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Bettin N, Querido E, Gialdini I, Grupelli GP, Goretti E, Cantarelli M, Andolfato M, Soror E, Sontacchi A, Jurikova K, Chartrand P, Cusanelli E. TERRA transcripts localize at long telomeres to regulate telomerase access to chromosome ends. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadk4387. [PMID: 38865460 PMCID: PMC11168465 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adk4387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
The function of TERRA in the regulation of telomerase in human cells is still debated. While TERRA interacts with telomerase, how it regulates telomerase function remains unknown. Here, we show that TERRA colocalizes with the telomerase RNA subunit hTR in the nucleoplasm and at telomeres during different phases of the cell cycle. We report that TERRA transcripts relocate away from chromosome ends during telomere lengthening, leading to a reduced number of telomeric TERRA-hTR molecules and consequent increase in "TERRA-free" telomerase molecules at telomeres. Using live-cell imaging and super-resolution microscopy, we show that upon transcription, TERRA relocates from its telomere of origin to long chromosome ends. Furthermore, TERRA depletion by antisense oligonucleotides promoted hTR localization to telomeres, leading to increased residence time and extended half-life of hTR molecules at telomeres. Overall, our findings indicate that telomeric TERRA transcripts inhibit telomere elongation by telomerase acting in trans, impairing telomerase access to telomeres that are different from their chromosome end of origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Bettin
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Department CIBIO, University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Emmanuelle Querido
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Montreal, 2900 boul. Edouard Montpetit, H3T1J4 Montreal, Canada
| | - Irene Gialdini
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Department CIBIO, University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Glenda Paola Grupelli
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Department CIBIO, University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Elena Goretti
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Department CIBIO, University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Marta Cantarelli
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Department CIBIO, University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Marta Andolfato
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Department CIBIO, University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Eslam Soror
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Department CIBIO, University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Alessandra Sontacchi
- 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
| | - Pascal Chartrand
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Montreal, 2900 boul. Edouard Montpetit, H3T1J4 Montreal, Canada
| | - Emilio Cusanelli
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Department CIBIO, University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento, Italy
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2
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Miliotou E, de Lázaro I. A Youthful Touch: Reversal of Aging Hallmarks by Cell Reprogramming. Cells Tissues Organs 2024:1-13. [PMID: 38768583 DOI: 10.1159/000539415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND With the elderly population projected to double by 2050, there is an urgent need to address the increasing prevalence of age-related debilitating diseases and ultimately minimize discrepancies between the rising lifespan and stagnant health span. Cellular reprogramming by overexpression of Oct3/4, Klf4, Sox2, and cMyc (OKSM) transcription factors is gaining attention in this context thanks to demonstrated rejuvenating effects in human cell cultures and live mice, many of which can be uncoupled from dedifferentiation and loss of cell identity. SUMMARY Here, we review current evidence of the impact of cell reprogramming on established aging hallmarks and the underlying mechanisms that mediate these effects. We also provide a critical assessment of the challenges in translating these findings and, overall, cell reprogramming technologies into clinically translatable antiaging interventions. KEY MESSAGES Cellular reprogramming has the potential to reverse at least partially some key hallmarks of aging. However, further research is necessary to determine the biological significance and duration of such changes and to ensure the safety of cell reprogramming as a rejuvenation approach. With this review, we hope to stimulate new research directions in the quest to extend health span effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Miliotou
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, NYU Tandon School of Engineering, New York University, New York, New York, USA
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Leon H. Charney Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Irene de Lázaro
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, NYU Tandon School of Engineering, New York University, New York, New York, USA
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Leon H. Charney Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
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3
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Córdova-Oriz I, Polonio AM, Cuadrado-Torroglosa I, Chico-Sordo L, Medrano M, García-Velasco JA, Varela E. Chromosome ends and the theory of marginotomy: implications for reproduction. Biogerontology 2024; 25:227-248. [PMID: 37943366 DOI: 10.1007/s10522-023-10071-w] [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: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Telomeres are the protective structures located at the ends of linear chromosomes. They were first described in the 1930s, but their biology remained unexplored until the early 70s, when Alexey M. Olovnikov, a theoretical biologist, suggested that telomeres cannot be fully copied during DNA replication. He proposed a theory that linked this phenomenon with the limit of cell proliferation capacity and the "duration of life" (theory of marginotomy), and suggested a potential of telomere lenghthening for the prevention of aging (anti-marginotomy). The impact of proliferative telomere shortening on life expectancy was later confirmed. In humans, telomere shortening is counteracted by telomerase, an enzyme that is undetectable in most adult somatic cells, but present in cancer cells and adult and embryonic stem and germ cells. Although telomere length dynamics are different in male and female gametes during gametogenesis, telomere lengths are reset at the blastocyst stage, setting the initial length of the species. The role of the telomere pathway in reproduction has been explored for years, mainly because of increased infertility resulting from delayed childbearing. Short telomere length in ovarian somatic cells is associated to decreased fertility and higher aneuploidy rates in embryos. Consequently, there is a growing interest in telomere lengthening strategies, aimed at improving fertility. It has also been observed that lifestyle factors can affect telomere length and improve fertility outcomes. In this review, we discuss the implications of telomere theory in fertility, especially in oocytes, spermatozoa, and embryos, as well as therapies to enhance reproductive success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Córdova-Oriz
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
| | - Alba M Polonio
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
| | - Isabel Cuadrado-Torroglosa
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
| | - Lucía Chico-Sordo
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
| | - Marta Medrano
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
| | - Juan A García-Velasco
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVIRMA Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Medical Specialties and Public Health, Edificio Departamental II, Rey Juan Carlos University, Av. de Atenas, s/n, 28922, Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Elisa Varela
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain.
- Department of Medical Specialties and Public Health, Edificio Departamental II, Rey Juan Carlos University, Av. de Atenas, s/n, 28922, Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain.
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4
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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: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 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.
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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.
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5
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Gui Q, Ding N, Yao Z, Wu M, Fu R, Wang Y, Zhao Y, Zhu L. Extracellular vesicles derived from mesenchymal stem cells: the wine in Hebe's hands to treat skin aging. PRECISION CLINICAL MEDICINE 2024; 7:pbae004. [PMID: 38516531 PMCID: PMC10955876 DOI: 10.1093/pcmedi/pbae004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Owing to its constant exposure to the external environment and various stimuli, skin ranks among the organs most vulnerable to manifestations of aging. Preventing and delaying skin aging has become one of the prominent research subjects in recent years. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent stem cells derived from mesoderm with high self-renewal ability and multilineage differentiation potential. MSC-derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) are nanoscale biological vesicles that facilitate intercellular communication and regulate biological behavior. Recent studies have shown that MSC-EVs have potential applications in anti-aging therapy due to their anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative stress, and wound healing promoting abilities. This review presents the latest progress of MSC-EVs in delaying skin aging. It mainly includes the MSC-EVs promoting the proliferation and migration of keratinocytes and fibroblasts, reducing the expression of matrix metalloproteinases, resisting oxidative stress, and regulating inflammation. We then briefly discuss the recently discovered treatment methods of MSC-EVs in the field of skin anti-aging. Moreover, the advantages and limitations of EV-based treatments are also presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qixiang Gui
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University (Shanghai Changzheng Hospital), Shanghai 200001, China
| | - Neng Ding
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University (Shanghai Changzheng Hospital), Shanghai 200001, China
| | - Zuochao Yao
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery of Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Minjuan Wu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Ruifeng Fu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Cell Engineering, Translational Medical Research Center, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Yue Wang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Cell Engineering, Translational Medical Research Center, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
- Shanghai Institute of Stem Cell Research and Clinical Translation, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yunpeng Zhao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Cell Engineering, Translational Medical Research Center, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Lie Zhu
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University (Shanghai Changzheng Hospital), Shanghai 200001, China
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de Luzy IR, Lee MK, Mobley WC, Studer L. Lessons from inducible pluripotent stem cell models on neuronal senescence in aging and neurodegeneration. NATURE AGING 2024; 4:309-318. [PMID: 38429379 DOI: 10.1038/s43587-024-00586-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Age remains the central risk factor for many neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Although the mechanisms of aging are complex, the age-related accumulation of senescent cells in neurodegeneration is well documented and their clearance can alleviate disease-related features in preclinical models. Senescence-like characteristics are observed in both neuronal and glial lineages, but their relative contribution to aging and neurodegeneration remains unclear. Human pluripotent stem cell-derived neurons provide an experimental model system to induce neuronal senescence. However, the extensive heterogeneity in the profile of senescent neurons and the methods to assess senescence remain major challenges. Here, we review the evidence of cellular senescence in neuronal aging and disease, discuss human pluripotent stem cell-based model systems used to investigate neuronal senescence and propose a panel of cellular and molecular hallmarks to characterize senescent neurons. Understanding the role of neuronal senescence may yield novel therapeutic opportunities in neurodegenerative disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle R de Luzy
- The Center for Stem Cell Biology and Developmental Biology Program, Sloan-Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, New York, NY, USA.
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD, USA.
| | - Michael K Lee
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - William C Mobley
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Lorenz Studer
- The Center for Stem Cell Biology and Developmental Biology Program, Sloan-Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, New York, NY, USA.
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD, USA.
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7
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Beghini DG, Kasai-Brunswick TH, Henriques-Pons A. Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells in Drug Discovery and Neurodegenerative Disease Modelling. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2392. [PMID: 38397069 PMCID: PMC10889263 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042392] [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: 11/18/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are derived from reprogrammed adult somatic cells. These adult cells are manipulated in vitro to express genes and factors essential for acquiring and maintaining embryonic stem cell (ESC) properties. This technology is widely applied in many fields, and much attention has been given to developing iPSC-based disease models to validate drug discovery platforms and study the pathophysiological molecular processes underlying disease onset. Especially in neurological diseases, there is a great need for iPSC-based technological research, as these cells can be obtained from each patient and carry the individual's bulk of genetic mutations and unique properties. Moreover, iPSCs can differentiate into multiple cell types. These are essential characteristics, since the study of neurological diseases is affected by the limited access to injury sites, the need for in vitro models composed of various cell types, the complexity of reproducing the brain's anatomy, the challenges of postmortem cell culture, and ethical issues. Neurodegenerative diseases strongly impact global health due to their high incidence, symptom severity, and lack of effective therapies. Recently, analyses using disease specific, iPSC-based models confirmed the efficacy of these models for testing multiple drugs. This review summarizes the advances in iPSC technology used in disease modelling and drug testing, with a primary focus on neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Gois Beghini
- Laboratório de Inovações em Terapias, Ensino e Bioprodutos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil;
| | - Tais Hanae Kasai-Brunswick
- Centro Nacional de Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem, CENABIO, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica 23890-000, RJ, Brazil;
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Medicina Regenerativa, INCT-REGENERA, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica 23890-000, RJ, Brazil
| | - Andrea Henriques-Pons
- Laboratório de Inovações em Terapias, Ensino e Bioprodutos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil;
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8
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Sinenko SA, Tomilin AN. Metabolic control of induced pluripotency. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 11:1328522. [PMID: 38274274 PMCID: PMC10808704 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1328522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Pluripotent stem cells of the mammalian epiblast and their cultured counterparts-embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and epiblast stem cells (EpiSCs)-have the capacity to differentiate in all cell types of adult organisms. An artificial process of reactivation of the pluripotency program in terminally differentiated cells was established in 2006, which allowed for the generation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). This iPSC technology has become an invaluable tool in investigating the molecular mechanisms of human diseases and therapeutic drug development, and it also holds tremendous promise for iPSC applications in regenerative medicine. Since the process of induced reprogramming of differentiated cells to a pluripotent state was discovered, many questions about the molecular mechanisms involved in this process have been clarified. Studies conducted over the past 2 decades have established that metabolic pathways and retrograde mitochondrial signals are involved in the regulation of various aspects of stem cell biology, including differentiation, pluripotency acquisition, and maintenance. During the reprogramming process, cells undergo major transformations, progressing through three distinct stages that are regulated by different signaling pathways, transcription factor networks, and inputs from metabolic pathways. Among the main metabolic features of this process, representing a switch from the dominance of oxidative phosphorylation to aerobic glycolysis and anabolic processes, are many critical stage-specific metabolic signals that control the path of differentiated cells toward a pluripotent state. In this review, we discuss the achievements in the current understanding of the molecular mechanisms of processes controlled by metabolic pathways, and vice versa, during the reprogramming process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergey A. Sinenko
- Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Saint-Petersburg, Russia
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9
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Cipriano A, Moqri M, Maybury-Lewis SY, Rogers-Hammond R, de Jong TA, Parker A, Rasouli S, Schöler HR, Sinclair DA, Sebastiano V. Mechanisms, pathways and strategies for rejuvenation through epigenetic reprogramming. NATURE AGING 2024; 4:14-26. [PMID: 38102454 PMCID: PMC11058000 DOI: 10.1038/s43587-023-00539-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Over the past decade, there has been a dramatic increase in efforts to ameliorate aging and the diseases it causes, with transient expression of nuclear reprogramming factors recently emerging as an intriguing approach. Expression of these factors, either systemically or in a tissue-specific manner, has been shown to combat age-related deterioration in mouse and human model systems at the cellular, tissue and organismal level. Here we discuss the current state of epigenetic rejuvenation strategies via partial reprogramming in both mouse and human models. For each classical reprogramming factor, we provide a brief description of its contribution to reprogramming and discuss additional factors or chemical strategies. We discuss what is known regarding chromatin remodeling and the molecular dynamics underlying rejuvenation, and, finally, we consider strategies to improve the practical uses of epigenetic reprogramming to treat aging and age-related diseases, focusing on the open questions and remaining challenges in this emerging field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Cipriano
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Mahdi Moqri
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Genetics, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Tineke Anna de Jong
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Alexander Parker
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Sajede Rasouli
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Hans Robert Schöler
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Münster, Germany
| | - David A Sinclair
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Paul F. Glenn Center for Biology of Aging Research, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Vittorio Sebastiano
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
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10
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Ma B, Martínez P, Sánchez-Vázquez R, Blasco MA. Telomere dynamics in human pluripotent stem cells. Cell Cycle 2023; 22:2505-2521. [PMID: 38219218 PMCID: PMC10936660 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2023.2285551] [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: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) are a promising source of stem cells for regenerative therapies. Stem cell function depends on telomere maintenance mechanisms that provide them with the proliferative capacity and genome stability necessary to multiply and regenerate tissues. We show here that established human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) have stable telomere length that is dependent on telomerase but not on alternative mechanisms based on homologous recombination pathways. Here, we show that human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) reprogrammed from somatic cells show progressive telomere lengthening until reaching a length similar to ESCs. hiPSCs also acquire telomeric chromatin marks of ESCs including decreased abundance of tri-methylated histone H3K9 and H4K20 and HP1 heterochromatic marks, as well as of the shelterin component TRF2. These chromatin features are accompanied with increased abundance of telomere transcripts or TERRAs. We also found that telomeres of both hESCs and hiPSCs are well protected from DNA damage during telomere elongation and once full telomere length is achieved, and exhibit stable genomes. Collectively, this study highlights that hiPSCs acquire ESC features during reprogramming and reveals the telomere biology in human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Buyun Ma
- Telomeres and Telomerase Group, Molecular Oncology Program, Spanish National Cancer Research Center (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Paula Martínez
- Telomeres and Telomerase Group, Molecular Oncology Program, Spanish National Cancer Research Center (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Raúl Sánchez-Vázquez
- Telomeres and Telomerase Group, Molecular Oncology Program, Spanish National Cancer Research Center (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria A. Blasco
- Telomeres and Telomerase Group, Molecular Oncology Program, Spanish National Cancer Research Center (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
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11
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Agredo A, Kasinski AL. Histone 4 lysine 20 tri-methylation: a key epigenetic regulator in chromatin structure and disease. Front Genet 2023; 14:1243395. [PMID: 37671044 PMCID: PMC10475950 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1243395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Chromatin is a vital and dynamic structure that is carefully regulated to maintain proper cell homeostasis. A great deal of this regulation is dependent on histone proteins which have the ability to be dynamically modified on their tails via various post-translational modifications (PTMs). While multiple histone PTMs are studied and often work in concert to facilitate gene expression, here we focus on the tri-methylation of histone H4 on lysine 20 (H4K20me3) and its function in chromatin structure, cell cycle, DNA repair, and development. The recent studies evaluated in this review have shed light on how H4K20me3 is established and regulated by various interacting partners and how H4K20me3 and the proteins that interact with this PTM are involved in various diseases. Through analyzing the current literature on H4K20me3 function and regulation, we aim to summarize this knowledge and highlights gaps that remain in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra Agredo
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
- Purdue Life Sciences Interdisciplinary Program (PULSe), Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Andrea L. Kasinski
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
- Purdue Institute for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
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12
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Rivosecchi J, Cusanelli E. TERRA beyond cancer: the biology of telomeric repeat-containing RNAs in somatic and germ cells. FRONTIERS IN AGING 2023; 4:1224225. [PMID: 37636218 PMCID: PMC10448526 DOI: 10.3389/fragi.2023.1224225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
The telomeric noncoding RNA TERRA is a key component of telomeres and it is widely expressed in normal as well as cancer cells. In the last 15 years, several publications have shed light on the role of TERRA in telomere homeostasis and cell survival in cancer cells. However, only few studies have investigated the regulation or the functions of TERRA in normal tissues. A better understanding of the biology of TERRA in non-cancer cells may provide unexpected insights into how these lncRNAs are transcribed and operate in cells, and their potential role in physiological processes, such as aging, age-related pathologies, inflammatory processes and human genetic diseases. In this review we aim to discuss the findings that have advanced our understanding of the biology of TERRA using non-cancer mammalian cells as a model system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julieta Rivosecchi
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology—CIBIO, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
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13
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Holloway K, Neherin K, Dam KU, Zhang H. Cellular senescence and neurodegeneration. Hum Genet 2023; 142:1247-1262. [PMID: 37115318 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-023-02565-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
Advancing age is a major risk factor of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The worldwide prevalence of AD is approximately 50 million people, and this number is projected to increase substantially. The molecular mechanisms underlying the aging-associated susceptibility to cognitive impairment in AD are largely unknown. As a hallmark of aging, cellular senescence is a significant contributor to aging and age-related diseases including AD. Senescent neurons and glial cells have been detected to accumulate in the brains of AD patients and mouse models. Importantly, selective elimination of senescent cells ameliorates amyloid beta and tau pathologies and improves cognition in AD mouse models, indicating a critical role of cellular senescence in AD pathogenesis. Nonetheless, the mechanisms underlying when and how cellular senescence contributes to AD pathogenesis remain unclear. This review provides an overview of cellular senescence and discusses recent advances in the understanding of the impact of cellular senescence on AD pathogenesis, with brief discussions of the possible role of cellular senescence in other neurodegenerative diseases including Down syndrome, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristopher Holloway
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01655, USA
| | - Kashfia Neherin
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01655, USA
| | - Kha Uyen Dam
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01655, USA
| | - Hong Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01655, USA.
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14
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Veschetti L, Treccani M, De Tomi E, Malerba G. Genomic Instability Evolutionary Footprints on Human Health: Driving Forces or Side Effects? Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11437. [PMID: 37511197 PMCID: PMC10380557 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411437] [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: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
In this work, we propose a comprehensive perspective on genomic instability comprising not only the accumulation of mutations but also telomeric shortening, epigenetic alterations and other mechanisms that could contribute to genomic information conservation or corruption. First, we present mechanisms playing a role in genomic instability across the kingdoms of life. Then, we explore the impact of genomic instability on the human being across its evolutionary history and on present-day human health, with a particular focus on aging and complex disorders. Finally, we discuss the role of non-coding RNAs, highlighting future approaches for a better living and an expanded healthy lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Giovanni Malerba
- GM Lab, Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (L.V.); (M.T.); (E.D.T.)
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15
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Tang X, Xu R, Wang Y, Chen K, Cui S. TERC haploid cell reprogramming: a novel therapeutic strategy for aplastic anemia. Mol Med 2023; 29:94. [PMID: 37424004 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-023-00691-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The telomerase RNA component (TERC) gene plays an important role in telomerase-dependent extension and maintenance of the telomeres. In the event of TERC haploinsufficiency, telomere length is often affected; this, in turn, can result in the development of progeria-related diseases such as aplastic anemia (AA) and congenital keratosis. Cell reprogramming can reverse the differentiation process and can, therefore, transform cells into pluripotent stem cells with stronger differentiation and self-renewal abilities; further, cell reprograming can also extend the telomere length of these cells, which may be crucial in the diagnosis and treatment of telomere depletion diseases such as AA. In this study, we summarized the effects of TERC haploid cell reprogramming on telomere length and the correlation between this alteration and the pathogenesis of AA; by investigating the role of cell reprogramming in AA, we aimed to identify novel diagnostic indicators and therapeutic strategies for patients with AA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Tang
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250014, China
| | - Ruirong Xu
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250014, China.
- Institute of Hematology, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250014, China.
- Shandong Provincial Health Commission Key Laboratory of Hematology of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250014, China.
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250014, China.
- Institute of Hematology, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250014, China.
- Shandong Provincial Health Commission Key Laboratory of Hematology of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250014, China.
| | - Kaiqing Chen
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250014, China
| | - Siyuan Cui
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250014, China
- Institute of Hematology, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250014, China
- Shandong Provincial Health Commission Key Laboratory of Hematology of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250014, China
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16
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Puri D, Wagner W. Epigenetic rejuvenation by partial reprogramming. Bioessays 2023; 45:e2200208. [PMID: 36871150 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202200208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
Rejuvenation of cells by reprogramming toward the pluripotent state raises increasing attention. In fact, generation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) completely reverses age-associated molecular features, including elongation of telomeres, resetting of epigenetic clocks and age-associated transcriptomic changes, and even evasion of replicative senescence. However, reprogramming into iPSCs also entails complete de-differentiation with loss of cellular identity, as well as the risk of teratoma formation in anti-ageing treatment paradigms. Recent studies indicate that partial reprogramming by limited exposure to reprogramming factors can reset epigenetic ageing clocks while maintaining cellular identity. So far, there is no commonly accepted definition of partial reprogramming, which is alternatively called interrupted reprogramming, and it remains to be elucidated how the process can be controlled and if it resembles a stable intermediate state. In this review, we discuss if the rejuvenation program can be uncoupled from the pluripotency program or if ageing and cell fate determination are inextricably linked. Alternative rejuvenation approaches with reprogramming into a pluripotent state, partial reprogramming, transdifferentiation, and the possibility of selective resetting of cellular clocks are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepika Puri
- Helmholtz-Institute for Biomedical Engineering, RWTH Aachen University, Medical Faculty, Aachen, Germany
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology, RWTH Aachen University Medical School, Aachen, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Wagner
- Helmholtz-Institute for Biomedical Engineering, RWTH Aachen University, Medical Faculty, Aachen, Germany
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology, RWTH Aachen University Medical School, Aachen, Germany
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17
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Danics L, Abbas AA, Kis B, Pircs K. Fountain of youth—Targeting autophagy in aging. Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 15:1125739. [PMID: 37065462 PMCID: PMC10090449 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1125739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
As our society ages inexorably, geroscience and research focusing on healthy aging is becoming increasingly urgent. Macroautophagy (referred to as autophagy), a highly conserved process of cellular clearance and rejuvenation has attracted much attention due to its universal role in organismal life and death. Growing evidence points to autophagy process as being one of the key players in the determination of lifespan and health. Autophagy inducing interventions show significant improvement in organismal lifespan demonstrated in several experimental models. In line with this, preclinical models of age-related neurodegenerative diseases demonstrate pathology modulating effect of autophagy induction, implicating its potential to treat such disorders. In humans this specific process seems to be more complex. Recent clinical trials of drugs targeting autophagy point out some beneficial effects for clinical use, although with limited effectiveness, while others fail to show any significant improvement. We propose that using more human-relevant preclinical models for testing drug efficacy would significantly improve clinical trial outcomes. Lastly, the review discusses the available cellular reprogramming techniques used to model neuronal autophagy and neurodegeneration while exploring the existing evidence of autophagy’s role in aging and pathogenesis in human-derived in vitro models such as embryonic stem cells (ESCs), induced pluripotent stem cell derived neurons (iPSC-neurons) or induced neurons (iNs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Lea Danics
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Hungarian Centre of Excellence for Molecular Medicine - Semmelweis University (HCEMM-SU), Neurobiology and Neurodegenerative Diseases Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
- Eötvös Loránd Research Network and Semmelweis University (ELKH-SU), Cerebrovascular and Neurocognitive Disorders Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Anna Anoir Abbas
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Hungarian Centre of Excellence for Molecular Medicine - Semmelweis University (HCEMM-SU), Neurobiology and Neurodegenerative Diseases Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Balázs Kis
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Hungarian Centre of Excellence for Molecular Medicine - Semmelweis University (HCEMM-SU), Neurobiology and Neurodegenerative Diseases Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Karolina Pircs
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Hungarian Centre of Excellence for Molecular Medicine - Semmelweis University (HCEMM-SU), Neurobiology and Neurodegenerative Diseases Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurogenetics, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center and Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- *Correspondence: Karolina Pircs,
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18
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Zhang X, Zhang C, Zhou D, Zhang T, Chen X, Ren J, He C, Meng F, Zhou Q, Yang Q, Dai C, Lin G, Zeng S, Leng L. Telomeres cooperate in zygotic genome activation by affecting DUX4/ Dux transcription. iScience 2023; 26:106158. [PMID: 36843839 PMCID: PMC9950522 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106158] [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: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Zygotic genome activation (ZGA) is initiated once the genome chromatin state is organized in the newly formed zygote. Telomeres are specialized chromatin structures at the ends of chromosomes and are reset during early embryogenesis, while the details and significance of telomere changes in preimplantation embryos remain unclear. We demonstrated that the telomere length was shortened in the minor ZGA stage and significantly elongated in the major ZGA stage of human and mouse embryos. Expression of the ZGA pioneer factor DUX4/Dux was negatively correlated with the telomere length. ATAC sequencing data revealed that the chromatin accessibility peaks on the DUX4 promoter region (i.e., the subtelomere of chromosome 4q) were transiently augmented in human minor ZGA. Reduction of telomeric heterochromatin H3K9me3 in the telomeric region also synergistically activated DUX4 expression with p53 in human embryonic stem cells. We propose herein that telomeres regulate the expression of DUX4/Dux through chromatin remodeling and are thereby involved in ZGA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaorui Zhang
- Hospital of Hunan Guangxiu, Hunan Normal University, Hunan 410001, China,Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of Citic-Xiangya, Hunan 410008, China,Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Development and Carcinogenesis, Changsha, China,Department of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Changquan Zhang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Di Zhou
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China,Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Development and Carcinogenesis, Changsha, China
| | - Tianlei Zhang
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of Citic-Xiangya, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Xueqin Chen
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jinlin Ren
- Hospital of Hunan Guangxiu, Hunan Normal University, Hunan 410001, China
| | - Caixia He
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China,Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Development and Carcinogenesis, Changsha, China
| | - Fei Meng
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of Citic-Xiangya, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Qinwei Zhou
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of Citic-Xiangya, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Qiaohui Yang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Congling Dai
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of Citic-Xiangya, Hunan 410008, China,NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ge Lin
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of Citic-Xiangya, Hunan 410008, China,NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China,Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Development and Carcinogenesis, Changsha, China,Corresponding author
| | - Sicong Zeng
- Hospital of Hunan Guangxiu, Hunan Normal University, Hunan 410001, China,Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of Citic-Xiangya, Hunan 410008, China,Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Development and Carcinogenesis, Changsha, China,Corresponding author
| | - Lizhi Leng
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of Citic-Xiangya, Hunan 410008, China,NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China,Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Development and Carcinogenesis, Changsha, China,Corresponding author
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19
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López-Otín C, Blasco MA, Partridge L, Serrano M, Kroemer G. Hallmarks of aging: An expanding universe. Cell 2023; 186:243-278. [PMID: 36599349 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2022.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 982] [Impact Index Per Article: 982.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Aging is driven by hallmarks fulfilling the following three premises: (1) their age-associated manifestation, (2) the acceleration of aging by experimentally accentuating them, and (3) the opportunity to decelerate, stop, or reverse aging by therapeutic interventions on them. We propose the following twelve hallmarks of aging: genomic instability, telomere attrition, epigenetic alterations, loss of proteostasis, disabled macroautophagy, deregulated nutrient-sensing, mitochondrial dysfunction, cellular senescence, stem cell exhaustion, altered intercellular communication, chronic inflammation, and dysbiosis. These hallmarks are interconnected among each other, as well as to the recently proposed hallmarks of health, which include organizational features of spatial compartmentalization, maintenance of homeostasis, and adequate responses to stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos López-Otín
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Instituto Universitario de Oncología (IUOPA), Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain.
| | - Maria A Blasco
- Telomeres and Telomerase Group, Molecular Oncology Program, Spanish National Cancer Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Linda Partridge
- Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, Institute of Healthy Ageing, University College London, London, UK; Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing, Cologne, Germany
| | - Manuel Serrano
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain; Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain; Altos Labs, Cambridge, UK
| | - Guido Kroemer
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Equipe labellisée par la Ligue contre le cancer, Université de Paris, Sorbonne Université, INSERM U1138, Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France; Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France; Institut du Cancer Paris CARPEM, Department of Biology, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, AP-HP, Paris, France.
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20
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Castillo Bautista CM, Sterneckert J. Progress and challenges in directing the differentiation of human iPSCs into spinal motor neurons. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 10:1089970. [PMID: 36684437 PMCID: PMC9849822 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1089970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Motor neuron (MN) diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, progressive bulbar palsy, primary lateral sclerosis and spinal muscular atrophy, cause progressive paralysis and, in many cases, death. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis is urgently needed to identify more effective therapies. However, studying MNs has been extremely difficult because they are inaccessible in the spinal cord. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can generate a theoretically limitless number of MNs from a specific patient, making them powerful tools for studying MN diseases. However, to reach their potential, iPSCs need to be directed to efficiently differentiate into functional MNs. Here, we review the reported differentiation protocols for spinal MNs, including induction with small molecules, expression of lineage-specific transcription factors, 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional cultures, as well as the implementation of microfluidics devices and co-cultures with other cell types, including skeletal muscle. We will summarize the advantages and disadvantages of each strategy. In addition, we will provide insights into how to address some of the remaining challenges, including reproducibly obtaining mature and aged MNs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jared Sterneckert
- Center for Regenerative Therapies TU Dresden (CRTD), Technische Universität (TU) Dresden, Dresden, Germany,Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus of TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany,*Correspondence: Jared Sterneckert,
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21
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Abstract
'Age reprogramming' refers to the process by which the molecular and cellular pathways of a cell that are subject to age-related decline are rejuvenated without passage through an embryonic stage. This process differs from the rejuvenation observed in differentiated derivatives of induced pluripotent stem cells, which involves passage through an embryonic stage and loss of cellular identity. Accordingly, the study of age reprogramming can provide an understanding of how ageing can be reversed while retaining cellular identity and the specialised function(s) of a cell, which will be of benefit to regenerative medicine. Here, we highlight recent work that has provided a more nuanced understanding of age reprogramming and point to some open questions in the field that might be explored in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prim B. Singh
- Department of Medicine, Nazarbayev University School of Medicine, 5/1 Kerei Zhanibek Khandar Street, Astana 010000, Republic of Kazakhstan,Author for correspondence ()
| | - Assem Zhakupova
- Department of Medicine, Nazarbayev University School of Medicine, 5/1 Kerei Zhanibek Khandar Street, Astana 010000, Republic of Kazakhstan
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22
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Effects of lifespan-extending interventions on cognitive healthspan. Expert Rev Mol Med 2022; 25:e2. [PMID: 36377361 DOI: 10.1017/erm.2022.36] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Ageing is known to be the primary risk factor for most neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease. They are currently incurable and worsen over time, which has broad implications in the context of lifespan and healthspan extension. Adding years to life and even to physical health is suboptimal or even insufficient, if cognitive ageing is not adequately improved. In this review, we will examine how interventions that have the potential to extend lifespan in animals affect the brain, and if they would be able to thwart or delay the development of cognitive dysfunction and/or neurodegeneration. These interventions range from lifestyle (caloric restriction, physical exercise and environmental enrichment) through pharmacological (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide precursors, resveratrol, rapamycin, metformin, spermidine and senolytics) to epigenetic reprogramming. We argue that while many of these interventions have clear potential to improve cognitive health and resilience, large-scale and long-term randomised controlled trials are needed, along with studies utilising washout periods to determine the effects of supplementation cessation, particularly in aged individuals.
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23
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Elder N, Fattahi F, McDevitt TC, Zholudeva LV. Diseased, differentiated and difficult: Strategies for improved engineering of in vitro neurological systems. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:962103. [PMID: 36238834 PMCID: PMC9550918 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.962103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The rapidly growing field of cellular engineering is enabling scientists to more effectively create in vitro models of disease and develop specific cell types that can be used to repair damaged tissue. In particular, the engineering of neurons and other components of the nervous system is at the forefront of this field. The methods used to engineer neural cells can be largely divided into systems that undergo directed differentiation through exogenous stimulation (i.e., via small molecules, arguably following developmental pathways) and those that undergo induced differentiation via protein overexpression (i.e., genetically induced and activated; arguably bypassing developmental pathways). Here, we highlight the differences between directed differentiation and induced differentiation strategies, how they can complement one another to generate specific cell phenotypes, and impacts of each strategy on downstream applications. Continued research in this nascent field will lead to the development of improved models of neurological circuits and novel treatments for those living with neurological injury and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Elder
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Faranak Fattahi
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Todd C. McDevitt
- Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Sana Biotechnology, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Lyandysha V. Zholudeva
- Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Lyandysha V. Zholudeva,
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24
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Sheridan SD, Horng JE, Perlis RH. Patient-Derived In Vitro Models of Microglial Function and Synaptic Engulfment in Schizophrenia. Biol Psychiatry 2022; 92:470-479. [PMID: 35232567 PMCID: PMC10039432 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2022.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2021] [Revised: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Multiple lines of evidence implicate dysregulated microglia-mediated synaptic pruning in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. In vitro human cellular studies represent a promising means of pursuing this hypothesis, complementing efforts with animal models and postmortem human data while addressing their limitations. The challenges in culturing homogeneous populations of cells derived from postmortem or surgical biopsy brain material from patients, and their limited availability, has led to a focus on differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells. These methods too have limitations, in that they disrupt the epigenome and can demonstrate line-to-line variability due in part to extended time in culture, partial reprogramming, and/or residual epigenetic memory from the cell source, yielding large technical artifacts. Yet another strategy uses direct transdifferentiation of peripheral mononuclear blood cells, or umbilical cord blood cells, to microglia-like cells. Any of these approaches can be paired with patient-derived synaptosomes from differentiated neurons as a simpler alternative to co-culture. Patient-derived microglia models may facilitate identification of novel modulators of synaptic pruning and identification of biomarkers that may allow more targeted early interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven D Sheridan
- Center for Genomic Medicine and Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Joy E Horng
- Center for Genomic Medicine and Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Roy H Perlis
- Center for Genomic Medicine and Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.
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25
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Patient-Derived iPSCs Reveal Evidence of Telomere Instability and DNA Repair Deficiency in Coats Plus Syndrome. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13081395. [PMID: 36011306 PMCID: PMC9407572 DOI: 10.3390/genes13081395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Coats plus (CP) syndrome is an inherited autosomal recessive condition that results from mutations in the conserved telomere maintenance component 1 gene (CTC1). The CTC1 protein functions as a part of the CST protein complex, a protein heterotrimer consisting of CTC1-STN1-TEN1 which promotes telomere DNA synthesis and inhibits telomerase-mediated telomere elongation. However, it is unclear how CTC1 mutations may have an effect on telomere structure and function. For that purpose, we established the very first induced pluripotent stem cell lines (iPSCs) from a compound heterozygous patient with CP carrying deleterious mutations in both alleles of CTC1. Telomere dysfunction and chromosomal instability were assessed in both circulating lymphocytes and iPSCs from the patient and from healthy controls of similar age. The circulating lymphocytes and iPSCs from the CP patient were characterized by their higher telomere length heterogeneity and telomere aberrations compared to those in control cells from healthy donors. Moreover, in contrast to iPSCs from healthy controls, the high levels of telomerase were associated with activation of the alternative lengthening of telomere (ALT) pathway in CP-iPSCs. This was accompanied by inappropriate activation of the DNA repair proteins γH2AX, 53BP1, and ATM, as well as with accumulation of DNA damage, micronuclei, and anaphase bridges. CP-iPSCs presented features of cellular senescence and increased radiation sensitivity. Clonal dicentric chromosomes were identified only in CP-iPSCs after exposure to radiation, thus mirroring the role of telomere dysfunction in their formation. These data demonstrate that iPSCs derived from CP patients can be used as a model system for molecular studies of the CP syndrome and underscores the complexity of telomere dysfunction associated with the defect of DNA repair machinery in the CP syndrome.
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Nadri P, Ansari-Mahyari S, Jafarpour F, Mahdavi AH, Tanhaei Vash N, Lachinani L, Dormiani K, Nasr-Esfahani MH. Melatonin accelerates the developmental competence and telomere elongation in ovine SCNT embryos. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0267598. [PMID: 35862346 PMCID: PMC9302776 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0267598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
SCNT embryos suffer from poor developmental competence (both in vitro and in vivo) due to various defects such as oxidative stress, incomplete epigenetic reprogramming, and flaws in telomere rejuvenation. It is very promising to ameliorate all these defects in SCNT embryos by supplementing the culture medium with a single compound. It has been demonstrated that melatonin, as a multitasking molecule, can improve the development of SCNT embryos, but its function during ovine SCNT embryos is unclear. We observed that supplementation of embryonic culture medium with 10 nM melatonin for 7 days accelerated the rate of blastocyst formation in ovine SCNT embryos. In addition, the quality of blastocysts increased in the melatonin-treated group compared with the SCNT control groups in terms of ICM, TE, total cell number, and mRNA expression of NANOG. Mechanistic studies in this study revealed that the melatonin-treated group had significantly lower ROS level, apoptotic cell ratio, and mRNA expression of CASPASE-3 and BAX/BCL2 ratio. In addition, melatonin promotes mitochondrial membrane potential and autophagy status (higher number of LC3B dots). Our results indicate that melatonin decreased the global level of 5mC and increased the level of H3K9ac in the treated blastocyst group compared with the blastocysts in the control group. More importantly, we demonstrated for the first time that melatonin treatment promoted telomere elongation in ovine SCNT embryos. This result offers the possibility of better development of ovine SCNT embryos after implantation. We concluded that melatonin can accelerate the reprogramming of telomere length in sheep SCNT embryos, in addition to its various beneficial effects such as increasing antioxidant capacity, reducing DNA damage, and improving the quality of derived blastocysts, all of which led to a higher in vitro development rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parisa Nadri
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Saeid Ansari-Mahyari
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, Iran
- * E-mail: (SAM); , (MHNE)
| | - Farnoosh Jafarpour
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Amir Hossein Mahdavi
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Nima Tanhaei Vash
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Liana Lachinani
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Kianoush Dormiani
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Nasr-Esfahani
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
- * E-mail: (SAM); , (MHNE)
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von Joest M, Chen C, Douché T, Chantrel J, Chiche A, Gianetto QG, Matondo M, Li H. Amphiregulin mediates non-cell-autonomous effect of senescence on reprogramming. Cell Rep 2022; 40:111074. [PMID: 35830812 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111074] [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: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular senescence is an irreversible growth arrest with a dynamic secretome, termed the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Senescence is a cell-intrinsic barrier for reprogramming, whereas the SASP facilitates cell fate conversion in non-senescent cells. However, the mechanisms by which reprogramming-induced senescence regulates cell plasticity are not well understood. Here, we investigate how the heterogeneity of paracrine senescence impacts reprogramming. We show that senescence promotes in vitro reprogramming in a stress-dependent manner. Unbiased proteomics identifies a catalog of SASP factors involved in the cell fate conversion. Amphiregulin (AREG), frequently secreted by senescent cells, promotes in vitro reprogramming by accelerating proliferation and the mesenchymal-epithelial transition via EGFR signaling. AREG treatment diminishes the negative effect of donor age on reprogramming. Finally, AREG enhances in vivo reprogramming in skeletal muscle. Hence, various SASP factors can facilitate cellular plasticity to promote reprogramming and tissue repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu von Joest
- Cellular Plasticity & Disease Modelling, Department of Developmental & Stem Cell Biology, CNRS UMR 3738, Institut Pasteur, 25 rue du Dr Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Cheng Chen
- Cellular Plasticity & Disease Modelling, Department of Developmental & Stem Cell Biology, CNRS UMR 3738, Institut Pasteur, 25 rue du Dr Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Thibaut Douché
- Proteomics Platform, Mass Spectrometry for Biology Unit (MSBio), CNRS USR 2000, Institut Pasteur, 28 rue du Dr Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Jeremy Chantrel
- Cellular Plasticity & Disease Modelling, Department of Developmental & Stem Cell Biology, CNRS UMR 3738, Institut Pasteur, 25 rue du Dr Roux, 75015 Paris, France; Sorbonne Université, Collège Doctoral, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Aurélie Chiche
- Cellular Plasticity & Disease Modelling, Department of Developmental & Stem Cell Biology, CNRS UMR 3738, Institut Pasteur, 25 rue du Dr Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Quentin Giai Gianetto
- Proteomics Platform, Mass Spectrometry for Biology Unit (MSBio), CNRS USR 2000, Institut Pasteur, 28 rue du Dr Roux, 75015 Paris, France; Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Hub, Computational Biology Department, CNRS USR 3756, Institut Pasteur, 25 rue du Dr Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Mariette Matondo
- Proteomics Platform, Mass Spectrometry for Biology Unit (MSBio), CNRS USR 2000, Institut Pasteur, 28 rue du Dr Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Han Li
- Cellular Plasticity & Disease Modelling, Department of Developmental & Stem Cell Biology, CNRS UMR 3738, Institut Pasteur, 25 rue du Dr Roux, 75015 Paris, France.
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Reprogramming neurons for regeneration: The fountain of youth. Prog Neurobiol 2022; 214:102284. [PMID: 35533809 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2022.102284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Neurons in the central nervous system (CNS) are terminally differentiated cells that gradually lose their ability to support regeneration during maturation due to changes in transcriptomic and chromatin landscape. Similar transcriptomic changes also occur during development when stem cells differentiate into different types of somatic cells. Importantly, differentiated cells can be reprogrammed back to induced pluripotent stems cells (iPSCs) via global epigenetic remodeling by combined overexpression of pluripotent reprogramming factors, including Oct4, Sox2, Klf4, c-Myc, Nanog, and/or Lin28. Moreover, recent findings showed that many proneural transcription factors were able to convert non-neural somatic cells into neurons bypassing the pluripotent stage via direct reprogramming. Interestingly, many of these factors have recently been identified as key regulators of CNS neural regeneration. Recent studies indicated that these factors could rejuvenate mature CNS neurons back to a younger state through cellular state reprogramming, thus favoring regeneration. Here we will review some recent findings regarding the roles of genetic cellular state reprogramming in regulation of neural regeneration and explore the potential underlying molecular mechanisms. Moreover, by using newly emerging techniques, such as multiomics sequencing with big data analysis and Crispr-based gene editing, we will discuss future research directions focusing on better revealing cellular state reprogramming-induced remodeling of chromatin landscape and potential translational application.
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Martínez P, Sánchez-Vázquez R, Ferrara-Romeo I, Serrano R, Flores JM, Blasco MA. A mouse model for Li-Fraumeni-Like Syndrome with cardiac angiosarcomas associated to POT1 mutations. PLoS Genet 2022; 18:e1010260. [PMID: 35727838 PMCID: PMC9212151 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The shelterin protein POT1 has been found mutated in many different familial and sporadic cancers, however, no mouse models to understand the pathobiology of these mutations have been developed so far. To address the molecular mechanisms underlying the tumorigenic effects of POT1 mutant proteins in humans, we have generated a mouse model for the human POT1R117C mutation found in Li-Fraumeni-Like families with cases of cardiac angiosarcoma by introducing this mutation in the Pot1a endogenous locus, knock-in for Pot1aR117C. We find here that both mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) and tissues from Pot1a+/ki mice show longer telomeres than wild-type controls. Longer telomeres in Pot1a+/ki MEFs are dependent on telomerase activity as they are not found in double mutant Pot1a+/kiTert-/- telomerase-deficient MEFs. By using complementation assays we further show that POT1a pR117C exerts dominant-negative effects at telomeres. As in human Li-Fraumeni patients, heterozygous Pot1a+/ki mice spontaneously develop a high incidence of angiosarcomas, including cardiac angiosarcomas, and this is associated to the presence of abnormally long telomeres in endothelial cells as well as in the tumors. The Pot1a+/R117C mouse model constitutes a useful tool to understand human cancers initiated by POT1 mutations. We have generated a mouse model for the human POT1R117C mutation found in Li-Fraumeni-Like (LFL) families with cases of cardiac angiosarcoma by introducing this mutation in the Pot1a endogenous locus, knock-in for Pot1aR117C. The Pot1a+/ki mice show longer telomeres than wild-type controls. Longer telomeres in mutant mice are dependent on telomerase activity as they are not found in a telomerase deficient background. As in human Li-Fraumeni patients, heterozygous Pot1a+/ki mice spontaneously develop a high incidence of angiosarcomas, including cardiac angiosarcomas, and this is associated to the presence of abnormally long telomeres in endothelial cells as well as in the tumors. The ki-Pot1aR117C mouse constitutes a potential pre-clinical mouse model for LFL syndrome presenting with high angiosarcoma incidence that could provide in the future a very useful tool for the study of treatments for these tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Martínez
- Telomeres and Telomerase Group, Molecular Oncology Program, Spanish National Cancer Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Raúl Sánchez-Vázquez
- Telomeres and Telomerase Group, Molecular Oncology Program, Spanish National Cancer Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Iole Ferrara-Romeo
- Telomeres and Telomerase Group, Molecular Oncology Program, Spanish National Cancer Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Rosa Serrano
- Telomeres and Telomerase Group, Molecular Oncology Program, Spanish National Cancer Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Juana M. Flores
- Animal Surgery and Medicine Department, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria A. Blasco
- Telomeres and Telomerase Group, Molecular Oncology Program, Spanish National Cancer Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
- * E-mail:
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Nde1 is Required for Heterochromatin Compaction and Stability in Neocortical Neurons. iScience 2022; 25:104354. [PMID: 35601919 PMCID: PMC9121328 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The NDE1 gene encodes a scaffold protein essential for brain development. Although biallelic NDE1 loss of function (LOF) causes microcephaly with profound mental retardation, NDE1 missense mutations and copy number variations are associated with multiple neuropsychiatric disorders. However, the etiology of the diverse phenotypes resulting from NDE1 aberrations remains elusive. Here we demonstrate Nde1 controls neurogenesis through facilitating H4K20 trimethylation-mediated heterochromatin compaction. This mechanism patterns diverse chromatin landscapes and stabilizes constitutive heterochromatin of neocortical neurons. We demonstrate that NDE1 can undergo dynamic liquid-liquid phase separation, partitioning to the nucleus and interacting with pericentromeric and centromeric satellite repeats. Nde1 LOF results in nuclear architecture aberrations and DNA double-strand breaks, as well as instability and derepression of pericentromeric satellite repeats in neocortical neurons. These findings uncover a pivotal role of NDE1/Nde1 in establishing and protecting neuronal heterochromatin. They suggest that heterochromatin instability predisposes a wide range of brain dysfunction. Cortical neurogenesis is coupled with heterochromatin compaction marked by H4K20me3 Nde1 undergoes liquid-liquid phase separation and interacts with heterochromatin Nde1 mutations impair H4K20me3 during neural progenitor differentiation Neurons lacking Nde1 derepress heterochromatin and lose nuclear and genomic integrity
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Aging and “rejuvenation” of resident stem cells — a new way to active longevity? КЛИНИЧЕСКАЯ ПРАКТИКА 2022. [DOI: 10.17816/clinpract104999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
This review presents the current data on the methodology for assessing the biological and epigenetic age, describes the concept of the epigenetic clock, and characterizes the main types of resident stem cells and the specifics of their aging. It has been shown that age-related changes in organs and tissues, as well as age-related diseases, are largely due to the aging of resident stem cells. The latter represent an attractive target for cell rejuvenation, as they can be isolated, cultured ex vivo, modified, and re-introduced into the resident niches. Two main methodologies for the cellular rejuvenation are presented: genetic reprogramming with zeroing the age of a cell using transient expression of transcription factors, and various approaches to epigenetic rejuvenation. The close relationship between aging, regeneration, and oncogenesis, and between these factors and the functioning of resident stem cell niches requires further precision studies, which, we are sure, can result in the creation of an effective anti-aging strategy and prolongation of human active life.
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Gill D, Parry A, Santos F, Okkenhaug H, Todd CD, Hernando-Herraez I, Stubbs TM, Milagre I, Reik W. Multi-omic rejuvenation of human cells by maturation phase transient reprogramming. eLife 2022; 11:e71624. [PMID: 35390271 PMCID: PMC9023058 DOI: 10.7554/elife.71624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ageing is the gradual decline in organismal fitness that occurs over time leading to tissue dysfunction and disease. At the cellular level, ageing is associated with reduced function, altered gene expression and a perturbed epigenome. Recent work has demonstrated that the epigenome is already rejuvenated by the maturation phase of somatic cell reprogramming, which suggests full reprogramming is not required to reverse ageing of somatic cells. Here we have developed the first "maturation phase transient reprogramming" (MPTR) method, where reprogramming factors are selectively expressed until this rejuvenation point then withdrawn. Applying MPTR to dermal fibroblasts from middle-aged donors, we found that cells temporarily lose and then reacquire their fibroblast identity, possibly as a result of epigenetic memory at enhancers and/or persistent expression of some fibroblast genes. Excitingly, our method substantially rejuvenated multiple cellular attributes including the transcriptome, which was rejuvenated by around 30 years as measured by a novel transcriptome clock. The epigenome was rejuvenated to a similar extent, including H3K9me3 levels and the DNA methylation ageing clock. The magnitude of rejuvenation instigated by MPTR appears substantially greater than that achieved in previous transient reprogramming protocols. In addition, MPTR fibroblasts produced youthful levels of collagen proteins, and showed partial functional rejuvenation of their migration speed. Finally, our work suggests that optimal time windows exist for rejuvenating the transcriptome and the epigenome. Overall, we demonstrate that it is possible to separate rejuvenation from complete pluripotency reprogramming, which should facilitate the discovery of novel anti-ageing genes and therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diljeet Gill
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham InstituteCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Aled Parry
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham InstituteCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Fátima Santos
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham InstituteCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | | | | | | | | | - Inês Milagre
- Laboratory for Epigenetic Mechanisms/Chromosome Dynamics Lab, Instituto Gulbenkian de CiênciaOeirasPortugal
| | - Wolf Reik
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham InstituteCambridgeUnited Kingdom
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, HinxtonCambridgeUnited Kingdom
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
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Xu X, Chen Z, Wu W, Tian X. Polyadenylated Telomeric Noncoding RNA Functions as a Pivotal Therapeutic Target of Anti-Ageing to Stabilize Telomere Length of Chromosomes Via Collaborating With Zscan4c. Front Pharmacol 2022; 12:822779. [PMID: 35222015 PMCID: PMC8863872 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.822779] [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: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomeres are closely associated with the development of cell aging. Shortening or erosion of telomeres will cause cell mortality, suggesting that the maintenance of telomere integrity facilitates cell anti-senescence. However, the mechanism of how to keep the telomere length remains fragmentary. Here, we found that polyadenylated telomeric noncoding RNA (TERRA) can promote the self-renewal when overexpressed in mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs), implying that TERRA with polyadenylation is critical for mESC maintenance. Further studies revealed that TERRA with a polyadenylated tail plays an important role in the sustenance of telomere length. High-throughput sequencing and quantitative real-time PCR show that zinc finger and SCAN domain containing 4C (Zscan4c) may be a potential target of TERRA. Zscan4c is negatively regulated by TERRA and collaborates with TERRA to stabilize the telomere length of chromosomes in mESCs. Our study not only identifies TERRA as a potential novel factor of telomere length regulation and uncovers the new molecular mechanism of cell anti-aging, but also indicates that Zscan4c could be a key therapeutic target candidate for therapy in dysfunctional chromosome diseases. These data will expand our understanding of the cell fate regulatory network and will be beneficial to drug discovery and theragnostics for antiaging and anticancer therapy in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojuan Xu
- Huaxi MR Research Centre (HMRRC), Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Department of Radiology and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,School of Life Sciences, Hefei Normal University, Hefei, China
| | - Zhengju Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Hefei Normal University, Hefei, China
| | - Wei Wu
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui University, Hefei, China
| | - Xiaohe Tian
- School of Life Sciences, Hefei Normal University, Hefei, China
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Dan J, Zhou Z, Wang F, Wang H, Guo R, Keefe DL, Liu L. Zscan4 Contributes to Telomere Maintenance in Telomerase-Deficient Late Generation Mouse ESCs and Human ALT Cancer Cells. Cells 2022; 11:cells11030456. [PMID: 35159266 PMCID: PMC8834411 DOI: 10.3390/cells11030456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Proper telomere length is essential for indefinite self-renewal of embryonic stem (ES) cells and cancer cells. Telomerase-deficient late generation mouse ES cells and human ALT cancer cells are able to propagate for numerous passages, suggesting telomerase-independent mechanisms responding for telomere maintenance. However, the underlying mechanisms ensuring the telomere length maintenance are unclear. Here, using late generation telomerase KO (G4 Terc-/-) ESCs as a model, we show that Zscan4, highly upregulated in G4 Terc-/- ESCs, is responsible for the prolonged culture of these cells with stably short telomeres. Mechanistically, G4 Terc-/- ESCs showed reduced levels of DNA methylation and H3K9me3 at Zscan4 promoter and subtelomeres, which relieved the expression of Zscan4. Similarly, human ZSCAN4 was also derepressed by reduced H3K9me3 at its promoter in ALT U2 OS cells, and depletion of ZSCAN4 significantly shortened telomeres. Our results define a similar conserved pathway contributing to the telomere maintenance in telomerase-deficient late generation mESCs and human ALT U2OS cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiameng Dan
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; (Z.Z.); (H.W.); (R.G.)
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China; Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
- Correspondence: (J.D.); (L.L.)
| | - Zhongcheng Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; (Z.Z.); (H.W.); (R.G.)
| | - Fang Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY 10016, USA; (F.W.); (D.L.K.)
| | - Hua Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; (Z.Z.); (H.W.); (R.G.)
| | - Renpeng Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; (Z.Z.); (H.W.); (R.G.)
| | - David L. Keefe
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY 10016, USA; (F.W.); (D.L.K.)
| | - Lin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; (Z.Z.); (H.W.); (R.G.)
- Correspondence: (J.D.); (L.L.)
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Spathopoulou A, Edenhofer F, Fellner L. Targeting α-Synuclein in Parkinson's Disease by Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Models. Front Neurol 2022; 12:786835. [PMID: 35145469 PMCID: PMC8821105 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.786835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive, neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor and non-motor symptoms. To date, no specific treatment to halt disease progression is available, only medication to alleviate symptoms can be prescribed. The main pathological hallmark of PD is the development of neuronal inclusions, positive for α-synuclein (α-syn), which are termed Lewy bodies (LBs) or Lewy neurites. However, the cause of the inclusion formation and the loss of neurons remain largely elusive. Various genetic determinants were reported to be involved in PD etiology, including SNCA, DJ-1, PRKN, PINK1, LRRK2, and GBA. Comprehensive insights into pathophysiology of PD critically depend on appropriate models. However, conventional model organisms fall short to faithfully recapitulate some features of this complex disease and as a matter-of-fact access to physiological tissue is limiting. The development of disease models replicating PD that are close to human physiology and dynamic enough to analyze the underlying molecular mechanisms of disease initiation and progression, as well as the generation of new treatment options, is an important and overdue step. Recently, the establishment of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived neural models, particularly from genetic PD-variants, developed into a promising strategy to investigate the molecular mechanisms regarding formation of inclusions and neurodegeneration. As these iPSC-derived neurons can be generated from accessible biopsied samples of PD patients, they carry pathological alterations and enable the possibility to analyze the differences compared to healthy neurons. This review focuses on iPSC models carrying genetic PD-variants of α-syn that will be especially helpful in elucidating the pathophysiological mechanisms of PD. Furthermore, we discuss how iPSC models can be instrumental in identifying cellular targets, potentially leading to the development of new therapeutic treatments. We will outline the enormous potential, but also discuss the limitations of iPSC-based α-syn models.
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Stem cells at odds with telomere maintenance and protection. Trends Cell Biol 2022; 32:527-536. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2021.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Chao CC, Shen PW, Tzeng TY, Kung HJ, Tsai TF, Wong YH. Human iPSC-Derived Neurons as A Platform for Deciphering the Mechanisms behind Brain Aging. Biomedicines 2021; 9:1635. [PMID: 34829864 PMCID: PMC8615703 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9111635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
With an increased life expectancy among humans, aging has recently emerged as a major focus in biomedical research. The lack of in vitro aging models-especially for neurological disorders, where access to human brain tissues is limited-has hampered the progress in studies on human brain aging and various age-associated neurodegenerative diseases at the cellular and molecular level. In this review, we provide an overview of age-related changes in the transcriptome, in signaling pathways, and in relation to epigenetic factors that occur in senescent neurons. Moreover, we explore the current cell models used to study neuronal aging in vitro, including immortalized cell lines, primary neuronal culture, neurons directly converted from fibroblasts (Fib-iNs), and iPSC-derived neurons (iPSC-iNs); we also discuss the advantages and limitations of these models. In addition, the key phenotypes associated with cellular senescence that have been observed by these models are compared. Finally, we focus on the potential of combining human iPSC-iNs with genome editing technology in order to further our understanding of brain aging and neurodegenerative diseases, and discuss the future directions and challenges in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuan-Chuan Chao
- Aging and Health Research Center, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan; (C.-C.C.); (T.-F.T.)
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan
| | - Po-Wen Shen
- Program in Molecular Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University and Academia Sinica, Taipei 112, Taiwan;
- Ph.D. Program for Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Tsai-Yu Tzeng
- Cancer Progression Research Center, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan;
| | - Hsing-Jien Kung
- Institute of Molecular and Genomic Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Miaoli 350, Taiwan;
- Research Center of Cancer Translational Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California at Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Ting-Fen Tsai
- Aging and Health Research Center, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan; (C.-C.C.); (T.-F.T.)
- Institute of Molecular and Genomic Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Miaoli 350, Taiwan;
- Department of Life Sciences and Institute of Genome Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Hui Wong
- Department of Life Sciences and Institute of Genome Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan
- Brain Research Center, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan
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38
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Samoilova EM, Belopasov VV, Ekusheva EV, Zhang C, Troitskiy AV, Baklaushev VP. Epigenetic Clock and Circadian Rhythms in Stem Cell Aging and Rejuvenation. J Pers Med 2021; 11:1050. [PMID: 34834402 PMCID: PMC8620936 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11111050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
This review summarizes the current understanding of the interaction between circadian rhythms of gene expression and epigenetic clocks characterized by the specific profile of DNA methylation in CpG-islands which mirror the senescence of all somatic cells and stem cells in particular. Basic mechanisms of regulation for circadian genes CLOCK-BMAL1 as well as downstream clock-controlled genes (ССG) are also discussed here. It has been shown that circadian rhythms operate by the finely tuned regulation of transcription and rely on various epigenetic mechanisms including the activation of enhancers/suppressors, acetylation/deacetylation of histones and other proteins as well as DNA methylation. Overall, up to 20% of all genes expressed by the cell are subject to expression oscillations associated with circadian rhythms. Additionally included in the review is a brief list of genes involved in the regulation of circadian rhythms, along with genes important for cell aging, and oncogenesis. Eliminating some of them (for example, Sirt1) accelerates the aging process, while the overexpression of Sirt1, on the contrary, protects against age-related changes. Circadian regulators control a number of genes that activate the cell cycle (Wee1, c-Myc, p20, p21, and Cyclin D1) and regulate histone modification and DNA methylation. Approaches for determining the epigenetic age from methylation profiles across CpG islands in individual cells are described. DNA methylation, which characterizes the function of the epigenetic clock, appears to link together such key biological processes as regeneration and functioning of stem cells, aging and malignant transformation. Finally, the main features of adult stem cell aging in stem cell niches and current possibilities for modulating the epigenetic clock and stem cells rejuvenation as part of antiaging therapy are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina M. Samoilova
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Specialized Medical Care and Medical Technologies, FMBA of Russia, 115682 Moscow, Russia; (A.V.T.); (V.P.B.)
| | | | - Evgenia V. Ekusheva
- Academy of Postgraduate Education of the Federal Scientific and Clinical Center for Specialized Types of Medical Care and Medical Technologies, FMBA of Russia, 125371 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Chao Zhang
- Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, China;
| | - Alexander V. Troitskiy
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Specialized Medical Care and Medical Technologies, FMBA of Russia, 115682 Moscow, Russia; (A.V.T.); (V.P.B.)
| | - Vladimir P. Baklaushev
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Specialized Medical Care and Medical Technologies, FMBA of Russia, 115682 Moscow, Russia; (A.V.T.); (V.P.B.)
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39
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Nolte J. Lrrc34 Interacts with Oct4 and Has an Impact on Telomere Length in Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells. Stem Cells Dev 2021; 30:1093-1102. [PMID: 34549596 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2021.0113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomere length maintenance in pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) is a main characteristic and a major premise for their undifferentiated long-term survival. However, little is known about the factors that control telomere length and elongation in these cells. Here, I describe Lrrc34 (leucine-rich repeat 34) as a novel telomere length regulating gene in murine embryonic stem cells. Downregulation of Lrrc34 results in significant reduction of telomerase activity and telomere length over time while also influencing the expression of known telomere length-associated genes. Generating induced PSCs (iPSCs) with Lrrc34 as a fifth factor in classical Yamanaka reprogramming increases the efficiency but did not have an impact on telomere length in the resulting iPSCs. Moreover, Lrrc34 was found to interact with Oct4, connecting the pluripotency network to telomere length regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Nolte
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
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40
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Simpson DJ, Olova NN, Chandra T. Cellular reprogramming and epigenetic rejuvenation. Clin Epigenetics 2021; 13:170. [PMID: 34488874 PMCID: PMC8419998 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-021-01158-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Ageing is an inevitable condition that afflicts all humans. Recent achievements, such as the generation of induced pluripotent stem cells, have delivered preliminary evidence that slowing down and reversing the ageing process might be possible. However, these techniques usually involve complete dedifferentiation, i.e. somatic cell identity is lost as cells are converted to a pluripotent state. Separating the rejuvenative properties of reprogramming from dedifferentiation is a promising prospect, termed epigenetic rejuvenation. Reprogramming-induced rejuvenation strategies currently involve using Yamanaka factors (typically transiently expressed to prevent full dedifferentiation) and are promising candidates to safely reduce biological age. Here, we review the development and potential of reprogramming-induced rejuvenation as an anti-ageing strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Simpson
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, MRC Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, UK.
| | - Nelly N Olova
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, MRC Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, UK.
| | - Tamir Chandra
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, MRC Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, UK.
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41
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Jiang G, Li C, Lu M, Lu K, Li H. Protein lysine crotonylation: past, present, perspective. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:703. [PMID: 34262024 PMCID: PMC8280118 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-03987-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Lysine crotonylation has been discovered in histone and non-histone proteins and found to be involved in diverse diseases and biological processes, such as neuropsychiatric disease, carcinogenesis, spermatogenesis, tissue injury, and inflammation. The unique carbon–carbon π-bond structure indicates that lysine crotonylation may use distinct regulatory mechanisms from the widely studied other types of lysine acylation. In this review, we discussed the regulation of lysine crotonylation by enzymatic and non-enzymatic mechanisms, the recognition of substrate proteins, the physiological functions of lysine crotonylation and its cross-talk with other types of modification. The tools and methods for prediction and detection of lysine crotonylation were also described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaoyue Jiang
- West China Second University Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, and Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, China
| | - Chunxia Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and The Research Units of West China, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, China
| | - Meng Lu
- Department of Neurosurgery, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and The Research Units of West China, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, China
| | - Kefeng Lu
- Department of Neurosurgery, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and The Research Units of West China, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, China.
| | - Huihui Li
- West China Second University Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, and Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, China.
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42
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Fu H, Zhang W, Li N, Yang J, Ye X, Tian C, Lu X, Liu L. Elevated retrotransposon activity and genomic instability in primed pluripotent stem cells. Genome Biol 2021; 22:201. [PMID: 34243810 PMCID: PMC8268579 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-021-02417-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Naïve and primed pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) represent two different pluripotent states. Primed PSCs following in vitro culture exhibit lower developmental potency as evidenced by failure in germline chimera assays, unlike mouse naïve PSCs. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the lower developmental competency of primed PSCs remain elusive. RESULTS We examine the regulation of telomere maintenance, retrotransposon activity, and genomic stability of primed PSCs and compare them with naïve PSCs. Surprisingly, primed PSCs only minimally maintain telomeres and show fragile telomeres, associated with declined DNA recombination and repair activity, in contrast to naïve PSCs that robustly elongate telomeres. Also, we identify LINE1 family integrant L1Md_T as naïve-specific retrotransposon and ERVK family integrant IAPEz to define primed PSCs, and their transcription is differentially regulated by heterochromatic histones and Dnmt3b. Notably, genomic instability of primed PSCs is increased, in association with aberrant retrotransposon activity. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that fragile telomere, retrotransposon-associated genomic instability, and declined DNA recombination repair, together with reduced function of cell cycle and mitochondria, increased apoptosis, and differentiation properties may link to compromised developmental potency of primed PSCs, noticeably distinguishable from naïve PSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haifeng Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Weiyu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
- College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Niannian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jiao Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaoying Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Chenglei Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xinyi Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
- College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Lin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.
- The Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials Ministry of Education, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.
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43
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Novo CL. A Tale of Two States: Pluripotency Regulation of Telomeres. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:703466. [PMID: 34307383 PMCID: PMC8300013 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.703466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Inside the nucleus, chromatin is functionally organized and maintained as a complex three-dimensional network of structures with different accessibility such as compartments, lamina associated domains, and membraneless bodies. Chromatin is epigenetically and transcriptionally regulated by an intricate and dynamic interplay of molecular processes to ensure genome stability. Phase separation, a process that involves the spontaneous organization of a solution into separate phases, has been proposed as a mechanism for the timely coordination of several cellular processes, including replication, transcription and DNA repair. Telomeres, the repetitive structures at the end of chromosomes, are epigenetically maintained in a repressed heterochromatic state that prevents their recognition as double-strand breaks (DSB), avoiding DNA damage repair and ensuring cell proliferation. In pluripotent embryonic stem cells, telomeres adopt a non-canonical, relaxed epigenetic state, which is characterized by a low density of histone methylation and expression of telomere non-coding transcripts (TERRA). Intriguingly, this telomere non-canonical conformation is usually associated with chromosome instability and aneuploidy in somatic cells, raising the question of how genome stability is maintained in a pluripotent background. In this review, we will explore how emerging technological and conceptual developments in 3D genome architecture can provide novel mechanistic perspectives for the pluripotent epigenetic paradox at telomeres. In particular, as RNA drives the formation of LLPS, we will consider how pluripotency-associated high levels of TERRA could drive and coordinate phase separation of several nuclear processes to ensure genome stability. These conceptual advances will provide a better understanding of telomere regulation and genome stability within the highly dynamic pluripotent background.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Lopes Novo
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
- Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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44
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Robinson NJ, Miyagi M, Scarborough JA, Scott JG, Taylor DJ, Schiemann WP. SLX4IP promotes RAP1 SUMOylation by PIAS1 to coordinate telomere maintenance through NF-κB and Notch signaling. Sci Signal 2021; 14:eabe9613. [PMID: 34187905 PMCID: PMC8353884 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.abe9613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The maintenance of telomere length supports repetitive cell division and therefore plays a central role in cancer development and progression. Telomeres are extended by either the enzyme telomerase or the alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) pathway. Here, we found that the telomere-associated protein SLX4IP dictates telomere proteome composition by recruiting and activating the E3 SUMO ligase PIAS1 to the SLX4 complex. PIAS1 SUMOylated the telomere-binding protein RAP1, which disrupted its interaction with the telomere-binding protein TRF2 and facilitated its nucleocytoplasmic shuttling. In the cytosol, RAP1 bound to IκB kinase (IKK), resulting in activation of the transcription factor NF-κB and its induction of Jagged-1 expression, which promoted Notch signaling and the institution of ALT. This axis could be targeted therapeutically in ALT-driven cancers and in tumor cells that develop resistance to antitelomerase therapies. Our results illuminate the mechanisms underlying SLX4IP-dependent telomere plasticity and demonstrate the role of telomere proteins in directly coordinating intracellular signaling and telomere maintenance dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathaniel J Robinson
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Masaru Miyagi
- Department of Pharmacology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Jessica A Scarborough
- Department of Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Jacob G Scott
- Department of Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Derek J Taylor
- Department of Pharmacology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - William P Schiemann
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA.
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45
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Roh EY, Oh S, Yoon JH, Kim BJ, Song EY, Shin S. Umbilical Cord Blood Units Cryopreserved in the Public Cord Blood Bank: A Breakthrough in iPSC Haplobanking? Cell Transplant 2021; 29:963689720926151. [PMID: 32623908 PMCID: PMC7563803 DOI: 10.1177/0963689720926151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) is an emerging therapeutic option for precision medicine. Cord blood (CB) cells with lower immunogenicity, fewer genomic changes, and persistent epigenetic memory might be ideal candidates for iPSC production. Based on the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) distribution of cord blood units (CBUs) in the public CB bank, we estimated the coverage of the Korean population with HLA-homozygous iPSCs to repurpose cryopreserved CBUs. We analyzed a total of 27,904 Korean CBUs donated to the public CB bank. Low-to-intermediate resolution typing was performed for HLA-A, -B, and -DRB1 alleles, and individuals possessing homozygous HLA haplotypes were identified by direct counting. Moreover, the matching probabilities for zero-mismatch transplantation were calculated for 27,904 CBUs and 50,000,000 potential Korean patients. Among the preserved CBUs, 15 HLA-A, 40 HLA-B, and 13 HLA-DRB1 alleles as well as 48 homozygous HLA-A-B-DRB1 haplotypes were identified at serological equivalents (2 digits). The 48 identified homozygous haplotypes cumulatively matched 78.18% of the 27,904 Korean CB donors as zero HLA-mismatch iPSC sources. Among the combinations of 1,699 haplotypes with frequencies greater than 0.001%, assuming a population of 50 million, those 48 haplotypes can provide a match for 78.37% of potential Korean recipients. A practicable number of HLA-A, -B, and -DRB1 homozygous iPSC lines derived from CBUs may be an efficient option in allogeneic iPSC therapy because this type of haplobanking may provide cell lines with optimal HLA matching for up to three-quarters of the Korean population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun Youn Roh
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Republic of Korea.,Seoul Metropolitan Public Cord Blood Bank-ALLCORD, Republic of Korea.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Republic of Korea.,Both the authors contributed equally to this study as co-first authors
| | - Sohee Oh
- Department of Biostatistics, Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Republic of Korea.,Both the authors contributed equally to this study as co-first authors
| | - Jong Hyun Yoon
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Republic of Korea.,Seoul Metropolitan Public Cord Blood Bank-ALLCORD, Republic of Korea.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Republic of Korea
| | - Byoung Jae Kim
- Seoul Metropolitan Public Cord Blood Bank-ALLCORD, Republic of Korea.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Young Song
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Republic of Korea
| | - Sue Shin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Republic of Korea.,Seoul Metropolitan Public Cord Blood Bank-ALLCORD, Republic of Korea.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Republic of Korea
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46
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Alle Q, Le Borgne E, Milhavet O, Lemaitre JM. Reprogramming: Emerging Strategies to Rejuvenate Aging Cells and Tissues. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:3990. [PMID: 33924362 PMCID: PMC8070588 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22083990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Aging is associated with a progressive and functional decline of all tissues and a striking increase in many "age-related diseases". Although aging has long been considered an inevitable process, strategies to delay and potentially even reverse the aging process have recently been developed. Here, we review emerging rejuvenation strategies that are based on reprogramming toward pluripotency. Some of these approaches may eventually lead to medical applications to improve healthspan and longevity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quentin Alle
- IRMB, University of Montpellier, INSERM, 34295 Montpellier, France; (Q.A.); (E.L.B.)
| | - Enora Le Borgne
- IRMB, University of Montpellier, INSERM, 34295 Montpellier, France; (Q.A.); (E.L.B.)
| | - Ollivier Milhavet
- IRMB, University of Montpellier, INSERM, CNRS, 34295 Montpellier, France
| | - Jean-Marc Lemaitre
- IRMB, University of Montpellier, INSERM, 34295 Montpellier, France; (Q.A.); (E.L.B.)
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47
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Abstract
The health of a cell requires proper functioning, regulation, and quality control of its organelles, the membrane-enclosed compartments inside the cell that carry out its essential biochemical tasks. Aging commonly perturbs organelle homeostasis, causing problems to cellular health that can spur the initiation and progression of degenerative diseases and related pathologies. Here, we discuss emerging evidence indicating that age-related defects in organelle homeostasis stem in part from dysfunction of the autophagy-lysosome system, a pivotal player in cellular quality control and damage clearance. We also highlight natural examples from biology where enhanced activity of the autophagy-lysosome system might be harnessed to erase age-related organelle damage, raising potential implications for cellular rejuvenation.
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48
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A Non-Toxic Concentration of Telomerase Inhibitor BIBR1532 Fails to Reduce TERT Expression in a Feeder-Free Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Model of Human Motor Neurogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22063256. [PMID: 33806803 PMCID: PMC8005146 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22063256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Several studies have shown that human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derivatives are essentially fetal in terms of their maturational status. Inducing ageing in iPSC-motor neuron (MN) models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) has the potential to capture pathology with higher fidelity and consequently improve translational success. We show here that the telomerase inhibitor BIBR1532, hypothesised to recapitulate the telomere attrition hallmark of ageing in iPSC-MNs, was in fact cytotoxic to feeder-free iPSCs when used at doses previously shown to be effective in iPSCs grown on a layer of mouse embryonic fibroblasts. Toxicity in feeder-free cultures was not rescued by co-treatment with Rho Kinase (ROCK) inhibitor (Y-27632). Moreover, the highest concentration of BIBR1532 compatible with continued iPSC culture proved insufficient to induce detectable telomerase inhibition. Our data suggest that direct toxicity by BIBR1532 is the most likely cause of iPSC death observed, and that culture methods may influence enhanced toxicity. Therefore, recapitulation of ageing hallmarks in iPSC-MNs, which might reveal novel and relevant human disease targets in ALS, is not achievable in feeder-free culture through the use of this small molecule telomerase inhibitor.
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49
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AKT-dependent signaling of extracellular cues through telomeres impact on tumorigenesis. PLoS Genet 2021; 17:e1009410. [PMID: 33690611 PMCID: PMC7942993 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1009410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The telomere-bound shelterin complex is essential for chromosome-end protection and genomic stability. Little is known on the regulation of shelterin components by extracellular signals including developmental and environmental cues. Here, we show that human TRF1 is subjected to AKT-dependent regulation. To study the importance of this modification in vivo, we generate knock-in human cell lines carrying non-phosphorylatable mutants of the AKT-dependent TRF1 phosphorylation sites by CRISPR-Cas9. We find that TRF1 mutant cells show decreased TRF1 binding to telomeres and increased global and telomeric DNA damage. Human cells carrying non-phosphorylatable mutant TRF1 alleles show accelerated telomere shortening, demonstrating that AKT-dependent TRF1 phosphorylation regulates telomere maintenance in vivo. TRF1 mutant cells show an impaired response to proliferative extracellular signals as well as a decreased tumorigenesis potential. These findings indicate that telomere protection and telomere length can be regulated by extracellular signals upstream of PI3K/AKT activation, such as growth factors, nutrients or immune regulators, and this has an impact on tumorigenesis potential. We show how extracellular milieu information is transmitted to the nucleus through modifications in the telomeric protein TRF1. TRF1, a component of the shelterin complex that protects the ends of our chromosomes, is modified by the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, which senses the extracellular nutritional conditions. We generated knock-in human cell lines carrying mutant TRF1 variants unable to be modified by AKT. TRF1 mutant cells show decreased TRF1 binding to telomeres, increased DNA damage and accelerated telomere shortening. TRF1 mutant cells show an impaired TRF1 stability in response to proliferative extracellular signals and a decreased tumorigenesis potential, demonstrating that telomere function and telomere length are regulated by extracellular signals upstream of PI3K/AKT activation.
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50
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Samoylova EM, Baklaushev VP. Cell Reprogramming Preserving Epigenetic Age: Advantages and Limitations. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW) 2021; 85:1035-1047. [PMID: 33050850 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297920090047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Our understanding of cell aging advanced significantly since the discovery of this phenomenon by Hayflick and Moorhead in 1961. In addition to the well-known shortening of telomeric regions of chromosomes, cell aging is closely associated with changes of the DNA methylation profile. Establishing, maintaining, or reversing epigenetic age of a cell is central to the technology of cell reprogramming. Two distinct approaches - iPSC- and transdifferentiation-based cell reprogramming - affect differently epigenetic age of the cells. The iPSC-based reprogramming protocols are generally believed to result in the reversion of DNA methylation profiles towards less differentiated states, while the original methylation profiles are preserved in the direct trans-differentiation protocols. Clearly, in order to develop adequate model of CNS pathologies, one has to have thorough understanding of the biological roles of DNA methylation in the development, maintenance of functional activity, tissue and cell diversity, restructuring of neural networks during learning, as well as in aging-associated neuronal decline. Direct cell reprogramming is an excellent alternative and a valuable supplement to the iPSC-based technologies both as a source of mature cells for modeling of neurodegenerative diseases, and as a novel powerful strategy for in vivo cell replacement therapy. Further advancement of the regenerative and personalized medicine will strongly depend on optimization of the production of patient-specific autologous cells involving alternative approaches of direct and indirect cell reprogramming that take into account epigenetic age of the starting cell material.
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Affiliation(s)
- E M Samoylova
- Federal Research Clinical Center, FMBA of Russia, Moscow, 115682, Russia.
| | - V P Baklaushev
- Federal Research Clinical Center, FMBA of Russia, Moscow, 115682, Russia
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