuppresive therapeutic for kidney disease. A novel class of IL-15 immunotherapies has emerged for the treatment cancer and some have demonstrated efficacy in clinical trials. These well tolerated IL-15 agonists could possibly be repurposed for the treatment of kidney disease and warrant further exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gentzon Hall
- Division of Nephrology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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Guerrero-Ochoa P, Rodríguez-Zapater S, Anel A, Esteban LM, Camón-Fernández A, Espilez-Ortiz R, Gil-Sanz MJ, Borque-Fernando Á. Prostate Cancer and the Mevalonate Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2152. [PMID: 38396837 PMCID: PMC10888820 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Antineoplastic therapies for prostate cancer (PCa) have traditionally centered around the androgen receptor (AR) pathway, which has demonstrated a significant role in oncogenesis. Nevertheless, it is becoming progressively apparent that therapeutic strategies must diversify their focus due to the emergence of resistance mechanisms that the tumor employs when subjected to monomolecular treatments. This review illustrates how the dysregulation of the lipid metabolic pathway constitutes a survival strategy adopted by tumors to evade eradication efforts. Integrating this aspect into oncological management could prove valuable in combating PCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Guerrero-Ochoa
- Health Research Institute of Aragon Foundation, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (P.G.-O.); (A.C.-F.); (R.E.-O.); (M.J.G.-S.)
| | - Sergio Rodríguez-Zapater
- Minimally Invasive Research Group (GITMI), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain;
| | - Alberto Anel
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain;
| | - Luis Mariano Esteban
- Department of Applied Mathematics, Escuela Universitaria Politécnica de La Almunia, Institute for Biocomputation and Physic of Complex Systems, Universidad de Zaragoza, 50100 La Almunia de Doña Godina, Spain
| | - Alejandro Camón-Fernández
- Health Research Institute of Aragon Foundation, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (P.G.-O.); (A.C.-F.); (R.E.-O.); (M.J.G.-S.)
| | - Raquel Espilez-Ortiz
- Health Research Institute of Aragon Foundation, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (P.G.-O.); (A.C.-F.); (R.E.-O.); (M.J.G.-S.)
- Department of Urology, Miguel Servet University Hospital, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- Area of Urology, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - María Jesús Gil-Sanz
- Health Research Institute of Aragon Foundation, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (P.G.-O.); (A.C.-F.); (R.E.-O.); (M.J.G.-S.)
- Department of Urology, Miguel Servet University Hospital, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Ángel Borque-Fernando
- Health Research Institute of Aragon Foundation, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (P.G.-O.); (A.C.-F.); (R.E.-O.); (M.J.G.-S.)
- Department of Applied Mathematics, Escuela Universitaria Politécnica de La Almunia, Institute for Biocomputation and Physic of Complex Systems, Universidad de Zaragoza, 50100 La Almunia de Doña Godina, Spain
- Department of Urology, Miguel Servet University Hospital, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- Area of Urology, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
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Benites-Zapata VA, Ulloque-Badaracco JR, Alarcón-Braga EA, Fernández-Alonso AM, López-Baena MT, Pérez-López FR. Telomerase activity and telomere length in women with breast cancer or without malignancy: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Maturitas 2024; 180:107882. [PMID: 38029511 DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2023.107882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
AIM We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess whether telomerase activity and telomere length are associated with breast cancer. METHODS PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, LILACS, Scielo, Embase, and CNKI databases were searched to obtain relevant articles published through May 10, 2023, following PRISMA guidelines and a registered PROSPERO protocol (CRD42022335402). We included observational studies reporting telomerase activity or telomere length in patients with breast cancer compared with women with benign lesions or normal tissue (control women). The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to evaluate the quality of studies. Data were expressed as odds ratios (OR) and 95 % confidence intervals (CI). Random effects and inverse variance methods were used to meta-analyze associations. The I2 test was used to assess heterogeneity. RESULTS The meta-analysis of telomerase shows significantly greater activity in patients with breast cancer than in those without malignancies (OR = 23.46, 95 % CI 14.07-39.11, p < 0.00001, I2 = 72 %). There were non-significant differences in relative telomere length (OR = 1.16, 95 % CI = 0.90-1.49, p = 0.26, I2 = 86 %) and leukocyte telomere length (OR = 2.32, 95 % CI = 0.89-6.08, p = 0.09, I2 = 98 %) between women with and without breast cancer. In subgroup analyses by world regions of studies, both telomerase activity and telomere length displayed the same trends as in their respective meta-analyses. In sensitivity analyses, variables showed their respective same trends. CONCLUSION Telomerase activity is higher in patients with breast cancer than in women without malignancies. There were no significant differences in either relative telomere length or leukocyte telomere length in women with and without breast cancer. PROSPERO protocol CRD42022335402.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicente A Benites-Zapata
- Unidad de Investigación para la Generación y Síntesis de Evidencias en Salud, Vicerrectorado de Investigación, Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, Lima, Peru.
| | | | | | | | | | - Faustino R Pérez-López
- Instituto Aragonés de Ciencias de la Salud, Zaragoza, Spain; Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
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Awaad A, Olama ZA, El-Subruiti GM, Ali SM. The dual activity of CaONPs as a cancer treatment substance and at the same time resistance to harmful microbes. Sci Rep 2023; 13:22940. [PMID: 38135693 PMCID: PMC10746744 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-49637-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Nanotechnology holds significant promise for the development of novel and necessary products that enhance human health. Pharmacology and nanotechnology have contributed to developing advanced and highly effective drugs for cancer treatment and combating microbial infections. The microbiological effectiveness against the variety of examined microorganisms was assessed using the time killer curve, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), MIC techniques, and the agar well diffusion method. SEM was utilized to enhance the analysis of the mechanisms underlying the bio-interface interaction and intracellular localization of calcium oxide nanoparticles (CaONPs). The MTT test was used to examine the cytotoxicity of CaONP anticancer activity in various cancer cells, including colon, breast, and hepatic cells. The efficacy of CaONPs as an anticancer medication was elucidated by analyzing the gene expression of both treated and untreated cancer cells. MIC and MBC of CaONPs against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus epidermidis were 150, 150, 150, and 200 µg/ml, respectively. The MIC and MFC of CaONPs against Candida albicans were 200 µg/ml and 250 µg/ml, respectively. The IC50 values of various CaONPs vary depending on the type of cancer cells. The gene expression analysis of breast cancer cells undergoing treatment revealed the identification of several cancer-controlling genes, namely BAX, BCL2, P53, TERT, KRAS1, KRAS2, and RB1. The study demonstrated the notable antibacterial efficacy of CaONPs, highlighting their potential as cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amr Awaad
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Zakia A Olama
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Gehan M El-Subruiti
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Safaa M Ali
- Nucleic Acid Research Department, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute, City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications, New Borg El-Arab City, 21934, Alexandria, Egypt.
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Gold NM, Okeke MN, He Y. Involvement of Inheritance in Determining Telomere Length beyond Environmental and Lifestyle Factors. Aging Dis 2023:AD.2023.1023. [PMID: 37962459 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2023.1023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
All linear chromosomal ends have specific DNA-protein complexes called telomeres. Telomeres serve as a "molecular clock" to estimate the potential length of cell replication. Shortening of telomere length (TL) is associated with cellular senescence, aging, and various age-related diseases in humans. Here we reviewed the structure, function, and regulation of telomeres and the age-related diseases associated with telomere attrition. Among the various determinants of TL, we highlight the connection between TL and heredity to provide a new overview of genetic determinants for TL. Studies across multiple species have shown that maternal and paternal TL influence the TL of their offspring, and this may affect life span and their susceptibility to age-related diseases. Hence, we reviewed the linkage between TL and parental influences and the proposed mechanisms involved. More in-depth studies on the genetic mechanism for TL attrition are needed due to the potential application of this knowledge in human medicine to prevent premature frailty at its earliest stage, as well as promote health and longevity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naheemat Modupeola Gold
- Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Research of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, Yunnan, China
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic, Evolution and Animal Models, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, Yunnan, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Michael Ngozi Okeke
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Center for Nanomedical Technology Research, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yonghan He
- Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Research of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, Yunnan, China
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic, Evolution and Animal Models, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, Yunnan, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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Zomer HD, Cooke PS. Targeting estrogen signaling and biosynthesis for aged skin repair. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1281071. [PMID: 38028803 PMCID: PMC10645088 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1281071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-healing skin wounds are disproportionally prevalent in older adults. Current treatments do not account for the particularities of aged skin and result in inadequate outcomes. Overall, healing chronic wounds in the elderly remains a major unmet clinical need. Estrogens play a critical role in reproduction but also have important actions in non-reproductive organs. Estrogen biosynthesis and signaling pathways are locally activated during physiological wound healing, processes that are inhibited in elderly estrogen-deprived skin. Estrogen deprivation has been shown to be a critical mediator of impaired wound healing in both postmenopausal women and aged men, and topical estrogen application reverses age-associated delayed wound healing in both elderly men and women. These data indicate that adequate estrogen biosynthesis and properly regulated estrogen signaling pathways are essential for normal wound healing and can be targeted to optimize tissue repair in the elderly. However, due to fundamental questions regarding how to safely restore estrogen signaling locally in skin wounds, there are currently no therapeutic strategies addressing estrogen deficiency in elderly chronic wounds. This review discusses established and recent literature in this area and proposes the hypothesis that estrogen plays a pleiotropic role in skin aging and that targeting estrogen signaling and biosynthesis could promote skin repair in older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena D. Zomer
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
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Toropov AL, Deryabin PI, Shatrova AN, Borodkina AV. Oncogene-Induced Senescence Is a Crucial Antitumor Defense Mechanism of Human Endometrial Stromal Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14089. [PMID: 37762392 PMCID: PMC10531323 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814089] [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: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Being the major cellular component of highly dynamic tissue, endometrial stromal cells (EnSCs) are exposed to cycles of proliferation upon hormonal stimulation, which might pose risks for the accumulation of mutations and malignization. However, endometrial stromal tumors are rare and uncommon. The present study uncovered defense mechanisms that might underlie the resistance of EnSCs against oncogenic transformation. All experiments were performed in vitro using the following methods: FACS, WB, RT-PCR, IF, molecular cloning, lentiviral transduction, and CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing. We revealed that the expression of the mutant HRASG12V leads to EnSC senescence. We experimentally confirmed the inability of HRASG12V-expressing EnSCs to bypass senescence and resume proliferation, even upon estrogen stimulation. At the molecular level, the induction of oncogene-induced senescence (OIS) was accompanied by activation of the MEK/ERK, PI3K/AKT, p53/p21WAF/CIP/Rb, and p38/p16INK4a/Rb pathways; however, inhibiting either pathway did not prevent cell cycle arrest. PTEN loss was established as an additional feature of HRASG12V-induced senescence in EnSCs. Using CRISPR-Cas9-mediated PTEN knockout, we identified PTEN loss-induced senescence as a reserve molecular mechanism to prevent the transformation of HRASG12V-expressing EnSCs. The present study highlights oncogene-induced senescence as an antitumor defense mechanism of EnSCs controlled by multiple backup molecular pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artem L. Toropov
- Mechanisms of Cellular Senescence Group, Institute of Cytology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Tikhoretsky Ave. 4, 194064 Saint-Petersburg, Russia
| | - Pavel I. Deryabin
- Mechanisms of Cellular Senescence Group, Institute of Cytology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Tikhoretsky Ave. 4, 194064 Saint-Petersburg, Russia
| | - Alla N. Shatrova
- Laboratory of Intracellular Membranes Dynamic, Institute of Cytology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Tikhoretsky Ave. 4, 194064 Saint-Petersburg, Russia
| | - Aleksandra V. Borodkina
- Mechanisms of Cellular Senescence Group, Institute of Cytology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Tikhoretsky Ave. 4, 194064 Saint-Petersburg, Russia
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Jiang H, Zhou S, Li G. Novel biomarkers used for early diagnosis and tyrosine kinase inhibitors as targeted therapies in colorectal cancer. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1189799. [PMID: 37719843 PMCID: PMC10502318 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1189799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common and second most lethal type of cancer worldwide, presenting major health risks as well as economic costs to both people and society. CRC survival chances are significantly higher if the cancer is diagnosed and treated early. With the development of molecular biology, numerous initiatives have been undertaken to identify novel biomarkers for the early diagnosis of CRC. Pathological disorders can be diagnosed at a lower cost with the help of biomarkers, which can be detected in stool, blood, and tissue samples. Several lines of evidence suggest that the gut microbiota could be used as a biomarker for CRC screening and treatment. CRC treatment choices include surgical resection, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, gene therapy, and combination therapies. Targeted therapies are a relatively new and promising modality of treatment that has been shown to increase patients' overall survival (OS) rates and can inhibit cancer cell development. Several small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are being investigated as potential treatments due to our increasing awareness of CRC's molecular causes and oncogenic signaling. These compounds may inhibit critical enzymes in controlling signaling pathways, which are crucial for CRC cells' development, differentiation, proliferation, and survival. On the other hand, only one of the approximately 42 TKIs that demonstrated anti-tumor effects in pre-clinical studies has been licensed for clinical usage in CRC. A significant knowledge gap exists when bringing these tailored medicines into the clinic. As a result, the emphasis of this review is placed on recently discovered biomarkers for early diagnosis as well as tyrosine kinase inhibitors as possible therapy options for CRC.
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Yang R, Han Y, Guan X, Hong Y, Meng J, Ding S, Long Q, Yi W. Regulation and clinical potential of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT/hTERT) in breast cancer. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:218. [PMID: 37612721 PMCID: PMC10463831 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01244-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT/hTERT) serves as the pivotal catalytic subunit of telomerase, a crucial enzyme responsible for telomere maintenance and human genome stability. The high activation of hTERT, observed in over 90% of tumors, plays a significant role in tumor initiation and progression. An in-depth exploration of hTERT activation mechanisms in cancer holds promise for advancing our understanding of the disease and developing more effective treatment strategies. In breast cancer, the expression of hTERT is regulated by epigenetic, transcriptional, post-translational modification mechanisms and DNA variation. Besides its canonical function in telomere maintenance, hTERT exerts non-canonical roles that contribute to disease progression through telomerase-independent mechanisms. This comprehensive review summarizes the regulatory mechanisms governing hTERT in breast cancer and elucidates the functional implications of its activation. Given the overexpression of hTERT in most breast cancer cells, the detection of hTERT and its associated molecules are potential for enhancing early screening and prognostic evaluation of breast cancer. Although still in its early stages, therapeutic approaches targeting hTERT and its regulatory molecules show promise as viable strategies for breast cancer treatment. These methods are also discussed in this paper. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruozhu Yang
- Department of General Surgery, the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Yi Han
- Department of General Surgery, the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Xinyu Guan
- Department of General Surgery, the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Yue Hong
- Department of General Surgery, the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Jiahao Meng
- Department of General Surgery, the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Shirong Ding
- Department of Oncology, the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, 410011, China.
| | - Qian Long
- Department of General Surgery, the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, 410011, China.
| | - Wenjun Yi
- Department of General Surgery, the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, 410011, China.
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Pérez-López FR, Ulloque-Badaracco JR, López-Baena MT, Yuan J, Alarcón-Braga EA, Benites-Zapata VA. Endometrial telomerase activity in women with either endometrial cancer or hyperplasia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Maturitas 2023; 174:57-66. [PMID: 37295252 DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2023.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
AIM We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess whether endometrial telomerase activity is associated with endometrial cancer or hyperplasia. METHODS PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Scielo, LILAC, and CNKI databases were searched to obtain relevant literature for articles published through June 2022, following PRISMA guidelines and a registered PROSPERO protocol. We included observational studies reporting endometrial telomerase activity in patients with either endometrial cancer or hyperplasia compared with benign endometrial tissue (control women). The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to evaluate the quality of studies. Data were expressed as the odds ratios (OR) and 95 % confidence intervals (CI). Random effects and inverse variance methods were used to meta-analyze associations. The I2 test was used to assess heterogeneity. RESULTS There were significant associations between endometrial telomerase activity and either endometrial cancer (20 studies, OR = 10.65, 95 % CI 6.39, 17.75, p = 0.00001, I2 = 21 %) or endometrial hyperplasia (nine studies, OR = 3.62, 95 % CI 1.61, 8.13, p = 0.002, I2 = 36 %) compared to women without endometrial cancer and hyperplasia. There was not a significant difference in telomerase activity in women with endometrial cancer compared to those with endometrial hyperplasia (seven studies, OR = 1.03; 95 % CI 0.31, 3.37, p = 0.96, I2 = 49 %). In subgroup analyses, there were no significant differences in telomerase activity in patients with endometrial cancer by type of observational studies and by countries of the studies. CONCLUSION Endometrial telomerase activity is higher in women with either endometrial cancer or endometrial hyperplasia compared to control women without those lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faustino R Pérez-López
- University of Zaragoza Faculty of Medicine, Domingo Miral s/n, Zaragoza 50009, Spain; Aragón Health Research Institute, San Juan Bosco 13, Zaragoza 50009, Spain.
| | | | | | - Junhua Yuan
- Special Medicine Department, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingado, China
| | - Esteban A Alarcón-Braga
- Escuela de Medicina, Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas, Lima, Peru; Sociedad Científica de Estudiantes de Medicina, Escuela de Medicina, Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas, Lima, Peru
| | - Vicente A Benites-Zapata
- Unidad de Investigación para la Generación y Síntesis de Evidencias en Salud, Vicerrectorado de Investigación, Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, Lima, Peru
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Bardelčíková A, Šoltys J, Mojžiš J. Oxidative Stress, Inflammation and Colorectal Cancer: An Overview. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12040901. [PMID: 37107276 PMCID: PMC10135609 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12040901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) represents the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The pathogenesis of CRC is a complex multistep process. Among other factors, inflammation and oxidative stress (OS) have been reported to be involved in the initiation and development of CRC. Although OS plays a vital part in the life of all organisms, its long-term effects on the human body may be involved in the development of different chronic diseases, including cancer diseases. Chronic OS can lead to the oxidation of biomolecules (nucleic acids, lipids and proteins) or the activation of inflammatory signaling pathways, resulting in the activation of several transcription factors or the dysregulation of gene and protein expression followed by tumor initiation or cancer cell survival. In addition, it is well known that chronic intestinal diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are associated with an increased risk of cancer, and a link between OS and IBD initiation and progression has been reported. This review focuses on the role of oxidative stress as a causative agent of inflammation in colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annamária Bardelčíková
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical Faculty of University of Pavol Jozef Šafárik in Košice, Tr. SNP 1, 040 11 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Jindřich Šoltys
- Institute of Parasitology, Slovak Academy of Science, Hlinkova 3, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Ján Mojžiš
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical Faculty of University of Pavol Jozef Šafárik in Košice, Tr. SNP 1, 040 11 Košice, Slovakia
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Enzymatic approaches against SARS-CoV-2 infection with an emphasis on the telomere-associated enzymes. Biotechnol Lett 2023; 45:333-345. [PMID: 36707451 PMCID: PMC9883136 DOI: 10.1007/s10529-023-03352-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The pandemic phase of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) appears to be over in most countries. However, the unexpected behaviour and unstable nature of coronaviruses, including temporary hiatuses, re-emergence, emergence of new variants, and changing outbreak epicentres during the COVID-19 pandemic, have been frequently reported. The mentioned trend shows the fact that in addition to vaccine development, different strategies should be considered to deal effectively with this disease, in long term. In this regard, the role of enzymes in regulating immune responses to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has recently attracted much attention. Moreover, several reports confirm the association of short telomeres with sever COVID-19 symptoms. This review highlights the role of several enzymes involved in telomere length (TL) regulation and explains their relevance to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Apparently, inhibition of telomere shortening (TS) through inhibition and/or activation of these enzymes could be a potential target in the treatment of COVID-19, which may also lead to a reduction in disease severity.
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