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Shim HS, Iaconelli J, Shang X, Li J, Lan ZD, Jiang S, Nutsch K, Beyer BA, Lairson LL, Boutin AT, Bollong MJ, Schultz PG, DePinho RA. TERT activation targets DNA methylation and multiple aging hallmarks. Cell 2024; 187:4030-4042.e13. [PMID: 38908367 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2024.05.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
Insufficient telomerase activity, stemming from low telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) gene transcription, contributes to telomere dysfunction and aging pathologies. Besides its traditional function in telomere synthesis, TERT acts as a transcriptional co-regulator of genes pivotal in aging and age-associated diseases. Here, we report the identification of a TERT activator compound (TAC) that upregulates TERT transcription via the MEK/ERK/AP-1 cascade. In primary human cells and naturally aged mice, TAC-induced elevation of TERT levels promotes telomere synthesis, blunts tissue aging hallmarks with reduced cellular senescence and inflammatory cytokines, and silences p16INK4a expression via upregulation of DNMT3B-mediated promoter hypermethylation. In the brain, TAC alleviates neuroinflammation, increases neurotrophic factors, stimulates adult neurogenesis, and preserves cognitive function without evident toxicity, including cancer risk. Together, these findings underscore TERT's critical role in aging processes and provide preclinical proof of concept for physiological TERT activation as a strategy to mitigate multiple aging hallmarks and associated pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Seok Shim
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jonathan Iaconelli
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Xiaoying Shang
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jiexi Li
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Zheng D Lan
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Shan Jiang
- Institute for Applied Cancer Science, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Kayla Nutsch
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Brittney A Beyer
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Luke L Lairson
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Adam T Boutin
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Michael J Bollong
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Peter G Schultz
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Ronald A DePinho
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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2
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Sanchez SE, Gu Y, Wang Y, Golla A, Martin A, Shomali W, Hockemeyer D, Savage SA, Artandi SE. Digital telomere measurement by long-read sequencing distinguishes healthy aging from disease. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5148. [PMID: 38890274 PMCID: PMC11189511 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49007-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Telomere length is an important biomarker of organismal aging and cellular replicative potential, but existing measurement methods are limited in resolution and accuracy. Here, we deploy digital telomere measurement (DTM) by nanopore sequencing to understand how distributions of human telomere length change with age and disease. We measure telomere attrition and de novo elongation with up to 30 bp resolution in genetically defined populations of human cells, in blood cells from healthy donors and in blood cells from patients with genetic defects in telomere maintenance. We find that human aging is accompanied by a progressive loss of long telomeres and an accumulation of shorter telomeres. In patients with defects in telomere maintenance, the accumulation of short telomeres is more pronounced and correlates with phenotypic severity. We apply machine learning to train a binary classification model that distinguishes healthy individuals from those with telomere biology disorders. This sequencing and bioinformatic pipeline will advance our understanding of telomere maintenance mechanisms and the use of telomere length as a clinical biomarker of aging and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santiago E Sanchez
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Cancer Biology Program, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Yuchao Gu
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Yan Wang
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Anudeep Golla
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Annika Martin
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - William Shomali
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Dirk Hockemeyer
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Sharon A Savage
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Steven E Artandi
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
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3
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LaBella KA, Hsu WH, Li J, Qi Y, Liu Y, Liu J, Wu CC, Liu Y, Song Z, Lin Y, Blecher JM, Jiang S, Shang X, Han J, Spring DJ, Zhang J, Xia Y, DePinho RA. Telomere dysfunction alters intestinal stem cell dynamics to promote cancer. Dev Cell 2024; 59:1475-1486.e5. [PMID: 38574731 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2024.03.020] [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: 11/26/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Telomere dynamics are linked to aging hallmarks, and age-associated telomere loss fuels the development of epithelial cancers. In Apc-mutant mice, the onset of DNA damage associated with telomere dysfunction has been shown to accelerate adenoma initiation via unknown mechanisms. Here, we observed that Apc-mutant mice engineered to experience telomere dysfunction show accelerated adenoma formation resulting from augmented cell competition and clonal expansion. Mechanistically, telomere dysfunction induces the repression of EZH2, resulting in the derepression of Wnt antagonists, which causes the differentiation of adjacent stem cells and a relative growth advantage to Apc-deficient telomere dysfunctional cells. Correspondingly, in this mouse model, GSK3β inhibition countered the actions of Wnt antagonists on intestinal stem cells, resulting in impaired adenoma formation of telomere dysfunctional Apc-mutant cells. Thus, telomere dysfunction contributes to cancer initiation through altered stem cell dynamics, identifying an interception strategy for human APC-mutant cancers with shortened telomeres.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle A LaBella
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Wen-Hao Hsu
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jiexi Li
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Yutao Qi
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Yonghong Liu
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jingjing Liu
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Chia-Chin Wu
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Zingzhi Song
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Yiyun Lin
- Department of Genetics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jonathan M Blecher
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Shan Jiang
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Xiaoying Shang
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jincheng Han
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Denise J Spring
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jianhua Zhang
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Yan Xia
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ronald A DePinho
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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4
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Huang Y, Che X, Wang PW, Qu X. p53/MDM2 signaling pathway in aging, senescence and tumorigenesis. Semin Cancer Biol 2024; 101:44-57. [PMID: 38762096 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2024.05.001] [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: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
A wealth of evidence has emerged that there is an association between aging, senescence and tumorigenesis. Senescence, a biological process by which cells cease to divide and enter a status of permanent cell cycle arrest, contributes to aging and aging-related diseases, including cancer. Aging populations have the higher incidence of cancer due to a lifetime of exposure to cancer-causing agents, reduction of repairing DNA damage, accumulated genetic mutations, and decreased immune system efficiency. Cancer patients undergoing cytotoxic therapies, such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, accelerate aging. There is growing evidence that p53/MDM2 (murine double minute 2) axis is critically involved in regulation of aging, senescence and oncogenesis. Therefore, in this review, we describe the functions and mechanisms of p53/MDM2-mediated senescence, aging and carcinogenesis. Moreover, we highlight the small molecular inhibitors, natural compounds and PROTACs (proteolysis targeting chimeras) that target p53/MDM2 pathway to influence aging and cancer. Modification of p53/MDM2 could be a potential strategy for treatment of aging, senescence and tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youyi Huang
- Department of Medical Oncology, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province 110001, China; Provincial key Laboratory of Anticancer Drugs and Biotherapy of Liaoning Province, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province 110001, China; Clinical Cancer Research Center of Shenyang, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province 110001, China
| | - Xiaofang Che
- Department of Medical Oncology, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province 110001, China; Provincial key Laboratory of Anticancer Drugs and Biotherapy of Liaoning Province, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province 110001, China; Clinical Cancer Research Center of Shenyang, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province 110001, China
| | - Peter W Wang
- Department of Medicine, Oasis Medical Research Center, Watertown, MA 02472, USA.
| | - Xiujuan Qu
- Department of Medical Oncology, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province 110001, China; Provincial key Laboratory of Anticancer Drugs and Biotherapy of Liaoning Province, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province 110001, China; Clinical Cancer Research Center of Shenyang, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province 110001, China.
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5
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Arellano MYG, VanHeest M, Emmadi S, Abdul-Hafez A, Ibrahim SA, Thiruvenkataramani RP, Teleb RS, Omar H, Kesaraju T, Mohamed T, Madhukar BV, Omar SA. Role of Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells (MSCs) and MSC-Derived Extracellular Vesicles (EVs) in Prevention of Telomere Length Shortening, Cellular Senescence, and Accelerated Biological Aging. Bioengineering (Basel) 2024; 11:524. [PMID: 38927760 PMCID: PMC11200821 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering11060524] [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: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Biological aging is defined as a progressive decline in tissue function that eventually results in cell death. Accelerated biologic aging results when the telomere length is shortened prematurely secondary to damage from biological or environmental stressors, leading to a defective reparative mechanism. Stem cells therapy may have a potential role in influencing (counteract/ameliorate) biological aging and maintaining the function of the organism. Mesenchymal stem cells, also called mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are multipotent stem cells of mesodermal origin that can differentiate into other types of cells, such as adipocytes, chondrocytes, and osteocytes. MSCs influence resident cells through the secretion of paracrine bioactive components such as cytokines and extracellular vesicles (EVs). This review examines the changes in telomere length, cellular senescence, and normal biological age, as well as the factors contributing to telomere shortening and accelerated biological aging. The role of MSCs-especially those derived from gestational tissues-in prevention of telomere shortening (TS) and accelerated biological aging is explored. In addition, the strategies to prevent MSC senescence and improve the antiaging therapeutic application of MSCs and MSC-derived EVs in influencing telomere length and cellular senescence are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myrna Y. Gonzalez Arellano
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; (M.Y.G.A.); (A.A.-H.); (S.A.I.); (R.P.T.); (R.S.T.); (H.O.); (T.K.); (T.M.); (B.V.M.)
- College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; (M.V.); (S.E.)
- Regional Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Sparrow Hospital, Lansing, MI 48912, USA
| | - Matthew VanHeest
- College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; (M.V.); (S.E.)
| | - Sravya Emmadi
- College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; (M.V.); (S.E.)
| | - Amal Abdul-Hafez
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; (M.Y.G.A.); (A.A.-H.); (S.A.I.); (R.P.T.); (R.S.T.); (H.O.); (T.K.); (T.M.); (B.V.M.)
- College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; (M.V.); (S.E.)
| | - Sherif Abdelfattah Ibrahim
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; (M.Y.G.A.); (A.A.-H.); (S.A.I.); (R.P.T.); (R.S.T.); (H.O.); (T.K.); (T.M.); (B.V.M.)
- College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; (M.V.); (S.E.)
- Histology and Cell Biology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Ranga P. Thiruvenkataramani
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; (M.Y.G.A.); (A.A.-H.); (S.A.I.); (R.P.T.); (R.S.T.); (H.O.); (T.K.); (T.M.); (B.V.M.)
- College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; (M.V.); (S.E.)
- Regional Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Sparrow Hospital, Lansing, MI 48912, USA
| | - Rasha S. Teleb
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; (M.Y.G.A.); (A.A.-H.); (S.A.I.); (R.P.T.); (R.S.T.); (H.O.); (T.K.); (T.M.); (B.V.M.)
- College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; (M.V.); (S.E.)
- Department of Pediatrics and Neonatology, Qena Faculty of Medicine, South Valley University, Qena 83523, Egypt
| | - Hady Omar
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; (M.Y.G.A.); (A.A.-H.); (S.A.I.); (R.P.T.); (R.S.T.); (H.O.); (T.K.); (T.M.); (B.V.M.)
| | - Tulasi Kesaraju
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; (M.Y.G.A.); (A.A.-H.); (S.A.I.); (R.P.T.); (R.S.T.); (H.O.); (T.K.); (T.M.); (B.V.M.)
| | - Tarek Mohamed
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; (M.Y.G.A.); (A.A.-H.); (S.A.I.); (R.P.T.); (R.S.T.); (H.O.); (T.K.); (T.M.); (B.V.M.)
- College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; (M.V.); (S.E.)
- Regional Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Sparrow Hospital, Lansing, MI 48912, USA
| | - Burra V. Madhukar
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; (M.Y.G.A.); (A.A.-H.); (S.A.I.); (R.P.T.); (R.S.T.); (H.O.); (T.K.); (T.M.); (B.V.M.)
- College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; (M.V.); (S.E.)
| | - Said A. Omar
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; (M.Y.G.A.); (A.A.-H.); (S.A.I.); (R.P.T.); (R.S.T.); (H.O.); (T.K.); (T.M.); (B.V.M.)
- College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; (M.V.); (S.E.)
- Regional Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Sparrow Hospital, Lansing, MI 48912, USA
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Braish J, Cerchione C, Ferrajoli A. An overview of prognostic markers in patients with CLL. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1371057. [PMID: 38817892 PMCID: PMC11137234 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1371057] [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: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a low-grade B-cell lymphoproliferative disorder. It is the most prevalent type of leukemia in the western countries, with a median age at diagnosis of 70 years. In 2023, it is estimated that there will be 18,740 new cases of CLL, and an estimated 4,490 people will die of this disease. It represents 1.0% of all new cancer cases in the U.S. The rate of new cases was 4.6 per 100,000 men and women per year based on 2016-2020 cases, age-adjusted. Death rates from CLL are higher among older adults, or those 75 and older. The death rate was 1.1 per 100,000 men and women per year based on 2016-2020 deaths, age-adjusted. A common question that patients with CLL ask during their first clinic visit is: "How long will it be before I would need treatment?" Although this might seem like a simple question, the answer is not straight forward. CLL is a heterogenous disease, with a variable clinical course. Some patients may present with an aggressive disease requiring early initiation of treatment, while others have an indolent course and some, having so called smoldering CLL, may never need treatment. The variability in disease course can make predicting disease prognosis a complicated process. This brings forth the importance of establishing prognostic models that can predict disease course, time to treatment, and survival outcomes in such a heterogenous disease. The Rai and Binet staging systems were developed in the late 1970s to early 1980s. They separated patients into different stages based on clinical characteristics and laboratory findings. These simple staging systems are still in use; however, several prognostic markers need to be added for an individualized assessment and, with the recent development of genomic techniques leading to better understanding of CLL at the molecular level, newer prognostic markers have emerged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Braish
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Claudio Cerchione
- Hematology Unit, Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori “Dino Amadori” (IRST), Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Meldola, Italy
| | - Alessandra Ferrajoli
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
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7
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Luo Q, Wang J, Ge W, Li Z, Mao Y, Wang C, Zhang L. Exploration of the potential causative genes for inflammatory bowel disease: Transcriptome-wide association analysis, Mendelian randomization analysis and Bayesian colocalisation. Heliyon 2024; 10:e28944. [PMID: 38617957 PMCID: PMC11015108 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28944] [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: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) poses a complex challenge due to its intricate underlying mechanisms, and curative treatments remain elusive. Consequently, there is an urgent need to identify genes causally associated with IBD. Methods We extracted blood eQTL data from the GTExv8.ALL.Whole_Blood database, genome-wide association studies (GWAS) summary statistics of IBD from the IEU GWAS database, and performed a three-fold analysis protocol, including transcriptome-wide association analysis, Mendelian randomisation analysis, Bayesian colocalisation, and subsequent potential therapeutic agents identification. Results We identified four pathogenic genes, namely CARD9, RTEL1, STMN3 and ARFRP1, that promote the development of IBD, encompassing both ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). Notably, ARFRP1 exhibited the ability to suppress IBD (encompassing UC and CD) development. Regarding drug prediction, cyclophosphamide emerged as a promising novel therapeutic option for IBD, encompassing UC and CD. Conclusion We identified several potential genes related to IBD (UC and CD), including CARD9, RTEL1, STMN3 and ARFRP1, warranting further investigation in functional studies to elucidate underlying disease mechanisms. Additionally, clinical studies exploring the potential of cyclophosphamide as a treatment avenue for IBD are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinghua Luo
- Clinical Medical College, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China
| | - Jiawen Wang
- Department of Proctology, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Ge
- Department of Proctology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China
| | - Zihao Li
- Office of the President, Jiangmen Wuyi Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jiangmen, China
| | - Yuanting Mao
- Clinical Medical College, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China
| | - Chen Wang
- Department of Proctology, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Leichang Zhang
- Formula-Pattern Research Center, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangxi, China
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8
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Shou S, Li Y, Chen J, Zhang X, Zhang C, Jiang X, Liu F, Yi L, Zhang X, Geer E, Pu Z, Pang B. Understanding, diagnosing, and treating pancreatic cancer from the perspective of telomeres and telomerase. Cancer Gene Ther 2024:10.1038/s41417-024-00768-6. [PMID: 38594465 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-024-00768-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Telomerase is associated with cellular aging, and its presence limits cellular lifespan. Telomerase by preventing telomere shortening can extend the number of cell divisions for cancer cells. In adult pancreatic cells, telomeres gradually shorten, while in precancerous lesions of cancer, telomeres in cells are usually significantly shortened. At this time, telomerase is still in an inactive state, and it is not until before and after the onset of cancer that telomerase is reactivated, causing cancer cells to proliferate. Methylation of the telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) promoter and regulation of telomerase by lactate dehydrogenase B (LDHB) is the mechanism of telomerase reactivation in pancreatic cancer. Understanding the role of telomeres and telomerase in pancreatic cancer will help to diagnose and initiate targeted therapy as early as possible. This article reviews the role of telomeres and telomerase as biomarkers in the development of pancreatic cancer and the progress of research on telomeres and telomerase as targets for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songting Shou
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yuanliang Li
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiaqin Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xing Zhang
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chuanlong Zhang
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaochen Jiang
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fudong Liu
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Li Yi
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiyuan Zhang
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - En Geer
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhenqing Pu
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Bo Pang
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
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9
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Prime SS, Darski P, Hunter KD, Cirillo N, Parkinson EK. A Review of the Repair of DNA Double Strand Breaks in the Development of Oral Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4092. [PMID: 38612901 PMCID: PMC11012950 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25074092] [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: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
We explore the possibility that defects in genes associated with the response and repair of DNA double strand breaks predispose oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD) to undergo malignant transformation to oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Defects in the homologous recombination/Fanconi anemia (HR/FA), but not in the non-homologous end joining, causes the DNA repair pathway to appear to be consistent with features of familial conditions that are predisposed to OSCC (FA, Bloom's syndrome, Ataxia Telangiectasia); this is true for OSCC that occurs in young patients, sometimes with little/no exposure to classical risk factors. Even in Dyskeratosis Congenita, a disorder of the telomerase complex that is also predisposed to OSCC, attempts at maintaining telomere length involve a pathway with shared HR genes. Defects in the HR/FA pathway therefore appear to be pivotal in conditions that are predisposed to OSCC. There is also some evidence that abnormalities in the HR/FA pathway are associated with malignant transformation of sporadic cases OPMD and OSCC. We provide data showing overexpression of HR/FA genes in a cell-cycle-dependent manner in a series of OPMD-derived immortal keratinocyte cell lines compared to their mortal counterparts. The observations in this study argue strongly for an important role of the HA/FA DNA repair pathway in the development of OSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen S. Prime
- Centre for Immunology and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Dentistry, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK;
| | - Piotr Darski
- Liverpool Head and Neck Centre, Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, UK; (P.D.); (K.D.H.)
| | - Keith D. Hunter
- Liverpool Head and Neck Centre, Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, UK; (P.D.); (K.D.H.)
| | - Nicola Cirillo
- Melbourne Dental School, University of Melbourne, 720 Swanson Street, Carlton, Melbourne, VIC 3053, Australia;
- School of Dentistry, University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - E. Kenneth Parkinson
- Centre for Immunology and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Dentistry, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK;
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10
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Şerifoğlu N, Lopes-Bastos B, Ferreira MG. Lack of telomerase reduces cancer incidence and increases lifespan of zebrafish tp53 M214K mutants. Sci Rep 2024; 14:5382. [PMID: 38443436 PMCID: PMC10914805 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-56153-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Telomerase activity is restricted in humans and telomere attrition occurs in several tissues accompanying natural aging. Critically short telomeres trigger DNA damage responses and activate p53 which leads to apoptosis or replicative senescence. These processes reduce cell proliferation and disrupt tissue homeostasis, thus contributing to systemic aging. Similarly, zebrafish have restricted telomerase expression, and telomeres shorten to critical length during their lifespan. Telomerase-deficient zebrafish (tert -/-) is a premature model of aging that anticipates aging phenotypes due to early telomere shortening. tert -/- zebrafish have impaired cell proliferation, accumulation of DNA damage markers and p53 response. These cellular defects lead to disruption of tissue homeostasis, resulting in premature infertility, gastrointestinal atrophy, sarcopenia and kyphosis. Such consequences contribute to its premature death. Here we reveal a genetic interdependence between tp53 and telomerase function. Mutation of tp53 abrogates premature aging of tert -/- zebrafish, prolonging male fertility and lifespan. However, it does not fully rescue healthspan. tp53mut tert -/- zebrafish retain high levels of inflammation and increased spontaneous cancer incidence. Conversely, loss of telomerase prolongs the lifespan of tp53mut single mutants. Lack of telomerase reduces two-fold the cancer incidence in double mutants and increases lifetime survival. Thus, we observe a reciprocal rescue of tp53mut and tert -/- that ameliorates lifespan but not spontaneous cancer incidence of tp53mut, likely due to higher levels of inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naz Şerifoğlu
- Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging of Nice (IRCAN), UMR7284, INSERM U1081, CNRS, Université Cote d'Azur, 06107, Nice, France
| | - Bruno Lopes-Bastos
- Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging of Nice (IRCAN), UMR7284, INSERM U1081, CNRS, Université Cote d'Azur, 06107, Nice, France
| | - Miguel Godinho Ferreira
- Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging of Nice (IRCAN), UMR7284, INSERM U1081, CNRS, Université Cote d'Azur, 06107, Nice, France.
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11
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Salu P, Reindl KM. Advancements in Preclinical Models of Pancreatic Cancer. Pancreas 2024; 53:e205-e220. [PMID: 38206758 PMCID: PMC10842038 DOI: 10.1097/mpa.0000000000002277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Pancreatic cancer remains one of the deadliest of all cancer types with a 5-year overall survival rate of just 12%. Preclinical models available for understanding the disease pathophysiology have evolved significantly in recent years. Traditionally, commercially available 2-dimensional cell lines were developed to investigate mechanisms underlying tumorigenesis, metastasis, and drug resistance. However, these cells grow as monolayer cultures that lack heterogeneity and do not effectively represent tumor biology. Developing patient-derived xenografts and genetically engineered mouse models led to increased cellular heterogeneity, molecular diversity, and tissues that histologically represent the original patient tumors. However, these models are relatively expensive and very timing consuming. More recently, the advancement of fast and inexpensive in vitro models that better mimic disease conditions in vivo are on the rise. Three-dimensional cultures like organoids and spheroids have gained popularity and are considered to recapitulate complex disease characteristics. In addition, computational genomics, transcriptomics, and metabolomic models are being developed to simulate pancreatic cancer progression and predict better treatment strategies. Herein, we review the challenges associated with pancreatic cancer research and available analytical models. We suggest that an integrated approach toward using these models may allow for developing new strategies for pancreatic cancer precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Salu
- From the Department of Biological Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND
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12
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Zhang J, Zhang F, Porter KI, Dakup PP, Wang S, Robertson GP, Gaddameedhi S, Zhu J. Telomere dysfunction in Tert knockout mice delays Braf V600E -induced melanoma development. Int J Cancer 2024; 154:548-560. [PMID: 37727982 PMCID: PMC10840707 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.34713] [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: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
Telomerase activation is a crucial step in melanomagenesis, often occurring because of ultraviolet radiation (UVR)-induced mutations at the telomerase gene (TERT) promoter and rendering TERT transcription in response to the activated Raf-MAP kinase pathway by BRAFV600E mutation. Due to the excessively long telomeres in mice, this process does not occur during melanomagenesis in mouse models. To investigate the impact of telomere dysfunction on melanomagenesis, BrafV600E was induced in generations 1 and 4 (G1 and G4) of Tert-/- mice. Our findings revealed that, regardless of UVR exposure, melanoma development was delayed in G4 mice, which had shorter telomeres compared to G1 and wild-type C57BL/6J (G0) mice. Moreover, many G4 tumors displayed an accumulation of excessive DNA damage, as evidenced by increased γH2A.X staining. Tumors from UVR-exposed mice exhibited elevated p53 protein expression. Cultured tumor cells isolated from G4 mice displayed abundant chromosomal fusions and rearrangements, indicative of telomere dysfunction in these cells. Additionally, tumor cells derived from UVB-exposed mice exhibited constitutively elevated expression of mutant p53 proteins, suggesting that p53 was a target of UVB-induced mutagenesis. Taken together, our findings suggest that telomere dysfunction hampers melanomagenesis, and targeting telomere crisis-mediated genomic instability may hold promise for the prevention and treatment of melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinglong Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University, Spokane, WA 99210, USA
| | - Fan Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University, Spokane, WA 99210, USA
| | - Kenneth I. Porter
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University, Spokane, WA 99210, USA
| | - Panshak P. Dakup
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University, Spokane, WA 99210, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
| | - Shuwen Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University, Spokane, WA 99210, USA
| | - Gavin P. Robertson
- Department of Pharmacology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Shobhan Gaddameedhi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
| | - Jiyue Zhu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University, Spokane, WA 99210, USA
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13
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Nassour J, Przetocka S, Karlseder J. Telomeres as hotspots for innate immunity and inflammation. DNA Repair (Amst) 2024; 133:103591. [PMID: 37951043 PMCID: PMC10842095 DOI: 10.1016/j.dnarep.2023.103591] [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: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/13/2023]
Abstract
Aging is marked by the gradual accumulation of deleterious changes that disrupt organ function, creating an altered physiological state that is permissive for the onset of prevalent human diseases. While the exact mechanisms governing aging remain a subject of ongoing research, there are several cellular and molecular hallmarks that contribute to this biological process. This review focuses on two factors, namely telomere dysfunction and inflammation, which have emerged as crucial contributors to the aging process. We aim to discuss the mechanistic connections between these two distinct hallmarks and provide compelling evidence highlighting the loss of telomere protection as a driver of pro-inflammatory states associated with aging. By reevaluating the interplay between telomeres, innate immunity, and inflammation, we present novel perspectives on the etiology of aging and its associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joe Nassour
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, 12801 E. 17th Ave, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Sara Przetocka
- The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Jan Karlseder
- The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
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14
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Sanchez SE, Gu J, Golla A, Martin A, Shomali W, Hockemeyer D, Savage SA, Artandi SE. Digital telomere measurement by long-read sequencing distinguishes healthy aging from disease. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.29.569263. [PMID: 38077053 PMCID: PMC10705489 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.29.569263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Telomere length is an important biomarker of organismal aging and cellular replicative potential, but existing measurement methods are limited in resolution and accuracy. Here, we deploy digital telomere measurement by nanopore sequencing to understand how distributions of human telomere length change with age and disease. We measure telomere attrition and de novo elongation with unprecedented resolution in genetically defined populations of human cells, in blood cells from healthy donors and in blood cells from patients with genetic defects in telomere maintenance. We find that human aging is accompanied by a progressive loss of long telomeres and an accumulation of shorter telomeres. In patients with defects in telomere maintenance, the accumulation of short telomeres is more pronounced and correlates with phenotypic severity. We apply machine learning to train a binary classification model that distinguishes healthy individuals from those with telomere biology disorders. This sequencing and bioinformatic pipeline will advance our understanding of telomere maintenance mechanisms and the use of telomere length as a clinical biomarker of aging and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santiago E. Sanchez
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine; Stanford, CA, USA
- Cancer Biology Program, Stanford University School of Medicine; Stanford, CA, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Stanford University; Stanford CA, USA
| | - Jessica Gu
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine; Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine; Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University School of Medicine; Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Anudeep Golla
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine; Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Annika Martin
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
| | - William Shomali
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine; Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Dirk Hockemeyer
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
| | - Sharon A. Savage
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Steven E. Artandi
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine; Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine; Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University School of Medicine; Stanford, CA, USA
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15
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Kumar N, Sethi G. Telomerase and hallmarks of cancer: An intricate interplay governing cancer cell evolution. Cancer Lett 2023; 578:216459. [PMID: 37863351 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
Transformed cells must acquire specific characteristics to be malignant. Weinberg and Hanahan characterize these characteristics as cancer hallmarks. Though these features are independently driven, substantial signaling crosstalk in transformed cells efficiently promotes these feature acquisitions. Telomerase is an enzyme complex that maintains telomere length. However, its main component, Telomere reverse transcriptase (TERT), has been found to interact with various signaling molecules like cMYC, NF-kB, BRG1 and cooperate in transcription and metabolic reprogramming, acting as a strong proponent of malignant features such as cell death resistance, sustained proliferation, angiogenesis activation, and metastasis, among others. It allows cells to avoid replicative senescence and achieve endless replicative potential. This review summarizes both the canonical and noncanonical functions of TERT and discusses how they promote cancer hallmarks. Understanding the role of Telomerase in promoting cancer hallmarks provides vital insight into the underlying mechanism of cancer genesis and progression and telomerase intervention as a possible therapeutic target for cancer treatment. More investigation into the precise molecular mechanisms of telomerase-mediated impacts on cancer hallmarks will contribute to developing more focused and customized cancer treatment methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naveen Kumar
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research), Singapore, 138673, Singapore
| | - Gautam Sethi
- Department of Pharmacology and NUS Centre for Cancer Research, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117600, Singapore.
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16
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Ali JH, Walter M. Combining old and new concepts in targeting telomerase for cancer therapy: transient, immediate, complete and combinatory attack (TICCA). Cancer Cell Int 2023; 23:197. [PMID: 37679807 PMCID: PMC10483736 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-023-03041-2] [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: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomerase can overcome replicative senescence by elongation of telomeres but is also a specific element in most cancer cells. It is expressed more vastly than any other tumor marker. Telomerase as a tumor target inducing replicative immortality can be overcome by only one other mechanism: alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT). This limits the probability to develop resistance to treatments. Moreover, telomerase inhibition offers some degree of specificity with a low risk of toxicity in normal cells. Nevertheless, only one telomerase antagonist reached late preclinical studies. The underlying causes, the pitfalls of telomerase-based therapies, and future chances based on recent technical advancements are summarized in this review. Based on new findings and approaches, we propose a concept how long-term survival in telomerase-based cancer therapies can be significantly improved: the TICCA (Transient Immediate Complete and Combinatory Attack) strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaber Haj Ali
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Universitätsmedizin Rostock, Ernst-Heydemann-Straße 6, 18057, Rostock, Germany
| | - Michael Walter
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Universitätsmedizin Rostock, Ernst-Heydemann-Straße 6, 18057, Rostock, Germany.
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17
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Tahara T, Shijimaya T, Yamazaki J, Tomiyama T, Fukui T, Naganuma M. Telomere Shortening of Barrett's Esophagus and Esophageal Adenocarcinoma in Japanese Patients. Cancer Invest 2023; 41:640-645. [PMID: 37548421 DOI: 10.1080/07357907.2023.2245897] [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: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Telomere shortening is deeply involved in many types of cancer. Telomere length of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) and Barrett's esophagus (BE) was examined in Japanese patients. Among BE from cancer free patients (Cancer free), BE from patients with EAC (Adjacent) and EAC tissue (Cancer), Cancer free group presented the longest telomeres, while Cancer group presented the shortest telomeres and Adjacent group presented intermediate telomeres. Direction of endoscopic biopsy, 2 o'clock direction was also significantly associated with shorter telomere length in non-neoplastic BE (p = 0.027). Shortened telomere highlighted the impact of this molecular change in early carcinogenesis in EAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomomitsu Tahara
- Third department of internal medicine, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata, Japan
| | - Takuya Shijimaya
- Third department of internal medicine, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata, Japan
| | - Jumpei Yamazaki
- Translational Research Unit, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- One Health Research Center, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Takashi Tomiyama
- Third department of internal medicine, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata, Japan
| | - Toshiro Fukui
- Third department of internal medicine, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata, Japan
| | - Makoto Naganuma
- Third department of internal medicine, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata, Japan
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18
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Chaux F, Agier N, Garrido C, Fischer G, Eberhard S, Xu Z. Telomerase-independent survival leads to a mosaic of complex subtelomere rearrangements in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Genome Res 2023; 33:1582-1598. [PMID: 37580131 PMCID: PMC10620057 DOI: 10.1101/gr.278043.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
Telomeres and subtelomeres, the genomic regions located at chromosome extremities, are essential for genome stability in eukaryotes. In the absence of the canonical maintenance mechanism provided by telomerase, telomere shortening induces genome instability. The landscape of the ensuing genome rearrangements is not accessible by short-read sequencing. Here, we leverage Oxford Nanopore Technologies long-read sequencing to survey the extensive repertoire of genome rearrangements in telomerase mutants of the model green microalga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii In telomerase-mutant strains grown for hundreds of generations, most chromosome extremities were capped by short telomere sequences that were either recruited de novo from other loci or maintained in a telomerase-independent manner. Other extremities did not end with telomeres but only with repeated subtelomeric sequences. The subtelomeric elements, including rDNA, were massively rearranged and involved in breakage-fusion-bridge cycles, translocations, recombinations, and chromosome circularization. These events were established progressively over time and displayed heterogeneity at the subpopulation level. New telomere-capped extremities composed of sequences originating from more internal genomic regions were associated with high DNA methylation, suggesting that de novo heterochromatin formation contributes to the restoration of chromosome end stability in C. reinhardtii The diversity of alternative strategies present in the same organism to maintain chromosome integrity and the variety of rearrangements found in telomerase mutants are remarkable, and illustrate genome plasticity at short timescales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frédéric Chaux
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, UMR7238, Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine, Laboratory of Computational and Quantitative Biology, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Nicolas Agier
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, UMR7238, Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine, Laboratory of Computational and Quantitative Biology, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Clotilde Garrido
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, UMR7238, Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine, Laboratory of Computational and Quantitative Biology, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Gilles Fischer
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, UMR7238, Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine, Laboratory of Computational and Quantitative Biology, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Stephan Eberhard
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, UMR7141, Institut de Biologie Physico-Chimique, Laboratory of Chloroplast Biology and Light-Sensing in Microalgae, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Zhou Xu
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, UMR7238, Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine, Laboratory of Computational and Quantitative Biology, 75005 Paris, France;
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19
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Schratz KE, Flasch DA, Atik CC, Cosner ZL, Blackford AL, Yang W, Gable DL, Vellanki PJ, Xiang Z, Gaysinskaya V, Vonderheide RH, Rooper LM, Zhang J, Armanios M. T cell immune deficiency rather than chromosome instability predisposes patients with short telomere syndromes to squamous cancers. Cancer Cell 2023; 41:807-817.e6. [PMID: 37037617 PMCID: PMC10188244 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2023.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
Patients with short telomere syndromes (STS) are predisposed to developing cancer, believed to stem from chromosome instability in neoplastic cells. We tested this hypothesis in a large cohort assembled over the last 20 years. We found that the only solid cancers to which patients with STS are predisposed are squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck, anus, or skin, a spectrum reminiscent of cancers seen in patients with immunodeficiency. Whole-genome sequencing showed no increase in chromosome instability, such as translocations or chromothripsis. Moreover, STS-associated cancers acquired telomere maintenance mechanisms, including telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) promoter mutations. A detailed study of the immune status of patients with STS revealed a striking T cell immunodeficiency at the time of cancer diagnosis. A similar immunodeficiency that impaired tumor surveillance was documented in mice with short telomeres. We conclude that STS patients’ predisposition to solid cancers is due to T cell exhaustion rather than autonomous defects in the neoplastic cells themselves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen E Schratz
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; Telomere Center at Johns Hopkins, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Diane A Flasch
- Department of Computational Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Christine C Atik
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Zoe L Cosner
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Amanda L Blackford
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Wentao Yang
- Department of Computational Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Dustin L Gable
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Paz J Vellanki
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Zhimin Xiang
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Valeriya Gaysinskaya
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Robert H Vonderheide
- Abramson Cancer Center, Perlman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Lisa M Rooper
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Jinghui Zhang
- Department of Computational Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Mary Armanios
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; Telomere Center at Johns Hopkins, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
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20
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Sanpedro-Luna JA, Jacinto-Vázquez JJ, Anastacio-Marcelino E, Posadas-Gutiérrez CM, Olmos-Pineda I, González-Bernal JA, Carcaño-Montiel M, Vega-Alvarado L, Vázquez-Cruz C, Sánchez-Alonso P. Telomerase RNA plays a major role in the completion of the life cycle in Ustilago maydis and shares conserved domains with other Ustilaginales. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0281251. [PMID: 36952474 PMCID: PMC10035886 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0281251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The RNA subunit of telomerase is an essential component whose primary sequence and length are poorly conserved among eukaryotic organisms. The phytopathogen Ustilago maydis is a dimorphic fungus of the order Ustilaginales. We analyzed several species of Ustilaginales to computationally identify the TElomere RNA (TER) gene ter1. To confirm the identity of the TER gene, we disrupted the gene and characterized telomerase-negative mutants. Similar to catalytic TERT mutants, ter1Δ mutants exhibit phenotypes of growth delay, telomere shortening and low replicative potential. ter1-disrupted mutants were unable to infect maize seedlings in heterozygous crosses and showed defects such as cell cycle arrest and segregation failure. We concluded that ter1, which encodes the TER subunit of the telomerase of U. maydis, have similar and perhaps more extensive functions than trt1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Antonio Sanpedro-Luna
- Instituto de Ciencias, Posgrado en Microbiología, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, México
| | - José Juan Jacinto-Vázquez
- Instituto de Ciencias, Posgrado en Microbiología, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, México
| | - Estela Anastacio-Marcelino
- Instituto de Ciencias, Centro de Investigaciones Microbiológicas, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, México
| | | | - Iván Olmos-Pineda
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Computación, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, México
| | - Jesús Antonio González-Bernal
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, The University of Texas Arlington, Arlington, Texas, United States of America
| | - Moisés Carcaño-Montiel
- Instituto de Ciencias, Centro de Investigaciones Microbiológicas, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, México
| | - Leticia Vega-Alvarado
- Instituto de Ciencias Aplicadas y Tecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Ciudad de México, México, México
| | - Candelario Vázquez-Cruz
- Instituto de Ciencias, Posgrado en Microbiología, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, México
- Instituto de Ciencias, Centro de Investigaciones Microbiológicas, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, México
| | - Patricia Sánchez-Alonso
- Instituto de Ciencias, Posgrado en Microbiología, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, México
- Instituto de Ciencias, Centro de Investigaciones Microbiológicas, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, México
- * E-mail:
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21
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Li S, Liu Z, Zhang J, Li L. Links between telomere dysfunction and hallmarks of aging. MUTATION RESEARCH/GENETIC TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MUTAGENESIS 2023; 888:503617. [PMID: 37188431 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrgentox.2023.503617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Abstract
Aging is characterized by the gradual loss of physiological integrity, leading to impaired function and increased risk of death. This deterioration is the main risk factor for the great majority of chronic diseases, which account for most of the morbidity, death and medical expenses. The hallmarks of aging comprise diverse molecular mechanisms and cell systems, which are interrelated and coordinated to drive the aging process. This review focuses on telomere to analyze the interrelationships between telomere dysfunction and other aging hallmarks and their relative contributions to the initiation and progression of age-related diseases (such as neurodegeneration, cardiovascular disease, and cancer), which will contribute to determine drug targets, improve human health in the aging process with minimal side effects and provide information for the prevention and treatment of age-related diseases.
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22
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Inherited Chromosomally Integrated Human Herpesvirus 6: Laboratory and Clinical Features. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11030548. [PMID: 36985122 PMCID: PMC10052293 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11030548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Inherited chromosomally integrated human herpesvirus 6 (iciHHV-6) is a condition in which the complete HHV-6 genome is integrated into the chromosomes of the host germ cell and is vertically transmitted. The aims of this study were to identify iciHHV-6 prevalence in hospitalized patients and clinical features in individuals carrying this integration. HHV-6 PCR on hair follicles was used to confirm iciHHV-6 status when the blood viral load was more than 5 Log10 copies/mL. From January 2012 to June 2022, HHV-6 DNAemia was investigated in 2019 patients. In particular, 49 had a viral load higher than 6 Log10 copies/mL and HHV-6 DNA in hair follicles was positive. A viral load between 5.0 and 5.9 Log10 copies/mL was observed in 10 patients: 6 infants with acute HHV-6 infection and 4 patients with leukopenia and HHV-6 integration. Therefore, the iciHHV-6 prevalence in our population was 2.6% (53/2019). Adult patients with integration presented hematological (24%), autoimmune (11%), autoimmune neurological (19%), not-autoimmune neurological (22%), and other diseases (19%), whereas 5% had no clinically relevant disease. Although in our study population a high percentage of iciHHV-6 adult hospitalized patients presented a specific pathology, it is still unknown whether the integration is responsible for, or contributes to, the disease development.
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23
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Prime SS, Cirillo N, Parkinson EK. Escape from Cellular Senescence Is Associated with Chromosomal Instability in Oral Pre-Malignancy. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12010103. [PMID: 36671795 PMCID: PMC9855962 DOI: 10.3390/biology12010103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
An escape from cellular senescence through the development of unlimited growth potential is one of the hallmarks of cancer, which is thought to be an early event in carcinogenesis. In this review, we propose that the molecular effectors of senescence, particularly the inactivation of TP53 and CDKN2A, together with telomere attrition and telomerase activation, all lead to aneuploidy in the keratinocytes from oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD). Premalignant keratinocytes, therefore, not only become immortal but also develop genotypic and phenotypic cellular diversity. As a result of these changes, certain clonal cell populations likely gain the capacity to invade the underlying connective tissue. We review the clinical implications of these changes and highlight a new PCR-based assay to identify aneuploid cell in fluids such as saliva, a technique that is extremely sensitive and could facilitate the regular monitoring of OPMD without the need for surgical biopsies and may avoid potential biopsy sampling errors. We also draw attention to recent studies designed to eliminate aneuploid tumour cell populations that, potentially, is a new therapeutic approach to prevent malignant transformations in OPMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen S. Prime
- Centre for Immunology and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Dentistry, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK
- Correspondence: (S.S.P.); (E.K.P.)
| | - Nicola Cirillo
- Melbourne Dental School, University of Melbourne, 720 Swanson Street, Melbourne, VIC 3053, Australia
| | - E. Kenneth Parkinson
- Centre for Immunology and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Dentistry, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK
- Correspondence: (S.S.P.); (E.K.P.)
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24
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Samarth N, Gulhane P, Singh S. Immunoregulatory framework and the role of miRNA in the pathogenesis of NSCLC - A systematic review. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1089320. [PMID: 36620544 PMCID: PMC9811680 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1089320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
With a 5-year survival rate of only 15%, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the most common kind of lung carcinoma and the cause of millions of deaths annually, has drawn attention. Numerous variables, such as disrupted signaling caused by somatic mutations in the EGFR-mediated RAS/RAF/MAPK, PI3K/AKT, JAK/STAT signaling cascade, supports tumour survival in one way or another. Here, the tumour microenvironment significantly contributes to the development of cancer by thwarting the immune response. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are critical regulators of gene expression that can function as oncogenes or oncosuppressors. They have a major influence on the occurrence and prognosis of NSCLC. Though, a myriad number of therapies are available and many are being clinically tested, still the drug resistance, its adverse effect and toxicity leading towards fatality cannot be ruled out. In this review, we tried to ascertain the missing links in between perturbed EGFR signaling, miRNAs favouring tumorigenesis and the autophagy mechanism. While connecting all the aforementioned points multiple associations were set, which can be targeted in order to combat NSCLC. Here, we tried illuminating designing synthetically engineered circuits with the toggle switches that might lay a prototype for better therapeutic paradigm.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Shailza Singh
- National Centre for Cell Science, NCCS Complex, Ganeshkhind, SP Pune University Campus, Pune, India
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25
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Dual Targeting Topoisomerase/G-Quadruplex Agents in Cancer Therapy-An Overview. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10112932. [PMID: 36428499 PMCID: PMC9687504 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10112932] [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: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Topoisomerase (Topo) inhibitors have long been known as clinically effective drugs, while G-quadruplex (G4)-targeting compounds are emerging as a promising new strategy to target tumor cells and could support personalized treatment approaches in the near future. G-quadruplex (G4) is a secondary four-stranded DNA helical structure constituted of guanine-rich nucleic acids, and its stabilization impairs telomere replication, triggering the activation of several protein factors at telomere levels, including Topos. Thus, the pharmacological intervention through the simultaneous G4 stabilization and Topos inhibition offers a new opportunity to achieve greater antiproliferative activity and circumvent cellular insensitivity and resistance. In this line, dual ligands targeting both Topos and G4 emerge as innovative, efficient agents in cancer therapy. Although the research in this field is still limited, to date, some chemotypes have been identified, showing this dual activity and an interesting pharmacological profile. This paper reviews the available literature on dual Topo inhibitors/G4 stabilizing agents, with particular attention to the structure-activity relationship studies correlating the dual activity with the cytotoxic activity.
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26
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Casari E, Gnugnoli M, Rinaldi C, Pizzul P, Colombo CV, Bonetti D, Longhese MP. To Fix or Not to Fix: Maintenance of Chromosome Ends Versus Repair of DNA Double-Strand Breaks. Cells 2022; 11:cells11203224. [PMID: 36291091 PMCID: PMC9601279 DOI: 10.3390/cells11203224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Early work by Muller and McClintock discovered that the physical ends of linear chromosomes, named telomeres, possess an inherent ability to escape unwarranted fusions. Since then, extensive research has shown that this special feature relies on specialized proteins and structural properties that confer identity to the chromosome ends, thus allowing cells to distinguish them from intrachromosomal DNA double-strand breaks. Due to the inability of conventional DNA replication to fully replicate the chromosome ends and the downregulation of telomerase in most somatic human tissues, telomeres shorten as cells divide and lose this protective capacity. Telomere attrition causes the activation of the DNA damage checkpoint that leads to a cell-cycle arrest and the entering of cells into a nondividing state, called replicative senescence, that acts as a barrier against tumorigenesis. However, downregulation of the checkpoint overcomes this barrier and leads to further genomic instability that, if coupled with re-stabilization of telomeres, can drive tumorigenesis. This review focuses on the key experiments that have been performed in the model organism Saccharomyces cerevisiae to uncover the mechanisms that protect the chromosome ends from eliciting a DNA damage response, the conservation of these pathways in mammals, as well as the consequences of their loss in human cancer.
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27
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Liddiard K, Aston-Evans AN, Cleal K, Hendrickson E, Baird D. POLQ suppresses genome instability and alterations in DNA repeat tract lengths. NAR Cancer 2022; 4:zcac020. [PMID: 35774233 PMCID: PMC9241439 DOI: 10.1093/narcan/zcac020] [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: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA polymerase theta (POLQ) is a principal component of the alternative non-homologous end-joining (ANHEJ) DNA repair pathway that ligates DNA double-strand breaks. Utilizing independent models of POLQ insufficiency during telomere-driven crisis, we found that POLQ - /- cells are resistant to crisis-induced growth deceleration despite sustaining inter-chromosomal telomere fusion frequencies equivalent to wild-type (WT) cells. We recorded longer telomeres in POLQ - / - than WT cells pre- and post-crisis, notwithstanding elevated total telomere erosion and fusion rates. POLQ - /- cells emerging from crisis exhibited reduced incidence of clonal gross chromosomal abnormalities in accordance with increased genetic heterogeneity. High-throughput sequencing of telomere fusion amplicons from POLQ-deficient cells revealed significantly raised frequencies of inter-chromosomal fusions with correspondingly depreciated intra-chromosomal recombinations. Long-range interactions culminating in telomere fusions with centromere alpha-satellite repeats, as well as expansions in HSAT2 and HSAT3 satellite and contractions in ribosomal DNA repeats, were detected in POLQ - / - cells. In conjunction with the expanded telomere lengths of POLQ - /- cells, these results indicate a hitherto unrealized capacity of POLQ for regulation of repeat arrays within the genome. Our findings uncover novel considerations for the efficacy of POLQ inhibitors in clinical cancer interventions, where potential genome destabilizing consequences could drive clonal evolution and resistant disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Liddiard
- Division of Cancer and Genetics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Alys N Aston-Evans
- Dementia Research Institute, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Hadyn Ellis Building, Maindy Road, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, UK
| | - Kez Cleal
- Division of Cancer and Genetics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Eric A Hendrickson
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Duncan M Baird
- Division of Cancer and Genetics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
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28
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Heaphy CM, Joshu CE, Barber JR, Davis C, Lu J, Zarinshenas R, Giovannucci E, Mucci LA, Stampfer MJ, Han M, De Marzo AM, Lotan TL, Platz EA, Meeker AK. The prostate tissue‐based telomere biomarker as a prognostic tool for metastasis and death from prostate cancer after prostatectomy. J Pathol Clin Res 2022; 8:481-491. [PMID: 35836303 PMCID: PMC9353659 DOI: 10.1002/cjp2.288] [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: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Current biomarkers are inadequate prognostic predictors in localized prostate cancer making treatment decision‐making challenging. Previously, we observed that the combination of more variable telomere length among prostate cancer cells and shorter telomere length in prostate cancer‐associated stromal cells – the telomere biomarker – is strongly associated with progression to metastasis and prostate cancer death after prostatectomy independent of currently used pathologic indicators. Here, we optimized our method allowing for semi‐automated telomere length determination in single cells in fixed tissue, and tested the telomere biomarker in five cohort studies of men surgically treated for clinically localized disease (N = 2,255). We estimated the relative risk (RR) of progression to metastasis (N = 311) and prostate cancer death (N = 85) using models appropriate to each study's design adjusting for age, prostatectomy stage, and tumor grade, which then we meta‐analyzed using inverse variance weights. Compared with men who had less variable telomere length among prostate cancer cells and longer telomere length in prostate cancer‐associated stromal cells, men with the combination of more variable and shorter telomere length had 3.76 times the risk of prostate cancer death (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.37–10.3, p = 0.01) and had 2.23 times the risk of progression to metastasis (95% CI 0.99–5.02, p = 0.05). The telomere biomarker was associated with prostate cancer death in men with intermediate risk disease (grade groups 2/3: RR = 9.18, 95% CI 1.14–74.0, p = 0.037) and with PTEN protein intact tumors (RR = 6.74, 95% CI 1.46–37.6, p = 0.015). In summary, the telomere biomarker is robust and associated with poor outcome independent of current pathologic indicators in surgically treated men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher M Heaphy
- Department of Pathology Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Baltimore MD USA
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins Baltimore MD USA
| | - Corinne E Joshu
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins Baltimore MD USA
- Department of Epidemiology Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Baltimore MD USA
| | - John R Barber
- Department of Epidemiology Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Baltimore MD USA
| | - Christine Davis
- Department of Pathology Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Baltimore MD USA
| | - Jiayun Lu
- Department of Epidemiology Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Baltimore MD USA
| | - Reza Zarinshenas
- Department of Pathology Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Baltimore MD USA
| | - Edward Giovannucci
- Department of Nutrition Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Boston MA USA
- Department of Epidemiology Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Boston MA USA
- Department of Medicine, Channing Division of Network Medicine Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School Boston MA USA
| | - Lorelei A Mucci
- Department of Epidemiology Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Boston MA USA
| | - Meir J Stampfer
- Department of Nutrition Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Boston MA USA
- Department of Epidemiology Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Boston MA USA
- Department of Medicine, Channing Division of Network Medicine Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School Boston MA USA
| | - Misop Han
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins Baltimore MD USA
- James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Baltimore MD USA
| | - Angelo M De Marzo
- Department of Pathology Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Baltimore MD USA
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins Baltimore MD USA
- James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Baltimore MD USA
| | - Tamara L Lotan
- Department of Pathology Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Baltimore MD USA
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins Baltimore MD USA
- James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Baltimore MD USA
| | - Elizabeth A Platz
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins Baltimore MD USA
- Department of Epidemiology Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Baltimore MD USA
- James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Baltimore MD USA
| | - Alan K Meeker
- Department of Pathology Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Baltimore MD USA
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins Baltimore MD USA
- James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Baltimore MD USA
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29
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Abstract
Telomere biology was first studied in maize, ciliates, yeast, and mice, and in recent decades, it has informed understanding of common disease mechanisms with broad implications for patient care. Short telomere syndromes are the most prevalent premature aging disorders, with prominent phenotypes affecting the lung and hematopoietic system. Less understood are a newly recognized group of cancer-prone syndromes that are associated with mutations that lengthen telomeres. A large body of new data from Mendelian genetics and epidemiology now provides an opportunity to reconsider paradigms related to the role of telomeres in human aging and cancer, and in some cases, the findings diverge from what was interpreted from model systems. For example, short telomeres have been considered potent drivers of genome instability, but age-associated solid tumors are rare in individuals with short telomere syndromes, and T cell immunodeficiency explains their spectrum. More commonly, short telomeres promote clonal hematopoiesis, including somatic reversion, providing a new leukemogenesis paradigm that is independent of genome instability. Long telomeres, on the other hand, which extend the cellular life span in vitro, are now appreciated to be the most common shared germline risk factor for cancer in population studies. Through this contemporary lens, I revisit here the role of telomeres in human aging, focusing on how short and long telomeres drive cancer evolution but through distinct mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Armanios
- Departments of Oncology, Genetic Medicine, Pathology, and Molecular Biology and Genetics; Telomere Center at Johns Hopkins; and Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA;
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30
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Saini D, Jain V, Das B. Evaluation of natural chronic low dose radiation exposure on telomere length and transcriptional response of shelterin complex in individuals residing in Kerala coast, India. Mutat Res 2022; 825:111797. [PMID: 36116241 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrfmmm.2022.111797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The high level natural radiation areas (HLNRA) of Kerala coast provide unique opportunity to study the biological effect of chronic low dose ionizing radiation (LDIR) on human population below 100 mSv. The radiation level in this area varies from < 1.0-45 mGy /year due to patchy distribution of monazite in the sand, which contains 232Th (8-10%), 238U (0.3%), and their decay products. Telomere length attrition has been correlated to DNA damage due to genotoxic agents. The objective of the present study is to evaluate the effect of natural chronic LDIR exposure on telomere length and transcriptional response of telomere specific and DNA damage repair genes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of individuals from normal level natural radiation areas (NLNRA) and HLNRA of Kerala coast, southwest India. Blood samples were collected from 71 random male donors (24-80 years) from NLNRA (≤1.50 mGy/year; N = 19) and two HLNRA dose groups [1.51-10 mGy/year (N = 17); > 10 mGy/year, (N = 35)]. Genomic DNA was isolated from PBMCs and relative telomere length (RTL) was determined using real time q-PCR. Radio-adaptive response (RAR) study was carried out in PBMCs of 40 random males from NLNRA (N = 20) and HLNRA (>10 mGy/year; N = 20), where PBMCs were given a challenged dose of 2.0 Gy gamma radiation at 4 h. Transcriptional profile of telomere specific (TRF1, TRF2, POT1, TIN2, TPP1, RAP1), DNA damage response (RAD17, ATM, CHEK1) and base excision repair pathway (BER) (OGG1, XRCC1, NTH1, NEIL1, MUTYH, MBD4) genes were analysed at basal level and after a challenge dose of 2.0 Gy at 4 h. Our results did not show any significant effect of chronic LDR on RTL among the individuals from NLNRA and two HLNRA groups (p = 0.195). However, influence of age on RTL was clearly evident among NLNRA and HLNRA individuals. At basal level, TRF1, TRF2, TIN2, MBD4, NEIL1 and RAD17 showed significant up-regulation, whereas XRCC1 was significantly down regulated in HLNRA individuals. After a challenge dose of 2.0 Gy, significant transcriptional up-regulation was observed at telomere specific (TRF2, POT1) and BER (MBD4, NEIL1) genes in HLNRA individuals as compared to NLNRA suggesting their role in RAR. In conclusion, elevated level of natural chronic LDR exposure did not have any adverse effect on telomere length in Kerala coast. Significant transcriptional response at TRF2, MBD4 and NEIL1 at basal level and with a challenge dose of 2.0 Gy suggested their active involvement in efficient repair and telomere maintenance in individuals from HLNRA of Kerala coast.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divyalakshmi Saini
- Low Level Radiation Research Section, Radiation Biology & Health Sciences Division, Bio-Sciences Group, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai 400 085, India; Mumbai University, Fort Mumbai, India
| | - Vinay Jain
- Low Level Radiation Research Section, Radiation Biology & Health Sciences Division, Bio-Sciences Group, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai 400 085, India; Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI), Anushakti Nagar, Trombay, Mumbai 400 094, India
| | - Birajalaxmi Das
- Low Level Radiation Research Section, Radiation Biology & Health Sciences Division, Bio-Sciences Group, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai 400 085, India; Mumbai University, Fort Mumbai, India; Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI), Anushakti Nagar, Trombay, Mumbai 400 094, India.
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31
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Barnes RP, de Rosa M, Thosar SA, Detwiler AC, Roginskaya V, Van Houten B, Bruchez MP, Stewart-Ornstein J, Opresko PL. Telomeric 8-oxo-guanine drives rapid premature senescence in the absence of telomere shortening. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2022; 29:639-652. [PMID: 35773409 PMCID: PMC9287163 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-022-00790-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Oxidative stress is a primary cause of cellular senescence and contributes to the etiology of numerous human diseases. Oxidative damage to telomeric DNA has been proposed to cause premature senescence by accelerating telomere shortening. Here, we tested this model directly using a precision chemoptogenetic tool to produce the common lesion 8-oxo-guanine (8oxoG) exclusively at telomeres in human fibroblasts and epithelial cells. A single induction of telomeric 8oxoG is sufficient to trigger multiple hallmarks of p53-dependent senescence. Telomeric 8oxoG activates ATM and ATR signaling, and enriches for markers of telomere dysfunction in replicating, but not quiescent cells. Acute 8oxoG production fails to shorten telomeres, but rather generates fragile sites and mitotic DNA synthesis at telomeres, indicative of impaired replication. Based on our results, we propose that oxidative stress promotes rapid senescence by producing oxidative base lesions that drive replication-dependent telomere fragility and dysfunction in the absence of shortening and shelterin loss. This study uncovers a new mechanism linking oxidative stress to telomere-driven senescence. A common oxidative lesion at telomeres causes rapid premature cellular aging by inducing telomere fragility, rather than telomere shortening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan P Barnes
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Mariarosaria de Rosa
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Sanjana A Thosar
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Ariana C Detwiler
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Vera Roginskaya
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Bennett Van Houten
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Marcel P Bruchez
- Departments of Biological Sciences and Chemistry and the Molecular Biosensors and Imaging Center, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Jacob Stewart-Ornstein
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Patricia L Opresko
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, PA, USA. .,UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA. .,Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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32
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Ravi S, Alencar AM, Arakelyan J, Xu W, Stauber R, Wang CCI, Papyan R, Ghazaryan N, Pereira RM. An Update to Hallmarks of Cancer. Cureus 2022; 14:e24803. [PMID: 35686268 PMCID: PMC9169686 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.24803] [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] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last decade, there has been remarkable progress in research toward understanding and refining the hallmarks of cancer. In this review, we propose a new hallmark - “pro-survival autophagy.” The importance of pro-survival autophagy is well established in tumorigenesis, as it is related to multiple steps in cancer progression and vital for some cancers. Autophagy is a potential anti-cancer therapeutic target. For this reason, autophagy is a good candidate as a new hallmark of cancer. We describe two enabling characteristics that play a major role in enabling cells to acquire the hallmarks of cancer - “tumor-promoting microenvironment and macroenvironment” and “cancer epigenetics, genome instability and mutation.” We also discuss the recent updates, therapeutic and prognostic implications of the eight hallmarks of cancer described by Hanahan et al. in 2011. Understanding these hallmarks and enabling characteristics is key not only to developing new ways to treat cancer efficiently but also to exploring options to overcome cancer resistance to treatment.
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33
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Zhang CZ, Pellman D. Cancer Genomic Rearrangements and Copy Number Alterations from Errors in Cell Division. ANNUAL REVIEW OF CANCER BIOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1146/annurev-cancerbio-070620-094029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Analysis of cancer genomes has shown that a large fraction of chromosomal changes originate from catastrophic events including whole-genome duplication, chromothripsis, breakage-fusion-bridge cycles, and chromoplexy. Through sophisticated computational analysis of cancer genomes and experimental recapitulation of these catastrophic alterations, we have gained significant insights into the origin, mechanism, and evolutionary dynamics of cancer genome complexity. In this review, we summarize this progress and survey the major unresolved questions, with particular emphasis on the relative contributions of chromosome fragmentation and DNA replication errors to complex chromosomal alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Zhong Zhang
- Department of Data Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Blavatnik Institute of Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Cancer Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - David Pellman
- Cancer Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, Maryland, USA
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Blavatnik Institute of Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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34
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Al-Jumayli M, Brown SL, Chetty IJ, Extermann M, Movsas B. The Biological Process of Aging and the Impact of Ionizing Radiation. Semin Radiat Oncol 2022; 32:172-178. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semradonc.2021.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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Guerville F, Bourdel-Marchasson I, Déchanet-Merville J, Pellegrin I, Soubeyran P, Appay V, Lemoine M. Does Inflammation Contribute to Cancer Incidence and Mortality during Aging? A Conceptual Review. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14071622. [PMID: 35406394 PMCID: PMC8996949 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14071622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Aging is associated with chronic low-grade inflammation, cancer incidence and mortality. As inflammation contributes to cancer initiation and progression, one could hypothesize that age-associated chronic low-grade inflammation contributes to the increase in cancer incidence and/or mortality observed during aging. Here, we review the evidence supporting this hypothesis: (1) epidemiological associations between biomarkers of systemic inflammation and cancer incidence and mortality in older people, (2) therapeutic clues suggesting that targeting inflammation could reduce cancer incidence and mortality and (3) experimental evidence from animal models highlighting inflammation as a link between various mechanisms of aging and cancer initiation and progression. Despite a large body of literature linking aging, inflammation and cancer, convincing evidence for the clear implication of specific inflammatory pathways explaining cancer incidence or mortality during aging is still lacking. Further dedicated research is needed to fill these gaps in evidence and pave the way for the development of applications in clinical care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florent Guerville
- ImmunoConcEpT, CNRS UMR5164, INSERM ERL1303, Université de Bordeaux, F-33076 Bordeaux, France; (J.D.-M.); (I.P.); (V.A.); (M.L.)
- Clinical Gerontology Department, Bordeaux University Hospital, F-33000 Bordeaux, France;
- Correspondence:
| | - Isabelle Bourdel-Marchasson
- Clinical Gerontology Department, Bordeaux University Hospital, F-33000 Bordeaux, France;
- CRMSB, CNRS UMR 5536, Université de Bordeaux, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Julie Déchanet-Merville
- ImmunoConcEpT, CNRS UMR5164, INSERM ERL1303, Université de Bordeaux, F-33076 Bordeaux, France; (J.D.-M.); (I.P.); (V.A.); (M.L.)
| | - Isabelle Pellegrin
- ImmunoConcEpT, CNRS UMR5164, INSERM ERL1303, Université de Bordeaux, F-33076 Bordeaux, France; (J.D.-M.); (I.P.); (V.A.); (M.L.)
- Laboratory of Immunology and Immunogenetics, Bordeaux University Hospital, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Pierre Soubeyran
- Department of Medical Oncology, Institut Bergonie, F-33076 Bordeaux, France;
| | - Victor Appay
- ImmunoConcEpT, CNRS UMR5164, INSERM ERL1303, Université de Bordeaux, F-33076 Bordeaux, France; (J.D.-M.); (I.P.); (V.A.); (M.L.)
| | - Maël Lemoine
- ImmunoConcEpT, CNRS UMR5164, INSERM ERL1303, Université de Bordeaux, F-33076 Bordeaux, France; (J.D.-M.); (I.P.); (V.A.); (M.L.)
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Mo J, Moye SL, McKay RM, Le LQ. Neurofibromin and suppression of tumorigenesis: beyond the GAP. Oncogene 2022; 41:1235-1251. [PMID: 35066574 PMCID: PMC9063229 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-021-02156-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is an autosomal dominant genetic disease and one of the most common inherited tumor predisposition syndromes, affecting 1 in 3000 individuals worldwide. The NF1 gene encodes neurofibromin, a large protein with RAS GTP-ase activating (RAS-GAP) activity, and loss of NF1 results in increased RAS signaling. Neurofibromin contains many other domains, and there is considerable evidence that these domains play a role in some manifestations of NF1. Investigating the role of these domains as well as the various signaling pathways that neurofibromin regulates and interacts with will provide a better understanding of how neurofibromin acts to suppress tumor development and potentially open new therapeutic avenues. In this review, we discuss what is known about the structure of neurofibromin, its interactions with other proteins and signaling pathways, its role in development and differentiation, and its function as a tumor suppressor. Finally, we discuss the latest research on potential therapeutics for neurofibromin-deficient neoplasms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Mo
- Department of Dermatology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX, 75390-9069, USA
| | - Stefanie L Moye
- Department of Dermatology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX, 75390-9069, USA
| | - Renee M McKay
- Department of Dermatology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX, 75390-9069, USA
| | - Lu Q Le
- Department of Dermatology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX, 75390-9069, USA.
- Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX, 75390-9069, USA.
- UTSW Comprehensive Neurofibromatosis Clinic, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX, 75390-9069, USA.
- Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX, 75390-9069, USA.
- O'Donnell Brain Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX, 75390-9069, USA.
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37
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Li S, Xie K. Ductal metaplasia in pancreas. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2022; 1877:188698. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2022.188698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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38
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Lung Fibroblasts from Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Patients Harbor Short and Unstable Telomeres Leading to Chromosomal Instability. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10020310. [PMID: 35203522 PMCID: PMC8869717 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10020310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is associated with several hallmarks of aging including telomere shortening, which can result from germline mutations in telomere related genes (TRGs). Here, we assessed the length and stability of telomeres as well as the integrity of chromosomes in primary lung fibroblasts from 13 IPF patients (including seven patients with pathogenic variants in TRGs) and seven controls. Automatized high-throughput detection of telomeric FISH signals highlighted lower signal intensity in lung fibroblasts from IPF patients, suggesting a telomere length defect in these cells. The increased detection of telomere loss and terminal deletion in IPF cells, particularly in TRG-mutated cells (IPF-TRG), supports the notion that these cells have unstable telomeres. Furthermore, fibroblasts from IPF patients with TRGs mutations exhibited dicentric chromosomes and anaphase bridges. Collectively, our study indicates that fibroblasts from IPF patients exhibit telomere and chromosome instability that likely contribute to the physiopathology.
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García Fernández F, Fabre E. The Dynamic Behavior of Chromatin in Response to DNA Double-Strand Breaks. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13020215. [PMID: 35205260 PMCID: PMC8872016 DOI: 10.3390/genes13020215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The primary functions of the eukaryotic nucleus as a site for the storage, retrieval, and replication of information require a highly dynamic chromatin organization, which can be affected by the presence of DNA damage. In response to double-strand breaks (DSBs), the mobility of chromatin at the break site is severely affected and, to a lesser extent, that of other chromosomes. The how and why of such movement has been widely studied over the last two decades, leading to different mechanistic models and proposed potential roles underlying both local and global mobility. Here, we review the state of the knowledge on current issues affecting chromatin mobility upon DSBs, and highlight its role as a crucial step in the DNA damage response (DDR).
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiola García Fernández
- Institut Curie, CNRS UMR3664, Sorbonne Université, F-75005 Paris, France
- Correspondence: (F.G.F.); (E.F.)
| | - Emmanuelle Fabre
- Génomes Biologie Cellulaire et Thérapeutiques, CNRS UMR7212, INSERM U944, Université de Paris, F-75010 Paris, France
- Correspondence: (F.G.F.); (E.F.)
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40
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Groarke EM, Calado RT, Liu JM. Cell senescence and malignant transformation in the inherited bone marrow failure syndromes: Overlapping pathophysiology with therapeutic implications. Semin Hematol 2022; 59:30-37. [PMID: 35491056 PMCID: PMC9062194 DOI: 10.1053/j.seminhematol.2022.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Fanconi anemia, telomeropathies and ribosomopathies are members of the inherited bone marrow failure syndromes, rare genetic disorders that lead to failure of hematopoiesis, developmental abnormalities, and cancer predisposition. While each disorder is caused by different genetic defects in seemingly disparate processes of DNA repair, telomere maintenance, or ribosome biogenesis, they appear to lead to a common pathway characterized by premature senescence of hematopoietic stem cells. Here we review the experimental data on senescence and inflammation underlying marrow failure and malignant transformation. We conclude with a critical assessment of current and future therapies targeting these pathways in inherited bone marrow failure syndromes patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma M Groarke
- Hematology Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD.
| | - Rodrigo T Calado
- Department of Medical Imaging, Hematology, and Oncology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Johnson M Liu
- Division of Hematology, Maine Medical Center, Portland, ME
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41
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Roger L, Tomas F, Gire V. Mechanisms and Regulation of Cellular Senescence. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222313173. [PMID: 34884978 PMCID: PMC8658264 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222313173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Cellular senescence entails a state of an essentially irreversible proliferative arrest in which cells remain metabolically active and secrete a range of pro-inflammatory and proteolytic factors as part of the senescence-associated secretory phenotype. There are different types of senescent cells, and senescence can be induced in response to many DNA damage signals. Senescent cells accumulate in different tissues and organs where they have distinct physiological and pathological functions. Despite this diversity, all senescent cells must be able to survive in a nondividing state while protecting themselves from positive feedback loops linked to the constant activation of the DNA damage response. This capacity requires changes in core cellular programs. Understanding how different cell types can undergo extensive changes in their transcriptional programs, metabolism, heterochromatin patterns, and cellular structures to induce a common cellular state is crucial to preventing cancer development/progression and to improving health during aging. In this review, we discuss how senescent cells continuously evolve after their initial proliferative arrest and highlight the unifying features that define the senescent state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauréline Roger
- Structure and Instability of Genomes Laboratory, Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle (MNHN), CNRS-UMR 7196/INSERM U1154, 43 Rue Cuvier, 75005 Paris, France;
| | - Fanny Tomas
- Centre de Recherche en Biologie cellulaire de Montpellier (CRBM), Université de Montpellier, CNRS UMR 5237, 1919 Route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier, France;
| | - Véronique Gire
- Centre de Recherche en Biologie cellulaire de Montpellier (CRBM), Université de Montpellier, CNRS UMR 5237, 1919 Route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier, France;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-(0)-434359513; Fax: +33-(0)-434359410
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42
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Ghadaouia S, Olivier MA, Martinez A, Kientega T, Qin J, Lambert-Lanteigne P, Cardin GB, Autexier C, Malaquin N, Rodier F. Homologous recombination-mediated irreversible genome damage underlies telomere-induced senescence. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:11690-11707. [PMID: 34725692 PMCID: PMC8599762 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Loss of telomeric DNA leads to telomere uncapping, which triggers a persistent, p53-centric DNA damage response that sustains a stable senescence-associated proliferation arrest. Here, we show that in normal cells telomere uncapping triggers a focal telomeric DNA damage response accompanied by a transient cell cycle arrest. Subsequent cell division with dysfunctional telomeres resulted in sporadic telomeric sister chromatid fusions that gave rise to next-mitosis genome instability, including non-telomeric DNA lesions responsible for a stable, p53-mediated, senescence-associated proliferation arrest. Unexpectedly, the blocking of Rad51/RPA-mediated homologous recombination, but not non-homologous end joining (NHEJ), prevented senescence despite multiple dysfunctional telomeres. When cells approached natural replicative senescence, interphase senescent cells displayed genome instability, whereas near-senescent cells that underwent mitosis despite the presence of uncapped telomeres did not. This suggests that these near-senescent cells had not yet acquired irreversible telomeric fusions. We propose a new model for telomere-initiated senescence where tolerance of telomere uncapping eventually results in irreversible non-telomeric DNA lesions leading to stable senescence. Paradoxically, our work reveals that senescence-associated tumor suppression from telomere shortening requires irreversible genome instability at the single-cell level, which suggests that interventions to repair telomeres in the pre-senescent state could prevent senescence and genome instability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Ghadaouia
- Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montreal, QC, H2X 0A9, Canada.,Institut du cancer de Montréal, Montreal, QC, H2X 0A9, Canada
| | - Marc-Alexandre Olivier
- Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montreal, QC, H2X 0A9, Canada.,Institut du cancer de Montréal, Montreal, QC, H2X 0A9, Canada
| | - Aurélie Martinez
- Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montreal, QC, H2X 0A9, Canada.,Institut du cancer de Montréal, Montreal, QC, H2X 0A9, Canada
| | - Tibila Kientega
- Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montreal, QC, H2X 0A9, Canada.,Institut du cancer de Montréal, Montreal, QC, H2X 0A9, Canada
| | - Jian Qin
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3A 0C7, Canada.,Jewish General Hospital, Lady Davis Institute, Montreal, QC, H3T 1E2, Canada
| | | | - Guillaume B Cardin
- Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montreal, QC, H2X 0A9, Canada.,Institut du cancer de Montréal, Montreal, QC, H2X 0A9, Canada
| | - Chantal Autexier
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3A 0C7, Canada.,Jewish General Hospital, Lady Davis Institute, Montreal, QC, H3T 1E2, Canada
| | - Nicolas Malaquin
- Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montreal, QC, H2X 0A9, Canada.,Institut du cancer de Montréal, Montreal, QC, H2X 0A9, Canada
| | - Francis Rodier
- Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montreal, QC, H2X 0A9, Canada.,Institut du cancer de Montréal, Montreal, QC, H2X 0A9, Canada.,Department of Radiology, Radio-Oncology and Nuclear Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, H3T 1J4, Canada
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Sanford SL, Welfer GA, Freudenthal BD, Opresko PL. How DNA damage and non-canonical nucleotides alter the telomerase catalytic cycle. DNA Repair (Amst) 2021; 107:103198. [PMID: 34371388 PMCID: PMC8526386 DOI: 10.1016/j.dnarep.2021.103198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Telomeres at the ends of linear chromosomes are essential for genome maintenance and sustained cellular proliferation, but shorten with each cell division. Telomerase, a specialized reverse transcriptase with its own integral RNA template, compensates for this by lengthening the telomeric 3' single strand overhang. Mammalian telomerase has the unique ability to processively synthesize multiple GGTTAG repeats, by translocating along its product and reiteratively copying the RNA template, termed repeat addition processivity (RAP). This unusual form of processivity is distinct from the nucleotide addition processivity (NAP) shared by all other DNA polymerases. In this review, we focus on the minimally active human telomerase catalytic core consisting of the telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) and the integral RNA (TR), which catalyzes DNA synthesis. We review the mechanisms by which oxidatively damaged nucleotides, and anti-viral and anti-cancer nucleotide drugs affect the telomerase catalytic cycle. Finally, we offer perspective on how we can leverage telomerase's unique properties, and advancements in understanding of telomerase catalytic mechanism, to selectively manipulate telomerase activity with therapeutics, particularly in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha L Sanford
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, 5117 Centre Avenue, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, United States
| | - Griffin A Welfer
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Bret D Freudenthal
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Patricia L Opresko
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, 5117 Centre Avenue, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, United States.
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Jeon HJ, Oh JS. TRF1 Depletion Reveals Mutual Regulation Between Telomeres, Kinetochores, and Inner Centromeres in Mouse Oocytes. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:749116. [PMID: 34604243 PMCID: PMC8486315 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.749116] [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] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
In eukaryotic chromosomes, the centromere and telomere are two specialized structures that are essential for chromosome stability and segregation. Although centromeres and telomeres often are located in close proximity to form telocentric chromosomes in mice, it remained unclear whether these two structures influence each other. Here we show that TRF1 is required for inner centromere and kinetochore assembly in addition to its role in telomere protection in mouse oocytes. TRF1 depletion caused premature chromosome segregation by abrogating the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) and impairing kinetochore-microtubule (kMT) attachment, which increased the incidence of aneuploidy. Notably, TRF1 depletion disturbed the localization of Survivin and Ndc80/Hec1 at inner centromeres and kinetochores, respectively. Moreover, SMC3 and SMC4 levels significantly decreased after TRF1 depletion, suggesting that TRF1 is involved in chromosome cohesion and condensation. Importantly, inhibition of inner centromere or kinetochore function led to a significant decrease in TRF1 level and telomere shortening. Therefore, our results suggest that telomere integrity is required to preserve inner centromere and kinetochore architectures, and vice versa, suggesting mutual regulation between telomeres and centromeres.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyuk-Joon Jeon
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Jeong Su Oh
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, South Korea
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45
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Kotiyal S, Evason KJ. Exploring the Interplay of Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase and β-Catenin in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13164202. [PMID: 34439356 PMCID: PMC8393605 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13164202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Liver cancer is one of the deadliest human cancers. Two of the most common molecular aberrations in liver cancer are: (1) activating mutations in the gene encoding β-catenin (CTNNB1); and (2) promoter mutations in telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT). Here, we review recent findings regarding the interplay between TERT and β-catenin in order to better understand their role in liver cancer. Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the deadliest human cancers. Activating mutations in the telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) promoter (TERTp) and CTNNB1 gene encoding β-catenin are widespread in HCC (~50% and ~30%, respectively). TERTp mutations are predicted to increase TERT transcription and telomerase activity. This review focuses on exploring the role of TERT and β-catenin in HCC and the current findings regarding their interplay. TERT can have contradictory effects on tumorigenesis via both its canonical and non-canonical functions. As a critical regulator of proliferation and differentiation in progenitor and stem cells, activated β-catenin drives HCC; however, inhibiting endogenous β-catenin can also have pro-tumor effects. Clinical studies revealed a significant concordance between TERTp and CTNNB1 mutations in HCC. In stem cells, TERT acts as a co-factor in β-catenin transcriptional complexes driving the expression of WNT/β-catenin target genes, and β-catenin can bind to the TERTp to drive its transcription. A few studies have examined potential interactions between TERT and β-catenin in HCC in vivo, and their results suggest that the coexpression of these two genes promotes hepatocarcinogenesis. Further studies are required with vertebrate models to better understand how TERT and β-catenin influence hepatocarcinogenesis.
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Mahmoudian RA, Farshchian M, Abbaszadegan MR. Genetically engineered mouse models of esophageal cancer. Exp Cell Res 2021; 406:112757. [PMID: 34331909 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2021.112757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 07/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Esophageal cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related death worldwide with a diverse geographical distribution, poor prognosis, and diagnosis in advanced stages of the disease. Identification of the mechanisms involved in esophageal cancer development is evaluative to improve outcomes for patients. Genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) of cancer provide the physiologic, molecular, and histologic features of the human tumors to determine the pathogenesis and treatments for cancer, hence exhibiting a source of tremendous potential for oncology research. The advancement of cancer modeling in mice has improved to the extent that researchers can observe and manipulate the disease process in a specific manner. Despite the significant differences between mice and humans, mice can be great models for human oncology researches due to similarities between them at the molecular and physiological levels. Due to most of the existing esophageal cancer GEMMs do not propose an ideal system for pathogenesis of the disease, genetic risks, and microenvironment exposure, so identification of challenges in GEM modeling and well-developed technologies are required to obtain the most value for patients. In this review, we describe the biology of human and mouse, followed by the exciting esophageal cancer mouse models with a discussion of applicability and challenges of these models for generating new GEMMs in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Moein Farshchian
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Group, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Khorasan Razavi, Mashhad, Iran.
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Zheng X, Wezel F, Azoitei A, Meessen S, Wang W, Najjar G, Wang X, Kraus JM, Kestler HA, John A, Zengerling F, Bolenz C, Günes C. Shorter Leukocyte Telomere Length Is Associated with Worse Survival of Patients with Bladder Cancer and Renal Cell Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:3774. [PMID: 34359672 PMCID: PMC8345040 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13153774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Telomeres are protein-DNA complexes at the tips of linear chromosomes. They protect the DNA from end-to-end fusion and exonucleolytic degradation. Shortening of telomeric DNA during aging can generate dysfunctional telomeres, promoting tumorigenesis. More recent data indicate that both short and long telomeres of peripheral blood leukocyte (PBL) cells can serve as prognostic biomarkers for cancer risk and may be associated with survival of patients with solid cancers. Telomere length in PBL cells could also be a potential prognostic biomarker for survival in bladder cancer (BC) or renal cell carcinoma (RCC). METHODS The relative telomere length (RTL) of PBL cells was assessed in patients with BC (n = 144) and RCC (n = 144) by using qPCR. A control population of patients without malignant disease (NC, n = 73) was included for comparison. The correlation and association of RTL with histopathological parameters and overall survival (OS) were evaluated. RESULTS Patients with BC and RCC had significantly shorter telomeres compared to patients without malignant disease. Within the cancer cohorts, multivariate analysis revealed that short RTL is an independent predictor of worse survival in BC (p = 0.039) and RCC (p = 0.041). CONCLUSION Patients with BC and RCC had significantly shorter telomeres compared to the normal population. Shorter RTL in BC and RCC was an independent predictor of reduced survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Zheng
- Department of Urology, Ulm University Hospital, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (X.Z.); (F.W.); (A.A.); (S.M.); (W.W.); (G.N.); (X.W.); (A.J.); (F.Z.); (C.B.)
| | - Felix Wezel
- Department of Urology, Ulm University Hospital, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (X.Z.); (F.W.); (A.A.); (S.M.); (W.W.); (G.N.); (X.W.); (A.J.); (F.Z.); (C.B.)
| | - Anca Azoitei
- Department of Urology, Ulm University Hospital, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (X.Z.); (F.W.); (A.A.); (S.M.); (W.W.); (G.N.); (X.W.); (A.J.); (F.Z.); (C.B.)
| | - Sabine Meessen
- Department of Urology, Ulm University Hospital, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (X.Z.); (F.W.); (A.A.); (S.M.); (W.W.); (G.N.); (X.W.); (A.J.); (F.Z.); (C.B.)
| | - Wenya Wang
- Department of Urology, Ulm University Hospital, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (X.Z.); (F.W.); (A.A.); (S.M.); (W.W.); (G.N.); (X.W.); (A.J.); (F.Z.); (C.B.)
| | - Gregoire Najjar
- Department of Urology, Ulm University Hospital, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (X.Z.); (F.W.); (A.A.); (S.M.); (W.W.); (G.N.); (X.W.); (A.J.); (F.Z.); (C.B.)
| | - Xue Wang
- Department of Urology, Ulm University Hospital, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (X.Z.); (F.W.); (A.A.); (S.M.); (W.W.); (G.N.); (X.W.); (A.J.); (F.Z.); (C.B.)
| | - Johann M. Kraus
- Institute of Medical Systems Biology, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (J.M.K.); (H.A.K.)
| | - Hans A. Kestler
- Institute of Medical Systems Biology, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (J.M.K.); (H.A.K.)
| | - Axel John
- Department of Urology, Ulm University Hospital, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (X.Z.); (F.W.); (A.A.); (S.M.); (W.W.); (G.N.); (X.W.); (A.J.); (F.Z.); (C.B.)
| | - Friedemann Zengerling
- Department of Urology, Ulm University Hospital, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (X.Z.); (F.W.); (A.A.); (S.M.); (W.W.); (G.N.); (X.W.); (A.J.); (F.Z.); (C.B.)
| | - Christian Bolenz
- Department of Urology, Ulm University Hospital, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (X.Z.); (F.W.); (A.A.); (S.M.); (W.W.); (G.N.); (X.W.); (A.J.); (F.Z.); (C.B.)
| | - Cagatay Günes
- Department of Urology, Ulm University Hospital, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (X.Z.); (F.W.); (A.A.); (S.M.); (W.W.); (G.N.); (X.W.); (A.J.); (F.Z.); (C.B.)
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Telomere dysfunction instigates inflammation in inflammatory bowel disease. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2024853118. [PMID: 34253611 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2024853118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory condition driven by diverse genetic and nongenetic programs that converge to disrupt immune homeostasis in the intestine. We have reported that, in murine intestinal epithelium with telomere dysfunction, DNA damage-induced activation of ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM) results in ATM-mediated phosphorylation and activation of the YAP1 transcriptional coactivator, which in turn up-regulates pro-IL-18, a pivotal immune regulator in IBD pathogenesis. Moreover, individuals with germline defects in telomere maintenance genes experience increased occurrence of intestinal inflammation and show activation of the ATM/YAP1/pro-IL-18 pathway in the intestinal epithelium. Here, we sought to determine the relevance of the ATM/YAP1/pro-IL-18 pathway as a potential driver of IBD, particularly older-onset IBD. Analysis of intestinal biopsy specimens and organoids from older-onset IBD patients documented the presence of telomere dysfunction and activation of the ATM/YAP1/precursor of interleukin 18 (pro-IL-18) pathway in the intestinal epithelium. Employing intestinal organoids from healthy individuals, we demonstrated that experimental induction of telomere dysfunction activates this inflammatory pathway. In organoid models from ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease patients, pharmacological interventions of telomerase reactivation, suppression of DNA damage signaling, or YAP1 inhibition reduced pro-IL-18 production. Together, these findings support a model wherein telomere dysfunction in the intestinal epithelium can initiate the inflammatory process in IBD, pointing to therapeutic interventions for this disease.
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Chico-Sordo L, Córdova-Oriz I, Polonio AM, S-Mellado LS, Medrano M, García-Velasco JA, Varela E. Reproductive aging and telomeres: Are women and men equally affected? Mech Ageing Dev 2021; 198:111541. [PMID: 34245740 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2021.111541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Successful reproduction is very important for individuals and for society. Currently, the human health span and lifespan are the object of intense and productive investigation with great achievements, compared to the last century. However, reproduction span does not progress concomitantly with lifespan. Reproductive organs age, decreasing the levels of sexual hormones, which are protectors of health through their action on several organs of the body. Thus, this is the starting point of the organismal decay and infertility. This starting point is easily detected in women. In men, it goes under the surface, undetected, but it goes, nevertheless. Regarding fertility, aging alters the hormonal equilibrium, decreases the potential of reproductive organs, diminishes the quality of the gametes and worsen the reproductive outcomes. All these events happen at a different pace and affecting different organs in women and men. The question is what molecular pathways are involved in reproductive aging and if there is a possible halting or even reversion of the aging events. Answers to all these points will be explained in the present review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucía Chico-Sordo
- IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IISLAFE), Valencia, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Isabel Córdova-Oriz
- IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IISLAFE), Valencia, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Alba María Polonio
- IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IISLAFE), Valencia, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Lucía Sánchez S-Mellado
- IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IISLAFE), Valencia, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Marta Medrano
- IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IISLAFE), Valencia, Spain; IVIRMA Madrid, Spain.
| | - Juan Antonio García-Velasco
- IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IISLAFE), Valencia, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia, Spain; IVIRMA Madrid, Spain; Rey Juan Carlos University, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Elisa Varela
- IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IISLAFE), Valencia, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia, Spain; Rey Juan Carlos University, Madrid, Spain.
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Telomere Shortening and Fusions: A Link to Aneuploidy in Early Human Embryo Development. Obstet Gynecol Surv 2021; 76:429-436. [PMID: 34324695 DOI: 10.1097/ogx.0000000000000907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Importance It is known that oocytes undergo aging that is caused by exposure to an aged ovarian microenvironment. Telomere length in mouse and bovine oocytes declines with age, and age-associated telomere shortening in oocytes is considered a sign of poor development competency. Women with advanced age undergoing assisted reproductive technologies have poor outcomes because of increasing aneuploidy rates with age. Research has shown that aneuploidy is associated with DNA damage, reactive oxygen species, and telomere dysfunction. Objective In this review, we focus on the possible relationship between telomere dysfunction and aneuploidy in human early embryo development and several reproductive and perinatal outcomes, discussing the mechanism of aneuploidy caused by telomere shortening and fusion in human embryos. Evidence Acquisition We reviewed the current literature evidence concerning telomere dysfunction and aneuploidy in early human embryo development. Results Shorter telomeres in oocytes, leukocytes, and granulosa cells, related to aging in women, were associated with recurrent miscarriage, trisomy 21, ovarian insufficiency, and decreasing chance of in vitro fertilization success. Telomere length and telomerase activity in embryos have been related to the common genomic instability at the cleavage stage of human development. Complications of assisted reproductive technology pregnancies, such as miscarriage, birth defects, preterm births, and intrauterine growth restriction, also might result from telomere shortening as observed in oocytes, polar body, granulosa cells, and embryos. Conclusions and Relevance Telomere length clearly plays an important role in the development of the embryo and fetus, and the abnormal shortening of telomeres is likely involved in embryo loss during early human development. However, telomere fusion studies have yet to be performed in early human development.
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