1
|
Lee SE, Lee SB, Roh JI, Kim KP, Lee JH, Lee HW. SIRT1 regulates the localization and stability of telomerase protein by direct interaction. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 720:150098. [PMID: 38749190 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.150098] [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: 03/31/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) not only upholds telomeric equilibrium but also plays a pivotal role in multiple non-canonical cellular mechanisms, particularly in the context of aging, cancer, and genomic stability. Though depletion of SIRT1 in mouse embryonic fibroblasts has demonstrated telomere shortening, the impact of SIRT1 on enabling TERT to regulate telomeric homeostasis remains enigmatic. Here, we reveal that SIRT1 directly interacts with TERT, and promotes the nuclear localization and stability of TERT. Reverse transcriptase (RT) domain of TERT and N-terminus of SIRT1 mainly participated in their direct interaction. TERT, concomitantly expressed with intact SIRT1, exhibits nuclear localization, whereas TERT co-expressed with N-terminal-deleted SIRT1 remains in the cytosol. Furthermore, overexpression of SIRT1 enhances the nuclear localization and protein stability of TERT, akin to overexpression of deacetylase-inactive SIRT1, whereas N-terminal-deleted SIRT1 has no effect on TERT. These findings suggest a novel regulatory role of SIRT1 for TERT through direct interaction. This interaction provides new insights into the fields of aging, cancer, and genome stability governed by TERT and SIRT1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seung Eon Lee
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Su Bin Lee
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Il Roh
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea; ReCerise Therapeutics Inc., 400-12, Yangcheon-ro, Gangseo-gu, Seoul, 07573, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwang Pyo Kim
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Institute of Natural Science, Global Center for Pharmaceutical Ingredient Materials, Kyung Hee University, Yongin-si, 17104, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Hoon Lee
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea; GEMCRO, Inc., Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea.
| | - Han-Woong Lee
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea; GEMCRO, Inc., Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Hasegawa K, Zhao Y, Garbuzov A, Corces MR, Neuhöfer P, Gillespie VM, Cheung P, Belk JA, Huang YH, Wei Y, Chen L, Chang HY, Artandi SE. Clonal inactivation of TERT impairs stem cell competition. Nature 2024; 632:201-208. [PMID: 39020172 PMCID: PMC11291281 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07700-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024]
Abstract
Telomerase is intimately associated with stem cells and cancer, because it catalytically elongates telomeres-nucleoprotein caps that protect chromosome ends1. Overexpression of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) enhances the proliferation of cells in a telomere-independent manner2-8, but so far, loss-of-function studies have provided no evidence that TERT has a direct role in stem cell function. In many tissues, homeostasis is shaped by stem cell competition, a process in which stem cells compete on the basis of inherent fitness. Here we show that conditional deletion of Tert in the spermatogonial stem cell (SSC)-containing population in mice markedly impairs competitive clone formation. Using lineage tracing from the Tert locus, we find that TERT-expressing SSCs yield long-lived clones, but that clonal inactivation of TERT promotes stem cell differentiation and a genome-wide reduction in open chromatin. This role for TERT in competitive clone formation occurs independently of both its reverse transcriptase activity and the canonical telomerase complex. Inactivation of TERT causes reduced activity of the MYC oncogene, and transgenic expression of MYC in the TERT-deleted pool of SSCs efficiently rescues clone formation. Together, these data reveal a catalytic-activity-independent requirement for TERT in enhancing stem cell competition, uncover a genetic connection between TERT and MYC and suggest that a selective advantage for stem cells with high levels of TERT contributes to telomere elongation in the male germline during homeostasis and ageing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kazuteru Hasegawa
- 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
| | - Yang Zhao
- Center for Personal Dynamic Regulomes, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Alina Garbuzov
- 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
| | - M Ryan Corces
- Center for Personal Dynamic Regulomes, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Patrick Neuhöfer
- 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
| | - Victoria M Gillespie
- Nuclear Dynamics and Cancer Program, Cancer Epigenetics Institute, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Peggie Cheung
- 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
| | - Julia A Belk
- Department of Computer Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Yuning Wei
- Center for Personal Dynamic Regulomes, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Lu Chen
- 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
- Nuclear Dynamics and Cancer Program, Cancer Epigenetics Institute, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Howard Y Chang
- Center for Personal Dynamic Regulomes, Stanford, CA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 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.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Mei R, Wan Z, Yang C, Shen X, Wang R, Zhang H, Yang R, Li J, Song Y, Su H. Advances and clinical challenges of mesenchymal stem cell therapy. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1421854. [PMID: 39100671 PMCID: PMC11294097 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1421854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, cell therapy has provided desirable properties for promising new drugs. Mesenchymal stem cells are promising candidates for developing genetic engineering and drug delivery strategies due to their inherent properties, including immune regulation, homing ability and tumor tropism. The therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stem cells is being investigated for cancer therapy, inflammatory and fibrotic diseases, among others. Mesenchymal stem cells are attractive cellular carriers for synthetic nanoparticles for drug delivery due to their inherent homing ability. In this review, we comprehensively discuss the various genetic and non-genetic strategies of mesenchymal stem cells and their derivatives in drug delivery, tumor therapy, immune regulation, tissue regeneration and other fields. In addition, we discuss the current limitations of stem cell therapy and the challenges in clinical translation, aiming to identify important development areas and potential future directions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruiyan Mei
- Department of Oncology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Zhuo Wan
- Department of Hematology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Cheng Yang
- Department of Oncology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Xiangjing Shen
- Department of Oncology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Ronglin Wang
- Department of Oncology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Haihua Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Rui Yang
- Department of Oncology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Junqiang Li
- Department of Oncology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Yang Song
- Department of Oncology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Haichuan Su
- Department of Oncology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Hon KW, Naidu R. Synergistic Mechanisms of Selected Polyphenols in Overcoming Chemoresistance and Enhancing Chemosensitivity in Colorectal Cancer. Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:815. [PMID: 39061884 PMCID: PMC11273411 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13070815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2024] [Revised: 06/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Despite significant advances in medical treatment, chemotherapy as monotherapy can lead to substantial side effects and chemoresistance. This underscores the need for therapeutic approaches that are not only pharmacologically safe but also modulate multiple potent signaling pathways and sensitize cancer cells to overcome resistance to standard drugs. In recent years, scientists have been searching for natural compounds that can be used as chemosensitizers in addition to conventional medications for the synergistic treatment of CRC. Polyphenols represent a diverse group of natural compounds that can target multiple signaling pathways in cancer cells to induce anti-cancer effects. Additionally, polyphenols have been shown to work synergistically with chemotherapeutics and other natural compounds in cancer cells. This review aims to provide a comprehensive insight into the synergistic mechanisms of selected polyphenols as chemosensitizers in CRC cells. Further research and clinical trials are warranted to fully harness the synergistic mechanisms of selected polyphenols combined with chemotherapy or natural compounds in improving cancer treatment outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Rakesh Naidu
- Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Bandar Sunway 47500, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia;
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Akhoundova D, Fischer S, Triscott J, Lehner M, Thienger P, Maletti S, Jacquet M, Lubis DSH, Bubendorf L, Jochum W, Rubin MA. Rare histologic transformation of a CTNNB1 (β-catenin) mutated prostate cancer with aggressive clinical course. Diagn Pathol 2024; 19:83. [PMID: 38907236 PMCID: PMC11191256 DOI: 10.1186/s13000-024-01511-3] [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: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Catenin (Cadherin-Associated Protein), Beta 1 (CTNNB1) genomic alterations are rare in prostate cancer (PCa). Gain-of-function mutations lead to overexpression of β-catenin, with consequent hyperactivation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, implicated in PCa progression and treatment resistance. To date, successful targeted treatment options for Wnt/β-catenin - driven PCa are lacking. METHODS We report a rare histologic transformation of a CTNNB1 (β-catenin) mutated metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), clinically characterized by highly aggressive disease course. We histologically and molecularly characterized the liver metastatic tumor samples, as well as successfully generated patient-derived organoids (PDOs) and patient-derived xenograft (PDX) from a liver metastasis. We used the generated cell models for further molecular characterization and drug response assays. RESULTS Immunohistochemistry of liver metastatic biopsies and PDX tumor showed lack of expression of typical PCa (e.g., AR, PSA, PSAP, ERG) or neuroendocrine markers (synaptophysin), compatible with double-negative CRPC, but was positive for nuclear β-catenin expression, keratin 7 and 34βE12. ERG rearrangement was confirmed by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). Drug response assays confirmed, in line with the clinical disease course, lack of sensitivity to common drugs used in mCRPC (e.g., enzalutamide, docetaxel). The casein kinase 1 (CK1) inhibitor IC261 and the tankyrase 1/2 inhibitor G700-LK showed modest activity. Moreover, despite harbouring a CTNNB1 mutation, PDOs were largely insensitive to SMARCA2/4- targeting PROTAC degraders and inhibitor. CONCLUSIONS The reported CTNNB1-mutated mCRPC case highlights the potential challenges of double-negative CRPC diagnosis and underlines the relevance of further translational research to enable successful targeted treatment of rare molecular subtypes of mCRPC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dilara Akhoundova
- Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, 3008, Switzerland
- Department of Medical Oncology, Inselspital, University Hospital of Bern, Bern, 3010, Switzerland
| | - Stefanie Fischer
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, 9007, Switzerland
| | - Joanna Triscott
- Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, 3008, Switzerland
| | - Marika Lehner
- Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, 3008, Switzerland
| | - Phillip Thienger
- Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, 3008, Switzerland
| | - Sina Maletti
- Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, 3008, Switzerland
| | - Muriel Jacquet
- Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, 3008, Switzerland
| | - Dinda S H Lubis
- Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, 3008, Switzerland
| | - Lukas Bubendorf
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Pathology, University Hospital of Basel, Basel, 4031, Switzerland
| | - Wolfram Jochum
- Institute of Pathology, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, 9007, Switzerland
| | - Mark A Rubin
- Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, 3008, Switzerland.
- Bern Center for Precision Medicine, Inselspital, University Hospital of Bern, Bern, 3008, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Sun H, Li X, Long Q, Wang X, Zhu W, Chen E, Zhou W, Yang H, Huang C, Deng W, Chen M. TERC promotes non-small cell lung cancer progression by facilitating the nuclear localization of TERT. iScience 2024; 27:109869. [PMID: 38799568 PMCID: PMC11126826 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
The core of telomerase consists of the protein subunit telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) and the telomerase RNA component (TERC). So far, the role of TERC in cancer development has remained elusive. Here, we found TERC expression elevated in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tissues, which was associated with disease progression and poor prognosis in patients. Using NSCLC cell lines and xenograft models, we showed that knockdown of TERC caused cell cycle arrest, and inhibition of cell proliferation and migration. Mechanistically, TERC was exported to the cytoplasm by nuclear RNA export factor 1 (NXF1), where it mediated the interaction of TERT with other telomerase subunits. Depletion of TERC hindered the assembly and subsequent nuclear localization of the telomerase complex, preventing TERT from functioning in telomere maintenance and transcription regulation. Our findings suggest that TERC is a potential biomarker for NSCLC diagnosis and prognosis and can be a target for NSCLC treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haohui Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, China
| | - Xiaodi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, China
| | - Qian Long
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, China
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Xiaonan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, China
| | - Wancui Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, China
| | - Enni Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, China
| | - Wenhao Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, China
| | - Han Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, China
| | - Chuyang Huang
- Department of Urology, Shaoyang Central Hospital, University of South China, Shaoyang, Hunan 422000, China
| | - Wuguo Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, China
| | - Miao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Kumar A, Nagasaka Y, Jayananthan V, Zidan A, Heisler-Taylor T, Ambati J, Tamiya S, Kerur N. Therapeutic targeting of telomerase ameliorates experimental choroidal neovascularization. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:167156. [PMID: 38582267 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2024.167156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is the principal driver of blindness in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nvAMD). Increased activity of telomerase, has been associated with endothelial cell proliferation, survival, migration, and invasion in the context of tumor angiogenesis. Expanding on this knowledge, we investigated the role of telomerase in the development of CNV in mouse model. We observed increased gene expression and activity of telomerase in mouse CNV. Genetic deficiency of the telomerase components, telomerase reverse transcriptase (Tert) and telomerase RNA component (Terc) suppressed laser-induced CNV in mice. Similarly, a small molecule inhibitor of TERT (BIBR 1532), and antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) targeting Tert and Terc reduced CNV growth. Bone marrow chimera studies suggested that telomerase activity in non-bone marrow-derived cells is crucial for the development of CNV. Comparison of BIBR 1532 with VEGF neutralizing therapeutic strategy in mouse revealed a comparable level of angiosuppressive activity. However, when BIBR and anti-VEGF antibodies were administered as a combination at sub-therapeutic doses, a statistically significant suppression of CNV was observed. These findings underscore the potential benefits of combining sub-therapeutic doses of BIBR and anti-VEGF antibodies for developing newer therapeutic strategies for NV-AMD. Telomerase inhibition with BIBR 1532 suppressed induction of multiple cytokines and growth factors critical for neovascularization. In conclusion, our study identifies telomerase as a promising therapeutic target for treating neovascular disease of the eye and thus provides a proof of principle for further exploration of telomerase inhibition as a novel treatment strategy for nvAMD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aman Kumar
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Yosuke Nagasaka
- Center for Advanced Vision Science, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Vinodhini Jayananthan
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Asmaa Zidan
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Tyler Heisler-Taylor
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Jayakrishna Ambati
- Center for Advanced Vision Science, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Shigeo Tamiya
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Nagaraj Kerur
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA; Center for Advanced Vision Science, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA; Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Akilesh S. WIP1 inhibition as a new therapeutic strategy for collapsing glomerulopathy. Kidney Int 2024; 105:923-924. [PMID: 38642989 DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2024.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Abstract
Collapsing glomerulopathy (CG) is an aggressive variant of focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis. Understanding the diverse mechanisms that can drive CG promises to uncover new therapeutic strategies. In this issue, Duret et al. identify WIP1 phosphatase as a therapeutic target for CG. Using genetic ablation and pharmacologic inhibition, they show that blockade of WIP1 activity is protective in 2 different mouse models of CG. This study highlights the complex interplay of glomerular signaling pathways in CG and offers hope for targeted therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shreeram Akilesh
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Duret LC, Hamidouche T, Steers NJ, Pons C, Soubeiran N, Buret D, Gilson E, Gharavi AG, D'Agati VD, Shkreli M. Targeting WIP1 phosphatase promotes partial remission in experimental collapsing glomerulopathy. Kidney Int 2024; 105:980-996. [PMID: 38423182 DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2024.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Collapsing focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), also known as collapsing glomerulopathy (CG), is the most aggressive variant of FSGS and is characterized by a rapid progression to kidney failure. Understanding CG pathogenesis represents a key step for the development of targeted therapies. Previous work implicated the telomerase protein component TERT in CG pathogenesis, as transgenic TERT expression in adult mice resulted in a CG resembling that seen in human primary CG and HIV-associated nephropathy (HIVAN). Here, we used the telomerase-induced mouse model of CG (i-TERTci mice) to identify mechanisms to inhibit CG pathogenesis. Inactivation of WIP1 phosphatase, a p53 target acting in a negative feedback loop, blocked disease initiation in i-TERTci mice. Repression of disease initiation upon WIP1 deficiency was associated with senescence enhancement and required transforming growth factor-β functions. The efficacy of a pharmacologic treatment to reduce disease severity in both i-TERTci mice and in a mouse model of HIVAN (Tg26 mice) was then assessed. Pharmacologic inhibition of WIP1 enzymatic activity in either the telomerase mice with CG or in the Tg26 mice promoted partial remission of proteinuria and ameliorated kidney histopathologic features. Histological as well as high-throughput sequencing methods further showed that selective inhibition of WIP1 does not promote kidney fibrosis or inflammation. Thus, our findings suggest that targeting WIP1 may be an effective therapeutic strategy for patients with CG.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lou C Duret
- Université Côte d'Azur (UCA), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) UMR7284, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm) U1081, Institute for Research on Cancer and aging, Nice (IRCAN), Nice, France
| | - Tynhinane Hamidouche
- Université Côte d'Azur (UCA), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) UMR7284, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm) U1081, Institute for Research on Cancer and aging, Nice (IRCAN), Nice, France
| | - Nicholas J Steers
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Catherine Pons
- Université Côte d'Azur (UCA), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) UMR7284, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm) U1081, Institute for Research on Cancer and aging, Nice (IRCAN), Nice, France
| | - Nicolas Soubeiran
- Université Côte d'Azur (UCA), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) UMR7284, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm) U1081, Institute for Research on Cancer and aging, Nice (IRCAN), Nice, France
| | - Delphine Buret
- Université Côte d'Azur (UCA), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) UMR7284, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm) U1081, Institute for Research on Cancer and aging, Nice (IRCAN), Nice, France
| | - Eric Gilson
- Université Côte d'Azur (UCA), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) UMR7284, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm) U1081, Institute for Research on Cancer and aging, Nice (IRCAN), Nice, France; International Laboratory in Hematology and Cancer, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine/Ruijin Hospital/CNRS/INSERM/Nice University, Pôle Sino-Français de Recherche en Sciences du Vivant et Génomique, Shanghai Ruijin Hospital, Huangpu, Shanghai, PR China; Department of Genetics, CHU Nice, Nice, France
| | - Ali G Gharavi
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Vivette D D'Agati
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Marina Shkreli
- Université Côte d'Azur (UCA), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) UMR7284, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm) U1081, Institute for Research on Cancer and aging, Nice (IRCAN), Nice, France.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Rasouli S, Dakic A, Wang QE, Mitchell D, Blakaj DM, Putluri N, Li J, Liu X. Noncanonical functions of telomerase and telomeres in viruses-associated cancer. J Med Virol 2024; 96:e29665. [PMID: 38738582 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29665] [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: 03/09/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
The cause of cancer is attributed to the uncontrolled growth and proliferation of cells resulting from genetic changes and alterations in cell behavior, a phenomenon known as epigenetics. Telomeres, protective caps on the ends of chromosomes, regulate both cellular aging and cancer formation. In most cancers, telomerase is upregulated, with the telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) enzyme and telomerase RNA component (TERC) RNA element contributing to the maintenance of telomere length. Additionally, it is noteworthy that two viruses, human papillomavirus (HPV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), utilize telomerase for their replication or persistence in infected cells. Also, TERT and TERC may play major roles in cancer not related to telomere biology. They are involved in the regulation of gene expression, signal transduction pathways, cellular metabolism, or even immune response modulation. Furthermore, the crosstalk between TERT, TERC, RNA-binding proteins, and microRNAs contributes to a greater extent to cancer biology. To understand the multifaceted roles played by TERT and TERC in cancer and viral life cycles, and then to develop effective therapeutic strategies against these diseases, are fundamental for this goal. By investigating deeply, the complicated mechanisms and relationships between TERT and TERC, scientists will open the doors to new therapies. In its analysis, the review emphasizes the significance of gaining insight into the multifaceted roles that TERT and TERC play in cancer pathogenesis, as well as their involvement in the viral life cycle for designing effective anticancer therapy approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Rasouli
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Aleksandra Dakic
- Division of Neuroscience, National Institute of Aging, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Qi-En Wang
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Wexner Medical Center, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Darrion Mitchell
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Wexner Medical Center, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Dukagjin M Blakaj
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Wexner Medical Center, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Nagireddy Putluri
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jenny Li
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Xuefeng Liu
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Wexner Medical Center, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Department of Pathology, Wexner Medical Center, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Department of Urology, Wexner Medical Center, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Chatterjee S, Leach-Mehrwald M, Huang CK, Xiao K, Fuchs M, Otto M, Lu D, Dang V, Winkler T, Dunbar CE, Thum T, Bär C. Telomerase is essential for cardiac differentiation and sustained metabolism of human cardiomyocytes. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:196. [PMID: 38658440 PMCID: PMC11043037 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05239-7] [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: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Telomeres as the protective ends of linear chromosomes, are synthesized by the enzyme telomerase (TERT). Critically short telomeres essentially contribute to aging-related diseases and are associated with a broad spectrum of disorders known as telomeropathies. In cardiomyocytes, telomere length is strongly correlated with cardiomyopathies but it remains ambiguous whether short telomeres are the cause or the result of the disease. In this study, we employed an inducible CRISPRi human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) line to silence TERT expression enabling the generation of hiPSCs and hiPSC-derived cardiomyocytes with long and short telomeres. Reduced telomerase activity and shorter telomere lengths of hiPSCs induced global transcriptomic changes associated with cardiac developmental pathways. Consequently, the differentiation potential towards cardiomyocytes was strongly impaired and single cell RNA sequencing revealed a shift towards a more smooth muscle cell like identity in the cells with the shortest telomeres. Poor cardiomyocyte function and increased sensitivity to stress directly correlated with the extent of telomere shortening. Collectively our data demonstrates a TERT dependent cardiomyogenic differentiation defect, highlighting the CRISPRi TERT hiPSCs model as a powerful platform to study the mechanisms and consequences of short telomeres in the heart and also in the context of telomeropathies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shambhabi Chatterjee
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Therapeutic Strategies (IMTTS), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Center of Translational Regenerative Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, Hannover, Germany
| | - Megan Leach-Mehrwald
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Therapeutic Strategies (IMTTS), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Cheng-Kai Huang
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Therapeutic Strategies (IMTTS), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Ke Xiao
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Therapeutic Strategies (IMTTS), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, Hannover, Germany
| | - Maximilian Fuchs
- Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, Hannover, Germany
| | - Mandy Otto
- Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, Hannover, Germany
| | - Dongchao Lu
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Therapeutic Strategies (IMTTS), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Center of Translational Regenerative Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Vinh Dang
- Translational Stem Cell Biology Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Thomas Winkler
- Translational Stem Cell Biology Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Cynthia E Dunbar
- Translational Stem Cell Biology Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Thomas Thum
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Therapeutic Strategies (IMTTS), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Center of Translational Regenerative Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Christian Bär
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Therapeutic Strategies (IMTTS), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.
- Center of Translational Regenerative Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.
- Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, Hannover, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Xia Y, Sun M, Huang H, Jin WL. Drug repurposing for cancer therapy. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:92. [PMID: 38637540 PMCID: PMC11026526 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01808-1] [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: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer, a complex and multifactorial disease, presents a significant challenge to global health. Despite significant advances in surgical, radiotherapeutic and immunological approaches, which have improved cancer treatment outcomes, drug therapy continues to serve as a key therapeutic strategy. However, the clinical efficacy of drug therapy is often constrained by drug resistance and severe toxic side effects, and thus there remains a critical need to develop novel cancer therapeutics. One promising strategy that has received widespread attention in recent years is drug repurposing: the identification of new applications for existing, clinically approved drugs. Drug repurposing possesses several inherent advantages in the context of cancer treatment since repurposed drugs are typically cost-effective, proven to be safe, and can significantly expedite the drug development process due to their already established safety profiles. In light of this, the present review offers a comprehensive overview of the various methods employed in drug repurposing, specifically focusing on the repurposing of drugs to treat cancer. We describe the antitumor properties of candidate drugs, and discuss in detail how they target both the hallmarks of cancer in tumor cells and the surrounding tumor microenvironment. In addition, we examine the innovative strategy of integrating drug repurposing with nanotechnology to enhance topical drug delivery. We also emphasize the critical role that repurposed drugs can play when used as part of a combination therapy regimen. To conclude, we outline the challenges associated with repurposing drugs and consider the future prospects of these repurposed drugs transitioning into clinical application.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ying Xia
- Center for Clinical Laboratories, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, PR China
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, 550001, PR China
- School of Clinical Laboratory Science, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, PR China
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine and, Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Ming Sun
- Center for Clinical Laboratories, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, PR China
- School of Clinical Laboratory Science, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, PR China
| | - Hai Huang
- Center for Clinical Laboratories, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, PR China.
- School of Clinical Laboratory Science, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, PR China.
| | - Wei-Lin Jin
- Institute of Cancer Neuroscience, Medical Frontier Innovation Research Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Fernández-Varas B, Manguan-García C, Rodriguez-Centeno J, Mendoza-Lupiáñez L, Calatayud J, Perona R, Martín-Martínez M, Gutierrez-Rodriguez M, Benítez-Buelga C, Sastre L. Clinical mutations in the TERT and TERC genes coding for telomerase components induced oxidative stress, DNA damage at telomeres and cell apoptosis besides decreased telomerase activity. Hum Mol Genet 2024; 33:818-834. [PMID: 38641551 PMCID: PMC11031360 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddae015] [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: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Telomeres are nucleoprotein structures at the end of chromosomes that maintain their integrity. Mutations in genes coding for proteins involved in telomere protection and elongation produce diseases such as dyskeratosis congenita or idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis known as telomeropathies. These diseases are characterized by premature telomere shortening, increased DNA damage and oxidative stress. Genetic diagnosis of telomeropathy patients has identified mutations in the genes TERT and TERC coding for telomerase components but the functional consequences of many of these mutations still have to be experimentally demonstrated. The activity of twelve TERT and five TERC mutants, five of them identified in Spanish patients, has been analyzed. TERT and TERC mutants were expressed in VA-13 human cells that express low telomerase levels and the activity induced was analyzed. The production of reactive oxygen species, DNA oxidation and TRF2 association at telomeres, DNA damage response and cell apoptosis were determined. Most mutations presented decreased telomerase activity, as compared to wild-type TERT and TERC. In addition, the expression of several TERT and TERC mutants induced oxidative stress, DNA oxidation, DNA damage, decreased recruitment of the shelterin component TRF2 to telomeres and increased apoptosis. These observations might indicate that the increase in DNA damage and oxidative stress observed in cells from telomeropathy patients is dependent on their TERT or TERC mutations. Therefore, analysis of the effect of TERT and TERC mutations of unknown function on DNA damage and oxidative stress could be of great utility to determine the possible pathogenicity of these variants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Fernández-Varas
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomedicas Sols/Morreale CSIC/UAM, Arturo Duperier 4, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristina Manguan-García
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomedicas Sols/Morreale CSIC/UAM, Arturo Duperier 4, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III. C. Melchor Fernandez de Almagro, 3, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Rodriguez-Centeno
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomedicas Sols/Morreale CSIC/UAM, Arturo Duperier 4, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Lucía Mendoza-Lupiáñez
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomedicas Sols/Morreale CSIC/UAM, Arturo Duperier 4, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Joaquin Calatayud
- Departamento de Biología y Geología, Física y Química inorgánica. ESCET, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, C/Tulipán s/n, Móstoles, C.P. 28933 Madrid, Spain
| | - Rosario Perona
- Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III. C. Melchor Fernandez de Almagro, 3, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Salud Carlos III. Calle Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Carlos Benítez-Buelga
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomedicas Sols/Morreale CSIC/UAM, Arturo Duperier 4, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Leandro Sastre
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomedicas Sols/Morreale CSIC/UAM, Arturo Duperier 4, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III. C. Melchor Fernandez de Almagro, 3, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Jayaprasad AG, Chandrasekharan A, Arun Jyothi SP, John Sam SM, Santhoshkumar TR, Pillai MR. Telomerase inhibitors induce mitochondrial oxidation and DNA damage-dependent cell death rescued by Bcl-2/Bcl-xL. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 264:130151. [PMID: 38403227 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.130151] [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: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reactivation of telomerase is a hallmark of cancer and the majority of cancers over-express telomerase. Telomerase-dependent telomere length maintenance confers immortality to cancer cells. However, telomere length-independent cell survival functions of telomerase also play a critical role in tumorigenesis. Multiple telomerase inhibitors have been developed as therapeutics and include anti-sense oligonucleotides, telomerase RNA component targeting agents, chemical inhibitors of telomerase, small molecule inhibitors of hTERT, and telomerase vaccine. In general, telomerase inhibitors affect cell proliferation and survival of cells depending on the telomere length reduction, culminating in replicative senescence or cell death by crisis. However, most telomerase inhibitors kill cancer cells prior to significant reduction in telomere length, suggesting telomere length independent role of telomerase in early telomere dysfunction-dependent cell death. METHODS In this study, we explored the mechanism of cell death induced by three prominent telomerase inhibitors utilizing a series of genetically encoded sensor cells including redox and DNA damage sensor cells. RESULTS We report that telomerase inhibitors induce early cell cycle inhibition, followed by redox alterations at cytosol and mitochondria. Massive mitochondrial oxidation and DNA damage induce classical cell death involving mitochondrial transmembrane potential loss and mitochondrial permeabilization. Real-time imaging of the progression of mitochondrial oxidation revealed that treated cells undergo a biphasic mitochondrial redox alteration during telomerase inhibition, emphasizing the potential role of telomerase in the redox regulation at mitochondria. Additionally, silencing of hTERT confirmed its predominant role in maintaining mitochondrial redox homeostasis. Interestingly, the study also demonstrated that anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins still confer protection against cell death induced by telomerase inhibitors. CONCLUSION The study demonstrates that redox alterations and DNA damage contribute to early cell death by telomerase inhibitors and anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins confer protection from cell death by their ability to safeguard mitochondria from oxidation damage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aparna Geetha Jayaprasad
- Cancer Research Program, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Poojappura, Thycaud, Thiruvananthapuram 695014, Kerala, India; PhD Program, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Madhav Nagar, Manipal, Karnataka 576104, India
| | - Aneesh Chandrasekharan
- Cancer Research Program, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Poojappura, Thycaud, Thiruvananthapuram 695014, Kerala, India
| | - S P Arun Jyothi
- Cancer Research Program, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Poojappura, Thycaud, Thiruvananthapuram 695014, Kerala, India
| | - S M John Sam
- Cancer Research Program, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Poojappura, Thycaud, Thiruvananthapuram 695014, Kerala, India
| | - T R Santhoshkumar
- Cancer Research Program, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Poojappura, Thycaud, Thiruvananthapuram 695014, Kerala, India.
| | - M Radhakrishna Pillai
- Cancer Research Program, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Poojappura, Thycaud, Thiruvananthapuram 695014, Kerala, India.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Wu S, Kou X, Niu Y, Liu Y, Zheng B, Ma J, Liu M, Xue Z. Progress on the mechanism of natural products alleviating androgenetic alopecia. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 264:116022. [PMID: 38086191 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.116022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) has become a widespread problem that leads to considerable impairment of the psyche and daily life. The currently approved medications for the treatment of AGA are associated with significant adverse effects, high costs, and prolonged treatment duration. Therefore, natural products are being considered as possible complementary or alternative treatments. This review aims to enhance comprehension of the mechanisms by which natural products treat AGA. To achieve this, pertinent studies were gathered and subjected to analysis. In addition, the therapeutic mechanisms associated with these natural products were organized and summarized. These include the direct modulation of signaling pathways such as the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, the PI3K/AKT pathway, and the BMP pathway. Additionally, they exert effects on cytokine secretion, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant capabilities, as well as apoptosis and autophagy. Furthermore, the review briefly discusses the relationship between signaling pathways and autophagy and apoptosis in the context of AGA, systematically presents the mechanisms of action of existing natural products, and analyzes the potential therapeutic targets based on the active components of these products. The aim is to provide a theoretical basis for the development of pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, or dietary supplements.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuqi Wu
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, 135 Yaguan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Xiaohong Kou
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, 135 Yaguan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Yujia Niu
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, 135 Yaguan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Yazhou Liu
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, 135 Yaguan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Bowen Zheng
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, 135 Yaguan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Juan Ma
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, 135 Yaguan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Mengyi Liu
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, 135 Yaguan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Zhaohui Xue
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, 135 Yaguan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin, 300072, China.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Yadav R, Das SK, Ali M, Shetake NG, Pandey BN, Kumar A. Mechanistic insights into Thorium-232 induced liver carcinogenesis: The driving role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 907:168065. [PMID: 37884152 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Thorium-232 (Th-232), a naturally-occurring radioactive element with high potential of nuclear fuel is now being utilized in advanced nuclear reactors for CO2-free energy generation. To achieve all-round capability in Th-fuel cycle for health and environment, understanding the biological effects of Th-232 at cellular and molecular level are extremely important. The present study investigated long-term effects (6 and 12 months) of Th-232 (4, 10 and 20 mg/kg) on gene expression in mice liver (major target organ). Analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs, ≥2.0 folds, p < 0.05) showed that with the increase of Th dose (4 to 20 mg/kg), the number of upregulated DEGs increased and the number of downregulated DEGs decreased significantly. A significant number of upregulated DEGs (10 genes in 6 months and 14 genes in 12 months) were found common between 4 and 20 mg/kg. Gene Ontology analysis revealed significant (Padj ~ 10-6-10-28) enrichment of upregulated DEGs for metabolic process, signal transduction, cell death, cell cycle and cell proliferation. KEGG pathway analysis showed DEGs significantly enriched in several cancer-related pathways including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Protein-protein interaction analysis further revealed statistically significant functional interaction (p-value ~10-6-10-10) among the proteins of HCC, which identified β-catenin as one of the most significant signaling nodes in association with myc, an oncogene and p53, a tumor suppressor. Importantly, these results were corroborated by quantitative real time-polymerase chain reaction and western blotting in liver tissues of animals exposed to Th-232. This study insights Wnt/β-catenin signaling network attributable to drive Th-induced liver carcinogenesis, which may have significant implications for management of long-term effects of Th-232.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rakhee Yadav
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai 400 094, India; Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Sourav Kumar Das
- Radiation Biology & Health Sciences Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai 400 085, India; Homi Bhabha National Institute, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai 400 094, India
| | - Manjoor Ali
- Radiation Biology & Health Sciences Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai 400 085, India
| | - Neena G Shetake
- Radiation Biology & Health Sciences Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai 400 085, India
| | - Badri N Pandey
- Radiation Biology & Health Sciences Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai 400 085, India; Homi Bhabha National Institute, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai 400 094, India
| | - Amit Kumar
- Radiation Biology & Health Sciences Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai 400 085, India; Homi Bhabha National Institute, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai 400 094, India.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Li S, Xin Q, Fang G, Deng Y, Yang F, Qiu C, Yang Y, Lan C. Upregulation of mitochondrial telomerase reverse transcriptase mediates the preventive effect of physical exercise on pathological cardiac hypertrophy via improving mitochondrial function and inhibiting oxidative stress. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:166859. [PMID: 37643691 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2023.166859] [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: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Physical exercise is a non-pharmacological intervention that helps prevent pathological cardiac hypertrophy. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) has non-telomeric functions such as protection against mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress, and its myocardial expression is upregulated by physical exercise. Here, we found that physical exercise caused myocardial upregulation of mitochondrial TERT and sustenance during transverse aortic constriction (TAC)-induced cardiac hypertrophy. Overexpression of mitochondrial-targeted TERT (mito-TERT) via adeno-associated virus serotype 9 carrying the TERT-coding sequence fused with N-terminal mitochondrial-targeting sequence improved cardiac function and attenuated cardiac hypertrophy. Mechanistically, mito-TERT ameliorated mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress, which were associated with improving the activity and subunit composition of complex I. Remarkably, the telomerase activator TA-65 also exhibited an antihypertrophic effect. Collectively, our results reveal a significant role for mito-TERT in mediating the antihypertrophic effect of physical exercise and demonstrate that TERT is a potential drug target for treating cardiac hypertrophy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Li
- Department of Cardiology, General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu, PR China; School of Medicine, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Qian Xin
- Department of Cardiology, Sixth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, PR China
| | - Guangyao Fang
- Department of Cardiology, General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu, PR China; School of Medicine, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Yi Deng
- Department of General Practice, General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Fengyuan Yang
- Department of Nephrology, General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Chenming Qiu
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Yongjian Yang
- Department of Cardiology, General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu, PR China; School of Medicine, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China.
| | - Cong Lan
- Department of Cardiology, General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu, PR China; School of Medicine, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Gao Z, Yu Y, Dai Y, Zhao Z, Eckel-Mahan K, Kolonin MG. Gene expression in mice with endothelium-specific telomerase knockout. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1295072. [PMID: 38161328 PMCID: PMC10755458 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1295072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Zhanguo Gao
- The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Yongmei Yu
- The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Yulin Dai
- Center for Precision Health, Cancer Genomics Core, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Zhongming Zhao
- Center for Precision Health, Cancer Genomics Core, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Kristin Eckel-Mahan
- The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Mikhail G. Kolonin
- The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX, United States
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Riviere-Cazaux C, Carlstrom LP, Neth BJ, Olson IE, Rajani K, Rahman M, Ikram S, Mansour MA, Mukherjee B, Warrington AE, Short SC, von Zglinicki T, Brown DA, Burma S, Tchkonia T, Schafer MJ, Baker DJ, Kizilbash SH, Kirkland JL, Burns TC. An untapped window of opportunity for glioma: targeting therapy-induced senescence prior to recurrence. NPJ Precis Oncol 2023; 7:126. [PMID: 38030881 PMCID: PMC10687268 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-023-00476-8] [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: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
High-grade gliomas are primary brain tumors that are incredibly refractory long-term to surgery and chemoradiation, with no proven durable salvage therapies for patients that have failed conventional treatments. Post-treatment, the latent glioma and its microenvironment are characterized by a senescent-like state of mitotic arrest and a senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) induced by prior chemoradiation. Although senescence was once thought to be irreversible, recent evidence has demonstrated that cells may escape this state and re-enter the cell cycle, contributing to tumor recurrence. Moreover, senescent tumor cells could spur the growth of their non-senescent counterparts, thereby accelerating recurrence. In this review, we highlight emerging evidence supporting the use of senolytic agents to ablate latent, senescent-like cells that could contribute to tumor recurrence. We also discuss how senescent cell clearance can decrease the SASP within the tumor microenvironment thereby reducing tumor aggressiveness at recurrence. Finally, senolytics could improve the long-term sequelae of prior therapy on cognition and bone marrow function. We critically review the senolytic drugs currently under preclinical and clinical investigation and the potential challenges that may be associated with deploying senolytics against latent glioma. In conclusion, senescence in glioma and the microenvironment are critical and potential targets for delaying or preventing tumor recurrence and improving patient functional outcomes through senotherapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ian E Olson
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Masum Rahman
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Samar Ikram
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | - Bipasha Mukherjee
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Arthur E Warrington
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Rochester, MN, USA
- Department of Neurology, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Susan C Short
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St. James's, St. James's University Hospital, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Thomas von Zglinicki
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Campus for Ageing and Vitality, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Desmond A Brown
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Sandeep Burma
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Tamar Tchkonia
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Marissa J Schafer
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Darren J Baker
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | - James L Kirkland
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA
- Department of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Terry C Burns
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Rochester, MN, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Kalmykova A. Telomere Checkpoint in Development and Aging. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15979. [PMID: 37958962 PMCID: PMC10647821 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The maintenance of genome integrity through generations is largely determined by the stability of telomeres. Increasing evidence suggests that telomere dysfunction may trigger changes in cell fate, independently of telomere length. Telomeric multiple tandem repeats are potentially highly recombinogenic. Heterochromatin formation, transcriptional repression, the suppression of homologous recombination and chromosome end protection are all required for telomere stability. Genetic and epigenetic defects affecting telomere homeostasis may cause length-independent internal telomeric DNA damage. Growing evidence, including that based on Drosophila research, points to a telomere checkpoint mechanism that coordinates cell fate with telomere state. According to this scenario, telomeres, irrespective of their length, serve as a primary sensor of genome instability that is capable of triggering cell death or developmental arrest. Telomeric factors released from shortened or dysfunctional telomeres are thought to mediate these processes. Here, we discuss a novel signaling role for telomeric RNAs in cell fate and early development. Telomere checkpoint ensures genome stability in multicellular organisms but aggravates the aging process, promoting the accumulation of damaged and senescent cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alla Kalmykova
- Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119334 Moscow, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Cai Y, Sun H, Song X, Zhao J, Xu D, Liu M. The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway inhibits osteoporosis by regulating the expression of TERT: an in vivo and in vitro study. Aging (Albany NY) 2023; 15:11471-11488. [PMID: 37862118 PMCID: PMC10637795 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205136] [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: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
Our study was performed to investigate whether the Wingless and int-1 (Wnt) signaling pathway promotes osteogenic differentiation and inhibits apoptosis in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) by regulating telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) expression. An in vivo model of osteoporosis (OP) in C57BL/6J mice by bilateral ovariectomy (OVX) and an in vitro model of H2O2-induced BMSCs were established separately. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of the pathway-related proteins TERT, β-catenin, and phosphorylated-glycogen synthase kinase-3beta (p-GSK3β)/GSK3β, the osteogenic-related markers osteopontin (OPN), bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2), and runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), and the apoptosis-related indicators B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) and BAX. Osteoblastic phenotypes were also evaluated by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining and serum ALP activity assays. Osteogenic differentiation phenotypes in mice were verified by H&E staining, micro-CT, and parameter analysis of the femur. Western blotting results showed that the expression of the pathway-related proteins TERT, β-catenin, p-GSK3β/GSK3β was reduced in OVX mice and H2O2-induced BMSCs, accompanied by downregulated protein expression of osteogenic-related markers and antiapoptotic indicators and upregulated protein expression of apoptotic proteins compared to those in the control group. Mechanistic studies showed that the activation of Wnt signaling pathway in BMSCs promoted β-catenin translocation to the nucleus, as verified by immunofluorescence and facilitated colocalization between β-catenin and TERT, as verified by double-labeling immunofluorescence, thereby promoting osteogenic differentiation and reducing apoptosis. In summary, our experiments confirmed that the GSK3β/β-catenin/TERT pathway could regulate the osteogenic differentiation and apoptosis of BMSCs and that TERT might be a promising target for the future treatment of osteoporosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuanqing Cai
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Xigang, Dalian 116011, China
| | - Huijun Sun
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Lvshunkou, Dalian 116044, China
| | - Xingyu Song
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Xigang, Dalian 116011, China
| | - Jianyu Zhao
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Xigang, Dalian 116011, China
| | - Dong Xu
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Xigang, Dalian 116011, China
| | - Mozhen Liu
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Xigang, Dalian 116011, China
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Ebata H, Shima T, Iizuka R, Uemura S. Accumulation of TERT in mitochondria exerts two opposing effects on apoptosis. FEBS Open Bio 2023; 13:1667-1682. [PMID: 37525387 PMCID: PMC10476567 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.13682] [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: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) is a protein that catalyzes the reverse transcription of telomere elongation. TERT is also expected to play a non-canonical role beyond telomere lengthening since it localizes not only in the nucleus but also in mitochondria, where telomeres do not exist. Several studies have reported that mitochondrial TERT regulates apoptosis induced by oxidative stress. However, there is still some controversy as to whether mitochondrial TERT promotes or inhibits apoptosis, mainly due to the lack of information on changes in TERT distribution in individual cells over time. Here, we simultaneously detected apoptosis and TERT localization after oxidative stress in individual HeLa cells by live-cell tracking. Single-cell tracking revealed that the stress-induced accumulation of TERT in mitochondria caused apoptosis, but that accumulation increased over time until cell death. The results suggest a new model in which mitochondrial TERT has two opposing effects at different stages of apoptosis: it predetermines apoptosis at the first stage of cell-fate determination, but also delays apoptosis at the second stage. As such, our data support a model that integrates the two opposing hypotheses on mitochondrial TERT's effect on apoptosis. Furthermore, detailed statistical analysis of TERT mutations, which have been predicted to inhibit TERT transport to mitochondria, revealed that these mutations suppress apoptosis independent of mitochondrial localization of TERT. Together, these results imply that the non-canonical functions of TERT affect a wide range of mitochondria-dependent and mitochondria-independent apoptosis pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Ebata
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of ScienceThe University of TokyoJapan
- Present address:
Buck Institute for Research on AgingNovatoCAUSA
| | - Tomohiro Shima
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of ScienceThe University of TokyoJapan
| | - Ryo Iizuka
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of ScienceThe University of TokyoJapan
| | - Sotaro Uemura
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of ScienceThe University of TokyoJapan
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Yang R, Han Y, Guan X, Hong Y, Meng J, Ding S, Long Q, Yi W. Regulation and clinical potential of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT/hTERT) in breast cancer. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:218. [PMID: 37612721 PMCID: PMC10463831 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01244-8] [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: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT/hTERT) serves as the pivotal catalytic subunit of telomerase, a crucial enzyme responsible for telomere maintenance and human genome stability. The high activation of hTERT, observed in over 90% of tumors, plays a significant role in tumor initiation and progression. An in-depth exploration of hTERT activation mechanisms in cancer holds promise for advancing our understanding of the disease and developing more effective treatment strategies. In breast cancer, the expression of hTERT is regulated by epigenetic, transcriptional, post-translational modification mechanisms and DNA variation. Besides its canonical function in telomere maintenance, hTERT exerts non-canonical roles that contribute to disease progression through telomerase-independent mechanisms. This comprehensive review summarizes the regulatory mechanisms governing hTERT in breast cancer and elucidates the functional implications of its activation. Given the overexpression of hTERT in most breast cancer cells, the detection of hTERT and its associated molecules are potential for enhancing early screening and prognostic evaluation of breast cancer. Although still in its early stages, therapeutic approaches targeting hTERT and its regulatory molecules show promise as viable strategies for breast cancer treatment. These methods are also discussed in this paper. Video Abstract.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruozhu Yang
- Department of General Surgery, the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Yi Han
- Department of General Surgery, the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Xinyu Guan
- Department of General Surgery, the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Yue Hong
- Department of General Surgery, the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Jiahao Meng
- Department of General Surgery, the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Shirong Ding
- Department of Oncology, the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, 410011, China.
| | - Qian Long
- Department of General Surgery, the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, 410011, China.
| | - Wenjun Yi
- Department of General Surgery, the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, 410011, China.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Waksal JA, Bruedigam C, Komrokji RS, Jamieson CHM, Mascarenhas JO. Telomerase-targeted therapies in myeloid malignancies. Blood Adv 2023; 7:4302-4314. [PMID: 37216228 PMCID: PMC10424149 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2023009903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Human telomeres are tandem arrays that are predominantly composed of 5'-TTAGGG-3' nucleotide sequences at the terminal ends of chromosomes. These sequences serve 2 primary functions: they preserve genomic integrity by protecting the ends of chromosomes, preventing inappropriate degradation by DNA repair mechanisms, and they prevent loss of genetic information during cellular division. When telomeres shorten to reach a critical length, termed the Hayflick limit, cell senescence or death is triggered. Telomerase is a key enzyme involved in synthesizing and maintaining the length of telomeres within rapidly dividing cells and is upregulated across nearly all malignant cells. Accordingly, targeting telomerase to inhibit uncontrolled cell growth has been an area of great interest for decades. In this review, we summarize telomere and telomerase biology because it relates to both physiologic and malignant cells. We discuss the development of telomere- and telomerase-targeted therapeutic candidates within the realm of myeloid malignancies. We overview all mechanisms of targeting telomerase that are currently in development, with a particular focus on imetelstat, an oligonucleotide with direct telomerase inhibitory properties that has advanced the furthest in clinical development and has demonstrated promising data in multiple myeloid malignancies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julian A. Waksal
- Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Claudia Bruedigam
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | | | | | - John O. Mascarenhas
- Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Teng Y, Huang DQ, Li RX, Yi C, Zhan YQ. Association Between Telomere Length and Risk of Lung Cancer in an Asian Population: A Mendelian Randomization Study. World J Oncol 2023; 14:277-284. [PMID: 37560336 PMCID: PMC10409562 DOI: 10.14740/wjon1624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several traditional observational studies and Mendelian randomization (MR) studies have indicated an association between leukocyte telomere length (LTL) and the risk of lung cancer in the European population. However, the results in the Asian population are still unclear. The objective was to reveal the genetic causal association between LTL and the risk of lung cancer in the Asian population. METHODS We conducted a two-sample MR analysis using summary statistics. Instrumental variables (IVs) were obtained from the genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of LTL (n = 23,096) and lung cancer (n = 212,453) of Asian ancestry. We applied the random-effects inverse-variance weighted (IVW) model as the main method. As well, several other models were performed as complementary methods to assess the impact of potential MR assumption violations, including MR-Egger regression, weighted median, and weighted mode models. RESULTS We included eight single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) as IVs for LTL and found that LTL was significantly associated with the risk of lung cancer in the IVW model (odds ratio (OR): 1.60; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.31 - 1.97; P = 5.96 × 10-6), which was in line with the results in the weighted median and weighted mode models. However, the relationship was not statistically significant in the MR-Egger regression model (OR: 1.44; 95% CI: 0.92 - 2.26; P = 0.160). Sensitivity analyses indicated the robustness of the results. CONCLUSIONS This two-sample MR study confirmed that longer telomere length significantly increased the risk of lung cancer in the Asian population, which was in accord with findings in the Western population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi Teng
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China
- National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Dan Qi Huang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China
- National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Rui Xi Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, China
- These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Chao Yi
- Guangming Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yi Qiang Zhan
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Chang DG, Kim JW, Kim HJ, Kim YH, Kim SI, Ha KY. The neuro-protective role of telomerase via TERT/TERF-2 in the acute phase of spinal cord injury. EUROPEAN SPINE JOURNAL : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE EUROPEAN SPINE SOCIETY, THE EUROPEAN SPINAL DEFORMITY SOCIETY, AND THE EUROPEAN SECTION OF THE CERVICAL SPINE RESEARCH SOCIETY 2023; 32:2431-2440. [PMID: 37165116 DOI: 10.1007/s00586-023-07561-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the interaction of telomerase activity and telomere length on neuro-protection or neuro-degeneration effects after spinal cord injury (SCI). METHODS A contusive SCI model was developed using 56 Sprague-Dawley rats. Seven rats were allocated into acute injury phase groups (1, 3, 8, 24, and 48 h), and sub-acute and chronic injury phase groups (1, 2, and 4 weeks). Telomerase activity was assessed by telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) and telomeric repeat binding factor-2 (TERF-2). Differentiation of activated neural stem cells was investigated by co-expression of neuronal/glial cell markers. Apoptosis expression was also investigated by caspase-3, 8, and 9 using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labelling staining. Immunofluorescence staining and western blotting were performed for quantitative analyses. RESULTS Expression of TERT increased gradually until 24 h post-injury, and was decreased following SCI (P < 0.05). TERF-2 also was increased following SCI until 24 h post-injury and then decreased with time (P < 0.05). Co-localization of TERT and TERF-2 was higher at 24 h post-injury. High expression of TERT was seen in neurons (Neu N Ab), however, expression of TERT was relatively lower in astrocytes and oligodendrocytes. Apoptosis analysis showed persistent high expression of caspases-3, -9, and -8 during the observation period. CONCLUSIONS Increased TERT and TERF-2 activity were noted 24 h post-injury in the acute phase of SCI with TERF-2 maintaining telomeric-repeat length. Our results suggest that increased activity of telomere maintenance may be related to neuro-protective mechanisms against subsequent apoptosis resulting from DNA damage after acute SCI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Gune Chang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Inje University Sanggye Paik Hospital, College of Medicine, Inje University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jang-Woon Kim
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hong Jin Kim
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Inje University Sanggye Paik Hospital, College of Medicine, Inje University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young-Hoon Kim
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sang-Il Kim
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kee-Yong Ha
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University at Gangdong, Dongnam-ro, Gangdong-Gu, 892, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Sun L, Zhang X, Wu S, Liu Y, Guerrero-Juarez CF, Liu W, Huang J, Yao Q, Yin M, Li J, Ramos R, Liao Y, Wu R, Xia T, Zhang X, Yang Y, Li F, Heng S, Zhang W, Yang M, Tzeng CM, Ji C, Plikus MV, Gallo RL, Zhang LJ. Dynamic interplay between IL-1 and WNT pathways in regulating dermal adipocyte lineage cells during skin development and wound regeneration. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112647. [PMID: 37330908 PMCID: PMC10765379 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Dermal adipocyte lineage cells are highly plastic and can undergo reversible differentiation and dedifferentiation in response to various stimuli. Using single-cell RNA sequencing of developing or wounded mouse skin, we classify dermal fibroblasts (dFBs) into distinct non-adipogenic and adipogenic cell states. Cell differentiation trajectory analyses identify IL-1-NF-κB and WNT-β-catenin as top signaling pathways that positively and negatively associate with adipogenesis, respectively. Upon wounding, activation of adipocyte progenitors and wound-induced adipogenesis are mediated in part by neutrophils through the IL-1R-NF-κB-CREB signaling axis. In contrast, WNT activation, by WNT ligand and/or ablation of Gsk3, inhibits the adipogenic potential of dFBs but promotes lipolysis and dedifferentiation of mature adipocytes, contributing to myofibroblast formation. Finally, sustained WNT activation and inhibition of adipogenesis is seen in human keloids. These data reveal molecular mechanisms underlying the plasticity of dermal adipocyte lineage cells, defining potential therapeutic targets for defective wound healing and scar formation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lixiang Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Xiaowei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Shuai Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Youxi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | | | - Wenjie Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Jinwen Huang
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Qian Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Meimei Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Jiacheng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Raul Ramos
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Yanhang Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Rundong Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Tian Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Xinyuan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Yichun Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Fengwu Li
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Shujun Heng
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Wenlu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Minggang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 350005, China
| | - Chi-Meng Tzeng
- Translation Medicine Research Center (TMRC), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Chao Ji
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Maksim V Plikus
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Richard L Gallo
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Ling-Juan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Veenstra BT, Veenstra TD. Proteomic applications in identifying protein-protein interactions. ADVANCES IN PROTEIN CHEMISTRY AND STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY 2023; 138:1-48. [PMID: 38220421 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apcsb.2023.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
There are many things that can be used to characterize a protein. Size, isoelectric point, hydrophobicity, structure (primary to quaternary), and subcellular location are just a few parameters that are used. The most important feature of a protein, however, is its function. While there are many experiments that can indicate a protein's role, identifying the molecules it interacts with is probably the most definitive way of determining its function. Owing to technology limitations, protein interactions have historically been identified on a one molecule per experiment basis. The advent of high throughput multiplexed proteomic technologies in the 1990s, however, made identifying hundreds and thousands of proteins interactions within single experiments feasible. These proteomic technologies have dramatically increased the rate at which protein-protein interactions (PPIs) are discovered. While the improvement in mass spectrometry technology was an early driving force in the rapid pace of identifying PPIs, advances in sample preparation and chromatography have recently been propelling the field. In this chapter, we will discuss the importance of identifying PPIs and describe current state-of-the-art technologies that demonstrate what is currently possible in this important area of biological research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin T Veenstra
- Department of Math and Sciences, Cedarville University, Cedarville, OH, United States
| | - Timothy D Veenstra
- School of Pharmacy, Cedarville University, Cedarville, OH, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Misetic H, Keddar MR, Jeannon JP, Ciccarelli FD. Mechanistic insights into the interactions between cancer drivers and the tumour immune microenvironment. Genome Med 2023; 15:40. [PMID: 37277866 DOI: 10.1186/s13073-023-01197-0] [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: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The crosstalk between cancer and the tumour immune microenvironment (TIME) has attracted significant interest in the latest years because of its impact on cancer evolution and response to treatment. Despite this, cancer-specific tumour-TIME interactions and their mechanistic insights are still poorly understood. METHODS Here, we compute the significant interactions occurring between cancer-specific genetic drivers and five anti- and pro-tumour TIME features in 32 cancer types using Lasso regularised ordinal regression. Focusing on head and neck squamous cancer (HNSC), we rebuild the functional networks linking specific TIME driver alterations to the TIME state they associate with. RESULTS The 477 TIME drivers that we identify are multifunctional genes whose alterations are selected early in cancer evolution and recur across and within cancer types. Tumour suppressors and oncogenes have an opposite effect on the TIME and the overall anti-tumour TIME driver burden is predictive of response to immunotherapy. TIME driver alterations predict the immune profiles of HNSC molecular subtypes, and perturbations in keratinization, apoptosis and interferon signalling underpin specific driver-TIME interactions. CONCLUSIONS Overall, our study delivers a comprehensive resource of TIME drivers, gives mechanistic insights into their immune-regulatory role, and provides an additional framework for patient prioritisation to immunotherapy. The full list of TIME drivers and associated properties are available at http://www.network-cancer-genes.org .
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hrvoje Misetic
- Cancer Systems Biology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, NW1 1AT, UK
- School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, London, SE11UL, UK
| | - Mohamed Reda Keddar
- Cancer Systems Biology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, NW1 1AT, UK
- School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, London, SE11UL, UK
| | - Jean-Pierre Jeannon
- Department of Head & Neck Surgery, Great Maze Pond, Guy's Hospital, London, SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Francesca D Ciccarelli
- Cancer Systems Biology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, NW1 1AT, UK.
- School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, London, SE11UL, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Delyon J, Vallet A, Bernard-Cacciarella M, Kuzniak I, Reger de Moura C, Louveau B, Jouenne F, Mourah S, Lebbé C, Dumaz N. TERT Expression Induces Resistance to BRAF and MEK Inhibitors in BRAF-Mutated Melanoma In Vitro. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15112888. [PMID: 37296851 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15112888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Because BRAF-mutated melanomas are addicted to the Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) pathway they show a high response rate to BRAF and MEK inhibitors. However, the clinical responses to these inhibitors are often short-lived with the rapid onset of resistance to treatment. Deciphering the molecular mechanisms driving resistance has been the subject of intense research. Recent in vitro and clinical data have suggested a link between expression of telomerase and resistance to targeted therapy in melanoma. TERT promoter mutations are the main mechanism for the continuous upregulation of telomerase in melanoma and co-occur frequently with BRAF alterations. To understand how TERT promoter mutations could be associated with resistance to targeted therapy in melanoma, we conducted translational and in vitro studies. In a cohort of V600E-BRAF-mutated melanoma patients, we showed that the TERT promoter mutation status and TERT expression tended to be associated with response to BRAF and MEK inhibitors. We demonstrated that TERT overexpression in BRAF-mutated melanoma cells reduced sensitivity to BRAF and MEK independently of TERT's telomer maintenance activity. Interestingly, inhibition of TERT reduced growth of BRAF-mutated melanoma including resistant cells. TERT expression in melanoma can therefore be a new biomarker for resistance to MAPK inhibitors as well as a novel therapeutic target.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julie Delyon
- INSERM, U976, Team 1, Human Immunology Pathophysiology & Immunotherapy (HIPI), F-75010 Paris, France
- Université Paris Cité, Institut de Recherche Saint Louis (IRSL), F-75010 Paris, France
- Département de Dermatologie, Hôpital Saint Louis, AP-HP, F-75010 Paris, France
| | - Anaïs Vallet
- INSERM, U976, Team 1, Human Immunology Pathophysiology & Immunotherapy (HIPI), F-75010 Paris, France
- Université Paris Cité, Institut de Recherche Saint Louis (IRSL), F-75010 Paris, France
| | - Mélanie Bernard-Cacciarella
- INSERM, U976, Team 1, Human Immunology Pathophysiology & Immunotherapy (HIPI), F-75010 Paris, France
- Université Paris Cité, Institut de Recherche Saint Louis (IRSL), F-75010 Paris, France
- Département de Dermatologie, Hôpital Saint Louis, AP-HP, F-75010 Paris, France
| | - Isabelle Kuzniak
- INSERM, U976, Team 1, Human Immunology Pathophysiology & Immunotherapy (HIPI), F-75010 Paris, France
- Université Paris Cité, Institut de Recherche Saint Louis (IRSL), F-75010 Paris, France
| | - Coralie Reger de Moura
- INSERM, U976, Team 1, Human Immunology Pathophysiology & Immunotherapy (HIPI), F-75010 Paris, France
- Université Paris Cité, Institut de Recherche Saint Louis (IRSL), F-75010 Paris, France
- Département de Pharmacogénomique, Hôpital Saint Louis, AP-HP, F-75010 Paris, France
| | - Baptiste Louveau
- INSERM, U976, Team 1, Human Immunology Pathophysiology & Immunotherapy (HIPI), F-75010 Paris, France
- Université Paris Cité, Institut de Recherche Saint Louis (IRSL), F-75010 Paris, France
- Département de Pharmacogénomique, Hôpital Saint Louis, AP-HP, F-75010 Paris, France
| | - Fanélie Jouenne
- INSERM, U976, Team 1, Human Immunology Pathophysiology & Immunotherapy (HIPI), F-75010 Paris, France
- Université Paris Cité, Institut de Recherche Saint Louis (IRSL), F-75010 Paris, France
- Département de Pharmacogénomique, Hôpital Saint Louis, AP-HP, F-75010 Paris, France
| | - Samia Mourah
- INSERM, U976, Team 1, Human Immunology Pathophysiology & Immunotherapy (HIPI), F-75010 Paris, France
- Université Paris Cité, Institut de Recherche Saint Louis (IRSL), F-75010 Paris, France
- Département de Pharmacogénomique, Hôpital Saint Louis, AP-HP, F-75010 Paris, France
| | - Céleste Lebbé
- INSERM, U976, Team 1, Human Immunology Pathophysiology & Immunotherapy (HIPI), F-75010 Paris, France
- Université Paris Cité, Institut de Recherche Saint Louis (IRSL), F-75010 Paris, France
- Département de Dermatologie, Hôpital Saint Louis, AP-HP, F-75010 Paris, France
| | - Nicolas Dumaz
- INSERM, U976, Team 1, Human Immunology Pathophysiology & Immunotherapy (HIPI), F-75010 Paris, France
- Université Paris Cité, Institut de Recherche Saint Louis (IRSL), F-75010 Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Amin A, Morello M, Petrara MR, Rizzo B, Argenton F, De Rossi A, Giunco S. Short-Term TERT Inhibition Impairs Cellular Proliferation via a Telomere Length-Independent Mechanism and Can Be Exploited as a Potential Anticancer Approach. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:2673. [PMID: 37345011 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15102673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT), the catalytic component of telomerase, may also contribute to carcinogenesis via telomere-length independent mechanisms. Our previous in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated that short-term telomerase inhibition by BIBR1532 impairs cell proliferation without affecting telomere length. Here, we show that the impaired cell cycle progression following short-term TERT inhibition by BIBR1532 in in vitro models of B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders, i.e., Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-immortalized lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs), and B-cell malignancies, i.e., Burkitt's lymphoma (BL) cell lines, is characterized by a significant reduction in NF-κB p65 nuclear levels leading to the downregulation of its target gene MYC. MYC downregulation was associated with increased expression and nuclear localization of P21, thus promoting its cell cycle inhibitory function. Consistently, treatment with BIBR1532 in wild-type zebrafish embryos significantly decreased Myc and increased p21 expression. The combination of BIBR1532 with antineoplastic drugs (cyclophosphamide or fludarabine) significantly reduced xenografted cells' proliferation rate compared to monotherapy in the zebrafish xenograft model. Overall, these findings indicate that short-term inhibition of TERT impairs cell growth through the downregulation of MYC via NF-κB signalling and supports the use of TERT inhibitors in combination with antineoplastic drugs as an efficient anticancer strategy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aamir Amin
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Section of Oncology and Immunology, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Marzia Morello
- Immunology and Diagnostic Molecular Oncology Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Maria Raffaella Petrara
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Section of Oncology and Immunology, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Beatrice Rizzo
- Immunology and Diagnostic Molecular Oncology Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | | | - Anita De Rossi
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Section of Oncology and Immunology, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
- Immunology and Diagnostic Molecular Oncology Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Silvia Giunco
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Section of Oncology and Immunology, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
- Immunology and Diagnostic Molecular Oncology Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, 35128 Padova, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Hill C, Duffy S, Kettyle LM, McGlynn L, Sandholm N, Salem RM, Thompson A, Swan EJ, Kilner J, Rossing P, Shiels PG, Lajer M, Groop PH, Maxwell AP, McKnight AJ. Differential Methylation of Telomere-Related Genes Is Associated with Kidney Disease in Individuals with Type 1 Diabetes. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14051029. [PMID: 37239390 DOI: 10.3390/genes14051029] [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: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) represents a major global health problem. Accelerated ageing is a key feature of DKD and, therefore, characteristics of accelerated ageing may provide useful biomarkers or therapeutic targets. Harnessing multi-omics, features affecting telomere biology and any associated methylome dysregulation in DKD were explored. Genotype data for nuclear genome polymorphisms in telomere-related genes were extracted from genome-wide case-control association data (n = 823 DKD/903 controls; n = 247 end-stage kidney disease (ESKD)/1479 controls). Telomere length was established using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Quantitative methylation values for 1091 CpG sites in telomere-related genes were extracted from epigenome-wide case-control association data (n = 150 DKD/100 controls). Telomere length was significantly shorter in older age groups (p = 7.6 × 10-6). Telomere length was also significantly reduced (p = 6.6 × 10-5) in DKD versus control individuals, with significance remaining after covariate adjustment (p = 0.028). DKD and ESKD were nominally associated with telomere-related genetic variation, with Mendelian randomisation highlighting no significant association between genetically predicted telomere length and kidney disease. A total of 496 CpG sites in 212 genes reached epigenome-wide significance (p ≤ 10-8) for DKD association, and 412 CpG sites in 193 genes for ESKD. Functional prediction revealed differentially methylated genes were enriched for Wnt signalling involvement. Harnessing previously published RNA-sequencing datasets, potential targets where epigenetic dysregulation may result in altered gene expression were revealed, useful as potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets for intervention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claire Hill
- Centre for Public Health, Queen's University of Belfast, Belfast BT12 6BA, UK
| | - Seamus Duffy
- Centre for Public Health, Queen's University of Belfast, Belfast BT12 6BA, UK
| | - Laura M Kettyle
- Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, Queen's University of Belfast, Belfast BT9 7AE, UK
| | - Liane McGlynn
- College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Niina Sandholm
- Folkhälsan Institute of Genetics, Folkhälsan Research Center, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Helsinki University Central Hospital, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
- Research Program for Clinical and Molecular Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Rany M Salem
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Alex Thompson
- School of Medicine, The Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Elizabeth J Swan
- Centre for Public Health, Queen's University of Belfast, Belfast BT12 6BA, UK
| | - Jill Kilner
- Centre for Public Health, Queen's University of Belfast, Belfast BT12 6BA, UK
| | - Peter Rossing
- Nordsjaellands Hospital, Hilleroed, Denmark and Health, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
- Steno Diabetes Center, 2730 Gentofte, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, 1165 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Paul G Shiels
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Davidson Building, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Maria Lajer
- Steno Diabetes Center, 2730 Gentofte, Denmark
| | - Per-Henrik Groop
- Folkhälsan Institute of Genetics, Folkhälsan Research Center, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Helsinki University Central Hospital, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
- Research Program for Clinical and Molecular Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Diabetes, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Alexander Peter Maxwell
- Centre for Public Health, Queen's University of Belfast, Belfast BT12 6BA, UK
- Regional Nephrology Unit, Belfast City Hospital, Belfast BT9 7AB, UK
| | - Amy Jayne McKnight
- Centre for Public Health, Queen's University of Belfast, Belfast BT12 6BA, UK
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Palamarchuk AI, Kovalenko EI, Streltsova MA. Multiple Actions of Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase in Cell Death Regulation. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11041091. [PMID: 37189709 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11041091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT), a core part of telomerase, has been known for a long time only for its telomere lengthening function by reverse transcription of RNA template. Currently, TERT is considered as an intriguing link between multiple signaling pathways. The diverse intracellular localization of TERT corresponds to a wide range of functional activities. In addition to the canonical function of protecting chromosome ends, TERT by itself or as a part of the telomerase complex participates in cell stress responses, gene regulation and mitochondria functioning. Upregulation of TERT expression and increased telomerase activity in cancer and somatic cells relate to improved survival and persistence of such cells. In this review, we summarize the data for a comprehensive understanding of the role of TERT in cell death regulation, with a focus on the interaction of TERT with signaling pathways involved in cell survival and stress response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia I. Palamarchuk
- Shemyakin & Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Ul. Miklukho-Maklaya 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Elena I. Kovalenko
- Shemyakin & Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Ul. Miklukho-Maklaya 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Maria A. Streltsova
- Shemyakin & Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Ul. Miklukho-Maklaya 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
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.
Collapse
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:
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Cosgun KN, Jumaa H, Robinson ME, Kistner KM, Xu L, Xiao G, Chan LN, Lee J, Kume K, Leveille E, Fonseca-Arce D, Khanduja D, Ng HL, Feldhahn N, Song J, Chan WC, Chen J, Taketo MM, Kothari S, Davids MS, Schjerven H, Jellusova J, Müschen M. Targeted engagement of β-catenin-Ikaros complexes in refractory B-cell malignancies. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.13.532152. [PMID: 36993619 PMCID: PMC10054980 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.13.532152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED In most cell types, nuclear β-catenin functions as prominent oncogenic driver and pairs with TCF7-family factors for transcriptional activation of MYC. Surprisingly, B-lymphoid malignancies not only lacked expression and activating lesions of β-catenin but critically depended on GSK3β for effective β-catenin degradation. Our interactome studies in B-lymphoid tumors revealed that β-catenin formed repressive complexes with lymphoid-specific Ikaros factors at the expense of TCF7. Instead of MYC-activation, β-catenin was essential to enable Ikaros-mediated recruitment of nucleosome remodeling and deacetylation (NuRD) complexes for transcriptional repression of MYC. To leverage this previously unrecognized vulnerability of B-cell-specific repressive β-catenin-Ikaros-complexes in refractory B-cell malignancies, we examined GSK3β small molecule inhibitors to subvert β-catenin degradation. Clinically approved GSK3β-inhibitors that achieved favorable safety prof les at micromolar concentrations in clinical trials for neurological disorders and solid tumors were effective at low nanomolar concentrations in B-cell malignancies, induced massive accumulation of β-catenin, repression of MYC and acute cell death. Preclinical in vivo treatment experiments in patient-derived xenografts validated small molecule GSK3β-inhibitors for targeted engagement of lymphoid-specific β-catenin-Ikaros complexes as a novel strategy to overcome conventional mechanisms of drug-resistance in refractory malignancies. HIGHLIGHTS Unlike other cell lineages, B-cells express nuclear β-catenin protein at low baseline levels and depend on GSK3β for its degradation.In B-cells, β-catenin forms unique complexes with lymphoid-specific Ikaros factors and is required for Ikaros-mediated tumor suppression and assembly of repressive NuRD complexes. CRISPR-based knockin mutation of a single Ikaros-binding motif in a lymphoid MYC superenhancer region reversed β-catenin-dependent Myc repression and induction of cell death. The discovery of GSK3β-dependent degradation of β-catenin as unique B-lymphoid vulnerability provides a rationale to repurpose clinically approved GSK3β-inhibitors for the treatment of refractory B-cell malignancies. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT Abundant nuclear β-cateninβ-catenin pairs with TCF7 factors for transcriptional activation of MYCB-cells rely on efficient degradation of β-catenin by GSK3βB-cell-specific expression of Ikaros factors Unique vulnerability in B-cell tumors: GSK3β-inhibitors induce nuclear accumulation of β-catenin.β-catenin pairs with B-cell-specific Ikaros factors for transcriptional repression of MYC.
Collapse
|
38
|
da Mota THA, Camargo R, Biojone ER, Guimarães AFR, Pittella-Silva F, de Oliveira DM. The Relevance of Telomerase and Telomere-Associated Proteins in B-Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14030691. [PMID: 36980962 PMCID: PMC10048576 DOI: 10.3390/genes14030691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomeres and telomerase are closely linked to uncontrolled cellular proliferation, immortalization and carcinogenesis. Telomerase has been largely studied in the context of cancer, including leukemias. Deregulation of human telomerase gene hTERT is a well-established step in leukemia development. B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) recovery rates exceed 90% in children; however, the relapse rate is around 20% among treated patients, and 10% of these are still incurable. This review highlights the biological and clinical relevance of telomerase for B-ALL and the implications of its canonical and non-canonical action on signaling pathways in the context of disease and treatment. The physiological role of telomerase in lymphocytes makes the study of its biomarker potential a great challenge. Nevertheless, many works have demonstrated that high telomerase activity or hTERT expression, as well as short telomeres, correlate with poor prognosis in B-ALL. Telomerase and related proteins have been proven to be promising pharmacological targets. Likewise, combined therapy with telomerase inhibitors may turn out to be an alternative strategy for B-ALL.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tales Henrique Andrade da Mota
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology of Cancer, University of Brasilia, Brasilia 70910-900, Brazil
- Laboratory of Molecular Analysis, Faculty of Ceilândia, University of Brasilia, Brasilia 72220-275, Brazil
- Correspondence:
| | - Ricardo Camargo
- Brasília Children’s Hospital José Alencar, Brasilia 70684-831, Brazil
| | | | - Ana Flávia Reis Guimarães
- Laboratory of Molecular Analysis, Faculty of Ceilândia, University of Brasilia, Brasilia 72220-275, Brazil
| | - Fabio Pittella-Silva
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology of Cancer, University of Brasilia, Brasilia 70910-900, Brazil
| | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Cheng L, Zhang S, Wang M, Lopez-Beltran A. Biological and clinical perspectives of TERT promoter mutation detection on bladder cancer diagnosis and management. Hum Pathol 2023; 133:56-75. [PMID: 35700749 DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2022.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) promoter mutations are associated with increased TERT mRNA and TERT protein levels, telomerase activity, and shorter but stable telomere length. TERT promoter mutation is the most common mutation that occurs in approximately 60-80% of patients with bladder cancer. The TERT promoter mutations occur in a wide spectrum of urothelial lesions, including benign urothelial proliferation and tumor-like conditions, benign urothelial tumors, premalignant and putative precursor lesions, urothelial carcinoma and its variants, and nonurothelial malignancies. The prevalence and incidence of TERT promoter mutations in a total of 7259 cases from the urinary tract were systematically reviewed. Different platforms of TERT promoter mutation detection were presented. In this review, we also discussed the significance and clinical implications of TERT promoter mutation detection in urothelial tumorigenesis, surveillance and early detection, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, prognosis, prediction of treatment responses, and clinical outcome. Identification of TERT promoter mutations from urine or plasma cell-free DNA (liquid biopsy) will facilitate bladder cancer screening program and optimal clinical management. A better understanding of TERT promoter mutation and its pathway would open new therapeutic avenues for patients with bladder cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liang Cheng
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and Lifespan Academic Medical Center, Providence, RI, 02903, USA.
| | - Shaobo Zhang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Mingsheng Wang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Antonio Lopez-Beltran
- Department of Morphological Sciences, University of Cordoba Medical School, Cordoba, E-14004, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
The hTERT-p50 homodimer inhibits PLEKHA7 expression to promote gastric cancer invasion and metastasis. Oncogene 2023; 42:1144-1156. [PMID: 36823376 PMCID: PMC10063444 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02630-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
Although accumulating evidence has highlighted the molecular mechanisms by which hTERT promotes tumour cell invasion and metastasis, the molecular mechanisms of the properties enabling hTERT to contribute to invasion and metastasis have not been clearly illustrated. Here, we report that hTERT promotes gastric cancer invasion and metastasis by recruiting p50 to synergistically inhibit PLEKHA7 expression. We observed that the expression of PLEKHA7 in gastric cancer was significantly negatively associated with the TNM stage and lymphatic metastasis and that decreased PLEKHA7 expression dramatically increased invasion and metastasis in gastric cancer cells. Further mechanistic research showed that hTERT directly regulates PLEKHA7 expression by binding p50 and recruiting the hTERT/p50 complex to the PLEKHA7 promoter. Increased hTERT dramatically decreased PLEKHA7 expression and promoted invasion and metastasis in gastric cancer cells. The hTERT-mediated invasion/metastasis properties at least partially depended on PLEKHA7. Our work uncovers a novel molecular mechanism underlying invasion/metastasis in gastric cancer orchestrated by hTERT and p50.
Collapse
|
41
|
Buch S, Innes H, Lutz PL, Nischalke HD, Marquardt JU, Fischer J, Weiss KH, Rosendahl J, Marot A, Krawczyk M, Casper M, Lammert F, Eyer F, Vogel A, Marhenke S, von Felden J, Sharma R, Atkinson SR, McQuillin A, Nattermann J, Schafmayer C, Franke A, Strassburg C, Rietschel M, Altmann H, Sulk S, Thangapandi VR, Brosch M, Lackner C, Stauber RE, Canbay A, Link A, Reiberger T, Mandorfer M, Semmler G, Scheiner B, Datz C, Romeo S, Ginanni Corradini S, Irving WL, Morling JR, Guha IN, Barnes E, Ansari MA, Quistrebert J, Valenti L, Müller SA, Morgan MY, Dufour JF, Trebicka J, Berg T, Deltenre P, Mueller S, Hampe J, Stickel F. Genetic variation in TERT modifies the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in alcohol-related cirrhosis: results from a genome-wide case-control study. Gut 2023; 72:381-391. [PMID: 35788059 PMCID: PMC9872243 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2022-327196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) often develops in patients with alcohol-related cirrhosis at an annual risk of up to 2.5%. Some host genetic risk factors have been identified but do not account for the majority of the variance in occurrence. This study aimed to identify novel susceptibility loci for the development of HCC in people with alcohol related cirrhosis. DESIGN Patients with alcohol-related cirrhosis and HCC (cases: n=1214) and controls without HCC (n=1866), recruited from Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy and the UK, were included in a two-stage genome-wide association study using a case-control design. A validation cohort of 1520 people misusing alcohol but with no evidence of liver disease was included to control for possible association effects with alcohol misuse. Genotyping was performed using the InfiniumGlobal Screening Array (V.24v2, Illumina) and the OmniExpress Array (V.24v1-0a, Illumina). RESULTS Associations with variants rs738409 in PNPLA3 and rs58542926 in TM6SF2 previously associated with an increased risk of HCC in patients with alcohol-related cirrhosis were confirmed at genome-wide significance. A novel locus rs2242652(A) in TERT (telomerase reverse transcriptase) was also associated with a decreased risk of HCC, in the combined meta-analysis, at genome-wide significance (p=6.41×10-9, OR=0.61 (95% CI 0.52 to 0.70). This protective association remained significant after correction for sex, age, body mass index and type 2 diabetes (p=7.94×10-5, OR=0.63 (95% CI 0.50 to 0.79). Carriage of rs2242652(A) in TERT was associated with an increased leucocyte telomere length (p=2.12×10-44). CONCLUSION This study identifies rs2242652 in TERT as a novel protective factor for HCC in patients with alcohol-related cirrhosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Buch
- Department of Medicine I, Dresden University Hospital, Dresden, Germany
- Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD), Technische Universität Dresden (TU Dresden), Dresden, Germany
| | - Hamish Innes
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow, UK
- NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK
| | | | | | - Jens U Marquardt
- Department of Medicine I, University of Luebeck Human Medicine, Lubeck, Germany
| | - Janett Fischer
- Department of Gastroenterology and Rheumatology, Section Hepatology, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Karl Heinz Weiss
- Department of Internal Medicine, Krankenhaus Salem, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jonas Rosendahl
- Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital Halle, Halle, Germany
| | - Astrid Marot
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, CHU UCL Namur, Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Marcin Krawczyk
- Department of Medicine II, Saarland University Medical Center, Saarland University, Saarbrucken, Germany
- Laboratory of Metabolic Liver Diseases, Department of General, Transplant and Liver Surgery, Centre for Preclinical Research, Medical University of Warsaw, Warszawa, Poland
| | - Markus Casper
- Department of Medicine II, Saarland University Medical Center, Saarland University, Saarbrucken, Germany
| | - Frank Lammert
- Department of Medicine II, Saarland University Medical Center, Saarland University, Saarbrucken, Germany
| | - Florian Eyer
- Department of Clinical Toxicology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munchen, Germany
| | - Arndt Vogel
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Silke Marhenke
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Johann von Felden
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Rohini Sharma
- Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Imperial College, London, UK
| | | | - Andrew McQuillin
- Molecular Psychiatry Laboratory, University College London, London, UK
| | - Jacob Nattermann
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Clemens Schafmayer
- Department of General Surgery, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Andre Franke
- Institute for Clinical Molecular Biology, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | | | - Marcella Rietschel
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Heidi Altmann
- Department of Medicine I, University Hospital Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Stefan Sulk
- Department of Medicine I, University Hospital Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Veera Raghavan Thangapandi
- Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD), Technische Universität Dresden (TU Dresden), Dresden, Germany
- Department of Medicine I, University Hospital Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Mario Brosch
- Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD), Technische Universität Dresden (TU Dresden), Dresden, Germany
- Department of Medicine I, University Hospital Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | | | - Rudolf E Stauber
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Ali Canbay
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ruhr-Universitat Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Alexander Link
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, Otto von Guericke Universitat Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Reiberger
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Wien, Austria
| | - Mattias Mandorfer
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Wien, Austria
| | - Georg Semmler
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Wien, Austria
| | - Bernhard Scheiner
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Wien, Austria
| | - Christian Datz
- Department of Internal Medicine, General Hospital Oberndorf, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Stefano Romeo
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, Wallenberg Laboratory, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Clinical Nutrition Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Stefano Ginanni Corradini
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, University of Rome La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Joanne R Morling
- Division of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Indra Neil Guha
- Nottingham Digestive Diseases NIHR Biomedical Research Unit, University Hospital, Nottingham, UK
| | - Eleanor Barnes
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - M Azim Ansari
- Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research, Nuffield Department of Medicine and the Oxford NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jocelyn Quistrebert
- Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research, Nuffield Department of Medicine and the Oxford NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Luca Valenti
- Internal Medicine and Metabolic Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Sascha A Müller
- Department of Surgery, Hirslanden Klinik Beau-Site, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Marsha Yvonne Morgan
- Division of Medicine, Royal Free Campus, UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, London, UK
| | | | - Jonel Trebicka
- Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology and Clinical Infectiology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Thomas Berg
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Medicine II, Leipzig University Medical Center, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Pierre Deltenre
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, CHU UCL Namur, Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Sebastian Mueller
- Salem Medical Center, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jochen Hampe
- Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD), Technische Universität Dresden (TU Dresden), Dresden, Germany
- Department of Medicine I, University Hospital Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Felix Stickel
- Department of Gatroenterology and Hepatology, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Hirslanden Klinik Beau-Site, Bern, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Vinayagamurthy S, Bagri S, Mergny JL, Chowdhury S. Telomeres expand sphere of influence: emerging molecular impact of telomeres in non-telomeric functions. Trends Genet 2023; 39:59-73. [PMID: 36404192 PMCID: PMC7614491 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2022.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Although the impact of telomeres on physiology stands well established, a question remains: how do telomeres impact cellular functions at a molecular level? This is because current understanding limits the influence of telomeres to adjacent subtelomeric regions despite the wide-ranging impact of telomeres. Emerging work in two distinct aspects offers opportunities to bridge this gap. First, telomere-binding factors were found with non-telomeric functions. Second, locally induced DNA secondary structures called G-quadruplexes are notably abundant in telomeres, and gene regulatory regions genome wide. Many telomeric factors bind to G-quadruplexes for non-telomeric functions. Here we discuss a more general model of how telomeres impact the non-telomeric genome - through factors that associate at telomeres and genome wide - and influence cell-intrinsic functions, particularly aging, cancer, and pluripotency.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Soujanya Vinayagamurthy
- Integrative and Functional Biology Unit, CSIR Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, New Delhi 110025, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Sulochana Bagri
- Integrative and Functional Biology Unit, CSIR Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, New Delhi 110025, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Jean-Louis Mergny
- Institute of Biophysics of the CAS, v.v.i. Královopolská 135, 612 65 Brno, Czech Republic; Laboratoire d'Optique et Biosciences, Ecole Polytechnique, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, 91128 Palaiseau, France
| | - Shantanu Chowdhury
- Integrative and Functional Biology Unit, CSIR Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, New Delhi 110025, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India; GNR Knowledge Centre for Genome and Informatics, CSIR Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, New Delhi 110025, India.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Hasanau TN, Pisarev EP, Kisil OV, Zvereva ME. The TERT Promoter: A Key Player in the Fight for Cancer Cell Immortality. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW) 2023; 88:S21-S38. [PMID: 37069112 DOI: 10.1134/s000629792314002x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
The review describes the role of telomeres and telomerase in tumor progression, as well as various mechanisms of the activation of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) expression in CNS tumors and other cancers. The main mechanism of TERT activation involves acquisition of somatic mutations by the TERT gene promoter (TERTp). The article presents information on the TERTp structure and transcription factors directly interacting with TERTp and regulating its transcription. The prospects of using the mutational status of TERTp as a prognostic marker of CNS malignancies and other tumors with a common profile of TERTp mutations are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tsimur N Hasanau
- Natural Compounds Department, Faculty of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | - Eduard P Pisarev
- Natural Compounds Department, Faculty of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119991, Russia
- Faculty of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119234, Russia
| | - Olga V Kisil
- Gause Institute of New Antibiotics, Moscow, 119021, Russia
| | - Maria E Zvereva
- Natural Compounds Department, Faculty of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119991, Russia.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Melatonin alleviates alcoholic liver disease via EGFR-BRG1-TERT axis regulation. Acta Pharm Sin B 2023; 13:100-112. [PMID: 36815038 PMCID: PMC9939303 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2022.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic alcohol consumption causes liver steatosis, cell death, and inflammation. Melatonin (MLT) is reported to alleviate alcoholic liver disease (ALD)-induced injury. However, its direct regulating targets in hepatocytes are not fully understood. In the current study, a cell-based screening model and a chronic ethanol-fed mice ALD model were used to test the protective mechanisms of MLT. MLT ameliorated ethanol-induced hepatocyte injury in both cell and animal models (optimal doses of 10 μmol/L and 5 mg/kg, respectively), including lowered liver steatosis, cell death, and inflammation. RNA-seq analysis and loss-of-function studies in AML-12 cells revealed that telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) was a key downstream effector of MLT. Biophysical assay found that epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) on the hepatocyte surface was a direct binding and regulating target of MLT. Liver specific knock-down of Tert or Egfr in the ALD mice model impaired MLT-mediated liver protection, partly through the regulation of nuclear brahma-related gene-1 (BRG1). Long-term administration (90 days) of MLT in healthy mice did not cause evident adverse effect. In conclusion, MLT is an efficacious and safe agent for ALD alleviation. Its direct regulating target in hepatocytes is EGFR and downstream BRG1-TERT axis. MLT might be used as a complimentary agent for alcoholics.
Collapse
|
45
|
Yeh SH, Li CL, Lin YY, Ho MC, Wang YC, Tseng ST, Chen PJ. Hepatitis B Virus DNA Integration Drives Carcinogenesis and Provides a New Biomarker for HBV-related HCC. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 15:921-929. [PMID: 36690297 PMCID: PMC9972564 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2023.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 12/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA integration is an incidental event in the virus replication cycle and occurs in less than 1% of infected hepatocytes during viral infection. However, HBV DNA is present in the genome of approximately 90% of HBV-related HCCs and is the most common somatic mutation. Whole genome sequencing of liver tissues from chronic hepatitis B patients showed integration occurring at random positions in human chromosomes; however, in the genomes of HBV-related HCC patients, there are integration hotspots. Both the enrichment of the HBV-integration proportion in HCC and the emergence of integration hotspots suggested a strong positive selection of HBV-integrated hepatocytes to progress to HCC. The activation of HBV integration hotspot genes, such as telomerase (TERT) or histone methyltransferase (MLL4/KMT2B), resembles insertional mutagenesis by oncogenic animal retroviruses. These candidate oncogenic genes might shed new light on HBV-related HCC biology and become targets for new cancer therapies. Finally, the HBV integrations in individual HCC contain unique sequences at the junctions, such as virus-host chimera DNA (vh-DNA) presumably being a signature molecule for individual HCC. HBV integration may thus provide a new cell-free tumor DNA biomarker to monitor residual HCC after curative therapies or to track the development of de novo HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shiou-Hwei Yeh
- Graduate Institute of Microbiology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; National Taiwan University Center for Genomic Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chiao-Ling Li
- Graduate Institute of Microbiology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - You-Yu Lin
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Genome and Systems Biology Degree Program, National Taiwan University College of Life Science, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Chih Ho
- Department of Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | | | | | - Pei-Jer Chen
- National Taiwan University Center for Genomic Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Idrees M, Kumar V, Khan AM, Joo MD, Lee KW, Sohn SH, Kong IK. Cycloastragenol activation of telomerase improves β-Klotho protein level and attenuates age-related malfunctioning in ovarian tissues. Mech Ageing Dev 2023; 209:111756. [PMID: 36462538 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2022.111756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Age-related deterioration in the reproductive capacity of women is directly related to the poor developmental potential of ovarian follicles. Although telomerase plays a key role in female fertility, TERT-targeting therapeutic strategies for age-related female infertility have yet to be investigated. This study elucidated the effect of Telomerase activation on mice ovaries and more specifically on Klb (β-Klotho) gene expression, which is linked to ageing, female hormonal regulation, and cyclicity. The homology-based 3D model of hTERT was used to predict its binding mode of Cycloastragenol (CAG) using molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations. Based on docking score, simulation behavior, and interaction with hTERT residues it was observed that CAG could bind with the hTERT model. CAG treatment to primary cultured mouse granulosa cells and activation of telomerase was examined via telomerase activity assay (Mouse TE (telomerase) ELISA Kit) and telomere length by quantitative fluorescence in situ hybridization. CAG mediated telomerase also significantly improved β-Klotho protein level in the aged granulosa cells. To demonstrate that β-Klotho is telomerase dependent, the TERT was knocked down via siRNA in granulosa cells and protein level of β-Klotho was examined. Furthermore, CAG-mediated telomerase activation significantly enhanced the level of Klb and recovered ovarian follicles in the D-galactose (D-gal)-induced ovarian ageing mouse model. Moreover, Doxorubicin-induced ovarian damage, which changes ovarian hormones, and inhibit follicular growth was successfully neutralized by CAG activated telomerase and its recovery of β-Klotho level. In conclusion, TERT dependent β-Klotho regulation in ovarian tissues is one of the mechanisms, which can overcome female infertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Idrees
- Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Four), Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Gyeongnam Province, Republic of Korea.
| | - Vikas Kumar
- Division of Life Sciences, Department of Bio & Medical Big Data (BK21 Four), Research Institute of Natural Science (RINS), Gyeongsang National University (GNU), 501 Jinju-daero, Jinju 52828, Republic of Korea.
| | - Abdul Majid Khan
- Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Four), Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Gyeongnam Province, Republic of Korea.
| | - Myeong-Don Joo
- Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Four), Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Gyeongnam Province, Republic of Korea.
| | - Keun-Woo Lee
- Division of Life Sciences, Department of Bio & Medical Big Data (BK21 Four), Research Institute of Natural Science (RINS), Gyeongsang National University (GNU), 501 Jinju-daero, Jinju 52828, Republic of Korea.
| | - Sea-Hwan Sohn
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52725, Gyeongnam Province, Republic of Korea.
| | - Il-Keun Kong
- Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Four), Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Gyeongnam Province, Republic of Korea; Institute of Agriculture and Life Science, Gyeongsang National University, Gyeongnam Province, Republic of Korea; The King Kong Corp. Ltd., Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Gyeongnam Province, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
González-Giraldo Y, Fonseca ÁYG, Aristizabal-Pachon A. TERT silencing alters the expression of ARG1, GLUL, VIM, NES genes and hsa-miR-29b-3p in the T98G cell line. NUCLEOSIDES, NUCLEOTIDES & NUCLEIC ACIDS 2022; 42:464-477. [PMID: 36533634 DOI: 10.1080/15257770.2022.2155301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The central function of telomerase is maintaining the telomere length. However, several extra-telomeric roles have been identified for this protein complex. In this study, we evaluated the effect of the silencing of the catalytic subunit of telomerase (TERT) on the expression of candidate microRNAs, cell activation markers and glial-related genes in a glioblastoma cell line (T98G). The silencing was performed by a siRNA and the qPCR method was used to analyze the expression of TERT and downstream genes. Flow cytometry was used to quantify the TERT protein, and bioinformatics analysis was carried out to analyze the functions of microRNA target genes. Here, it was observed that after a 50% reduction of the TERT gene, the expression of ARG1 (Arginase 1) was upregulated, whereas NES (Nestin), GLUL (Glutamate-Ammonia Ligase), VIM (Vimentin) and the hsa-miR-29b-3p microRNA were downregulated (P-value <0.05). A bioinformatic analysis showed that target genes of hsa-miR-29b are associated with focal adhesion, the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, among others. These results are important because they contribute to the knowledge of extratelomeric functions by providing relevant evidence about novel genes modulated by TERT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yeimy González-Giraldo
- Departamento de Nutrición y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
- School of Medicine, Universidad Antonio Nariño, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Ángela Y. García Fonseca
- Departamento de Nutrición y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Andrés Aristizabal-Pachon
- Departamento de Nutrición y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
FOXM1 increases hTERT protein stability and indicates poor prognosis in gastric cancer. Neoplasia 2022; 36:100863. [PMID: 36528911 PMCID: PMC9792884 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2022.100863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer is one of most lethal diseases across the world. However, the underlying mechanism of gastric cancer carcinogenesis and development is still not fully known. Forkhead box M1 (FOXM1) belongs to the FOX family and has crucial roles in transactivation of multiple oncogenes in several cancer types, including gastric cancer. Recent studies have also shown the non-transcriptional function of FOXM1 via protein-protein interactions. Human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) is the core subunit of telomerase that facilitates cancer initiation and progression by maintaining cell immortalization, promoting cell proliferation and inhibiting cell apoptosis. However, the relationship between FOXM1 and hTERT in gastric cancer is still unclear. In our study, we found that FOXM1 and hTERT were convergent to the cell cycle-related pathways and they were positively related with advanced gastric cancer stages and poor outcomes. Simultaneous high levels of FOXM1 and hTERT predicted the worst prognosis. FOXM1 could increase hTERT protein rather than mRNA levels in a non-transcriptional manner. Mechanistically, FOXM1 interrupted the interaction between the E3 ligase MKRN1 and hTERT and decreased hTERT protein degradation. Further studies revealed that FOXM1 interacted with hTERT through its DNA-binding domain (DBD) region. Finally, we found that hTERT played important roles in FOXM1-mediated activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway to promote gastric cancer cell proliferation. Taken together, we found a novel non-classical function of FOXM1 to increase hTERT protein stability. Targeting the FOXM1-hTERT pathway may be a potential therapeutic strategy in treating gastric cancer.
Collapse
|
49
|
Udroiu I, Marinaccio J, Sgura A. Many Functions of Telomerase Components: Certainties, Doubts, and Inconsistencies. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232315189. [PMID: 36499514 PMCID: PMC9736166 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232315189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
A growing number of studies have evidenced non-telomeric functions of "telomerase". Almost all of them, however, investigated the non-canonical effects of the catalytic subunit TERT, and not the telomerase ribonucleoprotein holoenzyme. These functions mainly comprise signal transduction, gene regulation and the increase of anti-oxidative systems. Although less studied, TERC (the RNA component of telomerase) has also been shown to be involved in gene regulation, as well as other functions. All this has led to the publication of many reviews on the subject, which, however, are often disseminating personal interpretations of experimental studies of other researchers as original proofs. Indeed, while some functions such as gene regulation seem ascertained, especially because mechanistic findings have been provided, other ones remain dubious and/or are contradicted by other direct or indirect evidence (e.g., telomerase activity at double-strand break site, RNA polymerase activity of TERT, translation of TERC, mitochondrion-processed TERC). In a critical study of the primary evidence so far obtained, we show those functions for which there is consensus, those showing contradictory results and those needing confirmation. The resulting picture, together with some usually neglected aspects, seems to indicate a link between TERT and TERC functions and cellular stemness and gives possible directions for future research.
Collapse
|
50
|
Pepke ML, Kvalnes T, Lundregan S, Boner W, Monaghan P, Saether BE, Jensen H, Ringsby TH. Genetic architecture and heritability of early-life telomere length in a wild passerine. Mol Ecol 2022; 31:6360-6381. [PMID: 34825754 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Early-life telomere length (TL) is associated with fitness in a range of organisms. Little is known about the genetic basis of variation in TL in wild animal populations, but to understand the evolutionary and ecological significance of TL it is important to quantify the relative importance of genetic and environmental variation in TL. In this study, we measured TL in 2746 house sparrow nestlings sampled across 20 years and used an animal model to show that there is a small heritable component of early-life TL (h2 = 0.04). Variation in TL among individuals was mainly driven by environmental (annual) variance, but also brood and parental effects. Parent-offspring regressions showed a large maternal inheritance component in TL ( h maternal 2 = 0.44), but no paternal inheritance. We did not find evidence for a negative genetic correlation underlying the observed negative phenotypic correlation between TL and structural body size. Thus, TL may evolve independently of body size and the negative phenotypic correlation is likely to be caused by nongenetic environmental effects. We further used genome-wide association analysis to identify genomic regions associated with TL variation. We identified several putative genes underlying TL variation; these have been inferred to be involved in oxidative stress, cellular growth, skeletal development, cell differentiation and tumorigenesis in other species. Together, our results show that TL has a low heritability and is a polygenic trait strongly affected by environmental conditions in a free-living bird.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Le Pepke
- Department of Biology, Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics (CBD), Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Thomas Kvalnes
- Department of Biology, Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics (CBD), Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Sarah Lundregan
- Department of Biology, Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics (CBD), Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Winnie Boner
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine (IBAHCM), University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Pat Monaghan
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine (IBAHCM), University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Bernt-Erik Saether
- Department of Biology, Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics (CBD), Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Henrik Jensen
- Department of Biology, Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics (CBD), Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Thor Harald Ringsby
- Department of Biology, Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics (CBD), Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| |
Collapse
|