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Yegorov YE. Olovnikov, Telomeres, and Telomerase. Is It Possible to Prolong a Healthy Life? BIOCHEMISTRY. BIOKHIMIIA 2023; 88:1704-1718. [PMID: 38105192 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297923110032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
The science of telomeres and telomerase has made tremendous progress in recent decades. In this review, we consider it first in a historical context (the Carrel-Hayflick-Olovnikov-Blackburn chain of discoveries) and then review current knowledge on the telomere structure and dynamics in norm and pathology. Central to the review are consequences of the telomere shortening, including telomere position effects, DNA damage signaling, and increased genetic instability. Cell senescence and role of telomere length in its development are discussed separately. Therapeutic aspects and risks of telomere lengthening methods including use of telomerase and other approaches are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yegor E Yegorov
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119991, Russia.
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Gambelli A, Ferrando A, Boncristiani C, Schoeftner S. Regulation and function of R-loops at repetitive elements. Biochimie 2023; 214:141-155. [PMID: 37619810 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2023.08.013] [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: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
R-loops are atypical, three-stranded nucleic acid structures that contain a stretch of RNA:DNA hybrids and an unpaired, single stranded DNA loop. R-loops are physiological relevant and can act as regulators of gene expression, chromatin structure, DNA damage repair and DNA replication. However, unscheduled and persistent R-loops are mutagenic and can mediate replication-transcription conflicts, leading to DNA damage and genome instability if left unchecked. Detailed transcriptome analysis unveiled that 85% of the human genome, including repetitive regions, hold transcriptional activity. This anticipates that R-loops management plays a central role for the regulation and integrity of genomes. This function is expected to have a particular relevance for repetitive sequences that make up to 75% of the human genome. Here, we review the impact of R-loops on the function and stability of repetitive regions such as centromeres, telomeres, rDNA arrays, transposable elements and triplet repeat expansions and discuss their relevance for associated pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Gambelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, Università degli Studi di Trieste, Via E. Weiss 2, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Alessandro Ferrando
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, Università degli Studi di Trieste, Via E. Weiss 2, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Chiara Boncristiani
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, Università degli Studi di Trieste, Via E. Weiss 2, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Stefan Schoeftner
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, Università degli Studi di Trieste, Via E. Weiss 2, 34127, Trieste, Italy.
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Sutterlüty H, Bargl M, Holzmann K. Quantifying telomere transcripts as tool to improve risk assessment for genetic instability and genotoxicity. MUTATION RESEARCH. GENETIC TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MUTAGENESIS 2023; 891:503690. [PMID: 37770147 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrgentox.2023.503690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Telomere repeat-containing RNAs (TERRA) are transcribed from telomeres as long non-coding RNAs and are part of the telomere structure with protective function. The genetic stability of cells requires telomeric repeats at the ends of chromosomes. Maintenance of telomere length (TL) is essential for proliferative capacity and chromosomal integrity. In contrast, telomere shortening is a recognized risk factor for carcinogenesis and a biomarker of aging due to the cumulative effects of environmental exposures and life experiences such as trauma or stress. In this context, telomere repeats are lost due to cell proliferation, but are also susceptible to stress factors including reactive oxygen species (ROS) inducing oxidative base damage. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) of genomic DNA is an established method to analyze TL as a tool to detect genotoxic events. That same qPCR method can be applied to RNA converted into cDNA to quantify TERRA as a useful tool to perform high-throughput screenings. This short review summarizes relevant qPCR studies using both TL and TERRA quantification, provides an overall view of the molecular mechanisms of telomere protection against ROS by TERRA, and summarizes the presented studies comparing the results at DNA and RNA levels, which indicate that fluctuations at transcript level might reflect a short-term response. Therefore, we conclude that performing both of these measurements together will improve genotoxicity studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hedwig Sutterlüty
- Center for Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University Vienna, Borschkegasse 8a, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Maximilian Bargl
- Center for Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University Vienna, Borschkegasse 8a, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Klaus Holzmann
- Center for Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University Vienna, Borschkegasse 8a, A-1090 Vienna, Austria.
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Adeeb M, Therachiyil L, Moton S, Buddenkotte J, Alam MA, Uddin S, Steinhoff M, Ahmad A. Non-coding RNAs in the epigenetic landscape of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 380:149-171. [PMID: 37657857 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2023.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) is a type of cancer that affects skin, and is characterized by abnormal T-cells in the skin. Epigenetic changes have been found to play a significant role in the development and progression of CTCL. Recently, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), such as microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs, have been identified as key players in the regulation of gene expression in CTCL. These ncRNAs can alter the expression of genes involved in cell growth, differentiation, and apoptosis, leading to the development and progression of CTCL. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the role of ncRNAs in CTCL, including their involvement in DNA methylation, and other biological processes. We also discuss the types of ncRNAs, their role as oncogenic or tumor suppressive, and their putative use as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, based on the emerging evidence from laboratory-based as well as patients-based studies. Moreover, we also present the potential targets and pathways affected by ncRNAs. A better understanding of the complex epigenetic landscape of CTCL, including the role of ncRNAs, has the potential to lead to the development of novel targeted therapies for this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monaza Adeeb
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Lubna Therachiyil
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Safwan Moton
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
| | - Joerg Buddenkotte
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Rumailah Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Majid Ali Alam
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Rumailah Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Shahab Uddin
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Laboratory Animal Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Martin Steinhoff
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Rumailah Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Medical School, Doha, Qatar; Department of Dermatology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Aamir Ahmad
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Rumailah Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.
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Su Y, Li C, Fang Y, Gu X, Zheng Q, Lu J, Li L. The role of LncRNA LBX2-AS1 in cancers: functions, mechanisms and potential clinical utility. Clin Transl Oncol 2023; 25:293-305. [PMID: 36131071 PMCID: PMC9873731 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-022-02944-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Increasingly advanced biology technique has revealed that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) as critical factors that exert significant regulatory effects on biological functions by modulating gene transcription, epigenetic modifications and protein translation. A newly emerging lncRNA, ladybird homeobox 2 (LBX2)-antisense RNA 1 (LBX2-AS1), was found to be highly expressed in various tumors. Moreover, it is functionally linked to the regulation of essential tumor-related biological processes, such as cell proliferation and apoptosis, through interactions with multiple signaling molecules/pathways. The important roles played by LBX2-AS1 in cancer initiation and progression suggest that this lncRNA has enormous clinical potential for use as a novel biomarker or therapeutic target. In this article, we retrospectively review the latest advances in research exploring the roles of the lncRNA LBX2-AS1 in oncology field, highlighting its involvement in a comprehensive network of molecular mechanisms underlying diverse cancers and examining its potential applications in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanshuai Su
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 79 Qingchun Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chengzhi Li
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yu Fang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 79 Qingchun Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xinyu Gu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 79 Qingchun Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qiuxian Zheng
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 79 Qingchun Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, China
| | - Juan Lu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 79 Qingchun Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Lanjuan Li
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 79 Qingchun Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, China.
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Kroupa M, Tomasova K, Kavec M, Skrobanek P, Buchler T, Kumar R, Vodickova L, Vodicka P. TElomeric repeat-containing RNA (TERRA): Physiological functions and relevance in cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:913314. [PMID: 35982970 PMCID: PMC9380590 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.913314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomeres are complex protective structures located at the ends of linear eukaryotic chromosomes. Their purpose is to prevent genomic instability. Research progress in telomere biology during the past decades has identified a network of telomeric transcripts of which the best-studied is TElomeric Repeat-containing RNA (TERRA). TERRA was shown to be important not only for the preservation of telomere homeostasis and genomic stability but also for the expression of hundreds of genes across the human genome. These findings added a new level of complexity to telomere biology. Herein we provide insights on the telomere transcriptome, its relevance for proper telomere function, and its implications in human pathology. We also discuss possible clinical opportunities of exosomal telomere transcripts detection as a biomarker in cancer precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Kroupa
- Department of the Molecular Biology of Cancer, Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Center in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czechia
- *Correspondence: Michal Kroupa, ; Pavel Vodicka,
| | - Kristyna Tomasova
- Department of the Molecular Biology of Cancer, Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Center in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czechia
| | - Miriam Kavec
- Department of the Molecular Biology of Cancer, Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
- Department of Oncology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Thomayer University Hospital, Prague, Czechia
| | - Pavel Skrobanek
- Department of Oncology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Thomayer University Hospital, Prague, Czechia
| | - Tomas Buchler
- Department of Oncology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Thomayer University Hospital, Prague, Czechia
| | - Rajiv Kumar
- Department of the Molecular Biology of Cancer, Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
- Division of Molecular Genetic Epidemiology, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ludmila Vodickova
- Department of the Molecular Biology of Cancer, Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Center in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czechia
- Institute of Biology and Medical Genetics, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Pavel Vodicka
- Department of the Molecular Biology of Cancer, Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Center in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czechia
- Institute of Biology and Medical Genetics, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
- *Correspondence: Michal Kroupa, ; Pavel Vodicka,
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