1
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Ruby JG, Smith M, Buffenstein R. Five years later, with double the demographic data, naked mole-rat mortality rates continue to defy Gompertzian laws by not increasing with age. GeroScience 2024; 46:5321-5341. [PMID: 38773057 PMCID: PMC11336006 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-024-01201-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The naked mole-rat (Heterocephalus glaber) is a mouse-sized rodent species, notable for its eusociality and long lifespan. Previously, we reported that demographic aging, i.e., the exponential increase of mortality hazard that accompanies advancing age in mammals and other organisms, does not occur in naked mole-rats (Ruby et al., 2018), a finding that has potential implications for human healthy aging. The demographic data supporting that conclusion had taken over three decades to accumulate, starting with the original rearing of H. glaber in captivity. This finding was controversial since many of the animals in that study were relatively young. In the 5 years following that study, we have doubled our quantity of demographic data. Here, we re-evaluated our prior conclusions in light of these new data and found them to be not only supported but indeed strengthened. We additionally provided insight into the social dynamics of captive H. glaber with data and analyses of body weight and colony size versus mortality. Finally, we provide a phylogenetically proximal comparator in the form of lifespan data from our Damaraland mole-rat (Fukomys damarensis) colony and demographic meta-analysis of those data along with published data from Ansell's mole-rat (Fukomys anselli). We found Fukomys mortality hazard to increase gradually with age, an observation with inferences on the evolution of exceptional lifespan among mole-rats and the ecological factors that may have accompanied that evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Graham Ruby
- Calico Life Sciences LLC, 1170 Veterans Blvd, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Megan Smith
- Calico Life Sciences LLC, 1170 Veterans Blvd, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Rochelle Buffenstein
- Calico Life Sciences LLC, 1170 Veterans Blvd, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA.
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Illinois, Chicago 845 W Taylor, Chicago, IL, 60607, USA.
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2
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Du J, Liu W, Li M, Li Z, Li X, Dai Y, Liu G, Wang X, Zhu P, Gladyshev VN, Zhou X. Comparative time-series multi-omics analyses suggest H1.2 involvement in anoxic adaptation and cancer resistance. PLoS Biol 2024; 22:e3002778. [PMID: 39178313 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The naked mole rat (NMR), Heterocephalus glaber, is known as the longest-lived rodent and is extraordinarily resistant to hypoxia and cancer. Here, both NMR embryonic fibroblasts (NEFs) and their mouse counterparts (MEFs) were subjected to anoxic conditions (0% O2, 5% CO2). A combination of comparative transcriptomics and proteomics was then employed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Notably, we observed distinct levels of histone H1.2 (encoded by HIST1H1C) accumulation between NEFs and MEFs. Subsequent mechanistic analyses showed that higher H1.2 expression in NEFs was associated with the lower expression of its inhibitor, PARP1. Additionally, we discovered that H1.2 can directly interact with HIF-1α PAS domains, thereby promoting the expression of HIF-1α through facilitating the dimerization with HIF-1β. The overexpression of H1.2 was also found to trigger autophagy and to suppress the migration of cancer cells, as well as the formation of xenograft tumors, via the NRF2/P62 signaling pathway. Moreover, an engineered H1.2 knock-in mouse model exhibited significantly extended survival in hypoxic conditions (4% O2) and showed a reduced rate of tumor formation. Collectively, our results indicate a potential mechanistic link between H1.2 and the dual phenomena of anoxic adaptation and cancer resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Du
- CAS Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Weiqiang Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Meng Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China
| | - Zihao Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xuanjing Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yichen Dai
- CAS Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China
| | - Gaoming Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China
| | - Pingfen Zhu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China
| | - Vadim N Gladyshev
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Xuming Zhou
- CAS Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China
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3
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Ndhlovu LC, Bendall ML, Dwaraka V, Pang APS, Dopkins N, Carreras N, Smith R, Nixon DF, Corley MJ. Retro-age: A unique epigenetic biomarker of aging captured by DNA methylation states of retroelements. Aging Cell 2024:e14288. [PMID: 39092674 DOI: 10.1111/acel.14288] [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: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Reactivation of retroelements in the human genome has been linked to aging. However, whether the epigenetic state of specific retroelements can predict chronological age remains unknown. We provide evidence that locus-specific retroelement DNA methylation can be used to create retroelement-based epigenetic clocks that accurately measure chronological age in the immune system, across human tissues, and pan-mammalian species. We also developed a highly accurate retroelement epigenetic clock compatible with EPICv.2.0 data that was constructed from CpGs that did not overlap with existing first- and second-generation epigenetic clocks, suggesting a unique signal for epigenetic clocks not previously captured. We found retroelement-based epigenetic clocks were reversed during transient epigenetic reprogramming, accelerated in people living with HIV-1, and responsive to antiretroviral therapy. Our findings highlight the utility of retroelement-based biomarkers of aging and support a renewed emphasis on the role of retroelements in geroscience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lishomwa C Ndhlovu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York City, USA
| | - Matthew L Bendall
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York City, USA
| | | | - Alina P S Pang
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York City, USA
| | - Nicholas Dopkins
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York City, USA
| | | | | | - Douglas F Nixon
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York City, USA
| | - Michael J Corley
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York City, USA
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4
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Buffenstein R, Amoroso VG. The Untapped Potential of Comparative Biology in Aging Research: Insights From the Extraordinary-Long-Lived Naked Mole-Rat. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2024; 79:glae110. [PMID: 38721823 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glae110] [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: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The search for solutions to the vagaries of aging has, historically, been akin to searching at night in the bright light under street lamps by utilizing the few preexisting and well-established animal model systems. Throughout my career as a comparative biologist, I have ventured into the darkness across 4 continents and studied over 150 different animal species, many of which have evolved remarkable adaptations to survive on the harsh and rugged fitness landscape that exists outside of the laboratory setting. In this Fellows Forum, I will discuss the main focus of my research for the last 25 years and dig deeply into the biology of the preternaturally long-lived naked mole-rat that makes it an ideal model system for the characterization of successful strategies to combat aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rochelle Buffenstein
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Illinois, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Vince G Amoroso
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Illinois, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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5
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Matsuda Y, Makino T. Comparative genomics reveals convergent signals associated with the high metabolism and longevity in birds and bats. Proc Biol Sci 2024; 291:20241068. [PMID: 39191281 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2024.1068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Birds and bats have long lifespans relative to their body size compared with non-flying animals. However, the genomic basis associated with longer lifespan of flying species despite their higher metabolism was unclear. In this study, we hypothesized that genes involved in the regulation of metabolism and lifespan changed with the acquisition of flight and searched for genes that show specific evolutionary patterns in flying species. As a result, we identified several genes that show different evolutionary rates in bird and bat lineages. Genes in pathways involved in lifespan regulation were conserved in birds, while they evolved at an accelerated rate in bats. We also searched for genes in which convergent amino acid substitutions occurred in birds and bats and found such substitutions in genes involved in cancer, reactive oxygen species control and immunity. Our study revealed genomic changes associated with the acquisition of flight in birds and bats and suggested that multiple genes involved in the regulation of lifespan and metabolism support both high metabolism and longevity in flying species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Matsuda
- United Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Saiwai-cho , Fuchu-shi, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
- Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Aoba-ku , Sendai 980-8578, Japan
| | - Takashi Makino
- Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Aoba-ku , Sendai 980-8578, Japan
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6
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Tregub PP, Komleva YK, Kulikov VP, Chekulaev PA, Tregub OF, Maltseva LD, Manasova ZS, Popova IA, Andriutsa NS, Samburova NV, Salmina AB, Litvitskiy PF. Relationship between Hypoxia and Hypercapnia Tolerance and Life Expectancy. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6512. [PMID: 38928217 PMCID: PMC11204369 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126512] [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: 05/02/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The review discusses the potential relationship between hypoxia resistance and longevity, the influence of carbon dioxide on the mechanisms of aging of the mammalian organism, and intermittent hypercapnic-hypoxic effects on the signaling pathways of aging mechanisms. In the article, we focused on the potential mechanisms of the gero-protective efficacy of carbon dioxide when combined with hypoxia. The review summarizes the possible influence of intermittent hypoxia and hypercapnia on aging processes in the nervous system. We considered the perspective variants of the application of hypercapnic-hypoxic influences for achieving active longevity and the prospects for the possibilities of developing hypercapnic-hypoxic training methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavel P. Tregub
- Department of Pathophysiology, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
- Brain Science Institute, Research Center of Neurology, 125367 Moscow, Russia; (Y.K.K.)
- Scientific and Educational Resource Center “Innovative Technologies of Immunophenotyping, Digital Spatial Profiling and Ultrastructural Analysis”, RUDN University, 117198 Moscow, Russia
| | - Yulia K. Komleva
- Brain Science Institute, Research Center of Neurology, 125367 Moscow, Russia; (Y.K.K.)
| | - Vladimir P. Kulikov
- Department of Ultrasound and Functional Diagnostics, Altay State Medical University, 656040 Barnaul, Russia
| | - Pavel A. Chekulaev
- Department of Pathophysiology, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Larisa D. Maltseva
- Department of Pathophysiology, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Zaripat Sh. Manasova
- Department of Pathophysiology, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Inga A. Popova
- Department of Pathophysiology, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Natalia S. Andriutsa
- Department of Pathophysiology, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Natalia V. Samburova
- Department of Pathophysiology, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Alla B. Salmina
- Brain Science Institute, Research Center of Neurology, 125367 Moscow, Russia; (Y.K.K.)
| | - Peter F. Litvitskiy
- Department of Pathophysiology, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
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7
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Yadav R, Mahajan S, Singh H, Mehra NK, Madan J, Doijad N, Singh PK, Guru SK. Emerging In Vitro and In Vivo Models: Hope for the Better Understanding of Cancer Progression and Treatment. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2024; 8:e2300487. [PMID: 38581078 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202300487] [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: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
Various cancer models have been developed to aid the understanding of the underlying mechanisms of tumor development and evaluate the effectiveness of various anticancer drugs in preclinical studies. These models accurately reproduce the critical stages of tumor initiation and development to mimic the tumor microenvironment better. Using these models for target validation, tumor response evaluation, resistance modeling, and toxicity comprehension can significantly enhance the drug development process. Herein, various in vivo or animal models are presented, typically consisting of several mice and in vitro models ranging in complexity from transwell models to spheroids and CRISPR-Cas9 technologies. While in vitro models have been used for decades and dominate the early stages of drug development, they are still limited primary to simplistic tests based on testing on a single cell type cultivated in Petri dishes. Recent advancements in developing new cancer therapies necessitate the generation of complicated animal models that accurately mimic the tumor's complexity and microenvironment. Mice make effective tumor models as they are affordable, have a short reproductive cycle, exhibit rapid tumor growth, and are simple to manipulate genetically. Human cancer mouse models are crucial to understanding the neoplastic process and basic and clinical research improvements. The following review summarizes different in vitro and in vivo metastasis models, their advantages and disadvantages, and their ability to serve as a model for cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachana Yadav
- Department of Biological Sciences, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, Telangana, 500037, India
| | - Srushti Mahajan
- Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hyderabad, 500037, India
| | - Hoshiyar Singh
- Department of Biological Sciences, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, Telangana, 500037, India
| | - Neelesh Kumar Mehra
- Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hyderabad, 500037, India
| | - Jitender Madan
- Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hyderabad, 500037, India
| | - Nandkumar Doijad
- Department of Biological Sciences, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, Telangana, 500037, India
| | - Pankaj Kumar Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hyderabad, 500037, India
| | - Santosh Kumar Guru
- Department of Biological Sciences, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, Telangana, 500037, India
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8
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Cadena CD, Pabón L, DoNascimiento C, Abueg L, Tilley T, O-Toole B, Absolon D, Sims Y, Formenti G, Fedrigo O, Jarvis ED, Torres M. A reference genome for the Andean cavefish Trichomycterus rosablanca (Siluriformes, Trichomycteridae): Building genomic resources to study evolution in cave environments. J Hered 2024; 115:311-316. [PMID: 38513109 DOI: 10.1093/jhered/esae019] [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: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Animals living in caves are of broad relevance to evolutionary biologists interested in understanding the mechanisms underpinning convergent evolution. In the Eastern Andes of Colombia, populations from at least two distinct clades of Trichomycterus catfishes (Siluriformes) independently colonized cave environments and converged in phenotype by losing their eyes and pigmentation. We are pursuing several research questions using genomics to understand the evolutionary forces and molecular mechanisms responsible for repeated morphological changes in this system. As a foundation for such studies, here we describe a diploid, chromosome-scale, long-read reference genome for Trichomycterus rosablanca, a blind, depigmented species endemic to the karstic system of the department of Santander. The nuclear genome comprises 1 Gb in 27 chromosomes, with a 40.0× HiFi long-read genome coverage having an N50 scaffold of 40.4 Mb and N50 contig of 13.1 Mb, with 96.9% (Eukaryota) and 95.4% (Actinopterygii) universal single-copy orthologs (BUSCO). This assembly provides the first reference genome for the speciose genus Trichomycterus, serving as a key resource for research on the genomics of phenotypic evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Laura Pabón
- Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | - Linelle Abueg
- Vertebrate Genome Laboratory, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Tatiana Tilley
- Vertebrate Genome Laboratory, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Brian O-Toole
- Vertebrate Genome Laboratory, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Dominic Absolon
- Vertebrate Genome Laboratory, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Ying Sims
- Vertebrate Genome Laboratory, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Giulio Formenti
- Vertebrate Genome Laboratory, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Olivier Fedrigo
- Vertebrate Genome Laboratory, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Erich D Jarvis
- Vertebrate Genome Laboratory, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, United States
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9
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Lagunas-Rangel FA. Naked mole-rat hyaluronan. Biochimie 2024; 220:58-66. [PMID: 38158036 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2023.12.008] [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: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Naked mole rats (NMRs) are renowned for their exceptional longevity and remarkable maintenance of health throughout their lifetime. Their subterranean lifestyle has led to adaptations that have resulted in elevated levels of a very high molecular weight hyaluronan in their tissues. Hyaluronan, a glycosaminoglycan, is a key component of the extracellular matrix, which plays a critical role in maintaining tissue structure and regulating cell signaling pathways. This phenomenon in NMRs is attributed to a higher processing and production capacity by some of their hyaluronan synthases, along with lower degradation by certain hyaluronidases. Furthermore, this adaptation indirectly confers several advantages to NMRs, such as the preservation of skin elasticity and youthful appearance, accelerated wound healing, protection against oxidative stress, and resistance to conditions such as cancer and arthritis, largely attributable to CD44 signaling and other intricate mechanisms. Thus, the main objective of this study was to conduct a comprehensive study of the distinctive features of NMR hyaluronan, particularly emphasizing the currently known molecular mechanisms that contribute to its beneficial properties. Furthermore, this research delves into the potential applications of NMR hyaluronan in both cosmetic and therapeutic fields, as well as the challenges involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Alejandro Lagunas-Rangel
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados Del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico.
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10
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Yang W, Chen C, Jiang X, Zhao Y, Wang J, Zhang Q, Zhang J, Feng Y, Cui S. CACNA1B protects naked mole-rat hippocampal neuron from apoptosis via altering the subcellular localization of Nrf2 after 60Co irradiation. Cell Biol Int 2024; 48:695-711. [PMID: 38389270 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.12140] [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: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Although radiotherapy is the most effective treatment modality for brain tumors, it always injures the central nervous system, leading to potential sequelae such as cognitive dysfunction. Radiation induces molecular, cellular, and functional changes in neuronal and glial cells. The hippocampus plays a critical role in learning and memory; therefore, concerns about radiation-induced injury are widespread. Multiple studies have focused on this complex problem, but the results have not been fully elucidated. Naked mole rat brains were irradiated with 60Co at a dose of 10 Gy. On 7 days, 14 days, and 28 days after irradiation, hippocampi in the control groups were obtained for next-generation sequencing. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were subsequently performed. Venn diagrams revealed 580 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) that were common at different times after irradiation. GO and KEGG analyses revealed that the 580 common DEGs were enriched in molecular transducer activity. In particular, CACNA1B mediated regulatory effects after irradiation. CACNA1B expression increased significantly after irradiation. Downregulation of CACNA1B led to a reduction in apoptosis and reactive oxygen species levels in hippocampal neurons. This was due to the interaction between CACNA1B and Nrf2, which disturbed the normal nuclear localization of Nrf2. In addition, CACNA1B downregulation led to a decrease in the cognitive functions of naked mole rats. These findings reveal the pivotal role of CACNA1B in regulating radiation-induced brain injury and will lead to the development of a novel strategy to prevent brain injury after irradiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Yang
- Laboratory Animal Science Department, Basic Medical School, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chao Chen
- Laboratory Animal Science Department, Basic Medical School, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaolong Jiang
- Laboratory Animal Science Department, Basic Medical School, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yining Zhao
- Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Yangpu district mental health center, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences Teaching Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Junyang Wang
- Laboratory Animal Science Department, Basic Medical School, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qianqian Zhang
- Laboratory Animal Science Department, Basic Medical School, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingyuan Zhang
- Laboratory Animal Science Department, Basic Medical School, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Feng
- Laboratory Animal Science Department, Basic Medical School, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shufang Cui
- Laboratory Animal Science Department, Basic Medical School, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
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11
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Wang Y, Narasimamurthy R, Qu M, Shi N, Guo H, Xue Y, Barker N. Circadian regulation of cancer stem cells and the tumor microenvironment during metastasis. NATURE CANCER 2024; 5:546-556. [PMID: 38654103 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-024-00759-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
The circadian clock regulates daily rhythms of numerous physiological activities through tightly coordinated modulation of gene expression and biochemical functions. Circadian disruption is associated with enhanced tumor formation and metastasis via dysregulation of key biological processes and modulation of cancer stem cells (CSCs) and their specialized microenvironment. Here, we review how the circadian clock influences CSCs and their local tumor niches in the context of different stages of tumor metastasis. Identifying circadian therapeutic targets could facilitate the development of new treatments that leverage circadian modulation to ablate tumor-resident CSCs, inhibit tumor metastasis and enhance response to current therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Wang
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Neurology, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Rajesh Narasimamurthy
- Program in Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Meng Qu
- The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of School of Medicine, and International School of Medicine, International Institutes of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Yiwu, China
| | - Nuolin Shi
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Haidong Guo
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yuezhen Xue
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Nick Barker
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore.
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
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12
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Kadamani KL, Logan SM, Pamenter ME. Does hypometabolism constrain innate immune defense? Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2024; 240:e14091. [PMID: 38288574 DOI: 10.1111/apha.14091] [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: 01/08/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Many animals routinely make energetic trade-offs to adjust to environmental demands and these trade-offs often have significant implications for survival. For example, environmental hypoxia is commonly experienced by many organisms and is an energetically challenging condition because reduced oxygen availability constrains aerobic energy production, which can be lethal. Many hypoxia-tolerant species downregulate metabolic demands when oxygen is limited; however, certain physiological functions are obligatory and must be maintained despite the need to conserve energy in hypoxia. Of particular interest is immunity (including both constitutive and induced immune functions) because mounting an immune response is among the most energetically expensive physiological processes but maintaining immune function is critical for survival in most environments. Intriguingly, physiological responses to hypoxia and pathogens share key molecular regulators such as hypoxia-inducible factor-1α, through which hypoxia can directly activate an immune response. This raises an interesting question: do hypoxia-tolerant species mount an immune response during periods of hypoxia-induced hypometabolism? Unfortunately, surprisingly few studies have examined interactions between immunity and hypometabolism in such species. Therefore, in this review, we consider mechanistic interactions between metabolism and immunity, as well as energetic trade-offs between these two systems, in hypoxia-tolerant animals but also in other models of hypometabolism, including neonates and hibernators. Specifically, we explore the hypothesis that such species have blunted immune responses in hypometabolic conditions and/or use alternative immune pathways when in a hypometabolic state. Evidence to date suggests that hypoxia-tolerant animals do maintain immunity in low oxygen conditions, but that the sensitivity of immune responses may be blunted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen L Kadamani
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Samantha M Logan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Matthew E Pamenter
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- University of Ottawa Brain and Mind Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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13
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Yalaz C, Bridges E, Alham NK, Zois CE, Chen J, Bensaad K, Miar A, Pires E, Muschel RJ, McCullagh JSO, Harris AL. Cone photoreceptor phosphodiesterase PDE6H inhibition regulates cancer cell growth and metabolism, replicating the dark retina response. Cancer Metab 2024; 12:5. [PMID: 38350962 PMCID: PMC10863171 DOI: 10.1186/s40170-023-00326-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND PDE6H encodes PDE6γ', the inhibitory subunit of the cGMP-specific phosphodiesterase 6 in cone photoreceptors. Inhibition of PDE6, which has been widely studied for its role in light transduction, increases cGMP levels. The purpose of this study is to characterise the role of PDE6H in cancer cell growth. METHODS From an siRNA screen for 487 genes involved in metabolism, PDE6H was identified as a controller of cell cycle progression in HCT116 cells. Role of PDE6H in cancer cell growth and metabolism was studied through the effects of its depletion on levels of cell cycle controllers, mTOR effectors, metabolite levels, and metabolic energy assays. Effect of PDE6H deletion on tumour growth was also studied in a xenograft model. RESULTS PDE6H knockout resulted in an increase of intracellular cGMP levels, as well as changes to the levels of nucleotides and key energy metabolism intermediates. PDE6H knockdown induced G1 cell cycle arrest and cell death and reduced mTORC1 signalling in cancer cell lines. Both knockdown and knockout of PDE6H resulted in the suppression of mitochondrial function. HCT116 xenografts revealed that PDE6H deletion, as well as treatment with the PDE5/6 inhibitor sildenafil, slowed down tumour growth and improved survival, while sildenafil treatment did not have an additive effect on slowing the growth of PDE6γ'-deficient tumours. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that the changes in cGMP and purine pools, as well as mitochondrial function which is observed upon PDE6γ' depletion, are independent of the PKG pathway. We show that in HCT116, PDE6H deletion replicates many effects of the dark retina response and identify PDE6H as a new target in preventing cancer cell proliferation and tumour growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ceren Yalaz
- Molecular Oncology Laboratories, Department of Medical Oncology, John Radcliffe Hospital, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 9DS, UK.
| | - Esther Bridges
- Molecular Oncology Laboratories, Department of Medical Oncology, John Radcliffe Hospital, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 9DS, UK
| | - Nasullah K Alham
- Department of Engineering Science, Institute of Biomedical Engineering (IBME), University of Oxford, Old Road Campus Research Building, Oxford, OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Christos E Zois
- Molecular Oncology Laboratories, Department of Medical Oncology, John Radcliffe Hospital, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 9DS, UK
| | - Jianzhou Chen
- Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus Research Building, Oxford, OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Karim Bensaad
- Molecular Oncology Laboratories, Department of Medical Oncology, John Radcliffe Hospital, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 9DS, UK
| | - Ana Miar
- Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus Research Building, Oxford, OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Elisabete Pires
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Ruth J Muschel
- Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus Research Building, Oxford, OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - James S O McCullagh
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Adrian L Harris
- Molecular Oncology Laboratories, Department of Medical Oncology, John Radcliffe Hospital, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 9DS, UK
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14
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Ng D, Pawling J, Dennis JW. Gene purging and the evolution of Neoave metabolism and longevity. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:105409. [PMID: 37918802 PMCID: PMC10722388 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105409] [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: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Maintenance of the proteasome requires oxidative phosphorylation (ATP) and mitigation of oxidative damage, in an increasingly dysfunctional relationship with aging. SLC3A2 plays a role on both sides of this dichotomy as an adaptor to SLC7A5, a transporter of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA: Leu, Ile, Val), and to SLC7A11, a cystine importer supplying cysteine to the synthesis of the antioxidant glutathione. Endurance in mammalian muscle depends in part on oxidation of BCAA; however, elevated serum levels are associated with insulin resistance and shortened lifespans. Intriguingly, the evolution of modern birds (Neoaves) has entailed the purging of genes including SLC3A2, SLC7A5, -7, -8, -10, and SLC1A4, -5, largely removing BCAA exchangers and their interacting Na+/Gln symporters in pursuit of improved energetics. Additional gene purging included mitochondrial BCAA aminotransferase (BCAT2), pointing to reduced oxidation of BCAA and increased hepatic conversion to triglycerides and glucose. Fat deposits are anhydrous and highly reduced, maximizing the fuel/weight ratio for prolonged flight, but fat accumulation in muscle cells of aging humans contributes to inflammation and senescence. Duplications of the bidirectional α-ketoacid transporters SLC16A3, SLC16A7, the cystine transporters SLC7A9, SLC7A11, and N-glycan branching enzymes MGAT4B, MGAT4C in Neoaves suggests a shift to the transport of deaminated essential amino acid, and stronger mitigation of oxidative stress supported by the galectin lattice. We suggest that Alfred Lotka's theory of natural selection as a maximum power organizer (PNAS 8:151,1922) made an unusually large contribution to Neoave evolution. Further molecular analysis of Neoaves may reveal novel rewiring with applications for human health and longevity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deanna Ng
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Judy Pawling
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - James W Dennis
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto Ontario, Canada.
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15
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Romanenko SA, Kliver SF, Serdyukova NA, Perelman PL, Trifonov VA, Seluanov A, Gorbunova V, Azpurua J, Pereira JC, Ferguson-Smith MA, Graphodatsky AS. Integration of fluorescence in situ hybridization and chromosome-length genome assemblies revealed synteny map for guinea pig, naked mole-rat, and human. Sci Rep 2023; 13:21055. [PMID: 38030702 PMCID: PMC10687270 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-46595-x] [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: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Descriptions of karyotypes of many animal species are currently available. In addition, there has been a significant increase in the number of sequenced genomes and an ever-improving quality of genome assembly. To close the gap between genomic and cytogenetic data we applied fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) and Hi-C technology to make the first full chromosome-level genome comparison of the guinea pig (Cavia porcellus), naked mole-rat (Heterocephalus glaber), and human. Comparative chromosome maps obtained by FISH with chromosome-specific probes link genomic scaffolds to individual chromosomes and orient them relative to centromeres and heterochromatic blocks. Hi-C assembly made it possible to close all gaps on the comparative maps and to reveal additional rearrangements that distinguish the karyotypes of the three species. As a result, we integrated the bioinformatic and cytogenetic data and adjusted the previous comparative maps and genome assemblies of the guinea pig, naked mole-rat, and human. Syntenic associations in the two hystricomorphs indicate features of their putative ancestral karyotype. We postulate that the two approaches applied in this study complement one another and provide complete information about the organization of these genomes at the chromosome level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svetlana A Romanenko
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Siberian Branch, Novosibirsk, Russia.
| | - Sergei F Kliver
- Center for Evolutionary Hologenomics, The Globe Institute, The University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Natalia A Serdyukova
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Siberian Branch, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Polina L Perelman
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Siberian Branch, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Vladimir A Trifonov
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Siberian Branch, Novosibirsk, Russia
- Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Andrei Seluanov
- Department of Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Vera Gorbunova
- Department of Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Jorge Azpurua
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Jorge C Pereira
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
- Cambridge Resource Centre for Comparative Genomics, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Malcolm A Ferguson-Smith
- Cambridge Resource Centre for Comparative Genomics, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Alexander S Graphodatsky
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Siberian Branch, Novosibirsk, Russia
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16
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Lu B. Evolutionary Insights into the Relationship of Frogs, Salamanders, and Caecilians and Their Adaptive Traits, with an Emphasis on Salamander Regeneration and Longevity. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3449. [PMID: 38003067 PMCID: PMC10668855 DOI: 10.3390/ani13223449] [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: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The extant amphibians have developed uncanny abilities to adapt to their environment. I compared the genes of amphibians to those of other vertebrates to investigate the genetic changes underlying their unique traits, especially salamanders' regeneration and longevity. Using the well-supported Batrachia tree, I found that salamander genomes have undergone accelerated adaptive evolution, especially for development-related genes. The group-based comparison showed that several genes are under positive selection, rapid evolution, and unexpected parallel evolution with traits shared by distantly related species, such as the tail-regenerative lizard and the longer-lived naked mole rat. The genes, such as EEF1E1, PAFAH1B1, and OGFR, may be involved in salamander regeneration, as they are involved in the apoptotic process, blastema formation, and cell proliferation, respectively. The genes PCNA and SIRT1 may be involved in extending lifespan, as they are involved in DNA repair and histone modification, respectively. Some genes, such as PCNA and OGFR, have dual roles in regeneration and aging, which suggests that these two processes are interconnected. My experiment validated the time course differential expression pattern of SERPINI1 and OGFR, two genes that have evolved in parallel in salamanders and lizards during the regeneration process of salamander limbs. In addition, I found several candidate genes responsible for frogs' frequent vocalization and caecilians' degenerative vision. This study provides much-needed insights into the processes of regeneration and aging, and the discovery of the critical genes paves the way for further functional analysis, which could open up new avenues for exploiting the genetic potential of humans and improving human well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Lu
- Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China
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17
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Courcelle M, Fabre PH, Douzery EJP. Phylogeny, Ecology, and Gene Families Covariation Shaped the Olfactory Subgenome of Rodents. Genome Biol Evol 2023; 15:evad197. [PMID: 37972291 PMCID: PMC10653590 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evad197] [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] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Olfactory receptor (OR) genes represent the largest multigenic family in mammalian genomes and encode proteins that bind environmental odorant molecules. The OR repertoire is extremely variable among species and is subject to many gene duplications and losses, which have been linked to ecological adaptations in mammals. Although they have been studied on a broad taxonomic scale (i.e., placental), finer sampling has rarely been explored in order to better capture the mechanisms that drove the evolution of the OR repertoire. Among placental mammals, rodents are well-suited for this task, as they exhibit diverse life history traits, and genomic data are available for most major families and a diverse array of lifestyles. In this study, 53 rodent published genomes were mined for their OR subgenomes. We retrieved more than 85,000 functional and pseudogene OR sequences that were subsequently classified into phylogenetic clusters. Copy number variation among rodents is similar to that of other mammals. Using our OR counts along with comparative phylogenetic approaches, we demonstrated that ecological niches such as diet, period of activity, and a fossorial lifestyle strongly impacted the proportion of OR pseudogenes. Within the OR subgenome, phylogenetic inertia was the main factor explaining the relative variations of the 13 OR gene families. However, a striking exception was a convergent 10-fold expansion of the OR family 14 among the phylogenetically divergent subterranean mole-rat lineages belonging to Bathyergidae and Spalacidae families. This study illustrates how the diversity of the OR repertoire has evolved among rodents, both shaped by selective forces stemming from species life history traits and neutral evolution along the rodent phylogeny.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxime Courcelle
- Institutdes Sciences de l’Evolution de Montpellier (ISEM), CNRS, IRD, EPHE, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- CIRAD, UMR ASTRE, Montpellier, France
| | - Pierre-Henri Fabre
- Institutdes Sciences de l’Evolution de Montpellier (ISEM), CNRS, IRD, EPHE, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- Mammal Section, Life Sciences, Vertebrate Division, The Natural History Museum, London, United Kingdom
- Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), Section Biologie-Médecine-Santé, Paris, France
| | - Emmanuel J P Douzery
- Institutdes Sciences de l’Evolution de Montpellier (ISEM), CNRS, IRD, EPHE, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
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18
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Huang Z, Jiang C, Gu J, Uvizl M, Power S, Douglas D, Kacprzyk J. Duplications of Human Longevity-Associated Genes Across Placental Mammals. Genome Biol Evol 2023; 15:evad186. [PMID: 37831410 PMCID: PMC10588791 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evad186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural selection has shaped a wide range of lifespans across mammals, with a few long-lived species showing negligible signs of ageing. Approaches used to elucidate the genetic mechanisms underlying mammalian longevity usually involve phylogenetic selection tests on candidate genes, detections of convergent amino acid changes in long-lived lineages, analyses of differential gene expression between age cohorts or species, and measurements of age-related epigenetic changes. However, the link between gene duplication and evolution of mammalian longevity has not been widely investigated. Here, we explored the association between gene duplication and mammalian lifespan by analyzing 287 human longevity-associated genes across 37 placental mammals. We estimated that the expansion rate of these genes is eight times higher than their contraction rate across these 37 species. Using phylogenetic approaches, we identified 43 genes whose duplication levels are significantly correlated with longevity quotients (False Discovery Rate (FDR) < 0.05). In particular, the strong correlation observed for four genes (CREBBP, PIK3R1, HELLS, FOXM1) appears to be driven mainly by their high duplication levels in two ageing extremists, the naked mole rat (Heterocephalus glaber) and the greater mouse-eared bat (Myotis myotis). Further sequence and expression analyses suggest that the gene PIK3R1 may have undergone a convergent duplication event, whereby the similar region of its coding sequence was independently duplicated multiple times in both of these long-lived species. Collectively, this study identified several candidate genes whose duplications may underlie the extreme longevity in mammals, and highlighted the potential role of gene duplication in the evolution of mammalian long lifespans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zixia Huang
- School of Biology and Environmental Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Chongyi Jiang
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Jiayun Gu
- School of Biology and Environmental Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Marek Uvizl
- Department of Zoology, National Museum, Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Sarahjane Power
- School of Biology and Environmental Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Declan Douglas
- School of Biology and Environmental Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Joanna Kacprzyk
- School of Biology and Environmental Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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19
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Takasugi M, Ohtani N, Takemura K, Emmrich S, Zakusilo FT, Yoshida Y, Kutsukake N, Mariani JN, Windrem MS, Chandler-Militello D, Goldman SA, Satoh J, Ito S, Seluanov A, Gorbunova V. CD44 correlates with longevity and enhances basal ATF6 activity and ER stress resistance. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113130. [PMID: 37708026 PMCID: PMC10591879 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The naked mole rat (NMR) is the longest-lived rodent, resistant to multiple age-related diseases including neurodegeneration. However, the mechanisms underlying the NMR's resistance to neurodegenerative diseases remain elusive. Here, we isolated oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) from NMRs and compared their transcriptome with that of other mammals. Extracellular matrix (ECM) genes best distinguish OPCs of long- and short-lived species. Notably, expression levels of CD44, an ECM-binding protein that has been suggested to contribute to NMR longevity by mediating the effect of hyaluronan (HA), are not only high in OPCs of long-lived species but also positively correlate with longevity in multiple cell types/tissues. We found that CD44 localizes to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and enhances basal ATF6 activity. CD44 modifies proteome and membrane properties of the ER and enhances ER stress resistance in a manner dependent on unfolded protein response regulators without the requirement of HA. HA-independent role of CD44 in proteostasis regulation may contribute to mammalian longevity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaki Takasugi
- Department of Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, USA; Department of Pathophysiology, Osaka Metropolitan University, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan.
| | - Naoko Ohtani
- Department of Pathophysiology, Osaka Metropolitan University, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan.
| | - Kazuaki Takemura
- Department of Pathophysiology, Osaka Metropolitan University, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Stephan Emmrich
- Department of Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, USA
| | - Frances T Zakusilo
- Department of Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, USA
| | - Yuya Yoshida
- Department of Pathophysiology, Osaka Metropolitan University, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Nobuyuki Kutsukake
- Research Center for Integrative Evolutionary Science, SOKENDAI, The Graduate University for Advanced Studies, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - John N Mariani
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine and the Department of Neurology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Martha S Windrem
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine and the Department of Neurology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Devin Chandler-Militello
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine and the Department of Neurology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Steven A Goldman
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine and the Department of Neurology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Junko Satoh
- Medical Research Support Center, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Shinji Ito
- Medical Research Support Center, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Andrei Seluanov
- Department of Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642 USA.
| | - Vera Gorbunova
- Department of Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642 USA.
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20
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Işıldak U, Dönertaş HM. Evolutionary paths to mammalian longevity through the lens of gene expression. EMBO J 2023; 42:e114879. [PMID: 37519235 PMCID: PMC10476271 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2023114879] [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: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The natural variation in mammalian longevity and its underlying mechanisms remain an active area of aging research. In the latest issue of The EMBO Journal, Liu et al (2023) analyze gene expression levels in 103 mammalian species across three tissues, revealing tissue-specific associations between gene expression patterns and longevity. Remarkably, the study suggests that methionine restriction, a strategy shown to increase lifespan, may extend beyond artificial interventions and is similarly employed by natural selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulaş Işıldak
- Leibniz Institute on Aging ‐ Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI)LeibnizGermany
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21
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Liu W, Zhu P, Li M, Li Z, Yu Y, Liu G, Du J, Wang X, Yang J, Tian R, Seim I, Kaya A, Li M, Li M, Gladyshev VN, Zhou X. Large-scale across species transcriptomic analysis identifies genetic selection signatures associated with longevity in mammals. EMBO J 2023; 42:e112740. [PMID: 37427458 PMCID: PMC10476176 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2022112740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Lifespan varies significantly among mammals, with more than 100-fold difference between the shortest and longest living species. This natural difference may uncover the evolutionary forces and molecular features that define longevity. To understand the relationship between gene expression variation and longevity, we conducted a comparative transcriptomics analysis of liver, kidney, and brain tissues of 103 mammalian species. We found that few genes exhibit common expression patterns with longevity in the three organs analyzed. However, pathways related to translation fidelity, such as nonsense-mediated decay and eukaryotic translation elongation, correlated with longevity across mammals. Analyses of selection pressure found that selection intensity related to the direction of longevity-correlated genes is inconsistent across organs. Furthermore, expression of methionine restriction-related genes correlated with longevity and was under strong selection in long-lived mammals, suggesting that a common strategy is utilized by natural selection and artificial intervention to control lifespan. Our results indicate that lifespan regulation via gene expression is driven through polygenic and indirect natural selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiqiang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Pingfen Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Meng Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Zihao Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Yang Yu
- School of Life SciencesUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaAnhuiChina
| | - Gaoming Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Juan Du
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Xiao Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Jing Yang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Ran Tian
- Integrative Biology Laboratory, College of Life SciencesNanjing Normal UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Inge Seim
- Integrative Biology Laboratory, College of Life SciencesNanjing Normal UniversityNanjingChina
- School of Biology and Environmental ScienceQueensland University of TechnologyBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - Alaattin Kaya
- Department of BiologyVirginia Commonwealth UniversityRichmondVAUSA
| | - Mingzhou Li
- Institute of Animal Genetics and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural UniversityChengduChina
| | - Ming Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Vadim N Gladyshev
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's HospitalHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMAUSA
| | - Xuming Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
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22
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Li X, Wang P, Pan Q, Liu G, Liu W, Omotoso O, Du J, Li Z, Yu Y, Huang Y, Zhu P, Li M, Zhou X. Chromosome-level Asian elephant genome assembly and comparative genomics of long-lived mammals reveal the common substitutions for cancer resistance. Aging Cell 2023; 22:e13917. [PMID: 37395176 PMCID: PMC10497851 DOI: 10.1111/acel.13917] [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: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The naked mole rat (Heterocephalus glaber), bats (e.g., genus Myotis), and elephants (family Elephantidae) are known as long-lived mammals and are assumed to be excellent cancer antagonists. However, whether there are common genetic changes underpinning cancer resistance in these long-lived species is yet to be fully established. Here, we newly generated a high-quality chromosome-level Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) genome and identified that the expanded gene families in elephants are involved in Ras-associated and base excision repair pathways. Moreover, we performed comparative genomic analyses of 12 mammals and examined genes with signatures of positive selection in elephants, naked mole rat, and greater horseshoe bat. Residues at positively selected sites of CDR2L and ALDH6A1 in these long-lived mammals enhanced the inhibition of tumor cell migration compared to those in short-lived relatives. Overall, our study provides a new genome resource and a preliminary survey of common genetic changes in long-lived mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuanjing Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation BiologyInstitute of ZoologyBeijingChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Pengcheng Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation BiologyInstitute of ZoologyBeijingChina
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life SciencesNanjing Normal UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Qi Pan
- CAS Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation BiologyInstitute of ZoologyBeijingChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Gaoming Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation BiologyInstitute of ZoologyBeijingChina
| | - Weiqiang Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation BiologyInstitute of ZoologyBeijingChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Olatunde Omotoso
- CAS Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation BiologyInstitute of ZoologyBeijingChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Juan Du
- CAS Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation BiologyInstitute of ZoologyBeijingChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Zihao Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation BiologyInstitute of ZoologyBeijingChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Yang Yu
- Division of Life Sciences and MedicineUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiChina
| | - Yun Huang
- Division of Life Sciences and MedicineUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiChina
| | - Pingfen Zhu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation BiologyInstitute of ZoologyBeijingChina
| | - Meng Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation BiologyInstitute of ZoologyBeijingChina
| | - Xuming Zhou
- CAS Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation BiologyInstitute of ZoologyBeijingChina
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23
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Parey E, Fernandez-Aroca D, Frost S, Uribarren A, Park TJ, Zöttl M, St John Smith E, Berthelot C, Villar D. Phylogenetic modeling of enhancer shifts in African mole-rats reveals regulatory changes associated with tissue-specific traits. Genome Res 2023; 33:1513-1526. [PMID: 37625847 PMCID: PMC10620049 DOI: 10.1101/gr.277715.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Changes in gene regulation are thought to underlie most phenotypic differences between species. For subterranean rodents such as the naked mole-rat, proposed phenotypic adaptations include hypoxia tolerance, metabolic changes, and cancer resistance. However, it is largely unknown what regulatory changes may associate with these phenotypic traits, and whether these are unique to the naked mole-rat, the mole-rat clade, or are also present in other mammals. Here, we investigate regulatory evolution in the heart and liver from two African mole-rat species and two rodent outgroups using genome-wide epigenomic profiling. First, we adapted and applied a phylogenetic modeling approach to quantitatively compare epigenomic signals at orthologous regulatory elements and identified thousands of promoter and enhancer regions with differential epigenomic activity in mole-rats. These elements associate with known mole-rat adaptations in metabolic and functional pathways and suggest candidate genetic loci that may underlie mole-rat innovations. Second, we evaluated ancestral and species-specific regulatory changes in the study phylogeny and report several candidate pathways experiencing stepwise remodeling during the evolution of mole-rats, such as the insulin and hypoxia response pathways. Third, we report nonorthologous regulatory elements overlap with lineage-specific repetitive elements and appear to modify metabolic pathways by rewiring of HNF4 and RAR/RXR transcription factor binding sites in mole-rats. These comparative analyses reveal how mole-rat regulatory evolution informs previously reported phenotypic adaptations. Moreover, the phylogenetic modeling framework we propose here improves upon the state of the art by addressing known limitations of inter-species comparisons of epigenomic profiles and has broad implications in the field of comparative functional genomics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise Parey
- Institut de Biologie de l'Ecole Normale Supérieure (IBENS), Ecole Normale Supérieure, CNRS, INSERM, Université PSL, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Diego Fernandez-Aroca
- Blizard Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 2AT, United Kingdom
| | - Stephanie Frost
- Blizard Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 2AT, United Kingdom
| | - Ainhoa Uribarren
- Cambridge Institute, Cancer Research UK and University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0RE, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas J Park
- Department of Biological Sciences and Laboratory of Integrative Neuroscience, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60607, USA
| | - Markus Zöttl
- Department of Biology and Environmental Science, Linnaeus University, 44054 Kalmar, Sweden
| | - Ewan St John Smith
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1PD, United Kingdom
| | - Camille Berthelot
- Institut de Biologie de l'Ecole Normale Supérieure (IBENS), Ecole Normale Supérieure, CNRS, INSERM, Université PSL, 75005 Paris, France;
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR 3525, INSERM UA12, Comparative Functional Genomics Group, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Diego Villar
- Blizard Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 2AT, United Kingdom;
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24
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Wolf SE, Shalev I. The shelterin protein expansion of telomere dynamics: Linking early life adversity, life history, and the hallmarks of aging. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 152:105261. [PMID: 37268182 PMCID: PMC10527177 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Aging is characterized by functional decline occurring alongside changes to several hallmarks of aging. One of the hallmarks includes attrition of repeated DNA sequences found at the ends of chromosomes called telomeres. While telomere attrition is linked to morbidity and mortality, whether and how it causally contributes to lifelong rates of functional decline is unclear. In this review, we propose the shelterin-telomere hypothesis of life history, in which telomere-binding shelterin proteins translate telomere attrition into a range of physiological outcomes, the extent of which may be modulated by currently understudied variation in shelterin protein levels. Shelterin proteins may expand the breadth and timing of consequences of telomere attrition, e.g., by translating early life adversity into acceleration of the aging process. We consider how the pleiotropic roles of shelterin proteins provide novel insights into natural variation in physiology, life history, and lifespan. We highlight key open questions that encourage the integrative, organismal study of shelterin proteins that enhances our understanding of the contribution of the telomere system to aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Wolf
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, Penn State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA.
| | - Idan Shalev
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, Penn State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
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25
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Liu Y, Liu T, Wang Y, Liu J, Liu B, Gong L, Lü Z, Liu L. Genome Sequencing Provides Novel Insights into Mudflat Burrowing Adaptations in Eel Goby Taenioides sp. (Teleost: Amblyopinae). Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12892. [PMID: 37629073 PMCID: PMC10454203 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Amblyopinae is one of the lineage of bony fish that preserves amphibious traits living in tidal mudflat habitats. In contrast to other active amphibious fish, Amblyopinae species adopt a seemly more passive lifestyle by living in deep burrows of mudflat to circumvent the typical negative effects associated with terrestriality. However, little is known about the genetic origin of these mudflat deep-burrowing adaptations in Amblyopinae. Here we sequenced the first genome of Amblyopinae species, Taenioides sp., to elucidate their mudflat deep-burrowing adaptations. Our results revealed an assembled genome size of 774.06 Mb with 23 pseudochromosomes anchored, which predicted 22,399 protein-coding genes. Phylogenetic analyses indicated that Taenioides sp. diverged from the active amphibious fish of mudskipper approximately 28.3 Ma ago. In addition, 185 and 977 putative gene families were identified to be under expansion, contraction and 172 genes were undergone positive selection in Taenioides sp., respectively. Enrichment categories of top candidate genes under significant expansion and selection were mainly associated with hematopoiesis or angiogenesis, DNA repairs and the immune response, possibly suggesting their involvement in the adaptation to the hypoxia and diverse pathogens typically observed in mudflat burrowing environments. Some carbohydrate/lipid metabolism, and insulin signaling genes were also remarkably alterated, illustrating physiological remolding associated with nutrient-limited subterranean environments. Interestingly, several genes related to visual perception (e.g., crystallins) have undergone apparent gene losses, pointing to their role in the small vestigial eyes development in Taenioides sp. Our work provide valuable resources for understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying mudflat deep-burrowing adaptations in Amblyopinae, as well as in other tidal burrowing teleosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yantao Liu
- National Engineering Laboratory of Marine Germplasm Resources Exploration and Utilization, College of Marine Sciences and Technology, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan 316022, China
| | - Tianwei Liu
- National Engineering Laboratory of Marine Germplasm Resources Exploration and Utilization, College of Marine Sciences and Technology, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan 316022, China
| | - Yuzhen Wang
- National Engineering Research Center for Facilitated Marine Aquaculture, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan 316022, China
| | - Jing Liu
- National Engineering Laboratory of Marine Germplasm Resources Exploration and Utilization, College of Marine Sciences and Technology, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan 316022, China
| | - Bingjian Liu
- National Engineering Laboratory of Marine Germplasm Resources Exploration and Utilization, College of Marine Sciences and Technology, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan 316022, China
| | - Li Gong
- National Engineering Laboratory of Marine Germplasm Resources Exploration and Utilization, College of Marine Sciences and Technology, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan 316022, China
| | - Zhenming Lü
- National Engineering Laboratory of Marine Germplasm Resources Exploration and Utilization, College of Marine Sciences and Technology, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan 316022, China
| | - Liqin Liu
- National Engineering Laboratory of Marine Germplasm Resources Exploration and Utilization, College of Marine Sciences and Technology, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan 316022, China
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26
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Yang F, Liu X, Li Y, Yu Z, Huang X, Yang G, Xu S. Evolutionary analysis of the mTOR pathway provide insights into lifespan extension across mammals. BMC Genomics 2023; 24:456. [PMID: 37582720 PMCID: PMC10426088 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09554-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lifespan extension has independently evolved several times during mammalian evolution, leading to the emergence of a group of long-lived animals. Though mammalian/mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway is shown as a central regulator of lifespan and aging, the underlying influence of mTOR pathway on the evolution of lifespan in mammals is not well understood. RESULTS Here, we performed evolution analyses of 72 genes involved in the mTOR network across 48 mammals to explore the underlying mechanism of lifespan extension. We identified a total of 20 genes with significant evolution signals unique to long-lived species, including 12 positively selected genes, four convergent evolution genes, and five longevity associated genes whose evolution rate related to the maximum lifespan (MLS). Of these genes, four positively selected genes, two convergent evolution genes and one longevity-associated gene were involved in the autophagy response and aging-related diseases, while eight genes were known as cancer genes, indicating the long-lived species might have evolved effective regulation mechanisms of autophagy and cancer to extend lifespan. CONCLUSION Our study revealed genes with significant evolutionary signals unique to long-lived species, which provided new insight into the lifespan extension of mammals and might bring new strategies to extend human lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Yang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiverity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Xing Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiverity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Yi Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiverity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Zhenpeng Yu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiverity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Xin Huang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiverity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Guang Yang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiverity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Shixia Xu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiverity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China.
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27
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Takasugi M, Yoshida Y, Nonaka Y, Ohtani N. Gene expressions associated with longer lifespan and aging exhibit similarity in mammals. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:7205-7219. [PMID: 37351606 PMCID: PMC10415134 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Although molecular features underlying aging and species maximum lifespan (MLS) have been comprehensively studied by transcriptome analyses, the actual impact of transcriptome on aging and MLS remains elusive. Here, we found that transcriptional signatures that are associated with mammalian MLS exhibited significant similarity to those of aging. Moreover, transcriptional signatures of longer MLS and aging both exhibited significant similarity to that of longer-lived mouse strains, suggesting that gene expression patterns associated with species MLS contribute to extended lifespan even within a species and that aging-related gene expression changes overall represent adaptations that extend lifespan rather than deterioration. Finally, we found evidence of co-evolution of MLS and promoter sequences of MLS-associated genes, highlighting the evolutionary contribution of specific transcription factor binding motifs such as that of E2F1 in shaping MLS-associated gene expression signature. Our results highlight the importance of focusing on adaptive aspects of aging transcriptome and demonstrate that cross-species genomics can be a powerful approach for understanding adaptive aging transcriptome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaki Takasugi
- Department of Pathophysiology, Osaka Metropolitan University, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yuya Yoshida
- Department of Pathophysiology, Osaka Metropolitan University, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yoshiki Nonaka
- Department of Pathophysiology, Osaka Metropolitan University, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Naoko Ohtani
- Department of Pathophysiology, Osaka Metropolitan University, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
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28
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Xing Y, Xuan F, Wang K, Zhang H. Aging under endocrine hormone regulation. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1223529. [PMID: 37600699 PMCID: PMC10433899 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1223529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Aging is a biological process in which the environment interacts with the body to cause a progressive decline in effective physiological function. Aging in the human body can lead to a dysfunction of the vital organ systems, resulting in the onset of age-related diseases, such as neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases, which can seriously affect an individual's quality of life. The endocrine system acts on specific targets through hormones and related major functional factors in its pathways, which play biological roles in coordinating cellular interactions, metabolism, growth, and aging. Aging is the result of a combination of many pathological, physiological, and psychological processes, among which the endocrine system can achieve a bidirectional effect on the aging process by regulating the hormone levels in the body. In this paper, we explored the mechanisms of growth hormone, thyroid hormone, and estrogen in the aging process to provide a reference for the exploration of endocrine mechanisms related to aging.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Huifeng Zhang
- Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
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29
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Tyshkovskiy A, Ma S, Shindyapina AV, Tikhonov S, Lee SG, Bozaykut P, Castro JP, Seluanov A, Schork NJ, Gorbunova V, Dmitriev SE, Miller RA, Gladyshev VN. Distinct longevity mechanisms across and within species and their association with aging. Cell 2023; 186:2929-2949.e20. [PMID: 37269831 PMCID: PMC11192172 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Lifespan varies within and across species, but the general principles of its control remain unclear. Here, we conducted multi-tissue RNA-seq analyses across 41 mammalian species, identifying longevity signatures and examining their relationship with transcriptomic biomarkers of aging and established lifespan-extending interventions. An integrative analysis uncovered shared longevity mechanisms within and across species, including downregulated Igf1 and upregulated mitochondrial translation genes, and unique features, such as distinct regulation of the innate immune response and cellular respiration. Signatures of long-lived species were positively correlated with age-related changes and enriched for evolutionarily ancient essential genes, involved in proteolysis and PI3K-Akt signaling. Conversely, lifespan-extending interventions counteracted aging patterns and affected younger, mutable genes enriched for energy metabolism. The identified biomarkers revealed longevity interventions, including KU0063794, which extended mouse lifespan and healthspan. Overall, this study uncovers universal and distinct strategies of lifespan regulation within and across species and provides tools for discovering longevity interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Tyshkovskiy
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Moscow State University, Moscow 119234, Russia
| | - Siming Ma
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Anastasia V Shindyapina
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Stanislav Tikhonov
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Moscow State University, Moscow 119234, Russia
| | - Sang-Goo Lee
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Perinur Bozaykut
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, Istanbul 34752, Turkey
| | - José P Castro
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; i3S, Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; Aging and Aneuploidy Laboratory, IBMC, Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Andrei Seluanov
- Departments of Biology and Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Nicholas J Schork
- Quantitative Medicine and Systems Biology Division, Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Vera Gorbunova
- Departments of Biology and Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Sergey E Dmitriev
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Moscow State University, Moscow 119234, Russia
| | - Richard A Miller
- Department of Pathology and Geriatrics Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Vadim N Gladyshev
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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30
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Ricci M, Peona V, Boattini A, Taccioli C. Comparative analysis of bats and rodents' genomes suggests a relation between non-LTR retrotransposons, cancer incidence, and ageing. Sci Rep 2023; 13:9039. [PMID: 37270634 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-36006-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The presence in nature of species showing drastic differences in lifespan and cancer incidence has recently increased the interest of the scientific community. In particular, the adaptations and the genomic features underlying the evolution of cancer-resistant and long-lived organisms have recently focused on transposable elements (TEs). In this study, we compared the content and dynamics of TE activity in the genomes of four rodent and six bat species exhibiting different lifespans and cancer susceptibility. Mouse, rat, and guinea pig genomes (short-lived and cancer-prone organisms) were compared with that of naked mole rat (Heterocephalus glaber) which is a cancer-resistant organism and the rodent with the longest lifespan. The long-lived bats of the genera Myotis, Rhinolophus, Pteropus and Rousettus were instead compared with Molossus molossus, which is one of the organisms with the shortest lifespan among the order Chiroptera. Despite previous hypotheses stating a substantial tolerance of TEs in bats, we found that long-lived bats and the naked mole rat share a marked decrease of non-LTR retrotransposons (LINEs and SINEs) accumulation in recent evolutionary times.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Valentina Peona
- Department of Organismal Biology, Systematic Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Alessio Boattini
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Cristian Taccioli
- Department of Animal Medicine, Health and Production, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
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31
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Shao Y, Zhou L, Li F, Zhao L, Zhang BL, Shao F, Chen JW, Chen CY, Bi X, Zhuang XL, Zhu HL, Hu J, Sun Z, Li X, Wang D, Rivas-González I, Wang S, Wang YM, Chen W, Li G, Lu HM, Liu Y, Kuderna LFK, Farh KKH, Fan PF, Yu L, Li M, Liu ZJ, Tiley GP, Yoder AD, Roos C, Hayakawa T, Marques-Bonet T, Rogers J, Stenson PD, Cooper DN, Schierup MH, Yao YG, Zhang YP, Wang W, Qi XG, Zhang G, Wu DD. Phylogenomic analyses provide insights into primate evolution. Science 2023; 380:913-924. [PMID: 37262173 DOI: 10.1126/science.abn6919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Comparative analysis of primate genomes within a phylogenetic context is essential for understanding the evolution of human genetic architecture and primate diversity. We present such a study of 50 primate species spanning 38 genera and 14 families, including 27 genomes first reported here, with many from previously less well represented groups, the New World monkeys and the Strepsirrhini. Our analyses reveal heterogeneous rates of genomic rearrangement and gene evolution across primate lineages. Thousands of genes under positive selection in different lineages play roles in the nervous, skeletal, and digestive systems and may have contributed to primate innovations and adaptations. Our study reveals that many key genomic innovations occurred in the Simiiformes ancestral node and may have had an impact on the adaptive radiation of the Simiiformes and human evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Natural History Museum of Zoology, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, China
| | - Long Zhou
- Center of Evolutionary & Organismal Biology, and Women's Hospital at Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Fang Li
- Section for Ecology and Evolution, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Institute of Animal Sex and Development, ZhejiangWanli University, Ningbo 315100, China
| | - Lan Zhao
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory for Animal Conservation, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, China
| | - Bao-Lin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Natural History Museum of Zoology, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, China
| | - Feng Shao
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Southwest University School of Life Sciences, Chongqing 400715, China
| | | | - Chun-Yan Chen
- School of Ecology and Environment, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, China
| | - Xupeng Bi
- Center of Evolutionary & Organismal Biology, and Women's Hospital at Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xiao-Lin Zhuang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Natural History Museum of Zoology, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, China
- Kunming College of Life Science, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650204, China
| | | | - Jiang Hu
- Grandomics Biosciences, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Zongyi Sun
- Grandomics Biosciences, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Xin Li
- Grandomics Biosciences, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Depeng Wang
- Grandomics Biosciences, Beijing 102206, China
| | | | - Sheng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Natural History Museum of Zoology, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, China
| | - Yun-Mei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Natural History Museum of Zoology, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, China
| | - Wu Chen
- Guangzhou Zoo & Guangzhou Wildlife Research Center, Guangzhou 510070, China
| | - Gang Li
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119, China
| | - Hui-Meng Lu
- School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, China
| | - Yang Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119, China
| | - Lukas F K Kuderna
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology (UPF-CSIC), PRBB, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
- Illumina Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Illumina Inc, San Diego, CA 92122, USA
| | - Kyle Kai-How Farh
- Illumina Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Illumina Inc, San Diego, CA 92122, USA
| | - Peng-Fei Fan
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510275, China
| | - Li Yu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resource in Yunnan, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, China
| | - Ming Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Zhi-Jin Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Capital Normal University, Beijing 100048, China
| | - George P Tiley
- Department of Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Anne D Yoder
- Department of Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Christian Roos
- Gene Bank of Primates and Primate Genetics Laboratory, German Primate Center, Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Takashi Hayakawa
- Faculty of Environmental Earth Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0810, Japan
- Japan Monkey Centre, Inuyama, Aichi 484-0081, Japan
| | - Tomas Marques-Bonet
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology (UPF-CSIC), PRBB, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
- Catalan Institution of Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), Passeig de Lluís Companys, 23, 08010 Barcelona, Spain
- CNAG-CRG, Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Institut Català de Paleontologia Miquel Crusafont, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Edifici ICTA-ICP, c/ Columnes s/n, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jeffrey Rogers
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Peter D Stenson
- Institute of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
| | - David N Cooper
- Institute of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
| | | | - Yong-Gang Yao
- Kunming College of Life Science, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650204, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences & Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, China
- Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and Genetics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, China
- National Resource Center for Non-Human Primates, Kunming Primate Research Center, and National Research Facility for Phenotypic & Genetic Analysis of Model Animals (Primate Facility), Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650107, China
| | - Ya-Ping Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Natural History Museum of Zoology, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, China
- Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and Genetics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, China
- National Resource Center for Non-Human Primates, Kunming Primate Research Center, and National Research Facility for Phenotypic & Genetic Analysis of Model Animals (Primate Facility), Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650107, China
| | - Wen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Natural History Museum of Zoology, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, China
- School of Ecology and Environment, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, China
- Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and Genetics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, China
| | - Xiao-Guang Qi
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory for Animal Conservation, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, China
| | - Guojie Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Natural History Museum of Zoology, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, China
- Center of Evolutionary & Organismal Biology, and Women's Hospital at Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Section for Ecology and Evolution, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Dong-Dong Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Natural History Museum of Zoology, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, China
- Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and Genetics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, China
- National Resource Center for Non-Human Primates, Kunming Primate Research Center, and National Research Facility for Phenotypic & Genetic Analysis of Model Animals (Primate Facility), Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650107, China
- KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650204, China
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Gorshkova EA, Gubernatorova EO, Dvorianinova EM, Yurakova TR, Marey MV, Averina OA, Holtze S, Hildebrandt TB, Dmitriev AA, Drutskaya MS, Vyssokikh MY, Nedospasov SA. Macrophages from naked mole-rat possess distinct immunometabolic signatures upon polarization. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1172467. [PMID: 37153552 PMCID: PMC10154529 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1172467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The naked mole-rat (NMR) is a unique long-lived rodent which is highly resistant to age-associated disorders and cancer. The immune system of NMR possesses a distinct cellular composition with the prevalence of myeloid cells. Thus, the detailed phenotypical and functional assessment of NMR myeloid cell compartment may uncover novel mechanisms of immunoregulation and healthy aging. In this study gene expression signatures, reactive nitrogen species and cytokine production, as well as metabolic activity of classically (M1) and alternatively (M2) activated NMR bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM) were examined. Polarization of NMR macrophages under pro-inflammatory conditions led to expected M1 phenotype characterized by increased pro-inflammatory gene expression, cytokine production and aerobic glycolysis, but paralleled by reduced production of nitric oxide (NO). Under systemic LPS-induced inflammatory conditions NO production also was not detected in NMR blood monocytes. Altogether, our results indicate that NMR macrophages are capable of transcriptional and metabolic reprogramming under polarizing stimuli, however, NMR M1 possesses species-specific signatures as compared to murine M1, implicating distinct adaptations in NMR immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina A. Gorshkova
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Ekaterina O. Gubernatorova
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Taisiya R. Yurakova
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Maria V. Marey
- Federal State Budget Institution “National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov”, Ministry of Healthcare of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - Olga A. Averina
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Susanne Holtze
- Department of Reproduction Management, Leibnitz Institute for Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas B. Hildebrandt
- Department of Reproduction Management, Leibnitz Institute for Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
| | - Alexey A. Dmitriev
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Marina S. Drutskaya
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Mikhail Yu. Vyssokikh
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
- Federal State Budget Institution “National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov”, Ministry of Healthcare of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - Sergei A. Nedospasov
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Division of Immunobiology and Biomedicine, Center of Genetics and Life Sciences, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Federal Territory Sirius, Krasnodar Krai, Russia
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Amoroso VG, Zhao A, Vargas I, Park TJ. Naked Mole-Rats Demonstrate Profound Tolerance to Low Oxygen, High Carbon Dioxide, and Chemical Pain. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13050819. [PMID: 36899677 PMCID: PMC10000161 DOI: 10.3390/ani13050819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Naked mole-rats (Heterocephalus glaber) are very unusual among subterranean mammals in that they live in large colonies and are extremely social, spending large amounts of time gathered together in underground nests more than a meter below the surface. Many respiring individuals resting in deep, poorly ventilated nests deplete the oxygen supply and increase the concentration of carbon dioxide. Consistent with living in that atmosphere, naked mole-rats tolerate levels of low oxygen and high carbon dioxide that are deadly to most surface-dwelling mammals. Naked mole-rats appear to have evolved a number of remarkable adaptations to be able to thrive in this harsh atmosphere. In order to successfully survive low oxygen atmospheres, they conserve energy utilization by reducing the physiological activity of all organs, manifest by reduced heart rate and brain activity. Amazingly, they resort to the anaerobic metabolism of fructose rather than glucose as a fuel to generate energy when challenged by anoxia. Similarly, high carbon dioxide atmospheres normally cause tissue acidosis, while naked mole-rats have a genetic mutation preventing both acid-induced pain and pulmonary edema. Together, these putative adaptations and the tolerances they provide make the naked mole-rat an important model for studying a host of biomedical challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vince G Amoroso
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Aishi Zhao
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Isabel Vargas
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Thomas J Park
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
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Oka K, Yamakawa M, Kawamura Y, Kutsukake N, Miura K. The Naked Mole-Rat as a Model for Healthy Aging. Annu Rev Anim Biosci 2023; 11:207-226. [PMID: 36318672 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-animal-050322-074744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Naked mole-rats (NMRs, Heterocephalus glaber) are the longest-lived rodents with a maximum life span exceeding 37 years. They exhibit a delayed aging phenotype and resistance to age-related functional decline/diseases. Specifically, they do not display increased mortality with age, maintain several physiological functions until nearly the end of their lifetime, and rarely develop cancer and Alzheimer's disease. NMRs live in a hypoxic environment in underground colonies in East Africa and are highly tolerant of hypoxia. These unique characteristics of NMRs have attracted considerable interest from zoological and biomedical researchers. This review summarizes previous studies of the ecology, hypoxia tolerance, longevity/delayed aging, and cancer resistance of NMRs and discusses possible mechanisms contributing to their healthy aging. In addition, we discuss current issues and future perspectives to fully elucidate the mechanisms underlying delayed aging and resistance to age-related diseases in NMRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaori Oka
- Department of Aging and Longevity Research, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan; , ,
| | - Masanori Yamakawa
- Department of Evolutionary Studies of Biosystems, Sokendai (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Kanagawa, Japan; ,
| | - Yoshimi Kawamura
- Department of Aging and Longevity Research, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan; , ,
| | - Nobuyuki Kutsukake
- Department of Evolutionary Studies of Biosystems, Sokendai (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Kanagawa, Japan; , .,Research Center for Integrative Evolutionary Science, Sokendai (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Kyoko Miura
- Department of Aging and Longevity Research, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan; , , .,Center for Metabolic Regulation of Healthy Aging, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
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Li M, Peng Y, Chen W, Gao Y, Yang M, Li J, He J. Active Nrf2 signaling flexibly regulates HO-1 and NQO-1 in hypoxic Gansu Zokor (Eospalax cansus). Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2023; 264:110811. [PMID: 36372272 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2022.110811] [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: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Gansu zokor (Eospalax cansus) is a typical subterranean rodent species with resistance to ambient hypoxia. The nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling plays a key role in regulating redox homeostasis. However, little is known about the regulation of Nrf2 signaling in Gansu zokor. We exposed Gansu zokors and SD rats to chronic hypoxia (44 h at 10.5% O2) or acute hypoxia (6 h at 6.5% O2) andmeasured the activities of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase-1 (NQO-1),gene expression of HO-1, NQO-1, Nrf2, Kelch-like ECH-associated protein-1 (KEAP1), and β-transducin repeat-containing protein (β-TRCP) in the brain and liver. We found that Gansu zokor increased the NQO-1 protein content and activity, HO-1 protein content in the brain, and increased HO-1 activity and mRNA level, NQO-1 activity and protein content in the liver by up regulating Nrf2 gene expression under chronic hypoxia. Although acute hypoxia enhanced the expression of Nrf2 gene, only the level of HO-1 mRNA in the liver increased. Besides, the HO-1 and NQO-1 genes in the brain, HO-1 genes and NQO-1 mRNA in the Gansu zokor liver were significantly higher than those in SD rats under normoxia. Negative regulators of Nrf2 signaling were tissue specific: KEAP1 protein decreased in the brain, and β-TRCP decreased in the liver. The Nrf2 signaling and expression of downstream antioxidant enzymes were different under different oxygen concentrations, reflecting the flexible characteristics of Gansu zokor to deal with the hypoxic environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Li
- National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Development of Endangered Crude Drugs in Northwest China, Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Medicinal Resources and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Life Science, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yifan Peng
- National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Development of Endangered Crude Drugs in Northwest China, Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Medicinal Resources and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Life Science, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China
| | - Wenjun Chen
- National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Development of Endangered Crude Drugs in Northwest China, Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Medicinal Resources and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Life Science, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yongjiao Gao
- National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Development of Endangered Crude Drugs in Northwest China, Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Medicinal Resources and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Life Science, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China
| | - Maohong Yang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Development of Endangered Crude Drugs in Northwest China, Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Medicinal Resources and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Life Science, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jingang Li
- National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Development of Endangered Crude Drugs in Northwest China, Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Medicinal Resources and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Life Science, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jianping He
- National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Development of Endangered Crude Drugs in Northwest China, Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Medicinal Resources and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Life Science, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China.
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Tønnesen J, Hrabĕtová S, Soria FN. Local diffusion in the extracellular space of the brain. Neurobiol Dis 2023; 177:105981. [PMID: 36581229 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2022.105981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The brain extracellular space (ECS) is a vast interstitial reticulum of extreme morphological complexity, composed of narrow gaps separated by local expansions, enabling interconnected highways between neural cells. Constituting on average 20% of brain volume, the ECS is key for intercellular communication, and understanding its diffusional properties is of paramount importance for understanding the brain. Within the ECS, neuroactive substances travel predominantly by diffusion, spreading through the interstitial fluid and the extracellular matrix scaffold after being focally released. The nanoscale dimensions of the ECS render it unresolvable by conventional live tissue compatible imaging methods, and historically diffusion of tracers has been used to indirectly infer its structure. Novel nanoscopic imaging techniques now show that the ECS is a highly dynamic compartment, and that diffusivity in the ECS is more heterogeneous than anticipated, with great variability across brain regions and physiological states. Diffusion is defined primarily by the local ECS geometry, and secondarily by the viscosity of the interstitial fluid, including the obstructive and binding properties of the extracellular matrix. ECS volume fraction and tortuosity both strongly determine diffusivity, and each can be independently regulated e.g. through alterations in glial morphology and the extracellular matrix composition. Here we aim to provide an overview of our current understanding of the ECS and its diffusional properties. We highlight emerging technological advances to respectively interrogate and model diffusion through the ECS, and point out how these may contribute in resolving the remaining enigmas of the ECS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Tønnesen
- Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, Leioa, Spain; Department of Neuroscience, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain; Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA
| | - Sabina Hrabĕtová
- Department of Cell Biology, State University of New York, Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY, USA; The Robert F. Furchgott Center for Neural and Behavioral Science, State University of New York Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Federico N Soria
- Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, Leioa, Spain; Department of Neuroscience, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain; Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Spain.
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Trivedi DD, Dalai SK, Bakshi SR. The Mystery of Cancer Resistance: A Revelation Within Nature. J Mol Evol 2023; 91:133-155. [PMID: 36693985 DOI: 10.1007/s00239-023-10092-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Cancer, a disease due to uncontrolled cell proliferation is as ancient as multicellular organisms. A 255-million-years-old fossilized forerunner mammal gorgonopsian is probably the oldest evidence of cancer, to date. Cancer seems to have evolved by adapting to the microenvironment occupied by immune sentinel, modulating the cellular behavior from cytotoxic to regulatory, acquiring resistance to chemotherapy and surviving hypoxia. The interaction of genes with environmental carcinogens is central to cancer onset, seen as a spectrum of cancer susceptibility among human population. Cancer occurs in life forms other than human also, although their exposure to environmental carcinogens can be different. Role of genetic etiology in cancer in multiple species can be interesting with regard to not only cancer susceptibility, but also genetic conservation and adaptation in speciation. The widely used model organisms for cancer research are mouse and rat which are short-lived and reproduce rapidly. Research in these cancer prone animal models has been valuable as these have led to cancer therapy. However, another rewarding area of cancer research can be the cancer-resistant animal species. The Peto's paradox and G-value paradox are evident when natural cancer resistance is observed in large mammals, like elephant and whale, small rodents viz. Naked Mole Rat and Blind Mole Rat, and Bat. The cancer resistance remains to be explored in other small or large and long-living animals like giraffe, camel, rhinoceros, water buffalo, Indian bison, Shire horse, polar bear, manatee, elephant seal, walrus, hippopotamus, turtle and tortoise, sloth, and squirrel. Indeed, understanding the molecular mechanisms of avoiding neoplastic transformation across various life forms can be potentially having translational value for human cancer management. Adapted and Modified from (Hanahan and Weinberg 2011).
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Treaster S, Deelen J, Daane JM, Murabito J, Karasik D, Harris MP. Convergent genomics of longevity in rockfishes highlights the genetics of human life span variation. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadd2743. [PMID: 36630509 PMCID: PMC9833670 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.add2743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Longevity is a defining, heritable trait that varies dramatically between species. To resolve the genetic regulation of this trait, we have mined genomic variation in rockfishes, which range in longevity from 11 to over 205 years. Multiple shifts in rockfish longevity have occurred independently and in a short evolutionary time frame, thus empowering convergence analyses. Our analyses reveal a common network of genes under convergent evolution, encompassing established aging regulators such as insulin signaling, yet also identify flavonoid (aryl-hydrocarbon) metabolism as a pathway modulating longevity. The selective pressures on these pathways indicate the ancestral state of rockfishes was long lived and that the changes in short-lived lineages are adaptive. These pathways were also used to explore genome-wide association studies of human longevity, identifying the aryl-hydrocarbon metabolism pathway to be significantly associated with human survival to the 99th percentile. This evolutionary intersection defines and cross-validates a previously unappreciated genetic architecture that associates with the evolution of longevity across vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Treaster
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joris Deelen
- Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing, Joseph-Stelzmann-Str. 9b, D-50931 Köln, Germany
- Molecular Epidemiology, Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jacob M. Daane
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston TX, USA
| | - Joanne Murabito
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Framingham Heart Study, Framingham, MA, USA
| | - David Karasik
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed, Israel
- Marcus Institute for Aging Research, Hebrew Senior Life, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Matthew P. Harris
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Gorbunova V, Seluanov A. Introduction: Progression of the Science of Ageing. Subcell Biochem 2023; 102:1-6. [PMID: 36600127 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-21410-3_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] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
We outline the progression of ageing research from ancient history to present day geroscience. Calorie restriction, genetic mutations, and the involvement of the sirtuins are highlighted, along with pharmaceutical interventions, in particular rapamycin. At the cellular level, replicative senescence and telomere shortening are presented in the history of ageing studies. We discuss the roles of macromolecular damage in ageing including damage to nuclear, and mitochondrial DNA, epigenetic and protein damage. The importance inflammation during ageing "inflammageing" is becoming increasingly recognized. Omics-based biomarkers are now proving to be a promising approach, along with comparative studies on long-lived animals. The science is getting closer to understanding the mechanisms of ageing and developing reliable interventions to improve human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera Gorbunova
- Departments of Biology and Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA.
| | - Andrei Seluanov
- Departments of Biology and Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
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Schraverus H, Larondelle Y, Page MM. Beyond the Lab: What We Can Learn about Cancer from Wild and Domestic Animals. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14246177. [PMID: 36551658 PMCID: PMC9776354 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14246177] [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: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer research has benefited immensely from the use of animal models. Several genetic tools accessible in rodent models have provided valuable insight into cellular and molecular mechanisms linked to cancer development or metastasis and various lines are available. However, at the same time, it is important to accompany these findings with those from alternative or non-model animals to offer new perspectives into the understanding of tumor development, prevention, and treatment. In this review, we first discuss animals characterized by little or no tumor development. Cancer incidence in small animals, such as the naked mole rat, blind mole rat and bats have been reported as almost negligible and tumor development may be inhibited by increased defense and repair mechanisms, altered cell cycle signaling and reduced rates of cell migration to avoid tumor microenvironments. On the other end of the size spectrum, large animals such as elephants and whales also appear to have low overall cancer rates, possibly due to gene replicates that are involved in apoptosis and therefore can inhibit uncontrolled cell cycle progression. While it is important to determine the mechanisms that lead to cancer protection in these animals, we can also take advantage of other animals that are highly susceptible to cancer, especially those which develop tumors similar to humans, such as carnivores or poultry. The use of such animals does not require the transplantation of malignant cancer cells or use of oncogenic substances as they spontaneously develop tumors of similar presentation and pathophysiology to those found in humans. For example, some tumor suppressor genes are highly conserved between humans and domestic species, and various tumors develop in similar ways or because of a common environment. These animals are therefore of great interest for broadening perspectives and techniques and for gathering information on the tumor mechanisms of certain types of cancer. Here we present a detailed review of alternative and/or non-model vertebrates, that can be used at different levels of cancer research to open new perspectives and fields of action.
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Kubinyi E. Biologia Futura: four questions about ageing and the future of relevant animal models. Biol Futur 2022; 73:385-391. [PMID: 36131217 DOI: 10.1007/s42977-022-00135-2] [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: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Understanding how active and healthy ageing can be achieved is one of the most relevant global problems. In this review, I use the "Four questions" framework of Tinbergen to investigate how ageing works, how it might contribute to the survival of species, how it develops during the lifetime of (human) individuals and how it evolved. The focus of ageing research is usually on losses, although trajectories in later life show heterogeneity and many individuals experience healthy ageing. In humans, mild changes in cognition might be a typical part of ageing, but deficits are a sign of pathology. The ageing of the world's populations, and relatedly, the growing number of pathologically ageing people, is one of the major global problems. Animal models can help to understand the intrinsic and extrinsic factors contributing to ageing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enikő Kubinyi
- Department of Ethology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary. .,MTA-ELTE Lendület "Momentum" Companion Animal Research Group, Budapest, Hungary.
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Yang W, Wu W, Zhao Y, Li Y, Zhang C, Zhang J, Chen C, Cui S. Caveolin-1 suppresses hippocampal neuron apoptosis via the regulation of HIF1α in hypoxia in naked mole-rats. Cell Biol Int 2022; 46:2060-2074. [PMID: 36054154 PMCID: PMC9826031 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.11890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Naked mole-rats (NMRs) (Heterocephalus glaber) are highly social and subterranean rodents with large communal colonies in burrows containing low oxygen levels. The inhibition of severe hypoxic conditions is of particular interest to this study. To understand the mechanisms that facilitate neuronal preservation during hypoxia, we investigated the proteins regulating hypoxia tolerance in NMR hippocampal neurons. Caveolin-1 (Cav-1), a transmembrane scaffolding protein, confers prosurvival signalling in the central nervous system. The present study aimed to investigate the role of Cav-1 in hypoxia-induced neuronal injury. Western blotting analysis and immunocytochemistry showed that Cav-1 expression was significantly upregulated in NMR hippocampal neurons under 8% O2 conditions for 8 h. Cav-1 alleviates apoptotic neuronal death from hypoxia. Downregulation of Cav-1 by lentiviral vectors suggested damage to NMR hippocampal neurons under hypoxic conditions in vitro and in vivo. Overexpression of Cav-1 by LV-Cav-1 enhanced hypoxic tolerance of NMR hippocampal neurons in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, the levels of hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) are also increased under hypoxic conditions. After inhibiting the binding of HIF-1α to hypoxia response elements in the DNA by echinomycin, Cav-1 levels were downregulated significantly. Furthermore, chromatin immunoprecipitation assays showed the direct role of HIF1α in regulating the expression levels of Cav-1 in NMR hippocampal neurons under hypoxic conditions. These findings suggest that Cav-1 plays a critical role in modulating the apoptosis of NMR hippocampal neurons and warrant further studies targeting Cav-1 to treat hypoxia-associated brain diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Yang
- Department of Laboratory Animal Sciences, School of Basic MedicineNaval Medical UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Wenqing Wu
- Department of Laboratory Animal CenterAcademy of Military Medical SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Ying Zhao
- Shanghai Laboratory Animal Research CenterShanghaiChina
| | - Yu Li
- Department of Laboratory Animal Sciences, School of Basic MedicineNaval Medical UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Chengcai Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Animal Sciences, School of Basic MedicineNaval Medical UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Jingyuan Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Animal Sciences, School of Basic MedicineNaval Medical UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Chao Chen
- Department of Laboratory Animal Sciences, School of Basic MedicineNaval Medical UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Shufang Cui
- Department of Laboratory Animal Sciences, School of Basic MedicineNaval Medical UniversityShanghaiChina
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Carrageta DF, Guerra-Carvalho B, Spadella MA, Yeste M, Oliveira PF, Alves MG. Animal models of male reproductive ageing to study testosterone production and spermatogenesis. Rev Endocr Metab Disord 2022; 23:1341-1360. [PMID: 35604584 DOI: 10.1007/s11154-022-09726-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Ageing is the time-dependent gradual decline of the functional characteristics in an organism. It has been shown that it results in the loss of reproductive health and fertility. The age-dependent decline of fertility is a potential issue as the parenthood age is increasing in Western countries, mostly due to socioeconomic factors. In comparison to women, for whom the consequences of ageing are well documented and general awareness of the population is extensively raised, the effects of ageing for male fertility and the consequences of advanced paternal age for the offspring have not been widely studied. Studies with humans are welcome but it is hard to implement relevant experimental approaches to unveil the molecular mechanisms by which ageing affects male reproductive potential. Animal models have thus been extensively used. These models are advantageous due to their reduced costs, general easy maintenance in laboratory facilities, rigorous manipulation tools, short lifespan, known genetic backgrounds, and reduced ethical constraints. Herein, we discuss animal models for the study of male reproductive ageing. The most well-known and studied reproductive ageing models are rodents and non-human primates. The data collected from these models, particularly studies on testicular ageing, steroidogenesis, and genetic and epigenetic changes in spermatogenesis are detailed. Notably, some species challenge the currently accepted ageing theories and the concept of senescence itself, which renders them interesting animal models for the study of male reproductive ageing.
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Affiliation(s)
- David F Carrageta
- Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, UMIB - Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, ICBAS - School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
- Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Bárbara Guerra-Carvalho
- Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, UMIB - Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, ICBAS - School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
- Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Chemistry, QOPNA & LAQV, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456, Coimbra, Portugal
| | | | - Marc Yeste
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17003, Girona, Spain
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003, Girona, Spain
| | - Pedro F Oliveira
- Department of Chemistry, QOPNA & LAQV, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Marco G Alves
- Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, UMIB - Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, ICBAS - School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal.
- Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17003, Girona, Spain.
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003, Girona, Spain.
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Serrano Nájera G, Kin K. Unusual occurrence of domestication syndrome amongst African mole-rats: Is the naked mole-rat a domestic animal? Front Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2022.987177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The Naked mole-rat (NMR) is becoming a prominent model organism due to its peculiar traits, such as eusociality, extreme longevity, cancer resistance, and reduced pain sensitivity. It belongs to the African mole-rats (AMR), a family of subterranean rodents that includes solitary, cooperative breeding and eusocial species. We identified and quantified the domestication syndrome (DS) across AMR, a set of morphological and behavioural traits significantly more common and pronounced amongst domesticated animals than in their wild counterparts. Surprisingly, the NMR shows apparent DS traits when compared to the solitary AMR. Animals can self-domesticate when a reduction of the fear response is naturally selected, such as in islands with no predators, or to improve the group’s harmony in cooperative breeding species. The DS may be caused by alterations in the physiology of the neural crest cells (NCC), a transient population of cells that generate a full range of tissues during development. The NCC contribute to organs responsible for transmitting the fear response and various other tissues, including craniofacial bones. Therefore, mutations affecting the NCC can manifest as behavioural and morphological alterations in many structures across the body, as seen in neurocristopathies. We observed that all social AMRs are chisel-tooth diggers, an adaption to hard soils that requires the flattening of the skull. We hypothesise that chisel-tooth digging could impose a selective pressure on the NCC that triggered the DS’s appearance, possibly facilitating the evolution of sociality. Finally, we discuss how DS traits are neutral or beneficial for the subterranean niche, strategies to test this hypothesis and report well-studied mutations in the NMR that are associated with the NCC physiology or with the control of the fear response. In conclusion, we argue that many of the NMR’s unconventional traits are compatible with the DS and provide a hypothesis about its origins. Our model proposes a novel avenue to enhance the understanding of the extraordinary biology of the NMR.
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Fatima I, Chen G, Botchkareva NV, Sharov AA, Thornton D, Wilkinson HN, Hardman MJ, Grutzkau A, Pedro de Magalhaes J, Seluanov A, Smith ESJ, Gorbunova V, Mardaryev AN, Faulkes CG, Botchkarev VA. Skin Aging in Long-Lived Naked Mole-Rats Is Accompanied by Increased Expression of Longevity-Associated and Tumor Suppressor Genes. J Invest Dermatol 2022; 142:2853-2863.e4. [PMID: 35691364 PMCID: PMC9613526 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2022.04.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
Naked mole-rats (NMRs) (Heterocephalus glaber) are long-lived mammals that possess a natural resistance to cancer and other age-related pathologies, maintaining a healthy life span >30 years. In this study, using immunohistochemical and RNA-sequencing analyses, we compare skin morphology, cellular composition, and global transcriptome signatures between young and aged (aged 3‒4 vs. 19‒23 years, respectively) NMRs. We show that similar to aging in human skin, aging in NMRs is accompanied by a decrease in epidermal thickness; keratinocyte proliferation; and a decline in the number of Merkel cells, T cells, antigen-presenting cells, and melanocytes. Similar to that in human skin aging, expression levels of dermal collagens are decreased, whereas matrix metalloproteinase 9 and matrix metalloproteinase 11 levels increased in aged versus in young NMR skin. RNA-sequencing analyses reveal that in contrast to human or mouse skin aging, the transcript levels of several longevity-associated (Igfbp3, Igf2bp3, Ing2) and tumor-suppressor (Btg2, Cdkn1a, Cdkn2c, Dnmt3a, Hic1, Socs3, Sfrp1, Sfrp5, Thbs1, Tsc1, Zfp36) genes are increased in aged NMR skin. Overall, these data suggest that specific features in the NMR skin aging transcriptome might contribute to the resistance of NMRs to spontaneous skin carcinogenesis and provide a platform for further investigations of NMRs as a model organism for studying the biology and disease resistance of human skin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iqra Fatima
- Centre for Skin Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Bradford, Bradford, United Kingdom
| | - Guodong Chen
- Department of Dermatology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Natalia V Botchkareva
- Department of Dermatology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Andrey A Sharov
- Department of Dermatology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Daniel Thornton
- Genomics of Aging and Rejuvenation Laboratory, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, Univeristy of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Holly N Wilkinson
- Centre for Atherothrombosis and Metabolic Disease, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew J Hardman
- Centre for Atherothrombosis and Metabolic Disease, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, United Kingdom
| | - Andreas Grutzkau
- Deutsches Rheuma-Forschungszentrum Berlin, Institute of the Leibniz Association, Berlin, Germany
| | - Joao Pedro de Magalhaes
- Genomics of Aging and Rejuvenation Laboratory, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, Univeristy of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Andrei Seluanov
- Department of Biology, School of Arts & Sciences, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA; Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Ewan St J Smith
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Vera Gorbunova
- Department of Biology, School of Arts & Sciences, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA; Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Andrei N Mardaryev
- Centre for Skin Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Bradford, Bradford, United Kingdom
| | - Chris G Faulkes
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Vladimir A Botchkarev
- Department of Dermatology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
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46
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Epigenetic clock: A promising biomarker and practical tool in aging. Ageing Res Rev 2022; 81:101743. [PMID: 36206857 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2022.101743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
As a complicated process, aging is characterized by various changes at the cellular, subcellular and nuclear levels, one of which is epigenetic aging. With increasing awareness of the critical role that epigenetic alternations play in aging, DNA methylation patterns have been employed as a measure of biological age, currently referred to as the epigenetic clock. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the epigenetic clock as a biomarker of aging and a useful tool to manage healthy aging. In this burgeoning scientific field, various kinds of epigenetic clocks continue to emerge, including Horvath's clock, Hannum's clock, DNA PhenoAge, and DNA GrimAge. We hereby present the most classic epigenetic clocks, as well as their differences. Correlations of epigenetic age with morbidity, mortality and other factors suggest the potential of epigenetic clocks for risk prediction and identification in the context of aging. In particular, we summarize studies on promising age-reversing interventions, with epigenetic clocks employed as a practical tool in the efficacy evaluation. We also discuss how the lack of higher-quality information poses a major challenge, and offer some suggestions to address existing obstacles. Hopefully, our review will help provide an appropriate understanding of the epigenetic clocks, thereby enabling novel insights into the aging process and how it can be manipulated to promote healthy aging.
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47
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Makarova N, Kalaparthi V, Seluanov A, Gorbunova V, Dokukin ME, Sokolov I. Correlation of cell mechanics with the resistance to malignant transformation in naked mole rat fibroblasts. NANOSCALE 2022; 14:14594-14602. [PMID: 36155714 PMCID: PMC9731726 DOI: 10.1039/d2nr01633h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Naked mole rats (NMRs) demonstrate exceptional longevity and resistance to cancer. Using a biochemical approach, it was previously shown that the treatment of mouse fibroblast cells with RasV12 oncogene and SV40 Large T antigen (viral oncoprotein) led to malignant transformations of cells. In contrast, NMR fibroblasts were resistant to malignant transformations upon this treatment. Here we demonstrate that atomic force microscopy (AFM) can provide information which is in agreement with the above finding, and further, adds unique information about the physical properties of cells that is impossible to obtain by other existing techniques. AFM indentation data were collected from individual cells and subsequently processed through the brush model to obtain information about the mechanics of the cell body (absolute values of the effective Young's moduli). Furthermore, information about the physical properties of the pericellular layer surrounding the cells was obtained. We found a statistically significant decrease in the rigidity of mouse cells after the treatment, whereas there was no significant change found in the rigidity of NMR cells upon the treatment. We also found that the treatment caused a substantial increase in a long part of the pericellular layer in NMR cells only (the long brush was defined as having a size of >10 microns). The mouse cells and smaller brush did not show statistically significant changes upon treatment. The observed change in cell mechanics is in agreement with the frequently observed decrease in cell rigidity during progression towards cancer. The change in the pericellular layer due to the malignant transformation of fibroblast cells has practically not been studied, though it was shown that the removal of part of the pericellular layer of NMR fibroblasts made the cells susceptible to malignant transformation. Although it is plausible to speculate that the observed increase in the long part of the brush layer of NMR cells might help cells to resist malignant transformations, the significance of the observed change in the pericellular layer is yet to be understood. As of now, we can conclude that changes in cell mechanics might be used as an indication of the resistance of NMR cells to malignant transformations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadezda Makarova
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA.
| | | | - Andrei Seluanov
- Departments of Biology and Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, 14627, USA
| | - Vera Gorbunova
- Departments of Biology and Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, 14627, USA
| | - Maxim E Dokukin
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA.
- NanoScience Solutions, Inc., Arlington, VA 22203, USA
- Sarov Physics and Technology Institute, MEPhI, Sarov, Russian Federation
| | - Igor Sokolov
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA
- Department of Physics, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA
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48
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Yap KN, Wong HS, Ramanathan C, Rodriguez-Wagner CA, Roberts MD, Freeman DA, Buffenstein R, Zhang Y. Naked mole-rat and Damaraland mole-rat exhibit lower respiration in mitochondria, cellular and organismal levels. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. BIOENERGETICS 2022; 1863:148582. [PMID: 35667393 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbabio.2022.148582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Naked mole-rats (NMR) and Damaraland mole-rats (DMR) exhibit extraordinary longevity for their body size, high tolerance to hypoxia and oxidative stress and high reproductive output; these collectively defy the concept that life-history traits should be negatively correlated. However, when life-history traits share similar underlying physiological mechanisms, these may be positively associated with each other. We propose that one such potential common mechanism might be the bioenergetic properties of mole-rats. Here, we aim to characterize the bioenergetic properties of two African mole-rats. We adopted a top-down perspective measuring the bioenergetic properties at the organismal, cellular, and molecular level in both species and the biological significance of these properties were compared with the same measures in Siberian hamsters and C57BL/6 mice, chosen for their similar body size to the mole-rat species. We found mole-rats shared several bioenergetic properties that differed from their comparison species, including low basal metabolic rates, a high dependence on glycolysis rather than on oxidative phosphorylation for ATP production, and low proton conductance across the mitochondrial inner membrane. These shared mole-rat features could be a result of evolutionary adaptation to tolerating variable oxygen atmospheres, in particular hypoxia, and may in turn be one of the molecular mechanisms underlying their extremely long lifespans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang Nian Yap
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, United States of America; Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim 7491, Norway
| | - Hoi Shan Wong
- Calico Life Sciences LLC, South San Francisco, CA 94080, United States of America
| | - Chidambaram Ramanathan
- College of Health Sciences, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38152, United States of America
| | | | - Michael D Roberts
- School of Kinesiology, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, United States of America
| | - David A Freeman
- Department of Biological Science, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38152, United States of America
| | - Rochelle Buffenstein
- Calico Life Sciences LLC, South San Francisco, CA 94080, United States of America.
| | - Yufeng Zhang
- College of Health Sciences, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38152, United States of America.
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49
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Tian R, Guo H, Jin Z, Zhang F, Zhao J, Seim I. Molecular evolution of vision-related genes may contribute to marsupial photic niche adaptations. Front Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2022.982073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Vision plays an essential role in the life of many animals. While most mammals are night-active (nocturnal), many have adapted to novel light environments. This includes diurnal (day-active) and crepuscular (twilight-active) species. Here, we used integrative approaches to investigate the molecular evolution of 112 vision-related genes across 19 genomes representing most marsupial orders. We found that four genes (GUCA1B, GUCY2F, RGR, and SWS2) involved in retinal phototransduction likely became functionally redundant in the ancestor of marsupials, a group of largely obligate nocturnal mammals. We also show evidence of rapid evolution and positive selection of bright-light vision genes in the common ancestor of Macropus (kangaroos, wallaroos, and wallabies). Macropus-specific amino acid substitutions in opsin genes (LWS and SWS1), in particular, may be an adaptation for crepuscular vision in this genus via opsin spectral sensitivity tuning. Our study set the stage for functional genetics studies and provides a stepping stone to future research efforts that fully capture the visual repertoire of marsupials.
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50
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Vays V, Vangeli I, Eldarov C, Popkov V, Holtze S, Hildebrandt T, Averina O, Zorov D, Bakeeva L. Unique Features of the Tissue Structure in the Naked Mole Rat ( Heterocephalus glaber): Hypertrophy of the Endoplasmic Reticulum and Spatial Mitochondrial Rearrangements in Hepatocytes. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23169067. [PMID: 36012332 PMCID: PMC9409344 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23169067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The reason for the exceptional longevity of the naked mole rat (Heterocephalus glaber) remains a mystery to researchers. We assumed that evolutionarily, H. glaber acquired the ability to quickly stabilize the functioning of mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to adjust metabolism to external challenges. To test this, a comparison of the hepatic mitochondria and ER of H. glaber and C57BL/6 mice was done. Electron microscopy showed that 2-months-old mice have more developed rough ER (RER) than smooth ER (SER), occupying ~17 and 2.5% of the hepatocytic area correspondingly, and these values do not change with age. On the other hand, in 1-week-old H. glaber, RER occupies only 13% constantly decreasing with age, while SER occupies 35% in a 1-week-old animal, constantly rising with age. The different localization of mitochondria in H. glaber and mouse hepatocytes was confirmed by confocal and electron microscopy: while in H. glaber, mitochondria were mainly clustered around the nucleus and on the periphery of the cell, in mouse hepatocytes they were evenly distributed throughout the cell. We suggest that the noted structural and spatial features of ER and mitochondria in H. glaber reflect adaptive rearrangements aimed at greater tolerance of the cellular system to challenges, primarily hypoxia and endogenous and exogenous toxins. Different mechanisms of adaptive changes including an activated hepatic detoxification system as a hormetic response, are discussed considering the specific metabolic features of the naked mole rat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeriya Vays
- A.N. Belozersky Research Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Irina Vangeli
- A.N. Belozersky Research Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Chupalav Eldarov
- A.N. Belozersky Research Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Vasily Popkov
- A.N. Belozersky Research Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Susanne Holtze
- Department of Reproduction Management, Leibniz-Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Str. 17, 10315 Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas Hildebrandt
- Department of Reproduction Management, Leibniz-Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Str. 17, 10315 Berlin, Germany
| | - Olga Averina
- A.N. Belozersky Research Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Dmitry Zorov
- A.N. Belozersky Research Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
- Correspondence: (D.Z.); (L.B.); Tel.: +7-4959395944 (D.Z. & L.B.)
| | - Lora Bakeeva
- A.N. Belozersky Research Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
- Correspondence: (D.Z.); (L.B.); Tel.: +7-4959395944 (D.Z. & L.B.)
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