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Lue NF, Autexier C. Orchestrating nucleic acid-protein interactions at chromosome ends: telomerase mechanisms come into focus. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2023; 30:878-890. [PMID: 37400652 PMCID: PMC10539978 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-023-01022-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
Telomerase is a special reverse transcriptase ribonucleoprotein dedicated to the synthesis of telomere repeats that protect chromosome ends. Among reverse transcriptases, telomerase is unique in using a stably associated RNA with an embedded template to synthesize a specified sequence. Moreover, it is capable of iteratively copying the same template region (repeat addition processivity) through multiple rounds of RNA-DNA unpairing and reannealing, that is, the translocation reaction. Biochemical analyses of telomerase over the past 3 decades in protozoa, fungi and mammals have identified structural elements that underpin telomerase mechanisms and have led to models that account for the special attributes of telomerase. Notably, these findings and models can now be interpreted and adjudicated through recent cryo-EM structures of Tetrahymena and human telomerase holoenzyme complexes in association with substrates and regulatory proteins. Collectively, these structures reveal the intricate protein-nucleic acid interactions that potentiate telomerase's unique translocation reaction and clarify how this enzyme reconfigures the basic reverse transcriptase scaffold to craft a polymerase dedicated to the synthesis of telomere DNA. Among the many new insights is the resolution of the telomerase 'anchor site' proposed more than 3 decades ago. The structures also highlight the nearly universal conservation of a protein-protein interface between an oligonucleotide/oligosaccharide-binding (OB)-fold regulatory protein and the telomerase catalytic subunit, which enables spatial and temporal regulation of telomerase function in vivo. In this Review, we discuss key features of the structures in combination with relevant functional analyses. We also examine conserved and divergent aspects of telomerase mechanisms as gleaned from studies in different model organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neal F Lue
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Chantal Autexier
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital and Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology and Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
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2
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Shepelev N, Dontsova O, Rubtsova M. Post-Transcriptional and Post-Translational Modifications in Telomerase Biogenesis and Recruitment to Telomeres. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24. [PMID: 36902458 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24055027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomere length is associated with the proliferative potential of cells. Telomerase is an enzyme that elongates telomeres throughout the entire lifespan of an organism in stem cells, germ cells, and cells of constantly renewed tissues. It is activated during cellular division, including regeneration and immune responses. The biogenesis of telomerase components and their assembly and functional localization to the telomere is a complex system regulated at multiple levels, where each step must be tuned to the cellular requirements. Any defect in the function or localization of the components of the telomerase biogenesis and functional system will affect the maintenance of telomere length, which is critical to the processes of regeneration, immune response, embryonic development, and cancer progression. An understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of telomerase biogenesis and activity is necessary for the development of approaches toward manipulating telomerase to influence these processes. The present review focuses on the molecular mechanisms involved in the major steps of telomerase regulation and the role of post-transcriptional and post-translational modifications in telomerase biogenesis and function in yeast and vertebrates.
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3
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Jezek M, Sun W, Negesse MY, Smith ZM, Orosz A, Green EM. Set1 regulates telomere function via H3K4 methylation-dependent and -independent pathways and calibrates the abundance of telomere maintenance factors. Mol Biol Cell 2023; 34:ar6. [PMID: 36416860 PMCID: PMC9816643 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e22-06-0213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Set1 is an H3K4 methyltransferase that comprises the catalytic subunit of the COMPASS complex and has been implicated in transcription, DNA repair, cell cycle control, and numerous other genomic functions. Set1 also promotes proper telomere maintenance, as cells lacking Set1 have short telomeres and disrupted subtelomeric gene repression; however, the precise role for Set1 in these processes has not been fully defined. In this study, we have tested mutants of Set1 and the COMPASS complex that differentially alter H3K4 methylation status, and we have attempted to separate catalytic and noncatalytic functions of Set1. Our data reveal that Set1-dependent subtelomeric gene repression relies on its catalytic activity toward H3K4, whereas telomere length is regulated by Set1 catalytic activity but likely independent of the H3K4 substrate. Furthermore, we uncover a role for Set1 in calibrating the abundance of critical telomere maintenance proteins, including components of the telomerase holoenzyme and members of the telomere capping CST (Cdc13-Stn1-Ten1) complex, through both transcriptional and posttranscriptional pathways. Altogether, our data provide new insights into the H3K4 methylation-dependent and -independent roles for Set1 in telomere maintenance in yeast and shed light on possible roles for Set1-related methyltransferases in other systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meagan Jezek
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD 21250
| | - Winny Sun
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD 21250
| | - Maraki Y. Negesse
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD 21250
| | - Zachary M. Smith
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD 21250
| | - Alexander Orosz
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD 21250
| | - Erin M. Green
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD 21250
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201
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4
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Bartle L, Vasianovich Y, Wellinger RJ. Maturation and shuttling of the yeast telomerase RNP: assembling something new using recycled parts. Curr Genet 2021. [PMID: 34476547 DOI: 10.1007/s00294-021-01210-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
As the limiting component of the budding yeast telomerase, the Tlc1 RNA must undergo multiple consecutive modifications and rigorous quality checks throughout its lifecycle. These steps will ensure that only correctly processed and matured molecules are assembled into telomerase complexes that subsequently act at telomeres. The complex pathway of Tlc1 RNA maturation, involving 5'- and 3'-end processing, stabilisation and assembly with the protein subunits, requires at least one nucleo-cytoplasmic passage. Furthermore, it appears that the pathway is tightly coordinated with the association of various and changing proteins, including the export factor Xpo1, the Mex67/Mtr2 complex, the Kap122 importin, the Sm7 ring and possibly the CBC and TREX-1 complexes. Although many of these maturation processes also affect other RNA species, the Tlc1 RNA exploits them in a new combination and, therefore, ultimately follows its own and unique pathway. In this review, we highlight recent new insights in maturation and subcellular shuttling of the budding yeast telomerase RNA and discuss how these events may be fine-tuned by the biochemical characteristics of the varying processing and transport factors as well as the final telomerase components. Finally, we indicate outstanding questions that we feel are important to be addressed for a complete understanding of the telomerase RNA lifecycle and that could have implications for the human telomerase as well.
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Sandhu R, Sharma M, Wei D, Xu L. The structurally conserved TELR region on shelterin protein TPP1 is essential for telomerase processivity but not recruitment. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e2024889118. [PMID: 34282008 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2024889118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The shelterin protein TPP1 is involved in both recruiting telomerase and stimulating telomerase processivity in human cells. Assessing the in vivo significance of the latter role of TPP1 has been difficult, because TPP1 mutations that perturb telomerase function tend to abolish both telomerase recruitment and processivity. The Saccharomyces cerevisiae telomerase-associated Est3 protein adopts a protein fold similar to the N-terminal region of TPP1. Interestingly, a previous structure-guided mutagenesis study of Est3 revealed a TELR surface region that regulates telomerase function via an unknown mechanism without affecting the interaction between Est3 and telomerase [T. Rao et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 111, 214-218 (2014)]. Here, we show that mutations within the structurally conserved TELR region on human TPP1 impaired telomerase processivity while leaving telomerase recruitment unperturbed, hence uncoupling the two roles of TPP1 in regulating telomerase. Telomeres in cell lines containing homozygous TELR mutations progressively shortened to a critical length that caused cellular senescence, despite the presence of abundant telomerase in these cells. Our findings not only demonstrate that telomerase processivity can be regulated by TPP1 in a process separable from its role in recruiting telomerase, but also establish that the in vivo stimulation of telomerase processivity by TPP1 is critical for telomere length homeostasis and long-term viability of human cells.
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Abstract
RNA molecules are increasingly being identified as facilitating or impeding the interaction of proteins and nucleic acids, serving as so-called scaffolds or decoys. Long non-coding RNAs have been commonly implicated in such roles, particularly in the regulation of nuclear processes including chromosome topology, regulation of chromatin state and gene transcription, and assembly of nuclear biomolecular condensates such as paraspeckles. Recently, an increased awareness of cytoplasmic RNA scaffolds and decoys has begun to emerge, including the identification of non-coding regions of mRNAs that can also function in a scaffold-like manner to regulate interactions of nascently translated proteins. Collectively, cytoplasmic RNA scaffolds and decoys are now implicated in processes such as mRNA translation, decay, protein localization, protein degradation and assembly of cytoplasmic biomolecular condensates such as P-bodies. Here, we review examples of RNA scaffolds and decoys in both the nucleus and cytoplasm, illustrating common themes, the suitability of RNA to such roles, and future challenges in identifying and better understanding RNA scaffolding and decoy functions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - J. Ross Buchan
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
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7
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Shepelev NM, Mariasina SS, Mantsyzov AB, Malyavko AN, Efimov SV, Petrova OA, Rodina EV, Zvereva MI, Dontsova OA, Polshakov VI. Insights into the structure and function of Est3 from the Hansenula polymorpha telomerase. Sci Rep 2020; 10:11109. [PMID: 32632130 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-68107-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomerase is a ribonucleoprotein enzyme, which maintains genome integrity in eukaryotes and ensures continuous cellular proliferation. Telomerase holoenzyme from the thermotolerant yeast Hansenula polymorpha, in addition to the catalytic subunit (TERT) and telomerase RNA (TER), contains accessory proteins Est1 and Est3, which are essential for in vivo telomerase function. Here we report the high-resolution structure of Est3 from Hansenula polymorpha (HpEst3) in solution, as well as the characterization of its functional relationships with other components of telomerase. The overall structure of HpEst3 is similar to that of Est3 from Saccharomyces cerevisiae and human TPP1. We have shown that telomerase activity in H. polymorpha relies on both Est3 and Est1 proteins in a functionally symmetrical manner. The absence of either Est3 or Est1 prevents formation of a stable ribonucleoprotein complex, weakens binding of a second protein to TER, and decreases the amount of cellular TERT, presumably due to the destabilization of telomerase RNP. NMR probing has shown no direct in vitro interactions of free Est3 either with the N-terminal domain of TERT or with DNA or RNA fragments mimicking the probable telomerase environment. Our findings corroborate the idea that telomerase possesses the evolutionarily variable functionality within the conservative structural context.
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Lemon LD, Morris DK, Bertuch AA. Loss of Ku's DNA end binding activity affects telomere length via destabilizing telomere-bound Est1 rather than altering TLC1 homeostasis. Sci Rep 2019; 9:10607. [PMID: 31337791 PMCID: PMC6650470 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-46840-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2018] [Accepted: 07/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Saccharomyces cerevisiae telomerase, which maintains telomere length, is comprised of an RNA component, TLC1, the reverse transcriptase, Est2, and regulatory subunits, including Est1. The Yku70/Yku80 (Ku) heterodimer, a DNA end binding (DEB) protein, also contributes to telomere length maintenance. Ku binds TLC1 and telomere ends in a mutually exclusive fashion, and is required to maintain levels and nuclear localization of TLC1. Ku also interacts with Sir4, which localizes to telomeres. Here we sought to determine the role of Ku's DEB activity in telomere length maintenance by utilizing yku70-R456E mutant strains, in which Ku has reduced DEB and telomere association but proficiency in TLC1 and Sir4 binding, and TLC1 nuclear retention. Telomere lengths in a yku70-R456E strain were nearly as short as those in yku∆ strains and shorter than in strains lacking either Sir4, Ku:Sir4 interaction, or Ku:TLC1 interaction. TLC1 levels were decreased in the yku70-R456E mutant, yet overexpression of TLC1 failed to restore telomere length. Reduced DEB activity did not impact Est1's ability to associate with telomerase but did result in decreased association of Est1 with the telomere. These findings suggest Ku's DEB activity maintains telomere length homeostasis by preserving Est1's interaction at the telomere rather than altering TLC1 levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laramie D Lemon
- Graduate Program in Integrative Molecular and Biomedical Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Danna K Morris
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Alison A Bertuch
- Graduate Program in Integrative Molecular and Biomedical Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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9
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Armstrong CA, Moiseeva V, Collopy LC, Pearson SR, Ullah TR, Xi ST, Martin J, Subramaniam S, Marelli S, Amelina H, Tomita K. Fission yeast Ccq1 is a modulator of telomerase activity. Nucleic Acids Res 2019; 46:704-716. [PMID: 29216371 PMCID: PMC5778466 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkx1223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2017] [Accepted: 11/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Shelterin, the telomeric protein complex, plays a crucial role in telomere homeostasis. In fission yeast, telomerase is recruited to chromosome ends by the shelterin component Tpz1 and its binding partner Ccq1, where telomerase binds to the 3' overhang to add telomeric repeats. Recruitment is initiated by the interaction of Ccq1 with the telomerase subunit Est1. However, how telomerase is released following elongation remains to be established. Here, we show that Ccq1 also has a role in the suppression of telomere elongation, when coupled with the Clr4 histone H3 methyl-transferase complex and the Clr3 histone deacetylase and nucleosome remodelling complex, SHREC. We have dissected the functions of Ccq1 by establishing a Ccq1-Est1 fusion system, which bypasses the telomerase recruitment step. We demonstrate that Ccq1 forms two distinct complexes for positive and negative telomerase regulation, with Est1 and Clr3 respectively. The negative form of Ccq1 promotes dissociation of Ccq1-telomerase from Tpz1, thereby restricting local telomerase activity. The Clr4 complex also has a negative regulation activity with Ccq1, independently of SHREC. Thus, we propose a model in which Ccq1-Est1 recruits telomerase to mediate telomere extension, whilst elongated telomeric DNA recruits Ccq1 with the chromatin-remodelling complexes, which in turn releases telomerase from the telomere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine A Armstrong
- Chromosome Maintenance Group, UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London WC1E 6DD, UK
| | - Vera Moiseeva
- Chromosome Maintenance Group, UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London WC1E 6DD, UK
| | - Laura C Collopy
- Chromosome Maintenance Group, UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London WC1E 6DD, UK
| | - Siân R Pearson
- Chromosome Maintenance Group, UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London WC1E 6DD, UK
| | - Tomalika R Ullah
- Chromosome Maintenance Group, UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London WC1E 6DD, UK.,MSc Human Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Shidong T Xi
- Chromosome Maintenance Group, UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London WC1E 6DD, UK.,Faculty of Life Sciences, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Jennifer Martin
- Chromosome Maintenance Group, UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London WC1E 6DD, UK.,MSc Human Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Shaan Subramaniam
- Chromosome Maintenance Group, UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London WC1E 6DD, UK.,Faculty of Life Sciences, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Sara Marelli
- Chromosome Maintenance Group, UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London WC1E 6DD, UK
| | - Hanna Amelina
- Chromosome Maintenance Group, UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London WC1E 6DD, UK
| | - Kazunori Tomita
- Chromosome Maintenance Group, UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London WC1E 6DD, UK
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Shastry S, Steinberg-Neifach O, Lue N, Stone MD. Direct observation of nucleic acid binding dynamics by the telomerase essential N-terminal domain. Nucleic Acids Res 2018; 46:3088-3102. [PMID: 29474579 PMCID: PMC5887506 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gky117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2017] [Revised: 01/31/2018] [Accepted: 02/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomerase is a specialized enzyme that maintains telomere length by adding DNA repeats to chromosome ends. The catalytic protein subunit of telomerase utilizes the integral telomerase RNA to direct telomere DNA synthesis. The telomerase essential N-terminal (TEN) domain is required for enzyme function; however, the precise mechanism of the TEN domain during catalysis is not known. We report a single-molecule study of dynamic TEN-induced conformational changes in its nucleic acid substrates. The TEN domain from the yeast Candida parapsilosis (Cp) exhibits a strong binding preference for double-stranded nucleic acids, with particularly high affinity for an RNA-DNA hybrid mimicking the template-product complex. Surprisingly, the telomere DNA repeat sequence from C. parapsilosis forms a DNA hairpin that also binds CpTEN with high affinity. Mutations to several residues in a putative nucleic acid-binding patch of CpTEN significantly reduced its affinity to the RNA-DNA hybrid and telomere DNA hairpin. Substitution of comparable residues in the related Candida albicans TEN domain caused telomere maintenance defects in vivo and decreased primer extension activity in vitro. Collectively, our results support a working model in which dynamic interactions with telomere DNA and the template-product hybrid underlie the functional requirement for the TEN domain during the telomerase catalytic cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shankar Shastry
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| | - Olga Steinberg-Neifach
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Neal Lue
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Michael D Stone
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
- Center for Molecular Biology of RNA, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
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11
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Mariasina SS, Efimov SV, Petrova OA, Rodina EV, Malyavko AN, Zvereva MI, Klochkov VV, Dontsova OA, Polshakov VI. Chemical shift assignments and the secondary structure of the Est3 telomerase subunit in the yeast Hansenula polymorpha. Biomol NMR Assign 2018; 12:57-62. [PMID: 28916982 DOI: 10.1007/s12104-017-9780-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2017] [Accepted: 09/13/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Telomerase is a multisubunit ribonucleoprotein enzyme that is essential for continuous cellular proliferation. A key role of telomerase in cancer and ageing makes it a promising target for the development of cancer therapies and treatments of other age-associated diseases, since telomerase allows unlimited proliferation potential of cells in the majority of cancer types. However, the structure and molecular mechanism of telomerase action are still poorly understood. In budding yeast, telomerase consists of the catalytic subunit, the telomerase reverse transcriptase or Est2 protein, telomerase RNA (TLC1) and two regulatory subunits, Est1 and Est3. Each of the four subunits is essential for in vivo telomerase function. Est3 interacts directly with Est1 and Est2, and stimulates Est2 catalytic activity. However, the exact role of the Est3 protein in telomerase function is still unknown. Determination of the structure, dynamic and functional properties of Est3 can bring new insights into the molecular mechanism of telomerase activity. Here we report nearly complete 1H, 13C and 15N resonance assignments of Est3 from the yeast Hansenula polymorpha. Analysis of the assigned chemical shifts allowed us to identify the protein's secondary structure and backbone dynamic properties. Structure-based sequence alignment revealed similarities in the structural organization of yeast Est3 and mammalian TPP1 proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia S Mariasina
- Center for Magnetic Tomography and Spectroscopy, Faculty of Fundamental Medicine, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia, 119991
- Department of Chemistry, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia, 119991
| | - Sergey V Efimov
- NMR Laboratory, Institute of Physics, Kazan Federal University, 18 Kremlevskaya, Kazan, Russia, 420008
| | - Olga A Petrova
- A.N. Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia, 119991
| | - Elena V Rodina
- Department of Chemistry, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia, 119991
| | - Alexander N Malyavko
- Department of Chemistry, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia, 119991
- Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Maria I Zvereva
- Department of Chemistry, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia, 119991
| | - Vladimir V Klochkov
- NMR Laboratory, Institute of Physics, Kazan Federal University, 18 Kremlevskaya, Kazan, Russia, 420008
| | - Olga A Dontsova
- Department of Chemistry, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia, 119991
- A.N. Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia, 119991
- Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Vladimir I Polshakov
- Center for Magnetic Tomography and Spectroscopy, Faculty of Fundamental Medicine, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia, 119991.
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Lubin JW, Tucey TM, Lundblad V. Using Separation-of-Function Mutagenesis To Define the Full Spectrum of Activities Performed by the Est1 Telomerase Subunit in Vivo. Genetics 2018; 208:97-110. [PMID: 29187507 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.117.300145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2017] [Accepted: 11/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
A leading objective in biology is to identify the complete set of activities performed by each gene. Identification of a comprehensive set of separation... A leading objective in biology is to identify the complete set of activities that each gene performs in vivo. In this study, we have asked whether a genetic approach can provide an efficient means of achieving this goal, through the identification and analysis of a comprehensive set of separation-of-function (sof−) mutations in a gene. Toward this goal, we have subjected the Saccharomyces cerevisiae EST1 gene, which encodes a regulatory subunit of telomerase, to intensive mutagenesis (with an average coverage of one mutation for every 4.5 residues), using strategies that eliminated those mutations that disrupted protein folding/stability. The resulting set of sof− mutations defined four biochemically distinct activities for the Est1 telomerase protein: two temporally separable steps in telomerase holoenzyme assembly, a telomerase recruitment activity, and a fourth newly discovered regulatory function. Although biochemically distinct, impairment of each of these four different activities nevertheless conferred a common phenotype (critically short telomeres) comparable to that of an est1-∆ null strain. This highlights the limitations of gene deletions, even for nonessential genes; we suggest that employing a representative set of sof− mutations for each gene in future high- and low-throughput investigations will provide deeper insights into how proteins interact inside the cell.
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Abstract
Telomerase is the essential reverse transcriptase required for linear chromosome maintenance in most eukaryotes. Telomerase supplements the tandem array of simple-sequence repeats at chromosome ends to compensate for the DNA erosion inherent in genome replication. The template for telomerase reverse transcriptase is within the RNA subunit of the ribonucleoprotein complex, which in cells contains additional telomerase holoenzyme proteins that assemble the active ribonucleoprotein and promote its function at telomeres. Telomerase is distinct among polymerases in its reiterative reuse of an internal template. The template is precisely defined, processively copied, and regenerated by release of single-stranded product DNA. New specificities of nucleic acid handling that underlie the catalytic cycle of repeat synthesis derive from both active site specialization and new motif elaborations in protein and RNA subunits. Studies of telomerase provide unique insights into cellular requirements for genome stability, tissue renewal, and tumorigenesis as well as new perspectives on dynamic ribonucleoprotein machines.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Alex Wu
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720-3202; , , ,
| | - Heather E Upton
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720-3202; , , ,
| | - Jacob M Vogan
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720-3202; , , ,
| | - Kathleen Collins
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720-3202; , , ,
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14
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Abstract
Telomerase reverse transcriptase elongates telomeres to overcome their natural attrition and allow unlimited cellular proliferation, a characteristic shared by stem cells and the majority of malignant cancerous cells. The telomerase holoenzyme comprises a core RNA molecule, a catalytic protein subunit, and other accessory proteins. Malfunction of certain telomerase components can cause serious genetic disorders including dyskeratosis congenita and aplastic anaemia. A hierarchy of tightly regulated steps constitutes the process of telomerase biogenesis, which, if interrupted or misregulated, can impede the production of a functional enzyme and severely affect telomere maintenance. Here, we take a closer look at the budding yeast telomerase RNA component, TLC1, in its long lifetime journey around the cell. We review the extensive knowledge on TLC1 transcription and processing. We focus on exciting recent studies on telomerase assembly, trafficking, and nuclear dynamics, which for the first time unveil striking similarities between the yeast and human telomerase ribonucleoproteins. Finally, we identify questions yet to be answered and new directions to be followed, which, in the future, might improve our knowledge of telomerase biology and trigger the development of new therapies against cancer and other telomerase-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulia Vasianovich
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Applied Cancer Research Pavillion, 3201 rue Jean-Mignault, Sherbrooke, Quebec, J1E 4K8, Canada.
| | - Raymund J Wellinger
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Applied Cancer Research Pavillion, 3201 rue Jean-Mignault, Sherbrooke, Quebec, J1E 4K8, Canada.
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15
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Chen YF, Lu CY, Lin YC, Yu TY, Chang CP, Li JR, Li HW, Lin JJ. Modulation of yeast telomerase activity by Cdc13 and Est1 in vitro. Sci Rep 2016; 6:34104. [PMID: 27659693 PMCID: PMC5034320 DOI: 10.1038/srep34104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2016] [Accepted: 09/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomerase is the enzyme involved in extending telomeric DNA. Control of telomerase activity by modulating its access to chromosome ends is one of the most important fundamental mechanisms. This study established an in vitro yeast telomerase reconstitution system that resembles telomere replication in vivo. In this system, a tailed-duplex DNA formed by telomeric DNA was employed to mimic the structure of telomeres. The core catalytic components of telomerase Est2/Tlc1 RNA were used as the telomeric DNA extension machinery. Using the reconstituted systems, this study found that binding of Cdc13 to telomeric DNA inhibited the access of telomerase to its substrate. The result was further confirmed by a single-molecule approach using the tethered-particle motion (TPM)-based telomerase assay. The findings also showed that the inhibitory effect can be relieved by telomerase-associated protein Est1, consistent with the role of Cdc13 and Est1 in regulating telomere extension in vivo. Significantly, this study found that the DNA binding property of Cdc13 was altered by Est1, providing the first mechanistic evidence of Est1 regulating the access of telomerase to its substrate. Thus, the roles of Cdc13 and Est1 in modulating telomerase activity were clearly defined using the in vitro reconstituted system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Fan Chen
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 112, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Ying Lu
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei 100, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chien Lin
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 112, Taiwan
| | - Tai-Yuan Yu
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 112, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Ping Chang
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei 100, Taiwan
| | - Jing-Ru Li
- Department of Chemistry, National Taiwan University, Taipei 100, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Wen Li
- Department of Chemistry, National Taiwan University, Taipei 100, Taiwan
| | - Jing-Jer Lin
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 112, Taiwan.,Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei 100, Taiwan
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16
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Laprade H, Lalonde M, Guérit D, Chartrand P. Live-cell imaging of budding yeast telomerase RNA and TERRA. Methods 2016; 114:46-53. [PMID: 27474163 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2016.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2016] [Revised: 07/11/2016] [Accepted: 07/23/2016] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
In most eukaryotes, the ribonucleoprotein complex telomerase is responsible for maintaining telomere length. In recent years, single-cell microscopy techniques such as fluorescent in situ hybridization and live-cell imaging have been developed to image the RNA subunit of the telomerase holoenzyme. These techniques are now becoming important tools for the study of telomerase biogenesis, its association with telomeres and its regulation. Here, we present detailed protocols for live-cell imaging of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae telomerase RNA subunit, called TLC1, and also of the non-coding telomeric repeat-containing RNA TERRA. We describe the approach used for genomic integration of MS2 stem-loops in these transcripts, and provide information for optimal live-cell imaging of these non-coding RNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadrien Laprade
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Qc H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Maxime Lalonde
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Qc H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - David Guérit
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Qc H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Pascal Chartrand
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Qc H3C 3J7, Canada.
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17
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Atkins JF, Loughran G, Bhatt PR, Firth AE, Baranov PV. Ribosomal frameshifting and transcriptional slippage: From genetic steganography and cryptography to adventitious use. Nucleic Acids Res 2016; 44:7007-78. [PMID: 27436286 PMCID: PMC5009743 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkw530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 161] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2016] [Accepted: 05/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic decoding is not ‘frozen’ as was earlier thought, but dynamic. One facet of this is frameshifting that often results in synthesis of a C-terminal region encoded by a new frame. Ribosomal frameshifting is utilized for the synthesis of additional products, for regulatory purposes and for translational ‘correction’ of problem or ‘savior’ indels. Utilization for synthesis of additional products occurs prominently in the decoding of mobile chromosomal element and viral genomes. One class of regulatory frameshifting of stable chromosomal genes governs cellular polyamine levels from yeasts to humans. In many cases of productively utilized frameshifting, the proportion of ribosomes that frameshift at a shift-prone site is enhanced by specific nascent peptide or mRNA context features. Such mRNA signals, which can be 5′ or 3′ of the shift site or both, can act by pairing with ribosomal RNA or as stem loops or pseudoknots even with one component being 4 kb 3′ from the shift site. Transcriptional realignment at slippage-prone sequences also generates productively utilized products encoded trans-frame with respect to the genomic sequence. This too can be enhanced by nucleic acid structure. Together with dynamic codon redefinition, frameshifting is one of the forms of recoding that enriches gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- John F Atkins
- School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland School of Microbiology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Gary Loughran
- School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Pramod R Bhatt
- School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Andrew E Firth
- Division of Virology, Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Pavel V Baranov
- School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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18
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Hu X, Liu J, Jun HI, Kim JK, Qiao F. Multi-step coordination of telomerase recruitment in fission yeast through two coupled telomere-telomerase interfaces. eLife 2016; 5. [PMID: 27253066 PMCID: PMC4936895 DOI: 10.7554/elife.15470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2016] [Accepted: 06/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Tightly controlled recruitment of telomerase, a low-abundance enzyme, to telomeres is essential for regulated telomere synthesis. Recent studies in human cells revealed that a patch of amino acids in the shelterin component TPP1, called the TEL-patch, is essential for recruiting telomerase to telomeres. However, how TEL-patch—telomerase interaction integrates into the overall orchestration of telomerase regulation at telomeres is unclear. In fission yeast, Tel1ATM/Rad3ATR-mediated phosphorylation of shelterin component Ccq1 during late S phase is involved in telomerase recruitment through promoting the binding of Ccq1 to a telomerase accessory protein Est1. Here, we identify the TEL-patch in Tpz1TPP1, mutations of which lead to decreased telomeric association of telomerase, similar to the phosphorylation-defective Ccq1. Furthermore, we find that telomerase action at telomeres requires formation and resolution of an intermediate state, in which the cell cycle-dependent Ccq1-Est1 interaction is coupled to the TEL-patch—Trt1 interaction, to achieve temporally regulated telomerase elongation of telomeres. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.15470.001 The genetic blueprints for animals, plants and fungi are mostly contained within long strands of DNA and packaged into more compact thread-like structures called chromosomes. As such, most cells need to duplicate their chromosomes before they divide so that the two new cells each get a complete set of genetic instructions. The machinery that copies DNA is unable to make it to the very ends of the chromosomes. Instead, an enzyme called telomerase adds new DNA to the chromosome ends to prevent them becoming too short. Problems with this process can cause serious issues, such as cell death or cancer, and so the activity of telomerase is carefully controlled. Other proteins guide telomerase to the ends of the chromosome only after the rest of the DNA has been copied. However, scientists do not know exactly how cells correctly time the arrival of telomerase. A group of proteins called shelterin protects the chromosome ends, and studies with human cells have shown that telomerase attaches to a specific patch on one of shelterin proteins, called the TEL-patch, to begin its work. Now, Hu, Liu et al. have identified a similar TEL-patch in a shelterin protein from a type of yeast called fission yeast; this patch is also needed to attach telomerase to the chromosome ends. Further experiments with this yeast then showed that telomerase only arrives at the ends of the chromosomes after two parallel interaction interfaces have formed. Importantly, one of these interactions only takes place after most of the chromosomes are have been copied. As such, this “two-pronged interaction” mechanism ensures that the telomerase enzyme arrives at the end of the chromosomes at the right time. Other similarities between human and fission yeast chromosome ends make it plausible that a comparable process controls the timing of telomerase attachment in human cells. However, more studies will be needed to confirm if this is the case. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.15470.002
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Affiliation(s)
- Xichan Hu
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, United States
| | - Jinqiang Liu
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, United States
| | - Hyun-Ik Jun
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, United States
| | - Jin-Kwang Kim
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, United States
| | - Feng Qiao
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, United States
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19
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Lemieux B, Laterreur N, Perederina A, Noël JF, Dubois ML, Krasilnikov AS, Wellinger RJ. Active Yeast Telomerase Shares Subunits with Ribonucleoproteins RNase P and RNase MRP. Cell 2016; 165:1171-1181. [PMID: 27156450 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2016.04.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2016] [Revised: 02/20/2016] [Accepted: 04/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Telomerase is the ribonucleoprotein enzyme that replenishes telomeric DNA and maintains genome integrity. Minimally, telomerase activity requires a templating RNA and a catalytic protein. Additional proteins are required for activity on telomeres in vivo. Here, we report that the Pop1, Pop6, and Pop7 proteins, known components of RNase P and RNase MRP, bind to yeast telomerase RNA and are essential constituents of the telomerase holoenzyme. Pop1/Pop6/Pop7 binding is specific and involves an RNA domain highly similar to a protein-binding domain in the RNAs of RNase P/MRP. The results also show that Pop1/Pop6/Pop7 function to maintain the essential components Est1 and Est2 on the RNA in vivo. Consistently, addition of Pop1 allows for telomerase activity reconstitution with wild-type telomerase RNA in vitro. Thus, the same chaperoning module has allowed the evolution of functionally and, remarkably, structurally distinct RNPs, telomerase, and RNases P/MRP from unrelated progenitor RNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Lemieux
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Center of Excellence in RNA Biology, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1E 4K8, Canada
| | - Nancy Laterreur
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Center of Excellence in RNA Biology, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1E 4K8, Canada
| | - Anna Perederina
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center for RNA Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Jean-François Noël
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Center of Excellence in RNA Biology, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1E 4K8, Canada
| | - Marie-Line Dubois
- Department of Anatomy and Cellular Biology,Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1E 4K8, Canada
| | - Andrey S Krasilnikov
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center for RNA Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Raymund J Wellinger
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Center of Excellence in RNA Biology, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1E 4K8, Canada.
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20
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Lustig AJ. Hypothesis: Paralog Formation from Progenitor Proteins and Paralog Mutagenesis Spur the Rapid Evolution of Telomere Binding Proteins. Front Genet 2016; 7:10. [PMID: 26904098 PMCID: PMC4748036 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2016.00010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2015] [Accepted: 01/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Through elegant studies in fungal cells and complex organisms, we propose a unifying paradigm for the rapid evolution of telomere binding proteins (TBPs) that associate with either (or both) telomeric DNA and telomeric proteins. TBPs protect and regulate telomere structure and function. Four critical factors are involved. First, TBPs that commonly bind to telomeric DNA include the c-Myb binding proteins, OB-fold single-stranded binding proteins, and G-G base paired Hoogsteen structure (G4) binding proteins. Each contributes independently or, in some cases, cooperatively, to provide a minimum level of telomere function. As a result of these minimal requirements and the great abundance of homologs of these motifs in the proteome, DNA telomere-binding activity may be generated more easily than expected. Second, telomere dysfunction gives rise to genome instability, through the elevation of recombination rates, genome ploidy, and the frequency of gene mutations. The formation of paralogs that diverge from their progenitor proteins ultimately can form a high frequency of altered TBPs with altered functions. Third, TBPs that assemble into complexes (e.g., mammalian shelterin) derive benefits from the novel emergent functions. Fourth, a limiting factor in the evolution of TBP complexes is the formation of mutually compatible interaction surfaces amongst the TBPs. These factors may have different degrees of importance in the evolution of different phyla, illustrated by the apparently simpler telomeres in complex plants. Selective pressures that can utilize the mechanisms of paralog formation and mutagenesis to drive TBP evolution along routes dependent on the requisite physiologic changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur J Lustig
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane University, New Orleans LA, USA
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21
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Abstract
Cells’ survival is determined by their ability to adapt to constantly changing environment. Adaptation responses involve global changes in transcription, translation, and posttranslational modifications of proteins. In recent years, karyotype changes in adapting populations of single cell organisms have been reported in a number of studies. More recently, we have described aneuploidy as an adaptation mechanism used by populations of budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae to survive telomerase insufficiency induced by elevated growth temperature. Genetic evidence suggests that telomerase insufficiency is caused by decreased levels of the telomerase catalytic subunit Est2. Here, we present experiments arguing that the underlying cause of this phenomenon may be within the telomerase RNA TLC1: changes in the expression of TLC1 as well as mutations in the TLC1 template region affect telomere length equilibrium and the temperature threshold for the induction of telomerase insufficiency. We discuss what lies at the root of telomerase insufficiency, how cell populations overcome it through aneuploidy and whether reversible aneuploidy could be an adaptation mechanism for a variety of environmental stresses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Millet
- School of Biological Sciences, Institute of Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Roger Land Building Room 1.07, Alexander Crum Brown Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3FF, UK
| | - Svetlana Makovets
- School of Biological Sciences, Institute of Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Roger Land Building Room 1.07, Alexander Crum Brown Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3FF, UK.
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22
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Millet C, Ausiannikava D, Le Bihan T, Granneman S, Makovets S. Cell populations can use aneuploidy to survive telomerase insufficiency. Nat Commun 2015; 6:8664. [PMID: 26489519 PMCID: PMC4627575 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms9664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2015] [Accepted: 09/17/2015] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomerase maintains ends of eukaryotic chromosomes, telomeres. Telomerase loss results in replicative senescence and a switch to recombination-dependent telomere maintenance. Telomerase insufficiency in humans leads to telomere syndromes associated with premature ageing and cancer predisposition. Here we use yeast to show that the survival of telomerase insufficiency differs from the survival of telomerase loss and occurs through aneuploidy. In yeast grown at elevated temperatures, telomerase activity becomes limiting: haploid cell populations senesce and generate aneuploid survivors--near diploids monosomic for chromosome VIII. This aneuploidy results in increased levels of the telomerase components TLC1, Est1 and Est3, and is accompanied by decreased abundance of ribosomal proteins. We propose that aneuploidy suppresses telomerase insufficiency through redistribution of cellular resources away from ribosome synthesis towards production of telomerase components and other non-ribosomal proteins. The aneuploidy-induced re-balance of the proteome via modulation of ribosome biogenesis may be a general adaptive response to overcome functional insufficiencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Millet
- Institute of Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FF, UK
| | - Darya Ausiannikava
- Institute of Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FF, UK
| | - Thierry Le Bihan
- Centre for Synthetic and Systems Biology (SynthSys), School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3JD, UK
| | - Sander Granneman
- Centre for Synthetic and Systems Biology (SynthSys), School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3JD, UK
| | - Svetlana Makovets
- Institute of Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FF, UK
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23
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Jiang J, Chan H, Cash DD, Miracco EJ, Ogorzalek Loo RR, Upton HE, Cascio D, O'Brien Johnson R, Collins K, Loo JA, Zhou ZH, Feigon J. Structure of Tetrahymena telomerase reveals previously unknown subunits, functions, and interactions. Science 2015; 350:aab4070. [PMID: 26472759 DOI: 10.1126/science.aab4070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2015] [Accepted: 09/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Telomerase helps maintain telomeres by processive synthesis of telomere repeat DNA at their 3'-ends, using an integral telomerase RNA (TER) and telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT). We report the cryo-electron microscopy structure of Tetrahymena telomerase at ~9 angstrom resolution. In addition to seven known holoenzyme proteins, we identify two additional proteins that form a complex (TEB) with single-stranded telomere DNA-binding protein Teb1, paralogous to heterotrimeric replication protein A (RPA). The p75-p45-p19 subcomplex is identified as another RPA-related complex, CST (CTC1-STN1-TEN1). This study reveals the paths of TER in the TERT-TER-p65 catalytic core and single-stranded DNA exit; extensive subunit interactions of the TERT essential N-terminal domain, p50, and TEB; and other subunit identities and structures, including p19 and p45C crystal structures. Our findings provide structural and mechanistic insights into telomerase holoenzyme function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiansen Jiang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA. Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA. California Nanosystems Institute, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Henry Chan
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Darian D Cash
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Edward J Miracco
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | | | - Heather E Upton
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Duilio Cascio
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA. UCLA-U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Institute of Genomics and Proteomics, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Reid O'Brien Johnson
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Kathleen Collins
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Joseph A Loo
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA. Department of Biological Chemistry, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA. UCLA-U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Institute of Genomics and Proteomics, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Z Hong Zhou
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA. California Nanosystems Institute, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Juli Feigon
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA. California Nanosystems Institute, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA. UCLA-U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Institute of Genomics and Proteomics, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
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24
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Abstract
In this review, Schmidt and Cech cover human telomerase biogenesis, trafficking, and activation, comparing key aspects with the analogous events in other species. Telomerase is the ribonucleoprotein enzyme that catalyzes the extension of telomeric DNA in eukaryotes. Recent work has begun to reveal key aspects of the assembly of the human telomerase complex, its intracellular trafficking involving Cajal bodies, and its recruitment to telomeres. Once telomerase has been recruited to the telomere, it appears to undergo a separate activation step, which may include an increase in its repeat addition processivity. This review covers human telomerase biogenesis, trafficking, and activation, comparing key aspects with the analogous events in other species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens C Schmidt
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado 80309, USA
| | - Thomas R Cech
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado 80309, USA
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25
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Lustig AJ. Potential Risks in the Paradigm of Basic to Translational Research: A Critical Evaluation of qPCR Telomere Size Techniques. J Cancer Epidemiol Treat 2015; 1:28-37. [PMID: 26435846 PMCID: PMC4590993 DOI: 10.24218/jcet.2015.08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Real time qPCR has become the method of choice for rapid large-scale telomere length measurements. Large samples sizes are critical for clinical trials, and epidemiological studies. QPCR has become such routine procedure that it is often used with little critical analysis. With proper controls, the mean telomere size can be derived from the data and even the size can be estimated. But there is a need for more consistent and reliable controls that will provide closer to the actual mean size can be obtained with uniform consensus controls. Although originating at the level of basic telomere research, many researchers less familiar with telomeres often misunderstand the source and significance of the qPCR metric. These include researchers and clinicians who are interested in having a rapid tool to produce exciting results in disease prognostics and diagnostics than in the multiple characteristics of telomeres that form the basis of the measurement. But other characteristics of the non-bimodal and heterogeneous telomeres as well as the complexities of telomere dynamics are not easily related to qPCR mean telomere values. The qPCR metric does not reveal the heterogeneity and dynamics of telomeres. This is a critical issue since mutations in multiple genes including telomerase can cause telomere dysfunction and a loss of repeats. The smallest cellular telomere has been shown to arrest growth of the cell carrying the dysfunction telomere. A goal for the future is a simple method that takes into account the heterogeneity by measuring the highest and lowest values as part of the scheme to compare. In the absence of this technique, Southern blots need to be performed in a subset of qPCR samples for both mean telomere size and the upper and lower extremes of the distribution. Most importantly, there is a need for greater transparency in discussing the limitations of the qPCR data. Given the potentially exciting qPCR telomere size results emerging from clinical studies that relate qPCR mean telomere size estimates to disease states, the current ambiguities have become urgent issues to validate the findings and to set the right course for future clinical investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur J Lustig
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane University, USA
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26
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Vogan JM, Collins K. Dynamics of Human Telomerase Holoenzyme Assembly and Subunit Exchange across the Cell Cycle. J Biol Chem 2015; 290:21320-35. [PMID: 26170453 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m115.659359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2015] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Human telomerase acts on telomeres during the genome synthesis phase of the cell cycle, accompanied by its concentration in Cajal bodies and transient colocalization with telomeres. Whether the regulation of human telomerase holoenzyme assembly contributes to the cell cycle restriction of telomerase function is unknown. We investigated the steady-state levels, assembly, and exchange dynamics of human telomerase subunits with quantitative in vivo cross-linking and other methods. We determined the physical association of telomerase subunits in cells blocked or progressing through the cell cycle as synchronized by multiple protocols. The total level of human telomerase RNA (hTR) was invariant across the cell cycle. In vivo snapshots of telomerase holoenzyme composition established that hTR remains bound to human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) throughout all phases of the cell cycle, and subunit competition assays suggested that hTERT-hTR interaction is not readily exchangeable. In contrast, the telomerase holoenzyme Cajal body-associated protein, TCAB1, was released from hTR in mitotic cells coincident with TCAB1 delocalization from Cajal bodies. This telomerase holoenzyme disassembly was reversible with cell cycle progression without any change in total TCAB1 protein level. Consistent with differential cell cycle regulation of hTERT-hTR and TCAB1-hTR protein-RNA interactions, overexpression of hTERT or TCAB1 had limited if any influence on hTR assembly of the other subunit. Overall, these findings revealed a cell cycle regulation that disables human telomerase association with telomeres while preserving the co-folded hTERT-hTR ribonucleoprotein catalytic core. Studies here, integrated with previous work, led to a unifying model for telomerase subunit assembly and trafficking in human cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob M Vogan
- From the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720
| | - Kathleen Collins
- From the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720
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27
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Bajon E, Laterreur N, Wellinger RJ. A Single Templating RNA in Yeast Telomerase. Cell Rep 2015; 12:441-8. [PMID: 26166570 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2015.06.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2015] [Revised: 06/04/2015] [Accepted: 06/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The number of essential telomerase components in the active ribonucleoprotein (RNP) has important implications for its mechanism of action yet is by and large unknown. We report that two differentially tagged TLC1 RNAs endogenously expressed in a heterozygous diploid and simultaneously detected via multi-color fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) experiments do not co-localize. Probabilistic calculations combined with direct quantification of FISH signals demonstrate that the TLC1 RNA indeed occurs as a single molecule in these RNPs. In addition, two differentially tagged reverse-transcriptase subunits could not be co-immunoprecipitated. These results therefore show that, in yeast cells, telomerase is assembled and matured and occurs as a monomer when not on telomeres. Finally, combining these findings with previous evidence leads us to propose that the enzyme also acts as a monomer when elongating telomeres.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Bajon
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Sherbrooke, 3201, rue Jean Mignault, Sherbrooke, QC J1E 4K8, Canada
| | - Nancy Laterreur
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Sherbrooke, 3201, rue Jean Mignault, Sherbrooke, QC J1E 4K8, Canada
| | - Raymund J Wellinger
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Sherbrooke, 3201, rue Jean Mignault, Sherbrooke, QC J1E 4K8, Canada.
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