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Jothi D, Kulka LAM. Strategies for modeling aging and age-related diseases. NPJ AGING 2024; 10:32. [PMID: 38987252 PMCID: PMC11237002 DOI: 10.1038/s41514-024-00161-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
The ability to reprogram patient-derived-somatic cells to IPSCs (Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells) has led to a better understanding of aging and age-related diseases like Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's. The established patient-derived disease models mimic disease pathology and can be used to design drugs for aging and age-related diseases. However, the age and genetic mutations of the donor cells, the employed reprogramming, and the differentiation protocol might often pose challenges in establishing an appropriate disease model. In this review, we will focus on the various strategies for the successful reprogramming and differentiation of patient-derived cells to disease models for aging and age-related diseases, emphasizing the accuracy in the recapitulation of disease pathology and ways to overcome the limitations of its potential application in cell replacement therapy and drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Jothi
- Department of Biochemistry II, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany.
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Sugawara E, Shibata Y, Katsumata K. Werner syndrome associated with poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma and systemic sclerosis-like skin manifestations: A case report. Mod Rheumatol Case Rep 2023; 8:95-100. [PMID: 37417454 DOI: 10.1093/mrcr/rxad039] [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: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
Werner syndrome (WS) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterised by premature ageing. WS patients often experience scleroderma-like manifestation including skin sclerosis and skin ulcer, making it difficult to differentiate WS from systemic sclerosis (SSc). Moreover, there is a high incidence of malignancy and arteriosclerosis-related disease in WS patients. We herein describe a 36-year-old woman with WS who had poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma, one of the rare phenotypes of thyroid tumour. This case suggested the importance to distinguish WS from SSc and early diagnosis of malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eri Sugawara
- Department of Rheumatology, Tonan Hospital, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Yuhei Shibata
- Department of Rheumatology, Tonan Hospital, Sapporo, Japan
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Research on Werner Syndrome: Trends from Past to Present and Future Prospects. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13101802. [PMID: 36292687 PMCID: PMC9601476 DOI: 10.3390/genes13101802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A rare and autosomal recessive premature aging disorder, Werner syndrome (WS) is characterized by the early onset of aging-associated diseases, including shortening stature, alopecia, bilateral cataracts, skin ulcers, diabetes, osteoporosis, arteriosclerosis, and chromosomal instability, as well as cancer predisposition. WRN, the gene responsible for WS, encodes DNA helicase with a 3′ to 5′ exonuclease activity, and numerous studies have revealed that WRN helicase is involved in the maintenance of chromosome stability through actions in DNA, e.g., DNA replication, repair, recombination, and epigenetic regulation via interaction with DNA repair factors, telomere-binding proteins, histone modification enzymes, and other DNA metabolic factors. However, although these efforts have elucidated the cellular functions of the helicase in cell lines, they have not been linked to the treatment of the disease. Life expectancy has improved for WS patients over the past three decades, and it is hoped that a fundamental treatment for the disease will be developed. Disease-specific induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells have been established, and these are expected to be used in drug discovery and regenerative medicine for WS patients. In this article, we review trends in research to date and present some perspectives on WS research with regard to the application of pluripotent stem cells. Furthermore, the elucidation of disease mechanisms and drug discovery utilizing the vast amount of scientific data accumulated to date will be discussed.
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Lupatov AY, Yarygin KN. Telomeres and Telomerase in the Control of Stem Cells. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10102335. [PMID: 36289597 PMCID: PMC9598777 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10102335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Stem cells serve as a source of cellular material in embryogenesis and postnatal growth and regeneration. This requires significant proliferative potential ensured by sufficient telomere length. Telomere attrition in the stem cells and their niche cells can result in the exhaustion of the regenerative potential of high-turnover organs, causing or contributing to the onset of age-related diseases. In this review, stem cells are examined in the context of the current telomere-centric theory of cell aging, which assumes that telomere shortening depends not just on the number of cell doublings (mitotic clock) but also on the influence of various internal and external factors. The influence of the telomerase and telomere length on the functional activity of different stem cell types, as well as on their aging and prospects of use in cell therapy applications, is discussed.
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Costello L, Dicolandrea T, Tasseff R, Isfort R, Bascom C, von Zglinicki T, Przyborski S. Tissue engineering strategies to bioengineer the ageing skin phenotype in vitro. Aging Cell 2022; 21:e13550. [PMID: 35037366 PMCID: PMC8844123 DOI: 10.1111/acel.13550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Human skin ageing is a complex and heterogeneous process, which is influenced by genetically determined intrinsic factors and accelerated by cumulative exposure to extrinsic stressors. In the current world ageing demographic, there is a requirement for a bioengineered ageing skin model, to further the understanding of the intricate molecular mechanisms of skin ageing, and provide a distinct and biologically relevant platform for testing actives and formulations. There have been many recent advances in the development of skin models that recapitulate aspects of the ageing phenotype in vitro. This review encompasses the features of skin ageing, the molecular mechanisms that drive the ageing phenotype, and tissue engineering strategies that have been utilised to bioengineer ageing skin in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ryan Tasseff
- Procter and Gamble Mason Business Center Cincinnati Ohio USA
| | - Robert Isfort
- Procter and Gamble Mason Business Center Cincinnati Ohio USA
| | - Charlie Bascom
- Procter and Gamble Mason Business Center Cincinnati Ohio USA
| | - Thomas von Zglinicki
- Institute for Cell and Molecular Sciences Newcastle University Newcastle Upon Tyne UK
| | - Stefan Przyborski
- Department of Biosciences Durham University Durham UK
- Reprocell Europe Glasgow, Durham UK
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Abstract
Significance: Werner syndrome (WS) is a rare autosomal recessive malady typified by a pro-oxidant/proinflammatory status, genetic instability, and by the early onset of numerous age-associated illnesses. The protein malfunctioning in WS individuals (WRN) is a helicase/exonuclease implicated in transcription, DNA replication/repair, and telomere maintenance. Recent Advances: In the last two decades, a series of important biological systems were created to comprehend at the molecular level the effect of a defective WRN protein. Such biological tools include mouse and worm (Caenorhabditis elegans) with a mutation in the Wrn helicase ortholog as well as human WS-induced pluripotent stem cells that can ultimately be differentiated into most cell lineages. Such WS models have identified anomalies related to the hallmarks of aging. Most importantly, vitamin C counteracts these age-related cellular phenotypes in these systems. Critical Issues: Vitamin C is the only antioxidant agent capable of reversing the cellular aging-related phenotypes in those biological systems. Since vitamin C is a cofactor for many hydroxylases and mono- or dioxygenase, it adds another level of complexity in deciphering the exact molecular pathways affected by this vitamin. Moreover, it is still unclear whether a short- or long-term vitamin C supplementation in human WS patients who already display aging-related phenotypes will have a beneficial impact. Future Directions: The discovery of new molecular markers specific to the modified biological pathways in WS that can be used for novel imaging techniques or as blood markers will be necessary to assess the favorable effect of vitamin C supplementation in WS. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 34, 856-874.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucie Aumailley
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Michel Lebel
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, Canada
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Tu J, Wan C, Zhang F, Cao L, Law PWN, Tian Y, Lu G, Rennert OM, Chan W, Cheung H. Genetic correction of Werner syndrome gene reveals impaired pro-angiogenic function and HGF insufficiency in mesenchymal stem cells. Aging Cell 2020; 19:e13116. [PMID: 32320127 PMCID: PMC7253065 DOI: 10.1111/acel.13116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Revised: 12/30/2019] [Accepted: 01/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
WRN mutation causes a premature aging disease called Werner syndrome (WS). However, the mechanism by which WRN loss leads to progeroid features evident with impaired tissue repair and regeneration remains unclear. To determine this mechanism, we performed gene editing in reprogrammed induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) derived from WS fibroblasts. Gene correction restored the expression of WRN. WRN+/+ mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) exhibited improved pro‐angiogenesis. An analysis of paracrine factors revealed that hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) was downregulated in WRN−/− MSCs. HGF insufficiency resulted in poor angiogenesis and cutaneous wound healing. Furthermore, HGF was partially regulated by PI3K/AKT signaling, which was desensitized in WRN−/− MSCs. Consistently, the inhibition of the PI3K/AKT pathway in WRN+/+ MSC resulted in reduced angiogenesis and poor wound healing. Our findings indicate that the impairment in the pro‐angiogenic function of WS‐MSCs is due to HGF insufficiency and PI3K/AKT dysregulation, suggesting trophic disruption between stromal and epithelial cells as a mechanism for WS pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajie Tu
- School of Biomedical Sciences Faculty of Medicine The Chinese University of Hong Kong Hong Kong SAR China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology Key Laboratory of Anti‐Inflammatory and Immune Medicine Ministry of Education Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anti‐Inflammatory and Immune Medicine Anhui Medical University Hefei China
- CUHK‐SDU Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics School of Biomedical Sciences the Chinese University of Hong Kong Hong Kong SAR China
| | - Chao Wan
- School of Biomedical Sciences Faculty of Medicine The Chinese University of Hong Kong Hong Kong SAR China
- School of Biomedical Sciences Core Laboratory Shenzhen Research Institute The Chinese University of Hong Kong Shenzhen China
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine Ministry of Education School of Biomedical Sciences The Chinese University of Hong Kong Hong Kong SAR China
| | - Fengjie Zhang
- School of Biomedical Sciences Faculty of Medicine The Chinese University of Hong Kong Hong Kong SAR China
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine Ministry of Education School of Biomedical Sciences The Chinese University of Hong Kong Hong Kong SAR China
| | - Lianbao Cao
- CUHK‐SDU Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics School of Biomedical Sciences the Chinese University of Hong Kong Hong Kong SAR China
| | - Patrick Wai Nok Law
- School of Biomedical Sciences Faculty of Medicine The Chinese University of Hong Kong Hong Kong SAR China
| | - Yuyao Tian
- School of Biomedical Sciences Faculty of Medicine The Chinese University of Hong Kong Hong Kong SAR China
| | - Gang Lu
- School of Biomedical Sciences Faculty of Medicine The Chinese University of Hong Kong Hong Kong SAR China
- CUHK‐SDU Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics School of Biomedical Sciences the Chinese University of Hong Kong Hong Kong SAR China
| | - Owen M. Rennert
- Division of Intramural Research Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development National Institutes of Health Bethesda MD USA
| | - Wai‐Yee Chan
- School of Biomedical Sciences Faculty of Medicine The Chinese University of Hong Kong Hong Kong SAR China
- CUHK‐SDU Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics School of Biomedical Sciences the Chinese University of Hong Kong Hong Kong SAR China
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine Ministry of Education School of Biomedical Sciences The Chinese University of Hong Kong Hong Kong SAR China
| | - Hoi‐Hung Cheung
- School of Biomedical Sciences Faculty of Medicine The Chinese University of Hong Kong Hong Kong SAR China
- CUHK‐SDU Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics School of Biomedical Sciences the Chinese University of Hong Kong Hong Kong SAR China
- School of Biomedical Sciences Core Laboratory Shenzhen Research Institute The Chinese University of Hong Kong Shenzhen China
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine Ministry of Education School of Biomedical Sciences The Chinese University of Hong Kong Hong Kong SAR China
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Studying Werner syndrome to elucidate mechanisms and therapeutics of human aging and age-related diseases. Biogerontology 2019; 20:255-269. [PMID: 30666569 DOI: 10.1007/s10522-019-09798-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2018] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Aging is a natural and unavoidable part of life. However, aging is also the primary driver of the dominant human diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease. Unraveling the sophisticated molecular mechanisms of the human aging process may provide novel strategies to extend 'healthy aging' and the cure of human aging-related diseases. Werner syndrome (WS), is a heritable human premature aging disease caused by mutations in the gene encoding the Werner (WRN) DNA helicase. As a classical premature aging disease, etiological exploration of WS can shed light on the mechanisms of normal human aging and facilitate the development of interventional strategies to improve healthspan. Here, we summarize the latest progress of the molecular understandings of WRN protein, highlight the advantages of using different WS model systems, including Caenorhabditis elegans, Drosophila melanogaster and induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) systems. Further studies on WS will propel drug development for WS patients, and possibly also for normal age-related diseases.
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Lebel M, Monnat RJ. Werner syndrome (WRN) gene variants and their association with altered function and age-associated diseases. Ageing Res Rev 2018; 41:82-97. [PMID: 29146545 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2017.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2017] [Revised: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Werner syndrome (WS) is a heritable autosomal recessive human disorder characterized by the premature onset of several age-associated pathologies including cancer. The protein defective in WS patients, WRN, is encoded by a member of the human RECQ gene family that contains both a DNA exonuclease and a helicase domain. WRN has been shown to participate in several DNA metabolic pathways including DNA replication, recombination and repair, as well as telomere maintenance and transcription modulation. Here we review base pair-level genetic variation that has been documented in WRN, with an emphasis on non-synonymous coding single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and their associations with anthropomorphic features, longevity and disease risk. These associations have been challenging to identify, as many reported WRN SNP associations appear to be further conditioned upon ethnic, age, gender or other environmental co-variables. The WRN variant phenotypic associations identified to date are intriguing, and several are of clear clinical import. Consequently, it will be important to extend these initial associations and to identify the mechanisms and conditions under which specific WRN variants may compromise WRN function to drive cellular and organismal phenotypes as well as disease risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michel Lebel
- Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, Pavillon CHUL Université Laval, Faculté de Médecine, Québec City, Québec, G1V 4G2, Canada.
| | - Raymond J Monnat
- Departments of Pathology and Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
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Abstract
Aging, the universal phenomenon, affects human health and is the primary risk factor for major disease pathologies. Progeroid diseases, which mimic aging at an accelerated rate, have provided cues in understanding the hallmarks of aging. Mutations in DNA repair genes as well as in telomerase subunits are known to cause progeroid syndromes. Werner syndrome (WS), which is characterized by accelerated aging, is an autosomal-recessive genetic disorder. Hallmarks that define the aging process include genomic instability, telomere attrition, epigenetic alterations, loss of proteostasis, deregulation of nutrient sensing, mitochondrial dysfunction, cellular senescence, stem cell exhaustion, and altered intercellular communication. WS recapitulates these hallmarks of aging and shows increased incidence and early onset of specific cancers. Genome integrity and stability ensure the normal functioning of the cell and are mainly guarded by the DNA repair machinery and telomeres. WRN, being a RecQ helicase, protects genome stability by regulating DNA repair pathways and telomeres. Recent advances in WS research have elucidated WRN’s role in DNA repair pathway choice regulation, telomere maintenance, resolution of complex DNA structures, epigenetic regulation, and stem cell maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raghavendra A Shamanna
- Laboratory of Molecular Gerontology, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Deborah L Croteau
- Laboratory of Molecular Gerontology, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jong-Hyuk Lee
- Laboratory of Molecular Gerontology, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Vilhelm A Bohr
- Laboratory of Molecular Gerontology, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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