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Sun H, Li X, Long Q, Wang X, Zhu W, Chen E, Zhou W, Yang H, Huang C, Deng W, Chen M. TERC promotes non-small cell lung cancer progression by facilitating the nuclear localization of TERT. iScience 2024; 27:109869. [PMID: 38799568 PMCID: PMC11126826 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
The core of telomerase consists of the protein subunit telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) and the telomerase RNA component (TERC). So far, the role of TERC in cancer development has remained elusive. Here, we found TERC expression elevated in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tissues, which was associated with disease progression and poor prognosis in patients. Using NSCLC cell lines and xenograft models, we showed that knockdown of TERC caused cell cycle arrest, and inhibition of cell proliferation and migration. Mechanistically, TERC was exported to the cytoplasm by nuclear RNA export factor 1 (NXF1), where it mediated the interaction of TERT with other telomerase subunits. Depletion of TERC hindered the assembly and subsequent nuclear localization of the telomerase complex, preventing TERT from functioning in telomere maintenance and transcription regulation. Our findings suggest that TERC is a potential biomarker for NSCLC diagnosis and prognosis and can be a target for NSCLC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haohui Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, China
| | - Xiaodi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, China
| | - Qian Long
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, China
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Xiaonan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, China
| | - Wancui Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, China
| | - Enni Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, China
| | - Wenhao Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, China
| | - Han Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, China
| | - Chuyang Huang
- Department of Urology, Shaoyang Central Hospital, University of South China, Shaoyang, Hunan 422000, China
| | - Wuguo Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, China
| | - Miao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, China
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2
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Davis JA, Chakrabarti K. Molecular and Evolutionary Analysis of RNA-Protein Interactions in Telomerase Regulation. Noncoding RNA 2024; 10:36. [PMID: 38921833 PMCID: PMC11206666 DOI: 10.3390/ncrna10030036] [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: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Telomerase is an enzyme involved in the maintenance of telomeres. Telomere shortening due to the end-replication problem is a threat to the genome integrity of all eukaryotes. Telomerase inside cells depends on a myriad of protein-protein and RNA-protein interactions to properly assemble and regulate the function of the telomerase holoenzyme. These interactions are well studied in model eukaryotes, like humans, yeast, and the ciliated protozoan known as Tetrahymena thermophila. Emerging evidence also suggests that deep-branching eukaryotes, such as the parasitic protist Trypanosoma brucei require conserved and novel RNA-binding proteins for the assembly and function of their telomerase. In this review, we will discuss telomerase regulatory pathways in the context of telomerase-interacting proteins, with special attention paid to RNA-binding proteins. We will discuss these interactors on an evolutionary scale, from parasitic protists to humans, to provide a broader perspective on the extensive role that protein-protein and RNA-protein interactions play in regulating telomerase activity in eukaryotes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kausik Chakrabarti
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA;
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3
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Machitani M, Nomura A, Yamashita T, Yasukawa M, Ueki S, Fujita KI, Ueno T, Yamashita A, Tanzawa Y, Watanabe M, Taniguchi T, Saitoh N, Kaneko S, Kato Y, Mano H, Masutomi K. Maintenance of R-loop structures by phosphorylated hTERT preserves genome integrity. Nat Cell Biol 2024; 26:932-945. [PMID: 38806647 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-024-01427-6] [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: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
As aberrant accumulation of RNA-DNA hybrids (R-loops) causes DNA damage and genome instability, cells express regulators of R-loop structures. Here we report that RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP) activity of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) regulates R-loop formation. We found that the phosphorylated form of hTERT (p-hTERT) exhibits RdRP activity in nuclear speckles both in telomerase-positive cells and telomerase-negative cells with alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) activity. The p-hTERT did not associate with telomerase RNA component in nuclear speckles but, instead, with TERRA RNAs to resolve R-loops. Targeting of the TERT gene in ALT cells ablated RdRP activity and impaired tumour growth. Using a genome-scale CRISPR loss-of-function screen, we identified Fanconi anaemia/BRCA genes as synthetic lethal partners of hTERT RdRP. Inactivation of RdRP and Fanconi anaemia/BRCA genes caused accumulation of R-loop structures and DNA damage. These findings indicate that RdRP activity of p-hTERT guards against genome instability by removing R-loop structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitsuhiro Machitani
- Division of Cancer Stem Cell, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akira Nomura
- Division of Cancer Stem Cell, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Surgical Science, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan
| | - Taro Yamashita
- Department of Gastroenterology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Mami Yasukawa
- Division of Cancer Stem Cell, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Saori Ueki
- Division of Cancer Stem Cell, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ken-Ichi Fujita
- Division of Cancer Stem Cell, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toshihide Ueno
- Division of Cellular Signaling, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akio Yamashita
- Department of Investigative Medicine, University of the Ryukyus Graduate School of Medicine, Nakagami, Japan
| | - Yoshikazu Tanzawa
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Surgical Science, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan
| | - Masahiko Watanabe
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Surgical Science, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan
| | - Toshiyasu Taniguchi
- Department of Molecular Life Science, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan
| | - Noriko Saitoh
- Division of Cancer Biology, The Cancer Institute of JFCR, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shuichi Kaneko
- Department of Gastroenterology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Yukinari Kato
- Department of Antibody Drug Development, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Mano
- Division of Cellular Signaling, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kenkichi Masutomi
- Division of Cancer Stem Cell, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan.
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Štefanovie B, Jenner LP, Bozděchová L, Fajkus P, Sýkorová E, Fajkus J, Paleček JJ. Characterisation of the Arabidopsis thaliana telomerase TERT-TR complex. PLANT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 114:56. [PMID: 38743198 PMCID: PMC11093817 DOI: 10.1007/s11103-024-01461-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Most eukaryotic organisms employ a telomerase complex for the maintenance of chromosome ends. The core of this complex is composed of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) and telomerase RNA (TR) subunits. The TERT reverse transcriptase (RT) domain synthesises telomeric DNA using the TR template sequence. The other TERT domains contribute to this process in different ways. In particular, the TERT RNA-binding domain (TRBD) interacts with specific TR motif(s). Using a yeast 3-hybrid system, we show the critical role of Arabidopsis thaliana (At) TRBD and embryophyta-conserved KRxR motif in the unstructured linker preceding the TRBD domain for binding to the recently identified AtTR subunit. We also show the essential role of the predicted P4 stem and pseudoknot AtTR structures and provide evidence for the binding of AtTRBD to pseudoknot and KRxR motif stabilising interaction with the P4 stem structure. Our results thus provide the first insight into the core part of the plant telomerase complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbora Štefanovie
- Faculty of Science, National Centre for Biomolecular Research, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 62500, Brno, Czech Republic
- Mendel Centre for Plant Genomics and Proteomics, Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 62500, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Leon P Jenner
- Institute of Biophysics, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Kralovopolska 135, 61200, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Lucie Bozděchová
- Mendel Centre for Plant Genomics and Proteomics, Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 62500, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Fajkus
- Faculty of Science, National Centre for Biomolecular Research, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 62500, Brno, Czech Republic
- Institute of Biophysics, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Kralovopolska 135, 61200, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Eva Sýkorová
- Institute of Biophysics, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Kralovopolska 135, 61200, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jiří Fajkus
- Faculty of Science, National Centre for Biomolecular Research, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 62500, Brno, Czech Republic.
- Mendel Centre for Plant Genomics and Proteomics, Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 62500, Brno, Czech Republic.
- Institute of Biophysics, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Kralovopolska 135, 61200, Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Jan J Paleček
- Faculty of Science, National Centre for Biomolecular Research, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 62500, Brno, Czech Republic.
- Mendel Centre for Plant Genomics and Proteomics, Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 62500, Brno, Czech Republic.
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5
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Pang H, Peng Y, Zhang R, Gao Z, Lai X, Li D, Zhao X, Wang Y, Pei H, Qiao B, Ji Y, Wu Q. A triggered DNA nanomachine with enzyme-free for the rapid detection of telomerase activity in a one-step method. Anal Chim Acta 2024; 1299:342420. [PMID: 38499416 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2024.342420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Telomerase is considered a biomarker for the early diagnosis and clinical treatment of cancer. The rapid and sensitive detection of telomerase activity is crucial to biological research, clinical diagnosis, and drug development. However, the main obstacles facing the current telomerase activity assay are the cumbersome and time-consuming procedure, the easy degradation of the telomerase RNA template and the need for additional proteases. Therefore, it is necessary to construct a new method for the detection of telomerase activity with easy steps, efficient reaction and strong anti-interference ability. RESULTS Herein, an efficient, enzyme-free, economical, sensitive, fluorometric detection method for telomerase activity in one-step, named triggered-DNA (T-DNA) nanomachine, was created based on target-triggered DNAzyme-cleavage activity and catalytic molecular beacon (CMB). Telomerase served as a switch and extended few numbers of (TTAGGG)n repeat sequences to initiate the signal amplification in the T-DNA nanomachine, resulting in a strong fluorescent signal. The reaction was a one-step method with a shortened time of 1 h and a constant temperature of 37 °C, without the addition of any protease. It also sensitively distinguished telomerase activity in various cell lines. The T-DNA nanomachine offered a detection limit of 12 HeLa cells μL-1, 9 SK-Hep-1 cells μL-1 and 3 HuH-7 cells μL-1 with a linear correlation detection range of 0.39 × 102-6.25 × 102 HeLa cells μL-1 for telomerase activity. SIGNIFICANCE In conclusion, our study demonstrated that the triggered-DNA nanomachine fulfills the requirements for rapid detection of telomerase activity in one-step under isothermal and enzyme-free conditions with excellent specificity, and its simple and stable structure makes it ideal for complex systems. These findings indicated the application prospect of DNA nanomachines in clinical diagnostics and provided new insights into the field of DNA nanomachine-based bioanalysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huajie Pang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 570102, China; The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Tropical Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 570311, China
| | - Yanan Peng
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 570102, China; The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Tropical Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 570311, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 570102, China; The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Tropical Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 570311, China
| | - Zhijun Gao
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Tropical Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 570311, China
| | - Xiangde Lai
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 570102, China; The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Tropical Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 570311, China
| | - Dongxia Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Tropical Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 570311, China
| | - Xuan Zhao
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 570102, China; The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Tropical Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 570311, China
| | - Yuanyuan Wang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Tropical Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 570311, China; Key Laboratory of Emergency and Trauma of Ministry of Education, Research Unit of Island Emergency Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (No. 2019RU013), Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 571199, China
| | - Hua Pei
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Tropical Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 570311, China
| | - Bin Qiao
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Tropical Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 570311, China; Key Laboratory of Emergency and Trauma of Ministry of Education, Research Unit of Island Emergency Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (No. 2019RU013), Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 571199, China.
| | - Yuxiang Ji
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Tropical Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 570311, China; Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, NHC Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 571199, China.
| | - Qiang Wu
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 570102, China; The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Tropical Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 570311, China; Key Laboratory of Emergency and Trauma of Ministry of Education, Research Unit of Island Emergency Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (No. 2019RU013), Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 571199, China.
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6
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Qin J, Garus A, Autexier C. The C-terminal extension of dyskerin is a dyskeratosis congenita mutational hotspot that modulates interaction with telomerase RNA and subcellular localization. Hum Mol Genet 2024; 33:318-332. [PMID: 37879098 PMCID: PMC10840380 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddad180] [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: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Dyskerin is a component of the human telomerase complex and is involved in stabilizing the human telomerase RNA (hTR). Many mutations in the DKC1 gene encoding dyskerin are found in X-linked dyskeratosis congenita (X-DC), a premature aging disorder and other related diseases. The C-terminal extension (CTE) of dyskerin contributes to its interaction with the molecular chaperone SHQ1 during the early stage of telomerase biogenesis. Disease mutations in this region were proposed to disrupt dyskerin-SHQ1 interaction and destabilize dyskerin, reducing hTR levels indirectly. However, biochemical evidence supporting this hypothesis is still lacking. In addition, the effects of many CTE disease mutations on hTR have not been examined. In this study, we tested eight dyskerin CTE variants and showed that they failed to maintain hTR levels. These mutants showed slightly reduced but not abolished interaction with SHQ1, and caused defective binding to hTR. Deletion of the CTE further reduced binding to hTR, and perturbed localization of dyskerin to the Cajal bodies and the nucleolus, and the interaction with TCAB1 as well as GAR1. Our findings suggest impaired dyskerin-hTR interaction in cells as a previously overlooked mechanism through which dyskerin CTE mutations cause X-DC and related telomere syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Qin
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, 3640 University Street, Montreal, Quebec, QC H3A 0C7, Canada
- Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, 3755 Chem, de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Montréal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada
| | - Alexandre Garus
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, 3640 University Street, Montreal, Quebec, QC H3A 0C7, Canada
- Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, 3755 Chem, de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Montréal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada
| | - Chantal Autexier
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, 3640 University Street, Montreal, Quebec, QC H3A 0C7, Canada
- Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, 3755 Chem, de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Montréal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada
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7
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Robinson LG, Kalmbach K, Sumerfield O, Nomani W, Wang F, Liu L, Keefe DL. Telomere dynamics and reproduction. Fertil Steril 2024; 121:4-11. [PMID: 37993053 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2023.11.012] [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: 09/09/2023] [Revised: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
The oocyte, a long-lived, postmitotic cell, is the locus of reproductive aging in women. Female germ cells replicate only during fetal life and age throughout reproductive life. Mechanisms of oocyte aging include the accumulation of oxidative damage, mitochondrial dysfunction, and disruption of proteins, including cohesion. Nobel Laureate Bob Edwards also discovered a "production line" during oogonial replication in the mouse, wherein the last oocytes to ovulate in the adult-derived from the last oogonia to exit mitotic replication in the fetus. On the basis of this, we proposed a two-hit "telomere theory of reproductive aging" to integrate the myriad features of oocyte aging. The first hit was that oocytes remaining in older women traversed more cell cycles during fetal oogenesis. The second hit was that oocytes accumulated more environmental and endogenous oxidative damage throughout the life of the woman. Telomeres (Ts) could mediate both of these aspects of oocyte aging. Telomeres provide a "mitotic clock," with T attrition an inevitable consequence of cell division because of the end replication problem. Telomere's guanine-rich sequence renders them especially sensitive to oxidative damage, even in postmitotic cells. Telomerase, the reverse transcriptase that restores Ts, is better at maintaining than elongating T. Moreover, telomerase remains inactive during much of oogenesis and early development. Oocytes are left with short Ts, on the brink of viability. In support of this theory, mice with induced T attrition and women with naturally occurring telomeropathy suffer diminished ovarian reserve, abnormal embryo development, and infertility. In contrast, sperm are produced throughout the life of the male by a telomerase-active progenitor, spermatogonia, resulting in the longest Ts in the body. In mice, cleavage-stage embryos elongate Ts via "alternative lengthening of telomeres," a recombination-based mechanism rarely encountered outside of telomerase-deficient cancers. Many questions about Ts and reproduction are raised by these findings: does the "normal" T attrition observed in human oocytes contribute to their extraordinarily high rate of meiotic nondisjunction? Does recombination-based T elongation render embryos susceptible to mitotic nondisjunction (and mosaicism)? Can some features of Ts serve as markers of oocyte quality?
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Affiliation(s)
- LeRoy G Robinson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York University Langone Fertility Center, New York University School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York; Department of Biology, San Francisco State University, San Francisco, California
| | - Keri Kalmbach
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York University Langone Fertility Center, New York University School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York
| | - Olivia Sumerfield
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York University Langone Fertility Center, New York University School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York
| | - Wafa Nomani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York University Langone Fertility Center, New York University School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York
| | - Fang Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York University Langone Fertility Center, New York University School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York
| | - Lin Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - David L Keefe
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York University Langone Fertility Center, New York University School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York.
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8
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González-Álamos M, Guerra P, Verdaguer N. Structure, Dynamics and Functional Implications of the Eukaryotic Vault Complex. Subcell Biochem 2024; 104:531-548. [PMID: 38963499 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-58843-3_20] [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] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
Vault ribonucleoprotein particles are naturally designed nanocages, widely found in the eukaryotic kingdom. Vaults consist of 78 copies of the major vault protein (MVP) that are organized in 2 symmetrical cup-shaped halves, of an approximate size of 70x40x40 nm, leaving a huge internal cavity which accommodates the vault poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (vPARP), the telomerase-associated protein-1 (TEP1) and some small untranslated RNAs. Diverse hypotheses have been developed on possible functions of vaults, based on their unique capsular structure, their rapid movements and the distinct subcellular localization of the particles, implicating transport of cargo, but they are all pending confirmation. Vault particles also possess many attributes that can be exploited in nanobiotechnology, particularly in the creation of vehicles for the delivery of multiple molecular cargoes. Here we review what is known about the structure and dynamics of the vault complex and discuss a possible mechanism for the vault opening process. The recent findings in the characterization of the vaults in cells and in its natural microenvironment will be also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- María González-Álamos
- Structural and Molecular Biology Department, Instituto de Biología Molecular de Barcelona (IBMB-CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pablo Guerra
- Cryo-Electron Microscopy Platform - IBMB CSIC, Joint Electron Microscopy Center at ALBA (JEMCA), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Núria Verdaguer
- Structural and Molecular Biology Department, Instituto de Biología Molecular de Barcelona (IBMB-CSIC), Barcelona, Spain.
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9
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da Silva VL, de Paiva SC, de Oliveira HC, Fernandes CAH, Salvador GHM, Fontes MRDM, Cano MIN. Biochemical and structural characterization of the RT domain of Leishmania sp. telomerase reverse transcriptase. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2023; 1867:130451. [PMID: 37751810 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2023.130451] [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: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Leishmania genus comprises parasites that cause leishmaniasis, a neglected disease spread worldwide. Leishmania sp. telomeres are composed of TTAGGG repeats maintained by telomerase. In most eukaryotes, the enzyme minimal complex contains the TER (telomerase RNA) and the TERT (telomerase reverse transcriptase) components. The TERT holds the enzyme catalytic core and is formed by four structural and functional domains (TEN, Telomerase Essential N-terminal; TRBD, Telomerase RNA Binding Domain; RT, the reverse transcriptase domain and CTE, C-Terminal Extension domain). METHODS AND RESULTS Amino acid sequence alignments, protein structure prediction analysis, and protein: nucleic acid interaction assays were used to show that the Leishmania major RT domain preserves the canonical structural elements found in higher eukaryotes, including the canonical motifs and the aspartic acid residues that stabilize the Mg2+ ion cofactor. Furthermore, amino acid substitutions specific to the Leishmania genus and partial conservation of the residues involved with nucleic acid interactions are shown. The purified recombinant Leishmania RT protein is biochemically active and interacts with the G-rich telomeric strand and the TER template sequence. CONCLUSION Our results highlight that the telomerase catalysis mechanism is conserved in a pathogen of medical importance despite the structural peculiarities present in the parasite's RT domain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vitor Luiz da Silva
- Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Stephany Cacete de Paiva
- Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Hamine Cristina de Oliveira
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Carlos Alexandre H Fernandes
- UMR 7590, CNRS, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, IRD, Institut de Minéralogie, Physique des Matériaux et de Cosmochimie, IMPMC, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | | | - Marcos Roberto de M Fontes
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil; Institute for Advanced Studies of the Sea (IEAMAR), São Paulo State University (UNESP), São Vicente, SP, Brazil
| | - Maria Isabel N Cano
- Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil.
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10
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Zeng J, Jaijyan DK, Yang S, Pei S, Tang Q, Zhu H. Exploring the Potential of Cytomegalovirus-Based Vectors: A Review. Viruses 2023; 15:2043. [PMID: 37896820 PMCID: PMC10612100 DOI: 10.3390/v15102043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Viral vectors have emerged as powerful tools for delivering and expressing foreign genes, playing a pivotal role in gene therapy. Among these vectors, cytomegalovirus (CMV) stands out as a promising viral vector due to its distinctive attributes including large packaging capacity, ability to achieve superinfection, broad host range, capacity to induce CD8+ T cell responses, lack of integration into the host genome, and other qualities that make it an appealing vector candidate. Engineered attenuated CMV strains such as Towne and AD169 that have a ~15 kb genomic DNA deletion caused by virus passage guarantee human safety. CMV's large genome enables the efficient incorporation of substantial foreign genes as demonstrated by CMV vector-based therapies for SIV, tuberculosis, cancer, malaria, aging, COVID-19, and more. CMV is capable of reinfecting hosts regardless of prior infection or immunity, making it highly suitable for multiple vector administrations. In addition to its broad cellular tropism and sustained high-level gene expression, CMV triggers robust, virus-specific CD8+ T cell responses, offering a significant advantage as a vaccine vector. To date, successful development and testing of murine CMV (MCMV) and rhesus CMV (RhCMV) vectors in animal models have demonstrated the efficacy of CMV-based vectors. These investigations have explored the potential of CMV vectors for vaccines against HIV, cancer, tuberculosis, malaria, and other infectious pathogens, as well as for other gene therapy applications. Moreover, the generation of single-cycle replication CMV vectors, produced by deleting essential genes, ensures robust safety in an immunocompromised population. The results of these studies emphasize CMV's effectiveness as a gene delivery vehicle and shed light on the future applications of a CMV vector. While challenges such as production complexities and storage limitations need to be addressed, ongoing efforts to bridge the gap between animal models and human translation continue to fuel the optimism surrounding CMV-based vectors. This review will outline the properties of CMV vectors and discuss their future applications as well as possible limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janine Zeng
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, 225 Warren Street, Newark, NJ 070101, USA
| | - Dabbu Kumar Jaijyan
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, 225 Warren Street, Newark, NJ 070101, USA
| | - Shaomin Yang
- Department of Pain Medicine and Shenzhen Municipal Key Laboratory for Pain Medicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Union Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Shakai Pei
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, 225 Warren Street, Newark, NJ 070101, USA
| | - Qiyi Tang
- Department of Microbiology, Howard University College of Medicine, 520 W Street NW, Washington, DC 20059, USA
| | - Hua Zhu
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, 225 Warren Street, Newark, NJ 070101, USA
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11
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Hentschel J, Badstübner M, Choi J, Bagshaw CR, Lapointe CP, Wang J, Jansson LI, Puglisi JD, Stone MD. Real-time detection of human telomerase DNA synthesis by multiplexed single-molecule FRET. Biophys J 2023; 122:3447-3457. [PMID: 37515327 PMCID: PMC10502476 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2023.07.019] [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: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Genomic stability in proliferating cells critically depends on telomere maintenance by telomerase reverse transcriptase. Here we report the development and proof-of-concept results of a single-molecule approach to monitor the catalytic activity of human telomerase in real time and with single-nucleotide resolution. Using zero-mode waveguides and multicolor FRET, we recorded the processive addition of multiple telomeric repeats to individual DNA primers. Unlike existing biophysical and biochemical tools, the novel approach enables the quantification of nucleotide-binding kinetics before nucleotide incorporation. Moreover, it provides a means to dissect the unique translocation dynamics that telomerase must undergo after synthesis of each hexameric DNA repeat. We observed an unexpectedly prolonged binding dwell time of dGTP in the enzyme active site at the start of each repeat synthesis cycle, suggesting that telomerase translocation is composed of multiple rate-contributing sub-steps that evade classical biochemical analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jendrik Hentschel
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California; Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Mareike Badstübner
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California
| | - Junhong Choi
- Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Clive R Bagshaw
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California
| | - Christopher P Lapointe
- Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Jinfan Wang
- Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Linnea I Jansson
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California
| | - Joseph D Puglisi
- Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Michael D Stone
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California.
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12
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Lebo KJ, Zappulla DC. Inverse-Folding Design of Yeast Telomerase RNA Increases Activity In Vitro. Noncoding RNA 2023; 9:51. [PMID: 37736897 PMCID: PMC10514824 DOI: 10.3390/ncrna9050051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Saccharomyces cerevisiae telomerase RNA, TLC1, is an 1157 nt non-coding RNA that functions as both a template for DNA synthesis and a flexible scaffold for telomerase RNP holoenzyme protein subunits. The tractable budding yeast system has provided landmark discoveries about telomere biology in vivo, but yeast telomerase research has been hampered by the fact that the large TLC1 RNA subunit does not support robust telomerase activity in vitro. In contrast, 155-500 nt miniaturized TLC1 alleles comprising the catalytic core domain and lacking the RNA's long arms do reconstitute robust activity. We hypothesized that full-length TLC1 is prone to misfolding in vitro. To create a full-length yeast telomerase RNA, predicted to fold into its biologically relevant structure, we took an inverse RNA-folding approach, changing 59 nucleotides predicted to increase the energetic favorability of folding into the modeled native structure based on the p-num feature of Mfold software. The sequence changes lowered the predicted ∆G of this "determined-arm" allele, DA-TLC1, by 61 kcal/mol (-19%) compared to wild-type. We tested DA-TLC1 for reconstituted activity and found it to be ~5-fold more robust than wild-type TLC1, suggesting that the inverse-folding design indeed improved folding in vitro into a catalytically active conformation. We also tested if DA-TLC1 functions in vivo, discovering that it complements a tlc1∆ strain, allowing cells to avoid senescence and maintain telomeres of nearly wild-type length. However, all inverse-designed RNAs that we tested had reduced abundance in vivo. In particular, inverse-designing nearly all of the Ku arm caused a profound reduction in telomerase RNA abundance in the cell and very short telomeres. Overall, these results show that the inverse design of S. cerevisiae telomerase RNA increases activity in vitro, while reducing abundance in vivo. This study provides a biochemically and biologically tested approach to inverse-design RNAs using Mfold that could be useful for controlling RNA structure in basic research and biomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin J. Lebo
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - David C. Zappulla
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA 18015, USA
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13
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Son JS, Chow R, Kim H, Lieu T, Xiao M, Kim S, Matuszewska K, Pereira M, Nguyen DL, Petrik J. Liposomal delivery of gene therapy for ovarian cancer: a systematic review. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2023; 21:75. [PMID: 37612696 PMCID: PMC10464441 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-023-01125-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To systematically identify and narratively synthesize the evidence surrounding liposomal delivery of gene therapy and the outcome for ovarian cancer. METHODS An electronic database search of the Embase, MEDLINE and Web of Science from inception until July 7, 2023, was conducted to identify primary studies that investigated the effect of liposomal delivery of gene therapy on ovarian cancer outcomes. Retrieved studies were assessed against the eligibility criteria for inclusion. RESULTS The search yielded 564 studies, of which 75 met the inclusion criteria. Four major types of liposomes were identified: cationic, neutral, polymer-coated, and ligand-targeted liposomes. The liposome with the most evidence involved cationic liposomes which are characterized by their positively charged phospholipids (n = 37, 49.3%). Similarly, those with neutrally charged phospholipids, such as 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphatidylcholine, were highly researched as well (n = 25, 33.3%). Eight areas of gene therapy research were identified, evaluating either target proteins/transcripts or molecular pathways: microRNAs, ephrin type-A receptor 2 (EphA2), interleukins, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), human-telomerase reverse transcriptase/E1A (hTERT/EA1), suicide gene, p53, and multidrug resistance mutation 1 (MDR1). CONCLUSION Liposomal delivery of gene therapy for ovarian cancer shows promise in many in vivo studies. Emerging polymer-coated and ligand-targeted liposomes have been gaining interest as they have been shown to have more stability and specificity. We found that gene therapy involving microRNAs was the most frequently studied. Overall, liposomal genetic therapy has been shown to reduce tumor size and weight and improve survivability. More research involving the delivery and targets of gene therapy for ovarian cancer may be a promising avenue to improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Sung Son
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of McMaster, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Ryan Chow
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Helena Kim
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of McMaster, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Toney Lieu
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of McMaster, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Maria Xiao
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of McMaster, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Sunny Kim
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of McMaster, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Kathy Matuszewska
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Madison Pereira
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - David Le Nguyen
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Jim Petrik
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of McMaster, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of McMaster, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
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14
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Yang R, Han Y, Guan X, Hong Y, Meng J, Ding S, Long Q, Yi W. Regulation and clinical potential of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT/hTERT) in breast cancer. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:218. [PMID: 37612721 PMCID: PMC10463831 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01244-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT/hTERT) serves as the pivotal catalytic subunit of telomerase, a crucial enzyme responsible for telomere maintenance and human genome stability. The high activation of hTERT, observed in over 90% of tumors, plays a significant role in tumor initiation and progression. An in-depth exploration of hTERT activation mechanisms in cancer holds promise for advancing our understanding of the disease and developing more effective treatment strategies. In breast cancer, the expression of hTERT is regulated by epigenetic, transcriptional, post-translational modification mechanisms and DNA variation. Besides its canonical function in telomere maintenance, hTERT exerts non-canonical roles that contribute to disease progression through telomerase-independent mechanisms. This comprehensive review summarizes the regulatory mechanisms governing hTERT in breast cancer and elucidates the functional implications of its activation. Given the overexpression of hTERT in most breast cancer cells, the detection of hTERT and its associated molecules are potential for enhancing early screening and prognostic evaluation of breast cancer. Although still in its early stages, therapeutic approaches targeting hTERT and its regulatory molecules show promise as viable strategies for breast cancer treatment. These methods are also discussed in this paper. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruozhu Yang
- Department of General Surgery, the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Yi Han
- Department of General Surgery, the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Xinyu Guan
- Department of General Surgery, the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Yue Hong
- Department of General Surgery, the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Jiahao Meng
- Department of General Surgery, the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Shirong Ding
- Department of Oncology, the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, 410011, China.
| | - Qian Long
- Department of General Surgery, the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, 410011, China.
| | - Wenjun Yi
- Department of General Surgery, the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, 410011, China.
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15
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Sills ES, Wood SH. Multichannel Recovery Potential with Activated Autologous Intraovarian Platelet-Rich Plasma and Its Derivatives. MEDICINES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:40. [PMID: 37505061 PMCID: PMC10384573 DOI: 10.3390/medicines10070040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is an 'orthobiologic' with recognized roles in plastic surgery, musculoskeletal disorders, dentistry, dermatology, and more recently, 'ovarian rejuvenation'. Intraovarian PRP involves a complex secretome discharged after platelet activation, comprising multiple cytokine mediators delivered surgically to older or inactive ovarian tissue. Loss of oocyte meiotic fidelity and impaired fertilization accompanying advanced maternal age are already managed by IVF, but only with eggs provided by younger donors. However, if the observed effect of rectifying embryo ploidy error can be proven beyond case reports and small series, activated PRP (or its condensed plasma cytokines) would deliver a welcome therapeutic disruption that is difficult to overstate. Because shortcomings in ovarian function are presently addressed mainly by pharmacological approaches (i.e., via recombinant gonadotropins, GnRH analogs, or luteal support), autologous PRP would represent an unusual departure from these interventions. Given the diversity of platelet cargo proteins, the target response of intraovarian PRP is probably not confined to oocytes or follicles. For example, PRP manipulates signal networks driving improved perfusion, HOX regulation, N-glycan post-translational modification, adjustment of voltage-gated ion channels, telomere stabilization, optimization of SIRT3, and ribosome and mitochondria recovery in older oocytes. While multichannel signals operating on various pathways are not unique to reproductive biology, in intraovarian PRP this feature has received little study and may help explain why its standardization has been difficult. Against this background, our report examines the research themes considered most likely to shape clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Scott Sills
- Regenerative Biology Group, FertiGen CAG, San Clemente, CA 92673, USA
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Palomar Medical Center, Escondido, CA 92029, USA
| | - Samuel H Wood
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Palomar Medical Center, Escondido, CA 92029, USA
- Gen 5 Fertility Center, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
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16
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Prasad R, Panchal S, Rani I, Parashar G, Kishan J, Bhatnagar M. Atypical Case of Highly Mutated h-TERT Promoter in Germline Genome from Buccal Mucosa Cancer. Indian J Clin Biochem 2023; 38:400-404. [PMID: 37234183 PMCID: PMC10205942 DOI: 10.1007/s12291-021-01006-8] [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: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Buccal mucosa cancer has an aggressive nature as it rapidly grows and penetrates with high recurrence rate. Strikingly, carcinoma of buccal mucosa is the most common cancer of oral cavity in India. Recently, telomerase and telomere biology have been implicated in the pathogenesis and progression in various cancers via regulation of telomere maintenance by telomerase expression which is controlled by telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) promoter. Strikingly, h-TERT promoter mutations have been incriminated in regulation of telomerase gene expression. Here, we present a 35 years old male with intense coughing, short breathlessness and fever since 15 days, was admitted to the pulmonary unit. He was a chronic smoker and gutka user. The cytopathological analysis of gastric aspirate revealed buccal mucosa carcinoma of IV stage. We identified h-TERT promoter mutations in isolated genomic DNA from whole blood using DNA sequencer. Genetic analysis disclosed that h-TERT promoter region was highly mutated in this patient. Identified mutations include C.-248 del G, C.-272 del G, C.-279 del G, C.-331 del G, C.-349 del G, C.-351 del C, C.-360 G > A, C.-362 T > A, C.-371 del T and C.-372 del T. Further, all identified mutations were subjected to predict the pathologic functional consequences using bioinformatics tools viz TFsitescan and CiiiDER which showed either loss or gain of transcription factors binding sites in h-TERT promoter. This is a unique case in which total 9 mutations were observed in h-TERT promoter in a single case. In conclusion, all together these mutations in h-TERT promoter may alter the epigenetics and subsequently the tenacity of binding transcription factors which are of functional significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajendra Prasad
- Department of Biochemistry, M.M. Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (MMIMSR), Maharishi Markandeshwar University (MMU), Mullana, Ambala, India
| | - Sonia Panchal
- Department of Biochemistry, M.M. Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (MMIMSR), Maharishi Markandeshwar University (MMU), Mullana, Ambala, India
| | - Isha Rani
- Department of Biochemistry, M.M. Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (MMIMSR), Maharishi Markandeshwar University (MMU), Mullana, Ambala, India
| | - Gaurav Parashar
- Department of Biotechnology, M.M. Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (MMIMSR), Maharishi Markandeshwar University (MMU), Mullana, Ambala, India
| | - Jai Kishan
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, M.M. Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (MMIMSR), Maharishi Markandeshwar University (MMU), Mullana, Ambala, India
| | - Mini Bhatnagar
- Department of General Medicine, M.M. Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (MMIMSR), Maharishi Markandeshwar University (MMU), Mullana, Ambala, India
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17
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Kim S, Lee C, Kim H, Yoon SO. Genetic characteristics of advanced oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma in young patients. Oral Oncol 2023; 144:106466. [PMID: 37393663 DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2023.106466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We aimed to investigate genetic alterations in oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC) based on age and the clinical significance of these alterations in young OTSCC patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS We detected genetic alterations in 44 cases of advanced OTSCC through next-generation sequencing and analyzed and compared patients either younger or older than 45 years. Further analysis was conducted on a validation group of 96 OTSCC patients aged ≤ 45 years to examine the clinical and prognostic associations of TERT promoter (TERTp) mutations. RESULTS TP53 mutation was the most common genetic alteration in advanced OTSCC (88.6%), followed by TERTp mutation (59.1%), CDKN2A mutation (31.8%), FAT1 mutation (9.1%), NOTCH1 mutation (9.1%), EGFR amplification (18.2%), and CDKN2A homozygous deletion (4.5%). TERTp mutation was the only genetic alteration significantly enriched in young patients (81.3% in young versus 46.4% in older; P < 0.024). Within the validation group of young patients, TERTp mutation was identified in 30 cases (30/96, 31.3%) and tended to be related to both smoking and alcohol consumption (P = 0.072), higher stage (P = 0.002), more frequent perineural invasion (P = 0.094), and worse overall survival (P = 0.012) than wild type. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that TERTp mutation is more frequent in young patients with advanced OTSCC and is associated with worse clinical outcomes. Therefore, TERTp mutation may serve as a prognostic biomarker for OTSCC in young patients. The findings of this study may help in developing personalized treatment strategies for OTSCC based on age and genetic alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sehui Kim
- Department of Pathology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Severance Hospital, Seoul, South Korea; Department of Pathology, Korea University Guro Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Chung Lee
- Department of Pathology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Severance Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hyangmi Kim
- Department of Pathology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Severance Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sun Och Yoon
- Department of Pathology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Severance Hospital, Seoul, South Korea.
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18
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Dilworth L, Stennett D, Omoruyi F. Cellular and Molecular Activities of IP6 in Disease Prevention and Therapy. Biomolecules 2023; 13:972. [PMID: 37371552 DOI: 10.3390/biom13060972] [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: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
IP6 (phytic acid) is a naturally occurring compound in plant seeds and grains. It is a poly-phosphorylated inositol derivative that has been shown to exhibit many biological activities that accrue benefits in health and diseases (cancer, diabetes, renal lithiasis, cardiovascular diseases, etc.). IP6 has been shown to have several cellular and molecular activities associated with its potential role in disease prevention. These activities include anti-oxidant properties, chelation of metal ions, inhibition of inflammation, modulation of cell signaling pathways, and modulation of the activities of enzymes and hormones that are involved in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. Studies have shown that IP6 has anti-oxidant properties and can scavenge free radicals known to cause cellular damage and contribute to the development of chronic diseases such as cancers and cardiovascular diseases, as well as diabetes mellitus. It has also been shown to possess anti-inflammatory properties that may modulate immune responses geared towards the prevention of inflammatory conditions. Moreover, IP6 exhibits anti-cancer properties through the induction of cell cycle arrest, promoting apoptosis and inhibiting cancer cell growth. Additionally, it has been shown to have anti-mutagenic properties, which reduce the risk of malignancies by preventing DNA damage and mutations. IP6 has also been reported to have a potential role in bone health. It inhibits bone resorption and promotes bone formation, which may help in the prevention of bone diseases such as osteoporosis. Overall, IP6's cellular and molecular activities make it a promising candidate for disease prevention. As reported in many studies, its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-cancer properties support its inclusion as a dietary supplement that may protect against the development of chronic diseases. However, further studies are needed to understand the mechanisms of action of this dynamic molecule and its derivatives and determine the optimal doses and appropriate delivery methods for effective therapeutic use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lowell Dilworth
- Department of Pathology, The University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, Kingston 7, Jamaica
| | - Dewayne Stennett
- The Transitional Year Programme, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 2E8, Canada
| | - Felix Omoruyi
- Department of Life Sciences, Texas A&M University, Corpus Christi, TX 78412, USA
- Department of Health Sciences, Texas A&M University, Corpus Christi, TX 78412, USA
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19
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Shepelev N, Dontsova O, Rubtsova M. Post-Transcriptional and Post-Translational Modifications in Telomerase Biogenesis and Recruitment to Telomeres. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:5027. [PMID: 36902458 PMCID: PMC10003056 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24055027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomere length is associated with the proliferative potential of cells. Telomerase is an enzyme that elongates telomeres throughout the entire lifespan of an organism in stem cells, germ cells, and cells of constantly renewed tissues. It is activated during cellular division, including regeneration and immune responses. The biogenesis of telomerase components and their assembly and functional localization to the telomere is a complex system regulated at multiple levels, where each step must be tuned to the cellular requirements. Any defect in the function or localization of the components of the telomerase biogenesis and functional system will affect the maintenance of telomere length, which is critical to the processes of regeneration, immune response, embryonic development, and cancer progression. An understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of telomerase biogenesis and activity is necessary for the development of approaches toward manipulating telomerase to influence these processes. The present review focuses on the molecular mechanisms involved in the major steps of telomerase regulation and the role of post-transcriptional and post-translational modifications in telomerase biogenesis and function in yeast and vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikita Shepelev
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117437, Russia
- Chemistry Department and Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119234, Russia
- Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow 121205, Russia
| | - Olga Dontsova
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117437, Russia
- Chemistry Department and Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119234, Russia
- Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow 121205, Russia
| | - Maria Rubtsova
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117437, Russia
- Chemistry Department and Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119234, Russia
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20
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Marinaccio J, Micheli E, Udroiu I, Di Nottia M, Carrozzo R, Baranzini N, Grimaldi A, Leone S, Moreno S, Muzzi M, Sgura A. TERT Extra-Telomeric Roles: Antioxidant Activity and Mitochondrial Protection. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054450. [PMID: 36901881 PMCID: PMC10002448 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) is the catalytic subunit of telomerase holoenzyme, which adds telomeric DNA repeats on chromosome ends to counteract telomere shortening. In addition, there is evidence of TERT non-canonical functions, among which is an antioxidant role. In order to better investigate this role, we tested the response to X-rays and H2O2 treatment in hTERT-overexpressing human fibroblasts (HF-TERT). We observed in HF-TERT a reduced induction of reactive oxygen species and an increased expression of the proteins involved in the antioxidant defense. Therefore, we also tested a possible role of TERT inside mitochondria. We confirmed TERT mitochondrial localization, which increases after oxidative stress (OS) induced by H2O2 treatment. We next evaluated some mitochondrial markers. The basal mitochondria quantity appeared reduced in HF-TERT compared to normal fibroblasts and an additional reduction was observed after OS; nevertheless, the mitochondrial membrane potential and morphology were better conserved in HF-TERT. Our results suggest a protective function of TERT against OS, also preserving mitochondrial functionality.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Emanuela Micheli
- Department of Science, University “ROMA TRE”, 00146 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Ion Udroiu
- Department of Science, University “ROMA TRE”, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Michela Di Nottia
- Unit of Muscular and Neurodegenerative Disorders, Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital IRCCS, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Rosalba Carrozzo
- Unit of Muscular and Neurodegenerative Disorders, Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital IRCCS, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Nicolò Baranzini
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Annalisa Grimaldi
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Stefano Leone
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Sandra Moreno
- Department of Science, University “ROMA TRE”, 00146 Rome, Italy
- IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00179 Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Muzzi
- Department of Science, University “ROMA TRE”, 00146 Rome, Italy
- IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00179 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Sgura
- Department of Science, University “ROMA TRE”, 00146 Rome, Italy
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21
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Lebo KJ, Zappulla DC. Inverse-folding design of yeast telomerase RNA increases activity in vitro. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.08.527468. [PMID: 36798419 PMCID: PMC9934677 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.08.527468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Saccharomyces cerevisiae telomerase RNA, TLC1, is an 1157 nt non-coding RNA that functions as both a template for DNA synthesis and a flexible scaffold for telomerase RNP holoenzyme protein subunits. The tractable budding yeast system has provided landmark discoveries about telomere biology in vivo , but yeast telomerase research has been hampered by the fact that the large TLC1 RNA subunit does not support robust telomerase activity in vitro . In contrast, 155-500 nt miniaturized TLC1 alleles comprising the catalytic core domain and lacking the RNA's long arms do reconstitute robust activity. We hypothesized that full-length TLC1 is prone to misfolding in vitro . To create a full-length yeast telomerase RNA predicted to fold into its biological relevant structure, we took an inverse RNA folding approach, changing 59 nucleotides predicted to increase the energetic favorability of folding into the modeled native structure based on the p-num feature of Mfold software. The sequence changes lowered the predicted ∆G in this "determined-arm" allele, DA-TLC1, by 61 kcal/mol (-19%) compared to wild type. We tested DA-TLC1 for reconstituted activity and found it to be ∼5-fold more robust than wild-type TLC1, suggesting that the inverse-folding design indeed improved folding in vitro into a catalytically active conformation. We also tested if DA-TLC1 functions in vivo and found that it complements a tlc1 ∆ strain, allowing cells to avoid senescence and maintain telomeres of nearly wild-type length. However, all inverse-designed RNAs that we tested had reduced abundance in vivo . In particular, inverse-designing nearly all of the Ku arm caused a profound reduction in telomerase RNA abundance in the cell and very short telomeres. Overall, these results show that inverse design of S. cerevisiae telomerase RNA increases activity in vitro , while reducing abundance in vivo . This study provides a biochemically and biologically tested approach to inverse-design RNAs using Mfold that could be useful for controlling RNA structure in basic research and biomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin J. Lebo
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218
| | - David C. Zappulla
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA 18015
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218
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22
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Udroiu I, Marinaccio J, Sgura A. Many Functions of Telomerase Components: Certainties, Doubts, and Inconsistencies. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232315189. [PMID: 36499514 PMCID: PMC9736166 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232315189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
A growing number of studies have evidenced non-telomeric functions of "telomerase". Almost all of them, however, investigated the non-canonical effects of the catalytic subunit TERT, and not the telomerase ribonucleoprotein holoenzyme. These functions mainly comprise signal transduction, gene regulation and the increase of anti-oxidative systems. Although less studied, TERC (the RNA component of telomerase) has also been shown to be involved in gene regulation, as well as other functions. All this has led to the publication of many reviews on the subject, which, however, are often disseminating personal interpretations of experimental studies of other researchers as original proofs. Indeed, while some functions such as gene regulation seem ascertained, especially because mechanistic findings have been provided, other ones remain dubious and/or are contradicted by other direct or indirect evidence (e.g., telomerase activity at double-strand break site, RNA polymerase activity of TERT, translation of TERC, mitochondrion-processed TERC). In a critical study of the primary evidence so far obtained, we show those functions for which there is consensus, those showing contradictory results and those needing confirmation. The resulting picture, together with some usually neglected aspects, seems to indicate a link between TERT and TERC functions and cellular stemness and gives possible directions for future research.
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23
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Afzaal H, Altaf R, Ilyas U, Zaman SU, Abbas Hamdani SD, Khan S, Zafar H, Babar MM, Duan Y. Virtual screening and drug repositioning of FDA-approved drugs from the ZINC database to identify the potential hTERT inhibitors. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1048691. [DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1048691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The length of the telomeres is maintained with the help of the enzyme telomerase constituting of two components, namely, a core reverse transcriptase protein (hTERT) and RNA (hTR). It serves as a significant and universal cancer target. In silico approaches play a crucial role in accelerating drug development processes, especially cancer drug repurposing is an attractive approach. The current study is aimed at the repurposing of FDA-approved drugs for their potential role as hTERT inhibitors. Accordingly, a library of 2,915 sets of FDA-approved drugs was generated from the ZINC database in order to screen for novel hTERT inhibitors; later on, these were subjected to molecular docking analysis. The top two hits, ZINC03784182 and ZINC01530694, were shortlisted for molecular dynamic simulation studies at 100 ns based on their binding scores. The RMSD, RMSF, Rg, SASA, and interaction energies were calculated for a 100-ns simulation period. The hit compounds were also analyzed for antitumor activity, and the results revealed promising cytotoxic activities of these compounds. The study has revealed the potential application of these drugs as antitumor agents that can be useful in treating cancer and can serve as lead compounds for further in vivo, in vitro, and clinical studies.
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24
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Marchese PV, Mollica V, Tassinari E, De Biase D, Giunchi F, Marchetti A, Rosellini M, Fiorentino M, Massari F. Implications of TERT promoter mutations and telomerase activity in solid tumors with a focus on genitourinary cancers. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2022; 22:997-1008. [PMID: 36503370 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2022.2154148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The reactivation of telomerase represents a key moment in the carcinogenesis process. Mutations in the central promoter region of the telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) gene cause telomerase reactivation in approximately 90% of solid tumors. In some of these, its prognostic and predictive role in response to treatments has already been demonstrated, in others (such as tumors of the genitourinary tract like urothelial carcinoma) data are controversial and the research is still ongoing. In the future, TERT promoter mutations and telomerase activity could have diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic applications in many types of cancer. AREAS COVERED We performed a review the literature with the aim of describing the current evidence on the prognostic and predictive role of TERT promoter mutations. In some tumor types, TERT promoter mutations have been associated with a worse prognosis and could have a potential value as biomarkers to guide therapeutic decisions. Mutations in TERT promoter seems to make the tumor particularly immunogenic and more responsive to immunotherapy, although data is controversial. EXPERT OPINION We described the role of TERT promoter mutations in solid tumors with a particular focus in genitourinary cancers, considering their frequency in this tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Valeria Marchese
- Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna, Via Albertoni - 15 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Veronica Mollica
- Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna, Via Albertoni - 15 40138, Bologna, Italy.,Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Elisa Tassinari
- Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna, Via Albertoni - 15 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Dario De Biase
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (Fabit), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy.,Solid Tumor Molecular Pathology Laboratory, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesca Giunchi
- Pathology Unit, IRCCS Policlinico Sant'Orsola-Malpighi, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Andrea Marchetti
- Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna, Via Albertoni - 15 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Matteo Rosellini
- Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna, Via Albertoni - 15 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Francesco Massari
- Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna, Via Albertoni - 15 40138, Bologna, Italy.,Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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25
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Slusher AL, Kim JJJ, Ribick M, Pollens-Voigt J, Bankhead A, Palmbos PL, Ludlow AT. Intronic Cis-Element DR8 in hTERT Is Bound by Splicing Factor SF3B4 and Regulates hTERT Splicing in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Mol Cancer Res 2022; 20:1574-1588. [PMID: 35852380 PMCID: PMC9532359 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-21-0058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Splicing of the hTERT gene to produce the full-length (FL) transcript is necessary for telomerase enzyme activity and telomere-dependent cellular immortality in the majority of human tumors, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. The molecular machinery to splice hTERT to the FL isoform remains mostly unknown. Previously, we reported that an intron 8 cis-element termed "direct repeat 8" (DR8) promotes FL hTERT splicing, telomerase, and telomere length maintenance when bound by NOVA1 and PTBP1 in NSCLC cells. However, some NSCLC cells and patient tumor samples lack NOVA1 expression. This leaves a gap in knowledge about the splicing factors and cis-elements that promote telomerase in the NOVA1-negative context. We report that DR8 regulates FL hTERT splicing in the NOVA1-negative and -positive lung cancer contexts. We identified splicing factor 3b subunit 4 (SF3B4) as an RNA trans-factor whose expression is increased in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) tumors compared with adjacent normal tissue and predicts poor LUAD patient survival. In contrast to normal lung epithelial cells, which continued to grow with partial reductions of SF3B4 protein, SF3B4 knockdown reduced hTERT splicing, telomerase activity, telomere length, and cell growth in lung cancer cells. SF3B4 was also demonstrated to bind the DR8 region of hTERT pre-mRNA in both NOVA1-negative and -positive NSCLC cells. These findings provide evidence that DR8 is a critical binding hub for trans-factors to regulate FL hTERT splicing in NSCLC cells. These studies help define mechanisms of gene regulation important to the generation of telomerase activity during carcinogenesis. IMPLICATIONS Manipulation of a core spliceosome protein reduces telomerase/hTERT splicing in lung cancer cells and results in slowed cancer cell growth and cell death, revealing a potential therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron L. Slusher
- School of Kinesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Jeongjin JJ Kim
- School of Kinesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Mark Ribick
- School of Kinesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | | | - Armand Bankhead
- Biostatistics Department and School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Phillip L. Palmbos
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Andrew T. Ludlow
- School of Kinesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
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Nagpal N, Tai AK, Nandakumar J, Agarwal S. Domain specific mutations in dyskerin disrupt 3' end processing of scaRNA13. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:9413-9425. [PMID: 36018809 PMCID: PMC9458449 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in DKC1 (encoding dyskerin) cause telomere diseases including dyskeratosis congenita (DC) by decreasing steady-state levels of TERC, the non-coding RNA component of telomerase. How DKC1 mutations variably impact numerous other snoRNAs remains unclear, which is a barrier to understanding disease mechanisms in DC beyond impaired telomere maintenance. Here, using DC patient iPSCs, we show that mutations in the dyskerin N-terminal extension domain (NTE) dysregulate scaRNA13. In iPSCs carrying the del37L NTE mutation or engineered to carry NTE mutations via CRISPR/Cas9, but not in those with C-terminal mutations, we found scaRNA13 transcripts with aberrant 3' extensions, as seen when the exoribonuclease PARN is mutated in DC. Biogenesis of scaRNA13 was rescued by repair of the del37L DKC1 mutation by genome-editing, or genetic or pharmacological inactivation of the polymerase PAPD5, which counteracts PARN. Inspection of the human telomerase cryo-EM structure revealed that in addition to mediating intermolecular dyskerin interactions, the NTE interacts with terminal residues of the associated snoRNA, indicating a role for this domain in 3' end definition. Our results provide mechanistic insights into the interplay of dyskerin and the PARN/PAPD5 axis in the biogenesis and accumulation of snoRNAs beyond TERC, broadening our understanding of ncRNA dysregulation in human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha Nagpal
- Division of Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Program, Boston Children's Hospital; Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute; Harvard Stem Cell Institute; Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School; Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research; Harvard Initiative in RNA Medicine; Boston, MA, USA
| | - Albert K Tai
- Department of Immunology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Data Intensive Studies Center, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
| | - Jayakrishnan Nandakumar
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Suneet Agarwal
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. Tel: +1 617 919 4610; Fax: +1 617 919 3359;
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27
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González-Moles MÁ, Moya-González E, García-Ferrera A, Nieto-Casado P, Ramos-García P. Prognostic and Clinicopathological Significance of Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase Upregulation in Oral Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14153673. [PMID: 35954336 PMCID: PMC9367569 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14153673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the current evidence on the prognostic and clinicopathological significance value of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) upregulation in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched for studies published before April 2022, not restricted by date or publication language. The methodological quality of primary-level studies was critically assessed using the Quality in Prognosis Studies (QUIPS) tool. We carried out meta-analyses, explored heterogeneity and its sources, and performed subgroup, meta-regression, sensitivity, and small-study effects analyses. Twenty-one studies (1698 patients) met inclusion criteria. TERT protein overexpression was significantly associated with worse overall survival (hazard ratio [HR] = 3.01, 95% CI = 1.70−5.35, p < 0.001), disease-free survival (HR = 4.03, 95% CI = 1.80−9.05, p = 0.001), and higher histological grade OSCC (odds ratio [OR] = 3.20, 95% CI = 1.83−5.62, p < 0.001). These large effect sizes were consistently obtained by homogeneous subgroups (p > 0.10, I2 = 0.0, respectively), which reflects a high quality of evidence. On the other hand, TERT gene mutations obtained constantly nonsignificant null effect sizes for all outcomes investigated, evidencing no prognostic or clinicopathological value. In conclusion, our findings indicate that TERT upregulation is a prognostic indicator of poor survival in oral cancer. Our findings support the immunohistochemical assessment of TERT overexpression, which could probably be incorporated into the prognostic evaluation of OSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Ángel González-Moles
- School of Dentistry, University of Granada, 18011 Granada, Spain; (E.M.-G.); (A.G.-F.); (P.N.-C.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, 18012 Granada, Spain
- Correspondence: (M.Á.G.-M.); (P.R.-G.)
| | - Eloísa Moya-González
- School of Dentistry, University of Granada, 18011 Granada, Spain; (E.M.-G.); (A.G.-F.); (P.N.-C.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, 18012 Granada, Spain
| | - Alberto García-Ferrera
- School of Dentistry, University of Granada, 18011 Granada, Spain; (E.M.-G.); (A.G.-F.); (P.N.-C.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, 18012 Granada, Spain
| | - Paola Nieto-Casado
- School of Dentistry, University of Granada, 18011 Granada, Spain; (E.M.-G.); (A.G.-F.); (P.N.-C.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, 18012 Granada, Spain
| | - Pablo Ramos-García
- School of Dentistry, University of Granada, 18011 Granada, Spain; (E.M.-G.); (A.G.-F.); (P.N.-C.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, 18012 Granada, Spain
- Correspondence: (M.Á.G.-M.); (P.R.-G.)
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28
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Chang TR, Long X, Shastry S, Parks JW, Stone MD. Single-Molecule Mechanical Analysis of Strand Invasion in Human Telomere DNA. Biochemistry 2022; 61:1554-1560. [PMID: 35852986 PMCID: PMC9352315 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.1c00448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Telomeres are essential
chromosome end capping structures that
safeguard the genome from dangerous DNA processing events. DNA strand
invasion occurs during vital transactions at telomeres, including
telomere length maintenance by the alternative lengthening of telomeres
(ALT) pathway. During telomeric strand invasion, a single-stranded
guanine-rich (G-rich) DNA invades at a complementary duplex telomere
repeat sequence, forming a displacement loop (D-loop) in which the
displaced DNA consists of the same G-rich sequence as the invading
single-stranded DNA. Single-stranded G-rich telomeric DNA readily
folds into stable, compact, structures called G-quadruplexes (GQs)
in vitro and is anticipated to form within the context of a D-loop;
however, evidence supporting this hypothesis is lacking. Here, we
report a magnetic tweezers assay that permits the controlled formation
of telomeric D-loops (TDLs) within uninterrupted duplex human telomere
DNA molecules of physiologically relevant lengths. Our results are
consistent with a model wherein the displaced single-stranded DNA
of a TDL fold into a GQ. This study provides new insight into telomere
structure and establishes a framework for the development of novel
therapeutics designed to target GQs at telomeres in cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terren R. Chang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Cruz, 1156 High St, Santa Cruz, California 95064, United States
| | - Xi Long
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Cruz, 1156 High St, Santa Cruz, California 95064, United States
| | - Shankar Shastry
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Cruz, 1156 High St, Santa Cruz, California 95064, United States
- 10X Genomics, 6230 Stoneridge Mall Rd, Pleasanton, California 94588, United States
| | - Joseph W. Parks
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Cruz, 1156 High St, Santa Cruz, California 95064, United States
- Invitae, 1400 16th St, San Francisco, California 94103, United States
| | - Michael D. Stone
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Cruz, 1156 High St, Santa Cruz, California 95064, United States
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Cruz JVR, Batista C, Afonso BDH, Alexandre-Moreira MS, Dubois LG, Pontes B, Moura Neto V, Mendes FDA. Obstacles to Glioblastoma Treatment Two Decades after Temozolomide. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14133203. [PMID: 35804976 PMCID: PMC9265128 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14133203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Glioblastomas are the most common and aggressive brain tumors in adults, with a median survival of 15 months. Treatment is surgical removal, followed by chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. Current chemotherapeutics do not kill all the tumor cells and some cells survive, leading to the appearance of a new tumor resistant to the treatment. These treatment-resistant cells are called tumor stem cells. In addition, glioblastoma cells have a high capacity for migration, forming new tumors in areas distant from the original tumor. Studies are now focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms of chemoresistance and controlling drug entry into the brain to improve drug performance. Another promising therapeutic approach is the use of viruses that specifically destroy glioblastoma cells, preserving the neural tissue around the tumor. In this review, we summarize the main biological features of glioblastoma and the therapeutic targets that are currently under study for new clinical trials. Abstract Glioblastomas are considered the most common and aggressive primary brain tumor in adults, with an average of 15 months’ survival rate. The treatment is surgery resection, followed by chemotherapy with temozolomide, and/or radiotherapy. Glioblastoma must have wild-type IDH gene and some characteristics, such as TERT promoter mutation, EGFR gene amplification, microvascular proliferation, among others. Glioblastomas have great heterogeneity at cellular and molecular levels, presenting distinct phenotypes and diversified molecular signatures in each tumor mass, making it difficult to define a specific therapeutic target. It is believed that the main responsibility for the emerge of these distinct patterns lies in subcellular populations of tumor stem cells, capable of tumor initiation and asymmetric division. Studies are now focused on understanding molecular mechanisms of chemoresistance, the tumor microenvironment, due to hypoxic and necrotic areas, cytoskeleton and extracellular matrix remodeling, and in controlling blood brain barrier permeabilization to improve drug delivery. Another promising therapeutic approach is the use of oncolytic viruses that are able to destroy specifically glioblastoma cells, preserving the neural tissue around the tumor. In this review, we summarize the main biological characteristics of glioblastoma and the cutting-edge therapeutic targets that are currently under study for promising new clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Victor Roza Cruz
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro. Av. Carlos Chagas Filho 373, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Bloco F, Ilha do Fundão, Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro 21941-590, Brazil; (J.V.R.C.); (C.B.); (B.d.H.A.); (B.P.); (V.M.N.)
| | - Carolina Batista
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro. Av. Carlos Chagas Filho 373, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Bloco F, Ilha do Fundão, Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro 21941-590, Brazil; (J.V.R.C.); (C.B.); (B.d.H.A.); (B.P.); (V.M.N.)
| | - Bernardo de Holanda Afonso
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro. Av. Carlos Chagas Filho 373, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Bloco F, Ilha do Fundão, Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro 21941-590, Brazil; (J.V.R.C.); (C.B.); (B.d.H.A.); (B.P.); (V.M.N.)
- Instituto Estadual do Cérebro Paulo Niemeyer, Rua do Rezende 156, Rio de Janeiro 20231-092, Brazil
| | - Magna Suzana Alexandre-Moreira
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Alagoas, Campus A.C. Simões, Avenida Lourival Melo Mota, Maceio 57072-970, Brazil;
| | - Luiz Gustavo Dubois
- UFRJ Campus Duque de Caxias Professor Geraldo Cidade, Rodovia Washington Luiz, n. 19.593, km 104.5, Santa Cruz da Serra, Duque de Caxias 25240-005, Brazil;
| | - Bruno Pontes
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro. Av. Carlos Chagas Filho 373, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Bloco F, Ilha do Fundão, Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro 21941-590, Brazil; (J.V.R.C.); (C.B.); (B.d.H.A.); (B.P.); (V.M.N.)
| | - Vivaldo Moura Neto
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro. Av. Carlos Chagas Filho 373, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Bloco F, Ilha do Fundão, Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro 21941-590, Brazil; (J.V.R.C.); (C.B.); (B.d.H.A.); (B.P.); (V.M.N.)
- Instituto Estadual do Cérebro Paulo Niemeyer, Rua do Rezende 156, Rio de Janeiro 20231-092, Brazil
| | - Fabio de Almeida Mendes
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro. Av. Carlos Chagas Filho 373, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Bloco F, Ilha do Fundão, Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro 21941-590, Brazil; (J.V.R.C.); (C.B.); (B.d.H.A.); (B.P.); (V.M.N.)
- Correspondence:
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Abstract
SignificanceUsing CMV as a gene therapy vector we illustrated that CMV can be used therapeutically as a monthly inhaled or intraperitoneally delivered treatment for aging-associated decline. Exogenous telomerase reverse transcriptase or follistatin genes were safely and effectively delivered in a murine model. This treatment significantly improved biomarkers associated with healthy aging, and the mouse lifespan was increased up to 41% without an increased risk of cancer. The impact of this research on an aging population cannot be understated as the global aging-related noncommunicable disease burden quickly rises.
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Tang JAH, Granger CE, Kunala K, Parkins K, Huynh KT, Bowles-Johnson K, Yang Q, Hunter JJ. Adaptive optics fluorescence lifetime imaging ophthalmoscopy of in vivo human retinal pigment epithelium. BIOMEDICAL OPTICS EXPRESS 2022; 13:1737-1754. [PMID: 35414970 PMCID: PMC8973160 DOI: 10.1364/boe.451628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
The intrinsic fluorescence properties of lipofuscin - naturally occurring granules that accumulate in the retinal pigment epithelium - are a potential biomarker for the health of the eye. A new modality is described here which combines adaptive optics technology with fluorescence lifetime detection, allowing for the investigation of functional and compositional differences within the eye and between subjects. This new adaptive optics fluorescence lifetime imaging ophthalmoscope was demonstrated in 6 subjects. Repeated measurements between visits had a minimum intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.59 Although the light levels were well below maximum permissible exposures, the safety of the imaging paradigm was tested using clinical measures; no concerns were raised. This new technology allows for in vivo adaptive optics fluorescence lifetime imaging of the human RPE mosaic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet A. H. Tang
- The Institute of Optics, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, USA
- Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, USA
- Contributed equally
| | - Charles E. Granger
- The Institute of Optics, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, USA
- Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, USA
- Contributed equally
| | - Karteek Kunala
- Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, USA
| | - Keith Parkins
- Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, USA
| | - Khang T. Huynh
- Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, USA
| | - Kristen Bowles-Johnson
- Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, USA
- Flaum Eye Institute, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, USA
| | - Qiang Yang
- Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, USA
| | - Jennifer J. Hunter
- The Institute of Optics, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, USA
- Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, USA
- Flaum Eye Institute, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, USA
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Zhou Z, Li Y, Xu H, Xie X, He Z, Lin S, Li R, Jin S, Cui J, Hu H, Liu F, Wu S, Ma W, Songyang Z. An inducible CRISPR/Cas9 screen identifies DTX2 as a transcriptional regulator of human telomerase. iScience 2022; 25:103813. [PMID: 35198878 PMCID: PMC8844827 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.103813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Most tumor cells reactivate telomerase to ensure unlimited proliferation, whereas the expression of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) is tightly regulated and rate-limiting for telomerase activity maintenance. Several general transcription factors (TFs) have been found in regulating hTERT transcription; however, a systematic study is lacking. Here we performed an inducible CRISPR/Cas9 KO screen using an hTERT core promoter-driven reporter. We identified numerous positive regulators including an E3 ligase DTX2. In telomerase-positive cancer cells, DTX2 depletion downregulated hTERT transcription and telomerase activity, contributing to progressive telomere shortening, growth arrest, and increased apoptosis. Utilizing BioID, we characterized multiple TFs as DTX2 proximal proteins, among which NFIC functioned corporately with DTX2 in promoting hTERT transcription. Further analysis demonstrated that DTX2 mediated K63-linked ubiquitination of NFIC, which facilitated NFIC binding to the hTERT promoter and enhanced hTERT expression. These findings highlight a new hTERT regulatory pathway that may be exploited for potential cancer therapeutics. An inducible CRISPR/Cas9 screen identifies regulators for hTERT transcription DTX2 deficiency leads to telomere shortening and cell growth arrest DTX2 mediates ubiquitination on NFIC, stabilizing NFIC binding on hTERT promoter DTX2-NFIC functions corporately to promote hTERT transcription and tumorigenesis
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhifen Zhou
- Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Research, Institute of Healthy Aging Research, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Yujing Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Research, Institute of Healthy Aging Research, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Huimin Xu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Research, Institute of Healthy Aging Research, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Xiaowei Xie
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Research, Institute of Healthy Aging Research, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Zibin He
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Research, Institute of Healthy Aging Research, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Song Lin
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Research, Institute of Healthy Aging Research, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Ruofei Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Research, Institute of Healthy Aging Research, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Shouheng Jin
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Research, Institute of Healthy Aging Research, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Jun Cui
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Research, Institute of Healthy Aging Research, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Hai Hu
- Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Feng Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Research, Institute of Healthy Aging Research, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Su Wu
- Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Research, Institute of Healthy Aging Research, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
- Corresponding author
| | - Wenbin Ma
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Research, Institute of Healthy Aging Research, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
- Corresponding author
| | - Zhou Songyang
- Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Research, Institute of Healthy Aging Research, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
- Bioland Laboratory (Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory), Guangzhou 510005, China
- Corresponding author
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Hindul NL, Jhita A, Oprea DG, Hussain TA, Gonchar O, Campillo MAM, O'Regan L, Kanemaki MT, Fry AM, Hirota K, Tanaka K. Construction of a human hTERT RPE-1 cell line with inducible Cre for editing of endogenous genes. Biol Open 2022; 11:274087. [PMID: 35067715 PMCID: PMC8864296 DOI: 10.1242/bio.059056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The human retinal pigment epithelial RPE-1 cell line immortalized with hTERT retains a stable karyotype with a modal chromosome number of 46 and has been widely used to study physiological events in human cell culture systems. To facilitate inducible knock-out or knock-in experiments in this cell line, we have modified the AAVS1 locus to harbour a DNA fragment encoding ERT2-Cre-ERT2 fusion protein under regulation of a Tet-On expression system. In the generated cell line, active Cre recombinase was induced by simple addition of doxycycline and tamoxifen to the culture medium. As proof of concept, we successfully introduced an oncogenic point mutation to the endogenous KRAS gene locus of this cell line. The cell line will serve as a powerful tool to conduct functional analyses of human genes. Summary: A near wild-type human hTERT RPE-1 cell line with inducible Cre recombinase integrated at the AAVS1 was generated for inducible genetic knock-in and knock-out. It facilitates human gene functional studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naushin L. Hindul
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, UK
| | - Amarjot Jhita
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, UK
| | - Daiana G. Oprea
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, UK
| | | | - Oksana Gonchar
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, UK
| | | | - Laura O'Regan
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, UK
| | - Masato T. Kanemaki
- Department of Chromosome Science, National Institute of Genetics, Research Organization of Information and Systems (ROIS), Yata 1111, Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8540, Japan
- Department of Genetics, SOKENDAI, Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8540, Japan
| | - Andrew M. Fry
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, UK
| | - Kouji Hirota
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Minamiosawa 1-1, Hachioji-shi, Tokyo, 192-0397, Japan
| | - Kayoko Tanaka
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, UK
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Macek P, Wieckiewicz M, Poreba R, Gac P, Bogunia-Kubik K, Dratwa M, Wojakowska A, Mazur G, Martynowicz H. Assessment of Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase Single Nucleotide Polymorphism in Sleep Bruxism. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11030525. [PMID: 35159976 PMCID: PMC8836512 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11030525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Sleep bruxism (SB) is a widespread masticatory muscle activity during sleep and affects approximately 13.2% of the general population. Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) plays a role in preventing the shortening of the telomere. This prospective, observational study aimed to investigate the relationship between single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of TERT and the severity of SB and to identify the independent risk factors for SB. Methods: A total of 112 patients were diagnosed by performing one-night polysomnography based on the guidelines of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. TERT SNP was detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Results: Statistical analysis showed the lack of relationship between the rs2853669 polymorphism of TERT and severity of SB (p > 0.05). However, the study showed that patients with allele T in the 2736100 polymorphism of TERT had a lower score on the phasic bruxism episode index (BEI). Based on the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, the value of phasic BEI was 0.8 for the differential prediction for the presence of allele T in the locus. The sensitivity and specificity were 0.328 and 0.893, respectively. The regression analysis showed that lack of TERT rs2736100 T allele, male gender, and arterial hypertension are the risk factors for the higher value of phasic BEI. Conclusion: The SNP of the TERT gene affects phasic SB intensity. The absence of TERT rs2736100 T allele, male sex, and arterial hypertension are independent risk factors for phasic SB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Macek
- Department of Internal Medicine, Occupational Diseases, Hypertension and Clinical Oncology, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland; (P.M.); (R.P.); (A.W.); (G.M.); (H.M.)
| | - Mieszko Wieckiewicz
- Department of Experimental Dentistry, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-425 Wroclaw, Poland
- Correspondence:
| | - Rafal Poreba
- Department of Internal Medicine, Occupational Diseases, Hypertension and Clinical Oncology, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland; (P.M.); (R.P.); (A.W.); (G.M.); (H.M.)
| | - Pawel Gac
- Department of Population Health, Division of Environmental Health and Occupational Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-345 Wroclaw, Poland;
| | - Katarzyna Bogunia-Kubik
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunogenetics and Pharmacogenetics, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, 53-114 Wroclaw, Poland; (K.B.-K.); (M.D.)
| | - Marta Dratwa
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunogenetics and Pharmacogenetics, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, 53-114 Wroclaw, Poland; (K.B.-K.); (M.D.)
| | - Anna Wojakowska
- Department of Internal Medicine, Occupational Diseases, Hypertension and Clinical Oncology, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland; (P.M.); (R.P.); (A.W.); (G.M.); (H.M.)
| | - Grzegorz Mazur
- Department of Internal Medicine, Occupational Diseases, Hypertension and Clinical Oncology, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland; (P.M.); (R.P.); (A.W.); (G.M.); (H.M.)
| | - Helena Martynowicz
- Department of Internal Medicine, Occupational Diseases, Hypertension and Clinical Oncology, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland; (P.M.); (R.P.); (A.W.); (G.M.); (H.M.)
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35
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Lynes MD, Carlone DL, Townsend KL, Breault DT, Tseng YH. Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase Expression Marks a Population of Rare Adipose Tissue Stem Cells. Stem Cells 2022; 40:102-111. [PMID: 35511869 PMCID: PMC9199842 DOI: 10.1093/stmcls/sxab005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
In adult tissues such as adipose tissue, post-mitotic cells like adipocytes can be replaced by differentiation of a population of tissue-resident stem cells. Expression of mouse telomerase reverse transcriptase (mTert) is a hallmark of stem cell populations, and previous efforts to identify tissue-resident adult stem cells by measuring mTert expression have increased our understanding of stem cell biology significantly. Here, we used a doxycycline-inducible mouse model to perform longitudinal, live-animal lineage-tracing of mTert-expressing cells for more than 1 year. We identified a rare (<2%) population of stem cells in different fat depots that express putative preadipocyte markers. The adipose-derived mTert-positive cells are capable of self-renewal and possess adipogenic potential. Finally, we demonstrate that high-fat diet (HFD) can initiate differentiation of these cells in vivo. These data identify a population of adipose stem cells that contribute to the depot-specific response to HFD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew D Lynes
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Maine Medical Center Research Institute, Scarborough, ME, USA,Section on Integrative Physiology and Metabolism, Joslin Diabetes Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA,Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA,Matthew D. Lynes, PhD, Maine Medical Center Research Institute, 81 Research Drive, Scarborough, ME 04074, USA. Tel: 207-396-8100;
| | - Diana L Carlone
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA,Division of Endocrinology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kristy L Townsend
- Department of Neurological Surgery, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - David T Breault
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA,Division of Endocrinology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yu-Hua Tseng
- Section on Integrative Physiology and Metabolism, Joslin Diabetes Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA,Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA,Corresponding author: Yu-Hua Tseng, PhD, Joslin Diabetes Center, One Joslin Place, Boston, MA 02215, USA. Tel: 617-309-1967;
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36
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Shim HS, Horner JW, Wu CJ, Li J, Lan ZD, Jiang S, Xu X, Hsu WH, Zal T, Flores II, Deng P, Lin YT, Tsai LH, Wang YA, DePinho RA. Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase Preserves Neuron Survival and Cognition in Alzheimer's Disease Models. NATURE AGING 2021; 1:1162-1174. [PMID: 35036927 PMCID: PMC8759755 DOI: 10.1038/s43587-021-00146-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Amyloid-induced neurodegeneration plays a central role in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis. Here, we show that telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) haploinsufficiency decreases BDNF and increases amyloid-β (Aβ) precursor in murine brain. Moreover, prior to disease onset, the TERT locus sustains accumulation of repressive epigenetic marks in murine and human AD neurons, implicating TERT repression in amyloid-induced neurodegeneration. To test the impact of sustained TERT expression on AD pathobiology, AD mouse models were engineered to maintain physiological levels of TERT in adult neurons, resulting in reduced Aβ accumulation, improved spine morphology, and preserved cognitive function. Mechanistically, integrated profiling revealed that TERT interacts with β-catenin and RNA polymerase II at gene promoters and upregulates gene networks governing synaptic signaling and learning processes. These TERT-directed transcriptional activities do not require its catalytic activity nor telomerase RNA. These findings provide genetic proof-of-concept for somatic TERT gene activation therapy in attenuating AD progression including cognitive decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Seok Shim
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - James W. Horner
- Institute for Applied Cancer Science, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Chang-Jiun Wu
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Jiexi Li
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Zheng D. Lan
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Shan Jiang
- Institute for Applied Cancer Science, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Xueping Xu
- Institute for Applied Cancer Science, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Wen-Hao Hsu
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Tomasz Zal
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Ivonne I. Flores
- Institute for Applied Cancer Science, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Pingna Deng
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Yuan-Ta Lin
- Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Li-Huei Tsai
- Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Y. Alan Wang
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Ronald A. DePinho
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
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Assis LHC, Andrade-Silva D, Shiburah ME, de Oliveira BCD, Paiva SC, Abuchery BE, Ferri YG, Fontes VS, de Oliveira LS, da Silva MS, Cano MIN. Cell Cycle, Telomeres, and Telomerase in Leishmania spp.: What Do We Know So Far? Cells 2021; 10:cells10113195. [PMID: 34831418 PMCID: PMC8621916 DOI: 10.3390/cells10113195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniases belong to the inglorious group of neglected tropical diseases, presenting different degrees of manifestations severity. It is caused by the transmission of more than 20 species of parasites of the Leishmania genus. Nevertheless, the disease remains on the priority list for developing new treatments, since it affects millions in a vast geographical area, especially low-income people. Molecular biology studies are pioneers in parasitic research with the aim of discovering potential targets for drug development. Among them are the telomeres, DNA–protein structures that play an important role in the long term in cell cycle/survival. Telomeres are the physical ends of eukaryotic chromosomes. Due to their multiple interactions with different proteins that confer a likewise complex dynamic, they have emerged as objects of interest in many medical studies, including studies on leishmaniases. This review aims to gather information and elucidate what we know about the phenomena behind Leishmania spp. telomere maintenance and how it impacts the parasite’s cell cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luiz H. C. Assis
- Telomeres Laboratory, Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences, Biosciences Institute, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-689, Brazil; (L.H.C.A.); (D.A.-S.); (M.E.S.); (B.C.D.d.O.); (S.C.P.); (V.S.F.); (L.S.d.O.)
| | - Débora Andrade-Silva
- Telomeres Laboratory, Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences, Biosciences Institute, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-689, Brazil; (L.H.C.A.); (D.A.-S.); (M.E.S.); (B.C.D.d.O.); (S.C.P.); (V.S.F.); (L.S.d.O.)
| | - Mark E. Shiburah
- Telomeres Laboratory, Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences, Biosciences Institute, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-689, Brazil; (L.H.C.A.); (D.A.-S.); (M.E.S.); (B.C.D.d.O.); (S.C.P.); (V.S.F.); (L.S.d.O.)
| | - Beatriz C. D. de Oliveira
- Telomeres Laboratory, Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences, Biosciences Institute, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-689, Brazil; (L.H.C.A.); (D.A.-S.); (M.E.S.); (B.C.D.d.O.); (S.C.P.); (V.S.F.); (L.S.d.O.)
| | - Stephany C. Paiva
- Telomeres Laboratory, Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences, Biosciences Institute, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-689, Brazil; (L.H.C.A.); (D.A.-S.); (M.E.S.); (B.C.D.d.O.); (S.C.P.); (V.S.F.); (L.S.d.O.)
| | - Bryan E. Abuchery
- DNA Replication and Repair Laboratory (DRRL), Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences, Biosciences Institute, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-689, Brazil; (B.E.A.); (Y.G.F.)
| | - Yete G. Ferri
- DNA Replication and Repair Laboratory (DRRL), Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences, Biosciences Institute, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-689, Brazil; (B.E.A.); (Y.G.F.)
| | - Veronica S. Fontes
- Telomeres Laboratory, Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences, Biosciences Institute, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-689, Brazil; (L.H.C.A.); (D.A.-S.); (M.E.S.); (B.C.D.d.O.); (S.C.P.); (V.S.F.); (L.S.d.O.)
| | - Leilane S. de Oliveira
- Telomeres Laboratory, Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences, Biosciences Institute, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-689, Brazil; (L.H.C.A.); (D.A.-S.); (M.E.S.); (B.C.D.d.O.); (S.C.P.); (V.S.F.); (L.S.d.O.)
| | - Marcelo S. da Silva
- DNA Replication and Repair Laboratory (DRRL), Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences, Biosciences Institute, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-689, Brazil; (B.E.A.); (Y.G.F.)
- Correspondence: (M.S.d.S.); (M.I.N.C.)
| | - Maria Isabel N. Cano
- Telomeres Laboratory, Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences, Biosciences Institute, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-689, Brazil; (L.H.C.A.); (D.A.-S.); (M.E.S.); (B.C.D.d.O.); (S.C.P.); (V.S.F.); (L.S.d.O.)
- Correspondence: (M.S.d.S.); (M.I.N.C.)
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38
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Dong X, Zhang Q, Hao J, Xie Q, Xu B, Zhang P, Lu H, Huang Q, Yang T, Wei GH, Na R, Gao P. Large Multicohort Study Reveals a Prostate Cancer Susceptibility Allele at 5p15 Regulating TERT via Androgen Signaling-Orchestrated Chromatin Binding of E2F1 and MYC. Front Oncol 2021; 11:754206. [PMID: 34858826 PMCID: PMC8631195 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.754206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) expression is crucial for tumor survival and cancer cells escaping apoptosis. Multiple TERT-locus variants at 5p15 have been discovered in association with cancer risk, yet the underlying mechanisms and clinical impacts remain unclear. Here, our association studies showed that the TERT promoter variant rs2853669 confers a risk of prostate cancer (PCa) in different ethnic groups. Further functional investigation revealed that the allele-specific binding of MYC and E2F1 at TERT promoter variant rs2853669 associates with elevated level of TERT in PCa. Mechanistically, androgen stimulations promoted the binding of MYC to allele T of rs2853669, thereby activating TERT, whereas hormone deprivations enhanced E2F1 binding at allele C of rs2853669, thus upregulating TERT expression. Notably, E2F1 could cooperate with AR signaling to regulate MYC expression. Clinical data demonstrated synergistic effects of MYC/E2F1/TERT expression or with the TT and CC genotype of rs2853669 on PCa prognosis and severity. Strikingly, single-nucleotide editing assays showed that the CC genotype of rs2853669 obviously promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the development of castration-resistant PCa (CRPC), confirmed by unbiased global transcriptome profiling. Our findings thus provided compelling evidence for understanding the roles of noncoding variations coordinated with androgen signaling and oncogenic transcription factors in mis-regulating TERT expression and driving PCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoming Dong
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an, China
| | - Qin Zhang
- Biocenter Oulu, Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Jinglan Hao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an, China
| | - Qianwen Xie
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an, China
| | - Binbing Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Haicheng Lu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an, China
| | - Qilai Huang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cell and Developmental Biology, Department of Animal Science, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Tielin Yang
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, and Institute of Molecular Genetics, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Gong-Hong Wei
- Biocenter Oulu, Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Rong Na
- Department of Urology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ping Gao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an, China
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The overexpression of Tipe2 in CRC cells suppresses survival while endogenous Tipe2 accelerates AOM/DSS induced-tumor initiation. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:1001. [PMID: 34702807 PMCID: PMC8548391 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-04289-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Aging is a natural and progressive process characterized by an increased frequency of age-related diseases such as cancer. But its mechanism is unclear. TNFAIP8L2 (Tipe2) is an important negative regulator for homeostasis through inhibiting TLR and TCR signaling. Our work reveals that Tipe2 might have dual function by regulating senescence. One side, the overexpression of Tipe2 in CRC cells could induce typical senescent phenotype, especially exposure to oxidative stress. Tipe2 inhibits telomerase activity by regulating c-Myc and c-Est-2 binding to the hTERT promotor. Interestingly, Tipe2 KO mice treated with D-Gal showed a less serious inverse of CD4:CD8 ratio, a lower percentage of Treg compared to WT. Besides, Tipe2 KO mice were more tolerant to the initiation of AOM/DSS-induced CRC, accompanied by a lower level of Treg within IEL. Therefore, specific antibodies against CD25 effectively ameliorate tumorigenesis. These data suggest strongly that the overexpressed Tipe2 suppresses tumor cells proliferation and survival, but endogenous Tipe2 promotes the initiation of tumorigenesis when exposure to dangerous environment such as AOM/DSS-related inflammation.
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40
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Gruber HJ, Semeraro MD, Renner W, Herrmann M. Telomeres and Age-Related Diseases. Biomedicines 2021; 9:1335. [PMID: 34680452 PMCID: PMC8533433 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9101335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomeres are at the non-coding ends of linear chromosomes. Through a complex 3-dimensional structure, they protect the coding DNA and ensure appropriate separation of chromosomes. Aging is characterized by a progressive shortening of telomeres, which compromises their structure and function. Because of their protective function for genomic DNA, telomeres appear to play an important role in the development and progression of many age-related diseases, such as cardiovascular disease (CVD), malignancies, dementia, and osteoporosis. Despite substantial evidence that links telomere length with these conditions, the nature of these observations remains insufficiently understood. Therefore, future studies should address the question of causality. Furthermore, analytical methods should be further improved with the aim to provide informative and comparable results. This review summarize the actual knowledge of telomere biology and the possible implications of telomere dysfunction for the development and progression of age-related diseases. Furthermore, we provide an overview of analytical techniques for the measurement of telomere length and telomerase activity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Wilfried Renner
- Clinical Institute of Medical and Chemical Laboratory Diagnostics, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria; (H.-J.G.); (M.D.S.); (M.H.)
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Benameur T, Soleti R, Panaro MA, La Torre ME, Monda V, Messina G, Porro C. Curcumin as Prospective Anti-Aging Natural Compound: Focus on Brain. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26164794. [PMID: 34443381 PMCID: PMC8398038 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26164794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The nutrients and their potential benefits are a new field of study in modern medicine for their positive impact on health. Curcumin, the yellow polyphenolic compound extracted from Curcuma longa species, is widely used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine to prevent and contrast many diseases, considering its antioxidant, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, cardio-protective, nephron-protective, hepato-protective, anti-neoplastic, and anti-rheumatic proprieties. In recent years, the investigations of curcumin have been focused on its application to aging and age-associated diseases. Aging is a physiological process in which there is a decreasing of cellular function due to internal or external stimuli. Oxidative stress is one of the most important causes of aging and age-related diseases. Moreover, many age-related disorders such as cancer, neuroinflammation, and infections are due to a low-grade chronic systemic inflammation. Curcumin acting on different proteins is able to contrast both oxidative stress than inflammation. In the brain, curcumin is able to modulate inflammation induced by microglia. Finally in brain tumors curcumin is able to reduce tumor growth by inhibition of telomerase activity. This review emphasizes the anti-aging role of curcumin focusing on its mechanism to counteract aging in the brain. Moreover, new formulations to increase the bioavailability of curcumin are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarek Benameur
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Raffaella Soleti
- Univ Angers, Université de Nantes, Inserm, CRCINA, SFR ICAT, F-49800 Angers, France;
| | - Maria Antonietta Panaro
- Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, Department of Biosciences, University of Bari, 70125 Bari, Italy;
| | - Maria Ester La Torre
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 71121 Foggia, Italy; (M.E.L.T.); (V.M.); (G.M.)
| | - Vincenzo Monda
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 71121 Foggia, Italy; (M.E.L.T.); (V.M.); (G.M.)
- Unit of Dietetic and Sport Medicine, Section of Human Physiology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Luigi Vanvitelli University of Campania, 81100 Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanni Messina
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 71121 Foggia, Italy; (M.E.L.T.); (V.M.); (G.M.)
| | - Chiara Porro
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 71121 Foggia, Italy; (M.E.L.T.); (V.M.); (G.M.)
- Correspondence:
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Chung Y, Min KW, Kim DH, Son BK, Do SI, Chae SW, Kwon MJ. High BMI1 Expression with Low CD8+ and CD4+ T Cell Activity Could Promote Breast Cancer Cell Survival: A Machine Learning Approach. J Pers Med 2021; 11:739. [PMID: 34442383 PMCID: PMC8399090 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11080739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BMI1 is known to play a key role in the regulation of stem cell self-renewal in both endogenous and cancer stem cells. High BMI1 expression has been associated with poor prognosis in a variety of human tumors. The aim of this study was to reveal the correlations of BMI1 with survival rates, genetic alterations, and immune activities, and to validate the results using machine learning. We investigated the survival rates according to BMI1 expression in 389 and 789 breast cancer patients from Kangbuk Samsung Medical Center (KBSMC) and The Cancer Genome Atlas, respectively. We performed gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) with pathway-based network analysis, investigated the immune response, and performed in vitro drug screening assays. The survival prediction model was evaluated through a gradient boosting machine (GBM) approach incorporating BMI1. High BMI1 expression was correlated with poor survival in patients with breast cancer. In GSEA and in in silico flow cytometry, high BMI1 expression was associated with factors indicating a weak immune response, such as decreased CD8+ T cell and CD4+ T cell counts. In pathway-based network analysis, BMI1 was directly linked to transcriptional regulation and indirectly linked to inflammatory response pathways, etc. The GBM model incorporating BMI1 showed improved prognostic performance compared with the model without BMI1. We identified telomerase inhibitor IX, a drug with potent activity against breast cancer cell lines with high BMI1 expression. We suggest that high BMI1 expression could be a therapeutic target in breast cancer. These results could contribute to the design of future experimental research and drug development programs for breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumin Chung
- Department of Pathology, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University College of Medicine, Seoul 03181, Korea; (Y.C.); (S.-I.D.); (S.W.C.)
| | - Kyueng-Whan Min
- Department of Pathology, Hanyang University Guri Hospital, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Guri 11923, Korea
| | - Dong-Hoon Kim
- Department of Pathology, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University College of Medicine, Seoul 03181, Korea; (Y.C.); (S.-I.D.); (S.W.C.)
| | - Byoung Kwan Son
- Department of Internal Medicine, Uijeongbu Eulji Medical Center, Eulji University School of Medicine, Uijeongbu 11749, Korea;
| | - Sung-Im Do
- Department of Pathology, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University College of Medicine, Seoul 03181, Korea; (Y.C.); (S.-I.D.); (S.W.C.)
| | - Seoung Wan Chae
- Department of Pathology, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University College of Medicine, Seoul 03181, Korea; (Y.C.); (S.-I.D.); (S.W.C.)
| | - Mi Jung Kwon
- Department of Pathology, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Anyang 14068, Korea;
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43
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Ovarian Telomerase and Female Fertility. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9070842. [PMID: 34356906 PMCID: PMC8301802 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9070842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Women's fertility is characterized both quantitatively and qualitatively mainly by the pool of ovarian follicles. Monthly, gonadotropins cause an intense multiplication of granulosa cells surrounding the oocyte. This step of follicular development requires a high proliferation ability for these cells. Telomere length plays a crucial role in the mitotic index of human cells. Hence, disrupting telomere homeostasis could directly affect women's fertility. Strongly expressed in ovaries, telomerase is the most effective factor to limit telomeric attrition and preserve ovarian reserve. Considering these facts, two situations of infertility could be correlated with the length of telomeres and ovarian telomerase activity: PolyCystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), which is associated with a high density of small antral follicles, and Premature Ovarian Failure (POF), which is associated with a premature decrease in ovarian reserve. Several authors have studied this topic, expecting to find long telomeres and strong telomerase activity in PCOS and short telomeres and low telomerase activity in POF patients. Although the results of these studies are contradictory, telomere length and the ovarian telomerase impact in women's fertility disorders appear obvious. In this context, our research perspectives aimed to explore the stimulation of ovarian telomerase to limit the decrease in the follicular pool while avoiding an increase in cancer risk.
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Dumbović G, Braunschweig U, Langner HK, Smallegan M, Biayna J, Hass EP, Jastrzebska K, Blencowe B, Cech TR, Caruthers MH, Rinn JL. Nuclear compartmentalization of TERT mRNA and TUG1 lncRNA is driven by intron retention. Nat Commun 2021; 12:3308. [PMID: 34083519 PMCID: PMC8175569 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-23221-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The spatial partitioning of the transcriptome in the cell is an important form of gene-expression regulation. Here, we address how intron retention influences the spatio-temporal dynamics of transcripts from two clinically relevant genes: TERT (Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase) pre-mRNA and TUG1 (Taurine-Upregulated Gene 1) lncRNA. Single molecule RNA FISH reveals that nuclear TERT transcripts uniformly and robustly retain specific introns. Our data suggest that the splicing of TERT retained introns occurs during mitosis. In contrast, TUG1 has a bimodal distribution of fully spliced cytoplasmic and intron-retained nuclear transcripts. We further test the functionality of intron-retention events using RNA-targeting thiomorpholino antisense oligonucleotides to block intron excision. We show that intron retention is the driving force for the nuclear compartmentalization of these RNAs. For both RNAs, altering this splicing-driven subcellular distribution has significant effects on cell viability. Together, these findings show that stable retention of specific introns can orchestrate spatial compartmentalization of these RNAs within the cell. This process reveals that modulating RNA localization via targeted intron retention can be utilized for RNA-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrijela Dumbović
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA.
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA.
- Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Freiburg, Germany.
| | | | - Heera K Langner
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Michael Smallegan
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Josep Biayna
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Parc Científic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Evan P Hass
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Katarzyna Jastrzebska
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
- Department of Bioorganic Chemistry, Centre of Molecular and Macromolecular Studies, Polish Academy of Sciences, Lodz, Poland
| | | | - Thomas R Cech
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Marvin H Caruthers
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - John L Rinn
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA.
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA.
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Wu X, Wu J, Dai J, Chen B, Chen Z, Wang S, Wu F, Lou X, Xia F. Aggregation-induced emission luminogens reveal cell cycle-dependent telomerase activity in cancer cells. Natl Sci Rev 2021; 8:nwaa306. [PMID: 34691667 PMCID: PMC8288165 DOI: 10.1093/nsr/nwaa306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomerase acts as an important biomarker for tumor identification, and synthesizes telomeric repeats at the end of chromosome telomeres during the replicative phase of the cell cycle; thus, the expression level of telomerase changes as the cell cycle progresses. TERT mRNA expression and telomerase activity were significantly increased in over 80% of human cancers from tissue specimens. Although many efforts have been made in detecting the activity of TERT mRNA and active telomerase, the heterogeneous behavior of the cell cycle was overlooked, which might affect the accuracy of the detection results. Herein, the AIEgen-based biosensing systems of PyTPA-DNA and Silole-R were developed to detect the cellular level of TERT mRNA and telomerase in different cell cycles. As a result, the fluorescence signal of cancer cells gradually increased from G0/G1, G1/S to S phase. In contrast, both cancer cells arrested at G2/M phase and normal cells exhibited negligible fluorescence intensities. Compared to normal tissues, malignant tumor samples demonstrated a significant turn-on fluorescence signal. Furthermore, the transcriptomics profiling revealed that tumor biomarkers changed as the cell cycle progressed and biomarkers of CA9, TK1 and EGFR were more abundantly expressed at early S stage. In this vein, our study presented advanced biosensing tools for more accurate analysis of the cell-cycle-dependent activity of TERT mRNA and active telomerase in clinical tissue samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Wu
- Engineering Research Center of Nano-Geomaterials of Ministry of Education, Faculty of Materials Science and Chemistry, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Jun Wu
- Engineering Research Center of Nano-Geomaterials of Ministry of Education, Faculty of Materials Science and Chemistry, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Jun Dai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Biao Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Zhe Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Shixuan Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Feng Wu
- Engineering Research Center of Nano-Geomaterials of Ministry of Education, Faculty of Materials Science and Chemistry, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Xiaoding Lou
- Engineering Research Center of Nano-Geomaterials of Ministry of Education, Faculty of Materials Science and Chemistry, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Fan Xia
- Engineering Research Center of Nano-Geomaterials of Ministry of Education, Faculty of Materials Science and Chemistry, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China
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Nogueira LS, Vasconcelos CP, Mitre GP, Bittencourt LO, Plaça JR, Kataoka MSDS, Pinheiro JDJV, Garlet GP, De Oliveira EHC, Lima RR. Gene Expression Profile in Immortalized Human Periodontal Ligament Fibroblasts Through hTERT Ectopic Expression: Transcriptome and Bioinformatic Analysis. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:679548. [PMID: 34141725 PMCID: PMC8204186 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.679548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Human periodontal ligament fibroblast (hPLF) cells play an important role in maintaining oral cavity homeostasis with special function in tissue regeneration and maintenance of dental alveoli. Although their primary cell cultures are considered a good experimental model with no genetic changes, the finite life span may limit some experimental designs. The immortalization process increases cell life span but may cause genetic changes and chromosomal instability, resulting in direct effects on physiological cell responses. In this way, we aimed to investigate the global gene expression of hPLFs after the immortalization process by the ectopic expression of the catalytic subunit of the enzyme telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) through transcriptome analysis. The embryonic origin of the primary culture of hPLF cells and immortalized hPLF-hTERT was also tested by vimentin staining, hTERT synthesis evaluated by indirect immunocytochemistry, analysis of cell proliferation, and morphology. The results indicated that hPLFs and hPLF-hTERT were positive for vimentin. On the 20th cell passage, hPLFs were in senescence, while hPLF-hTERT maintained their proliferation and morphology characteristics. At the same passage, hPLF-hTERT presented a significant increase in hTERT synthesis, but transcriptome did not reveal overexpression of the hTERT gene. Fifty-eight genes had their expression altered (11 upregulated and 47 downregulated) with the absence of changes in the key genes related to these cell types and in the main cancer-associated genes. In addition, the increase in hTERT protein expression without the overexpression of its gene indicates posttranscriptional level regulation. Successful immortalization of hPLFs through the ectopic expression of hTERT encourages further studies to design experimental protocols to investigate clinical questions from a translational perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lygia S Nogueira
- Laboratory of Functional and Structural Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Carolina P Vasconcelos
- Laboratory of Cell Culture and Cytogenetics, Environment Section, Evandro Chagas Institute, Ananindeua, Brazil
| | | | - Leonardo Oliveira Bittencourt
- Laboratory of Functional and Structural Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Jessica Rodrigues Plaça
- Regional Blood Center at University Hospital of the Ribeirão Preto Medical School of University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Edivaldo H C De Oliveira
- Laboratory of Cell Culture and Cytogenetics, Environment Section, Evandro Chagas Institute, Ananindeua, Brazil
| | - Rafael R Lima
- Laboratory of Functional and Structural Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
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47
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Sahin B, Katar S, Şahin SA, Çevik S, Evran S, Baran O, Tanık C, Adılay HU, Yılmaz A. Influence of Human Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase Mutation on the Aggressiveness and Recurrence in Meningiomas. Cureus 2021; 13:e15342. [PMID: 34235021 PMCID: PMC8243023 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.15342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Over 200 human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) polymorphism combinations have been implicated in the development of cancer. This study aimed to evaluate hTERT mutations in meningioma tissue and its association with meningioma. Material and Methods: A total of 90 patients who underwent surgery between 2006 and 2015 and were histopathologically diagnosed with meningioma (WHO 2016) were included. Results: Among the 90 participants included herein, 50 (55.5%) and 40 (44.5%) were female and male, respectively, with an average age of 56.2 ± 14 years. Mean Ki-67 values were 10.56% (SD 12.41, range 0-60), while the mean follow-up duration was 39.1 months (SD 26.3). Low- and high-grade patients had a mean Ki-67 score of 4.31% (SD 3.58, range 0-16) and 19.92% (SD 14.91, range 2-60) (p = 0.0001). Our results showed a moderate positive correlation between Ki-67 score and the presence of hTERT mutation (Pearson correlation test, r = 0.5161; p = 0.0001). Patients with an hTERT mutation > 30% had significantly higher risk for reoperation than those with lower levels of mutation (p = 0.016, chi square test). None of the patients requiring reoperation had an hTERT mutation < 10%. Moreover, high-grade patients had a 7.2 times higher risk of reoperation than those with an hTERT mutation > 30%. Conclusion: The presence of hTERT mutation, in addition to high Ki-67, indicated a more aggressive meningioma disease course and potentially increased risk of recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balkan Sahin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sisli Hamidiye Etfal Research and Training Hospital, Istanbul, TUR
| | - Salim Katar
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical Faculty of Balikesir University, Balıkesir, TUR
| | - Saime A Şahin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sisli Hamidiye Etfal Research and Training Hospital, Istanbul, TUR
| | - Serdar Çevik
- Department of Neurosurgery, Memorial Sisli Hospital, Istanbul, TUR
| | - Sevket Evran
- Department of Neurosurgery, Haseki Research and Training Hospital, Istanbul, TUR
| | - Oguz Baran
- Department of Neurosurgery, Koç University, Istanbul, TUR
| | - Canan Tanık
- Department of Pathology, Sisli Hamidiye Etfal Research and Training Hospital, Istanbul, TUR
| | - Hüseyin U Adılay
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical Faculty of Balikesir University, Balıkesir, TUR
| | - Adem Yılmaz
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sisli Hamidiye Etfal Research and Training Hospital, Istanbul, TUR
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48
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Zhai LT, Rety S, Chen WF, Song ZY, Auguin D, Sun B, Dou SX, Xi XG. Crystal structures of N-terminally truncated telomerase reverse transcriptase from fungi‡. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:4768-4781. [PMID: 33856462 PMCID: PMC8096264 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomerase plays critical roles in cellular aging, in the emergence and/or development of cancer, and in the capacity for stem-cell renewal, consists of a catalytic telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) and a template-encoding RNA (TER). TERs from diverse organisms contain two conserved structural elements: the template-pseudoknot (T-PK) and a helical three-way junction (TWJ). Species-specific features of the structure and function of telomerase make obtaining a more in-depth understanding of the molecular mechanism of telomerase particularly important. Here, we report the first structural studies of N-terminally truncated TERTs from Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis in apo form and complexed with their respective TWJs in several conformations. We found that Candida TERT proteins perform only one round of telomere addition in the presence or absence of PK/TWJ and display standard reverse transcriptase activity. The C-terminal domain adopts at least two extreme conformations and undergoes conformational interconversion, which regulates the catalytic activity. Most importantly, we identified a conserved tertiary structural motif, called the U-motif, which interacts with the reverse transcriptase domain and is crucial for catalytic activity. Together these results shed new light on the structure and mechanics of fungal TERTs, which show common TERT characteristics, but also display species-specific features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liu-Tao Zhai
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology in Arid Areas, College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Stephane Rety
- University Lyon, ENS de Lyon, University Claude Bernard, CNRS UMR 5239, INSERM U1210, LBMC, 46 Allée d’Italie Site Jacques Monod, F-69007 Lyon, France
| | - Wei-Fei Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology in Arid Areas, College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Ze-Yu Song
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology in Arid Areas, College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Daniel Auguin
- Laboratoire de Biologie des Ligneux et des Grandes Cultures (LBLGC), Université d’Orléans, INRA, USC1328, 45067 Orléans; Structural Motility, Institut Curie, CNRS, UMR 144 Paris, France
| | - Bo Sun
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Shuo-Xing Dou
- Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physics and CAS Key Laboratory of Soft Matter Physics, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- School of Physical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xu-Guang Xi
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology in Arid Areas, College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
- Laboratoire de Biologie et de Pharmacologie Appliquée (LBPA), UMR 8113 CNRS, Institut D’Alembert, École Normale Supérieure Paris-Saclay, Université Paris-Saclay, 4, Avenue des Sciences, 91190 Gif sur Yvette, France
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Telomerase in Brain: The New Kid on the Block and Its Role in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9050490. [PMID: 33946850 PMCID: PMC8145691 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9050490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomerase is an enzyme that in its canonical function extends and maintains telomeres, the ends of chromosomes. This reverse transcriptase function is mainly important for dividing cells that shorten their telomeres continuously. However, there are a number of telomere-independent functions known for the telomerase protein TERT (Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase). This includes the shuttling of the TERT protein from the nucleus to mitochondria where it decreases oxidative stress, apoptosis sensitivity and DNA damage. Recently, evidence has accumulated on a protective role of TERT in brain and postmitotic neurons. This function might be able to ameliorate the effects of toxic proteins such as amyloid-β, pathological tau and α-synuclein involved in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, the protective mechanisms of TERT are not clear yet. Recently, an activation of autophagy as an important protein degradation process for toxic neuronal proteins by TERT has been described. This review summarises the current knowledge about the non-canonical role of the telomerase protein TERT in brain and shows its potential benefit for the amelioration of brain ageing and neurodegenerative diseases such as AD and PD. This might form the basis for the development of novel strategies and therapies against those diseases.
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Subasri M, Shooshtari P, Watson AJ, Betts DH. Analysis of TERT Isoforms across TCGA, GTEx and CCLE Datasets. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13081853. [PMID: 33924498 PMCID: PMC8070023 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13081853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Reactivation of the multi-subunit ribonucleoprotein telomerase is the primary telomere maintenance mechanism in cancer, but it is rate-limited by the enzymatic component, telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT). While regulatory in nature, TERT alternative splice variant/isoform regulation and functions are not fully elucidated and are further complicated by their highly diverse expression and nature. Our primary objective was to characterize TERT isoform expression across 7887 neoplastic and 2099 normal tissue samples using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Genotype-Tissue Expression Project (GTEx), respectively. We confirmed the global overexpression and splicing shift towards full-length TERT in neoplastic tissue. Stratifying by tissue type we found uncharacteristic TERT expression in normal brain tissue subtypes. Stratifying by tumor-specific subtypes, we detailed TERT expression differences potentially regulated by subtype-specific molecular characteristics. Focusing on β-deletion splicing regulation, we found the NOVA1 trans-acting factor to mediate alternative splicing in a cancer-dependent manner. Of relevance to future tissue-specific studies, we clustered cancer cell lines with tumors from related origin based on TERT isoform expression patterns. Taken together, our work has reinforced the need for tissue and tumour-specific TERT investigations, provided avenues to do so, and brought to light the current technical limitations of bioinformatic analyses of TERT isoform expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathushan Subasri
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada; (M.S.); (A.J.W.)
| | - Parisa Shooshtari
- Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto, ON M5G 0A3, Canada;
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
- Department of Computer Science, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
- The Children’s Health Research Institute—Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON N6C 2R5, Canada
| | - Andrew J. Watson
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada; (M.S.); (A.J.W.)
- The Children’s Health Research Institute—Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON N6C 2R5, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Dean H. Betts
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada; (M.S.); (A.J.W.)
- The Children’s Health Research Institute—Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON N6C 2R5, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-519-661-2111 (ext. 83786)
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