1
|
Padmanaban S, Lambacher NJ, Tesmer VM, Zhang J, Shibuya H, Nandakumar J. Caenorhabditis elegans telomere-binding proteins TEBP-1 and TEBP-2 adapt the Myb module to dimerize and bind telomeric DNA. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2316651121. [PMID: 38588418 PMCID: PMC11032478 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2316651121] [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: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Protecting chromosome ends from misrecognition as double-stranded (ds) DNA breaks is fundamental to eukaryotic viability. The protein complex shelterin prevents a DNA damage response at mammalian telomeres. Mammalian shelterin proteins TRF1 and TRF2 and their homologs in yeast and protozoa protect telomeric dsDNA. N-terminal homodimerization and C-terminal Myb-domain-mediated dsDNA binding are two structural hallmarks of end protection by TRF homologs. Yet our understanding of how Caenorhabditis elegans protects its telomeric dsDNA is limited. Recently identified C. elegans proteins TEBP-1 (also called DTN-1) and TEBP-2 (also called DTN-2) are functional homologs of TRF proteins, but how they bind DNA and whether or how they dimerize is not known. TEBP-1 and TEBP-2 harbor three Myb-containing domains (MCDs) and no obvious dimerization domain. We demonstrate biochemically that only the third MCD binds DNA. We solve the X-ray crystal structure of TEBP-2 MCD3 with telomeric dsDNA to reveal the structural mechanism of telomeric dsDNA protection in C. elegans. Mutagenesis of the DNA-binding site of TEBP-1 and TEBP-2 compromises DNA binding in vitro, and increases DNA damage signaling, lengthens telomeres, and decreases brood size in vivo. Via an X-ray crystal structure, biochemical validation of the dimerization interface, and SEC-MALS analysis, we demonstrate that MCD1 and MCD2 form a composite dimerization module that facilitates not only TEBP-1 and TEBP-2 homodimerization but also heterodimerization. These findings provide fundamental insights into C. elegans telomeric dsDNA protection and highlight how different eukaryotes have evolved distinct strategies to solve the chromosome end protection problem.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shilpa Padmanaban
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
| | - Nils J. Lambacher
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden41390
| | - Valerie M. Tesmer
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
| | - Jingjing Zhang
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden41390
| | - Hiroki Shibuya
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden41390
- Laboratory for Gametogenesis, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe650-0047, Japan
| | - Jayakrishnan Nandakumar
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Rivosecchi J, Jurikova K, Cusanelli E. Telomere-specific regulation of TERRA and its impact on telomere stability. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2024; 157:3-23. [PMID: 38088000 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2023.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
TERRA is a class of telomeric repeat-containing RNAs that are expressed from telomeres in multiple organisms. TERRA transcripts play key roles in telomere maintenance and their physiological levels are essential to maintain the integrity of telomeric DNA. Indeed, deregulated TERRA expression or its altered localization can impact telomere stability by multiple mechanisms including fueling transcription-replication conflicts, promoting resection of chromosome ends, altering the telomeric chromatin, and supporting homologous recombination. Therefore, a fine-tuned control of TERRA is important to maintain the integrity of the genome. Several studies have reported that different cell lines express substantially different levels of TERRA. Most importantly, TERRA levels markedly vary among telomeres of a given cell type, indicating the existence of telomere-specific regulatory mechanisms which may help coordinate TERRA functions. TERRA molecules contain distinct subtelomeric sequences, depending on their telomere of origin, which may instruct specific post-transcriptional modifications or mediate distinct functions. In addition, all TERRA transcripts share a repetitive G-rich sequence at their 3' end which can form DNA:RNA hybrids and fold into G-quadruplex structures. Both structures are involved in TERRA functions and can critically affect telomere stability. In this review, we examine the mechanisms controlling TERRA levels and the impact of their telomere-specific regulation on telomere stability. We compare evidence obtained in different model organisms, discussing recent advances as well as controversies in the field. Furthermore, we discuss the importance of DNA:RNA hybrids and G-quadruplex structures in the context of TERRA biology and telomere maintenance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julieta Rivosecchi
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Department CIBIO, University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Katarina Jurikova
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Department CIBIO, University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento, Italy; Department of Genetics, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, Ilkovičova 6, Mlynská dolina, 84215 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Emilio Cusanelli
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Department CIBIO, University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Mota APZ, Koutsovoulos GD, Perfus-Barbeoch L, Despot-Slade E, Labadie K, Aury JM, Robbe-Sermesant K, Bailly-Bechet M, Belser C, Péré A, Rancurel C, Kozlowski DK, Hassanaly-Goulamhoussen R, Da Rocha M, Noel B, Meštrović N, Wincker P, Danchin EGJ. Unzipped genome assemblies of polyploid root-knot nematodes reveal unusual and clade-specific telomeric repeats. Nat Commun 2024; 15:773. [PMID: 38316773 PMCID: PMC10844300 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-44914-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Using long-read sequencing, we assembled and unzipped the polyploid genomes of Meloidogyne incognita, M. javanica and M. arenaria, three of the most devastating plant-parasitic nematodes. We found the canonical nematode telomeric repeat to be missing in these and other Meloidogyne genomes. In addition, we find no evidence for the enzyme telomerase or for orthologs of C. elegans telomere-associated proteins, suggesting alternative lengthening of telomeres. Instead, analyzing our assembled genomes, we identify species-specific composite repeats enriched mostly at one extremity of contigs. These repeats are G-rich, oriented, and transcribed, similarly to canonical telomeric repeats. We confirm them as telomeric using fluorescent in situ hybridization. These repeats are mostly found at one single end of chromosomes in these species. The discovery of unusual and specific complex telomeric repeats opens a plethora of perspectives and highlights the evolutionary diversity of telomeres despite their central roles in senescence, aging, and chromosome integrity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Paula Zotta Mota
- Institut Sophia Agrobiotech, INRAE, Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, 400 routes des Chappes, 06903, Sophia-Antipolis, France.
| | - Georgios D Koutsovoulos
- Institut Sophia Agrobiotech, INRAE, Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, 400 routes des Chappes, 06903, Sophia-Antipolis, France
| | - Laetitia Perfus-Barbeoch
- Institut Sophia Agrobiotech, INRAE, Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, 400 routes des Chappes, 06903, Sophia-Antipolis, France
| | - Evelin Despot-Slade
- Division of Molecular Biology, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Karine Labadie
- Genoscope, Institut François Jacob, CEA, CNRS, Univ Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, 91057, Evry, France
| | - Jean-Marc Aury
- Génomique Métabolique, Genoscope, Institut François Jacob, CEA, CNRS, Univ Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, 91057, Evry, France
| | - Karine Robbe-Sermesant
- Institut Sophia Agrobiotech, INRAE, Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, 400 routes des Chappes, 06903, Sophia-Antipolis, France
| | - Marc Bailly-Bechet
- Institut Sophia Agrobiotech, INRAE, Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, 400 routes des Chappes, 06903, Sophia-Antipolis, France
| | - Caroline Belser
- Génomique Métabolique, Genoscope, Institut François Jacob, CEA, CNRS, Univ Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, 91057, Evry, France
| | - Arthur Péré
- Institut Sophia Agrobiotech, INRAE, Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, 400 routes des Chappes, 06903, Sophia-Antipolis, France
| | - Corinne Rancurel
- Institut Sophia Agrobiotech, INRAE, Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, 400 routes des Chappes, 06903, Sophia-Antipolis, France
| | - Djampa K Kozlowski
- Institut Sophia Agrobiotech, INRAE, Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, 400 routes des Chappes, 06903, Sophia-Antipolis, France
- Université Côte d'Azur, Center of Modeling, Simulation, and Interactions, 28 Avenue Valrose, 06000, Nice, France
| | - Rahim Hassanaly-Goulamhoussen
- Institut Sophia Agrobiotech, INRAE, Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, 400 routes des Chappes, 06903, Sophia-Antipolis, France
| | - Martine Da Rocha
- Institut Sophia Agrobiotech, INRAE, Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, 400 routes des Chappes, 06903, Sophia-Antipolis, France
| | - Benjamin Noel
- Génomique Métabolique, Genoscope, Institut François Jacob, CEA, CNRS, Univ Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, 91057, Evry, France
| | - Nevenka Meštrović
- Division of Molecular Biology, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Patrick Wincker
- Génomique Métabolique, Genoscope, Institut François Jacob, CEA, CNRS, Univ Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, 91057, Evry, France
| | - Etienne G J Danchin
- Institut Sophia Agrobiotech, INRAE, Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, 400 routes des Chappes, 06903, Sophia-Antipolis, France.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lim J, Kim W, Kim J, Lee J. Telomeric repeat evolution in the phylum Nematoda revealed by high-quality genome assemblies and subtelomere structures. Genome Res 2023; 33:1947-1957. [PMID: 37918961 PMCID: PMC10760449 DOI: 10.1101/gr.278124.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Telomeres are composed of tandem arrays of telomeric-repeat motifs (TRMs) and telomere-binding proteins (TBPs), which are responsible for ensuring end-protection and end-replication of chromosomes. TRMs are highly conserved owing to the sequence specificity of TBPs, although significant alterations in TRM have been observed in several taxa, except Nematoda. We used public whole-genome sequencing data sets to analyze putative TRMs of 100 nematode species and determined that three distinct branches included specific novel TRMs, suggesting that evolutionary alterations in TRMs occurred in Nematoda. We focused on one of the three branches, the Panagrolaimidae family, and performed a de novo assembly of four high-quality draft genomes of the canonical (TTAGGC) and novel TRM (TTAGAC) isolates; the latter genomes revealed densely clustered arrays of the novel TRM. We then comprehensively analyzed the subtelomeric regions of the genomes to infer how the novel TRM evolved. We identified DNA damage-repair signatures in subtelomeric sequences that were representative of consequences of telomere maintenance mechanisms by alternative lengthening of telomeres. We propose a hypothetical scenario in which TTAGAC-containing units are clustered in subtelomeric regions and pre-existing TBPs capable of binding both canonical and novel TRMs aided the evolution of the novel TRM in the Panagrolaimidae family.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiseon Lim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, South Korea
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, South Korea
| | - Wonjoo Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, South Korea
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, South Korea
| | - Jun Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, South Korea;
- Research Institute of Basic Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, South Korea
- Department of Convergent Bioscience and Informatics, College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, South Korea
| | - Junho Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, South Korea
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, South Korea
- Research Institute of Basic Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, South Korea
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Manzato C, Larini L, Oss Pegorar C, Dello Stritto MR, Jurikova K, Jantsch V, Cusanelli E. TERRA expression is regulated by the telomere-binding proteins POT-1 and POT-2 in Caenorhabditis elegans. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:10681-10699. [PMID: 37713629 PMCID: PMC10602879 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Several aspects of telomere biology are regulated by the telomeric repeat-containing RNA TERRA. While TERRA expression is conserved through evolution, species-specific mechanisms regulate its biogenesis and function. Here we report on the expression of TERRA in Caenorhabditis elegans. We show that C. elegans TERRA is regulated by the telomere-binding proteins POT-1 and POT-2 which repress TERRA in a telomere-specific manner. C. elegans TERRA transcripts are heterogeneous in length and form discrete nuclear foci, as detected by RNA FISH, in both postmitotic and germline cells; a fraction of TERRA foci localizes to telomeres. Interestingly, in germ cells, TERRA is expressed in all stages of meiotic prophase I, and it increases during pachytene, a stage in meiosis when homologous recombination is ongoing. We used the MS2-GFP system to study the spatiotemporal dynamics of single-telomere TERRA molecules. Single particle tracking revealed different types of motilities, suggesting complex dynamics of TERRA transcripts. Finally, we unveiled distinctive features of C. elegans TERRA, which is regulated by telomere shortening in a telomere-specific manner, and it is upregulated in the telomerase-deficient trt-1; pot-2 double mutant prior to activation of the alternative lengthening mechanism ALT. Interestingly, in these worms TERRA displays distinct dynamics with a higher fraction of fast-moving particles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Manzato
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Department CIBIO, University of Trento, 38123, Trento, Italy
| | - Luca Larini
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Department CIBIO, University of Trento, 38123, Trento, Italy
| | - Claudio Oss Pegorar
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Department CIBIO, University of Trento, 38123, Trento, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Dello Stritto
- Department of Chromosome Biology, Max Perutz Laboratories, University of Vienna, Vienna Biocenter 1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Katarina Jurikova
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Department CIBIO, University of Trento, 38123, Trento, Italy
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, Ilkovičova 6, Mlynská dolina 84215, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Verena Jantsch
- Department of Chromosome Biology, Max Perutz Laboratories, University of Vienna, Vienna Biocenter 1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Emilio Cusanelli
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Department CIBIO, University of Trento, 38123, Trento, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Tesmer VM, Brenner KA, Nandakumar J. Human POT1 protects the telomeric ds-ss DNA junction by capping the 5' end of the chromosome. Science 2023; 381:771-778. [PMID: 37590346 PMCID: PMC10666826 DOI: 10.1126/science.adi2436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
Protection of telomeres 1 (POT1) is the 3' single-stranded overhang-binding telomeric protein that prevents an ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related (ATR) DNA damage response (DDR) at chromosome ends. What precludes the DDR machinery from accessing the telomeric double-stranded-single-stranded junction is unknown. We demonstrate that human POT1 binds this junction by recognizing the phosphorylated 5' end of the chromosome. High-resolution crystallographic structures reveal that the junction is capped by POT1 through a "POT-hole" surface, the mutation of which compromises junction protection in vitro and telomeric 5'-end definition and DDR suppression in human cells. Whereas both mouse POT1 paralogs bind the single-stranded overhang, POT1a, not POT1b, contains a POT-hole and binds the junction, which explains POT1a's sufficiency for end protection. Our study shifts the paradigm for DDR suppression at telomeres by highlighting the importance of protecting the double-stranded-single-stranded junction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valerie M. Tesmer
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan; Ann Arbor, 48109, USA
| | - Kirsten A. Brenner
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan; Ann Arbor, 48109, USA
| | - Jayakrishnan Nandakumar
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan; Ann Arbor, 48109, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Sohn EJ, Goralsky JA, Shay JW, Min J. The Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Prospects of Alternative Lengthening of Telomeres (ALT). Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15071945. [PMID: 37046606 PMCID: PMC10093677 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15071945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
As detailed by the end replication problem, the linear ends of a cell's chromosomes, known as telomeres, shorten with each successive round of replication until a cell enters into a state of growth arrest referred to as senescence. To maintain their immortal proliferation capacity, cancer cells must employ a telomere maintenance mechanism, such as telomerase activation or the Alternative Lengthening of Telomeres pathway (ALT). With only 10-15% of cancers utilizing the ALT mechanism, progress towards understanding its molecular components and associated hallmarks has only recently been made. This review analyzes the advances towards understanding the ALT pathway by: (1) detailing the mechanisms associated with engaging the ALT pathway as well as (2) identifying potential therapeutic targets of ALT that may lead to novel cancer therapeutic treatments. Collectively, these studies indicate that the ALT molecular mechanisms involve at least two distinct pathways induced by replication stress and damage at telomeres. We suggest exploiting tumor dependency on ALT is a promising field of study because it suggests new approaches to ALT-specific therapies for cancers with poorer prognosis. While substantial progress has been made in the ALT research field, additional progress will be required to realize these advances into clinical practices to treat ALT cancers and improve patient prognoses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eric J Sohn
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Julia A Goralsky
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Jerry W Shay
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9039, USA
| | - Jaewon Min
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Yu X, Gray S, Ferreira H. POT-3 preferentially binds the terminal DNA-repeat on the telomeric G-overhang. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:610-618. [PMID: 36583365 PMCID: PMC9881156 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac1203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Eukaryotic chromosomes typically end in 3' telomeric overhangs. The safeguarding of telomeric single-stranded DNA overhangs is carried out by factors related to the protection of telomeres 1 (POT1) protein in humans. Of the three POT1-like proteins in Caenorhabditis elegans, POT-3 was the only member thought to not play a role at telomeres. Here, we provide evidence that POT-3 is a bona fide telomere-binding protein. Using a new loss-of-function mutant, we show that the absence of POT-3 causes telomere lengthening and increased levels of telomeric C-circles. We find that POT-3 directly binds the telomeric G-strand in vitro and map its minimal DNA binding site to the six-nucleotide motif, GCTTAG. We further show that the closely related POT-2 protein binds the same motif, but that POT-3 shows higher sequence selectivity. Crucially, in contrast to POT-2, POT-3 prefers binding sites immediately adjacent to the 3' end of DNA. These differences are significant as genetic analyses reveal that pot-2 and pot-3 do not function redundantly with each other in vivo. Our work highlights the rapid evolution and specialisation of telomere binding proteins and places POT-3 in a unique position to influence activities that control telomere length.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xupeng Yu
- Biomedical Sciences Research Complex, School of Biology, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, UK
| | - Sean Gray
- Biomedical Sciences Research Complex, School of Biology, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, UK
| | - Helder C Ferreira
- Biomedical Sciences Research Complex, School of Biology, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, UK
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Rouan A, Pousse M, Tambutté E, Djerbi N, Zozaya W, Capasso L, Zoccola D, Tambutté S, Gilson E. Telomere dysfunction is associated with dark-induced bleaching in the reef coral Stylophora pistillata. Mol Ecol 2022; 31:6087-6099. [PMID: 34587336 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Telomere DNA length is a complex trait controlled by both multiple loci and environmental factors. A growing number of studies are focusing on the impact of stress and stress accumulation on telomere length and the link with survival and fitness in ecological contexts. Here, we investigated the telomere changes occurring in a symbiotic coral, Stylophora pistillata, that has experienced continuous darkness over 6 months. This stress condition led to the loss of its symbionts in a similar manner to that observed during large-scale bleaching events due to climate changes and anthropogenic activities, threatening reef ecosystems worldwide. We found that continuous darkness was associated with telomere length shortening. This result, together with a phylogenetic analysis of the telomere coral proteins and a transcriptome survey of the continuous darkness condition, paves the way for future studies on the role of telomeres in the coral stress response and the importance of environmentally induced telomere shortening in endangered coral species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alice Rouan
- Université Côte d'Azur-CNRS-Inserm, IRCAN, Nice, France
| | | | - Eric Tambutté
- Department of Marine Biology, Centre Scientifique de Monaco, Monte Carlo, Principality of Monaco
| | - Nadir Djerbi
- Université Côte d'Azur-CNRS-Inserm, IRCAN, Nice, France
| | | | - Laura Capasso
- Department of Marine Biology, Centre Scientifique de Monaco, Monte Carlo, Principality of Monaco.,Collège Doctoral, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Didier Zoccola
- Department of Marine Biology, Centre Scientifique de Monaco, Monte Carlo, Principality of Monaco
| | - Sylvie Tambutté
- Department of Marine Biology, Centre Scientifique de Monaco, Monte Carlo, Principality of Monaco
| | - Eric Gilson
- Université Côte d'Azur-CNRS-Inserm, IRCAN, Nice, France.,Department of Medical Genetics, CHU, Nice, France
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Telomeres and Their Neighbors. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13091663. [PMID: 36140830 PMCID: PMC9498494 DOI: 10.3390/genes13091663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomeres are essential structures formed from satellite DNA repeats at the ends of chromosomes in most eukaryotes. Satellite DNA repeat sequences are useful markers for karyotyping, but have a more enigmatic role in the eukaryotic cell. Much work has been done to investigate the structure and arrangement of repetitive DNA elements in classical models with implications for species evolution. Still more is needed until there is a complete picture of the biological function of DNA satellite sequences, particularly when considering non-model organisms. Celebrating Gregor Mendel’s anniversary by going to the roots, this review is designed to inspire and aid new research into telomeres and satellites with a particular focus on non-model organisms and accessible experimental and in silico methods that do not require specialized equipment or expensive materials. We describe how to identify telomere (and satellite) repeats giving many examples of published (and some unpublished) data from these techniques to illustrate the principles behind the experiments. We also present advice on how to perform and analyse such experiments, including details of common pitfalls. Our examples are a selection of recent developments and underexplored areas of research from the past. As a nod to Mendel’s early work, we use many examples from plants and insects, especially as much recent work has expanded beyond the human and yeast models traditional in telomere research. We give a general introduction to the accepted knowledge of telomere and satellite systems and include references to specialized reviews for the interested reader.
Collapse
|
11
|
Shakirov EV, Chen JJL, Shippen DE. Plant telomere biology: The green solution to the end-replication problem. THE PLANT CELL 2022; 34:2492-2504. [PMID: 35511166 PMCID: PMC9252485 DOI: 10.1093/plcell/koac122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Telomere maintenance is a fundamental cellular process conserved across all eukaryotic lineages. Although plants and animals diverged over 1.5 billion years ago, lessons learned from plants continue to push the boundaries of science, revealing detailed molecular mechanisms in telomere biology with broad implications for human health, aging biology, and stress responses. Recent studies of plant telomeres have unveiled unexpected divergence in telomere sequence and architecture, and the proteins that engage telomeric DNA and telomerase. The discovery of telomerase RNA components in the plant kingdom and some algae groups revealed new insight into the divergent evolution and the universal core of telomerase across major eukaryotic kingdoms. In addition, resources cataloging the abundant natural variation in Arabidopsis thaliana, maize (Zea mays), and other plants are providing unparalleled opportunities to understand the genetic networks that govern telomere length polymorphism and, as a result, are uncovering unanticipated crosstalk between telomeres, environmental factors, organismal fitness, and plant physiology. Here we recap current advances in plant telomere biology and put this field in perspective relative to telomere and telomerase research in other eukaryotic lineages.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eugene V Shakirov
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Marshall University, Huntington, West Virginia 25701, USA
| | - Julian J -L Chen
- School of Molecular Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Mazzucco G, Huda A, Galli M, Zanella E, Doksani Y. Purification of mammalian telomeric DNA for single-molecule analysis. Nat Protoc 2022; 17:1444-1467. [PMID: 35396546 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-022-00684-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Here we provide a detailed protocol for the enrichment of telomeric repeats from mouse and human cells. The procedure consists of two successive rounds of digestion with frequently cutting restriction enzymes followed by size fractionation. Around 2 mg of genomic DNA is required, and the procedure lasts 5-6 d and yields preparations enriched >800-fold in telomeres. The purified material is suitable for single-molecule analysis of telomere structure, visualizing telomere replication and recombination intermediates by electron microscopy or performing molecular combing at telomeric repeats. No special skills are required for the enrichment procedure, while some assistance is needed in harvesting a large number of plates in a timely fashion at the beginning of the procedure. A smaller-scale version of the protocol that involves one round of digestion and purification requires 200 µg of DNA and enriches telomeres ~50-fold in 4 d is also provided. The latter can be combined with specific labeling for single-molecule analysis of replicating DNA or for long-read sequencing analysis of telomeric repeats. The procedure described here can be adapted to the enrichment of other repetitive elements, based on the use of restriction enzymes that do not cut into the repeat of interest.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Armela Huda
- IFOM, FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy
| | - Martina Galli
- IFOM, FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy
| | - Elia Zanella
- IFOM, FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy
| | - Ylli Doksani
- IFOM, FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Abstract
The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans has shed light on many aspects of eukaryotic biology, including genetics, development, cell biology, and genomics. A major factor in the success of C. elegans as a model organism has been the availability, since the late 1990s, of an essentially gap-free and well-annotated nuclear genome sequence, divided among 6 chromosomes. In this review, we discuss the structure, function, and biology of C. elegans chromosomes and then provide a general perspective on chromosome biology in other diverse nematode species. We highlight malleable chromosome features including centromeres, telomeres, and repetitive elements, as well as the remarkable process of programmed DNA elimination (historically described as chromatin diminution) that induces loss of portions of the genome in somatic cells of a handful of nematode species. An exciting future prospect is that nematode species may enable experimental approaches to study chromosome features and to test models of chromosome evolution. In the long term, fundamental insights regarding how speciation is integrated with chromosome biology may be revealed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter M Carlton
- Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Richard E Davis
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver, CO 80045, USA.,RNA Bioscience Initiative, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Shawn Ahmed
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.,Department of Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Watson JM, Trieb J, Troestl M, Renfrew K, Mandakova T, Fulnecek J, Shippen DE, Riha K. A hypomorphic allele of telomerase uncovers the minimal functional length of telomeres in Arabidopsis. Genetics 2021; 219:6339584. [PMID: 34849882 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyab126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the essential requirement of telomeric DNA for genome stability, the length of telomere tracts between species substantially differs, raising the question of the minimal length of telomeric DNA necessary for proper function. Here, we address this question using a hypomorphic allele of the telomerase catalytic subunit, TERT. We show that although this construct partially restored telomerase activity to a tert mutant, telomeres continued to shorten over several generations, ultimately stabilizing at a bimodal size distribution. Telomeres on two chromosome arms were maintained at a length of 1 kb, while the remaining telomeres were maintained at 400 bp. The longest telomeres identified in this background were also significantly longer in wild-type populations, suggesting cis-acting elements on these arms either promote telomerase processivity or recruitment. Genetically disrupting telomerase processivity in this background resulted in immediate lethality. Thus, telomeres of 400 bp are both necessary and sufficient for Arabidopsis viability. As this length is the estimated minimal length for t-loop formation, our data suggest that telomeres long enough to form a t-loop constitute the minimal functional length.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Matthew Watson
- Gregor Mendel Institute of Plant Molecular Biology, Austrian Academy of Sciences, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Johanna Trieb
- Gregor Mendel Institute of Plant Molecular Biology, Austrian Academy of Sciences, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Martina Troestl
- Gregor Mendel Institute of Plant Molecular Biology, Austrian Academy of Sciences, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Kyle Renfrew
- Department of Biochemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77840, USA
| | - Terezie Mandakova
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jaroslav Fulnecek
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Dorothy E Shippen
- Department of Biochemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77840, USA
| | - Karel Riha
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Distinct functions of POT1 proteins contribute to the regulation of telomerase recruitment to telomeres. Nat Commun 2021; 12:5514. [PMID: 34535663 PMCID: PMC8448735 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-25799-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Human shelterin components POT1 and TPP1 form a stable heterodimer that protects telomere ends from ATR-dependent DNA damage responses and regulates telomerase-dependent telomere extension. Mice possess two functionally distinct POT1 proteins. POT1a represses ATR/CHK1 DNA damage responses and the alternative non-homologous end-joining DNA repair pathway while POT1b regulates C-strand resection and recruits the CTC1-STN1-TEN1 (CST) complex to telomeres to mediate C-strand fill-in synthesis. Whether POT1a and POT1b are involved in regulating the length of the telomeric G-strand is unclear. Here we demonstrate that POT1b, independent of its CST function, enhances recruitment of telomerase to telomeres through three amino acids in its TPP1 interacting C-terminus. POT1b thus coordinates the synthesis of both telomeric G- and C-strands. In contrast, POT1a negatively regulates telomere length by inhibiting telomerase recruitment to telomeres. The identification of unique amino acids between POT1a and POT1b helps us understand mechanistically how human POT1 switches between end protective functions and promoting telomerase recruitment.
Collapse
|
16
|
Li B, Zhao Y. Regulation of Antigenic Variation by Trypanosoma brucei Telomere Proteins Depends on Their Unique DNA Binding Activities. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10080967. [PMID: 34451431 PMCID: PMC8402208 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10080967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Trypanosoma brucei causes human African trypanosomiasis and regularly switches its major surface antigen, Variant Surface Glycoprotein (VSG), to evade the host immune response. Such antigenic variation is a key pathogenesis mechanism that enables T. brucei to establish long-term infections. VSG is expressed exclusively from subtelomere loci in a strictly monoallelic manner, and DNA recombination is an important VSG switching pathway. The integrity of telomere and subtelomere structure, maintained by multiple telomere proteins, is essential for T. brucei viability and for regulating the monoallelic VSG expression and VSG switching. Here we will focus on T. brucei TRF and RAP1, two telomere proteins with unique nucleic acid binding activities, and summarize their functions in telomere integrity and stability, VSG switching, and monoallelic VSG expression. Targeting the unique features of TbTRF and TbRAP1′s nucleic acid binding activities to perturb the integrity of telomere structure and disrupt VSG monoallelic expression may serve as potential therapeutic strategy against T. brucei.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bibo Li
- Center for Gene Regulation in Health and Disease, Department of Biological, Geological, and Environmental Sciences, College of Sciences and Health Professions, Cleveland State University, 2121 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44115, USA
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
- Center for RNA Science and Therapeutics, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
- Correspondence: (B.L.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Yanxiang Zhao
- Shenzhen Research Institute, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Shenzhen, China
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong, China
- Correspondence: (B.L.); (Y.Z.)
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Li B. Keeping Balance Between Genetic Stability and Plasticity at the Telomere and Subtelomere of Trypanosoma brucei. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:699639. [PMID: 34291053 PMCID: PMC8287324 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.699639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomeres, the nucleoprotein complexes at chromosome ends, are well-known for their essential roles in genome integrity and chromosome stability. Yet, telomeres and subtelomeres are frequently less stable than chromosome internal regions. Many subtelomeric genes are important for responding to environmental cues, and subtelomeric instability can facilitate organismal adaptation to extracellular changes, which is a common theme in a number of microbial pathogens. In this review, I will focus on the delicate and important balance between stability and plasticity at telomeres and subtelomeres of a kinetoplastid parasite, Trypanosoma brucei, which causes human African trypanosomiasis and undergoes antigenic variation to evade the host immune response. I will summarize the current understanding about T. brucei telomere protein complex, the telomeric transcript, and telomeric R-loops, focusing on their roles in maintaining telomere and subtelomere stability and integrity. The similarities and differences in functions and underlying mechanisms of T. brucei telomere factors will be compared with those in human and yeast cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bibo Li
- Center for Gene Regulation in Health and Disease, Department of Biological, Geological, and Environmental Sciences, College of Sciences and Health Professions, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, OH, United States.,Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States.,Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States.,Center for RNA Science and Therapeutics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
The double-stranded DNA-binding proteins TEBP-1 and TEBP-2 form a telomeric complex with POT-1. Nat Commun 2021; 12:2668. [PMID: 33976151 PMCID: PMC8113555 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-22861-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomeres are bound by dedicated proteins, which protect them from DNA damage and regulate telomere length homeostasis. In the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, a comprehensive understanding of the proteins interacting with the telomere sequence is lacking. Here, we harnessed a quantitative proteomics approach to identify TEBP-1 and TEBP-2, two paralogs expressed in the germline and embryogenesis that associate to telomeres in vitro and in vivo. tebp-1 and tebp-2 mutants display strikingly distinct phenotypes: tebp-1 mutants have longer telomeres than wild-type animals, while tebp-2 mutants display shorter telomeres and a Mortal Germline. Notably, tebp-1;tebp-2 double mutant animals have synthetic sterility, with germlines showing signs of severe mitotic and meiotic arrest. Furthermore, we show that POT-1 forms a telomeric complex with TEBP-1 and TEBP-2, which bridges TEBP-1/-2 with POT-2/MRT-1. These results provide insights into the composition and organization of a telomeric protein complex in C. elegans.
Collapse
|
19
|
Qiu GH, Zheng X, Fu M, Huang C, Yang X. The decreased exclusion of nuclear eccDNA: From molecular and subcellular levels to human aging and age-related diseases. Ageing Res Rev 2021; 67:101306. [PMID: 33610814 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2021.101306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Extrachromosomal circular DNA (eccDNA) accumulates within the nucleus of eukaryotic cells during physiological aging and in age-related diseases (ARDs) and the accumulation could be caused by the declined exclusion of nuclear eccDNA in these states. This review focuses on the formation of eccDNA and the roles of some main factors, such as nuclear pore complexes (NPCs), nucleoplasmic reticulum (NR), and nuclear actin, in eccDNA exclusion. eccDNAs are mostly formed from non-coding DNA during DNA damage repair. They move to NPCs along nuclear actin and are excluded out of the nucleus through functional NPCs in young and healthy cells. However, it has been demonstrated that defective NPCs, abnormal NPC components and nuclear actin rods are increased in aged cells, various cancers and certain other ARDs such as cardiovascular diseases, premature aging, neurodegenerative diseases and myopathies. Therefore, mainly resulting from the increase of dysfunctional NPCs, the exclusion of nuclear eccDNAs may be reduced and eccDNAs thus accumulate within the nucleus in aging and the aforementioned ARDs. In addition, the protective function of non-coding DNA in tumorigenesis is further discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guo-Hua Qiu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory for the Prevention and Control of Animal Infectious Diseases and Biotechnology, Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Biotechnology, Fujian Province Universities, College of Life Sciences, Longyan University, Longyan 364012, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xintian Zheng
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory for the Prevention and Control of Animal Infectious Diseases and Biotechnology, Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Biotechnology, Fujian Province Universities, College of Life Sciences, Longyan University, Longyan 364012, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingjun Fu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory for the Prevention and Control of Animal Infectious Diseases and Biotechnology, Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Biotechnology, Fujian Province Universities, College of Life Sciences, Longyan University, Longyan 364012, People's Republic of China
| | - Cuiqin Huang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory for the Prevention and Control of Animal Infectious Diseases and Biotechnology, Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Biotechnology, Fujian Province Universities, College of Life Sciences, Longyan University, Longyan 364012, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyan Yang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory for the Prevention and Control of Animal Infectious Diseases and Biotechnology, Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Biotechnology, Fujian Province Universities, College of Life Sciences, Longyan University, Longyan 364012, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Abstract
Decades of study on cell cycle regulation have provided great insight into human cellular life span barriers, as well as their dysregulation during tumorigenesis. Telomeres, the extremities of linear chromosomes, perform an essential role in implementing these proliferative boundaries and preventing the propagation of potentially cancerous cells. The tumor-suppressive function of telomeres relies on their ability to initiate DNA damage signaling pathways and downstream cellular events, ranging from cell cycle perturbation to inflammation and cell death. While the tumor-suppressor role of telomeres is undoubtable, recent advances have pointed to telomeres as a major source of many of the genomic aberrations found in both early- and late-stage cancers, including the most recently discovered mutational phenomenon of chromothripsis. Telomere shortening appears as a double-edged sword that can function in opposing directions in carcinogenesis. This review focuses on the current knowledge of the dual role of telomeres in cancer and suggests a new perspective to reconcile the paradox of telomeres and their implications in cancer etiology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joe Nassour
- Molecular and Cell Biology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California 92037, USA
| | - Tobias T Schmidt
- Molecular and Cell Biology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California 92037, USA
| | - Jan Karlseder
- Molecular and Cell Biology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California 92037, USA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Lister-Shimauchi EH, Dinh M, Maddox P, Ahmed S. Gametes deficient for Pot1 telomere binding proteins alter levels of telomeric foci for multiple generations. Commun Biol 2021; 4:158. [PMID: 33542458 PMCID: PMC7862594 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-020-01624-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Deficiency for telomerase results in transgenerational shortening of telomeres. However, telomeres have no known role in transgenerational epigenetic inheritance. C. elegans Protection Of Telomeres 1 (Pot1) proteins form foci at the telomeres of germ cells that disappear at fertilization and gradually accumulate during development. We find that gametes from mutants deficient for Pot1 proteins alter levels of telomeric foci for multiple generations. Gametes from pot-2 mutants give rise to progeny with abundant POT-1::mCherry and mNeonGreen::POT-2 foci throughout development, which persists for six generations. In contrast, gametes from pot-1 mutants or pot-1; pot-2 double mutants induce diminished Pot1 foci for several generations. Deficiency for MET-2, SET-25, or SET-32 methyltransferases, which promote heterochromatin formation, results in gametes that induce diminished Pot1 foci for several generations. We propose that C. elegans POT-1 may interact with H3K9 methyltransferases during pot-2 mutant gametogenesis to induce a persistent form of transgenerational epigenetic inheritance that causes constitutively high levels of heterochromatic Pot1 foci.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Evan H Lister-Shimauchi
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
| | - Michael Dinh
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Paul Maddox
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
- Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Shawn Ahmed
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
- Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Yamamoto I, Zhang K, Zhang J, Vorontsov E, Shibuya H. Telomeric double-strand DNA-binding proteins DTN-1 and DTN-2 ensure germline immortality in Caenorhabditis elegans. eLife 2021; 10:64104. [PMID: 33476260 PMCID: PMC7819708 DOI: 10.7554/elife.64104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomeres are nucleoprotein complexes at the ends of chromosomes and are indispensable for the protection and lengthening of terminal DNA. Despite the evolutionarily conserved roles of telomeres, the telomeric double-strand DNA (dsDNA)-binding proteins have evolved rapidly. Here, we identified double-strand telomeric DNA-binding proteins (DTN-1 and DTN-2) in Caenorhabditis elegans as non-canonical telomeric dsDNA-binding proteins. DTN-1 and DTN-2 are paralogous proteins that have three putative MYB-like DNA-binding domains and bind to telomeric dsDNA in a sequence-specific manner. DTN-1 and DTN-2 form complexes with the single-strand telomeric DNA-binding proteins POT-1 and POT-2 and constitutively localize to telomeres. The dtn-1 and dtn-2 genes function redundantly, and their simultaneous deletion results in progressive germline mortality, which accompanies telomere hyper-elongation and chromosomal bridges. Our study suggests that DTN-1 and DTN-2 are core shelterin components in C. elegans telomeres that act as negative regulators of telomere length and are essential for germline immortality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Io Yamamoto
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Kexin Zhang
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jingjing Zhang
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Egor Vorontsov
- Proteomics Core Facility, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Hiroki Shibuya
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Abstract
In this perspective, we introduce shelterin and the mechanisms of ATM activation and NHEJ at telomeres, before discussing the following questions: How are t-loops proposed to protect chromosome ends and what is the evidence for this model? Can other models explain how TRF2 mediates end protection? Could t-loops be pathological structures? How is end protection achieved in pluripotent cells? What do the insights into telomere end protection in pluripotent cells mean for the t-loop model of end protection? Why might different cell states have evolved different mechanisms of end protection? Finally, we offer support for an updated t-loop model of end protection, suggesting that the data is supportive of a critical role for t-loops in protecting chromosome ends from NHEJ and ATM activation, but that other mechanisms are involved. Finally, we propose that t-loops are likely dynamic, rather than static, structures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Phil Ruis
- The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, United Kingdom
| | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Bryan TM. G-Quadruplexes at Telomeres: Friend or Foe? Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25163686. [PMID: 32823549 PMCID: PMC7464828 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25163686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 08/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomeres are DNA-protein complexes that cap and protect the ends of linear chromosomes. In almost all species, telomeric DNA has a G/C strand bias, and the short tandem repeats of the G-rich strand have the capacity to form into secondary structures in vitro, such as four-stranded G-quadruplexes. This has long prompted speculation that G-quadruplexes play a positive role in telomere biology, resulting in selection for G-rich tandem telomere repeats during evolution. There is some evidence that G-quadruplexes at telomeres may play a protective capping role, at least in yeast, and that they may positively affect telomere maintenance by either the enzyme telomerase or by recombination-based mechanisms. On the other hand, G-quadruplex formation in telomeric DNA, as elsewhere in the genome, can form an impediment to DNA replication and a source of genome instability. This review summarizes recent evidence for the in vivo existence of G-quadruplexes at telomeres, with a focus on human telomeres, and highlights some of the many unanswered questions regarding the location, form, and functions of these structures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tracy M Bryan
- Children's Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Tomáška Ľ, Cesare AJ, AlTurki TM, Griffith JD. Twenty years of t-loops: A case study for the importance of collaboration in molecular biology. DNA Repair (Amst) 2020; 94:102901. [PMID: 32620538 DOI: 10.1016/j.dnarep.2020.102901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Collaborative studies open doors to breakthroughs otherwise unattainable by any one laboratory alone. Here we describe the initial collaboration between the Griffith and de Lange laboratories that led to thinking about the telomere as a DNA template for homologous recombination, the proposal of telomere looping, and the first electron micrographs of t-loops. This was followed by collaborations that revealed t-loops across eukaryotic phyla. The Griffith and Tomáška/Nosek collaboration revealed circular telomeric DNA (t-circles) derived from the linear mitochondrial chromosomes of nonconventional yeast, which spurred discovery of t-circles in ALT-positive human cells. Collaborative work between the Griffith and McEachern labs demonstrated t-loops and t-circles in a series of yeast species. The de Lange and Zhuang laboratories then applied super-resolution light microscopy to demonstrate a genetic role for TRF2 in loop formation. Recent work from the Griffith laboratory linked telomere transcription with t-loop formation, providing a new model of the t-loop junction. A recent collaboration between the Cesare and Gaus laboratories utilized super-resolution light microscopy to provide details about t-loops as protective elements, followed by the Boulton and Cesare laboratories showing how cell cycle regulation of TRF2 and RTEL enables t-loop opening and reformation to promote telomere replication. Twenty years after the discovery of t-loops, we reflect on the collective history of their research as a case study in collaborative molecular biology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ľubomír Tomáška
- Department of Genetics, Comenius University in Bratislava, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Ilkovicova 6, 84215, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Anthony J Cesare
- Genome Integrity Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia
| | - Taghreed M AlTurki
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center and Departments of Microbiology and Immunology, and Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Jack D Griffith
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center and Departments of Microbiology and Immunology, and Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Long-lived post-mitotic cell aging: is a telomere clock at play? Mech Ageing Dev 2020; 189:111256. [PMID: 32380018 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2020.111256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 04/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Senescence is a cellular response to stress for both dividing and post-mitotic cells. Noteworthy, long-lived post-mitotic cells (collectively named LLPMCs), which can live for decades in the organism, can exhibit a distinct type of cellular aging characterized by a progressive functional decline not associated to an overt senescence phenotype. The age-related drivers of senescence and aging in LLPMCs remain largely unknown. There is evidence that an increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) due to dysfunctional mitochondria, coupled with an inherent inability of cellular-degradation mechanisms to remove damaged molecules, is responsible for senescence and aging in LLPMC. Although telomeric DNA shortening, by nature linked to cell division, is generally not considered as a driver of LLPMC aging and senescence, we discuss recent reports revealing the existence of age-related telomere changes in LLPMC. These findings reveal unexpected roles for telomeres in LLPMC function and invite us to consider the hypothesis of a complex telomere clock involved in both dividing and non-dividing cell aging.
Collapse
|
27
|
Barbero Barcenilla B, Shippen DE. Back to the future: The intimate and evolving connection between telomere-related factors and genotoxic stress. J Biol Chem 2019; 294:14803-14813. [PMID: 31434740 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.aw119.008145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The conversion of circular genomes to linear chromosomes during molecular evolution required the invention of telomeres. This entailed the acquisition of factors necessary to fulfill two new requirements: the need to fully replicate terminal DNA sequences and the ability to distinguish chromosome ends from damaged DNA. Here we consider the multifaceted functions of factors recruited to perpetuate and stabilize telomeres. We discuss recent theories for how telomere factors evolved from existing cellular machineries and examine their engagement in nontelomeric functions such as DNA repair, replication, and transcriptional regulation. We highlight the remarkable versatility of protection of telomeres 1 (POT1) proteins that was fueled by gene duplication and divergence events that occurred independently across several eukaryotic lineages. Finally, we consider the relationship between oxidative stress and telomeres and the enigmatic role of telomere-associated proteins in mitochondria. These findings point to an evolving and intimate connection between telomeres and cellular physiology and the strong drive to maintain chromosome integrity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Borja Barbero Barcenilla
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843-2128
| | - Dorothy E Shippen
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843-2128
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Kobayashi CR, Castillo-González C, Survotseva Y, Canal E, Nelson ADL, Shippen DE. Recent emergence and extinction of the protection of telomeres 1c gene in Arabidopsis thaliana. PLANT CELL REPORTS 2019; 38:1081-1097. [PMID: 31134349 PMCID: PMC6708462 DOI: 10.1007/s00299-019-02427-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2019] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Duplicate POT1 genes must rapidly diverge or be inactivated. Protection of telomeres 1 (POT1) encodes a conserved telomere binding protein implicated in both chromosome end protection and telomere length maintenance. Most organisms harbor a single POT1 gene, but in the few lineages where the POT1 family has expanded, the duplicate genes have diversified. Arabidopsis thaliana bears three POT1-like loci, POT1a, POT1b and POT1c. POT1a retains the ancestral function of telomerase regulation, while POT1b is implicated in chromosome end protection. Here we examine the function and evolution of the third POT1 paralog, POT1c. POT1c is a new gene, unique to A. thaliana, and was derived from a duplication event involving the POT1a locus and a neighboring gene encoding ribosomal protein S17. The duplicate S17 locus (dS17) is highly conserved across A. thaliana accessions, while POT1c is highly divergent, harboring multiple deletions within the gene body and two transposable elements within the promoter. The POT1c locus is transcribed at very low to non-detectable levels under standard growth conditions. In addition, no discernable molecular or developmental defects are associated with plants bearing a CRISPR mutation in the POT1c locus. However, forced expression of POT1c leads to decreased telomerase enzyme activity and shortened telomeres. Evolutionary reconstruction indicates that transposons invaded the POT1c promoter soon after the locus was formed, permanently silencing the gene. Altogether, these findings argue that POT1 dosage is critically important for viability and duplicate gene copies are retained only upon functional divergence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Callie R Kobayashi
- Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | | | - Yulia Survotseva
- Yale Center for Molecular Discovery, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Elijah Canal
- Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Andrew D L Nelson
- The School of Plant Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Dorothy E Shippen
- Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Frenk S, Lister-Shimauchi EH, Ahmed S. Telomeric small RNAs in the genus Caenorhabditis. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2019; 25:1061-1077. [PMID: 31239299 PMCID: PMC6800518 DOI: 10.1261/rna.071324.119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Telomeric DNA is composed of simple tandem repeat sequences and has a G-rich strand that runs 5' to 3' toward the chromosome terminus. Small RNAs with homology to telomeres have been observed in several organisms and could originate from telomeres or from interstitial telomere sequences (ITSs), which are composites of degenerate and perfect telomere repeat sequences found on chromosome arms. We identified Caenorhabditis elegans small RNAs composed of the Caenorhabditis telomere sequence (TTAGGC)n with up to three mismatches, which might interact with telomeres. We rigorously defined ITSs for genomes of C. elegans and for two closely related nematodes, Caenorhabditis briggsae and Caenorhabditis remanei Most telomeric small RNAs with mismatches originated from ITSs, which were depleted from mRNAs but were enriched in introns whose genes often displayed hallmarks of genomic silencing. C. elegans small RNAs composed of perfect telomere repeats were very rare but their levels increased by several orders of magnitude in C. briggsae and C. remanei Major small RNA species in C. elegans begin with a 5' guanine nucleotide, which was strongly depleted from perfect telomeric small RNAs of all three Caenorhabditis species. Perfect G-rich or C-rich telomeric small RNAs commonly began with 5' UAGGCU and 5' UUAGGC or 5' CUAAGC, respectively. In contrast, telomeric small RNAs with mismatches had a mixture of all four 5' nucleotides. We suggest that perfect telomeric small RNAs have a mechanism of biogenesis that is distinct from known classes of small RNAs and that a dramatic change in their regulation occurred during recent Caenorhabditis evolution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Frenk
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-3280, USA
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-3280, USA
| | - Evan H Lister-Shimauchi
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-3280, USA
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-3280, USA
| | - Shawn Ahmed
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-3280, USA
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-3280, USA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-3280, USA
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Tomaska L, Nosek J, Kar A, Willcox S, Griffith JD. A New View of the T-Loop Junction: Implications for Self-Primed Telomere Extension, Expansion of Disease-Related Nucleotide Repeat Blocks, and Telomere Evolution. Front Genet 2019; 10:792. [PMID: 31475042 PMCID: PMC6702307 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.00792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomere loops (t-loops) are formed at the ends of chromosomes in species ranging from humans to worms, plants, and with genetic manipulation, some yeast. Recent in vitro studies demonstrated that transcription of telomeric DNA leads to highly efficient t-loop formation. It was also shown that both DNA termini are inserted into the preceding DNA to generate a highly stable t-loop junction. Furthermore, some telomeric RNA remains present at the junction, potentially acting as a plug to further protect and stabilize the t-loop. Modeling the loop junction reveals two mechanisms by which the canonical chromosomal replication factors could extend the telomere in the absence of telomerase. One mechanism would utilize the annealed 3’ terminus as a de novo replication origin. In vitro evidence for the ability of the t-loop to prime telomere extension using the T7 replication factors is presented. A second mechanism would involve resolution of the Holliday junction present in the t-loop bubble by factors such as GEN1 to generate a rolling circle template at the extreme terminus of the telomere. This could lead to large expansions of the telomeric tract. Here, we propose that telomeres evolved as terminal elements containing long arrays of short nucleotide repeats due to the ability of such arrays to fold back into loops and self-prime their replicative extension. In this view, telomerase may have evolved later to provide a more precise mechanism of telomere maintenance. Both pathways have direct relevance to the alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) pathway. This view also provides a possible mechanism for the very large repeat expansions observed in nucleotide repeat diseases such as Fragile X syndrome, myotonic dystrophy, familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). The evolution of telomeres is discussed in the framework of these models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lubomir Tomaska
- Departments of Genetics and Biochemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Jozef Nosek
- Departments of Genetics and Biochemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Anirban Kar
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Smaranda Willcox
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Jack D Griffith
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Klebanov-Akopyan O, Mishra A, Glousker G, Tzfati Y, Shlomai J. Trypanosoma brucei UMSBP2 is a single-stranded telomeric DNA binding protein essential for chromosome end protection. Nucleic Acids Res 2019; 46:7757-7771. [PMID: 30007364 PMCID: PMC6125633 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gky597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2018] [Accepted: 07/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Universal minicircle sequence binding proteins (UMSBPs) are CCHC-type zinc-finger proteins that bind a single-stranded G-rich sequence, UMS, conserved at the replication origins of the mitochondrial (kinetoplast) DNA of trypanosomatids. Here, we report that Trypanosoma brucei TbUMSBP2, which has been previously proposed to function in the replication and segregation of the mitochondrial DNA, colocalizes with telomeres at the nucleus and is essential for their structure, protection and function. Knockdown of TbUMSBP2 resulted in telomere clustering in one or few foci, phosphorylation of histone H2A at the vicinity of the telomeres, impaired nuclear division, endoreduplication and cell growth arrest. Furthermore, TbUMSBP2 depletion caused rapid reduction in the G-rich telomeric overhang, and an increase in C-rich single-stranded telomeric DNA and in extrachromosomal telomeric circles. These results indicate that TbUMSBP2 is essential for the integrity and function of telomeres. The sequence similarity between the mitochondrial UMS and the telomeric overhang and the finding that UMSBPs bind both sequences suggest a common origin and/or function of these interactions in the replication and maintenance of the genomes in the two organelles. This feature could have converged or preserved during the evolution of the nuclear and mitochondrial genomes from their ancestral (likely circular) genome in early diverged protists.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olga Klebanov-Akopyan
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada and Kuvin Center for the Study of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, The Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem 91120, Israel
| | - Amartya Mishra
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada and Kuvin Center for the Study of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, The Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem 91120, Israel
| | - Galina Glousker
- Department of Genetics, The Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, Edmond Safra Campus, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91904, Israel
| | - Yehuda Tzfati
- Department of Genetics, The Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, Edmond Safra Campus, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91904, Israel
| | - Joseph Shlomai
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada and Kuvin Center for the Study of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, The Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem 91120, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Flamand L. Chromosomal Integration by Human Herpesviruses 6A and 6B. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2018; 1045:209-226. [PMID: 29896669 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-10-7230-7_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Upon infection and depending on the infected cell type, human herpesvirus 6A (HHV-6A) and 6B (HHV-6B) can replicate or enter a state of latency. HHV-6A and HHV-6B can integrate their genomes into host chromosomes as one way to establish latency. Viral integration takes place near the subtelomeric/telomeric junction of chromosomes. When HHV-6 infection and integration occur in gametes, the virus can be genetically transmitted. Inherited chromosomally integrated HHV-6 (iciHHV-6)-positive individuals carry one integrated HHV-6 copy per somatic cell. The prevalence of iciHHV-6+ individuals varies between 0.6% and 2%, depending on the geographical region sampled. In this chapter, the mechanisms leading to viral integration and reactivation from latency, as well as some of the biological and medical consequences associated with iciHHV-6, were discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Louis Flamand
- Division of Infectious and Immune Diseases, CHU de Québec Research Center, QC, Quebec, Canada. .,Department of Microbiology, Infectious Disease and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, QC, Quebec, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Van Ly D, Low RRJ, Frölich S, Bartolec TK, Kafer GR, Pickett HA, Gaus K, Cesare AJ. Telomere Loop Dynamics in Chromosome End Protection. Mol Cell 2018; 71:510-525.e6. [PMID: 30033372 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2018.06.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2018] [Revised: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 06/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Telomeres regulate DNA damage response (DDR) and DNA repair activity at chromosome ends. How telomere macromolecular structure contributes to ATM regulation and its potential dissociation from control over non-homologous end joining (NHEJ)-dependent telomere fusion is of central importance to telomere-dependent cell aging and tumor suppression. Using super-resolution microscopy, we identify that ATM activation at mammalian telomeres with reduced TRF2 or at human telomeres during mitotic arrest occurs specifically with a structural change from telomere loops (t-loops) to linearized telomeres. Additionally, we find the TRFH domain of TRF2 regulates t-loop formation while suppressing ATM activity. Notably, we demonstrate that ATM activation and telomere linearity occur separately from telomere fusion via NHEJ and that linear DDR-positive telomeres can remain resistant to fusion, even during an extended G1 arrest, when NHEJ is most active. Collectively, these results suggest t-loops act as conformational switches that specifically regulate ATM activation independent of telomere mechanisms to inhibit NHEJ.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Van Ly
- Genome Integrity Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia; School of Medicine, The University of Notre Dame Australia, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Ronnie Ren Jie Low
- Genome Integrity Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Sonja Frölich
- Genome Integrity Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Tara K Bartolec
- Genome Integrity Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Georgia R Kafer
- Genome Integrity Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Hilda A Pickett
- Telomere Length Regulation Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Katharina Gaus
- EMBL Australia Node in Single Molecule Science, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; ARC Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Anthony J Cesare
- Genome Integrity Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Donati B, Valenti L. Telomeric zinc-finger associated protein (TZAP): a new player in telomere diseases? ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2017; 5:472. [PMID: 29285505 DOI: 10.21037/atm.2017.09.37] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Benedetta Donati
- Laboratory of Translational Research, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRRCS, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Luca Valenti
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Internal Medicine and Metabolic Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Policlinico Hospital, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Cicconi A, Micheli E, Vernì F, Jackson A, Gradilla AC, Cipressa F, Raimondo D, Bosso G, Wakefield JG, Ciapponi L, Cenci G, Gatti M, Cacchione S, Raffa GD. The Drosophila telomere-capping protein Verrocchio binds single-stranded DNA and protects telomeres from DNA damage response. Nucleic Acids Res 2017; 45:3068-3085. [PMID: 27940556 PMCID: PMC5389638 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkw1244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2016] [Accepted: 11/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Drosophila telomeres are sequence-independent structures maintained by transposition to chromosome ends of three specialized retroelements rather than by telomerase activity. Fly telomeres are protected by the terminin complex that includes the HOAP, HipHop, Moi and Ver proteins. These are fast evolving, non-conserved proteins that localize and function exclusively at telomeres, protecting them from fusion events. We have previously suggested that terminin is the functional analogue of shelterin, the multi-protein complex that protects human telomeres. Here, we use electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) to show that Ver preferentially binds single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) with no sequence specificity. We also show that Moi and Ver form a complex in vivo. Although these two proteins are mutually dependent for their localization at telomeres, Moi neither binds ssDNA nor facilitates Ver binding to ssDNA. Consistent with these results, we found that Ver-depleted telomeres form RPA and γH2AX foci, like the human telomeres lacking the ssDNA-binding POT1 protein. Collectively, our findings suggest that Drosophila telomeres possess a ssDNA overhang like the other eukaryotes, and that the terminin complex is architecturally and functionally similar to shelterin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Cicconi
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie 'C. Darwin', Sapienza, Università di Roma, 00185 Roma, Italy.,Istituto Pasteur Italia - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Emanuela Micheli
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie 'C. Darwin', Sapienza, Università di Roma, 00185 Roma, Italy.,Istituto Pasteur Italia - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Fiammetta Vernì
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie 'C. Darwin', Sapienza, Università di Roma, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Alison Jackson
- Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Ana Citlali Gradilla
- Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Francesca Cipressa
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie 'C. Darwin', Sapienza, Università di Roma, 00185 Roma, Italy.,Istituto Pasteur Italia - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, 00185 Roma, Italy.,Centro Fermi, Piazza del Viminale 1, 00184 Roma, Italy
| | - Domenico Raimondo
- Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare, Sapienza, Università di Roma, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Bosso
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie 'C. Darwin', Sapienza, Università di Roma, 00185 Roma, Italy.,Istituto Pasteur Italia - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - James G Wakefield
- Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Laura Ciapponi
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie 'C. Darwin', Sapienza, Università di Roma, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Giovanni Cenci
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie 'C. Darwin', Sapienza, Università di Roma, 00185 Roma, Italy.,Istituto Pasteur Italia - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Maurizio Gatti
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie 'C. Darwin', Sapienza, Università di Roma, 00185 Roma, Italy.,Istituto di Biologia e Patologia Molecolari (IBPM) del CNR, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Stefano Cacchione
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie 'C. Darwin', Sapienza, Università di Roma, 00185 Roma, Italy.,Istituto Pasteur Italia - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Grazia Daniela Raffa
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie 'C. Darwin', Sapienza, Università di Roma, 00185 Roma, Italy.,Istituto Pasteur Italia - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, 00185 Roma, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Li JSZ, Miralles Fusté J, Simavorian T, Bartocci C, Tsai J, Karlseder J, Lazzerini Denchi E. TZAP: A telomere-associated protein involved in telomere length control. Science 2017; 355:638-641. [PMID: 28082411 DOI: 10.1126/science.aah6752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2016] [Accepted: 12/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Telomeres are found at the end of chromosomes and are important for chromosome stability. Here we describe a specific telomere-associated protein: TZAP (telomeric zinc finger-associated protein). TZAP binds preferentially to long telomeres that have a low concentration of shelterin complex, competing with the telomeric-repeat binding factors TRF1 and TRF2. When localized at telomeres, TZAP triggers a process known as telomere trimming, which results in the rapid deletion of telomeric repeats. On the basis of these results, we propose a model for telomere length regulation in mammalian cells: The reduced concentration of the shelterin complex at long telomeres results in TZAP binding and initiation of telomere trimming. Binding of TZAP to long telomeres represents the switch that triggers telomere trimming, setting the upper limit of telomere length.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia Su Zhou Li
- Department of Molecular and Experimental Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Javier Miralles Fusté
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.,Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Tatevik Simavorian
- Department of Molecular and Experimental Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Cristina Bartocci
- Department of Molecular and Experimental Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Jill Tsai
- Department of Molecular and Experimental Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Jan Karlseder
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Eros Lazzerini Denchi
- Department of Molecular and Experimental Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
A balance between elongation and trimming regulates telomere stability in stem cells. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2016; 24:30-39. [PMID: 27918544 PMCID: PMC5215970 DOI: 10.1038/nsmb.3335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2016] [Accepted: 11/06/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Telomere length maintenance ensures self-renewal of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), however the mechanisms governing telomere length homeostasis in these cell types are unclear. Here, we report that telomere length is determined by the balance between telomere elongation mediated by telomerase and telomere trimming, controlled by the homologous recombination proteins XRCC3 and Nbs1 that generate single-stranded C-rich telomeric DNA and double-stranded telomeric circular DNA (T-circles), respectively. We found that reprogramming of differentiated cells induces T-circle and single stranded C-rich telomeric DNA accumulation, indicating the activation of telomere trimming pathways that compensate telomerase dependent telomere elongation in hiPSCs. Excessive telomere elongation compromises telomere stability and promotes the formation of partially single-stranded telomeric DNA circles (C-circles) in hESCs, suggesting heightened sensitivity of stem cells to replication stress at overly long telomeres. Thus, tight control of telomere length homeostasis is essential to maintain telomere stability in hESCs.
Collapse
|
38
|
Arora A, Beilstein MA, Shippen DE. Evolution of Arabidopsis protection of telomeres 1 alters nucleic acid recognition and telomerase regulation. Nucleic Acids Res 2016; 44:9821-9830. [PMID: 27651456 PMCID: PMC5175356 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkw807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2016] [Revised: 09/01/2016] [Accepted: 09/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Protection of telomeres (POT1) binds chromosome ends, recognizing single-strand telomeric DNA via two oligonucleotide/oligosaccharide binding folds (OB-folds). The Arabidopsis thaliana POT1a and POT1b paralogs are atypical: they do not exhibit telomeric DNA binding, and they have opposing roles in regulating telomerase activity. AtPOT1a stimulates repeat addition processivity of the canonical telomerase enzyme, while AtPOT1b interacts with a regulatory lncRNA that represses telomerase activity. Here, we show that OB1 of POT1a, but not POT1b, has an intrinsic affinity for telomeric DNA. DNA binding was dependent upon a highly conserved Phe residue (F65) that in human POT1 directly contacts telomeric DNA. F65A mutation of POT1aOB1 abolished DNA binding and diminished telomerase repeat addition processivity. Conversely, AtPOT1b and other POT1b homologs from Brassicaceae and its sister family, Cleomaceae, naturally bear a non-aromatic amino acid at this position. By swapping Val (V63) with Phe, AtPOT1bOB1 gained the capacity to bind telomeric DNA and to stimulate telomerase repeat addition processivity. We conclude that, in the context of DNA binding, variation at a single amino acid position promotes divergence of the AtPOT1b paralog from the ancestral POT1 protein.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amit Arora
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, 2128 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Mark A Beilstein
- School of Plant Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Dorothy E Shippen
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, 2128 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Eugène S, Bourgeron T, Xu Z. Effects of initial telomere length distribution on senescence onset and heterogeneity. J Theor Biol 2016; 413:58-65. [PMID: 27864096 PMCID: PMC5177728 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2016.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2016] [Revised: 09/13/2016] [Accepted: 11/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Replicative senescence, induced by telomere shortening, exhibits considerable asynchrony and heterogeneity, the origins of which remain unclear. Here, we formally study how telomere shortening mechanisms impact on senescence kinetics and define two regimes of senescence, depending on the initial telomere length variance. We provide analytical solutions to the model, highlighting a non-linear relationship between senescence onset and initial telomere length distribution. This study reveals the complexity of the collective behavior of telomeres as they shorten, leading to senescence heterogeneity. New stochastic model of telomere shortening and elongation by telomerase. Analysis of the distribution of telomere length in the presence of telomerase. Senescence onset expressed as a function of the initial telomere length distribution. The initial telomere length distribution variance defines two senescence regimes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Eugène
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Université Pierre et Marie Curie, UMR 7598, Laboratoire Jacques-Louis Lions, F-75005 Paris, France; INRIA Paris, 2 rue Simone Iff, F-75012 Paris, France.
| | - Thibault Bourgeron
- École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, UMR 5569, Unité de Mathématiques Pures et Appliquées, 69007 Lyon, France; INRIA Numed, 46 allée d'Italie, 69007 Lyon, France.
| | - Zhou Xu
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, CNRS, UMR 8226, Laboratoire de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire des Eucaryotes, Institut de Biologie Physico-Chimique, 75005 Paris, France.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Yin S, Huang Y, Zhangfang Y, Zhong X, Li P, Huang J, Liu D, Songyang Z. SmedOB1 is Required for Planarian Homeostasis and Regeneration. Sci Rep 2016; 6:34013. [PMID: 27654173 PMCID: PMC5032016 DOI: 10.1038/srep34013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2016] [Accepted: 09/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The planarian flatworm is an emerging model that is useful for studying homeostasis and regeneration due to its unique adult stem cells (ASCs). Previously, planaria were found to share mammalian TTAGGG chromosome ends and telomerases; however, their telomere protection proteins have not yet been identified. In Schmidtea mediterranea, we identified a homologue of the human protection of telomeres 1 (POT1) with an OB-fold (SmedOB1). SmedOB1 is evolutionarily conserved among species and is ubiquitously expressed throughout the whole body. Feeding with SmedOB1 double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) led to homeostasis abnormalities in the head and pharynx. Furthermore, several ASC progeny markers were downregulated, and regeneration was impaired. Here we found that SmedOB1 is required for telomeric DNA-protein complex formation and it associates with the telomere TTAGGG sequence in vitro. Moreover, DNA damage and apoptosis signals in planarian were significantly affected by SmedOB1 RNAi. We also confirmed these phenotypes in Dugesia japonica, another flatworm species. Our work identified a novel telomere-associated protein SmedOB1 in planarian, which is required for planarian homeostasis and regeneration. The phylogenetic and functional conservations of SmedOB1 provide one mechanism by which planarians maintain telomere and genome stability to ensure their immortality and shed light on the regeneration medicine of humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Yin
- Key Laboratory of Gene Engineering of the Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol and Institute of Healthy Aging Research, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yan Huang
- Key Laboratory of Gene Engineering of the Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol and Institute of Healthy Aging Research, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yingnan Zhangfang
- Key Laboratory of Gene Engineering of the Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol and Institute of Healthy Aging Research, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoqin Zhong
- Key Laboratory of Gene Engineering of the Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol and Institute of Healthy Aging Research, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Pengqing Li
- Key Laboratory of Gene Engineering of the Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol and Institute of Healthy Aging Research, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junjiu Huang
- Key Laboratory of Gene Engineering of the Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol and Institute of Healthy Aging Research, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dan Liu
- Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA
| | - Zhou Songyang
- Key Laboratory of Gene Engineering of the Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol and Institute of Healthy Aging Research, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Kwon M, Min J, Jeon H, Hwang K, Kim C, Lee J, Joung J, Park W, Lee H. Paradoxical delay of senescence upon depletion of BRCA2 in telomerase-deficient worms. FEBS Open Bio 2016; 6:1016-1024. [PMID: 27761361 PMCID: PMC5055038 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.12109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2016] [Revised: 08/03/2016] [Accepted: 08/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
BRCA2 is a multifunctional tumor suppressor involved in homologous recombination (HR), mitotic checkpoint regulation, and telomere homeostasis. Absence of Brca2 in mice results in progressive shortening of telomeres and senescence, yet cells are prone to neoplastic transformation with elongated telomeres, suggesting that BRCA2 has positive and negative effects on telomere length regulation along the path to tumorigenesis. Using Caenorhabditis elegans as a model, we show here that depletion of BRC‐2, an ortholog of BRCA2, paradoxically delays senescence in telomerase‐deficient mutant worms. Telomerase‐deficient worms (trt‐1) exhibit early replication senescence due to short telomeres. It should be noted that worms mutated in brc‐2 are not viable as well due to massive genotoxic insults. However, when BRC‐2 is depleted by RNA interference in trt‐1 mutant worms, the number of generations is unexpectedly increased with telomere length maintained, compared to telomerase mutants. Interestingly, depletion of other HR genes such as rad‐51 and rad‐54 exhibited similar effects. In worms doubly deficient of telomerase and brc‐2, rad‐51, or rad‐54, extra telomeric C‐circles were generated, suggesting that abrogation of HR induces an alteration in telomere environment favorable to illegitimate telomere maintenance when telomerase is absent. Collectively, absence of BRC‐2 in telomerase‐deficient background first leads to telomere shortening, followed by an induction of an as‐yet‐unknown telomere maintenance pathway, resulting in delay of senescence. The results have implications in the understanding of dysfunctional BRCA2‐associated tumorigenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mi‐Sun Kwon
- Department of Biological Sciences & Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics (IMBG)Seoul National UniversityGwanak‐GuSeoulKorea
| | - Jaewon Min
- Department of Biological Sciences & Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics (IMBG)Seoul National UniversityGwanak‐GuSeoulKorea
| | - Hee‐Yeon Jeon
- Department of Biological Sciences & Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics (IMBG)Seoul National UniversityGwanak‐GuSeoulKorea
| | - Kwangwoo Hwang
- Department of Biological Sciences & Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics (IMBG)Seoul National UniversityGwanak‐GuSeoulKorea
| | - Chuna Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences & Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics (IMBG)Seoul National UniversityGwanak‐GuSeoulKorea
| | - Junho Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences & Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics (IMBG)Seoul National UniversityGwanak‐GuSeoulKorea
| | - Je‐Gun Joung
- Samsung Genome InstituteSamsung Medical CenterSeoulKorea
| | | | - Hyunsook Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences & Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics (IMBG)Seoul National UniversityGwanak‐GuSeoulKorea
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
The Genetic Basis of Natural Variation in Caenorhabditis elegans Telomere Length. Genetics 2016; 204:371-83. [PMID: 27449056 PMCID: PMC5012401 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.116.191148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2016] [Accepted: 07/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomeres are involved in the maintenance of chromosomes and the prevention of genome instability. Despite this central importance, significant variation in telomere length has been observed in a variety of organisms. The genetic determinants of telomere-length variation and their effects on organismal fitness are largely unexplored. Here, we describe natural variation in telomere length across the Caenorhabditis elegans species. We identify a large-effect variant that contributes to differences in telomere length. The variant alters the conserved oligonucleotide/oligosaccharide-binding fold of protection of telomeres 2 (POT-2), a homolog of a human telomere-capping shelterin complex subunit. Mutations within this domain likely reduce the ability of POT-2 to bind telomeric DNA, thereby increasing telomere length. We find that telomere-length variation does not correlate with offspring production or longevity in C. elegans wild isolates, suggesting that naturally long telomeres play a limited role in modifying fitness phenotypes in C. elegans.
Collapse
|
43
|
TRF2-RAP1 is required to protect telomeres from engaging in homologous recombination-mediated deletions and fusions. Nat Commun 2016; 7:10881. [PMID: 26941064 PMCID: PMC4785230 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms10881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2015] [Accepted: 01/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Repressor/activator protein 1 (RAP1) is a highly conserved telomere-interacting protein. Yeast Rap1 protects telomeres from non-homologous end joining (NHEJ), plays important roles in telomere length control and is involved in transcriptional gene regulation. However, a role for mammalian RAP1 in telomere end protection remains controversial. Here we present evidence that mammalian RAP1 is essential to protect telomere from homology directed repair (HDR) of telomeres. RAP1 cooperates with the basic domain of TRF2 (TRF2B) to repress PARP1 and SLX4 localization to telomeres. Without RAP1 and TRF2B, PARP1 and SLX4 HR factors promote rapid telomere resection, resulting in catastrophic telomere loss and the generation of telomere-free chromosome fusions in both mouse and human cells. The RAP1 Myb domain is required to repress both telomere loss and formation of telomere-free fusions. Our results highlight the importance of the RAP1-TRF2 heterodimer in protecting telomeres from inappropriate processing by the HDR pathway. While yeast Rap1 regulates telomere length and protects telomeres from non-homologous end joining, its role in higher eukaryotes is controversial. Here the authors present evidence that in mammals, RAP1 cooperates with TRF2 to prevent homologous recombination-mediated repair of telomeres.
Collapse
|
44
|
Dvořáčková M, Fojtová M, Fajkus J. Chromatin dynamics of plant telomeres and ribosomal genes. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2015; 83:18-37. [PMID: 25752316 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.12822] [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: 01/28/2015] [Revised: 03/03/2015] [Accepted: 03/03/2015] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Telomeres and genes encoding 45S ribosomal RNA (rDNA) are frequently located adjacent to each other on eukaryotic chromosomes. Although their primary roles are different, they show striking similarities with respect to their features and additional functions. Both genome domains have remarkably dynamic chromatin structures. Both are hypersensitive to dysfunctional histone chaperones, responding at the genomic and epigenomic levels. Both generate non-coding transcripts that, in addition to their epigenetic roles, may induce gross chromosomal rearrangements. Both give rise to chromosomal fragile sites, as their replication is intrinsically problematic. However, at the same time, both are essential for maintenance of genomic stability and integrity. Here we discuss the structural and functional inter-connectivity of telomeres and rDNA, with a focus on recent results obtained in plants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martina Dvořáčková
- Mendel Centre for Plant Genomics and Proteomics, Central European Institute of Technology, Kamenice 5, 62500, Brno, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 62500, Brno, Czech Republic
- Institute of Biophysics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Královopolská 135, 61265, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Miloslava Fojtová
- Mendel Centre for Plant Genomics and Proteomics, Central European Institute of Technology, Kamenice 5, 62500, Brno, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 62500, Brno, Czech Republic
- Institute of Biophysics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Královopolská 135, 61265, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jiří Fajkus
- Mendel Centre for Plant Genomics and Proteomics, Central European Institute of Technology, Kamenice 5, 62500, Brno, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 62500, Brno, Czech Republic
- Institute of Biophysics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Královopolská 135, 61265, Brno, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Školáková P, Foldynová-Trantírková S, Bednářová K, Fiala R, Vorlíčková M, Trantírek L. Unique C. elegans telomeric overhang structures reveal the evolutionarily conserved properties of telomeric DNA. Nucleic Acids Res 2015; 43:4733-45. [PMID: 25855805 PMCID: PMC4482068 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkv296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2015] [Accepted: 03/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
There are two basic mechanisms that are associated with the maintenance of the telomere length, which endows cancer cells with unlimited proliferative potential. One mechanism, referred to as alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT), accounts for approximately 10–15% of all human cancers. Tumours engaged in the ALT pathway are characterised by the presence of the single stranded 5′-C-rich telomeric overhang (C-overhang). This recently identified hallmark of ALT cancers distinguishes them from healthy tissues and renders the C-overhang as a clear target for anticancer therapy. We analysed structures of the 5′-C-rich and 3′-G-rich telomeric overhangs from human and Caenorhabditis elegans, the recently established multicellular in vivo model of ALT tumours. We show that the telomeric DNA from C. elegans and humans forms fundamentally different secondary structures. The unique structural characteristics of C. elegans telomeric DNA that are distinct not only from those of humans but also from those of other multicellular eukaryotes allowed us to identify evolutionarily conserved properties of telomeric DNA. Differences in structural organisation of the telomeric DNA between the C. elegans and human impose limitations on the use of the C. elegans as an ALT tumour model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Petra Školáková
- Institute of Biophysics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, v.v.i., Kralovopolska, 135, 612 65 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Silvie Foldynová-Trantírková
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Kamenice 735/5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic Institute of Parasitology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Branisovska, 31, 375 05 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Klára Bednářová
- Institute of Biophysics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, v.v.i., Kralovopolska, 135, 612 65 Brno, Czech Republic Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Kamenice 735/5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Radovan Fiala
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Kamenice 735/5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Michaela Vorlíčková
- Institute of Biophysics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, v.v.i., Kralovopolska, 135, 612 65 Brno, Czech Republic Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Kamenice 735/5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Lukáš Trantírek
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Kamenice 735/5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Beilstein MA, Renfrew KB, Song X, Shakirov EV, Zanis MJ, Shippen DE. Evolution of the Telomere-Associated Protein POT1a in Arabidopsis thaliana Is Characterized by Positive Selection to Reinforce Protein-Protein Interaction. Mol Biol Evol 2015; 32:1329-41. [PMID: 25697340 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msv025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene duplication is a major driving force in genome evolution. Here, we explore the nature and origin of the POT1 gene duplication in Arabidopsis thaliana. Protection of Telomeres (POT1) is a conserved multifunctional protein that modulates telomerase activity and its engagement with telomeres. Arabidopsis thaliana encodes two divergent POT1 paralogs termed AtPOT1a and AtPOT1b. AtPOT1a positively regulates telomerase activity, whereas AtPOT1b is proposed to negatively regulate telomerase and promote chromosome end protection. Phylogenetic analysis uncovered two independent POT1 duplication events in the plant kingdom, including one at the base of Brassicaceae. Tests for positive selection implemented in PAML revealed that the Brassicaceae POT1a lineage experienced positive selection postduplication and identified three amino acid residues with signatures of positive selection. A sensitive and quantitative genetic complementation assay was developed to assess POT1a function in A. thaliana. The assay showed that AtPOT1a is functionally distinct from single-copy POT1 genes in other plants. Moreover, for two of the sites with a strong signature of positive selection, substitutions that swap the amino acids in AtPOT1a for residues found in AtPOT1b dramatically compromised AtPOT1a function in vivo. In vitro-binding studies demonstrated that all three sites under positive selection specifically enhance the AtPOT1a interaction with CTC1, a core component of the highly conserved CST (CTC1/STN1/TEN1) telomere protein complex. Our results reveal a molecular mechanism for the role of these positively selected sites in AtPOT1a. The data also provide an important empirical example to refine theories of duplicate gene retention, as the outcome of positive selection here appears to be reinforcement of an ancestral function, rather than neofunctionalization. We propose that this outcome may not be unusual when the duplicated protein is a component of a multisubunit complex whose function is in part specified by other members.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark A Beilstein
- School of Plant Sciences, University of Arizona Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University
| | - Kyle B Renfrew
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University
| | - Xiangyu Song
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University
| | - Eugene V Shakirov
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Texas at Austin Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan (Volga Region) Federal University, Kazan, Republic of Tatarstan, Russia
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
47
|
Kaufer BB, Flamand L. Chromosomally integrated HHV-6: impact on virus, cell and organismal biology. Curr Opin Virol 2014; 9:111-8. [PMID: 25462442 DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2014.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2014] [Revised: 09/24/2014] [Accepted: 09/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
HHV-6 integrates its genome into telomeres of human chromosomes. Integration can occur in somatic cells or gametes, the latter leading to individuals harboring the HHV-6 genome in every cell. This condition is transmitted to descendants and referred to as inherited chromosomally integrated human herpesvirus 6 (iciHHV-6). Although integration can occur in different chromosomes, it invariably takes place in the telomere region. This integration mechanism represents a way to maintain the virus genome during latency, which is so far unique amongst human herpesviruses. Recent work provides evidence that the integrated HHV-6 genome can be mobilized from the host chromosome, resulting in the onset of disease. Details on required structural determinants, putative integration mechanisms and biological and medical consequences of iciHHV-6 are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Louis Flamand
- Division of Infectious and Immune Diseases, CHU de Quebec, Research Center and Department of Microbiology-Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Université Laval, Quebec, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Soudet J, Jolivet P, Teixeira MT. Elucidation of the DNA end-replication problem in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Mol Cell 2014; 53:954-64. [PMID: 24656131 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2014.02.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2013] [Revised: 01/15/2014] [Accepted: 01/31/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The model for telomere shortening at each replication cycle is currently incomplete, and the exact contribution of the telomeric 3' overhang to the shortening rate remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate key steps of the mechanism of telomere replication in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. By following the dynamics of telomeres during replication at near-nucleotide resolution, we find that the leading-strand synthesis generates blunt-end intermediates before being 5'-resected and filled in. Importantly, the shortening rate is set by positioning the last Okazaki fragments at the very ends of the chromosome. Thus, telomeres shorten in direct proportion to the 3' overhang lengths of 5-10 nucleotides that are present in parental templates. Furthermore, the telomeric protein Cdc13 coordinates leading- and lagging-strand syntheses. Taken together, our data unravel a precise choreography of telomere replication elucidating the DNA end-replication problem and provide a framework to understand the control of the cell proliferation potential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julien Soudet
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR8226, Laboratoire de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire des Eucaryotes, Institut de Biologie Physico-Chimique, 75005 Paris, France; Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMR8226, Laboratoire de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire des Eucaryotes, Institut de Biologie Physico-Chimique, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Pascale Jolivet
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR8226, Laboratoire de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire des Eucaryotes, Institut de Biologie Physico-Chimique, 75005 Paris, France; Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMR8226, Laboratoire de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire des Eucaryotes, Institut de Biologie Physico-Chimique, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Maria Teresa Teixeira
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR8226, Laboratoire de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire des Eucaryotes, Institut de Biologie Physico-Chimique, 75005 Paris, France; Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMR8226, Laboratoire de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire des Eucaryotes, Institut de Biologie Physico-Chimique, 75005 Paris, France.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Fulcher N, Derboven E, Valuchova S, Riha K. If the cap fits, wear it: an overview of telomeric structures over evolution. Cell Mol Life Sci 2014; 71:847-65. [PMID: 24042202 PMCID: PMC11113737 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-013-1469-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2013] [Revised: 08/16/2013] [Accepted: 08/30/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Genome organization into linear chromosomes likely represents an important evolutionary innovation that has permitted the development of the sexual life cycle; this process has consequently advanced nuclear expansion and increased complexity of eukaryotic genomes. Chromosome linearity, however, poses a major challenge to the internal cellular machinery. The need to efficiently recognize and repair DNA double-strand breaks that occur as a consequence of DNA damage presents a constant threat to native chromosome ends known as telomeres. In this review, we present a comparative survey of various solutions to the end protection problem, maintaining an emphasis on DNA structure. This begins with telomeric structures derived from a subset of prokaryotes, mitochondria, and viruses, and will progress into the typical telomere structure exhibited by higher organisms containing TTAGG-like tandem sequences. We next examine non-canonical telomeres from Drosophila melanogaster, which comprise arrays of retrotransposons. Finally, we discuss telomeric structures in evolution and possible switches between canonical and non-canonical solutions to chromosome end protection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nick Fulcher
- Gregor Mendel Institute, Austrian Academy of Sciences, Dr. Bohrgasse 3, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Elisa Derboven
- Gregor Mendel Institute, Austrian Academy of Sciences, Dr. Bohrgasse 3, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Sona Valuchova
- Gregor Mendel Institute, Austrian Academy of Sciences, Dr. Bohrgasse 3, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Karel Riha
- Gregor Mendel Institute, Austrian Academy of Sciences, Dr. Bohrgasse 3, 1030 Vienna, Austria
- Central European Institute of Technology, Kamenice 753/5, Brno, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Ferreira HC, Towbin BD, Jegou T, Gasser SM. The shelterin protein POT-1 anchors Caenorhabditis elegans telomeres through SUN-1 at the nuclear periphery. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 203:727-35. [PMID: 24297748 PMCID: PMC3857485 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.201307181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Telomere positioning near the nuclear envelope during Caenorhabditis elegans development requires the nuclear envelope protein SUN-1, the Shelterin component POT-1, and the SUMO ligase GEI-17. Telomeres are specialized protein–DNA structures that protect chromosome ends. In budding yeast, telomeres form clusters at the nuclear periphery. By imaging telomeres in embryos of the metazoan Caenorhabditis elegans, we found that telomeres clustered only in strains that had activated an alternative telomere maintenance pathway (ALT). Moreover, as in yeast, the unclustered telomeres in wild-type embryos were located near the nuclear envelope (NE). This bias for perinuclear localization increased during embryogenesis and persisted in differentiated cells. Telomere position in early embryos required the NE protein SUN-1, the single-strand binding protein POT-1, and the small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) ligase GEI-17. However, in postmitotic larval cells, none of these factors individually were required for telomere anchoring, which suggests that additional mechanisms anchor in late development. Importantly, targeted POT-1 was sufficient to anchor chromatin to the NE in a SUN-1–dependent manner, arguing that its effect at telomeres is direct. This high-resolution description of telomere position within C. elegans extends our understanding of telomere organization in eukaryotes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Helder C Ferreira
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, CH-4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|