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Papageorgakopoulou MA, Bania A, Lagogianni IA, Birmpas K, Assimakopoulou M. The Role of Glia Telomere Dysfunction in the Pathogenesis of Central Nervous System Diseases. Mol Neurobiol 2024; 61:5868-5881. [PMID: 38240992 PMCID: PMC11249767 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-03947-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
Maintaining the telomere length is decisive for the viability and homeostasis process of all the cells of an organism, including human glial cells. Telomere shortening of microglial cells has been widely associated with the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease. Additionally, traumatic brain injury appears to have a positive correlation with the telomere-shortening process of microglia, and telomere length can be used as a non-invasive biomarker for the clinical management of these patients. Moreover, telomere involvement through telomerase reactivation and homologous recombination also known as the alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) has been described in gliomagenesis pathways, and particular focus has been given in the translational significance of these mechanisms in gliomas diagnosis and prognostic classification. Finally, glia telomere shortening is implicated in some psychiatric diseases. Given that telomere dysfunction of glial cells is involved in the central nervous system (CNS) disease pathogenesis, it represents a promising drug target that could lead to the incorporation of new tools in the medicinal arsenal for the management of so far incurable conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Angelina Bania
- School of Medicine, University of Patras, 26504, Patras, Greece
| | | | | | - Martha Assimakopoulou
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, University of Patras, Preclinical Medicine Department Building, 1 Asklipiou, 26504, Patras, Greece.
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2
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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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3
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Stundon JL, Ijaz H, Gaonkar KS, Kaufman RS, Jin R, Karras A, Vaksman Z, Kim J, Corbett RJ, Lueder MR, Miller DP, Guo Y, Santi M, Li M, Lopez G, Storm PB, Resnick AC, Waanders AJ, MacFarland SP, Stewart DR, Diskin SJ, Rokita JL, Cole KA. Alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) in pediatric high-grade gliomas can occur without ATRX mutation and is enriched in patients with pathogenic germline mismatch repair (MMR) variants. Neuro Oncol 2023; 25:1331-1342. [PMID: 36541551 PMCID: PMC10326481 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noac278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To achieve replicative immortality, most cancers develop a telomere maintenance mechanism, such as reactivation of telomerase or alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT). There are limited data on the prevalence and clinical significance of ALT in pediatric brain tumors, and ALT-directed therapy is not available. METHODS We performed C-circle analysis (CCA) on 579 pediatric brain tumors that had corresponding tumor/normal whole genome sequencing through the Open Pediatric Brain Tumor Atlas (OpenPBTA). We detected ALT in 6.9% (n = 40/579) of these tumors and completed additional validation by ultrabright telomeric foci in situ on a subset of these tumors. We used CCA to validate TelomereHunter for computational prediction of ALT status and focus subsequent analyses on pediatric high-grade gliomas (pHGGs) Finally, we examined whether ALT is associated with recurrent somatic or germline alterations. RESULTS ALT is common in pHGGs (n = 24/63, 38.1%), but occurs infrequently in other pediatric brain tumors (<3%). Somatic ATRX mutations occur in 50% of ALT+ pHGGs and in 30% of ALT- pHGGs. Rare pathogenic germline variants in mismatch repair (MMR) genes are significantly associated with an increased occurrence of ALT. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrate that ATRX is mutated in only a subset of ALT+ pHGGs, suggesting other mechanisms of ATRX loss of function or alterations in other genes may be associated with the development of ALT in these patients. We show that germline variants in MMR are associated with the development of ALT in patients with pHGG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L Stundon
- Division of Oncology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,USA
| | - Heba Ijaz
- Division of Oncology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,USA
- Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,USA
| | - Krutika S Gaonkar
- Center for Data-Driven Discovery in Biomedicine, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,USA
- Department of Bioinformatics and Health Informatics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,USA
- Division of Neurosurgery, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,USA
| | - Rebecca S Kaufman
- Division of Oncology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,USA
- Department of Bioinformatics and Health Informatics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,USA
| | - Run Jin
- Center for Data-Driven Discovery in Biomedicine, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,USA
- Division of Neurosurgery, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,USA
| | - Anastasios Karras
- Division of Oncology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,USA
| | - Zalman Vaksman
- Division of Oncology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,USA
- Department of Bioinformatics and Health Informatics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,USA
| | - Jung Kim
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, Maryland,USA
| | - Ryan J Corbett
- Center for Data-Driven Discovery in Biomedicine, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,USA
- Division of Neurosurgery, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,USA
| | - Matthew R Lueder
- Center for Data-Driven Discovery in Biomedicine, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,USA
- Division of Neurosurgery, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,USA
| | - Daniel P Miller
- Center for Data-Driven Discovery in Biomedicine, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,USA
- Division of Neurosurgery, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,USA
| | - Yiran Guo
- Center for Data-Driven Discovery in Biomedicine, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,USA
- Division of Neurosurgery, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,USA
| | - Mariarita Santi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,USA
| | - Marilyn Li
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,USA
| | - Gonzalo Lopez
- Division of Oncology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,USA
| | - Phillip B Storm
- Center for Data-Driven Discovery in Biomedicine, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,USA
- Division of Neurosurgery, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,USA
| | - Adam C Resnick
- Center for Data-Driven Discovery in Biomedicine, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,USA
- Division of Neurosurgery, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,USA
| | - Angela J Waanders
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, NeuroOncology, and Stem Cell Transplant, Ann & Robert H Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Illinois,USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois,USA
| | - Suzanne P MacFarland
- Division of Oncology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,USA
| | - Douglas R Stewart
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, Maryland,USA
| | - Sharon J Diskin
- Division of Oncology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,USA
- Department of Bioinformatics and Health Informatics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,USA
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,USA
| | - Jo Lynne Rokita
- Center for Data-Driven Discovery in Biomedicine, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,USA
- Department of Bioinformatics and Health Informatics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,USA
- Division of Neurosurgery, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,USA
| | - Kristina A Cole
- Division of Oncology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,USA
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,USA
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Extrachromosomal circular DNA: biogenesis, structure, functions and diseases. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:342. [PMID: 36184613 PMCID: PMC9527254 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01176-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Extrachromosomal circular DNA (eccDNA), ranging in size from tens to millions of base pairs, is independent of conventional chromosomes. Recently, eccDNAs have been considered an unanticipated major source of somatic rearrangements, contributing to genomic remodeling through chimeric circularization and reintegration of circular DNA into the linear genome. In addition, the origin of eccDNA is considered to be associated with essential chromatin-related events, including the formation of super-enhancers and DNA repair machineries. Moreover, our understanding of the properties and functions of eccDNA has continuously and greatly expanded. Emerging investigations demonstrate that eccDNAs serve as multifunctional molecules in various organisms during diversified biological processes, such as epigenetic remodeling, telomere trimming, and the regulation of canonical signaling pathways. Importantly, its special distribution potentiates eccDNA as a measurable biomarker in many diseases, especially cancers. The loss of eccDNA homeostasis facilitates tumor initiation, malignant progression, and heterogeneous evolution in many cancers. An in-depth understanding of eccDNA provides novel insights for precision cancer treatment. In this review, we summarized the discovery history of eccDNA, discussed the biogenesis, characteristics, and functions of eccDNA. Moreover, we emphasized the role of eccDNA during tumor pathogenesis and malignant evolution. Therapeutically, we summarized potential clinical applications that target aberrant eccDNA in multiple diseases.
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5
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Meeser A, Bartenhagen C, Werr L, Hellmann AM, Kahlert Y, Hemstedt N, Nürnberg P, Altmüller J, Ackermann S, Hero B, Simon T, Peifer M, Fischer M, Rosswog C. Reliable assessment of telomere maintenance mechanisms in neuroblastoma. Cell Biosci 2022; 12:160. [PMID: 36153564 PMCID: PMC9508734 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-022-00896-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Telomere maintenance mechanisms (TMM) are a hallmark of high-risk neuroblastoma, and are conferred by activation of telomerase or alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT). However, detection of TMM is not yet part of the clinical routine, and consensus on TMM detection, especially on ALT assessment, remains to be achieved. METHODS Whole genome sequencing (WGS) data of 68 primary neuroblastoma samples were analyzed. Telomere length was calculated from WGS data or by telomere restriction fragment analysis (n = 39). ALT was assessed by C-circle assay (CCA, n = 67) and detection of ALT-associated PML nuclear bodies (APB) by combined fluorescence in situ hybridization and immunofluorescence staining (n = 68). RNA sequencing was performed (n = 64) to determine expression of TERT and telomeric long non-coding RNA (TERRA). Telomerase activity was examined by telomerase repeat amplification protocol (TRAP, n = 15). RESULTS Tumors were considered as telomerase-positive if they harbored a TERT rearrangement, MYCN amplification or high TERT expression (45.6%, 31/68), and ALT-positive if they were positive for APB and CCA (19.1%, 13/68). If all these markers were absent, tumors were considered TMM-negative (25.0%, 17/68). According to these criteria, the majority of samples were classified unambiguously (89.7%, 61/68). Assessment of additional ALT-associated parameters clarified the TMM status of the remaining seven cases with high likelihood: ALT-positive tumors had higher TERRA expression, longer telomeres, more telomere insertions, a characteristic pattern of telomere variant repeats, and were associated with ATRX mutations. CONCLUSIONS We here propose a workflow to reliably detect TMM in neuroblastoma. We show that unambiguous classification is feasible following a stepwise approach that determines both, activation of telomerase and ALT. The workflow proposed in this study can be used in clinical routine and provides a framework to systematically and reliably determine telomere maintenance mechanisms for risk stratification and treatment allocation of neuroblastoma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina Meeser
- Department of Experimental Pediatric Oncology, University Children's Hospital of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Christoph Bartenhagen
- Department of Experimental Pediatric Oncology, University Children's Hospital of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Lisa Werr
- Department of Experimental Pediatric Oncology, University Children's Hospital of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Anna-Maria Hellmann
- Department of Experimental Pediatric Oncology, University Children's Hospital of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Yvonne Kahlert
- Department of Experimental Pediatric Oncology, University Children's Hospital of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Nadine Hemstedt
- Department of Experimental Pediatric Oncology, University Children's Hospital of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Peter Nürnberg
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Cologne Center for Genomics (CCG), University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Janine Altmüller
- Cologne Center for Genomics (CCG), University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Core Facility Genomics, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany
| | - Sandra Ackermann
- Department of Experimental Pediatric Oncology, University Children's Hospital of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Barbara Hero
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Thorsten Simon
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Martin Peifer
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Department of Translational Genomics, Center of Integrated Oncology Cologne-Bonn, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Matthias Fischer
- Department of Experimental Pediatric Oncology, University Children's Hospital of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937, Cologne, Germany.
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
| | - Carolina Rosswog
- Department of Experimental Pediatric Oncology, University Children's Hospital of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937, Cologne, Germany.
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
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Claude E, de Lhoneux G, Pierreux CE, Marbaix E, de Ville de Goyet M, Boulanger C, Van Damme A, Brichard B, Decottignies A. Detection of alternative lengthening of telomeres mechanism on tumor sections. MOLECULAR BIOMEDICINE 2021; 2:32. [PMID: 35006465 PMCID: PMC8607387 DOI: 10.1186/s43556-021-00055-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The vast majority of adult cancer cells achieve cellular immortality by activating a telomere maintenance mechanism (TMM). While this is mostly achieved by the de-silencing of hTERT telomerase gene expression, an alternative homologous recombination-based and telomerase-independent mechanism, known as ALT (Alternative Lengthening of Telomeres), is frequently activated in a subset of tumors, including paediatric cancers. Being absent from normal cells, the ALT mechanism offers interesting perspectives for new targeted cancer therapies. To date, however, the development of better translationally applicable tools for ALT detection in tumor sections is still needed. Here, using a newly derived ALT-positive cancer cell mouse xenograft model, we extensively examined how the previously known ALT markers could be used as reliable tools for ALT diagnosis in tumor sections. We found that, together with the detection of ultra-bright telomeric signals (UBS), an ALT hallmark, native telomeric FISH, that detects single-stranded C-rich telomeric DNA, provides a very sensitive and robust tool for ALT diagnosis in tissues. We applied these assays to paediatric tumor samples and readily identified three ALT-positive tumors for which the TMM was confirmed by the gold-standard C-circle amplification assay. Although the latter offers a robust assay for ALT detection in the context of research laboratories, it is more difficult to set up in histopathological laboratories and could therefore be conveniently replaced by the combination of UBS detection and native telomeric FISH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eloïse Claude
- Genetic & Epigenetic Alterations of Genomes Unit, de Duve Institute, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Guillaume de Lhoneux
- Genetic & Epigenetic Alterations of Genomes Unit, de Duve Institute, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Etienne Marbaix
- Cell Unit, de Duve Institute, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Anatomopathology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Maëlle de Ville de Goyet
- Department of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Cécile Boulanger
- Department of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - An Van Damme
- Department of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Bénédicte Brichard
- Department of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Anabelle Decottignies
- Genetic & Epigenetic Alterations of Genomes Unit, de Duve Institute, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium.
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Akter J, Kamijo T. How Do Telomere Abnormalities Regulate the Biology of Neuroblastoma? Biomolecules 2021; 11:1112. [PMID: 34439779 PMCID: PMC8392161 DOI: 10.3390/biom11081112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomere maintenance plays important roles in genome stability and cell proliferation. Tumor cells acquire replicative immortality by activating a telomere-maintenance mechanism (TMM), either telomerase, a reverse transcriptase, or the alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) mechanism. Recent advances in the genetic and molecular characterization of TMM revealed that telomerase activation and ALT define distinct neuroblastoma (NB) subgroups with adverse outcomes, and represent promising therapeutic targets in high-risk neuroblastoma (HRNB), an aggressive childhood solid tumor that accounts for 15% of all pediatric-cancer deaths. Patients with HRNB frequently present with widely metastatic disease, with tumors harboring recurrent genetic aberrations (MYCN amplification, TERT rearrangements, and ATRX mutations), which are mutually exclusive and capable of promoting TMM. This review provides recent insights into our understanding of TMM in NB tumors, and highlights emerging therapeutic strategies as potential treatments for telomerase- and ALT-positive tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesmin Akter
- Saitama Cancer Center, Research Institute for Clinical Oncology, Saitama 362-0806, Japan;
| | - Takehiko Kamijo
- Saitama Cancer Center, Research Institute for Clinical Oncology, Saitama 362-0806, Japan;
- Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology, Department of Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, Saitama 362-0806, Japan
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MacKenzie D, Watters AK, To JT, Young MW, Muratori J, Wilkoff MH, Abraham RG, Plummer MM, Zhang D. ALT Positivity in Human Cancers: Prevalence and Clinical Insights. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:2384. [PMID: 34069193 PMCID: PMC8156225 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13102384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Many exciting advances in cancer-related telomere biology have been made in the past decade. Of these recent advances, great progress has also been made with respect to the Alternative Lengthening of Telomeres (ALT) pathway. Along with a better understanding of the molecular mechanism of this unique telomere maintenance pathway, many studies have also evaluated ALT activity in various cancer subtypes. We first briefly review and assess a variety of commonly used ALT biomarkers. Then, we provide both an update on ALT-positive (ALT+) tumor prevalence as well as a systematic clinical assessment of the presently studied ALT+ malignancies. Additionally, we discuss the pathogenetic alterations in ALT+ cancers, for example, the mutation status of ATRX and DAXX, and their correlations with the activation of the ALT pathway. Finally, we highlight important ALT+ clinical associations within each cancer subtype and subdivisions within, as well as their prognoses. We hope this alternative perspective will allow scientists, clinicians, and drug developers to have greater insight into the ALT cancers so that together, we may develop more efficacious treatments and improved management strategies to meet the urgent needs of cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Maria M. Plummer
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine, New York Institute of Technology, Old Westbury, NY 11568, USA; (D.M.J.); (A.K.W.); (J.T.T.); (M.W.Y.); (J.M.); (M.H.W.); (R.G.A.)
| | - Dong Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine, New York Institute of Technology, Old Westbury, NY 11568, USA; (D.M.J.); (A.K.W.); (J.T.T.); (M.W.Y.); (J.M.); (M.H.W.); (R.G.A.)
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9
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Gala K, Khattar E. Long non-coding RNAs at work on telomeres: Functions and implications in cancer therapy. Cancer Lett 2021; 502:120-132. [PMID: 33450357 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2020.12.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2020] [Revised: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are known to regulate various biological processes including cancer. Cancer cells possess limitless replicative potential which is attained by telomere length maintenance while normal somatic cells have a limited lifespan because their telomeres shorten with every cell division ultimately triggering replicative senescence. Two lncRNAs have been observed to play a key role in telomere length maintenance. First is the lncRNA TERC (telomerase RNA component) which functions as a template for telomeric DNA synthesis in association with telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) which serves as the catalytic component. Together they constitute the telomerase complex which functions as a reverse transcriptase to elongate telomeres. Second lncRNA that helps in regulating telomere length is the telomeric repeat-containing RNA (TERRA) which is transcribed from the subtelomeric region and extends to the telomeric region. TERC and TERRA exhibit important functions in cancer with implications in precision oncology. In this review, we discuss various aspects of these important lncRNAs in humans and their role in cancer along with recent advancements in their anticancer therapeutic application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kavita Gala
- Sunandan Divatia School of Science, SVKM's NMIMS (Deemed to be) University, Mumbai, 400056, Maharashtra, India
| | - Ekta Khattar
- Sunandan Divatia School of Science, SVKM's NMIMS (Deemed to be) University, Mumbai, 400056, Maharashtra, India.
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10
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da Silva GG, Morais KS, Arcanjo DS, de Oliveira DM. Clinical Relevance of Alternative Lengthening of Telomeres in Cancer. Curr Top Med Chem 2020; 20:485-497. [PMID: 31924155 DOI: 10.2174/1568026620666200110112854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2019] [Revised: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The alternative lengthening of telomere (ALT) is a pathway responsible for cell immortalization in some kinds of tumors. Since the first description of ALT is relatively recent in the oncology field, its mechanism remains elusive, but recent works address ALT-related proteins or cellular structures as potential druggable targets for more specific and efficient antitumor therapies. Moreover, some new generation compounds for antitelomerase therapy in cancer were able to provoke acquisition of ALT phenotype in treated tumors, enhancing the importance of studies on this alternative lengthening of the telomere. However, ALT has been implicated in different - sometimes opposite - outcomes, according to the tumor type studied. Then, in order to design and develop new drugs for ALT+ cancer in an effective way, it is crucial to understand its clinical implications. In this review, we gathered works published in the last two decades to highlight the clinical relevance of ALT on oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme G da Silva
- Department of Biological Basis of Health Sciences, University of Brasilia, Ceilandia Campus, Federal District, Brazil
| | - Karollyne S Morais
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology of Cancer, University of Brasilia, Federal District, Brazil
| | - Daniel S Arcanjo
- Department of Biological Basis of Health Sciences, University of Brasilia, Ceilandia Campus, Federal District, Brazil
| | - Diêgo M de Oliveira
- Department of Biological Basis of Health Sciences, University of Brasilia, Ceilandia Campus, Federal District, Brazil.,Laboratory of Molecular Pathology of Cancer, University of Brasilia, Federal District, Brazil
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Bicanova L, Kreilmeier-Berger T, Reifinger M, Holzmann K, Kleiter M. Prevalence and potentially prognostic value of C-circles associated with alternative lengthening of telomeres in canine appendicular osteosarcoma. Vet Comp Oncol 2020; 19:222-231. [PMID: 33211388 PMCID: PMC8247038 DOI: 10.1111/vco.12665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) is a telomerase‐independent telomere maintenance mechanism (TMM) with high prevalence in human osteosarcomas but remains unknown in canine osteosarcomas. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of ALT by detection of extra‐chromosomal circles of telomeric DNA and to assess clinical outcome in canine patients with spontaneous occurring appendicular osteosarcoma. Fifty dogs with histopathological confirmed osteosarcomas were included into this study. Medical records were retrospectively analysed for patient characteristics, oncologic therapy and survival. DNA was isolated from archived FFPE tumour tissue specimens and applied for C‐ and G‐circle assay (CCA and GCA) and for telomeric content (TC) measurement with radiolabeled probes. ALT activity was detected for 10 of 50 (20%) cases by CCA. Four CCA positive cases were detected even with input DNA below 1 ng and demonstrated the high sensitivity of CCA for canine tumours. G‐circles and TC were not suitable to distinguish CCA positive and negative cases. CCA‐status showed an association with male gender and Rottweiler breed. Dogs with CCA positive osteosarcomas had shorter overall survival times than patients with CCA‐tumours and CCA‐status was a significant prognostic factor besides treatment in the Cox proportional hazard model. These findings make canine osteosarcomas an interesting model for comparative TMM research, but future studies are warranted to investigate if CCA‐status can serve as novel prognostic marker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludmila Bicanova
- Department for Companion Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Martin Reifinger
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Klaus Holzmann
- Department of Medicine I, Division: Institute of Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Miriam Kleiter
- Department for Companion Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
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12
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Yan Y, Guo G, Huang J, Gao M, Zhu Q, Zeng S, Gong Z, Xu Z. Current understanding of extrachromosomal circular DNA in cancer pathogenesis and therapeutic resistance. J Hematol Oncol 2020; 13:124. [PMID: 32928268 PMCID: PMC7491193 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-020-00960-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Extrachromosomal circular DNA was recently found to be particularly abundant in multiple human cancer cells, although its frequency varies among different tumor types. Elevated levels of extrachromosomal circular DNA have been considered an effective biomarker of cancer pathogenesis. Multiple reports have demonstrated that the amplification of oncogenes and therapeutic resistance genes located on extrachromosomal DNA is a frequent event that drives intratumoral genetic heterogeneity and provides a potential evolutionary advantage. This review highlights the current understanding of the extrachromosomal circular DNA present in the tissues and circulation of patients with advanced cancers and provides a detailed discussion of their substantial roles in tumor regulation. Confirming the presence of cancer-related extrachromosomal circular DNA would provide a putative testing strategy for the precision diagnosis and treatment of human malignancies in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanliang Yan
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.,Department of Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Guijie Guo
- Department of Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Jinzhou Huang
- Department of Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Ming Gao
- Department of Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Qian Zhu
- Department of Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Shuangshuang Zeng
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Zhicheng Gong
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Zhijie Xu
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China. .,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
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13
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TCGA Pan-Cancer Genomic Analysis of Alternative Lengthening of Telomeres (ALT) Related Genes. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:genes11070834. [PMID: 32708340 PMCID: PMC7397314 DOI: 10.3390/genes11070834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomere maintenance mechanisms (TMM) are used by cancer cells to avoid apoptosis, 85–90% reactivate telomerase, while 10–15% use the alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT). Due to anti-telomerase-based treatments, some tumors switch from a telomerase-dependent mechanism to ALT; in fact, the co-existence between both mechanisms has been observed in some cancers. Although different elements in the ALT pathway are uncovered, some molecular mechanisms are still poorly understood. Therefore, with the aim to identify potential molecular markers for the study of ALT, we combined in silico approaches in a 411 telomere maintenance gene set. As a consequence, we conducted a genomic analysis of these genes in 31 Pan-Cancer Atlas studies from The Cancer Genome Atlas and found 325,936 genomic alterations; from which, we identified 20 genes highly mutated in the cancer studies. Finally, we made a protein-protein interaction network and enrichment analysis to observe the main pathways of these genes and discuss their role in ALT-related processes, like homologous recombination and homology directed repair. Overall, due to the lack of understanding of the molecular mechanisms of ALT cancers, we proposed a group of genes, which after ex vivo validations, could represent new potential therapeutic markers in the study of ALT.
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14
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Srinivas N, Rachakonda S, Kumar R. Telomeres and Telomere Length: A General Overview. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E558. [PMID: 32121056 PMCID: PMC7139734 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12030558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Revised: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomeres are highly conserved tandem nucleotide repeats that include proximal double-stranded and distal single-stranded regions that in complex with shelterin proteins afford protection at chromosomal ends to maintain genomic integrity. Due to the inherent limitations of DNA replication and telomerase suppression in most somatic cells, telomeres undergo age-dependent incremental attrition. Short or dysfunctional telomeres are recognized as DNA double-stranded breaks, triggering cells to undergo replicative senescence. Telomere shortening, therefore, acts as a counting mechanism that drives replicative senescence by limiting the mitotic potential of cells. Telomere length, a complex hereditary trait, is associated with aging and age-related diseases. Epidemiological data, in general, support an association with varying magnitudes between constitutive telomere length and several disorders, including cancers. Telomere attrition is also influenced by oxidative damage and replicative stress caused by genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors. Several single nucleotide polymorphisms at different loci, identified through genome-wide association studies, influence inter-individual variation in telomere length. In addition to genetic factors, environmental factors also influence telomere length during growth and development. Telomeres hold potential as biomarkers that reflect the genetic predisposition together with the impact of environmental conditions and as targets for anti-cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rajiv Kumar
- Division of Functional Genome Analysis, German Cancer Research Center, Im Neunheimer Feld 580, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (N.S.); (S.R.)
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15
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Cabrera-Andrade A, López-Cortés A, Jaramillo-Koupermann G, Paz-y-Miño C, Pérez-Castillo Y, Munteanu CR, González-Díaz H, Pazos A, Tejera E. Gene Prioritization through Consensus Strategy, Enrichment Methodologies Analysis, and Networking for Osteosarcoma Pathogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E1053. [PMID: 32033398 PMCID: PMC7038221 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21031053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Revised: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Osteosarcoma is the most common subtype of primary bone cancer, affecting mostly adolescents. In recent years, several studies have focused on elucidating the molecular mechanisms of this sarcoma; however, its molecular etiology has still not been determined with precision. Therefore, we applied a consensus strategy with the use of several bioinformatics tools to prioritize genes involved in its pathogenesis. Subsequently, we assessed the physical interactions of the previously selected genes and applied a communality analysis to this protein-protein interaction network. The consensus strategy prioritized a total list of 553 genes. Our enrichment analysis validates several studies that describe the signaling pathways PI3K/AKT and MAPK/ERK as pathogenic. The gene ontology described TP53 as a principal signal transducer that chiefly mediates processes associated with cell cycle and DNA damage response It is interesting to note that the communality analysis clusters several members involved in metastasis events, such as MMP2 and MMP9, and genes associated with DNA repair complexes, like ATM, ATR, CHEK1, and RAD51. In this study, we have identified well-known pathogenic genes for osteosarcoma and prioritized genes that need to be further explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Cabrera-Andrade
- Grupo de Bio-Quimioinformática, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito 170125, Ecuador;
- Carrera de Enfermería, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito 170125, Ecuador
- RNASA-IMEDIR, Computer Sciences Faculty, University of A Coruna, 15071 A Coruña, Spain; (A.L.-C.); (C.R.M.); (A.P.)
| | - Andrés López-Cortés
- RNASA-IMEDIR, Computer Sciences Faculty, University of A Coruna, 15071 A Coruña, Spain; (A.L.-C.); (C.R.M.); (A.P.)
- Centro de Investigación Genética y Genómica, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud Eugenio Espejo, Universidad UTE, Quito 170129, Ecuador;
| | - Gabriela Jaramillo-Koupermann
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular, Subproceso de Anatomía Patológica, Hospital de Especialidades Eugenio Espejo, Quito 170403, Ecuador;
| | - César Paz-y-Miño
- Centro de Investigación Genética y Genómica, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud Eugenio Espejo, Universidad UTE, Quito 170129, Ecuador;
| | - Yunierkis Pérez-Castillo
- Grupo de Bio-Quimioinformática, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito 170125, Ecuador;
- Escuela de Ciencias Físicas y Matemáticas, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito 170125, Ecuador
| | - Cristian R. Munteanu
- RNASA-IMEDIR, Computer Sciences Faculty, University of A Coruna, 15071 A Coruña, Spain; (A.L.-C.); (C.R.M.); (A.P.)
- Biomedical Research Institute of A Coruña (INIBIC), University Hospital Complex of A Coruña (CHUAC), 15006 A Coruña, Spain
- Centro de Investigación en Tecnologías de la Información y las Comunicaciones (CITIC), Campus de Elviña s/n, 15071 A Coruña, Spain
| | - Humbert González-Díaz
- Department of Organic Chemistry II, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, 48940 Leioa, Spain
- IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, 48011 Bilbao, Spain;
| | - Alejandro Pazos
- RNASA-IMEDIR, Computer Sciences Faculty, University of A Coruna, 15071 A Coruña, Spain; (A.L.-C.); (C.R.M.); (A.P.)
- Biomedical Research Institute of A Coruña (INIBIC), University Hospital Complex of A Coruña (CHUAC), 15006 A Coruña, Spain
- Centro de Investigación en Tecnologías de la Información y las Comunicaciones (CITIC), Campus de Elviña s/n, 15071 A Coruña, Spain
| | - Eduardo Tejera
- Grupo de Bio-Quimioinformática, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito 170125, Ecuador;
- Facultad de Ingeniería y Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito 170125, Ecuador
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16
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Grandin N, Pereira B, Cohen C, Billard P, Dehais C, Carpentier C, Idbaih A, Bielle F, Ducray F, Figarella-Branger D, Delattre JY, Sanson M, Lomonte P, Poncet D, Verrelle P, Charbonneau M. The level of activity of the alternative lengthening of telomeres correlates with patient age in IDH-mutant ATRX-loss-of-expression anaplastic astrocytomas. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2019; 7:175. [PMID: 31706351 PMCID: PMC6842523 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-019-0833-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
All cancer cells need to maintain functional telomeres to sustain continuous cell division and proliferation. In human diffuse gliomas, functional telomeres are maintained due either to reactivation of telomerase expression, the main pathway in most cancer types, or to activation of a mechanism called the alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT). The presence of IDH1/2 mutations (IDH-mutant) together with loss of ATRX expression (ATRX-lost) are frequently associated with ALT in diffuse gliomas. However, detection of ALT, and a fortiori its quantification, are rarely, if ever, measured in neuropathology laboratories. We measured the level of ALT activity using the previously described quantitative “C-circle” assay and analyzed it in a well characterized cohort of 104 IDH-mutant and ATRX-lost adult diffuse gliomas. We report that in IDH-mutant ATRX-lost anaplastic astrocytomas, the intensity of ALT was inversely correlated with age (p < 0.001), the younger the patient, the higher the intensity of ALT. Strikingly, glioblastomas having progressed from anaplastic astrocytomas did not exhibit this correlation. ALT activity level in the tumor did not depend on telomere length in healthy tissue cells from the same patient. In summary, we have uncovered the existence, in anaplastic astrocytomas but not in glioblastomas with the same IDH and ATRX mutations, of a correlation between patient age and the level of activity of ALT, a telomerase-independent pathway of telomere maintenance.
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17
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Gaspar TB, Sá A, Lopes JM, Sobrinho-Simões M, Soares P, Vinagre J. Telomere Maintenance Mechanisms in Cancer. Genes (Basel) 2018; 9:E241. [PMID: 29751586 PMCID: PMC5977181 DOI: 10.3390/genes9050241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Revised: 04/20/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumour cells can adopt telomere maintenance mechanisms (TMMs) to avoid telomere shortening, an inevitable process due to successive cell divisions. In most tumour cells, telomere length (TL) is maintained by reactivation of telomerase, while a small part acquires immortality through the telomerase-independent alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) mechanism. In the last years, a great amount of data was generated, and different TMMs were reported and explained in detail, benefiting from genome-scale studies of major importance. In this review, we address seven different TMMs in tumour cells: mutations of the TERT promoter (TERTp), amplification of the genes TERT and TERC, polymorphic variants of the TERT gene and of its promoter, rearrangements of the TERT gene, epigenetic changes, ALT, and non-defined TMM (NDTMM). We gathered information from over fifty thousand patients reported in 288 papers in the last years. This wide data collection enabled us to portray, by organ/system and histotypes, the prevalence of TERTp mutations, TERT and TERC amplifications, and ALT in human tumours. Based on this information, we discuss the putative future clinical impact of the aforementioned mechanisms on the malignant transformation process in different setups, and provide insights for screening, prognosis, and patient management stratification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiago Bordeira Gaspar
- Cancer Signaling and Metabolism Group, Institute for Research and Innovation in Health Sciences (i3S), University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.
- Cancer Signaling and Metabolism Group, Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (Ipatimup), 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.
- Medical Faculty of University of Porto (FMUP), 4200-139 Porto, Portugal.
- Abel Salazar Biomedical Sciences Institute (ICBAS), University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Ana Sá
- Cancer Signaling and Metabolism Group, Institute for Research and Innovation in Health Sciences (i3S), University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.
- Cancer Signaling and Metabolism Group, Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (Ipatimup), 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.
- Abel Salazar Biomedical Sciences Institute (ICBAS), University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
| | - José Manuel Lopes
- Cancer Signaling and Metabolism Group, Institute for Research and Innovation in Health Sciences (i3S), University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.
- Cancer Signaling and Metabolism Group, Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (Ipatimup), 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.
- Medical Faculty of University of Porto (FMUP), 4200-139 Porto, Portugal.
- Department of Pathology and Oncology, Centro Hospitalar São João, 4200-139 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Manuel Sobrinho-Simões
- Cancer Signaling and Metabolism Group, Institute for Research and Innovation in Health Sciences (i3S), University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.
- Cancer Signaling and Metabolism Group, Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (Ipatimup), 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.
- Medical Faculty of University of Porto (FMUP), 4200-139 Porto, Portugal.
- Department of Pathology and Oncology, Centro Hospitalar São João, 4200-139 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Paula Soares
- Cancer Signaling and Metabolism Group, Institute for Research and Innovation in Health Sciences (i3S), University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.
- Cancer Signaling and Metabolism Group, Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (Ipatimup), 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.
- Abel Salazar Biomedical Sciences Institute (ICBAS), University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
| | - João Vinagre
- Cancer Signaling and Metabolism Group, Institute for Research and Innovation in Health Sciences (i3S), University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.
- Cancer Signaling and Metabolism Group, Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (Ipatimup), 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.
- Medical Faculty of University of Porto (FMUP), 4200-139 Porto, Portugal.
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18
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Balc'h EL, Grandin N, Demattei MV, Guyétant S, Tallet A, Pagès JC, Ouaissi M, Lecomte T, Charbonneau M. Measurement of Telomere Length in Colorectal Cancers for Improved Molecular Diagnosis. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18091871. [PMID: 28850092 PMCID: PMC5618520 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18091871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Revised: 08/18/2017] [Accepted: 08/25/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
All tumors have in common to reactivate a telomere maintenance mechanism to allow for unlimited proliferation. On the other hand, genetic instability found in some tumors can result from the loss of telomeres. Here, we measured telomere length in colorectal cancers (CRCs) using TRF (Telomere Restriction Fragment) analysis. Telomeric DNA content was also quantified as the ratio of total telomeric (TTAGGG) sequences over that of the invariable Alu sequences. In most of the 125 CRCs analyzed, there was a significant diminution in telomere length compared with that in control healthy tissue. Only 34 tumors exhibited no telomere erosion and, in some cases, a slight telomere lengthening. Telomere length did not correlate with age, gender, tumor stage, tumor localization or stage of tumor differentiation. In addition, while telomere length did not correlate with the presence of a mutation in BRAF (V-raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B), PIK3CA (phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase catalytic subunit), or MSI status, it was significantly associated with the occurrence of a mutation in KRAS. Interestingly, we found that the shorter the telomeres in healthy tissue of a patient, the larger an increase in telomere length in the tumor. Our study points to the existence of two types of CRCs based on telomere length and reveals that telomere length in healthy tissue might influence telomere maintenance mechanisms in the tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Le Balc'h
- CHRU Hôpital de Tours Trousseau, avenue de la République, 37170 Chambray-lès-Tours, France.
| | - Nathalie Grandin
- UMR CNRS 7292, UFR Pharmacy, University of Tours, Parc Grandmont, 31 avenue Monge, 37200 Tours, France.
| | - Marie-Véronique Demattei
- UMR CNRS 7292, UFR Pharmacy, University of Tours, Parc Grandmont, 31 avenue Monge, 37200 Tours, France.
| | - Serge Guyétant
- CHRU Hôpital de Tours Trousseau, avenue de la République, 37170 Chambray-lès-Tours, France.
| | - Anne Tallet
- CHRU Hôpital de Tours Trousseau, avenue de la République, 37170 Chambray-lès-Tours, France.
| | - Jean-Christophe Pagès
- CHRU Hôpital de Tours Trousseau, avenue de la République, 37170 Chambray-lès-Tours, France.
| | - Mehdi Ouaissi
- CHRU Hôpital de Tours Trousseau, avenue de la République, 37170 Chambray-lès-Tours, France.
| | - Thierry Lecomte
- CHRU Hôpital de Tours Trousseau, avenue de la République, 37170 Chambray-lès-Tours, France.
- UMR CNRS 7292, UFR Pharmacy, University of Tours, Parc Grandmont, 31 avenue Monge, 37200 Tours, France.
| | - Michel Charbonneau
- UMR CNRS 7292, UFR Pharmacy, University of Tours, Parc Grandmont, 31 avenue Monge, 37200 Tours, France.
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