1
|
Izadi M, Sadri N, Abdi A, Serajian S, Jalalei D, Tahmasebi S. Epigenetic biomarkers in aging and longevity: Current and future application. Life Sci 2024; 351:122842. [PMID: 38879158 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122842] [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: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
The aging process has been one of the most necessary research fields in the current century, and knowing different theories of aging and the role of different genetic, epigenetic, molecular, and environmental modulating factors in increasing the knowledge of aging mechanisms and developing appropriate diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive ways would be helpful. One of the most conserved signs of aging is epigenetic changes, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, chromatin remodeling, noncoding RNAs, and extracellular RNAs. Numerous biological processes and hallmarks are vital in aging development, but epigenomic alterations are especially notable because of their importance in gene regulation and cellular identity. The mounting evidence points to a possible interaction between age-related epigenomic alterations and other aging hallmarks, like genome instability. To extend a healthy lifespan and possibly reverse some facets of aging and aging-related diseases, it will be crucial to comprehend global and locus-specific epigenomic modifications and recognize corresponding regulators of health and longevity. In the current study, we will aim to discuss the role of epigenomic mechanisms in aging and the most recent developments in epigenetic diagnostic biomarkers, which have the potential to focus efforts on reversing the destructive signs of aging and extending the lifespan.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mehran Izadi
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Synapse Laboratory Diagnostic Technologies Accelerator, Tehran, Iran; Department of Research & Technology, Zeenome Longevity Research Institute, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nariman Sadri
- Synapse Laboratory Diagnostic Technologies Accelerator, Tehran, Iran; Department of Research & Technology, Zeenome Longevity Research Institute, Tehran, Iran; School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Abdi
- Synapse Laboratory Diagnostic Technologies Accelerator, Tehran, Iran; Department of Research & Technology, Zeenome Longevity Research Institute, Tehran, Iran; Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sahar Serajian
- Synapse Laboratory Diagnostic Technologies Accelerator, Tehran, Iran; Department of Research & Technology, Zeenome Longevity Research Institute, Tehran, Iran; Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Dorsa Jalalei
- Synapse Laboratory Diagnostic Technologies Accelerator, Tehran, Iran; Department of Research & Technology, Zeenome Longevity Research Institute, Tehran, Iran; School of Pharmacy, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Safa Tahmasebi
- Synapse Laboratory Diagnostic Technologies Accelerator, Tehran, Iran; Department of Research & Technology, Zeenome Longevity Research Institute, Tehran, Iran; Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Meltzer WA, Gupta A, Lin PN, Brown RA, Benyamien-Roufaeil DS, Khatri R, Mahurkar AA, Song Y, Taylor RJ, Zalzman M. Reprogramming Chromosome Ends by Functional Histone Acetylation. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3898. [PMID: 38612707 PMCID: PMC11011970 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073898] [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: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancers harness embryonic programs to evade aging and promote survival. Normally, sequences at chromosome ends called telomeres shorten with cell division, serving as a countdown clock to limit cell replication. Therefore, a crucial aspect of cancerous transformation is avoiding replicative aging by activation of telomere repair programs. Mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) activate a transient expression of the gene Zscan4, which correlates with chromatin de-condensation and telomere extension. Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cancers reactivate ZSCAN4, which in turn regulates the phenotype of cancer stem cells (CSCs). Our study reveals a new role for human ZSCAN4 in facilitating functional histone H3 acetylation at telomere chromatin. Next-generation sequencing indicates ZSCAN4 enrichment at telomere chromatin. These changes correlate with ZSCAN4-induced histone H3 acetylation and telomere elongation, while CRISPR/Cas9 knockout of ZSCAN4 leads to reduced H3 acetylation and telomere shortening. Our study elucidates the intricate involvement of ZSCAN4 and its significant contribution to telomere chromatin remodeling. These findings suggest that ZSCAN4 induction serves as a novel link between 'stemness' and telomere maintenance. Targeting ZSCAN4 may offer new therapeutic approaches to effectively limit or enhance the replicative lifespan of stem cells and cancer cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- W. Alex Meltzer
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA (A.G.); (P.N.L.); (R.A.B.); (D.S.B.-R.); (R.K.)
| | - Aditi Gupta
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA (A.G.); (P.N.L.); (R.A.B.); (D.S.B.-R.); (R.K.)
| | - Phyo Nay Lin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA (A.G.); (P.N.L.); (R.A.B.); (D.S.B.-R.); (R.K.)
| | - Robert A. Brown
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA (A.G.); (P.N.L.); (R.A.B.); (D.S.B.-R.); (R.K.)
| | - Daniel S. Benyamien-Roufaeil
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA (A.G.); (P.N.L.); (R.A.B.); (D.S.B.-R.); (R.K.)
| | - Raju Khatri
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA (A.G.); (P.N.L.); (R.A.B.); (D.S.B.-R.); (R.K.)
| | - Anup A. Mahurkar
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (A.A.M.); (Y.S.)
| | - Yang Song
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (A.A.M.); (Y.S.)
| | - Rodney J. Taylor
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA;
- Marlene and Stewart Greenbaum Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Michal Zalzman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA (A.G.); (P.N.L.); (R.A.B.); (D.S.B.-R.); (R.K.)
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA;
- Marlene and Stewart Greenbaum Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- The Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Das A, Giri AK, Bhattacharjee P. Targeting 'histone mark': Advanced approaches in epigenetic regulation of telomere dynamics in cancer. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2024; 1867:195007. [PMID: 38237857 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2024.195007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Telomere integrity is required for the maintenance of genome stability and prevention of oncogenic transformation of cells. Recent evidence suggests the presence of epigenetic modifications as an important regulator of mammalian telomeres. Telomeric and subtelomeric regions are rich in epigenetic marks that regulate telomere length majorly through DNA methylation and post-translational histone modifications. Specific histone modifying enzymes play an integral role in establishing telomeric histone codes necessary for the maintenance of structural integrity. Alterations of crucial histone moieties and histone modifiers cause deregulations in the telomeric chromatin leading to carcinogenic manifestations. This review delves into the significance of histone modifications and their influence on telomere dynamics concerning cancer. Additionally, it highlights the existing research gaps that hold the potential to drive the development of therapeutic interventions targeting the telomere epigenome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ankita Das
- Department of Environmental Science, University of Calcutta, Kolkata 700019, India; Department of Zoology, University of Calcutta, Kolkata 700019, India
| | - Ashok K Giri
- Molecular Genetics Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata 700032, India
| | - Pritha Bhattacharjee
- Department of Environmental Science, University of Calcutta, Kolkata 700019, India.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Edwards MM, Wang N, Massey DJ, Bhatele S, Egli D, Koren A. Incomplete reprogramming of DNA replication timing in induced pluripotent stem cells. Cell Rep 2024; 43:113664. [PMID: 38194345 PMCID: PMC11231959 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113664] [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: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are the foundation of cell therapy. Differences in gene expression, DNA methylation, and chromatin conformation, which could affect differentiation capacity, have been identified between iPSCs and embryonic stem cells (ESCs). Less is known about whether DNA replication timing, a process linked to both genome regulation and genome stability, is efficiently reprogrammed to the embryonic state. To answer this, we compare genome-wide replication timing between ESCs, iPSCs, and cells reprogrammed by somatic cell nuclear transfer (NT-ESCs). While NT-ESCs replicate their DNA in a manner indistinguishable from ESCs, a subset of iPSCs exhibits delayed replication at heterochromatic regions containing genes downregulated in iPSCs with incompletely reprogrammed DNA methylation. DNA replication delays are not the result of gene expression or DNA methylation aberrations and persist after cells differentiate to neuronal precursors. Thus, DNA replication timing can be resistant to reprogramming and influence the quality of iPSCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew M Edwards
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Ning Wang
- Department of Pediatrics and Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Columbia University Stem Cell Initiative, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Dashiell J Massey
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Sakshi Bhatele
- Department of Pediatrics and Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Columbia University Stem Cell Initiative, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Dieter Egli
- Department of Pediatrics and Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Columbia University Stem Cell Initiative, New York, NY 10032, USA.
| | - Amnon Koren
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA; Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Dhillon VS, Shahid M, Deo P, Fenech M. Reduced SIRT1 and SIRT3 and Lower Antioxidant Capacity of Seminal Plasma Is Associated with Shorter Sperm Telomere Length in Oligospermic Men. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:718. [PMID: 38255792 PMCID: PMC10815409 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25020718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Infertility affects millions of couples worldwide and has a profound impact not only on their families, but also on communities. Telomere attrition has been associated with infertility, DNA damage and fragmentation. Oxidative stress has been shown to affect sperm DNA integrity and telomere length. Sirtuins such as SIRT1 and SIRT3 are involved in aging and oxidative stress response. The aim of the present study is to determine the role of SIRT1 and SIRT3 in regulating oxidative stress, telomere shortening, and their association with oligospermia. Therefore, we assessed the protein levels of SIRT1 and SIRT3, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA) and catalase activity (CAT) in the seminal plasma of 272 patients with oligospermia and 251 fertile men. We also measured sperm telomere length (STL) and leukocyte telomere length (LTL) using a standard real-time quantitative PCR assay. Sperm chromatin and protamine deficiency were also measured as per standard methods. Our results for oligospermic patients demonstrate significant reductions in semen parameters, shorter STL and LTL, lower levels of SOD, TAC, CAT, SIRT1 and SIRT3 levels, and also significant protamine deficiency and higher levels of MDA and DNA fragmentation. We conclude that a shorter TL in sperms and leukocytes is associated with increased oxidative stress that also accounts for high levels of DNA fragmentation in sperms. Our results support the hypothesis that various sperm parameters in the state of oligospermia are associated with or caused by reduced levels of SIRT1 and SIRT3 proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Varinderpal S. Dhillon
- Health and Biomedical Innovation, UniSA Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide 5000, Australia; (P.D.); (M.F.)
| | - Mohammad Shahid
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Permal Deo
- Health and Biomedical Innovation, UniSA Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide 5000, Australia; (P.D.); (M.F.)
| | - Michael Fenech
- Health and Biomedical Innovation, UniSA Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide 5000, Australia; (P.D.); (M.F.)
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Ramos-Lopez O. Editorial: Dietary factors, epigenetics and their implications for human obesity - volume II. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1328944. [PMID: 38144568 PMCID: PMC10740186 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1328944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Omar Ramos-Lopez
- Medicine and Psychology School, Autonomous University of Baja California, Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Loe TK, Lazzerini Denchi E, Tricola GM, Azeroglu B. ALTercations at telomeres: stress, recombination and extrachromosomal affairs. Biochem Soc Trans 2023; 51:1935-1946. [PMID: 37767563 DOI: 10.1042/bst20230265] [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: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Approximately 15% of human cancers depend on the alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) pathway to maintain telomeres and proliferate. Telomeres that are elongated using ALT display unique features raising the exciting prospect of tailored cancer therapies. ALT-mediated telomere elongation shares several features with recombination-based DNA repair. Strikingly, cells that use the ALT pathway display abnormal levels of replication stress at telomeres and accumulate abundant extrachromosomal telomeric DNA. In this review, we examine recent findings that shed light on the ALT mechanisms and the strategies currently available to suppress this telomere elongation mechanism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Taylor K Loe
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, U.S.A
| | - Eros Lazzerini Denchi
- Laboratory of Genome Integrity, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, U.S.A
| | - Gianna M Tricola
- Laboratory of Genome Integrity, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, U.S.A
| | - Benura Azeroglu
- Laboratory of Genome Integrity, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, U.S.A
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Devrajani T, Abid S, Shaikh H, Shaikh I, Devrajani DB, Memon SM, Waryah AM, Ujjan ID, Syed BM. Relationship between aging and control of metabolic syndrome with telomere shortening: a cross-sectional study. Sci Rep 2023; 13:17878. [PMID: 37857729 PMCID: PMC10587132 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-44715-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Aging is considered one of the major risk factors for several human disorders. The telomere plays a crucial role in regulating cellular responsiveness to stress and growth stimuli as well as maintaining the integrity of the Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA), and aging leads to the progressive decline in the telomere length (TL) due to continuous cell division. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between TL and advancing age and the impact of metabolic syndrome (MetS) on TL. Firstly, we determined the association of advancing age and TL, by measuring telomere length (T/S ratio) in healthy volunteers (n = 90). The TL was compared between normal population and patients with metabolic syndrome (n = 298). The age matched controlled and uncontrolled MetS patients (n = 149) were also compared for their TL T/S ratio. The TL showed negative correlation with advancing age, whereas the significant change was observed at the cut-offs of 40 and 70 years defining 40 with longer TL and 70 as shorter TL. The longest T/S ratio at 2.46 was measured at the age range of 1 year in healthy volunteers, while elderly population showed considerably shorter TL. The patients older than 60 years with poor or uncontrolled MetS had shorter TL, as compared to the controlled MetS. In conclusion our findings suggest that TL was negatively correlated with advancing age. Uncontrolled metabolic syndrome appeared to have worsening effects on TL. Telomere length appears to have potential to be used a parameter to determine age. However, further large scale studies are recommended to make firm guidelines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tarachand Devrajani
- Clinical Research Division, Medical Research Center, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro, Pakistan
- Department of Medicine, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro, Pakistan
| | - Shariq Abid
- Clinical Research Division, Medical Research Center, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro, Pakistan
| | - Hina Shaikh
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Medical Research Center, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro, Pakistan
| | - Iram Shaikh
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Medical Research Center, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro, Pakistan
| | - Durshana Bai Devrajani
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Medical Research Center, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro, Pakistan
| | - Sikander Munir Memon
- Clinical Research Division, Medical Research Center, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro, Pakistan
| | - Ali Muhammad Waryah
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Medical Research Center, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro, Pakistan
| | - Ikram Din Ujjan
- Department of Pathology, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro, Pakistan
| | - Binafsha Manzoor Syed
- Clinical Research Division, Medical Research Center, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro, Pakistan.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Agredo A, Kasinski AL. Histone 4 lysine 20 tri-methylation: a key epigenetic regulator in chromatin structure and disease. Front Genet 2023; 14:1243395. [PMID: 37671044 PMCID: PMC10475950 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1243395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Chromatin is a vital and dynamic structure that is carefully regulated to maintain proper cell homeostasis. A great deal of this regulation is dependent on histone proteins which have the ability to be dynamically modified on their tails via various post-translational modifications (PTMs). While multiple histone PTMs are studied and often work in concert to facilitate gene expression, here we focus on the tri-methylation of histone H4 on lysine 20 (H4K20me3) and its function in chromatin structure, cell cycle, DNA repair, and development. The recent studies evaluated in this review have shed light on how H4K20me3 is established and regulated by various interacting partners and how H4K20me3 and the proteins that interact with this PTM are involved in various diseases. Through analyzing the current literature on H4K20me3 function and regulation, we aim to summarize this knowledge and highlights gaps that remain in the field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra Agredo
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
- Purdue Life Sciences Interdisciplinary Program (PULSe), Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Andrea L. Kasinski
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
- Purdue Institute for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Edwards MM, Wang N, Massey DJ, Egli D, Koren A. Incomplete Reprogramming of DNA Replication Timing in Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.12.544654. [PMID: 37398435 PMCID: PMC10312660 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.12.544654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) are a widely used cell system and a foundation for cell therapy. Differences in gene expression, DNA methylation, and chromatin conformation, which have the potential to affect differentiation capacity, have been identified between iPSCs and embryonic stem cells (ESCs). Less is known about whether DNA replication timing - a process linked to both genome regulation and genome stability - is efficiently reprogrammed to the embryonic state. To answer this, we profiled and compared genome-wide replication timing between ESCs, iPSCs, and cells reprogrammed by somatic cell nuclear transfer (NT-ESCs). While NT-ESCs replicated their DNA in a manner indistinguishable from ESCs, a subset of iPSCs exhibit delayed replication at heterochromatic regions containing genes downregulated in iPSC with incompletely reprogrammed DNA methylation. DNA replication delays were not the result of gene expression and DNA methylation aberrations and persisted after differentiating cells to neuronal precursors. Thus, DNA replication timing can be resistant to reprogramming and lead to undesirable phenotypes in iPSCs, establishing it as an important genomic feature to consider when evaluating iPSC lines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew M. Edwards
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA
| | - Ning Wang
- Department of Pediatrics and Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032, USA
- Columbia University Stem Cell Initiative, New York, New York 10032, USA
| | - Dashiell J. Massey
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA
| | - Dieter Egli
- Department of Pediatrics and Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032, USA
- Columbia University Stem Cell Initiative, New York, New York 10032, USA
| | - Amnon Koren
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Zhang X, Zhang C, Zhou D, Zhang T, Chen X, Ren J, He C, Meng F, Zhou Q, Yang Q, Dai C, Lin G, Zeng S, Leng L. Telomeres cooperate in zygotic genome activation by affecting DUX4/ Dux transcription. iScience 2023; 26:106158. [PMID: 36843839 PMCID: PMC9950522 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Zygotic genome activation (ZGA) is initiated once the genome chromatin state is organized in the newly formed zygote. Telomeres are specialized chromatin structures at the ends of chromosomes and are reset during early embryogenesis, while the details and significance of telomere changes in preimplantation embryos remain unclear. We demonstrated that the telomere length was shortened in the minor ZGA stage and significantly elongated in the major ZGA stage of human and mouse embryos. Expression of the ZGA pioneer factor DUX4/Dux was negatively correlated with the telomere length. ATAC sequencing data revealed that the chromatin accessibility peaks on the DUX4 promoter region (i.e., the subtelomere of chromosome 4q) were transiently augmented in human minor ZGA. Reduction of telomeric heterochromatin H3K9me3 in the telomeric region also synergistically activated DUX4 expression with p53 in human embryonic stem cells. We propose herein that telomeres regulate the expression of DUX4/Dux through chromatin remodeling and are thereby involved in ZGA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaorui Zhang
- Hospital of Hunan Guangxiu, Hunan Normal University, Hunan 410001, China,Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of Citic-Xiangya, Hunan 410008, China,Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Development and Carcinogenesis, Changsha, China,Department of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Changquan Zhang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Di Zhou
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China,Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Development and Carcinogenesis, Changsha, China
| | - Tianlei Zhang
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of Citic-Xiangya, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Xueqin Chen
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jinlin Ren
- Hospital of Hunan Guangxiu, Hunan Normal University, Hunan 410001, China
| | - Caixia He
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China,Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Development and Carcinogenesis, Changsha, China
| | - Fei Meng
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of Citic-Xiangya, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Qinwei Zhou
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of Citic-Xiangya, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Qiaohui Yang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Congling Dai
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of Citic-Xiangya, Hunan 410008, China,NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ge Lin
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of Citic-Xiangya, Hunan 410008, China,NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China,Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Development and Carcinogenesis, Changsha, China,Corresponding author
| | - Sicong Zeng
- Hospital of Hunan Guangxiu, Hunan Normal University, Hunan 410001, China,Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of Citic-Xiangya, Hunan 410008, China,Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Development and Carcinogenesis, Changsha, China,Corresponding author
| | - Lizhi Leng
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of Citic-Xiangya, Hunan 410008, China,NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China,Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Development and Carcinogenesis, Changsha, China,Corresponding author
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Libertini G, Corbi G, Shubernetskaya O, Ferrara N. Is Human Aging a Form of Phenoptosis? BIOCHEMISTRY. BIOKHIMIIA 2022; 87:1446-1464. [PMID: 36717439 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297922120033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
A much debated question is whether aging is the cumulative consequence of degenerative factors insufficiently opposed by natural selection, or, on the contrary, an ordered process, genetically determined and regulated, modeled by natural selection, and for which the definition of phenoptotic phenomenon would be entirely appropriate. In this review, theoretical arguments and empirical data about the two hypotheses are exposed, with more evidence in support of the thesis of aging as a form of phenoptosis. However, as the thesis of aging as an adaptive and programmed phenomenon necessarily requires the existence of specific mechanisms that determine to age, such as the subtelomere-telomere theory proposed for this purpose, the evidence supporting the mechanisms described by this theory is reported. In particular, it is highlighted that the recent interpretation of the role of TERRA sequences in the context of subtelomere-telomere theory is a fundamental point in supporting the hypothesized mechanisms. Furthermore, some characteristics of the mechanisms proposed by the theory, such as epigenetic modifications in aging, gradual cell senescence, cell senescence, limits in cell duplications, and fixed size of the telomeric heterochromatin hood, are exposed in their compatibility with both the thesis of aging as phenoptotic phenomenon and the opposite thesis. In short, aging as a form of phenoptosis appears a scientifically sound hypothesis while the opposite thesis should clarify the meaning of various phenomena that appear to invalidate it.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giacinto Libertini
- Italian Society for Evolutionary Biology (SIBE), Asti, 14100, Italy. .,Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, 80131, Italy
| | - Graziamaria Corbi
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Molise, Campobasso, 86100, Italy. .,Italian Society of Gerontology and Geriatrics (SIGG), Firenze, 50129, Italy
| | - Olga Shubernetskaya
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Moscow, 117997, Russia.
| | - Nicola Ferrara
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, 80131, Italy. .,Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri SPA - Società Benefit, IRCCS, Telese Terme, BN, 82037, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Seddon AR, Das AB, Hampton MB, Stevens AJ. Site-specific decreases in DNA methylation in replicating cells following exposure to oxidative stress. Hum Mol Genet 2022; 32:632-648. [PMID: 36106794 PMCID: PMC9896486 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddac232] [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: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress is a common feature of inflammation-driven cancers, and it promotes genomic instability and aggressive tumour phenotypes. It is known that oxidative stress transiently modulates gene expression through the oxidation of transcription factors and associated regulatory proteins. Neutrophils are our most abundant white blood cells and accumulate at sites of infection and inflammation. Activated neutrophils produce hypochlorous acid and chloramines, which can disrupt DNA methylation by oxidizing methionine. The goal of the current study was to determine whether chloramine exposure results in sequence-specific modifications in DNA methylation that enable long-term alterations in transcriptional output. Proliferating Jurkat T-lymphoma cells were exposed to sublethal doses of glycine chloramine and differential methylation patterns were compared using Illumina EPIC 850 K bead chip arrays. There was a substantial genome-wide decrease in methylation 4 h after exposure that correlated with altered RNA expression for 24 and 48 h, indicating sustained impacts on exposed cells. A large proportion of the most significant differentially methylated CpG sites were situated towards chromosomal ends, suggesting that these regions are most susceptible to inhibition of maintenance DNA methylation. This may contribute to epigenetic instability of chromosomal ends in rapidly dividing cells, with potential implications for the regulation of telomere length and cellular longevity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annika R Seddon
- University of Otago, Christchurch, Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science, Christchurch, 8011, New Zealand
| | - Andrew B Das
- University of Otago, Christchurch, Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science, Christchurch, 8011, New Zealand,Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia,Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Mark B Hampton
- University of Otago, Christchurch, Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science, Christchurch, 8011, New Zealand
| | - Aaron J Stevens
- To whom correspondence should be addressed at: Department of Pathology, University of Otago, Wellington, 23 Mein St, Newtown, Wellington 6021, New Zealand. Tel: +64 43855541; Fax: +64 4 389 5725;
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Zhu N, Geng X, Ji X, Gao R, Li D, Yue H, Li G, Sang N. Gestational exposure to NO 2 aggravates placental senescence. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 212:113263. [PMID: 35430275 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.113263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Placental senescence is a normal physiological process of placenta, while premature placental senescence has been confirmed to be associated with some adverse pregnancy complications. Epidemiological studies indicate that NO2 exposure can aggravate placental senescence which is represented by fibrosis and abnormal telomere homeostasis, etc. In this study, pregnant C57BL/6 mice were exposed to NO2 (2.5 ppm, 5 h/day) daily in a dynamic exposure chamber throughout the gestation period, and were sacrificed at embryonic day 13.5 (E13.5), E15.5 and E18.5. Placenta were harvested and conducted for histopathological examination and telomere evaluation. Our results showed that gestational NO2 exposure significantly aggravated placental fibrosis and calcification, and up-regulated the related bio-markers (connective tissue growth factor (Ctgf) and transforming growth factor-β1 (Tgf-β1)) at E18.5. In addition, gestational exposure to NO2 also activated senescence related pathway (p53/p21) at E18.5. Furthermore, gestational NO2 exposure significantly shortened telomere length at E18.5, and the expression of telomere homeostasis regulation genes telomeric repeat binding factor 1 (Trf1), protection of telomeres 1a (Pot1a) and Pot1b were significantly increased while telomerase reverse transcriptase (Tert) was suppressed after NO2 exposure at E13.5 or E18.5, respectively. Importantly, DNA methylation status of the 22nd at E13.5 and 32nd at E18.5 site in sub-telomeric region of chromosome 1 was significantly altered. Based on the above results, our present study indicated that gestational NO2 exposure could lead to premature placental senescence during the late trimester of pregnancy via aggravation of fibrosis and telomere length shortening regulated by telomere regulatory enzyme and DNA methylation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Na Zhu
- College of Environment and Resource, Research Center of Environment and Health, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030006, PR China
| | - Xilin Geng
- College of Environment and Resource, Research Center of Environment and Health, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030006, PR China
| | - Xiaotong Ji
- College of Environment and Resource, Research Center of Environment and Health, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030006, PR China
| | - Rui Gao
- College of Environment and Resource, Research Center of Environment and Health, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030006, PR China
| | - Dan Li
- College of Environment and Resource, Research Center of Environment and Health, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030006, PR China
| | - Huifeng Yue
- College of Environment and Resource, Research Center of Environment and Health, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030006, PR China.
| | - Guangke Li
- College of Environment and Resource, Research Center of Environment and Health, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030006, PR China
| | - Nan Sang
- College of Environment and Resource, Research Center of Environment and Health, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030006, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Yang K, Liang X, Wen K. Long non‑coding RNAs interact with RNA‑binding proteins to regulate genomic instability in cancer cells (Review). Oncol Rep 2022; 48:175. [PMID: 36004472 PMCID: PMC9478986 DOI: 10.3892/or.2022.8390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Genomic instability, a feature of most cancers, contributes to malignant cell transformation and cancer progression due to the accumulation of genetic alterations. Genomic instability is reflected at numerous levels, from single nucleotide to the chromosome levels. However, the exact molecular mechanisms and regulators of genomic instability in cancer remain unclear. Growing evidence indicates that the binding of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) to protein chaperones confers a variety of regulatory functions, including managing of genomic instability. The aim of the present review was to examine the roles of mitosis, telomeres, DNA repair, and epigenetics in genomic instability, and the mechanisms by which lncRNAs regulate them by binding proteins in cancer cells. This review contributes to our understanding of the role of lncRNAs and genomic instability in cancer and can potentially provide entry points and molecular targets for cancer therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kai Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoxiang Liang
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, P.R. China
| | - Kunming Wen
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Montero‐Conde C, Leandro‐García LJ, Martínez‐Montes ÁM, Martínez P, Moya FJ, Letón R, Gil E, Martínez‐Puente N, Guadalix S, Currás‐Freixes M, García‐Tobar L, Zafon C, Jordà M, Riesco‐Eizaguirre G, González‐García P, Monteagudo M, Torres‐Pérez R, Mancikova V, Ruiz‐Llorente S, Pérez‐Martínez M, Pita G, Galofré JC, Gonzalez‐Neira A, Cascón A, Rodríguez‐Antona C, Megías D, Blasco MA, Caleiras E, Rodríguez‐Perales S, Robledo M. Comprehensive molecular analysis of immortalization hallmarks in thyroid cancer reveals new prognostic markers. Clin Transl Med 2022; 12:e1001. [PMID: 35979662 PMCID: PMC9386325 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Comprehensive molecular studies on tumours are needed to delineate immortalization process steps and identify sensitive prognostic biomarkers in thyroid cancer. METHODS AND RESULTS In this study, we extensively characterize telomere-related alterations in a series of 106 thyroid tumours with heterogeneous clinical outcomes. Using a custom-designed RNA-seq panel, we identified five telomerase holoenzyme-complex genes upregulated in clinically aggressive tumours compared to tumours from long-term disease-free patients, being TERT and TERC denoted as independent prognostic markers by multivariate regression model analysis. Characterization of alterations related to TERT re-expression revealed that promoter mutations, methylation and/or copy gains exclusively co-occurred in clinically aggressive tumours. Quantitative-FISH (fluorescence in situ hybridization) analysis of telomere lengths showed a significant shortening in these carcinomas, which matched with a high proliferative rate measured by Ki-67 immunohistochemistry. RNA-seq data analysis indicated that short-telomere tumours exhibit an increased transcriptional activity in the 5-Mb-subtelomeric regions, site of several telomerase-complex genes. Gene upregulation enrichment was significant for specific chromosome-ends such as the 5p, where TERT is located. Co-FISH analysis of 5p-end and TERT loci showed a more relaxed chromatin configuration in short telomere-length tumours compared to normal telomere-length tumours. CONCLUSIONS Overall, our findings support that telomere shortening leads to a 5p subtelomeric region reorganization, facilitating the transcription and accumulation of alterations at TERT-locus.
Collapse
|
17
|
Sikder S, Arunkumar G, Melters DP, Dalal Y. Breaking the aging epigenetic barrier. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:943519. [PMID: 35966762 PMCID: PMC9366916 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.943519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aging is an inexorable event occurring universally for all organisms characterized by the progressive loss of cell function. However, less is known about the key events occurring inside the nucleus in the process of aging. The advent of chromosome capture techniques and extensive modern sequencing technologies have illuminated a rather dynamic structure of chromatin inside the nucleus. As cells advance along their life cycle, chromatin condensation states alter which leads to a different epigenetic landscape, correlated with modified gene expression. The exact factors mediating these changes in the chromatin structure and function remain elusive in the context of aging cells. The accumulation of DNA damage, reactive oxygen species and loss of genomic integrity as cells cease to divide can contribute to a tumor stimulating environment. In this review, we focus on genomic and epigenomic changes occurring in an aged cell which can contribute to age-related tumor formation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Yamini Dalal
- Chromatin Structure and Epigenetic Mechanisms, Laboratory of Receptor Biology and Gene Expression, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, MD, United States
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Buemi V, Schillaci O, Santorsola M, Bonazza D, Broccia PV, Zappone A, Bottin C, Dell'Omo G, Kengne S, Cacchione S, Raffa GD, Piazza S, di Fagagna FD, Benetti R, Cortale M, Zanconati F, Del Sal G, Schoeftner S. TGS1 mediates 2,2,7-trimethyl guanosine capping of the human telomerase RNA to direct telomerase dependent telomere maintenance. Nat Commun 2022; 13:2302. [PMID: 35484160 PMCID: PMC9050681 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-29907-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathways that direct the selection of the telomerase-dependent or recombination-based, alternative lengthening of telomere (ALT) maintenance pathway in cancer cells are poorly understood. Using human lung cancer cells and tumor organoids we show that formation of the 2,2,7-trimethylguanosine (TMG) cap structure at the human telomerase RNA 5′ end by the Trimethylguanosine Synthase 1 (TGS1) is central for recruiting telomerase to telomeres and engaging Cajal bodies in telomere maintenance. TGS1 depletion or inhibition by the natural nucleoside sinefungin impairs telomerase recruitment to telomeres leading to Exonuclease 1 mediated generation of telomere 3′ end protrusions that engage in RAD51-dependent, homology directed recombination and the activation of key features of the ALT pathway. This indicates a critical role for 2,2,7-TMG capping of the RNA component of human telomerase (hTR) in enforcing telomerase-dependent telomere maintenance to restrict the formation of telomeric substrates conductive to ALT. Our work introduces a targetable pathway of telomere maintenance that holds relevance for telomere-related diseases such as cancer and aging. Telomerase protects chromosome ends in stem cells and cancer cells. Here the authors show that Trimethylguaonsine Synthase 1 (TGS-1) – dependent trimethylguanosine capping of the RNA component of the human telomerase complex has an important role in directing telomere dependent telomere maintenance and suppressing the ALT pathway in cancer cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Buemi
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, Università degli Studi di Trieste, Via E. Weiss 2, 34127, Trieste, Italy.,Cancer Research UK Cancer Therapeutics Unit, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SM2 5NG, United Kingdom
| | - Odessa Schillaci
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, Università degli Studi di Trieste, Via E. Weiss 2, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Mariangela Santorsola
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, Università degli Studi di Trieste, Via E. Weiss 2, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Deborah Bonazza
- Struttura Complessa di Anatomia ed Istologia Patologica, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina (ASUGI) Trieste, Strada di Fiume 447, 34149, Trieste, Italy
| | - Pamela Veneziano Broccia
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, Università degli Studi di Trieste, Via E. Weiss 2, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Annie Zappone
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, Università degli Studi di Trieste, Via E. Weiss 2, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Cristina Bottin
- Dipartimento Universitario Clinico di Scienze Mediche Chirurgiche e della Salute, Università degli Studi di Trieste, Ospedale di Cattinara - Strada di Fiume 447, 34149, Trieste, Italy
| | - Giulia Dell'Omo
- IFOM Foundation-FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology Foundation, Milan, 20139, Italy
| | - Sylvie Kengne
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, Università degli Studi di Trieste, Via E. Weiss 2, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Stefano Cacchione
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie, Sapienza Università di Roma, Roma, Italy
| | - Grazia Daniela Raffa
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie, Sapienza Università di Roma, Roma, Italy
| | - Silvano Piazza
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Area Science Park - Padriciano, 34149, Trieste, Italy
| | - Fabrizio d'Adda di Fagagna
- IFOM Foundation-FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology Foundation, Milan, 20139, Italy.,Istituto di Genetica Molecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (IGM-CNR), Pavia, 27100, Italy
| | - Roberta Benetti
- Dipartimento di Area Medica (Dame), Università degli Studi di Udine, p.le Kolbe 4, 33100, Udine, Italy
| | - Maurizio Cortale
- Struttura Complessa di Chirurgia Toracica, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina (ASUGI) Trieste, Strada di Fiume 447, 34149, Trieste, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Zanconati
- Struttura Complessa di Anatomia ed Istologia Patologica, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina (ASUGI) Trieste, Strada di Fiume 447, 34149, Trieste, Italy.,Dipartimento Universitario Clinico di Scienze Mediche Chirurgiche e della Salute, Università degli Studi di Trieste, Ospedale di Cattinara - Strada di Fiume 447, 34149, Trieste, Italy
| | - Giannino Del Sal
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, Università degli Studi di Trieste, Via E. Weiss 2, 34127, Trieste, Italy.,IFOM Foundation-FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology Foundation, Milan, 20139, Italy.,International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Area Science Park - Padriciano, 34149, Trieste, Italy
| | - Stefan Schoeftner
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, Università degli Studi di Trieste, Via E. Weiss 2, 34127, Trieste, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Dinami R, Petti E, Porru M, Rizzo A, Ganci F, Sacconi A, Ostano P, Chiorino G, Trusolino L, Blandino G, Ciliberto G, Zizza P, Biroccio A. TRF2 cooperates with CTCF for controlling the oncomiR-193b-3p in colorectal cancer. Cancer Lett 2022; 533:215607. [PMID: 35240232 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2022.215607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The Telomeric Repeat binding Factor 2 (TRF2), a key protein involved in telomere integrity, is over-expressed in several human cancers and promotes tumor formation and progression. Recently, TRF2 has been also found outside telomeres where it can affect gene expression. Here we provide evidence that TRF2 is able to modulate the expression of microRNAs (miRNAs), small non-coding RNAs altered in human tumors. Among the miRNAs regulated by TRF2, we focused on miR-193b-3p, an oncomiRNA that positively correlates with TRF2 expression in human colorectal cancer patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas dataset. At the mechanistic level, the control of miR-193b-3p expression requires the cooperative activity between TRF2 and the chromatin organization factor CTCF. We found that CTCF physically interacts with TRF2, thus driving the proper positioning of TRF2 on a binding site located upstream the miR-193b-3p host-gene. The binding of TRF2 on the identified region is necessary for promoting the expression of miR-193b3p which, in turn, inhibits the translation of the onco-suppressive methyltransferase SUV39H1 and promotes tumor cell proliferation. The translational relevance of the oncogenic properties of miR-193b-3p was confirmed in patients, in whom the association between TRF2 and miR-193b-3p has a prognostic value.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Dinami
- Oncogenomic and Epigenetic Unit, IRCCS - Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, via Elio Chianesi 53, Rome, 00144, Italy
| | - Eleonora Petti
- Oncogenomic and Epigenetic Unit, IRCCS - Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, via Elio Chianesi 53, Rome, 00144, Italy
| | - Manuela Porru
- Oncogenomic and Epigenetic Unit, IRCCS - Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, via Elio Chianesi 53, Rome, 00144, Italy
| | - Angela Rizzo
- Oncogenomic and Epigenetic Unit, IRCCS - Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, via Elio Chianesi 53, Rome, 00144, Italy
| | - Federica Ganci
- Oncogenomic and Epigenetic Unit, IRCCS - Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, via Elio Chianesi 53, Rome, 00144, Italy
| | - Andrea Sacconi
- Oncogenomic and Epigenetic Unit, IRCCS - Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, via Elio Chianesi 53, Rome, 00144, Italy
| | - Paola Ostano
- Cancer Genomics Lab, Fondazione Edo ed Elvo Tempia, via Malta 3, Biella, 13900, Italy
| | - Giovanna Chiorino
- Cancer Genomics Lab, Fondazione Edo ed Elvo Tempia, via Malta 3, Biella, 13900, Italy
| | - Livio Trusolino
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Strada Provinciale 142, Candiolo, TO, 10060, Italy; Laboratory of Translational Cancer Medicine, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO - IRCCS, Strada Provinciale 142, Candiolo, TO, 10060, Italy
| | - Giovanni Blandino
- Oncogenomic and Epigenetic Unit, IRCCS - Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, via Elio Chianesi 53, Rome, 00144, Italy
| | - Gennaro Ciliberto
- Scientific Direction, IRCCS - Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, via Elio Chianesi 53, Rome, 00144, Italy
| | - Pasquale Zizza
- Oncogenomic and Epigenetic Unit, IRCCS - Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, via Elio Chianesi 53, Rome, 00144, Italy.
| | - Annamaria Biroccio
- Oncogenomic and Epigenetic Unit, IRCCS - Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, via Elio Chianesi 53, Rome, 00144, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Dan J, Zhou Z, Wang F, Wang H, Guo R, Keefe DL, Liu L. Zscan4 Contributes to Telomere Maintenance in Telomerase-Deficient Late Generation Mouse ESCs and Human ALT Cancer Cells. Cells 2022; 11:cells11030456. [PMID: 35159266 PMCID: PMC8834411 DOI: 10.3390/cells11030456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Proper telomere length is essential for indefinite self-renewal of embryonic stem (ES) cells and cancer cells. Telomerase-deficient late generation mouse ES cells and human ALT cancer cells are able to propagate for numerous passages, suggesting telomerase-independent mechanisms responding for telomere maintenance. However, the underlying mechanisms ensuring the telomere length maintenance are unclear. Here, using late generation telomerase KO (G4 Terc-/-) ESCs as a model, we show that Zscan4, highly upregulated in G4 Terc-/- ESCs, is responsible for the prolonged culture of these cells with stably short telomeres. Mechanistically, G4 Terc-/- ESCs showed reduced levels of DNA methylation and H3K9me3 at Zscan4 promoter and subtelomeres, which relieved the expression of Zscan4. Similarly, human ZSCAN4 was also derepressed by reduced H3K9me3 at its promoter in ALT U2 OS cells, and depletion of ZSCAN4 significantly shortened telomeres. Our results define a similar conserved pathway contributing to the telomere maintenance in telomerase-deficient late generation mESCs and human ALT U2OS cancer cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiameng Dan
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; (Z.Z.); (H.W.); (R.G.)
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China; Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
- Correspondence: (J.D.); (L.L.)
| | - Zhongcheng Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; (Z.Z.); (H.W.); (R.G.)
| | - Fang Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY 10016, USA; (F.W.); (D.L.K.)
| | - Hua Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; (Z.Z.); (H.W.); (R.G.)
| | - Renpeng Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; (Z.Z.); (H.W.); (R.G.)
| | - David L. Keefe
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY 10016, USA; (F.W.); (D.L.K.)
| | - Lin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; (Z.Z.); (H.W.); (R.G.)
- Correspondence: (J.D.); (L.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Libertini G, Shubernetskaya O, Corbi G, Ferrara N. Is Evidence Supporting the Subtelomere-Telomere Theory of Aging? BIOCHEMISTRY. BIOKHIMIIA 2021; 86:1526-1539. [PMID: 34937532 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297921120026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The telomere theory tries to explain cellular mechanisms of aging as mainly caused by telomere shortening at each duplication. The subtelomere-telomere theory overcomes various shortcomings of telomere theory by highlighting the essential role of subtelomeric DNA in aging mechanisms. The present work illustrates and deepens the correspondence between assumptions and implications of subtelomere-telomere theory and experimental results. In particular, it is investigated the evidence regarding the relationships between aging and (i) epigenetic modifications; (ii) oxidation and inflammation; (iii) telomere protection; (iv) telomeric heterochromatin hood; (v) gradual cell senescence; (vi) cell senescence; and (vii) organism decline with telomere shortening. The evidence appears broadly in accordance or at least compatible with the description and implications of the subtelomere-telomere theory. In short, phenomena of cellular aging, by which the senescence of the whole organism is determined in various ways, appear substantially dependent on epigenetic modifications regulated by the subtelomere-telomere-telomeric hood-telomerase system. These phenomena appear to be not random, inevitable, and irreversible but rather induced and regulated by genetically determined mechanisms, and modifiable and reversible by appropriate methods. All this supports the thesis that aging is a genetically programmed and regulated phenoptotic phenomenon and is against the opposite thesis of aging as caused by random and inevitable degenerative factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giacinto Libertini
- Member of the Italian Society for Evolutionary Biology (SIBE), Asti, 14100, Italy. .,Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, 80131, Italy
| | - Olga Shubernetskaya
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Moscow, 117997, Russia.
| | - Graziamaria Corbi
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Molise, Campobasso, 86100, Italy. .,Italian Society of Gerontology and Geriatrics (SIGG), Firenze, 50129, Italy
| | - Nicola Ferrara
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, 80131, Italy. .,Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri SPA - Società Benefit, IRCCS, Telese Terme, BN, 82037, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Epigenetic features in regulation of telomeres and telomerase in stem cells. Emerg Top Life Sci 2021; 5:497-505. [PMID: 34486664 DOI: 10.1042/etls20200344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The epigenetic nature of telomeres is still controversial and different human cell lines might show diverse histone marks at telomeres. Epigenetic modifications regulate telomere length and telomerase activity that influence telomere structure and maintenance. Telomerase is responsible for telomere elongation and maintenance and is minimally composed of the catalytic protein component, telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) and template forming RNA component, telomerase RNA (TERC). TERT promoter mutations may underpin some telomerase activation but regulation of the gene is not completely understood due to the complex interplay of epigenetic, transcriptional, and posttranscriptional modifications. Pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) can maintain an indefinite, immortal, proliferation potential through their endogenous telomerase activity, maintenance of telomere length, and a bypass of replicative senescence in vitro. Differentiation of PSCs results in silencing of the TERT gene and an overall reversion to a mortal, somatic cell phenotype. The precise mechanisms for this controlled transcriptional silencing are complex. Promoter methylation has been suggested to be associated with epigenetic control of telomerase regulation which presents an important prospect for understanding cancer and stem cell biology. Control of down-regulation of telomerase during differentiation of PSCs provides a convenient model for the study of its endogenous regulation. Telomerase reactivation has the potential to reverse tissue degeneration, drive repair, and form a component of future tissue engineering strategies. Taken together it becomes clear that PSCs provide a unique system to understand telomerase regulation fully and drive this knowledge forward into aging and therapeutic application.
Collapse
|
23
|
Ide S, Sasaki A, Kawamoto Y, Bando T, Sugiyama H, Maeshima K. Telomere-specific chromatin capture using a pyrrole-imidazole polyamide probe for the identification of proteins and non-coding RNAs. Epigenetics Chromatin 2021; 14:46. [PMID: 34627342 PMCID: PMC8502363 DOI: 10.1186/s13072-021-00421-8] [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: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Knowing chromatin components at a DNA regulatory element at any given time is essential for understanding how the element works during cellular proliferation, differentiation and development. A region-specific chromatin purification is an invaluable approach to dissecting the comprehensive chromatin composition at a particular region. Several methods (e.g., PICh, enChIP, CAPTURE and CLASP) have been developed for isolating and analyzing chromatin components. However, all of them have some shortcomings in identifying non-coding RNA associated with DNA regulatory elements. Results We have developed a new approach for affinity purification of specific chromatin segments employing an N-methyl pyrrole (P)-N-methylimidazole (I) (PI) polyamide probe, which binds to a specific sequence in double-stranded DNA via Watson–Crick base pairing as a minor groove binder. This new technique is called proteomics and RNA-omics of isolated chromatin segments (PI-PRICh). Using PI-PRICh to isolate mouse and human telomeric components, we found enrichments of shelterin proteins, the well-known telomerase RNA component (TERC) and telomeric repeat-containing RNA (TERRA). When PI-PRICh was performed for alternative lengthening of telomere (ALT) cells with highly recombinogenic telomeres, in addition to the conventional telomeric chromatin, we obtained chromatin regions containing telomeric repeat insertions scattered in the genome and their associated RNAs. Conclusion PI-PRICh reproducibly identified both the protein and RNA components of telomeric chromatin when targeting telomere repeats. PI polyamide is a promising alternative to simultaneously isolate associated proteins and RNAs of sequence-specific chromatin regions under native conditions, allowing better understanding of chromatin organization and functions within the cell. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13072-021-00421-8.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Satoru Ide
- Genome Dynamics Laboratory, National Institute of Genetics, ROIS, Mishima, Shizuoka, 411-8540, Japan. .,Department of Genetics, School of Life Science, SOKENDAI, Mishima, Shizuoka, 411-8540, Japan.
| | - Asuka Sasaki
- Genome Dynamics Laboratory, National Institute of Genetics, ROIS, Mishima, Shizuoka, 411-8540, Japan.,Department of Genetics, School of Life Science, SOKENDAI, Mishima, Shizuoka, 411-8540, Japan
| | - Yusuke Kawamoto
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan
| | - Toshikazu Bando
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Sugiyama
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Maeshima
- Genome Dynamics Laboratory, National Institute of Genetics, ROIS, Mishima, Shizuoka, 411-8540, Japan.,Department of Genetics, School of Life Science, SOKENDAI, Mishima, Shizuoka, 411-8540, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Novo CL. A Tale of Two States: Pluripotency Regulation of Telomeres. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:703466. [PMID: 34307383 PMCID: PMC8300013 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.703466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Inside the nucleus, chromatin is functionally organized and maintained as a complex three-dimensional network of structures with different accessibility such as compartments, lamina associated domains, and membraneless bodies. Chromatin is epigenetically and transcriptionally regulated by an intricate and dynamic interplay of molecular processes to ensure genome stability. Phase separation, a process that involves the spontaneous organization of a solution into separate phases, has been proposed as a mechanism for the timely coordination of several cellular processes, including replication, transcription and DNA repair. Telomeres, the repetitive structures at the end of chromosomes, are epigenetically maintained in a repressed heterochromatic state that prevents their recognition as double-strand breaks (DSB), avoiding DNA damage repair and ensuring cell proliferation. In pluripotent embryonic stem cells, telomeres adopt a non-canonical, relaxed epigenetic state, which is characterized by a low density of histone methylation and expression of telomere non-coding transcripts (TERRA). Intriguingly, this telomere non-canonical conformation is usually associated with chromosome instability and aneuploidy in somatic cells, raising the question of how genome stability is maintained in a pluripotent background. In this review, we will explore how emerging technological and conceptual developments in 3D genome architecture can provide novel mechanistic perspectives for the pluripotent epigenetic paradox at telomeres. In particular, as RNA drives the formation of LLPS, we will consider how pluripotency-associated high levels of TERRA could drive and coordinate phase separation of several nuclear processes to ensure genome stability. These conceptual advances will provide a better understanding of telomere regulation and genome stability within the highly dynamic pluripotent background.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Clara Lopes Novo
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
- Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Inflammation, epigenetics, and metabolism converge to cell senescence and ageing: the regulation and intervention. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2021; 6:245. [PMID: 34176928 PMCID: PMC8236488 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-021-00646-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 05/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Remarkable progress in ageing research has been achieved over the past decades. General perceptions and experimental evidence pinpoint that the decline of physical function often initiates by cell senescence and organ ageing. Epigenetic dynamics and immunometabolic reprogramming link to the alterations of cellular response to intrinsic and extrinsic stimuli, representing current hotspots as they not only (re-)shape the individual cell identity, but also involve in cell fate decision. This review focuses on the present findings and emerging concepts in epigenetic, inflammatory, and metabolic regulations and the consequences of the ageing process. Potential therapeutic interventions targeting cell senescence and regulatory mechanisms, using state-of-the-art techniques are also discussed.
Collapse
|
26
|
Liu Y, Wang J, Huang Z, Liang J, Xia Q, Xia Q, Liu X. Environmental pollutants exposure: A potential contributor for aging and age-related diseases. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2021; 83:103575. [PMID: 33385577 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2020.103575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Telomeres are "protective messengers" at the ends of eukaryotic chromosomes that protect them from degradation, end to end fusion and recombination. Admittedly, telomeres progressively shorten with age that can also be significantly accelerated by pathological conditions, which are often considered as potential contributors for cellular senescence. It is commonly believed that constant accumulation of senescent cells may lead to dysfunctional tissues and organs, thereby accelerating aging process and subsequent occurrence of age-related diseases. In particular, epidemiological data has indicated a significant association between environmental pollutants exposure and a high incidence of age-related diseases. Moreover, there is growing evidence that environmental toxicity has a detrimental impact on telomere length. Overall, a consensus is emerging that environmental pollutants exposure could lead to accelerated telomere erosion and further induce premature senescence, which may be responsible for the acceleration of aging and the high morbidity and mortality rates of age-related diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yaru Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, 230022, China; The Grade 3 Pharmaceutical Chemistry Laboratory of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, 230022, China
| | - Jiequan Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Psychological Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, 230000, China; Department of Pharmacy, Anhui Mental Health Center, Hefei, Anhui, 230000, China; Department of Pharmacy, Hefei Fourth People's Hospital, Hefei, Anhui, 230000, China
| | - Zhaogang Huang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, 230022, China; The Grade 3 Pharmaceutical Chemistry Laboratory of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, 230022, China
| | - Jun Liang
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Psychological Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, 230000, China; Department of Pharmacy, Anhui Mental Health Center, Hefei, Anhui, 230000, China; Department of Pharmacy, Hefei Fourth People's Hospital, Hefei, Anhui, 230000, China
| | - Qingrong Xia
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Psychological Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, 230000, China; Department of Pharmacy, Anhui Mental Health Center, Hefei, Anhui, 230000, China; Department of Pharmacy, Hefei Fourth People's Hospital, Hefei, Anhui, 230000, China
| | - Quan Xia
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, 230022, China; The Grade 3 Pharmaceutical Chemistry Laboratory of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, 230022, China.
| | - Xinhua Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Libertini G, Corbi G, Nicola F. Importance and Meaning of TERRA Sequences for Aging Mechanisms. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW) 2021; 85:1505-1517. [PMID: 33705290 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297920120044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Any theory suggesting an adaptive meaning for aging implicitly postulates the existence of specific mechanisms, genetically determined and modulated, causing progressive decline of an organism. According to the subtelomere-telomere theory, each telomere is covered by a hood formed in the first cell of an organism having a size preserved at each subsequent duplication. Telomere shortening, which is quantitatively different for each cell type according to the telomerase regulation, causes the hood to slide on the subtelomere repressing it by the telomeric position effect. At this point, the theory postulates existence of subtelomeric regulatory sequences, whose progressive transcriptional repression by the hood should cause cellular alterations that would be the likely determinant of aging manifestations. However, sequences with characteristics of these hypothetical sequences have already been described and documented. They are the [sub]TElomeric Repeat-containing RNA (TERRA) sequences. The repression of TERRA sequences causes progressively: (i) down- or up-regulation of many other regulatory sequences; (ii) increase in the probability of activation of cell senescence program (blockage of the ability to replicate and very significant alterations of the cellular functions). When cell senescence program has not been triggered and the repression is partial, there is a partial alteration of the cellular functions that is easily reversible by telomerase activation. Location of the extremely important sequences in chromosomal parts that are most vulnerable to repression by the telomeric hood is evolutionarily unjustifiable if aging is not considered adaptive: this location must be necessarily adaptive with the specific function of determining aging of the cell and consequently of the whole organism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G Libertini
- Independent researcher, member of the Italian Society for Evolutionary Biology, Asti, 14100, Italy.
| | - G Corbi
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Molise, Campobasso, 86100, Italy.,Italian Society of Gerontology and Geriatrics (SIGG), Firenze, 50129, Italy
| | - F Nicola
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, 80131, Italy.,Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri SPA - Società Benefit, IRCCS, Telese Terme, BN, 82037, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Komůrková D, Svobodová Kovaříková A, Bártová E. G-Quadruplex Structures Colocalize with Transcription Factories and Nuclear Speckles Surrounded by Acetylated and Dimethylated Histones H3. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:1995. [PMID: 33671470 PMCID: PMC7922289 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4s) are four-stranded helical structures that regulate several nuclear processes, including gene expression and telomere maintenance. We observed that G4s are located in GC-rich (euchromatin) regions and outside the fibrillarin-positive compartment of nucleoli. Genomic regions around G4s were preferentially H3K9 acetylated and H3K9 dimethylated, but H3K9me3 rarely decorated G4 structures. We additionally observed the variability in the number of G4s in selected human and mouse cell lines. We found the highest number of G4s in human embryonic stem cells. We observed the highest degree of colocalization between G4s and transcription factories, positive on the phosphorylated form of RNA polymerase II (RNAP II). Similarly, a high colocalization rate was between G4s and nuclear speckles, enriched in pre-mRNA splicing factor SC-35. PML bodies, the replication protein SMD1, and Cajal bodies colocalized with G4s to a lesser extent. Thus, G4 structures seem to appear mainly in nuclear compartments transcribed via RNAP II, and pre-mRNA is spliced via the SC-35 protein. However, α-amanitin, an inhibitor of RNAP II, did not affect colocalization between G4s and transcription factories as well as G4s and SC-35-positive domains. In addition, irradiation by γ-rays did not change a mutual link between G4s and DNA repair proteins (G4s/γH2AX, G4s/53BP1, and G4s/MDC1), accumulated into DNA damage foci. Described characteristics of G4s seem to be the manifestation of pronounced G4s stability that is likely maintained not only via a high-order organization of these structures but also by a specific histone signature, including H3K9me2, responsible for chromatin compaction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Eva Bártová
- Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Department of Molecular Cytology and Cytometry, Královopolská 135, 612 65 Brno, Czech Republic; (D.K.); (A.S.K.)
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Kartavtseva IV, Sheremetyeva IN, Pavlenko MV. Multiple Chromosomal Polymorphism of “Evoron” Chromosomal Race of the Evoron Vole (Rodentia, Arvicolinae). RUSS J GENET+ 2021. [DOI: 10.1134/s1022795421010087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
|
30
|
Alternative paths to telomere elongation. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2020; 113:88-96. [PMID: 33293233 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2020.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Revised: 10/31/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Overcoming cellular senescence that is induced by telomere shortening is critical in tumorigenesis. A majority of cancers achieve telomere maintenance through telomerase expression. However, a subset of cancers takes an alternate route for elongating telomeres: recombination-based alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT). Current evidence suggests that break-induced replication (BIR), independent of RAD51, underlies ALT telomere synthesis. However, RAD51-dependent homologous recombination is required for homology search and inter-chromosomal telomere recombination in human ALT cancer cell maintenance. Accumulating evidence suggests that the breakdown of stalled replication forks, the replication stress, induces BIR at telomeres. Nevertheless, ALT research is still in its early stage and a comprehensive view is still unclear. Here, we review the current findings regarding the genesis of ALT, how this recombinant pathway is chosen, the epigenetic regulation of telomeres in ALT, and perspectives for clinical applications with the hope that this overview will generate new questions.
Collapse
|
31
|
Jiang X, Wang L, Xie S, Chen Y, Song S, Lu Y, Lu D. Long noncoding RNA MEG3 blocks telomerase activity in human liver cancer stem cells epigenetically. Stem Cell Res Ther 2020; 11:518. [PMID: 33256840 PMCID: PMC7706068 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-020-02036-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND MEG3 downregulated the expression in several tumors and inhibits human tumorigenesis. But so far, the mechanism of MEG3 in tumorigenesis is still unclear. METHODS In gene infection, cellular and molecular technologies and tumorigenesis test in vitro and in vivo were performed, respectively. RESULTS Our results indicate that MEG3 enhances the P53 expression by triggering the loading of P300 and RNA polymerase II onto its promoter regions dependent on HP1α. Moreover, MEG3 increases the methylation modification of histone H3 at the 27th lysine via P53. Furthermore, MEG3 inhibits the expression of TERT by increasing the H3K27me3 in TERT promoter regions, thereby inhibiting the activity of telomerase by reducing the binding of TERT to TERC. Furthermore, MEG3 also increases the expression of TERRA; therefore, the interaction between TERC and TERT was competitively attenuated by increasing the interaction between TERRA and TERT, which inhibits the activity of telomerase in hLCSCs. Strikingly, MEG3 reduces the length of telomere by blocking the formation of complex maintaining telomere length (POT1-Exo1-TRF2-SNM1B) and decreasing the binding of the complex to telomere by increasing the interplay between P53 and HULC. Ultimately, MEG3 inhibits the growth of hLCSCs by reducing the activity of telomerase and attenuating telomeric repeat binding factor 2(TRF2). CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrates MEG3 inhibits the occurrence of human liver cancer by blocking telomere, and these findings provide an important insight into the prevention and treatment of human liver cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxue Jiang
- Shanghai Putuo District People's Hospital, School of Life Science and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Liyan Wang
- Shanghai Putuo District People's Hospital, School of Life Science and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Sijie Xie
- Shanghai Putuo District People's Hospital, School of Life Science and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Yingjie Chen
- Shanghai Putuo District People's Hospital, School of Life Science and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Shuting Song
- Shanghai Putuo District People's Hospital, School of Life Science and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Yanan Lu
- Shanghai Putuo District People's Hospital, School of Life Science and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Dongdong Lu
- Shanghai Putuo District People's Hospital, School of Life Science and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Jiang X, Xing L, Chen Y, Qin R, Song S, Lu Y, Xie S, Wang L, Pu H, Gui X, Li T, Xu J, Li J, Jia S, Lu D. CircMEG3 inhibits telomerase activity by reducing Cbf5 in human liver cancer stem cells. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2020; 23:310-323. [PMID: 33425489 PMCID: PMC7779543 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2020.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Circular RNA (CircRNA) is a newly identified special class of non-coding RNA (ncRNA) that plays an important regulatory role in the progression of certain diseases. Herein, our results indicate that CircMEG3 is downregulated expression and negatively correlated with the expression of telomerase-related gene Cbf5 in human liver cancer. Moreover, CircMEG3 inhibits the growth of human liver cancer stem cells in vivo and in vitro. CircMEG3 inhibits the expression of m6A methyltransferase METTL3 dependent on HULC. Moreover, CircMEG3 inhibits the expression of Cbf5, a component of telomere synthetase H/ACA ribonucleoprotein (RNP; catalyst RNA pseudouracil modification) through METTL3 dependent on HULC. Thereby, CircMEG3 inhibits telomerase activity and shortens telomere lifespan dependent on HULC and Cbf5 in human liver cancer stem cell. Strikingly, increased Cbf5 abrogates the ability of CircMEG3 to inhibit malignant differentiation of human liver cancer stem cells. In summary, these observations provide important basic information for finding effective liver cancer therapeutic targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxue Jiang
- Shanghai Putuo District People's Hospital, School of Life Science and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Libo Xing
- Shanghai Putuo District People's Hospital, School of Life Science and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yingjie Chen
- Shanghai Putuo District People's Hospital, School of Life Science and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Rushi Qin
- Shanghai Putuo District People's Hospital, School of Life Science and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Shuting Song
- Shanghai Putuo District People's Hospital, School of Life Science and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yanan Lu
- Shanghai Putuo District People's Hospital, School of Life Science and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Sijie Xie
- Shanghai Putuo District People's Hospital, School of Life Science and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Liyan Wang
- Shanghai Putuo District People's Hospital, School of Life Science and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Hu Pu
- Shanghai Putuo District People's Hospital, School of Life Science and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Xin Gui
- Shanghai Putuo District People's Hospital, School of Life Science and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Tianming Li
- Shanghai Putuo District People's Hospital, School of Life Science and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Jie Xu
- School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Jiao Li
- School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Song Jia
- School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Dongdong Lu
- Shanghai Putuo District People's Hospital, School of Life Science and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Flora P, Ezhkova E. Regulatory mechanisms governing epidermal stem cell function during development and homeostasis. Development 2020; 147:147/22/dev194100. [PMID: 33191273 DOI: 10.1242/dev.194100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Cell divisions and cell-fate decisions require stringent regulation for proper tissue development and homeostasis. The mammalian epidermis is a highly organized tissue structure that is sustained by epidermal stem cells (ESCs) that balance self-renewal and cell-fate decisions to establish a protective barrier, while replacing dying cells during homeostasis and in response to injury. Extensive work over past decades has provided insights into the regulatory mechanisms that control ESC specification, self-renewal and maintenance during different stages of the lifetime of an organism. In this Review, we discuss recent findings that have furthered our understanding of key regulatory features that allow ESCs to establish a functional barrier during development and to maintain tissue homeostasis in adults.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pooja Flora
- Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Department of Cell, Developmental, and Regenerative Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1 Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Elena Ezhkova
- Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Department of Cell, Developmental, and Regenerative Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1 Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, USA
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Vahidi S, Norollahi SE, Agah S, Samadani AA. DNA Methylation Profiling of hTERT Gene Alongside with the Telomere Performance in Gastric Adenocarcinoma. J Gastrointest Cancer 2020; 51:788-799. [PMID: 32617831 DOI: 10.1007/s12029-020-00427-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Epigenetic modification including of DNA methylation, histone acetylation, histone methylation, histon phosphorylation and non-coding RNA can impress the gene expression and genomic stability and cause different types of malignancies and also main human disorder. Conspicuously, the epigenetic alteration special DNA methylation controls telomere length, telomerase activity and also function of different genes particularly hTERT expression. Telomeres are important in increasing the lifespan, health, aging, and the development and progression of some diseases like cancer. METHODS This review provides an assessment of the epigenetic alterations of telomeres, telomerase and repression of its catalytic subunit, hTERT and function of long non-coding RNAs such as telomeric-repeat containing RNA (TERRA) in carcinogenesis and tumorgenesis of gastric cancer. RESULTS hTERT expression is essential and indispensable in telomerase activation through immortality and malignancies and also plays an important role in maintaining telomere length. Telomeres and telomerase have been implicated in regulating epigenetic factors influencing certain gene expression. Correspondingly, these changes in the sub telomere and telomere regions are affected by the shortening of telomere length and increased telomerase activity and hTERT gene expression have been observed in many cancers, remarkably in gastric cancer. CONCLUSION Epigenetic alteration and regulation of hTERT gene expression are critical in controlling telomerase activity and its expression. Graphical Abstract.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sogand Vahidi
- Clinical Research Development Unit of Poursina Hospital, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Seyedeh Elham Norollahi
- Clinical Research Development Unit of Poursina Hospital, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran.
| | - Shahram Agah
- Colorectal Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Akbar Samadani
- Healthy Ageing Research Center, Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
de Krijger I, van der Torre J, Peuscher MH, Eder M, Jacobs JJL. H3K36 dimethylation by MMSET promotes classical non-homologous end-joining at unprotected telomeres. Oncogene 2020; 39:4814-4827. [PMID: 32472076 PMCID: PMC7299843 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-020-1334-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The epigenetic environment plays an important role in DNA damage recognition and repair, both at DNA double-strand breaks and at deprotected telomeres. To increase understanding on how DNA damage responses (DDR) at deprotected telomeres are regulated by modification and remodeling of telomeric chromatin we screened 38 methyltransferases for their ability to promote telomere dysfunction-induced genomic instability. As top hit we identified MMSET, a histone methyltransferase (HMT) causally linked to multiple myeloma and Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome. We show that MMSET promotes non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) at deprotected telomeres through Ligase4-dependent classical NHEJ, and does not contribute to Ligase3-dependent alternative NHEJ. Moreover, we show that this is dependent on the catalytic activity of MMSET, enabled by its SET-domain. Indeed, in absence of MMSET H3K36-dimethylation (H3K36me2) decreases, both globally and at subtelomeric regions. Interestingly, the level of MMSET-dependent H3K36me2 directly correlates with NHEJ-efficiency. We show that MMSET depletion does not impact on recognition of deprotected telomeres by the DDR-machinery or on subsequent recruitment of DDR-factors acting upstream or at the level of DNA repair pathway choice. Our data are most consistent with an important role for H3K36me2 in more downstream steps of the DNA repair process. Moreover, we find additional H3K36me2-specific HMTs to contribute to NHEJ at deprotected telomeres, further emphasizing the importance of H3K36me2 in DNA repair.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Inge de Krijger
- Division of Oncogenomics, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jaco van der Torre
- Division of Oncogenomics, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marieke H Peuscher
- Division of Oncogenomics, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mathias Eder
- Division of Oncogenomics, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jacqueline J L Jacobs
- Division of Oncogenomics, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Prasad R, Pal D, Mohammad W. Therapeutic Targets in Telomerase and Telomere Biology of Cancers. Indian J Clin Biochem 2020; 35:135-146. [PMID: 32226245 PMCID: PMC7093628 DOI: 10.1007/s12291-020-00876-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Telomeres play an important role to conserve genomic integrity by protecting the ends of chromosomes in normal cells. Since, their progressive shortening during successive cell division which lead to chromosomal instability. Notably, telomere length is perpetuated by telomerase in large majority of cancers, thereby ensure indefinite cell proliferation-a hallmark of cancer-and this unique feature has provided telomerase as the preferred target for drug development in cancer therapeutics. Cancer cells have acquired the potential to have telomere length maintenance by telomerase activation- up-regulation of hTERT gene expression in tumor cells is synchronized by multiple genetic and epigenetic modification mechanisms viz hTERT structural variants, hTERT promoter mutation and epigenetic modifications through hTERT promoter methylation which have been implicated in various cancers initiation and progression. In view of these facts, strategies have been made to target the underlining molecular mechanisms involved in telomerase reactivation as well as of telomere structure with special reference to distortion of sheltrin proteins. This review is focussed on extensive understanding of telomere and telomerase biology. which will provide indispensable informations for enhancing the efficiency of rational anticancer drug design. However, there is also an urgent need for better understanding of cell signalling pathways for alternative lengthening of telomere which is present in telomerase negative cancer for therapeutic targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rajendra Prasad
- Department of Biochemistry, MM Institute of Medical Science and Research, MM (Deemed to be University), Mullana, Ambala, Haryana 133207 India
| | - Deeksha Pal
- Department of Translational and Regenerative Medicine, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, 160012 India
| | - Wajid Mohammad
- Department of Biochemistry, MM Institute of Medical Science and Research, MM (Deemed to be University), Mullana, Ambala, Haryana 133207 India
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Galigniana NM, Charó NL, Uranga R, Cabanillas AM, Piwien-Pilipuk G. Oxidative stress induces transcription of telomeric repeat-containing RNA (TERRA) by engaging PKA signaling and cytoskeleton dynamics. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2020; 1867:118643. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2020.118643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2019] [Revised: 12/27/2019] [Accepted: 01/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
|
38
|
Mendioroz M, Puebla-Guedea M, Montero-Marín J, Urdánoz-Casado A, Blanco-Luquin I, Roldán M, Labarga A, García-Campayo J. Telomere length correlates with subtelomeric DNA methylation in long-term mindfulness practitioners. Sci Rep 2020; 10:4564. [PMID: 32165663 PMCID: PMC7067861 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-61241-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2018] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mindfulness and meditation techniques have proven successful for the reduction of stress and improvement in general health. In addition, meditation is linked to longevity and longer telomere length, a proposed biomarker of human aging. Interestingly, DNA methylation changes have been described at specific subtelomeric regions in long-term meditators compared to controls. However, the molecular basis underlying these beneficial effects of meditation on human health still remains unclear. Here we show that DNA methylation levels, measured by the Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChip (Illumina) array, at specific subtelomeric regions containing GPR31 and SERPINB9 genes were associated with telomere length in long-term meditators with a strong statistical trend when correcting for multiple testing. Notably, age showed no association with telomere length in the group of long-term meditators. These results may suggest that long-term meditation could be related to epigenetic mechanisms, in particular gene-specific DNA methylation changes at distinct subtelomeric regions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maite Mendioroz
- Neuroepigenetics Laboratory, Navarrabiomed Biomedical Research Center- UPNA-Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Navarra, 31008, Spain. .,Department of Neurology, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, Pamplona, Navarra, 31008, Spain.
| | - Marta Puebla-Guedea
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Aragón. Red de Investigación en Atención Primaria (REDIAPP), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Jesús Montero-Marín
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Aragón. Red de Investigación en Atención Primaria (REDIAPP), Zaragoza, Spain.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7JX, UK
| | - Amaya Urdánoz-Casado
- Neuroepigenetics Laboratory, Navarrabiomed Biomedical Research Center- UPNA-Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Navarra, 31008, Spain
| | - Idoia Blanco-Luquin
- Neuroepigenetics Laboratory, Navarrabiomed Biomedical Research Center- UPNA-Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Navarra, 31008, Spain
| | - Miren Roldán
- Neuroepigenetics Laboratory, Navarrabiomed Biomedical Research Center- UPNA-Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Navarra, 31008, Spain
| | - Alberto Labarga
- Bioinformatics Unit, Navarrabiomed Biomedical Research Center - UPNA-Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Navarra, 31008, Spain
| | - Javier García-Campayo
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Aragón. Red de Investigación en Atención Primaria (REDIAPP), Zaragoza, Spain.,Miguel Servet University Hospital, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Bhattacharjee P, Das A, Giri AK, Bhattacharjee P. Epigenetic regulations in alternative telomere lengthening: Understanding the mechanistic insight in arsenic-induced skin cancer patients. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 704:135388. [PMID: 31837846 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.135388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Revised: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Telomere integrity is considered to be one of the primary mechanisms during malignant transformation. Arsenic, a group 1 carcinogenic metalloid, has been reported to cause telomere lengthening in a telomerase-independent manner. Recent studies suggest a significant role for epigenetic modifications in regulating telomeric length and integrity. Here, we have explored the role of epigenetic deregulation in alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) in arsenic-exposed skin cancer tissues and corresponding non-tumor tissues. The relative telomere length (RTL) was analyzed by qRT-PCR using 2-ΔΔCt method. The subtelomeric methylation pattern of the four chromosomes (7q, 18p, 21q and XpYp) were analysed by Methylation Specific PCR (MSP) in 40 pairs of arsenic exposed skin cancer tissues and its corresponding control. The role of constitutive heterochromatin histone marks in the regulation of telomere length (TL) was analyzed by targeted ELISA. A 2-fold increase of relative telomere length in 85% of the arsenic-induced skin cancer tissues was observed. Among the four chromosomes, subtelomere of XpYp was found to be hypermethylated (p < 0.001) whereas 18p was hypomethylated (p < 0.01). Additionally, the level of H4K20me3, a heterochromatic mark was found to be significantly down-regulated (p < 0.0003), and inversely correlated with telomere length indicating loss of heterochromatinization of telomeric DNA. These observations highlight the novel role of epigenetic regulation in the maintenance of constitutive heterochromatin structure at telomere. Alteration in subtelomeric DNA methylation patterns and depletion of H4K20me3 might lead to loss of heterochromatinization resulting in arsenic-induced telomeric elongation. We provide novel data indicating possible alternative determinants of telomere elongation through epigenetic modifications during arsenic-induced skin carcinogenesis which could be used as early 'epimarkers' in the near future. The findings provide new insights about the mechanism of arsenic-induced carcinogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pritha Bhattacharjee
- Department of Zoology, University of Calcutta, Kolkata 700019, India; Department of Environmental Science, University of Calcutta, Kolkata 700019, India
| | - Ankita Das
- Department of Environmental Science, University of Calcutta, Kolkata 700019, India
| | - Ashok K Giri
- Molecular Genetics Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, India
| | - Pritha Bhattacharjee
- Department of Environmental Science, University of Calcutta, Kolkata 700019, India.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Kwapisz M, Morillon A. Subtelomeric Transcription and its Regulation. J Mol Biol 2020; 432:4199-4219. [PMID: 32035903 PMCID: PMC7374410 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2020.01.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2019] [Revised: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The subtelomeres, highly heterogeneous repeated sequences neighboring telomeres, are transcribed into coding and noncoding RNAs in a variety of organisms. Telomereproximal subtelomeric regions produce non-coding transcripts i.e., ARRET, αARRET, subTERRA, and TERRA, which function in telomere maintenance. The role and molecular mechanisms of the majority of subtelomeric transcripts remain unknown. This review depicts the current knowledge and puts into perspective the results obtained in different models from yeasts to humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Kwapisz
- Laboratoire de Biologie Moléculaire Eucaryote, Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, France
| | - Antonin Morillon
- ncRNA, Epigenetic and Genome Fluidity, CNRS UMR 3244, Sorbonne Université, PSL University, Institut Curie, Centre de Recherche, 26 rue d'Ulm, 75248, Paris, France.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Singh PB, Newman AG. On the relations of phase separation and Hi-C maps to epigenetics. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2020; 7:191976. [PMID: 32257349 PMCID: PMC7062049 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.191976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
The relationship between compartmentalization of the genome and epigenetics is long and hoary. In 1928, Heitz defined heterochromatin as the largest differentiated chromatin compartment in eukaryotic nuclei. Müller's discovery of position-effect variegation in 1930 went on to show that heterochromatin is a cytologically visible state of heritable (epigenetic) gene repression. Current insights into compartmentalization have come from a high-throughput top-down approach where contact frequency (Hi-C) maps revealed the presence of compartmental domains that segregate the genome into heterochromatin and euchromatin. It has been argued that the compartmentalization seen in Hi-C maps is owing to the physiochemical process of phase separation. Oddly, the insights provided by these experimental and conceptual advances have remained largely silent on how Hi-C maps and phase separation relate to epigenetics. Addressing this issue directly in mammals, we have made use of a bottom-up approach starting with the hallmarks of constitutive heterochromatin, heterochromatin protein 1 (HP1) and its binding partner the H3K9me2/3 determinant of the histone code. They are key epigenetic regulators in eukaryotes. Both hallmarks are also found outside mammalian constitutive heterochromatin as constituents of larger (0.1-5 Mb) heterochromatin-like domains and smaller (less than 100 kb) complexes. The well-documented ability of HP1 proteins to function as bridges between H3K9me2/3-marked nucleosomes contributes to polymer-polymer phase separation that packages epigenetically heritable chromatin states during interphase. Contacts mediated by HP1 'bridging' are likely to have been detected in Hi-C maps, as evidenced by the B4 heterochromatic subcompartment that emerges from contacts between large KRAB-ZNF heterochromatin-like domains. Further, mutational analyses have revealed a finer, innate, compartmentalization in Hi-C experiments that probably reflect contacts involving smaller domains/complexes. Proteins that bridge (modified) DNA and histones in nucleosomal fibres-where the HP1-H3K9me2/3 interaction represents the most evolutionarily conserved paradigm-could drive and generate the fundamental compartmentalization of the interphase nucleus. This has implications for the mechanism(s) that maintains cellular identity, be it a terminally differentiated fibroblast or a pluripotent embryonic stem cell.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Prim B. Singh
- Nazarbayev University School of Medicine, 5/1 Kerei, Zhanibek Khandar Street, Nur-Sultan Z05K4F4, Kazakhstan
- Epigenetics Laboratory, Department of Natural Sciences, Novosibirsk State University, Pirogov Street 2, Novosibirsk 630090, Russian Federation
| | - Andrew G. Newman
- Institute of Cell and Neurobiology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Achrem M, Szućko I, Kalinka A. The epigenetic regulation of centromeres and telomeres in plants and animals. COMPARATIVE CYTOGENETICS 2020; 14:265-311. [PMID: 32733650 PMCID: PMC7360632 DOI: 10.3897/compcytogen.v14i2.51895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
The centromere is a chromosomal region where the kinetochore is formed, which is the attachment point of spindle fibers. Thus, it is responsible for the correct chromosome segregation during cell division. Telomeres protect chromosome ends against enzymatic degradation and fusions, and localize chromosomes in the cell nucleus. For this reason, centromeres and telomeres are parts of each linear chromosome that are necessary for their proper functioning. More and more research results show that the identity and functions of these chromosomal regions are epigenetically determined. Telomeres and centromeres are both usually described as highly condensed heterochromatin regions. However, the epigenetic nature of centromeres and telomeres is unique, as epigenetic modifications characteristic of both eu- and heterochromatin have been found in these areas. This specificity allows for the proper functioning of both regions, thereby affecting chromosome homeostasis. This review focuses on demonstrating the role of epigenetic mechanisms in the functioning of centromeres and telomeres in plants and animals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Achrem
- Institute of Biology, University of Szczecin, Szczecin, PolandUniversity of SzczecinSzczecinPoland
- Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Center, University of Szczecin, Szczecin, PolandUniversity of SzczecinSzczecinPoland
| | - Izabela Szućko
- Institute of Biology, University of Szczecin, Szczecin, PolandUniversity of SzczecinSzczecinPoland
- Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Center, University of Szczecin, Szczecin, PolandUniversity of SzczecinSzczecinPoland
| | - Anna Kalinka
- Institute of Biology, University of Szczecin, Szczecin, PolandUniversity of SzczecinSzczecinPoland
- Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Center, University of Szczecin, Szczecin, PolandUniversity of SzczecinSzczecinPoland
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Udroiu I, Sgura A. Alternative Lengthening of Telomeres and Chromatin Status. Genes (Basel) 2019; 11:genes11010045. [PMID: 31905921 PMCID: PMC7016797 DOI: 10.3390/genes11010045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Revised: 12/22/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomere length is maintained by either telomerase, a reverse transcriptase, or alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT), a mechanism that utilizes homologous recombination (HR) proteins. Since access to DNA for HR enzymes is regulated by the chromatin status, it is expected that telomere elongation is linked to epigenetic modifications. The aim of this review is to elucidate the epigenetic features of ALT-positive cells. In order to do this, it is first necessary to understand the telomeric chromatin peculiarities. So far, the epigenetic nature of telomeres is still controversial: some authors describe them as heterochromatic, while for others, they are euchromatic. Similarly, ALT activity should be characterized by the loss (according to most researchers) or formation (as claimed by a minority) of heterochromatin in telomeres. Besides reviewing the main works in this field and the most recent findings, some hypotheses involving the role of telomere non-canonical sequences and the possible spatial heterogeneity of telomeres are given.
Collapse
|
44
|
Yu Y, Jia W, Lyu Y, Su D, Bai M, Shen J, Qiao J, Han T, Liu W, Chen J, Chen W, Ye D, Guo X, Zhu S, Xi J, Zhu R, Wan X, Gao S, Zhu J, Kang J. Pwp1 regulates telomere length by stabilizing shelterin complex and maintaining histone H4K20 trimethylation. Cell Discov 2019; 5:47. [PMID: 31754456 PMCID: PMC6868014 DOI: 10.1038/s41421-019-0116-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomere maintenance is critical for chromosome stability. Here we report that periodic tryptophan protein 1 (PWP1) is involved in regulating telomere length homeostasis. Pwp1 appears to be essential for mouse development and embryonic stem cell (ESC) survival, as homozygous Pwp1-knockout mice and ESCs have never been obtained. Heterozygous Pwp1-knockout mice had shorter telomeres and decreased reproductive capacity. Pwp1 depletion induced rapid telomere shortening accompanied by reduced shelterin complex and increased DNA damage in telomeric regions. Mechanistically, PWP1 bound and stabilized the shelterin complex via its WD40 domains and regulated the overall level of H4K20me3. The rescue of telomere length in Pwp1-deficient cells by PWP1 overexpression depended on SUV4-20H2 co-expression and increased H4K20me3. Therefore, our study revealed a novel protein involved in telomere homeostasis in both mouse and human cells. This knowledge will improve our understanding of how chromatin structure and histone modifications are involved in maintaining telomere integrity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yangyang Yu
- 1Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science; School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092 China
| | - Wenwen Jia
- 1Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science; School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092 China.,2Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200123 China
| | - Yao Lyu
- 1Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science; School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092 China
| | - Dingwen Su
- 1Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science; School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092 China
| | - Mingliang Bai
- 1Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science; School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092 China
| | - Junwei Shen
- 1Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science; School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092 China
| | - Jing Qiao
- 1Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science; School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092 China
| | - Tong Han
- 3Department of Gynecology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 201204 P. R. China
| | - Wenqiang Liu
- 1Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science; School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092 China
| | - Jiayu Chen
- 1Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science; School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092 China
| | - Wen Chen
- 1Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science; School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092 China
| | - Dan Ye
- 1Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science; School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092 China
| | - Xudong Guo
- 1Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science; School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092 China
| | - Songcheng Zhu
- 1Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science; School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092 China
| | - Jiajie Xi
- 1Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science; School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092 China
| | - Ruixin Zhu
- 1Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science; School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092 China
| | - Xiaoping Wan
- 3Department of Gynecology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 201204 P. R. China
| | - Shaorong Gao
- 1Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science; School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092 China
| | - Jiyue Zhu
- 4Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Washington State University, Spokane, WA 99210 USA
| | - Jiuhong Kang
- 1Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science; School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092 China.,2Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200123 China
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Yang L, Liu X, Song L, Su G, Di A, Bai C, Wei Z, Li G. Inhibiting repressive epigenetic modification promotes telomere rejuvenation in somatic cell reprogramming. FASEB J 2019; 33:13982-13997. [PMID: 31645134 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201901486rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The efficiency of somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) reprogramming is extremely low in terms of production of cloned animals. Here, we found that telomere rejuvenation is a critical event for SCNT reprogramming. Through small-molecule screening, we identified that melatonin significantly improved the in vitro and in vivo developmental competence of SCNT-derived embryos. Through use of embryonic biopsy, single-cell RNA sequencing, and quantitative FISH experiments, we revealed that melatonin not only attenuated the zygotic genome activation defect but also facilitated telomere elongation in the SCNT embryos. Further investigation indicated that melatonin inhibited heterochromatic epigenetic modification related to gene silencing including DNA methylation and histone H3 lysine 9 trimethylation. In addition, melatonin could increase the level of activation markers such as acetylated histone H3. This is the first study to characterize melatonin-treatment and telomere rejuvenation in SCNT-mediated reprogramming. Moreover, combinational use of melatonin-treated donor embryos and pseudopregnant recipients achieved synergistic enhancement of the production of cloned animals.-Yang, L., Liu, X., Song, L., Su, G., Di, A., Bai, C., Wei, Z., Li, G. Inhibiting repressive epigenetic modification promotes telomere rejuvenation in somatic cell reprogramming.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lei Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock (R2BGL), Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China
| | - Xuefei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock (RBGL), Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China
| | - Lishuang Song
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock (RBGL), Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China.,College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China
| | - Guanghua Su
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock (RBGL), Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China.,College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China
| | - Anqi Di
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock (RBGL), Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China.,College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China
| | - Chunling Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock (RBGL), Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China.,College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China
| | - Zhuying Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock (RBGL), Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China.,College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China
| | - Guangpeng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock (RBGL), Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China.,College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Abstract
Telomeres, the protective ends of linear chromosomes, shorten throughout an individual's lifetime. Accumulation of critically short telomeres is proposed to be a primary molecular cause of aging and age-associated diseases. Mutations in telomere maintenance genes are associated with pathologies referred to as or telomeropathies. The rate of telomere shortening throughout life is determined by endogenous (genetic) and external (nongenetic) factors. Therapeutic strategies based on telomerase activation are being developed to treat and prevent telomere-associated diseases, namely aging-related diseases and telomeropathies. Here, we review the molecular mechanisms underlying telomere driven diseases with particular emphasis on cardiovascular diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paula Martínez
- From the Telomeres and Telomerase Group, Molecular Oncology Program, Spanish National Cancer Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria A Blasco
- From the Telomeres and Telomerase Group, Molecular Oncology Program, Spanish National Cancer Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Xu J, Tsai CW, Chang WS, Han Y, Bau DT, Pettaway CA, Gu J. Methylation of global DNA repeat LINE-1 and subtelomeric DNA repeats D4Z4 in leukocytes is associated with biochemical recurrence in African American prostate cancer patients. Carcinogenesis 2019; 40:1055-1060. [PMID: 30874286 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgz061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2019] [Revised: 03/06/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Global DNA methylation may play important roles in cancer etiology and prognosis. The goal of this study is to investigate whether the methylation of long interspersed nucleotide elements (LINE-1) and subtelomeric DNA repeats D4Z4 in leukocyte DNA is associated with aggressive prostate cancer (PCa) in African Americans. We measured DNA methylation levels of LINE-1 and D4Z4 in 306 African American (AA) PCa patients using pyrosequencing and compared their methylation levels among clinical variables. We further applied multivariate Cox proportional hazards model and Kaplan-Meier survival function and log-rank tests to assess the association between DNA methylation and biochemical recurrence (BCR). Overall, there was no significant difference of the methylation levels of LINE-1 and D4Z4 among patients with different clinical and epidemiological characteristics. However, the methylation of LINE-1 and D4Z4 was associated with BCR. Patients with lower LINE-1 methylation and higher D4Z4 methylation exhibited markedly increased risks of BCR with adjusted hazard ratios of 3.34 (95% confidence interval, 1.32-8.45) and 4.12 (95% confidence interval, 1.32-12.86), respectively, and significantly shorter BCR-free survival times. Our results suggest that lower global DNA methylation and higher subtelomeric region methylation may predict worse prognosis in localized AA PCa patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junfeng Xu
- Department of Epidemiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Chia-Wen Tsai
- Department of Epidemiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Terry Fox Cancer Research Laboratory, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Shin Chang
- Department of Epidemiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Terry Fox Cancer Research Laboratory, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yuyan Han
- Department of Epidemiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Da-Tian Bau
- Department of Epidemiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Terry Fox Cancer Research Laboratory, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Curtis A Pettaway
- Department of Urology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jian Gu
- Department of Epidemiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Saenen ND, Martens DS, Neven KY, Alfano R, Bové H, Janssen BG, Roels HA, Plusquin M, Vrijens K, Nawrot TS. Air pollution-induced placental alterations: an interplay of oxidative stress, epigenetics, and the aging phenotype? Clin Epigenetics 2019; 11:124. [PMID: 31530287 PMCID: PMC6749657 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-019-0688-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
According to the "Developmental Origins of Health and Disease" (DOHaD) concept, the early-life environment is a critical period for fetal programming. Given the epidemiological evidence that air pollution exposure during pregnancy adversely affects newborn outcomes such as birth weight and preterm birth, there is a need to pay attention to underlying modes of action to better understand not only these air pollution-induced early health effects but also its later-life consequences. In this review, we give an overview of air pollution-induced placental molecular alterations observed in the ENVIRONAGE birth cohort and evaluate the existing evidence. In general, we showed that prenatal exposure to air pollution is associated with nitrosative stress and epigenetic alterations in the placenta. Adversely affected CpG targets were involved in cellular processes including DNA repair, circadian rhythm, and energy metabolism. For miRNA expression, specific air pollution exposure windows were associated with altered miR-20a, miR-21, miR-146a, and miR-222 expression. Early-life aging markers including telomere length and mitochondrial DNA content are associated with air pollution exposure during pregnancy. Previously, we proposed the air pollution-induced telomere-mitochondrial aging hypothesis with a direct link between telomeres and mitochondria. Here, we extend this view with a potential co-interaction of different biological mechanisms on the level of placental oxidative stress, epigenetics, aging, and energy metabolism. Investigating the placenta is an opportunity for future research as it may help to understand the fundamental biology underpinning the DOHaD concept through the interactions between the underlying modes of action, prenatal environment, and disease risk in later life. To prevent lasting consequences from early-life exposures of air pollution, policy makers should get a basic understanding of biomolecular consequences and transgenerational risks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N. D. Saenen
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - D. S. Martens
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - K. Y. Neven
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - R. Alfano
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - H. Bové
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - B. G. Janssen
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - H. A. Roels
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - M. Plusquin
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - K. Vrijens
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - T. S. Nawrot
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leuven University, Leuven, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Liu N, Yin Y, Wang H, Zhou Z, Sheng X, Fu H, Guo R, Wang H, Yang J, Gong P, Ning W, Ju Z, Liu Y, Liu L. Telomere dysfunction impairs epidermal stem cell specification and differentiation by disrupting BMP/pSmad/P63 signaling. PLoS Genet 2019; 15:e1008368. [PMID: 31518356 PMCID: PMC6760834 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1008368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Revised: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomere shortening is associated with aging and age-associated diseases. Additionally, telomere dysfunction resulting from telomerase gene mutation can lead to premature aging, such as apparent skin atrophy and hair loss. However, the molecular signaling linking telomere dysfunction to skin atrophy remains elusive. Here we show that dysfunctional telomere disrupts BMP/pSmad/P63 signaling, impairing epidermal stem cell specification and differentiation of skin and hair follicles. We find that telomere shortening mediated by Terc loss up-regulates Follistatin (Fst), inhibiting pSmad signaling and down-regulating P63 and epidermal keratins in an ESC differentiation model as well as in adult development of telomere-shortened mice. Mechanistically, short telomeres disrupt PRC2/H3K27me3-mediated repression of Fst. Our findings reveal that skin atrophy due to telomere dysfunction is caused by a previously unappreciated link with Fst and BMP signaling that could be explored in the development of therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Na Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yu Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research; Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Haiying Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhongcheng Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaoyan Sheng
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Haifeng Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Renpeng Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Hua Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jiao Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Peng Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Wen Ning
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhenyu Ju
- Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory, Institute of Aging and Regenerative Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yifei Liu
- Yale Fertility Center and Department of OB/GYN, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States of America
- * E-mail: (YL); (LL)
| | - Lin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
- * E-mail: (YL); (LL)
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Marión RM, Montero JJ, López de Silanes I, Graña-Castro O, Martínez P, Schoeftner S, Palacios-Fábrega JA, Blasco MA. TERRA regulate the transcriptional landscape of pluripotent cells through TRF1-dependent recruitment of PRC2. eLife 2019; 8:44656. [PMID: 31426913 PMCID: PMC6701927 DOI: 10.7554/elife.44656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms that regulate pluripotency are still largely unknown. Here, we show that Telomere Repeat Binding Factor 1 (TRF1), a component of the shelterin complex, regulates the genome-wide binding of polycomb and polycomb H3K27me3 repressive marks to pluripotency genes, thereby exerting vast epigenetic changes that contribute to the maintenance of mouse ES cells in a naïve state. We further show that TRF1 mediates these effects by regulating TERRA, the lncRNAs transcribed from telomeres. We find that TERRAs are enriched at polycomb and stem cell genes in pluripotent cells and that TRF1 abrogation results in increased TERRA levels and in higher TERRA binding to those genes, coincidental with the induction of cell-fate programs and the loss of the naïve state. These results are consistent with a model in which TRF1-dependent changes in TERRA levels modulate polycomb recruitment to pluripotency and differentiation genes. These unprecedented findings explain why TRF1 is essential for the induction and maintenance of pluripotency.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rosa María Marión
- Telomeres and Telomerase Group, Molecular Oncology Program, Spanish National Cancer Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan J Montero
- Telomeres and Telomerase Group, Molecular Oncology Program, Spanish National Cancer Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Isabel López de Silanes
- Telomeres and Telomerase Group, Molecular Oncology Program, Spanish National Cancer Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Osvaldo Graña-Castro
- Bioinformatics Unit, Structural Biology Program, Spanish National Cancer Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Paula Martínez
- Telomeres and Telomerase Group, Molecular Oncology Program, Spanish National Cancer Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Stefan Schoeftner
- Telomeres and Telomerase Group, Molecular Oncology Program, Spanish National Cancer Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Maria A Blasco
- Telomeres and Telomerase Group, Molecular Oncology Program, Spanish National Cancer Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|