1
|
Abstract
The forkhead box protein O (FOXO, consisting of FOXO1, FOXO3, FOXO4 and FOXO6) transcription factors are the mammalian orthologues of Caenorhabditis elegans DAF-16, which gained notoriety for its capability to double lifespan in the absence of daf-2 (the gene encoding the worm insulin receptor homologue). Since then, research has provided many mechanistic details on FOXO regulation and FOXO activity. Furthermore, conditional knockout experiments have provided a wealth of data as to how FOXOs control development and homeostasis at the organ and organism levels. The lifespan-extending capabilities of DAF-16/FOXO are highly correlated with their ability to induce stress response pathways. Exogenous and endogenous stress, such as cellular redox stress, are considered the main drivers of the functional decline that characterizes ageing. Functional decline often manifests as disease, and decrease in FOXO activity indeed negatively impacts on major age-related diseases such as cancer and diabetes. In this context, the main function of FOXOs is considered to preserve cellular and organismal homeostasis, through regulation of stress response pathways. Paradoxically, the same FOXO-mediated responses can also aid the survival of dysfunctional cells once these eventually emerge. This general property to control stress responses may underlie the complex and less-evident roles of FOXOs in human lifespan as opposed to model organisms such as C. elegans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Tobias B Dansen
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Boudewijn M T Burgering
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands.
- Oncode Institute, Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Todorova MN, Savova MS, Mihaylova LV, Georgiev MI. Icariin Improves Stress Resistance and Extends Lifespan in Caenorhabditis elegans through hsf-1 and daf-2-Driven Hormesis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:352. [PMID: 38203522 PMCID: PMC10778813 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Aging presents an increasingly significant challenge globally, driven by the growing proportion of individuals aged 60 and older. Currently, there is substantial research interest in pro-longevity interventions that target pivotal signaling pathways, aiming not only to extend lifespan but also to enhance healthspan. One particularly promising approach involves inducing a hormetic response through the utilization of natural compounds defined as hormetins. Various studies have introduced the flavonoid icariin as beneficial for age-related diseases such as cardiovascular and neurodegenerative conditions. To validate its potential pro-longevity properties, we employed Caenorhabditis elegans as an experimental platform. The accumulated results suggest that icariin extends the lifespan of C. elegans through modulation of the DAF-2, corresponding to the insulin/IGF-1 signaling pathway in humans. Additionally, we identified increased resistance to heat and oxidative stress, modulation of lipid metabolism, improved late-life healthspan, and an extended lifespan upon icariin treatment. Consequently, a model mechanism of action was provided for icariin that involves the modulation of various players within the stress-response network. Collectively, the obtained data reveal that icariin is a potential hormetic agent with geroprotective properties that merits future developments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monika N. Todorova
- Laboratory of Metabolomics, Institute of Microbiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 139 Ruski Blvd., 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (M.N.T.); (M.S.S.); (L.V.M.)
| | - Martina S. Savova
- Laboratory of Metabolomics, Institute of Microbiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 139 Ruski Blvd., 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (M.N.T.); (M.S.S.); (L.V.M.)
- Department of Plant Cell Biotechnology, Center of Plant Systems Biology and Biotechnology, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Liliya V. Mihaylova
- Laboratory of Metabolomics, Institute of Microbiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 139 Ruski Blvd., 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (M.N.T.); (M.S.S.); (L.V.M.)
- Department of Plant Cell Biotechnology, Center of Plant Systems Biology and Biotechnology, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Milen I. Georgiev
- Laboratory of Metabolomics, Institute of Microbiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 139 Ruski Blvd., 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (M.N.T.); (M.S.S.); (L.V.M.)
- Department of Plant Cell Biotechnology, Center of Plant Systems Biology and Biotechnology, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Das JK, Banskota N, Candia J, Griswold ME, Orenduff M, de Cabo R, Corcoran DL, Das SK, De S, Huffman KM, Kraus VB, Kraus WE, Martin C, Racette SB, Redman LM, Schilling B, Belsky D, Ferrucci L. Calorie restriction modulates the transcription of genes related to stress response and longevity in human muscle: The CALERIE study. Aging Cell 2023; 22:e13963. [PMID: 37823711 PMCID: PMC10726900 DOI: 10.1111/acel.13963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The lifespan extension induced by 40% caloric restriction (CR) in rodents is accompanied by postponement of disease, preservation of function, and increased stress resistance. Whether CR elicits the same physiological and molecular responses in humans remains mostly unexplored. In the CALERIE study, 12% CR for 2 years in healthy humans induced minor losses of muscle mass (leg lean mass) without changes of muscle strength, but mechanisms for muscle quality preservation remained unclear. We performed high-depth RNA-Seq (387-618 million paired reads) on human vastus lateralis muscle biopsies collected from the CALERIE participants at baseline, 12- and 24-month follow-up from the 90 CALERIE participants randomized to CR and "ad libitum" control. Using linear mixed effect model, we identified protein-coding genes and splicing variants whose expression was significantly changed in the CR group compared to controls, including genes related to proteostasis, circadian rhythm regulation, DNA repair, mitochondrial biogenesis, mRNA processing/splicing, FOXO3 metabolism, apoptosis, and inflammation. Changes in some of these biological pathways mediated part of the positive effect of CR on muscle quality. Differentially expressed splicing variants were associated with change in pathways shown to be affected by CR in model organisms. Two years of sustained CR in humans positively affected skeletal muscle quality, and impacted gene expression and splicing profiles of biological pathways affected by CR in model organisms, suggesting that attainable levels of CR in a lifestyle intervention can benefit muscle health in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jayanta Kumar Das
- Longitudinal Studies Section, Translation Gerontology BranchNational Institute on Aging, National Institutes of HealthBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Nirad Banskota
- Computational Biology and Genomics CoreNational Institute on Aging, National Institutes of HealthBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Julián Candia
- Longitudinal Studies Section, Translation Gerontology BranchNational Institute on Aging, National Institutes of HealthBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | | | - Melissa Orenduff
- Duke Molecular Physiology Institute and Department of MedicineDuke University School of MedicineDurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Rafael de Cabo
- Translation Gerontology Branch, National Institute on AgingNational Institutes of HealthBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - David L. Corcoran
- Department of GeneticsUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Sai Krupa Das
- Energy Metabolism, Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on AgingTufts UniversityBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Supriyo De
- Computational Biology and Genomics CoreNational Institute on Aging, National Institutes of HealthBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Kim Marie Huffman
- Duke Molecular Physiology Institute and Department of MedicineDuke University School of MedicineDurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Virginia B. Kraus
- Duke Molecular Physiology Institute and Department of MedicineDuke University School of MedicineDurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - William E. Kraus
- Duke Molecular Physiology Institute and Department of MedicineDuke University School of MedicineDurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Corby K. Martin
- Pennington Biomedical Research CenterLouisiana State UniversityBaton RougeLouisianaUSA
| | - Susan B. Racette
- College of Health SolutionsArizona State UniversityPhoenixArizonaUSA
| | - Leanne M. Redman
- Pennington Biomedical Research CenterLouisiana State UniversityBaton RougeLouisianaUSA
| | | | - Daniel W. Belsky
- Department of Epidemiology & Butler Columbia Aging CenterColumbia University Mailman School of Public HealthNew York CityNew YorkUSA
| | - Luigi Ferrucci
- Longitudinal Studies Section, Translation Gerontology BranchNational Institute on Aging, National Institutes of HealthBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Santos BF, Grenho I, Martel PJ, Ferreira BI, Link W. FOXO family isoforms. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:702. [PMID: 37891184 PMCID: PMC10611805 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06177-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
FOXO family of proteins are transcription factors involved in many physiological and pathological processes including cellular homeostasis, stem cell maintenance, cancer, metabolic, and cardiovascular diseases. Genetic evidence has been accumulating to suggest a prominent role of FOXOs in lifespan regulation in animal systems from hydra, C elegans, Drosophila, and mice. Together with the observation that FOXO3 is the second most replicated gene associated with extreme human longevity suggests that pharmacological targeting of FOXO proteins can be a promising approach to treat cancer and other age-related diseases and extend life and health span. However, due to the broad range of cellular functions of the FOXO family members FOXO1, 3, 4, and 6, isoform-specific targeting of FOXOs might lead to greater benefits and cause fewer side effects. Therefore, a deeper understanding of the common and specific features of these proteins as well as their redundant and specific functions in our cells represents the basis of specific targeting strategies. In this review, we provide an overview of the evolution, structure, function, and disease-relevance of each of the FOXO family members.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bruno F Santos
- Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute-ABC-RI, University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal
- Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC), University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal
- Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Algarve (CHUA). Rua Leão Penedo, 8000-386, Faro, Portugal
| | - Inês Grenho
- Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute-ABC-RI, University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal
- Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC), University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal
| | - Paulo J Martel
- Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS)@RISE, University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal
| | - Bibiana I Ferreira
- Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute-ABC-RI, University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal.
- Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC), University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal.
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal.
| | - Wolfgang Link
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas "Alberto Sols" (CSIC-UAM). Arturo Duperier 4, 28029, Madrid, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Liu R, Zhao E, Yu H, Yuan C, Abbas MN, Cui H. Methylation across the central dogma in health and diseases: new therapeutic strategies. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:310. [PMID: 37620312 PMCID: PMC10449936 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01528-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The proper transfer of genetic information from DNA to RNA to protein is essential for cell-fate control, development, and health. Methylation of DNA, RNAs, histones, and non-histone proteins is a reversible post-synthesis modification that finetunes gene expression and function in diverse physiological processes. Aberrant methylation caused by genetic mutations or environmental stimuli promotes various diseases and accelerates aging, necessitating the development of therapies to correct the disease-driver methylation imbalance. In this Review, we summarize the operating system of methylation across the central dogma, which includes writers, erasers, readers, and reader-independent outputs. We then discuss how dysregulation of the system contributes to neurological disorders, cancer, and aging. Current small-molecule compounds that target the modifiers show modest success in certain cancers. The methylome-wide action and lack of specificity lead to undesirable biological effects and cytotoxicity, limiting their therapeutic application, especially for diseases with a monogenic cause or different directions of methylation changes. Emerging tools capable of site-specific methylation manipulation hold great promise to solve this dilemma. With the refinement of delivery vehicles, these new tools are well positioned to advance the basic research and clinical translation of the methylation field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruochen Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, 401329, China
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Chongqing, 400716, China
- Engineering Research Center for Cancer Biomedical and Translational Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Erhu Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, 401329, China
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Chongqing, 400716, China
- Engineering Research Center for Cancer Biomedical and Translational Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Huijuan Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Chaoyu Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Muhammad Nadeem Abbas
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, 401329, China
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Chongqing, 400716, China
- Engineering Research Center for Cancer Biomedical and Translational Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Hongjuan Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, 401329, China.
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Chongqing, 400716, China.
- Engineering Research Center for Cancer Biomedical and Translational Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
| |
Collapse
|