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Wlaschek M, Singh K, Maity P, Scharffetter-Kochanek K. The skin of the naked mole-rat and its resilience against aging and cancer. Mech Ageing Dev 2023; 216:111887. [PMID: 37993056 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2023.111887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
The naked mole-rat (NMR) Heterocephalus glaber (from the Greek/latin words ἕτερος, heteros = divergent, κεφαλή, kephalē = head and glabra = hairless) was first described by Rüppell (Fig. 1) and belongs to the Hystricognath (from the Greek words ὕστριξ, hystrix = porcupine and γνάθος, gnathos = jaw) as a suborder of rodents. NMR are characterized by the highest longevity among rodents and reveal a profound cancer resistance. Details of its skin-specific protective and resistance mechanisms against aging and carcinogenesis have so far not been adequately characterized. Recently, our knowledge of NMR skin biology was complemented and expanded by published data using state-of-the art histological and molecular techniques. Here we review and integrate novel published data regarding skin morphology and histology of the aging NMR and the underlying mechanisms at the cellular and molecular level. We relate this data to the longevity of the NMR and its resistance to neoplastic transformation and discuss further open questions to understand its extraordinary longevity. In addition, we will address the exposome, defined as "the total of all non-genetic, endogenous and exogenous environmental influences" on the skin, respiratory tract, stomach, and intestine. Finally, we will discuss in perspective further intriguing possibilities arising from the interaction of skin with other organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meinhard Wlaschek
- Department of Dermatology and Allergic Diseases, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany.
| | - Karmveer Singh
- Department of Dermatology and Allergic Diseases, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany.
| | - Pallab Maity
- Department of Dermatology and Allergic Diseases, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany.
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Li X, Li C, Zhang W, Wang Y, Qian P, Huang H. Inflammation and aging: signaling pathways and intervention therapies. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:239. [PMID: 37291105 PMCID: PMC10248351 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01502-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 146.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Aging is characterized by systemic chronic inflammation, which is accompanied by cellular senescence, immunosenescence, organ dysfunction, and age-related diseases. Given the multidimensional complexity of aging, there is an urgent need for a systematic organization of inflammaging through dimensionality reduction. Factors secreted by senescent cells, known as the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), promote chronic inflammation and can induce senescence in normal cells. At the same time, chronic inflammation accelerates the senescence of immune cells, resulting in weakened immune function and an inability to clear senescent cells and inflammatory factors, which creates a vicious cycle of inflammation and senescence. Persistently elevated inflammation levels in organs such as the bone marrow, liver, and lungs cannot be eliminated in time, leading to organ damage and aging-related diseases. Therefore, inflammation has been recognized as an endogenous factor in aging, and the elimination of inflammation could be a potential strategy for anti-aging. Here we discuss inflammaging at the molecular, cellular, organ, and disease levels, and review current aging models, the implications of cutting-edge single cell technologies, as well as anti-aging strategies. Since preventing and alleviating aging-related diseases and improving the overall quality of life are the ultimate goals of aging research, our review highlights the critical features and potential mechanisms of inflammation and aging, along with the latest developments and future directions in aging research, providing a theoretical foundation for novel and practical anti-aging strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Li
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, 1369 West Wenyi Road, Hangzhou, 311121, China
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University & Zhejiang Engineering Laboratory for Stem Cell and Immunotherapy, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- Zhejiang Province Engineering Laboratory for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Chentao Li
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, 1369 West Wenyi Road, Hangzhou, 311121, China
- Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Haining, China
| | - Wanying Zhang
- Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Haining, China
| | - Yanan Wang
- Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Haining, China
| | - Pengxu Qian
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, 1369 West Wenyi Road, Hangzhou, 311121, China.
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University & Zhejiang Engineering Laboratory for Stem Cell and Immunotherapy, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
- Zhejiang Province Engineering Laboratory for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
| | - He Huang
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China.
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, 1369 West Wenyi Road, Hangzhou, 311121, China.
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University & Zhejiang Engineering Laboratory for Stem Cell and Immunotherapy, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
- Zhejiang Province Engineering Laboratory for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
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Pinto B, Valente R, Caramelo F, Ruivo R, Castro LFC. Decay of Skin-Specific Gene Modules in Pangolins. J Mol Evol 2023:10.1007/s00239-023-10118-z. [PMID: 37249590 DOI: 10.1007/s00239-023-10118-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The mammalian skin exhibits a rich spectrum of evolutionary adaptations. The pilosebaceous unit, composed of the hair shaft, follicle, and the sebaceous gland, is the most striking synapomorphy. The evolutionary diversification of mammals across different ecological niches was paralleled by the appearance of an ample variety of skin modifications. Pangolins, order Pholidota, exhibit keratin-derived scales, one of the most iconic skin appendages. This formidable armor is intended to serve as a deterrent against predators. Surprisingly, while pangolins have hair on their abdomens, the occurrence of sebaceous and sweat glands is contentious. Here, we explore various molecular modules of skin physiology in four pangolin genomes, including that of sebum production. We show that genes driving wax monoester formation, Awat1/2, show patterns of inactivation in the stem pangolin branch, while the triacylglycerol synthesis gene Dgat2l6 seems independently eroded in the African and Asian clades. In contrast, Elovl3 implicated in the formation of specific neutral lipids required for skin barrier function is intact and expressed in the pangolin skin. An extended comparative analysis shows that genes involved in skin pathogen defense and structural integrity of keratinocyte layers also show inactivating mutations: associated with both ancestral and independent pseudogenization events. Finally, we deduce that the suggested absence of sweat glands is not paralleled by the inactivation of the ATP-binding cassette transporter Abcc11, as previously described in Cetacea. Our findings reveal the sophisticated and complex history of gene retention and loss as key mechanisms in the evolution of the highly modified mammalian skin phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernardo Pinto
- CIMAR/CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Avenida General Norton de Matos, S/N, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto (U. Porto), Rua Do Campo Alegre S/N, 4169-007, Porto, Portugal
| | - Raul Valente
- CIMAR/CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Avenida General Norton de Matos, S/N, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto (U. Porto), Rua Do Campo Alegre S/N, 4169-007, Porto, Portugal
| | - Filipe Caramelo
- CIMAR/CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Avenida General Norton de Matos, S/N, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto (U. Porto), Rua Do Campo Alegre S/N, 4169-007, Porto, Portugal
| | - Raquel Ruivo
- CIMAR/CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Avenida General Norton de Matos, S/N, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal.
| | - L Filipe C Castro
- CIMAR/CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Avenida General Norton de Matos, S/N, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal.
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto (U. Porto), Rua Do Campo Alegre S/N, 4169-007, Porto, Portugal.
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Fatima I, Chen G, Botchkareva NV, Sharov AA, Thornton D, Wilkinson HN, Hardman MJ, Grutzkau A, Pedro de Magalhaes J, Seluanov A, Smith ESJ, Gorbunova V, Mardaryev AN, Faulkes CG, Botchkarev VA. Skin Aging in Long-Lived Naked Mole-Rats Is Accompanied by Increased Expression of Longevity-Associated and Tumor Suppressor Genes. J Invest Dermatol 2022; 142:2853-2863.e4. [PMID: 35691364 PMCID: PMC9613526 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2022.04.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
Naked mole-rats (NMRs) (Heterocephalus glaber) are long-lived mammals that possess a natural resistance to cancer and other age-related pathologies, maintaining a healthy life span >30 years. In this study, using immunohistochemical and RNA-sequencing analyses, we compare skin morphology, cellular composition, and global transcriptome signatures between young and aged (aged 3‒4 vs. 19‒23 years, respectively) NMRs. We show that similar to aging in human skin, aging in NMRs is accompanied by a decrease in epidermal thickness; keratinocyte proliferation; and a decline in the number of Merkel cells, T cells, antigen-presenting cells, and melanocytes. Similar to that in human skin aging, expression levels of dermal collagens are decreased, whereas matrix metalloproteinase 9 and matrix metalloproteinase 11 levels increased in aged versus in young NMR skin. RNA-sequencing analyses reveal that in contrast to human or mouse skin aging, the transcript levels of several longevity-associated (Igfbp3, Igf2bp3, Ing2) and tumor-suppressor (Btg2, Cdkn1a, Cdkn2c, Dnmt3a, Hic1, Socs3, Sfrp1, Sfrp5, Thbs1, Tsc1, Zfp36) genes are increased in aged NMR skin. Overall, these data suggest that specific features in the NMR skin aging transcriptome might contribute to the resistance of NMRs to spontaneous skin carcinogenesis and provide a platform for further investigations of NMRs as a model organism for studying the biology and disease resistance of human skin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iqra Fatima
- Centre for Skin Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Bradford, Bradford, United Kingdom
| | - Guodong Chen
- Department of Dermatology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Natalia V Botchkareva
- Department of Dermatology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Andrey A Sharov
- Department of Dermatology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Daniel Thornton
- Genomics of Aging and Rejuvenation Laboratory, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, Univeristy of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Holly N Wilkinson
- Centre for Atherothrombosis and Metabolic Disease, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew J Hardman
- Centre for Atherothrombosis and Metabolic Disease, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, United Kingdom
| | - Andreas Grutzkau
- Deutsches Rheuma-Forschungszentrum Berlin, Institute of the Leibniz Association, Berlin, Germany
| | - Joao Pedro de Magalhaes
- Genomics of Aging and Rejuvenation Laboratory, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, Univeristy of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Andrei Seluanov
- Department of Biology, School of Arts & Sciences, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA; Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Ewan St J Smith
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Vera Gorbunova
- Department of Biology, School of Arts & Sciences, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA; Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Andrei N Mardaryev
- Centre for Skin Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Bradford, Bradford, United Kingdom
| | - Chris G Faulkes
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Vladimir A Botchkarev
- Department of Dermatology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
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