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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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Trivedi DD, Dalai SK, Bakshi SR. The Mystery of Cancer Resistance: A Revelation Within Nature. J Mol Evol 2023; 91:133-155. [PMID: 36693985 DOI: 10.1007/s00239-023-10092-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Cancer, a disease due to uncontrolled cell proliferation is as ancient as multicellular organisms. A 255-million-years-old fossilized forerunner mammal gorgonopsian is probably the oldest evidence of cancer, to date. Cancer seems to have evolved by adapting to the microenvironment occupied by immune sentinel, modulating the cellular behavior from cytotoxic to regulatory, acquiring resistance to chemotherapy and surviving hypoxia. The interaction of genes with environmental carcinogens is central to cancer onset, seen as a spectrum of cancer susceptibility among human population. Cancer occurs in life forms other than human also, although their exposure to environmental carcinogens can be different. Role of genetic etiology in cancer in multiple species can be interesting with regard to not only cancer susceptibility, but also genetic conservation and adaptation in speciation. The widely used model organisms for cancer research are mouse and rat which are short-lived and reproduce rapidly. Research in these cancer prone animal models has been valuable as these have led to cancer therapy. However, another rewarding area of cancer research can be the cancer-resistant animal species. The Peto's paradox and G-value paradox are evident when natural cancer resistance is observed in large mammals, like elephant and whale, small rodents viz. Naked Mole Rat and Blind Mole Rat, and Bat. The cancer resistance remains to be explored in other small or large and long-living animals like giraffe, camel, rhinoceros, water buffalo, Indian bison, Shire horse, polar bear, manatee, elephant seal, walrus, hippopotamus, turtle and tortoise, sloth, and squirrel. Indeed, understanding the molecular mechanisms of avoiding neoplastic transformation across various life forms can be potentially having translational value for human cancer management. Adapted and Modified from (Hanahan and Weinberg 2011).
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Wong HS, Freeman DA, Zhang Y. Not just a cousin of the naked mole-rat: Damaraland mole-rats offer unique insights into biomedicine. Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2022; 262:110772. [PMID: 35710053 PMCID: PMC10155858 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2022.110772] [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: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Evolutionary medicine has been a fast-growing field of biological research in the past decade. One of the strengths of evolutionary medicine is to use non-traditional model organisms which often exhibit unusual characteristics shaped by natural selection. Studying these unusual traits could provide valuable insight to understand biomedical questions, since natural selection likely discovers solutions to those complex biological problems. Because of many unusual traits, the naked mole-rat (NMR) has attracted attention from different research areas such as aging, cancer, and hypoxia- and hypercapnia-related disorders. However, such uniqueness of NMR physiology may sometimes make the translational study to human research difficult. Damaraland mole-rat (DMR) shares multiple characteristics in common with NMR, but shows higher degree of similarity with human in some aspects of their physiology. Research on DMR could therefore offer alternative insights and might bridge the gap between experimental findings from NMR to human biomedical research. In this review, we discuss studies of DMR as an extension of the current set of model organisms to help better understand different aspects of human biology and disease. We hope to encourage researchers to consider studying DMR together with NMR. By studying these two similar but evolutionarily distinct species, we can harvest the power of convergent evolution and avoid the potential biased conclusions based on life-history of a single species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoi-Shan Wong
- Nine Square Therapeutics, South San Francisco, CA 94080, United States of America.
| | - David A Freeman
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38152, United States of America
| | - Yufeng Zhang
- College of Health Sciences, The University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38152, United States of America.
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Polyploidy as a Fundamental Phenomenon in Evolution, Development, Adaptation and Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073542. [PMID: 35408902 PMCID: PMC8998937 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA replication during cell proliferation is 'vertical' copying, which reproduces an initial amount of genetic information. Polyploidy, which results from whole-genome duplication, is a fundamental complement to vertical copying. Both organismal and cell polyploidy can emerge via premature cell cycle exit or via cell-cell fusion, the latter giving rise to polyploid hybrid organisms and epigenetic hybrids of somatic cells. Polyploidy-related increase in biological plasticity, adaptation, and stress resistance manifests in evolution, development, regeneration, aging, oncogenesis, and cardiovascular diseases. Despite the prevalence in nature and importance for medicine, agri- and aquaculture, biological processes and epigenetic mechanisms underlying these fundamental features largely remain unknown. The evolutionarily conserved features of polyploidy include activation of transcription, response to stress, DNA damage and hypoxia, and induction of programs of morphogenesis, unicellularity, and longevity, suggesting that these common features confer adaptive plasticity, viability, and stress resistance to polyploid cells and organisms. By increasing cell viability, polyploidization can provide survival under stressful conditions where diploid cells cannot survive. However, in somatic cells it occurs at the expense of specific function, thus promoting developmental programming of adult cardiovascular diseases and increasing the risk of cancer. Notably, genes arising via evolutionary polyploidization are heavily involved in cancer and other diseases. Ploidy-related changes of gene expression presumably originate from chromatin modifications and the derepression of bivalent genes. The provided evidence elucidates the role of polyploidy in evolution, development, aging, and carcinogenesis, and may contribute to the development of new strategies for promoting regeneration and preventing cardiovascular diseases and cancer.
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Zheng Z, Hua R, Xu G, Yang H, Shi P. Gene losses may contribute to subterranean adaptations in naked mole-rat and blind mole-rat. BMC Biol 2022; 20:44. [PMID: 35172813 PMCID: PMC8851862 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-022-01243-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Naked mole-rats (Heterocephalus glaber, NMRs) and blind mole-rats (Spalax galili, BMRs) are representative subterranean rodents that have evolved many extraordinary traits, including hypoxia tolerance, longevity, and cancer resistance. Although multiple candidate loci responsible for these traits have been uncovered by genomic studies, many of them are limited to functional changes to amino acid sequence and little is known about the contributions of other genetic events. To address this issue, we focused on gene losses (unitary pseudogenes) and systematically analyzed gene losses in NMRs and BMRs, aiming to elucidate the potential roles of pseudogenes in their adaptation to subterranean lifestyle. Results We obtained the pseudogene repertoires in NMRs and BMRs, as well as their respective aboveground relatives, guinea pigs and rats, on a genome-wide scale. As a result, 167, 139, 341, and 112 pseudogenes were identified in NMRs, BMRs, guinea pigs, and rats, respectively. Functional enrichment analysis identified 4 shared and 2 species-specific enriched functional groups (EFGs) in subterranean lineages. Notably, the pseudogenes in these EFGs might be associated with either regressive (e.g., visual system) or adaptive (e.g., altered DNA damage response) traits. In addition, several pseudogenes including TNNI3K and PDE5A might be associated with specific cardiac features observed in subterranean lineages. Interestingly, we observed 20 convergent gene losses in NMRs and BMRs. Given that the functional investigations of these genes are generally scarce, we provided functional evidence that independent loss of TRIM17 in NMRs and BMRs might be beneficial for neuronal survival under hypoxia, supporting the positive role of eliminating TRIM17 function in hypoxia adaptation. Our results also suggested that pseudogenes, together with positively selected genes, reinforced subterranean adaptations cooperatively. Conclusions Our study provides new insights into the molecular underpinnings of subterranean adaptations and highlights the importance of gene losses in mammalian evolution. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12915-022-01243-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhizhong Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 650223, Kunming, China.,Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650204, China
| | - Rong Hua
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 650223, Kunming, China.,Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650204, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Guoqiang Xu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China.,Joint Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases and Drug Development, Soochow University and Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650223, China
| | - Hui Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 650223, Kunming, China.
| | - Peng Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 650223, Kunming, China. .,Joint Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases and Drug Development, Soochow University and Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650223, China. .,Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and Genetics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650223, China. .,School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 101408, China.
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6
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Cooper TK, Meyerholz DK, Beck AP, Delaney MA, Piersigilli A, Southard TL, Brayton CF. Research-Relevant Conditions and Pathology of Laboratory Mice, Rats, Gerbils, Guinea Pigs, Hamsters, Naked Mole Rats, and Rabbits. ILAR J 2022; 62:77-132. [PMID: 34979559 DOI: 10.1093/ilar/ilab022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Animals are valuable resources in biomedical research in investigations of biological processes, disease pathogenesis, therapeutic interventions, safety, toxicity, and carcinogenicity. Interpretation of data from animals requires knowledge not only of the processes or diseases (pathophysiology) under study but also recognition of spontaneous conditions and background lesions (pathology) that can influence or confound the study results. Species, strain/stock, sex, age, anatomy, physiology, spontaneous diseases (noninfectious and infectious), and neoplasia impact experimental results and interpretation as well as animal welfare. This review and the references selected aim to provide a pathology resource for researchers, pathologists, and veterinary personnel who strive to achieve research rigor and validity and must understand the spectrum of "normal" and expected conditions to accurately identify research-relevant experimental phenotypes as well as unusual illness, pathology, or other conditions that can compromise studies involving laboratory mice, rats, gerbils, guinea pigs, hamsters, naked mole rats, and rabbits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy K Cooper
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Penn State Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - David K Meyerholz
- Department of Pathology, University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Amanda P Beck
- Department of Pathology, Yeshiva University Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Martha A Delaney
- Zoological Pathology Program, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign College of Veterinary Medicine, Urbana-Champaign, Illinois, USA
| | - Alessandra Piersigilli
- Laboratory of Comparative Pathology and the Genetically Modified Animal Phenotyping Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Teresa L Southard
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Cory F Brayton
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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7
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Boughey H, Jurga M, El-Khamisy SF. DNA Homeostasis and Senescence: Lessons from the Naked Mole Rat. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22116011. [PMID: 34199458 PMCID: PMC8199619 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22116011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
As we age, our bodies accrue damage in the form of DNA mutations. These mutations lead to the generation of sub-optimal proteins, resulting in inadequate cellular homeostasis and senescence. The build-up of senescent cells negatively affects the local cellular micro-environment and drives ageing associated disease, including neurodegeneration. Therefore, limiting the accumulation of DNA damage is essential for healthy neuronal populations. The naked mole rats (NMR) are from eastern Africa and can live for over three decades in chronically hypoxic environments. Despite their long lifespan, NMRs show little to no biological decline, neurodegeneration, or senescence. Here, we discuss molecular pathways and adaptations that NMRs employ to maintain genome integrity and combat the physiological and pathological decline in organismal function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harvey Boughey
- The Healthy Lifespan Institute and the Institute of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK;
| | - Mateusz Jurga
- The Institute of Cancer Therapeutics, University of Bradford, Bradford BD7 1DP, UK;
| | - Sherif F. El-Khamisy
- The Healthy Lifespan Institute and the Institute of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK;
- The Institute of Cancer Therapeutics, University of Bradford, Bradford BD7 1DP, UK;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +44-(0)-114-2222-791; Fax: +44-(0)-114-222-2850
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8
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Gaun A, Lewis Hardell KN, Olsson N, O'Brien JJ, Gollapudi S, Smith M, McAlister G, Huguet R, Keyser R, Buffenstein R, McAllister FE. Automated 16-Plex Plasma Proteomics with Real-Time Search and Ion Mobility Mass Spectrometry Enables Large-Scale Profiling in Naked Mole-Rats and Mice. J Proteome Res 2021; 20:1280-1295. [PMID: 33499602 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.0c00681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Performing large-scale plasma proteome profiling is challenging due to limitations imposed by lengthy preparation and instrument time. We present a fully automated multiplexed proteome profiling platform (AutoMP3) using the Hamilton Vantage liquid handling robot capable of preparing hundreds to thousands of samples. To maximize protein depth in single-shot runs, we combined 16-plex Tandem Mass Tags (TMTpro) with high-field asymmetric waveform ion mobility spectrometry (FAIMS Pro) and real-time search (RTS). We quantified over 40 proteins/min/sample, doubling the previously published rates. We applied AutoMP3 to investigate the naked mole-rat plasma proteome both as a function of the circadian cycle and in response to ultraviolet (UV) treatment. In keeping with the lack of synchronized circadian rhythms in naked mole-rats, we find few circadian patterns in plasma proteins over the course of 48 h. Furthermore, we quantify many disparate changes between mice and naked mole-rats at both 48 h and one week after UV exposure. These species differences in plasma protein temporal responses could contribute to the pronounced cancer resistance observed in naked mole-rats. The mass spectrometry proteomics data have been deposited to the ProteomeXchange Consortium via the PRIDE [1] partner repository with the dataset identifier PXD022891.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandr Gaun
- Calico Life Sciences LLC, South San Francisco, California 94080-7095, United States
| | - Kaitlyn N Lewis Hardell
- Calico Life Sciences LLC, South San Francisco, California 94080-7095, United States.,Cancer Prevention Fellowship Program, Division of Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-7315, United States
| | - Niclas Olsson
- Calico Life Sciences LLC, South San Francisco, California 94080-7095, United States
| | - Jonathon J O'Brien
- Calico Life Sciences LLC, South San Francisco, California 94080-7095, United States
| | - Sudha Gollapudi
- Calico Life Sciences LLC, South San Francisco, California 94080-7095, United States
| | - Megan Smith
- Calico Life Sciences LLC, South San Francisco, California 94080-7095, United States
| | - Graeme McAlister
- Thermo Fisher Scientific, San Jose, California 95134, United States
| | - Romain Huguet
- Thermo Fisher Scientific, San Jose, California 95134, United States
| | - Robert Keyser
- Calico Life Sciences LLC, South San Francisco, California 94080-7095, United States
| | - Rochelle Buffenstein
- Calico Life Sciences LLC, South San Francisco, California 94080-7095, United States
| | - Fiona E McAllister
- Calico Life Sciences LLC, South San Francisco, California 94080-7095, United States
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Proshkina EN, Solovev IA, Shaposhnikov MV, Moskalev AA. Key Molecular Mechanisms of Aging, Biomarkers, and Potential Interventions. Mol Biol 2021. [DOI: 10.1134/s0026893320060096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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10
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Duarte CM, Jaremko Ł, Jaremko M. Hypothesis: Potentially Systemic Impacts of Elevated CO 2 on the Human Proteome and Health. Front Public Health 2020; 8:543322. [PMID: 33304871 PMCID: PMC7701242 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2020.543322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Uniform CO2 during human evolution (180 to 280 ppm) resulted, because of the role of the CO2-bicarbonate buffer in regulating pH, in rather constant pH (7.35 to 7.45) in human fluids, cells and tissues, determining, in turn, the narrow pH range for optimal functioning of the human proteome. Herein, we hypothesize that chronic exposure to elevated pCO2 with increasing atmospheric CO2 (>400 ppm), and extended time spent in confined, crowded indoor atmospheres (pCO2 up to 5,000 ppm) with urban lifestyles, may be an important, largely overlooked driver of change in human proteome performance. The reduced pH (downregulated from 0.1 to 0.4 units below the optimum pH) of extant humans chronically exposed to elevated CO2 is likely to lead to proteome malfunction. This malfunction is due to protein misfolding, aggregation, charge distribution, and altered interaction with other molecules (e.g., nucleic acids, metals, proteins, and drugs). Such alterations would have systemic effects that help explain the prevalence of syndromes (obesity, diabetes, respiratory diseases, osteoporosis, cancer, and neurological disorders) characteristic of the modern lifestyle. Chronic exposure to elevated CO2 poses risks to human health that are too serious to be ignored and require testing with fit-for-purpose equipment and protocols along with indoor carbon capture technologies to bring CO2 levels down to approach levels (180–280 ppm) under which the human proteome evolved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos M Duarte
- Red Sea Research Centre and Computational Bioscience Research Center, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Łukasz Jaremko
- Bioscience and Environmental Science and Technology Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mariusz Jaremko
- Bioscience and Environmental Science and Technology Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
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11
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Kisipan ML, Ojoo RO, Kanui TI, Abelson KSP. Imiquimod does not elicit inflammatory responses in the skin of the naked mole rat (Heterocephalus glaber). BMC Res Notes 2020; 13:416. [PMID: 32891181 PMCID: PMC7487461 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-020-05260-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Naked mole rat (Heterocephalus glaber) has recently attracted interest in biomedical research due to its exceptional longevity, cancer resistance and tolerance to potentially harmful conditions or stimuli. Given its unique attributes, this study was designed to characterize inflammatory skin reactions of this animal to topical application of imiquimod, a toll-like receptor 7 and 8 agonist that triggers psoriasis-like skin reaction. Results Imiquimod did not cause the expected psoriasis-like skin changes. There was no epidermal thickening and a straight epidermo-dermal boundary was maintained. There was no parakeratosis and the granular layer of epidermis was well formed. In the dermis, there was no leukocyte infiltration. This points to an exceptional nature of inflammatory/immune responses of this animal, but the mechanism could not be explained by our results. Naked mole rat could be a valuable negative model for studying psoriasis and other inflammatory skin conditions but as a prerequisite, there is need for further investigations to establish the mechanisms behind its lack of response to imiquimod.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mosiany Letura Kisipan
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy & Physiology, Egerton University, Egerton, P.O. Box 536, Nakuru, 20115, Kenya. .,Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Rodi Omondi Ojoo
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy & Physiology, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 30197, Nairobi, 00100, Kenya
| | - Titus I Kanui
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, South Eastern Kenya University, P.O. Box 170, Kitui, 90200, Kenya
| | - Klas S P Abelson
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
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12
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Proshkina E, Shaposhnikov M, Moskalev A. Genome-Protecting Compounds as Potential Geroprotectors. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E4484. [PMID: 32599754 PMCID: PMC7350017 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21124484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2020] [Revised: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Throughout life, organisms are exposed to various exogenous and endogenous factors that cause DNA damages and somatic mutations provoking genomic instability. At a young age, compensatory mechanisms of genome protection are activated to prevent phenotypic and functional changes. However, the increasing stress and age-related deterioration in the functioning of these mechanisms result in damage accumulation, overcoming the functional threshold. This leads to aging and the development of age-related diseases. There are several ways to counteract these changes: 1) prevention of DNA damage through stimulation of antioxidant and detoxification systems, as well as transition metal chelation; 2) regulation of DNA methylation, chromatin structure, non-coding RNA activity and prevention of nuclear architecture alterations; 3) improving DNA damage response and repair; 4) selective removal of damaged non-functional and senescent cells. In the article, we have reviewed data about the effects of various trace elements, vitamins, polyphenols, terpenes, and other phytochemicals, as well as a number of synthetic pharmacological substances in these ways. Most of the compounds demonstrate the geroprotective potential and increase the lifespan in model organisms. However, their genome-protecting effects are non-selective and often are conditioned by hormesis. Consequently, the development of selective drugs targeting genome protection is an advanced direction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina Proshkina
- Laboratory of Geroprotective and Radioprotective Technologies, Institute of Biology, Komi Science Centre, Ural Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, 28 Kommunisticheskaya st., 167982 Syktyvkar, Russia; (E.P.); (M.S.)
| | - Mikhail Shaposhnikov
- Laboratory of Geroprotective and Radioprotective Technologies, Institute of Biology, Komi Science Centre, Ural Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, 28 Kommunisticheskaya st., 167982 Syktyvkar, Russia; (E.P.); (M.S.)
| | - Alexey Moskalev
- Laboratory of Geroprotective and Radioprotective Technologies, Institute of Biology, Komi Science Centre, Ural Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, 28 Kommunisticheskaya st., 167982 Syktyvkar, Russia; (E.P.); (M.S.)
- Pitirim Sorokin Syktyvkar State University, 55 Oktyabrsky prosp., 167001 Syktyvkar, Russia
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
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13
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Lee BP, Smith M, Buffenstein R, Harries LW. Negligible senescence in naked mole rats may be a consequence of well-maintained splicing regulation. GeroScience 2020; 42:633-651. [PMID: 31927681 PMCID: PMC7205774 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-019-00150-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 12/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Naked mole-rats (NMRs) have amongst the longest lifespans relative to body size of any known, non-volant mammalian species. They also display an enhanced stress resistance phenotype, negligible senescence and very rarely are they burdened with chronic age-related diseases. Alternative splicing (AS) dysregulation is emerging as a potential driver of senescence and ageing. We hypothesised that the expression of splicing factors, important regulators of patterns of AS, may differ in NMRs when compared to other species with relatively shorter lifespans. We designed assays specific to NMR splicing regulatory factors and also to a panel of pre-selected brain-expressed genes known to demonstrate senescence-related alterations in AS in other species, and measured age-related changes in the transcript expression levels of these using embryonic and neonatal developmental stages through to extreme old age in NMR brain samples. We also compared splicing factor expression in both young mouse and NMR spleen and brain samples. Both NMR tissues showed approximately double the expression levels observed in tissues from similarly sized mice. Furthermore, contrary to observations in other species, following a brief period of labile expression in early life stages, adult NMR splicing factors and patterns of AS for functionally relevant brain genes remained remarkably stable for at least two decades. These findings are consistent with a model whereby the conservation of splicing regulation and stable patterns of AS may contribute to better molecular stress responses and the avoidance of senescence in NMRs, contributing to their exceptional lifespan and prolonged healthspan.
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Affiliation(s)
- B P Lee
- Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Exeter Medical School, Barrack Road, Exeter, EX2 5DW, UK
| | - M Smith
- Calico Life Sciences LLC, 1170 Veterans Blvd., South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - R Buffenstein
- Calico Life Sciences LLC, 1170 Veterans Blvd., South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA.
| | - L W Harries
- Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Exeter Medical School, Barrack Road, Exeter, EX2 5DW, UK.
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Al-Attar R, Childers CL, Nguyen VC, Pamenter ME, Storey KB. Differential protein phosphorylation is responsible for hypoxia-induced regulation of the Akt/mTOR pathway in naked mole rats. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2020; 242:110653. [PMID: 31926299 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2020.110653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Revised: 12/25/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Naked mole rats (NMRs, Heterocephalus glaber) are among the most hypoxia-tolerant mammals known. They can reduce their metabolic rate (>85%) under severe hypoxia, remain moderately active and recover with no obvious signs of damage. Hence, NMRs are an excellent model for studying mammalian hypoxia tolerance. The current study characterized the involvement of posttranslational modifications in regulating the Akt/mTOR pathway that regulates protein synthesis, and the responses of key ribosomal proteins in order to assess tissue-specific responses to 4 h exposure to 7% O2 (compared to controls at 21% O2). Results showed a tissue-specific regulation of the Akt/mTOR pathway via differential phosphorylation. Relative amounts of p-TSC(S939) in brain and of p-TSC(S939), p-Akt(473) and p-PTEN(S380) in liver increased under hypoxia, whereas levels of IGF1R(Y1135/1136) in liver decreased. In skeletal muscle, levels of p-Akt(S473) and p-PTEN(S380) decreased during hypoxia, whereas lungs showed an increase in p-mTOR(S2884) content but a decrease in p-RPS6(S235-236) under the same conditions. Analysis of the phosphorylation states of ribosomal proteins revealed increases in p-4E-BP1(T37/46) content in brain and lungs under hypoxia, as well as a rise in total 4E-BP1 protein level in liver. Phosphorylated eIF-4B(S422) content also increased in liver while levels of p-eIF-2α(S51), and eIF-4E(S209) decreased during hypoxia in liver. Overall, hypoxia altered the Akt/mTOR pathway, which correlated with a general decrease in activity of the ribosomal protein biosynthesis machinery in muscle, lung, and brain of NMRs. However, the increase in eIF-4B in liver suggests the potential promotion of cap-independent mRNA translation mechanism operating under hypoxic stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasha Al-Attar
- Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | | - Vu C Nguyen
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Matthew E Pamenter
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada; uOttawa Brain and Mind Research Institute, Canada
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Evdokimov A, Petruseva I, Popov A, Koval O, Lavrik O. Naked mole rat cells display more efficient DNA excision repair and higher resistance to toxic impacts than mouse cells. BIO WEB OF CONFERENCES 2020. [DOI: 10.1051/bioconf/20202201017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Naked mole rat is the long-lived and tumor-resistant rodent. Naked mole rat possesses multiple adaptations that may contribute to longevity and cancer-resistance. Higher activity of DNA excision repair systems and their faster recovery after genotoxic impact as compare with Mus musculus directly demonstrated in our previous investigation contribute to longevity and cancer resistance of naked mole rat. In the present study the DNA-damage-induced apoptosis in naked mole rat fibroblasts was studied using conventional methods. The ability of naked mole rat cells to undergo regulated cell death in response to genotoxic stress is another group of cell defense mechanisms. Naked mole rat skin fibroblasts were demonstrated to be much more resistant towards proapoptotic reagents methyl methanesulfonate, 5-fluorouracil and etoposide as compared with fibroblasts of Mus musculus. Naked mole rat cells have demonstrated limited apoptotic response and seem to undergo also other-type regulated cell death under severe genotoxic stress.
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Cole JE, Steeil JC, Sarro SJ, Kerns KL, Cartoceti A. Chordoma of the sacrum of an adult naked mole-rat. J Vet Diagn Invest 2019; 32:132-135. [PMID: 31838959 DOI: 10.1177/1040638719894985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The naked mole-rat (NMR; Heterocephalus glaber)-a small, eusocial, subterranean rodent native to East Africa-is distinguished by its capability to live long and resist changes associated with the aging process. Notably, a growing amount of research has been dedicated to NMRs' multifactorial capacity to resist cancer. Since 2016, however, zoos have begun to document various neoplasms in a handful of individuals. We present herein radiographic, gross anatomic, and histopathologic features of a case of a sacral chordoma in a geriatric female. Chordomas originate in notochordal remnants. These spinal tumors are most commonly seen in ferrets; chordomas are rare in humans, can be difficult to treat, and need wide surgical margins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan E Cole
- Wildlife Health Sciences (Cole, Steeil, Cartoceti), Smithsonian Conservation and Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, Washington, DC, USA.,Animal Care Sciences (Kerns, Sarro), Smithsonian Conservation and Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, Washington, DC
| | - James C Steeil
- Wildlife Health Sciences (Cole, Steeil, Cartoceti), Smithsonian Conservation and Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, Washington, DC, USA.,Animal Care Sciences (Kerns, Sarro), Smithsonian Conservation and Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, Washington, DC
| | - Steven J Sarro
- Wildlife Health Sciences (Cole, Steeil, Cartoceti), Smithsonian Conservation and Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, Washington, DC, USA.,Animal Care Sciences (Kerns, Sarro), Smithsonian Conservation and Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, Washington, DC
| | - Kenton L Kerns
- Wildlife Health Sciences (Cole, Steeil, Cartoceti), Smithsonian Conservation and Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, Washington, DC, USA.,Animal Care Sciences (Kerns, Sarro), Smithsonian Conservation and Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, Washington, DC
| | - Andrew Cartoceti
- Wildlife Health Sciences (Cole, Steeil, Cartoceti), Smithsonian Conservation and Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, Washington, DC, USA.,Animal Care Sciences (Kerns, Sarro), Smithsonian Conservation and Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, Washington, DC
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