1
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Polimeni B, Marasca F, Ranzani V, Bodega B. IRescue: uncertainty-aware quantification of transposable elements expression at single cell level. Nucleic Acids Res 2024:gkae793. [PMID: 39271103 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2024] [Accepted: 09/02/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Transposable elements (TEs) are mobile DNA repeats known to shape the evolution of eukaryotic genomes. In complex organisms, they exhibit tissue-specific transcription. However, understanding their role in cellular diversity across most tissues remains a challenge, when employing single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), due to their widespread presence and genetic similarity. To address this, we present IRescue (Interspersed Repeats single-cell quantifier), a software capable of estimating the expression of TE subfamilies at the single-cell level. IRescue incorporates a unique UMI deduplication algorithm to rectify sequencing errors and employs an Expectation-Maximization procedure to effectively redistribute the counts of multi-mapping reads. Our study showcases the precision of IRescue through analysis of both simulated and real single cell and nuclei RNA-seq data from human colorectal cancer, brain, skin aging, and PBMCs during SARS-CoV-2 infection and recovery. By linking the expression patterns of TE signatures to specific conditions and biological contexts, we unveil insights into their potential roles in cellular heterogeneity and disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedetto Polimeni
- INGM, Istituto Nazionale di Genetica Molecolare 'Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi', Milan, Italy
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Marasca
- INGM, Istituto Nazionale di Genetica Molecolare 'Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi', Milan, Italy
| | - Valeria Ranzani
- INGM, Istituto Nazionale di Genetica Molecolare 'Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi', Milan, Italy
| | - Beatrice Bodega
- INGM, Istituto Nazionale di Genetica Molecolare 'Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi', Milan, Italy
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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2
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Ren Y, Yue Y, Li X, Weng S, Xu H, Liu L, Cheng Q, Luo P, Zhang T, Liu Z, Han X. Proteogenomics offers a novel avenue in neoantigen identification for cancer immunotherapy. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 142:113147. [PMID: 39270345 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.113147] [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: 05/11/2024] [Revised: 08/11/2024] [Accepted: 09/08/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024]
Abstract
Cancer neoantigens are tumor-specific non-synonymous mutant peptides that activate the immune system to produce an anti-tumor response. Personalized cancer vaccines based on neoantigens are currently one of the most promising therapeutic approaches for cancer treatment. By utilizing the unique mutations within each patient's tumor, these vaccines aim to elicit a strong and specific immune response against cancer cells. However, the identification of neoantigens remains challenging due to the low accuracy of current prediction tools and the high false-positive rate of candidate neoantigens. Since the concept of "proteogenomics" emerged in 2004, it has evolved rapidly with the increased sequencing depth of next-generation sequencing technologies and the maturation of mass spectrometry-based proteomics technologies to become a more comprehensive approach to neoantigen identification, allowing the discovery of high-confidence candidate neoantigens. In this review, we summarize the reason why cancer neoantigens have become attractive targets for immunotherapy, the mechanism of cancer vaccines and the advances in cancer immunotherapy. Considerations relevant to the application emerging of proteogenomics technologies for neoantigen identification and challenges in this field are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqing Ren
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China; Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Yi Yue
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Xinyang Li
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Siyuan Weng
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Hui Xu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Long Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Quan Cheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Peng Luo
- Department of Oncology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tengfei Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China.
| | - Zaoqu Liu
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China.
| | - Xinwei Han
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China; Interventional Institute of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China; Interventional Treatment and Clinical Research Center of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China.
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3
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Laplane L, Maley CC. The evolutionary theory of cancer: challenges and potential solutions. Nat Rev Cancer 2024:10.1038/s41568-024-00734-2. [PMID: 39256635 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-024-00734-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 09/12/2024]
Abstract
The clonal evolution model of cancer was developed in the 1950s-1970s and became central to cancer biology in the twenty-first century, largely through studies of cancer genetics. Although it has proven its worth, its structure has been challenged by observations of phenotypic plasticity, non-genetic forms of inheritance, non-genetic determinants of clone fitness and non-tree-like transmission of genes. There is even confusion about the definition of a clone, which we aim to resolve. The performance and value of the clonal evolution model depends on the empirical extent to which evolutionary processes are involved in cancer, and on its theoretical ability to account for those evolutionary processes. Here, we identify limits in the theoretical performance of the clonal evolution model and provide solutions to overcome those limits. Although we do not claim that clonal evolution can explain everything about cancer, we show how many of the complexities that have been identified in the dynamics of cancer can be integrated into the model to improve our current understanding of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucie Laplane
- UMR 8590 Institut d'Histoire et Philosophie des Sciences et des Techniques, CNRS, University Paris I Pantheon-Sorbonne, Paris, France
- UMR 1287 Hematopoietic Tissue Aging, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Villejuif, France
| | - Carlo C Maley
- Arizona Cancer Evolution Center, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA.
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA.
- Biodesign Center for Biocomputing, Security and Society, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA.
- Center for Evolution and Medicine, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA.
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4
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Li X, Yu H, Li D, Liu N. LINE-1 transposable element renaissance in aging and age-related diseases. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 100:102440. [PMID: 39059477 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102440] [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: 05/22/2024] [Revised: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Transposable elements (TEs) are essential components of eukaryotic genomes and subject to stringent regulatory mechanisms to avoid their potentially deleterious effects. However, numerous studies have verified the resurrection of TEs, particularly long interspersed nuclear element-1 (LINE-1), during preimplantation development, aging, cancer, and other age-related diseases. The LINE-1 family has also been implicated in several aging-related processes, including genomic instability, loss of heterochromatin, DNA methylation, and the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Additionally, the role of the LINE-1 family in cancer development has also been substantiated. Research in this field has offered valuable insights into the functional mechanisms underlying LINE-1 activity, enhancing our understanding of aging regulation. This review provides a comprehensive summary of current findings on LINE-1 and their roles in aging and age-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Li
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Huaxin Yu
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Dong Li
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Na Liu
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China.
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5
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Wang ZY, Ge LP, Ouyang Y, Jin X, Jiang YZ. Targeting transposable elements in cancer: developments and opportunities. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2024; 1879:189143. [PMID: 38936517 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189143] [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: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Transposable elements (TEs), comprising nearly 50% of the human genome, have transitioned from being perceived as "genomic junk" to key players in cancer progression. Contemporary research links TE regulatory disruptions with cancer development, underscoring their therapeutic potential. Advances in long-read sequencing, computational analytics, single-cell sequencing, proteomics, and CRISPR-Cas9 technologies have enriched our understanding of TEs' clinical implications, notably their impact on genome architecture, gene regulation, and evolutionary processes. In cancer, TEs, including long interspersed element-1 (LINE-1), Alus, and long terminal repeat (LTR) elements, demonstrate altered patterns, influencing both tumorigenic and tumor-suppressive mechanisms. TE-derived nucleic acids and tumor antigens play critical roles in tumor immunity, bridging innate and adaptive responses. Given their central role in oncology, TE-targeted therapies, particularly through reverse transcriptase inhibitors and epigenetic modulators, represent a novel avenue in cancer treatment. Combining these TE-focused strategies with existing chemotherapy or immunotherapy regimens could enhance efficacy and offer a new dimension in cancer treatment. This review delves into recent TE detection advancements, explores their multifaceted roles in tumorigenesis and immune regulation, discusses emerging diagnostic and therapeutic approaches centered on TEs, and anticipates future directions in cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Yu Wang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Li-Ping Ge
- Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yang Ouyang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xi Jin
- Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yi-Zhou Jiang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
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6
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Shi G, Pang Q, Lin Z, Zhang X, Huang K. Repetitive Sequence Stability in Embryonic Stem Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8819. [PMID: 39201503 PMCID: PMC11354519 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25168819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2024] [Revised: 08/07/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Repetitive sequences play an indispensable role in gene expression, transcriptional regulation, and chromosome arrangements through trans and cis regulation. In this review, focusing on recent advances, we summarize the epigenetic regulatory mechanisms of repetitive sequences in embryonic stem cells. We aim to bridge the knowledge gap by discussing DNA damage repair pathway choices on repetitive sequences and summarizing the significance of chromatin organization on repetitive sequences in response to DNA damage. By consolidating these insights, we underscore the critical relationship between the stability of repetitive sequences and early embryonic development, seeking to provide a deeper understanding of repetitive sequence stability and setting the stage for further research and potential therapeutic strategies in developmental biology and regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guang Shi
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Research and SYSU-BCM Joint Research Center, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China; (Q.P.); (Z.L.); (X.Z.)
| | - Qianwen Pang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Research and SYSU-BCM Joint Research Center, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China; (Q.P.); (Z.L.); (X.Z.)
| | - Zhancheng Lin
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Research and SYSU-BCM Joint Research Center, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China; (Q.P.); (Z.L.); (X.Z.)
| | - Xinyi Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Research and SYSU-BCM Joint Research Center, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China; (Q.P.); (Z.L.); (X.Z.)
| | - Kaimeng Huang
- Division of Radiation and Genome Stability, Department of Radiation Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA;
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
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7
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Solovyeva AI, Afanasev RV, Popova MA, Enukashvily NI. Dysregulation of Transposon Transcription Profiles in Cancer Cells Resembles That of Embryonic Stem Cells. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:8576-8599. [PMID: 39194722 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46080505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2024] [Revised: 07/30/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Transposable elements (TEs) comprise a substantial portion of the mammalian genome, with potential implications for both embryonic development and cancer. This study aimed to characterize the expression profiles of TEs in embryonic stem cells (ESCs), cancer cell lines, tumor tissues, and the tumor microenvironment (TME). We observed similarities in TE expression profiles between cancer cells and ESCs, suggesting potential parallels in regulatory mechanisms. Notably, four TE RNAs (HERVH, LTR7, HERV-Fc1, HERV-Fc2) exhibited significant downregulation across cancer cell lines and tumor tissues compared to ESCs, highlighting potential roles in pluripotency regulation. The strong up-regulation of the latter two TEs (HERV-Fc1, HERV-Fc2) in ESCs has not been previously demonstrated and may be a first indication of their role in the regulation of pluripotency. Conversely, tandemly repeated sequences (MSR1, CER, ALR) showed up-regulation in cancer contexts. Moreover, a difference in TE expression was observed between the TME and the tumor bulk transcriptome, with distinct dysregulated TE profiles. Some TME-specific TEs were absent in normal tissues, predominantly belonging to LTR and L1 retrotransposon families. These findings not only shed light on the regulatory roles of TEs in both embryonic development and cancer but also suggest novel targets for anti-cancer therapy. Understanding the interplay between cancer cells and the TME at the TE level may pave the way for further research into therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna I Solovyeva
- Lab of the Non-Coding DNA Studies, Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 194064 St. Petersburg, Russia
- Zoological Institute of Russian Academy of Sciences, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Roman V Afanasev
- Lab of the Non-Coding DNA Studies, Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 194064 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Marina A Popova
- Lab of the Non-Coding DNA Studies, Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 194064 St. Petersburg, Russia
- Applied Genomics Laboratory, SCAMT Institute, ITMO University, 191002 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Natella I Enukashvily
- Lab of the Non-Coding DNA Studies, Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 194064 St. Petersburg, Russia
- Department of Cytology and Histology, St. Petersburg State University, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia
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8
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Betancourt AJ, Wei KHC, Huang Y, Lee YCG. Causes and Consequences of Varying Transposable Element Activity: An Evolutionary Perspective. Annu Rev Genomics Hum Genet 2024; 25:1-25. [PMID: 38603565 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-genom-120822-105708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Transposable elements (TEs) are genomic parasites found in nearly all eukaryotes, including humans. This evolutionary success of TEs is due to their replicative activity, involving insertion into new genomic locations. TE activity varies at multiple levels, from between taxa to within individuals. The rapidly accumulating evidence of the influence of TE activity on human health, as well as the rapid growth of new tools to study it, motivated an evaluation of what we know about TE activity thus far. Here, we discuss why TE activity varies, and the consequences of this variation, from an evolutionary perspective. By studying TE activity in nonhuman organisms in the context of evolutionary theories, we can shed light on the factors that affect TE activity. While the consequences of TE activity are usually deleterious, some have lasting evolutionary impacts by conferring benefits on the host or affecting other evolutionary processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea J Betancourt
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary, and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin H-C Wei
- Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Yuheng Huang
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Yuh Chwen G Lee
- Center for Complex Biological Systems, University of California, Irvine, California, USA;
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Irvine, California, USA
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9
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Soraci L, Corsonello A, Paparazzo E, Montesanto A, Piacenza F, Olivieri F, Gambuzza ME, Savedra EV, Marino S, Lattanzio F, Biscetti L. Neuroinflammaging: A Tight Line Between Normal Aging and Age-Related Neurodegenerative Disorders. Aging Dis 2024; 15:1726-1747. [PMID: 38300639 PMCID: PMC11272206 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2023.1001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Aging in the healthy brain is characterized by a low-grade, chronic, and sterile inflammatory process known as neuroinflammaging. This condition, mainly consisting in an up-regulation of the inflammatory response at the brain level, contributes to the pathogenesis of age-related neurodegenerative disorders. Development of this proinflammatory state involves the interaction between genetic and environmental factors, able to induce age-related epigenetic modifications. Indeed, the exposure to environmental compounds, drugs, and infections, can contribute to epigenetic modifications of DNA methylome, histone fold proteins, and nucleosome positioning, leading to epigenetic modulation of neuroinflammatory responses. Furthermore, some epigenetic modifiers, which combine and interact during the life course, can contribute to modeling of epigenome dynamics to sustain, or dampen the neuroinflammatory phenotype. The aim of this review is to summarize current knowledge about neuroinflammaging with a particular focus on epigenetic mechanisms underlying the onset and progression of neuroinflammatory cascades in the central nervous system; furthermore, we describe some diagnostic biomarkers that may contribute to increase diagnostic accuracy and help tailor therapeutic strategies in patients with neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Soraci
- Unit of Geriatric Medicine, Italian National Research Center of Aging (IRCCS INRCA), Cosenza, Italy.
| | - Andrea Corsonello
- Unit of Geriatric Medicine, Italian National Research Center of Aging (IRCCS INRCA), Cosenza, Italy.
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy.
| | - Ersilia Paparazzo
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy.
| | - Alberto Montesanto
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy.
| | - Francesco Piacenza
- Advanced Technology Center for Aging Research, Italian National Research Center of Aging (IRCCS INRCA), IRCCS INRCA, Ancona, Italy.
| | - Fabiola Olivieri
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy.
- Clinic of Laboratory and Precision Medicine, Italian National Research Center of Aging (IRCCS INRCA), Ancona, Italy.
| | | | | | - Silvia Marino
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi "Bonino-Pulejo”, Messina, Italy.
| | | | - Leonardo Biscetti
- Section of Neurology, Italian National Research Center on Aging (IRCCS INRCA), Ancona, Italy.
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10
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Frost B, Dubnau J. The Role of Retrotransposons and Endogenous Retroviruses in Age-Dependent Neurodegenerative Disorders. Annu Rev Neurosci 2024; 47:123-143. [PMID: 38663088 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-neuro-082823-020615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/09/2024]
Abstract
Over 40% of the human genome is composed of retrotransposons, DNA species that hold the potential to replicate via an RNA intermediate and are evolutionarily related to retroviruses. Retrotransposons are most studied for their ability to jump within a genome, which can cause DNA damage and novel insertional mutations. Retrotransposon-encoded products, including viral-like proteins, double-stranded RNAs, and extrachromosomal circular DNAs, can also be potent activators of the innate immune system. A growing body of evidence suggests that retrotransposons are activated in age-related neurodegenerative disorders and that such activation causally contributes to neurotoxicity. Here we provide an overview of retrotransposon biology and outline evidence of retrotransposon activation in age-related neurodegenerative disorders, with an emphasis on those involving TAR-DNA binding protein-43 (TDP-43) and tau. Studies to date provide the basis for ongoing clinical trials and hold promise for innovative strategies to ameliorate the adverse effects of retrotransposon dysregulation in neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bess Frost
- Sam and Ann Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer's and Neurodegenerative Diseases, and Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA;
| | - Josh Dubnau
- Department of Anesthesiology and Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook School of Medicine, Stony Brook, New York, USA;
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11
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Li Y, Lyu R, Chen S, Wang Y, Sun MA. TEENA: an integrated web server for transposable element enrichment analysis in various model and non-model organisms. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:W126-W131. [PMID: 38747349 PMCID: PMC11223789 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Transposable elements (TEs) are abundant in the genomes of various eukaryote organisms. Increasing evidence suggests that TEs can play crucial regulatory roles-usually by creating cis-elements (e.g. enhancers and promoters) bound by distinct transcription factors (TFs). TE-derived cis-elements have gained unprecedented attentions recently, and one key step toward their understanding is to identify the enriched TEs in distinct genomic intervals (e.g. a set of enhancers or TF binding sites) as candidates for further study. Nevertheless, such analysis remains challenging for researchers unfamiliar with TEs or lack strong bioinformatic skills. Here, we present TEENA (Transposable Element ENrichment Analyzer) to streamline TE enrichment analysis in various organisms. It implements an optimized pipeline, hosts the genome/gene/TE annotations of almost one hundred species, and provides multiple parameters to enable its flexibility. Taking genomic interval data as the only user-supplied file, it can automatically retrieve the corresponding annotations and finish a routine analysis in a couple minutes. Multiple case studies demonstrate that it can produce highly reliable results matching previous knowledge. TEENA can be freely accessed at: https://sun-lab.yzu.edu.cn/TEENA. Due to its easy-to-use design, we expect it to facilitate the studies of the regulatory function of TEs in various model and non-model organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuzhuo Li
- Institute of Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009 Jiangsu, China
| | - Renzhe Lyu
- Institute of Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009 Jiangsu, China
| | - Shuai Chen
- Institute of Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009 Jiangsu, China
| | - Yejun Wang
- Youth Innovation Team of Medical Bioinformatics, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Ming-an Sun
- Institute of Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009 Jiangsu, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonosis, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009 Jiangsu, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009 Jiangsu, China
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12
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Jing T, Wei D, Xu X, Wu C, Yuan L, Huang Y, Liu Y, Jiang Y, Wang B. Transposable elements-mediated recruitment of KDM1A epigenetically silences HNF4A expression to promote hepatocellular carcinoma. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5631. [PMID: 38965210 PMCID: PMC11224304 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49926-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Transposable elements (TEs) contribute to gene expression regulation by acting as cis-regulatory elements that attract transcription factors and epigenetic regulators. This research aims to explore the functional and clinical implications of transposable element-related molecular events in hepatocellular carcinoma, focusing on the mechanism through which liver-specific accessible TEs (liver-TEs) regulate adjacent gene expression. Our findings reveal that the expression of HNF4A is inversely regulated by proximate liver-TEs, which facilitates liver cancer cell proliferation. Mechanistically, liver-TEs are predominantly occupied by the histone demethylase, KDM1A. KDM1A negatively influences the methylation of histone H3 Lys4 (H3K4) of liver-TEs, resulting in the epigenetic silencing of HNF4A expression. The suppression of HNF4A mediated by KDM1A promotes liver cancer cell proliferation. In conclusion, this study uncovers a liver-TE/KDM1A/HNF4A regulatory axis that promotes liver cancer growth and highlights KDM1A as a promising therapeutic target. Our findings provide insight into the transposable element-related molecular mechanisms underlying liver cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiantian Jing
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Dianhui Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xiaoli Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Chengsi Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Lili Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yiwen Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yizhen Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Yanyi Jiang
- Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, China.
- University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China.
| | - Boshi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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13
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Liu Y, Kong J, Liu G, Li Z, Xiao Y. Precise Gene Knock-In Tools with Minimized Risk of DSBs: A Trend for Gene Manipulation. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2401797. [PMID: 38728624 PMCID: PMC11267366 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202401797] [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: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Gene knock-in refers to the insertion of exogenous functional genes into a target genome to achieve continuous expression. Currently, most knock-in tools are based on site-directed nucleases, which can induce double-strand breaks (DSBs) at the target, following which the designed donors carrying functional genes can be inserted via the endogenous gene repair pathway. The size of donor genes is limited by the characteristics of gene repair, and the DSBs induce risks like genotoxicity. New generation tools, such as prime editing, transposase, and integrase, can insert larger gene fragments while minimizing or eliminating the risk of DSBs, opening new avenues in the development of animal models and gene therapy. However, the elimination of off-target events and the production of delivery carriers with precise requirements remain challenging, restricting the application of the current knock-in treatments to mainly in vitro settings. Here, a comprehensive review of the knock-in tools that do not/minimally rely on DSBs and use other mechanisms is provided. Moreover, the challenges and recent advances of in vivo knock-in treatments in terms of the therapeutic process is discussed. Collectively, the new generation of DSBs-minimizing and large-fragment knock-in tools has revolutionized the field of gene editing, from basic research to clinical treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongfeng Liu
- Department of PharmacologySchool of PharmacyChina Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjing210009China
- State Key Laboratory of Natural MedicinesChina Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjing210009China
- Mudi Meng Honors CollegeChina Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjing210009China
| | - Jianping Kong
- Department of PharmacologySchool of PharmacyChina Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjing210009China
- State Key Laboratory of Natural MedicinesChina Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjing210009China
| | - Gongyu Liu
- Department of PharmacologySchool of PharmacyChina Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjing210009China
- State Key Laboratory of Natural MedicinesChina Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjing210009China
| | - Zhaoxing Li
- Department of PharmacologySchool of PharmacyChina Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjing210009China
- State Key Laboratory of Natural MedicinesChina Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjing210009China
- Chongqing Innovation Institute of China Pharmaceutical UniversityChongqing401135China
| | - Yibei Xiao
- Department of PharmacologySchool of PharmacyChina Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjing210009China
- State Key Laboratory of Natural MedicinesChina Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjing210009China
- Chongqing Innovation Institute of China Pharmaceutical UniversityChongqing401135China
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14
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Liang Y, Wang T. LINE1 mediates long-range DNA interactions. Nat Genet 2024; 56:1328-1330. [PMID: 38965415 DOI: 10.1038/s41588-024-01824-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Yonghao Liang
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
- Center for Genome Sciences and Systems Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Ting Wang
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA.
- Center for Genome Sciences and Systems Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA.
- McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA.
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15
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Van Arsdale A, Turker L, Chang YC, Gould J, Harmon B, Maggi EC, Meshcheryakova O, Brown MP, Luong D, Van Doorslaer K, Einstein MH, Kuo DYS, Zheng D, Haas BJ, Lenz J, Montagna C. Structure and transcription of integrated HPV DNA in vulvar carcinomas. NPJ Genom Med 2024; 9:35. [PMID: 38898085 PMCID: PMC11187145 DOI: 10.1038/s41525-024-00418-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
HPV infections are associated with a fraction of vulvar cancers. Through hybridization capture and DNA sequencing, HPV DNA was detected in five of thirteen vulvar cancers. HPV16 DNA was integrated into human DNA in three of the five. The insertions were in introns of human NCKAP1, C5orf67, and LRP1B. Integrations in NCKAP1 and C5orf67 were flanked by short direct repeats in the human DNA, consistent with HPV DNA insertions at sites of abortive, staggered, endonucleolytic incisions. The insertion in C5orf67 was present as a 36 kbp, human-HPV-hetero-catemeric DNA as either an extrachromosomal circle or a tandem repeat within the human genome. The human circularization/repeat junction was defined at single nucleotide resolution. The integrated viral DNA segments all retained an intact upstream regulatory region and the adjacent viral E6 and E7 oncogenes. RNA sequencing revealed that the only HPV genes consistently transcribed from the integrated viral DNAs were E7 and E6*I. The other two HPV DNA+ tumors had coinfections, but no evidence for integration. HPV-positive and HPV-negative vulvar cancers exhibited contrasting human, global gene expression patterns partially overlapping with previously observed differences between HPV-positive and HPV-negative cervical and oropharyngeal cancers. A substantial fraction of the differentially expressed genes involved immune system function. Thus, transcription and HPV DNA integration in vulvar cancers resemble those in other HPV-positive cancers. This study emphasizes the power of hybridization capture coupled with DNA and RNA sequencing to identify a broad spectrum of HPV types, determine human genome integration status of viral DNAs, and elucidate their structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Van Arsdale
- Department of Obstetrics Gynecology and Women's Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
| | - Lauren Turker
- Department of Obstetrics Gynecology and Women's Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
- Lankenau Medical Center, Wynnewood, PA, 19096, USA
| | - Yoke-Chen Chang
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, 195 Little Albany St., New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
| | - Joshua Gould
- Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
- Cellarity, Cambridge, MA, 02140, USA
| | - Bryan Harmon
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
| | - Elaine C Maggi
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
- Twist Biosciences, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Olga Meshcheryakova
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
| | - Maxwell P Brown
- Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
- Verve Therapeutics, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Dana Luong
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
| | - Koenraad Van Doorslaer
- School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
| | - Mark H Einstein
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, 07102, USA
| | - Dennis Y S Kuo
- Department of Obstetrics Gynecology and Women's Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
| | - Deyou Zheng
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
| | | | - Jack Lenz
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
| | - Cristina Montagna
- Department of Obstetrics Gynecology and Women's Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA.
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA.
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, 195 Little Albany St., New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA.
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16
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Wong EWP, Sahin M, Yang R, Lee U, Zhan YA, Misra R, Tomas F, Alomran N, Polyzos A, Lee CJ, Trieu T, Fundichely AM, Wiesner T, Rosowicz A, Cheng S, Liu C, Lallo M, Merghoub T, Hamard PJ, Koche R, Khurana E, Apostolou E, Zheng D, Chen Y, Leslie CS, Chi P. TAD hierarchy restricts poised LTR activation and loss of TAD hierarchy promotes LTR co-option in cancer. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.31.596845. [PMID: 38895201 PMCID: PMC11185511 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.31.596845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Transposable elements (TEs) are abundant in the human genome, and they provide the sources for genetic and functional diversity. The regulation of TEs expression and their functional consequences in physiological conditions and cancer development remain to be fully elucidated. Previous studies suggested TEs are repressed by DNA methylation and chromatin modifications. The effect of 3D chromatin topology on TE regulation remains elusive. Here, by integrating transcriptome and 3D genome architecture studies, we showed that haploinsufficient loss of NIPBL selectively activates alternative promoters at the long terminal repeats (LTRs) of the TE subclasses. This activation occurs through the reorganization of topologically associating domain (TAD) hierarchical structures and recruitment of proximal enhancers. These observations indicate that TAD hierarchy restricts transcriptional activation of LTRs that already possess open chromatin features. In cancer, perturbation of the hierarchical chromatin topology can lead to co-option of LTRs as functional alternative promoters in a context-dependent manner and drive aberrant transcriptional activation of novel oncogenes and other divergent transcripts. These data uncovered a new layer of regulatory mechanism of TE expression beyond DNA and chromatin modification in human genome. They also posit the TAD hierarchy dysregulation as a novel mechanism for alternative promoter-mediated oncogene activation and transcriptional diversity in cancer, which may be exploited therapeutically.
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17
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Lee AV, Nestler KA, Chiappinelli KB. Therapeutic targeting of DNA methylation alterations in cancer. Pharmacol Ther 2024; 258:108640. [PMID: 38570075 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2024.108640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
DNA methylation is a critical component of gene regulation and plays an important role in the development of cancer. Hypermethylation of tumor suppressor genes and silencing of DNA repair pathways facilitate uncontrolled cell growth and synergize with oncogenic mutations to perpetuate cancer phenotypes. Additionally, aberrant DNA methylation hinders immune responses crucial for antitumor immunity. Thus, inhibiting dysregulated DNA methylation is a promising cancer therapy. Pharmacologic inhibition of DNA methylation reactivates silenced tumor suppressors and bolster immune responses through induction of viral mimicry. Now, with the advent of immunotherapies and discovery of the immune-modulatory effects of DNA methylation inhibitors, there is great interest in understanding how targeting DNA methylation in combination with other therapies can enhance antitumor immunity. Here, we describe the role of aberrant DNA methylation in cancer and mechanisms by which it promotes tumorigenesis and modulates immune responses. Finally, we review the initial discoveries and ongoing efforts to target DNA methylation as a cancer therapeutic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail V Lee
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, & Tropical Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Kevin A Nestler
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, & Tropical Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Katherine B Chiappinelli
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, & Tropical Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
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18
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Terrazzan A, Vanini R, Ancona P, Bianchi N, Taccioli C, Aguiari G. State-of-the-art in transposable element modulation affected by drugs in malignant prostatic cancer cells. J Cell Biochem 2024; 125:e30557. [PMID: 38501160 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.30557] [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: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Over recent years, the investigation of transposable elements (TEs) has granted researchers a deeper comprehension of their characteristics and functions, particularly regarding their significance in the mechanisms contributing to cancer development. This manuscript focuses on prostate carcinoma cell lines and offers a comprehensive review intended to scrutinize the associations and interactions between TEs and genes, as well as their response to treatment using various chemical drugs, emphasizing their involvement in cancer progression. We assembled a compendium of articles retrieved from the PubMed database to construct networks demonstrating correlations with genes and pharmaceuticals. In doing so, we linked the transposition of certain TE types to the expression of specific transcripts directly implicated in carcinogenesis. Additionally, we underline that treatment employing different drugs revealed unique patterns of TE reactivation. Our hypothesis gathers the current understanding and guides research toward evidence-based investigations, emphasizing the association between antiviral drugs, chemotherapy, and the reduced expression of TEs in patients affected by prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Terrazzan
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Laboratory for Advanced Therapy Technologies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Riccardo Vanini
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Pietro Ancona
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Bianchi
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Cristian Taccioli
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health (MAPS), University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Gianluca Aguiari
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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19
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Lee KH, Kim J, Kim JH. 3D epigenomics and 3D epigenopathies. BMB Rep 2024; 57:216-231. [PMID: 38627948 PMCID: PMC11139681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Mammalian genomes are intricately compacted to form sophisticated 3-dimensional structures within the tiny nucleus, so called 3D genome folding. Despite their shapes reminiscent of an entangled yarn, the rapid development of molecular and next-generation sequencing technologies (NGS) has revealed that mammalian genomes are highly organized in a hierarchical order that delicately affects transcription activities. An increasing amount of evidence suggests that 3D genome folding is implicated in diseases, giving us a clue on how to identify novel therapeutic approaches. In this review, we will study what 3D genome folding means in epigenetics, what types of 3D genome structures there are, how they are formed, and how the technologies have developed to explore them. We will also discuss the pathological implications of 3D genome folding. Finally, we will discuss how to leverage 3D genome folding and engineering for future studies. [BMB Reports 2024; 57(5): 216-231].
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyung-Hwan Lee
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Jungyu Kim
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Ji Hun Kim
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, Korea
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20
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Zhao N, Lai C, Wang Y, Dai S, Gu H. Understanding the role of DNA methylation in colorectal cancer: Mechanisms, detection, and clinical significance. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2024; 1879:189096. [PMID: 38499079 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the deadliest malignancies worldwide, ranking third in incidence and second in mortality. Remarkably, early stage localized CRC has a 5-year survival rate of over 90%; in stark contrast, the corresponding 5-year survival rate for metastatic CRC (mCRC) is only 14%. Compounding this problem is the staggering lack of effective therapeutic strategies. Beyond genetic mutations, which have been identified as critical instigators of CRC initiation and progression, the importance of epigenetic modifications, particularly DNA methylation (DNAm), cannot be underestimated, given that DNAm can be used for diagnosis, treatment monitoring and prognostic evaluation. This review addresses the intricate mechanisms governing aberrant DNAm in CRC and its profound impact on critical oncogenic pathways. In addition, a comprehensive review of the various techniques used to detect DNAm alterations in CRC is provided, along with an exploration of the clinical utility of cancer-specific DNAm alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ningning Zhao
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei 230031, China; Hefei Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei 230031, China
| | - Chuanxi Lai
- Division of Colorectal Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, China
| | - Yunfei Wang
- Zhejiang ShengTing Biotech. Ltd, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Sheng Dai
- Division of Colorectal Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, China.
| | - Hongcang Gu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei 230031, China; Hefei Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei 230031, China.
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21
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Janecki DM, Sen R, Szóstak N, Kajdasz A, Kordyś M, Plawgo K, Pandakov D, Philips A, Warkocki Z. LINE-1 mRNA 3' end dynamics shape its biology and retrotransposition potential. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:3327-3345. [PMID: 38197223 PMCID: PMC11014359 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad1251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
LINE-1 (L1) retrotransposons are mobile genetic elements that create new genomic insertions by a copy-paste mechanism involving L1 RNA/RNP intermediates. L1 encodes two ORFs, of which L1-ORF2p nicks genomic DNA and reverse transcribes L1 mRNA using the nicked DNA as a primer which base-pairs with poly(A) tail of L1 mRNA. To better understand the importance of non-templated L1 3' ends' dynamics and the interplay between L1 3' and 5' ends, we investigated the effects of genomic knock-outs and temporal knock-downs of XRN1, DCP2, and other factors. We hypothesized that in the absence of XRN1, the major 5'→3' exoribonuclease, there would be more L1 mRNA and retrotransposition. Conversely, we observed that loss of XRN1 decreased L1 retrotransposition. This occurred despite slight stabilization of L1 mRNA, but with decreased L1 RNP formation. Similarly, loss of DCP2, the catalytic subunit of the decapping complex, lowered retrotransposition despite increased steady-state levels of L1 proteins. In both XRN1 and DCP2 depletions we observed shortening of L1 3' poly(A) tails and their increased uridylation by TUT4/7. We explain the observed reduction of L1 retrotransposition by the changed qualities of non-templated L1 mRNA 3' ends demonstrating the important role of L1 3' end dynamics in L1 biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damian M Janecki
- Department of RNA Metabolism, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Raneet Sen
- Department of RNA Metabolism, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Natalia Szóstak
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Arkadiusz Kajdasz
- Department of RNA Metabolism, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Martyna Kordyś
- Department of RNA Metabolism, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Kinga Plawgo
- Department of RNA Metabolism, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Dmytro Pandakov
- Department of RNA Metabolism, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Anna Philips
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Zbigniew Warkocki
- Department of RNA Metabolism, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
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22
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Henriques WS, Young JM, Nemudryi A, Nemudraia A, Wiedenheft B, Malik HS. The Diverse Evolutionary Histories of Domesticated Metaviral Capsid Genes in Mammals. Mol Biol Evol 2024; 41:msae061. [PMID: 38507667 PMCID: PMC11011659 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msae061] [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: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Selfish genetic elements comprise significant fractions of mammalian genomes. In rare instances, host genomes domesticate segments of these elements for function. Using a complete human genome assembly and 25 additional vertebrate genomes, we re-analyzed the evolutionary trajectories and functional potential of capsid (CA) genes domesticated from Metaviridae, a lineage of retrovirus-like retrotransposons. Our study expands on previous analyses to unearth several new insights about the evolutionary histories of these ancient genes. We find that at least five independent domestication events occurred from diverse Metaviridae, giving rise to three universally retained single-copy genes evolving under purifying selection and two gene families unique to placental mammals, with multiple members showing evidence of rapid evolution. In the SIRH/RTL family, we find diverse amino-terminal domains, widespread loss of protein-coding capacity in RTL10 despite its retention in several mammalian lineages, and differential utilization of an ancient programmed ribosomal frameshift in RTL3 between the domesticated CA and protease domains. Our analyses also reveal that most members of the PNMA family in mammalian genomes encode a conserved putative amino-terminal RNA-binding domain (RBD) both adjoining and independent from domesticated CA domains. Our analyses lead to a significant correction of previous annotations of the essential CCDC8 gene. We show that this putative RBD is also present in several extant Metaviridae, revealing a novel protein domain configuration in retrotransposons. Collectively, our study reveals the divergent outcomes of multiple domestication events from diverse Metaviridae in the common ancestor of placental mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- William S Henriques
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA
| | - Janet M Young
- Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Artem Nemudryi
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA
| | - Anna Nemudraia
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA
| | - Blake Wiedenheft
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA
| | - Harmit S Malik
- Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
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23
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Oomen ME, Torres-Padilla ME. Jump-starting life: balancing transposable element co-option and genome integrity in the developing mammalian embryo. EMBO Rep 2024; 25:1721-1733. [PMID: 38528171 PMCID: PMC11015026 DOI: 10.1038/s44319-024-00118-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Remnants of transposable elements (TEs) are widely expressed throughout mammalian embryo development. Originally infesting our genomes as selfish elements and acting as a source of genome instability, several of these elements have been co-opted as part of a complex system of genome regulation. Many TEs have lost transposition ability and their transcriptional potential has been tampered as a result of interactions with the host throughout evolutionary time. It has been proposed that TEs have been ultimately repurposed to function as gene regulatory hubs scattered throughout our genomes. In the early embryo in particular, TEs find a perfect environment of naïve chromatin to escape transcriptional repression by the host. As a consequence, it is thought that hosts found ways to co-opt TE sequences to regulate large-scale changes in chromatin and transcription state of their genomes. In this review, we discuss several examples of TEs expressed during embryo development, their potential for co-option in genome regulation and the evolutionary pressures on TEs and on our genomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlies E Oomen
- Institute of Epigenetics and Stem Cells, Helmholtz Zentrum München, München, Germany
| | - Maria-Elena Torres-Padilla
- Institute of Epigenetics and Stem Cells, Helmholtz Zentrum München, München, Germany.
- Faculty of Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians Universität, München, Germany.
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24
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Zhao H, Liu LL, Sun J, Jin L, Xie HB, Li JB, Xu H, Wu DD, Zhuang XL, Peng MS, Guo YJ, Qian WZ, Otecko NO, Sun WJ, Qu LH, He J, Chen ZL, Liu R, Chen CS, Zhang YP. A human-specific insertion promotes cell proliferation and migration by enhancing TBC1D8B expression. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2024; 67:765-777. [PMID: 38110796 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-023-2442-3] [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: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
Human-specific insertions play important roles in human phenotypes and diseases. Here we reported a 446-bp insertion (Insert-446) in intron 11 of the TBC1D8B gene, located on chromosome X, and traced its origin to a portion of intron 6 of the EBF1 gene on chromosome 5. Interestingly, Insert-446 was present in the human Neanderthal and Denisovans genomes, and was fixed in humans after human-chimpanzee divergence. We have demonstrated that Insert-446 acts as an enhancer through binding transcript factors that promotes a higher expression of human TBC1D8B gene as compared with orthologs in macaques. In addition, over-expression TBC1D8B promoted cell proliferation and migration through "a dual finger" catalytic mechanism (Arg538 and Gln573) in the TBC domain in vitro and knockdown of TBC1D8B attenuated tumorigenesis in vivo. Knockout of Insert-446 prevented cell proliferation and migration in cancer and normal cells. Our results reveal that the human-specific Insert-446 promotes cell proliferation and migration by upregulating the expression of TBC1D8B gene. These findings provide a significant insight into the effects of human-specific insertions on evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Zhao
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-resource, School of Life Sciences, School of Ecology and Environmental Science, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, China.
| | - Lin-Lin Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-resource, School of Life Sciences, School of Ecology and Environmental Science, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, China
- School of Forensic Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Jian Sun
- The Third Affiliated Hospital, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650118, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China
| | - Lian Jin
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-resource, School of Life Sciences, School of Ecology and Environmental Science, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, China
| | - Hai-Bing Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Yunnan Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Domestic Animals, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China
| | - Jian-Bo Li
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Yunnan Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Domestic Animals, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China
| | - Hui Xu
- The Key Laboratory of Gene Engineering of the Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory for Biocontrol, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Dong-Dong Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Yunnan Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Domestic Animals, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China
| | - Xiao-Lin Zhuang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Yunnan Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Domestic Animals, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China
| | - Min-Sheng Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Yunnan Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Domestic Animals, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China
| | - Ya-Jun Guo
- National Engineering Research Center for Antibody Medicine and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Cell Engineering and Antibody, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Wei-Zhu Qian
- National Engineering Research Center for Antibody Medicine and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Cell Engineering and Antibody, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Newton O Otecko
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Yunnan Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Domestic Animals, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China
| | - Wei-Jie Sun
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-resource, School of Life Sciences, School of Ecology and Environmental Science, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, China
| | - Liang-Hu Qu
- The Key Laboratory of Gene Engineering of the Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory for Biocontrol, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Jie He
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Cancer Institute and Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Zhao-Li Chen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Cancer Institute and Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Rong Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China
| | - Ce-Shi Chen
- Academy of Biomedical Engineering, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, China.
- The Third Affiliated Hospital, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650118, China.
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China.
| | - Ya-Ping Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-resource, School of Life Sciences, School of Ecology and Environmental Science, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Yunnan Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Domestic Animals, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China.
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25
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Lee M, Ahmad SF, Xu J. Regulation and function of transposable elements in cancer genomes. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:157. [PMID: 38556602 PMCID: PMC10982106 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05195-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Over half of human genomic DNA is composed of repetitive sequences generated throughout evolution by prolific mobile genetic parasites called transposable elements (TEs). Long disregarded as "junk" or "selfish" DNA, TEs are increasingly recognized as formative elements in genome evolution, wired intimately into the structure and function of the human genome. Advances in sequencing technologies and computational methods have ushered in an era of unprecedented insight into how TE activity impacts human biology in health and disease. Here we discuss the current views on how TEs have shaped the regulatory landscape of the human genome, how TE activity is implicated in human cancers, and how recent findings motivate novel strategies to leverage TE activity for improved cancer therapy. Given the crucial role of methodological advances in TE biology, we pair our conceptual discussions with an in-depth review of the inherent technical challenges in studying repeats, specifically related to structural variation, expression analyses, and chromatin regulation. Lastly, we provide a catalog of existing and emerging assays and bioinformatic software that altogether are enabling the most sophisticated and comprehensive investigations yet into the regulation and function of interspersed repeats in cancer genomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Medical Center Research Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 6000 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX, 75390, USA.
| | - Syed Farhan Ahmad
- Department of Pathology, Center of Excellence for Leukemia Studies, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place - MS 345, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Jian Xu
- Department of Pathology, Center of Excellence for Leukemia Studies, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place - MS 345, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA.
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26
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Salinas-Pena M, Serna-Pujol N, Jordan A. Genomic profiling of six human somatic histone H1 variants denotes that H1X accumulates at recently incorporated transposable elements. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:1793-1813. [PMID: 38261975 PMCID: PMC10899769 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Histone H1, a vital component in chromatin structure, binds to linker DNA and regulates nuclear processes. We have investigated the distribution of histone H1 variants in a breast cancer cell line using ChIP-Seq. Two major groups of variants are identified: H1.2, H1.3, H1.5 and H1.0 are abundant in low GC regions (B compartment), while H1.4 and H1X preferentially localize in high GC regions (A compartment). Examining their abundance within transposable elements (TEs) reveals that H1X and H1.4 are enriched in recently-incorporated TEs (SVA and SINE-Alu), while H1.0/H1.2/H1.3/H1.5 are more abundant in older elements. Notably, H1X is particularly enriched in SVA families, while H1.4 shows the highest abundance in young AluY elements. Although low GC variants are generally enriched in LINE, LTR and DNA repeats, H1X and H1.4 are also abundant in a subset of recent LINE-L1 and LTR repeats. H1X enrichment at SVA and Alu is consistent across multiple cell lines. Further, H1X depletion leads to TE derepression, suggesting its role in maintaining TE repression. Overall, this study provides novel insights into the differential distribution of histone H1 variants among repetitive elements, highlighting the potential involvement of H1X in repressing TEs recently incorporated within the human genome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mónica Salinas-Pena
- Molecular Biology Institute of Barcelona (IBMB-CSIC), Department of Structural and Molecular Biology, Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | - Núria Serna-Pujol
- Molecular Biology Institute of Barcelona (IBMB-CSIC), Department of Structural and Molecular Biology, Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | - Albert Jordan
- Molecular Biology Institute of Barcelona (IBMB-CSIC), Department of Structural and Molecular Biology, Barcelona 08028, Spain
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27
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Le Breton A, Bettencourt MP, Gendrel AV. Navigating the brain and aging: exploring the impact of transposable elements from health to disease. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1357576. [PMID: 38476259 PMCID: PMC10927736 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1357576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Transposable elements (TEs) are mobile genetic elements that constitute on average 45% of mammalian genomes. Their presence and activity in genomes represent a major source of genetic variability. While this is an important driver of genome evolution, TEs can also have deleterious effects on their hosts. A growing number of studies have focused on the role of TEs in the brain, both in physiological and pathological contexts. In the brain, their activity is believed to be important for neuronal plasticity. In neurological and age-related disorders, aberrant activity of TEs may contribute to disease etiology, although this remains unclear. After providing a comprehensive overview of transposable elements and their interactions with the host, this review summarizes the current understanding of TE activity within the brain, during the aging process, and in the context of neurological and age-related conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Anne-Valerie Gendrel
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
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28
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Lanciano S, Philippe C, Sarkar A, Pratella D, Domrane C, Doucet AJ, van Essen D, Saccani S, Ferry L, Defossez PA, Cristofari G. Locus-level L1 DNA methylation profiling reveals the epigenetic and transcriptional interplay between L1s and their integration sites. CELL GENOMICS 2024; 4:100498. [PMID: 38309261 PMCID: PMC10879037 DOI: 10.1016/j.xgen.2024.100498] [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: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
Long interspersed element 1 (L1) retrotransposons are implicated in human disease and evolution. Their global activity is repressed by DNA methylation, but deciphering the regulation of individual copies has been challenging. Here, we combine short- and long-read sequencing to unveil L1 methylation heterogeneity across cell types, families, and individual loci and elucidate key principles involved. We find that the youngest primate L1 families are specifically hypomethylated in pluripotent stem cells and the placenta but not in most tumors. Locally, intronic L1 methylation is intimately associated with gene transcription. Conversely, the L1 methylation state can propagate to the proximal region up to 300 bp. This phenomenon is accompanied by the binding of specific transcription factors, which drive the expression of L1 and chimeric transcripts. Finally, L1 hypomethylation alone is typically insufficient to trigger L1 expression due to redundant silencing pathways. Our results illuminate the epigenetic and transcriptional interplay between retrotransposons and their host genome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Lanciano
- University Cote d'Azur, INSERM, CNRS, Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging of Nice (IRCAN), Nice, France
| | - Claude Philippe
- University Cote d'Azur, INSERM, CNRS, Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging of Nice (IRCAN), Nice, France
| | - Arpita Sarkar
- University Cote d'Azur, INSERM, CNRS, Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging of Nice (IRCAN), Nice, France
| | - David Pratella
- University Cote d'Azur, INSERM, CNRS, Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging of Nice (IRCAN), Nice, France
| | - Cécilia Domrane
- University Paris Cité, CNRS, Epigenetics and Cell Fate, Paris, France
| | - Aurélien J Doucet
- University Cote d'Azur, INSERM, CNRS, Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging of Nice (IRCAN), Nice, France
| | - Dominic van Essen
- University Cote d'Azur, INSERM, CNRS, Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging of Nice (IRCAN), Nice, France
| | - Simona Saccani
- University Cote d'Azur, INSERM, CNRS, Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging of Nice (IRCAN), Nice, France
| | - Laure Ferry
- University Paris Cité, CNRS, Epigenetics and Cell Fate, Paris, France
| | | | - Gael Cristofari
- University Cote d'Azur, INSERM, CNRS, Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging of Nice (IRCAN), Nice, France.
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29
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Yun HM, Hyun B, Song X, Hyun S. Piwi expressed in Drosophila adipose tissues regulates systemic IGF signaling and growth via IGF-binding protein. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 695:149495. [PMID: 38211532 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.149495] [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: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Piwi and its partner, Piwi-interacting RNA (piRNA), are pivotal in suppressing the harmful effects of transposable elements (TEs) linked to genomic insertional mutagenesis. While primarily active in Drosophila's adult gonadal tissues, causing sterility in its absence, Piwi's role in post-embryonic development remains unclear. Our study reveals Piwi's functional presence in the larval fat body, where it governs developmental growth through systemic insulin/insulin-like growth factor (IGF) signaling (IIS). Piwi knockdown in the fat body resulted in dysregulated TE expression, reduced developmental rate and body growth, and diminished systemic IIS activity. Notably, Piwi knockdown increased Imaginal Morphogenic Protein Late 2 (Imp-L2) expression, akin to insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 7 (IGFBP7), reducing systemic IIS and inhibiting body growth. This unveils a novel role for Piwi in larval adipose tissues, emphasizing its importance in regulating systemic IIS and overall organismal growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Myoung Yun
- Department of Life Science, Chung-Ang University, Heukseok-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, 06974, Republic of Korea
| | - Bom Hyun
- Department of Life Science, Chung-Ang University, Heukseok-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, 06974, Republic of Korea
| | - Xinge Song
- Department of Life Science, Chung-Ang University, Heukseok-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, 06974, Republic of Korea
| | - Seogang Hyun
- Department of Life Science, Chung-Ang University, Heukseok-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, 06974, Republic of Korea.
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30
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Liang Y, Qu X, Shah NM, Wang T. Towards targeting transposable elements for cancer therapy. Nat Rev Cancer 2024; 24:123-140. [PMID: 38228901 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-023-00653-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Transposable elements (TEs) represent almost half of the human genome. Historically deemed 'junk DNA', recent technological advancements have stimulated a wave of research into the functional impact of TEs on gene-regulatory networks in evolution and development, as well as in diseases including cancer. The genetic and epigenetic evolution of cancer involves the exploitation of TEs, whereby TEs contribute directly to cancer-specific gene activities. This Review provides a perspective on the role of TEs in cancer as being a 'double-edged sword', both promoting cancer evolution and representing a vulnerability that could be exploited in cancer therapy. We discuss how TEs affect transcriptome regulation and other cellular processes in cancer. We highlight the potential of TEs as therapeutic targets for cancer. We also summarize technical hurdles in the characterization of TEs with genomic assays. Last, we outline open questions and exciting future research avenues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonghao Liang
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
- Center for Genome Sciences and Systems Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Xuan Qu
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
- Center for Genome Sciences and Systems Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Nakul M Shah
- Division of Cancer Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ting Wang
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA.
- Center for Genome Sciences and Systems Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA.
- McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA.
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31
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Pugacheva EM, Bhatt DN, Rivero-Hinojosa S, Tajmul M, Fedida L, Price E, Ji Y, Loukinov D, Strunnikov AV, Ren B, Lobanenkov VV. BORIS/CTCFL epigenetically reprograms clustered CTCF binding sites into alternative transcriptional start sites. Genome Biol 2024; 25:40. [PMID: 38297316 PMCID: PMC10832218 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-024-03175-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pervasive usage of alternative promoters leads to the deregulation of gene expression in carcinogenesis and may drive the emergence of new genes in spermatogenesis. However, little is known regarding the mechanisms underpinning the activation of alternative promoters. RESULTS Here we describe how alternative cancer-testis-specific transcription is activated. We show that intergenic and intronic CTCF binding sites, which are transcriptionally inert in normal somatic cells, could be epigenetically reprogrammed into active de novo promoters in germ and cancer cells. BORIS/CTCFL, the testis-specific paralog of the ubiquitously expressed CTCF, triggers the epigenetic reprogramming of CTCF sites into units of active transcription. BORIS binding initiates the recruitment of the chromatin remodeling factor, SRCAP, followed by the replacement of H2A histone with H2A.Z, resulting in a more relaxed chromatin state in the nucleosomes flanking the CTCF binding sites. The relaxation of chromatin around CTCF binding sites facilitates the recruitment of multiple additional transcription factors, thereby activating transcription from a given binding site. We demonstrate that the epigenetically reprogrammed CTCF binding sites can drive the expression of cancer-testis genes, long noncoding RNAs, retro-pseudogenes, and dormant transposable elements. CONCLUSIONS Thus, BORIS functions as a transcription factor that epigenetically reprograms clustered CTCF binding sites into transcriptional start sites, promoting transcription from alternative promoters in both germ cells and cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena M Pugacheva
- Molecular Pathology Section, Laboratory of Immunogenetics, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
| | - Dharmendra Nath Bhatt
- Molecular Pathology Section, Laboratory of Immunogenetics, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Samuel Rivero-Hinojosa
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children's National Research Institute, Washington, DC, 20010, USA
| | - Md Tajmul
- Molecular Pathology Section, Laboratory of Immunogenetics, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Liron Fedida
- Molecular Pathology Section, Laboratory of Immunogenetics, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Emma Price
- Molecular Pathology Section, Laboratory of Immunogenetics, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Yon Ji
- Molecular Pathology Section, Laboratory of Immunogenetics, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Dmitri Loukinov
- Molecular Pathology Section, Laboratory of Immunogenetics, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Alexander V Strunnikov
- Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Molecular Epigenetics Laboratory, 190 Kai Yuan Avenue, Science Park, Guangzhou, 510530, China
| | - Bing Ren
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Center for Epigenomics, Moores Cancer Center and Institute of Genomic Medicine, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0653, USA
| | - Victor V Lobanenkov
- Molecular Pathology Section, Laboratory of Immunogenetics, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
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32
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Farahmandnejad M, Mosaddeghi P, Dorvash M, Sakhteman A, Negahdaripour M, Faridi P. Correlation of Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cell Expansion with Upregulated Transposable Elements in Severe COVID-19 Unveiled in Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Reanalysis. Biomedicines 2024; 12:315. [PMID: 38397917 PMCID: PMC10887269 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12020315] [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: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Some studies have investigated the potential role of transposable elements (TEs) in COVID-19 pathogenesis and complications. However, to the best of our knowledge, there is no study to examine the possible association of TE expression in cell functions and its potential role in COVID-19 immune response at the single-cell level. In this study, we reanalyzed single-cell RNA seq data of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) samples obtained from six severe COVID-19 patients and three healthy donors to assess the probable correlation of TE expression with the immune responses induced by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) in COVID-19 patients. Our findings indicate that the expansion of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) may be a characteristic feature of COVID-19. Additionally, a significant increase in TE expression in MDSCs was observed. This upregulation of TEs in COVID-19 may be linked to the adaptability of these cells in response to their microenvironments. Furthermore, it appears that the identification of overexpressed TEs by pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) in MDSCs may enhance the suppressive capacity of these cells. Thus, this study emphasizes the crucial role of TEs in the functionality of MDSCs during COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitra Farahmandnejad
- Quality Control of Drug Products Department, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 71348-14336, Iran;
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 71348-14336, Iran
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 71348-14336, Iran
| | - Pouria Mosaddeghi
- Medicinal Plants Processing Research Center, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Science, Shiraz 71348-14336, Iran;
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 71348-14336, Iran
| | - Mohammadreza Dorvash
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia;
| | - Amirhossein Sakhteman
- Proteomics and Bioanalytics, Department of Molecular Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, 80333 Munich, Germany;
| | - Manica Negahdaripour
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 71348-14336, Iran
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 71348-14336, Iran
| | - Pouya Faridi
- Monash Proteomics and Metabolomics Platform, Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
- Centre for Cancer Research, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
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33
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Sadeq S, Chitcharoen S, Al-Hashimi S, Rattanaburi S, Casement J, Werner A. Significant Variations in Double-Stranded RNA Levels in Cultured Skin Cells. Cells 2024; 13:226. [PMID: 38334619 PMCID: PMC10854852 DOI: 10.3390/cells13030226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Endogenous double-stranded RNA has emerged as a potent stimulator of innate immunity. Under physiological conditions, endogenous dsRNA is maintained in the cell nucleus or the mitochondria; however, if protective mechanisms are breached, it leaches into the cytoplasm and triggers immune signaling pathways. Ectopic activation of innate immune pathways is associated with various diseases and senescence and can trigger apoptosis. Hereby, the level of cytoplasmic dsRNA is crucial. We have enriched dsRNA from two melanoma cell lines and primary dermal fibroblasts, including a competing probe, and analyzed the dsRNA transcriptome using RNA sequencing. There was a striking difference in read counts between the cell lines and the primary cells, and the effect was confirmed by northern blotting and immunocytochemistry. Both mitochondria (10-20%) and nuclear transcription (80-90%) contributed significantly to the dsRNA transcriptome. The mitochondrial contribution was lower in the cancer cells compared to fibroblasts. The expression of different transposable element families was comparable, suggesting a general up-regulation of transposable element expression rather than stimulation of a specific sub-family. Sequencing of the input control revealed minor differences in dsRNA processing pathways with an upregulation of oligoadenylate synthase and RNP125 that negatively regulates the dsRNA sensors RIG1 and MDA5. Moreover, RT-qPCR, Western blotting, and immunocytochemistry confirmed the relatively minor adaptations to the hugely different dsRNA levels. As a consequence, these transformed cell lines are potentially less tolerant to interventions that increase the formation of endogenous dsRNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaymaa Sadeq
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK; (S.S.); (S.A.-H.)
- Fallujah College of Medicine, University of Fallujah, Al-Fallujah 31002, Iraq
| | - Suwalak Chitcharoen
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand;
- Center of Excellence in Systems Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand;
| | - Surar Al-Hashimi
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK; (S.S.); (S.A.-H.)
- College of Medicine, University of Misan, Al-Sader Teaching Hospital, Amarah 62001, Iraq
| | - Somruthai Rattanaburi
- Center of Excellence in Systems Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand;
| | - John Casement
- Bioinformatics Support Unit, Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK;
| | - Andreas Werner
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK; (S.S.); (S.A.-H.)
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Peters L, Venkatachalam A, Ben-Neriah Y. Tissue-Predisposition to Cancer Driver Mutations. Cells 2024; 13:106. [PMID: 38247798 PMCID: PMC10814991 DOI: 10.3390/cells13020106] [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: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Driver mutations are considered the cornerstone of cancer initiation. They are defined as mutations that convey a competitive fitness advantage, and hence, their mutation frequency in premalignant tissue is expected to exceed the basal mutation rate. In old terms, that translates to "the survival of the fittest" and implies that a selective process underlies the frequency of cancer driver mutations. In that sense, each tissue is its own niche that creates a molecular selective pressure that may favor the propagation of a mutation or not. At the heart of this stands one of the biggest riddles in cancer biology: the tissue-predisposition to cancer driver mutations. The frequency of cancer driver mutations among tissues is non-uniform: for instance, mutations in APC are particularly frequent in colorectal cancer, and 99% of chronic myeloid leukemia patients harbor the driver BCR-ABL1 fusion mutation, which is rarely found in solid tumors. Here, we provide a mechanistic framework that aims to explain how tissue-specific features, ranging from epigenetic underpinnings to the expression of viral transposable elements, establish a molecular basis for selecting cancer driver mutations in a tissue-specific manner.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yinon Ben-Neriah
- Lautenberg Center for Immunology and Cancer Research, Institute for Medical Research (IMRIC), The Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, P.O. Box 12272, Jerusalem 91120, Israel; (L.P.); (A.V.)
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35
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Baba Y, Yasuda N, Bundo M, Nakachi Y, Ueda J, Ishimoto T, Iwatsuki M, Miyamoto Y, Yoshida N, Oshiumi H, Iwamoto K, Baba H. LINE-1 hypomethylation, increased retrotransposition and tumor-specific insertion in upper gastrointestinal cancer. Cancer Sci 2024; 115:247-256. [PMID: 38013627 PMCID: PMC10823286 DOI: 10.1111/cas.16007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The long interspersed nuclear element-1 (LINE-1) retrotransposons are a major family of mobile genetic elements, comprising approximately 17% of the human genome. The methylation state of LINE-1 is often used as an indicator of global DNA methylation levels and it regulates the retrotransposition and somatic insertion of the genetic element. We have previously reported the significant relationship between LINE-1 hypomethylation and poor prognosis in upper gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. However, the causal relationships between LINE-1 hypomethylation, retrotransposition, and tumor-specific insertion in upper GI cancers remain unknown. We used bisulfite-pyrosequencing and quantitative real-time PCR to verify LINE-1 methylation and copy number in tissue samples of 101 patients with esophageal and 103 patients with gastric cancer. Furthermore, we analyzed the LINE-1 retrotransposition profile with an originally developed L1Hs-seq. In tumor samples, LINE-1 methylation levels were significantly lower than non-tumor controls, while LINE-1 copy numbers were markedly increased. As such, there was a significant inverse correlation between the LINE-1 methylation level and copy number in tumor tissues, with lower LINE-1 methylation levels corresponding to higher LINE-1 copy numbers. Of particular importance is that somatic LINE-1 insertions were more numerous in tumor than normal tissues. Furthermore, we observed that LINE-1 was inserted evenly across all chromosomes, and most often within genomic regions associated with tumor-suppressive genes. LINE-1 hypomethylation in upper GI cancers is related to increased LINE-1 retrotransposition and tumor-specific insertion events, which may collectively contribute to the acquisition of aggressive tumor features through the inactivation of tumor-suppressive genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshifumi Baba
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical ScienceKumamoto UniversityKumamotoJapan
- Department of Next‐Generation Surgical Therapy DevelopmentKumamoto University HospitalKumamotoJapan
| | - Noriko Yasuda
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical ScienceKumamoto UniversityKumamotoJapan
| | - Miki Bundo
- Department of Molecular Brain Science, Graduate School of Medical SciencesKumamoto UniversityKumamotoJapan
| | - Yutaka Nakachi
- Department of Molecular Brain Science, Graduate School of Medical SciencesKumamoto UniversityKumamotoJapan
| | - Junko Ueda
- Department of Molecular Brain Science, Graduate School of Medical SciencesKumamoto UniversityKumamotoJapan
| | - Takatsugu Ishimoto
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical ScienceKumamoto UniversityKumamotoJapan
| | - Masaaki Iwatsuki
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical ScienceKumamoto UniversityKumamotoJapan
| | - Yuji Miyamoto
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical ScienceKumamoto UniversityKumamotoJapan
| | - Naoya Yoshida
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical ScienceKumamoto UniversityKumamotoJapan
| | - Hiroyuki Oshiumi
- Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Life SciencesKumamoto UniversityKumamotoJapan
| | - Kazuya Iwamoto
- Department of Molecular Brain Science, Graduate School of Medical SciencesKumamoto UniversityKumamotoJapan
| | - Hideo Baba
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical ScienceKumamoto UniversityKumamotoJapan
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Liu X, Chen M, Qu X, Liu W, Dou Y, Liu Q, Shi D, Jiang M, Li H. Cis-Regulatory Elements in Mammals. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:343. [PMID: 38203513 PMCID: PMC10779164 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
In cis-regulatory elements, enhancers and promoters with complex molecular interactions are used to coordinate gene transcription through physical proximity and chemical modifications. These processes subsequently influence the phenotypic characteristics of an organism. An in-depth exploration of enhancers and promoters can substantially enhance our understanding of gene regulatory networks, shedding new light on mammalian development, evolution and disease pathways. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the intrinsic structural attributes, detection methodologies as well as the operational mechanisms of enhancers and promoters, coupled with the relevant novel and innovative investigative techniques used to explore their actions. We further elucidated the state-of-the-art research on the roles of enhancers and promoters in the realms of mammalian development, evolution and disease, and we conclude with forward-looking insights into prospective research avenues.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Mingsheng Jiang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding, Disease Control and Prevention, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530005, China
| | - Hui Li
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding, Disease Control and Prevention, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530005, China
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Mendez-Dorantes C, Burns KH. LINE-1 retrotransposition and its deregulation in cancers: implications for therapeutic opportunities. Genes Dev 2023; 37:948-967. [PMID: 38092519 PMCID: PMC10760644 DOI: 10.1101/gad.351051.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
Long interspersed element 1 (LINE-1) is the only protein-coding transposon that is active in humans. LINE-1 propagates in the genome using RNA intermediates via retrotransposition. This activity has resulted in LINE-1 sequences occupying approximately one-fifth of our genome. Although most copies of LINE-1 are immobile, ∼100 copies are retrotransposition-competent. Retrotransposition is normally limited via epigenetic silencing, DNA repair, and other host defense mechanisms. In contrast, LINE-1 overexpression and retrotransposition are hallmarks of cancers. Here, we review mechanisms of LINE-1 regulation and how LINE-1 may promote genetic heterogeneity in tumors. Finally, we discuss therapeutic strategies to exploit LINE-1 biology in cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Mendez-Dorantes
- Department of Pathology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA;
- Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, USA
| | - Kathleen H Burns
- Department of Pathology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA;
- Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, USA
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Vrljicak P, Lucas ES, Tryfonos M, Muter J, Ott S, Brosens JJ. Dynamic chromatin remodeling in cycling human endometrium at single-cell level. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113525. [PMID: 38060448 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Estrogen-dependent proliferation followed by progesterone-dependent differentiation of the endometrium culminates in a short implantation window. We performed single-cell assay for transposase-accessible chromatin with sequencing on endometrial samples obtained across the menstrual cycle to investigate the regulation of temporal gene networks that control embryo implantation. We identify uniquely accessible chromatin regions in all major cellular constituents of the endometrium, delineate temporal patterns of coordinated chromatin remodeling in epithelial and stromal cells, and gain mechanistic insights into the emergence of a receptive state through integrated analysis of enriched transcription factor (TF) binding sites in dynamic chromatin regions, chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing analyses, and gene expression data. We demonstrate that the implantation window coincides with pervasive cooption of transposable elements (TEs) into the regulatory chromatin landscape of decidualizing cells and expression of TE-derived transcripts in a spatially defined manner. Our data constitute a comprehensive map of the chromatin changes that control TF activities in a cycling endometrium at cellular resolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavle Vrljicak
- Warwick Medical School, Division of Biomedical Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK; The Zeeman Institute for Systems Biology and Infectious Disease Epidemiology Research (SBIDER), University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Emma S Lucas
- Warwick Medical School, Division of Biomedical Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK
| | - Maria Tryfonos
- Warwick Medical School, Division of Biomedical Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK
| | - Joanne Muter
- Warwick Medical School, Division of Biomedical Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK; Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK
| | - Sascha Ott
- Warwick Medical School, Division of Biomedical Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK; The Zeeman Institute for Systems Biology and Infectious Disease Epidemiology Research (SBIDER), University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Jan J Brosens
- Warwick Medical School, Division of Biomedical Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK; Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK.
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Taylor MS, Wu C, Fridy PC, Zhang SJ, Senussi Y, Wolters JC, Cajuso T, Cheng WC, Heaps JD, Miller BD, Mori K, Cohen L, Jiang H, Molloy KR, Chait BT, Goggins MG, Bhan I, Franses JW, Yang X, Taplin ME, Wang X, Christiani DC, Johnson BE, Meyerson M, Uppaluri R, Egloff AM, Denault EN, Spring LM, Wang TL, Shih IM, Fairman JE, Jung E, Arora KS, Yilmaz OH, Cohen S, Sharova T, Chi G, Norden BL, Song Y, Nieman LT, Pappas L, Parikh AR, Strickland MR, Corcoran RB, Mustelin T, Eng G, Yilmaz ÖH, Matulonis UA, Chan AT, Skates SJ, Rueda BR, Drapkin R, Klempner SJ, Deshpande V, Ting DT, Rout MP, LaCava J, Walt DR, Burns KH. Ultrasensitive Detection of Circulating LINE-1 ORF1p as a Specific Multicancer Biomarker. Cancer Discov 2023; 13:2532-2547. [PMID: 37698949 PMCID: PMC10773488 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-23-0313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
Improved biomarkers are needed for early cancer detection, risk stratification, treatment selection, and monitoring treatment response. Although proteins can be useful blood-based biomarkers, many have limited sensitivity or specificity for these applications. Long INterspersed Element-1 (LINE-1) open reading frame 1 protein (ORF1p) is a transposable element protein overexpressed in carcinomas and high-risk precursors during carcinogenesis with negligible expression in normal tissues, suggesting ORF1p could be a highly specific cancer biomarker. To explore ORF1p as a blood-based biomarker, we engineered ultrasensitive digital immunoassays that detect mid-attomolar (10-17 mol/L) ORF1p concentrations in plasma across multiple cancers with high specificity. Plasma ORF1p shows promise for early detection of ovarian cancer, improves diagnostic performance in a multianalyte panel, provides early therapeutic response monitoring in gastroesophageal cancers, and is prognostic for overall survival in gastroesophageal and colorectal cancers. Together, these observations nominate ORF1p as a multicancer biomarker with potential utility for disease detection and monitoring. SIGNIFICANCE The LINE-1 ORF1p transposon protein is pervasively expressed in many cancers and is a highly specific biomarker of multiple common, lethal carcinomas and their high-risk precursors in tissue and blood. Ultrasensitive ORF1p assays from as little as 25 μL plasma are novel, rapid, cost-effective tools in cancer detection and monitoring. See related commentary by Doucet and Cristofari, p. 2502. This article is featured in Selected Articles from This Issue, p. 2489.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin S. Taylor
- Department of Pathology, Mass General Brigham and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Connie Wu
- Department of Pathology, Mass General Brigham and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Peter C. Fridy
- Laboratory of Cellular and Structural Biology, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York
| | - Stephanie J. Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Mass General Brigham and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Yasmeen Senussi
- Department of Pathology, Mass General Brigham and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Justina C. Wolters
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Tatiana Cajuso
- Department of Pathology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Wen-Chih Cheng
- Department of Pathology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - John D. Heaps
- Department of Pathology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Bryant D. Miller
- Department of Pathology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Kei Mori
- Department of Pathology, Mass General Brigham and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Healthcare Optics Research Laboratory, Canon U.S.A., Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Limor Cohen
- Department of Pathology, Mass General Brigham and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Hua Jiang
- Laboratory of Cellular and Structural Biology, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York
| | - Kelly R. Molloy
- Laboratory of Mass Spectrometry and Gaseous Ion Chemistry, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York
| | - Brian T. Chait
- Laboratory of Mass Spectrometry and Gaseous Ion Chemistry, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York
| | | | - Irun Bhan
- Mass General Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Joseph W. Franses
- Mass General Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Xiaoyu Yang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Mary-Ellen Taplin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Xinan Wang
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - David C. Christiani
- Mass General Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Bruce E. Johnson
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Matthew Meyerson
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ravindra Uppaluri
- Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ann Marie Egloff
- Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Elyssa N. Denault
- Mass General Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Laura M. Spring
- Mass General Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Tian-Li Wang
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Ie-Ming Shih
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | | | - Euihye Jung
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Kshitij S. Arora
- Department of Pathology, Mass General Brigham and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Osman H. Yilmaz
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Sonia Cohen
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Tatyana Sharova
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Gary Chi
- Mass General Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Bryanna L. Norden
- Mass General Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Yuhui Song
- Mass General Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Linda T. Nieman
- Mass General Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Leontios Pappas
- Mass General Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Aparna R. Parikh
- Mass General Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Matthew R. Strickland
- Mass General Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ryan B. Corcoran
- Mass General Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Tomas Mustelin
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - George Eng
- Department of Pathology, Mass General Brigham and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- The David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research at MIT, Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Ömer H. Yilmaz
- Department of Pathology, Mass General Brigham and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- The David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research at MIT, Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Ursula A. Matulonis
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Andrew T. Chan
- Clinical and Translational Epidemiology Unit and Division of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Steven J. Skates
- MGH Biostatistics, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Bo R. Rueda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ronny Drapkin
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Samuel J. Klempner
- Mass General Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Vikram Deshpande
- Department of Pathology, Mass General Brigham and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - David T. Ting
- Mass General Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Michael P. Rout
- Laboratory of Cellular and Structural Biology, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York
| | - John LaCava
- Laboratory of Cellular and Structural Biology, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - David R. Walt
- Department of Pathology, Mass General Brigham and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Kathleen H. Burns
- Department of Pathology, Mass General Brigham and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Pathology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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Reggiardo RE, Maroli SV, Peddu V, Davidson AE, Hill A, LaMontagne E, Aaraj YA, Jain M, Chan SY, Kim DH. Profiling of repetitive RNA sequences in the blood plasma of patients with cancer. Nat Biomed Eng 2023; 7:1627-1635. [PMID: 37652985 PMCID: PMC10727983 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-023-01081-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Liquid biopsies provide a means for the profiling of cell-free RNAs secreted by cells throughout the body. Although well-annotated coding and non-coding transcripts in blood are readily detectable and can serve as biomarkers of disease, the overall diagnostic utility of the cell-free transcriptome remains unclear. Here we show that RNAs derived from transposable elements and other repeat elements are enriched in the cell-free transcriptome of patients with cancer, and that they serve as signatures for the accurate classification of the disease. We used repeat-element-aware liquid-biopsy technology and single-molecule nanopore sequencing to profile the cell-free transcriptome in plasma from patients with cancer and to examine millions of genomic features comprising all annotated genes and repeat elements throughout the genome. By aggregating individual repeat elements to the subfamily level, we found that samples with pancreatic cancer are enriched with specific Alu subfamilies, whereas other cancers have their own characteristic cell-free RNA profile. Our findings show that repetitive RNA sequences are abundant in blood and can be used as disease-specific diagnostic biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roman E Reggiardo
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | - Sreelakshmi Velandi Maroli
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | - Vikas Peddu
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | - Andrew E Davidson
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | - Alexander Hill
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | - Erin LaMontagne
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | - Yassmin Al Aaraj
- Center for Pulmonary Vascular Biology and Medicine, Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood Vascular Medicine Institute, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Miten Jain
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Physics, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Stephen Y Chan
- Center for Pulmonary Vascular Biology and Medicine, Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood Vascular Medicine Institute, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Daniel H Kim
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA.
- Institute for the Biology of Stem Cells, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA.
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA.
- Center for Molecular Biology of RNA, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA.
- Canary Center at Stanford for Cancer Early Detection, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA.
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41
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Li Z, Duan S, Hua X, Xu X, Li Y, Menolfi D, Zhou H, Lu C, Zha S, Goff SP, Zhang Z. Asymmetric distribution of parental H3K9me3 in S phase silences L1 elements. Nature 2023; 623:643-651. [PMID: 37938774 PMCID: PMC11034792 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06711-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
In eukaryotes, repetitive DNA sequences are transcriptionally silenced through histone H3 lysine 9 trimethylation (H3K9me3). Loss of silencing of the repeat elements leads to genome instability and human diseases, including cancer and ageing1-3. Although the role of H3K9me3 in the establishment and maintenance of heterochromatin silencing has been extensively studied4-6, the pattern and mechanism that underlie the partitioning of parental H3K9me3 at replicating DNA strands are unknown. Here we report that H3K9me3 is preferentially transferred onto the leading strands of replication forks, which occurs predominantly at long interspersed nuclear element (LINE) retrotransposons (also known as LINE-1s or L1s) that are theoretically transcribed in the head-on direction with replication fork movement. Mechanistically, the human silencing hub (HUSH) complex interacts with the leading-strand DNA polymerase Pol ε and contributes to the asymmetric segregation of H3K9me3. Cells deficient in Pol ε subunits (POLE3 and POLE4) or the HUSH complex (MPP8 and TASOR) show compromised H3K9me3 asymmetry and increased LINE expression. Similar results were obtained in cells expressing a MPP8 mutant defective in H3K9me3 binding and in TASOR mutants with reduced interactions with Pol ε. These results reveal an unexpected mechanism whereby the HUSH complex functions with Pol ε to promote asymmetric H3K9me3 distribution at head-on LINEs to suppress their expression in S phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiming Li
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Shoufu Duan
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Xu Hua
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Xiaowei Xu
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yinglu Li
- Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Demis Menolfi
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Hui Zhou
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Chao Lu
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Shan Zha
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Departments of Pathology and Cell Biology, Microbiology and Immunology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Stephen P Goff
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Microbiology and Immunology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Zhiguo Zhang
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
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42
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Gambelli A, Ferrando A, Boncristiani C, Schoeftner S. Regulation and function of R-loops at repetitive elements. Biochimie 2023; 214:141-155. [PMID: 37619810 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2023.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
R-loops are atypical, three-stranded nucleic acid structures that contain a stretch of RNA:DNA hybrids and an unpaired, single stranded DNA loop. R-loops are physiological relevant and can act as regulators of gene expression, chromatin structure, DNA damage repair and DNA replication. However, unscheduled and persistent R-loops are mutagenic and can mediate replication-transcription conflicts, leading to DNA damage and genome instability if left unchecked. Detailed transcriptome analysis unveiled that 85% of the human genome, including repetitive regions, hold transcriptional activity. This anticipates that R-loops management plays a central role for the regulation and integrity of genomes. This function is expected to have a particular relevance for repetitive sequences that make up to 75% of the human genome. Here, we review the impact of R-loops on the function and stability of repetitive regions such as centromeres, telomeres, rDNA arrays, transposable elements and triplet repeat expansions and discuss their relevance for associated pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Gambelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, Università degli Studi di Trieste, Via E. Weiss 2, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Alessandro Ferrando
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, Università degli Studi di Trieste, Via E. Weiss 2, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Chiara Boncristiani
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, Università degli Studi di Trieste, Via E. Weiss 2, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Stefan Schoeftner
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, Università degli Studi di Trieste, Via E. Weiss 2, 34127, Trieste, Italy.
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Wu Y, Chen S, Shao Y, Su Y, Li Q, Wu J, Zhu J, Wen H, Huang Y, Zheng Z, Chen X, Ju X, Huang S, Wu X, Hu Z. KLF5 Promotes Tumor Progression and Parp Inhibitor Resistance in Ovarian Cancer. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2304638. [PMID: 37702443 PMCID: PMC10625120 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202304638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
One major characteristic of tumor cells is the aberrant activation of epigenetic regulatory elements, which remodel the tumor transcriptome and ultimately promote cancer progression and drug resistance. However, the oncogenic functions and mechanisms of ovarian cancer (OC) remain elusive. Here, super-enhancer (SE) regulatory elements that are aberrantly activated in OC are identified and it is found that SEs drive the relative specific expression of the transcription factor KLF5 in OC patients and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitor (PARPi)-resistant patients. KLF5 expression is associated with poor outcomes in OC patients and can drive tumor progression in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, KLF5 forms a transcriptional complex with EHF and ELF3 and binds to the promoter region of RAD51 to enhance its transcription, strengthening the homologous recombination repair (HRR) pathway. Notably, the combination of suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA) and olaparib significantly inhibits tumor growth and metastasis of PARPi-resistant OC cells with high KLF5. In conclusion, it is discovered that SEs-driven KLF5 is a key regulatory factor in OC progression and PARPi resistance; and potential therapeutic strategies for OC patients with PARPi resistance and high KLF5 are identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Wu
- Department of Gynecologic OncologyFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai Key Laboratory of Medical EpigeneticsInternational Co‐laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and MetabolismInstitutes of Biomedical SciencesShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
- Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Siyu Chen
- Department of Gynecologic OncologyFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai Key Laboratory of Medical EpigeneticsInternational Co‐laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and MetabolismInstitutes of Biomedical SciencesShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
- Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Yang Shao
- Department of Gynecologic OncologyFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai Key Laboratory of Medical EpigeneticsInternational Co‐laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and MetabolismInstitutes of Biomedical SciencesShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
- Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Ying Su
- Department of Gynecologic OncologyFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai Key Laboratory of Medical EpigeneticsInternational Co‐laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and MetabolismInstitutes of Biomedical SciencesShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
- Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Qin Li
- Department of Gynecologic OncologyFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai Key Laboratory of Medical EpigeneticsInternational Co‐laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and MetabolismInstitutes of Biomedical SciencesShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
- Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Jiangchun Wu
- Department of Gynecologic OncologyFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai Key Laboratory of Medical EpigeneticsInternational Co‐laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and MetabolismInstitutes of Biomedical SciencesShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
| | - Jun Zhu
- Department of Gynecologic OncologyFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai Key Laboratory of Medical EpigeneticsInternational Co‐laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and MetabolismInstitutes of Biomedical SciencesShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
| | - Hao Wen
- Department of Gynecologic OncologyFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai Key Laboratory of Medical EpigeneticsInternational Co‐laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and MetabolismInstitutes of Biomedical SciencesShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
| | - Yan Huang
- Department of Gynecologic OncologyFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai Key Laboratory of Medical EpigeneticsInternational Co‐laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and MetabolismInstitutes of Biomedical SciencesShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
| | - Zhong Zheng
- Department of Gynecologic OncologyFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai Key Laboratory of Medical EpigeneticsInternational Co‐laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and MetabolismInstitutes of Biomedical SciencesShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
| | - Xiaojun Chen
- Department of Gynecologic OncologyFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai Key Laboratory of Medical EpigeneticsInternational Co‐laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and MetabolismInstitutes of Biomedical SciencesShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
| | - Xingzhu Ju
- Department of Gynecologic OncologyFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai Key Laboratory of Medical EpigeneticsInternational Co‐laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and MetabolismInstitutes of Biomedical SciencesShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
| | - Shenglin Huang
- Department of Gynecologic OncologyFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai Key Laboratory of Medical EpigeneticsInternational Co‐laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and MetabolismInstitutes of Biomedical SciencesShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
- Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Xiaohua Wu
- Department of Gynecologic OncologyFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai Key Laboratory of Medical EpigeneticsInternational Co‐laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and MetabolismInstitutes of Biomedical SciencesShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
- Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Zhixiang Hu
- Department of Gynecologic OncologyFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai Key Laboratory of Medical EpigeneticsInternational Co‐laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and MetabolismInstitutes of Biomedical SciencesShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
- Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
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Bonté PE, Metoikidou C, Heurtebise-Chretien S, Arribas YA, Sutra Del Galy A, Ye M, Niborski LL, Zueva E, Piaggio E, Seguin-Givelet A, Girard N, Alanio C, Burbage M, Goudot C, Amigorena S. Selective control of transposable element expression during T cell exhaustion and anti-PD-1 treatment. Sci Immunol 2023; 8:eadf8838. [PMID: 37889984 DOI: 10.1126/sciimmunol.adf8838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
In chronic infections and cancer, T cells are exposed to prolonged antigen stimulation, resulting in loss of function (or exhaustion) and impairment of effective immunological protection. Exhausted T cells are heterogeneous and include early progenitors (Tpex) and terminally exhausted cells (Tex). Here, we used bulk and single-cell transcriptomics to analyze expression of transposable elements (TEs) in subpopulations of mouse and human CD8+ tumor-infiltrating T lymphocytes (TILs). We show that in mice, members of the virus-like murine VL30 TE family (mostly intact, evolutionary young ERV1s) are strongly repressed in terminally exhausted CD8+ T cells in both tumor and viral models of exhaustion. Tpex expression of these VL30s, which are mainly intergenic and transcribed independently of their closest gene neighbors, was driven by Fli1, a transcription factor involved in progression from Tpex to Tex. Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) in both mice and patients with cancer increased TE expression (including VL30 in mice), demonstrating that TEs may be applicable as ICB response biomarkers. We conclude that expression of TEs is tightly regulated in TILs during establishment of exhaustion and reprogramming by ICB. Analyses of TE expression on single cells and bulk populations open opportunities for understanding immune cell identity and heterogeneity, as well as for defining cellular gene expression signatures and disease biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre-Emmanuel Bonté
- Institut Curie, PSL University, Inserm U932, Immunity and Cancer, Paris 75005, France
| | - Christina Metoikidou
- Institut Curie, PSL University, Inserm U932, Immunity and Cancer, Paris 75005, France
| | | | - Yago A Arribas
- Institut Curie, PSL University, Inserm U932, Immunity and Cancer, Paris 75005, France
| | | | - Mengliang Ye
- Institut Curie, PSL University, Inserm U932, Immunity and Cancer, Paris 75005, France
| | | | - Elina Zueva
- Institut Curie, PSL University, Inserm U932, Immunity and Cancer, Paris 75005, France
| | - Eliane Piaggio
- Institut Curie, PSL University, Inserm U932, Immunity and Cancer, Paris 75005, France
| | | | - Nicolas Girard
- Institut Curie, PSL University, Inserm U932, Immunity and Cancer, Paris 75005, France
- Institut Curie, Institut du Thorax Curie Montsouris, Paris 75005, France
- Paris Saclay, UVSQ, UFR Simmone Veil, Versailles 78000, France
| | - Cécile Alanio
- Institut Curie, PSL University, Inserm U932, Immunity and Cancer, Paris 75005, France
- Laboratoire d'immunologie clinique, Institut Curie, Paris 75005, France
- Parker Institute of Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Marianne Burbage
- Institut Curie, PSL University, Inserm U932, Immunity and Cancer, Paris 75005, France
| | - Christel Goudot
- Institut Curie, PSL University, Inserm U932, Immunity and Cancer, Paris 75005, France
| | - Sebastian Amigorena
- Institut Curie, PSL University, Inserm U932, Immunity and Cancer, Paris 75005, France
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45
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Wu Q, Fang L, Wang Y, Yang P. Unraveling the role of ZNF506 as a human PBS-pro-targeting protein for ERVP repression. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:10309-10325. [PMID: 37697430 PMCID: PMC10602909 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Krüppel-associated box zinc finger proteins (KZFPs) function as a defense mechanism to maintain the genome stability of higher vertebrates by regulating the transcriptional activities of transposable elements (TEs). While previous studies have characterized ZFP809 as responsible for binding and repressing ERVs containing a proline tRNA primer-binding site (PBS-Pro) in mice, comparable KZFPs have not been identified in humans yet. Here, we identified ZNF506 as a PBS-Pro-binding protein in humans, which functions as a transcriptional repressor of PBS-Pro-utilizing retroviruses by recruiting heterochromatic modifications. Although they have similar functions, the low protein similarities between ZNF506, ZFP809 and KZFPs of other species suggest their independent evolution against the invasion of PBS-Pro-utilizing retroviruses into their respective ancestor genomes after species divergence. We also explored the link between ZNF506 and leukemia. Our findings suggest that ZNF506 is a unique human KZFP that can bind to PBS-Pro, highlighting the diverse evolution of KZFPs in defending against retroviral invasions. Additionally, our study provides insights into the potential role of ZNF506 in leukemia, contributing to the expanding knowledge of KZFPs' crucial function in disease and genome stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Wu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Brain Functional Modulation, Clinical Research Center for Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Translational Research Institute of Brain and Brain-Like Intelligence, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Lu Fang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Brain Functional Modulation, Clinical Research Center for Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Translational Research Institute of Brain and Brain-Like Intelligence, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yixuan Wang
- Translational Medical Center for Stem Cell Therapy & Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Peng Yang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Brain Functional Modulation, Clinical Research Center for Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Translational Research Institute of Brain and Brain-Like Intelligence, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
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46
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Ding J, Wang S, Liu Q, Duan Y, Cheng T, Ye Z, Cui Z, Zhang A, Liu Q, Zhang Z, Zhang N, Liu Q, An N, Zhao J, Yi D, Li Q, Wang J, Zhang Y, Ma L, Guo S, Wang J, Liang C, Zhou J, Cen S, Li X. Schlafen-5 inhibits LINE-1 retrotransposition. iScience 2023; 26:107968. [PMID: 37810251 PMCID: PMC10551903 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107968] [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: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Long interspersed element 1 (LINE-1) is the only currently known active autonomous transposon in humans, and its retrotransposition may cause deleterious effects on the structure and function of host cell genomes and result in sporadic genetic diseases. Host cells therefore developed defense strategies to restrict LINE-1 mobilization. In this study, we demonstrated that IFN-inducible Schlafen5 (SLFN5) inhibits LINE-1 retrotransposition. Mechanistic studies revealed that SLFN5 interrupts LINE-1 ribonucleoprotein particle (RNP) formation, thus diminishing nuclear entry of the LINE-1 RNA template and subsequent LINE-1 cDNA production. The ability of SLFN5 to bind to LINE-1 RNA and the involvement of the helicase domain of SLFN5 in its inhibitory activity suggest a mechanism that SLFN5 binds to LINE-1 RNA followed by dissociation of ORF1p through its helicase activity, resulting in impaired RNP formation. These data highlight a new mechanism of host cells to restrict LINE-1 mobilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiwei Ding
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Shujie Wang
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Qipeng Liu
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yuqing Duan
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Tingting Cheng
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Zhongjie Ye
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Zhanding Cui
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Ao Zhang
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Qiuyu Liu
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Zixiong Zhang
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Ning Zhang
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Qian Liu
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Ni An
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jianyuan Zhao
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Dongrong Yi
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Quanjie Li
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yongxin Zhang
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Ling Ma
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Saisai Guo
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jinhui Wang
- Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Chen Liang
- The Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada
| | - Jinming Zhou
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Advanced Catalysis Materials, Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang Normal University, 688 Yingbin Road, Jinhua 321004, China
| | - Shan Cen
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyu Li
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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Devine SE. Emerging Opportunities to Study Mobile Element Insertions and Their Source Elements in an Expanding Universe of Sequenced Human Genomes. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1923. [PMID: 37895272 PMCID: PMC10606232 DOI: 10.3390/genes14101923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Three mobile element classes, namely Alu, LINE-1 (L1), and SVA elements, remain actively mobile in human genomes and continue to produce new mobile element insertions (MEIs). Historically, MEIs have been discovered and studied using several methods, including: (1) Southern blots, (2) PCR (including PCR display), and (3) the detection of MEI copies from young subfamilies. We are now entering a new phase of MEI discovery where these methods are being replaced by whole genome sequencing and bioinformatics analysis to discover novel MEIs. We expect that the universe of sequenced human genomes will continue to expand rapidly over the next several years, both with short-read and long-read technologies. These resources will provide unprecedented opportunities to discover MEIs and study their impact on human traits and diseases. They also will allow the MEI community to discover and study the source elements that produce these new MEIs, which will facilitate our ability to study source element regulation in various tissue contexts and disease states. This, in turn, will allow us to better understand MEI mutagenesis in humans and the impact of this mutagenesis on human biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott E Devine
- Institute for Genome Sciences, Department of Medicine, and Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
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48
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Luqman-Fatah A, Miyoshi T. Human LINE-1 retrotransposons: impacts on the genome and regulation by host factors. Genes Genet Syst 2023; 98:121-154. [PMID: 36436935 DOI: 10.1266/ggs.22-00038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Genome sequencing revealed that nearly half of the human genome is comprised of transposable elements. Although most of these elements have been rendered inactive due to mutations, full-length intact long interspersed element-1 (LINE-1 or L1) copies retain the ability to mobilize through RNA intermediates by a so-called "copy-and-paste" mechanism, termed retrotransposition. L1 is the only known autonomous mobile genetic element in the genome, and its retrotransposition contributes to inter- or intra-individual genetic variation within the human population. However, L1 retrotransposition also poses a threat to genome integrity due to gene disruption and chromosomal instability. Moreover, recent studies suggest that aberrant L1 expression can impact human health by causing diseases such as cancer and chronic inflammation that might lead to autoimmune disorders. To counteract these adverse effects, the host cells have evolved multiple layers of defense mechanisms at the epigenetic, RNA and protein levels. Intriguingly, several host factors have also been reported to facilitate L1 retrotransposition, suggesting that there is competition between negative and positive regulation of L1 by host factors. Here, we summarize the known host proteins that regulate L1 activity at different stages of the replication cycle and discuss how these factors modulate disease-associated phenotypes caused by L1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Luqman-Fatah
- Department of Gene Mechanisms, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University
- Department of Stress Response, Radiation Biology Center, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University
| | - Tomoichiro Miyoshi
- Department of Gene Mechanisms, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University
- Department of Stress Response, Radiation Biology Center, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University
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49
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Rybacki K, Xia M, Ahsan MU, Xing J, Wang K. Assessing the Expression of Long INterspersed Elements (LINEs) via Long-Read Sequencing in Diverse Human Tissues and Cell Lines. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1893. [PMID: 37895242 PMCID: PMC10606529 DOI: 10.3390/genes14101893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Transposable elements, such as Long INterspersed Elements (LINEs), are DNA sequences that can replicate within genomes. LINEs replicate using an RNA intermediate followed by reverse transcription and are typically a few kilobases in length. LINE activity creates genomic structural variants in human populations and leads to somatic alterations in cancer genomes. Long-read RNA sequencing technologies, including Oxford Nanopore and PacBio, can directly sequence relatively long transcripts, thus providing the opportunity to examine full-length LINE transcripts. This study focuses on the development of a new bioinformatics pipeline for the identification and quantification of active, full-length LINE transcripts in diverse human tissues and cell lines. In our pipeline, we utilized RepeatMasker to identify LINE-1 (L1) transcripts from long-read transcriptome data and incorporated several criteria, such as transcript start position, divergence, and length, to remove likely false positives. Comparisons between cancerous and normal cell lines, as well as human tissue samples, revealed elevated expression levels of young LINEs in cancer, particularly at intact L1 loci. By employing bioinformatics methodologies on long-read transcriptome data, this study demonstrates the landscape of L1 expression in tissues and cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karleena Rybacki
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (K.R.); (M.X.)
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA;
| | - Mingyi Xia
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (K.R.); (M.X.)
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA;
| | - Mian Umair Ahsan
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA;
| | - Jinchuan Xing
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
- Human Genetics Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Kai Wang
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (K.R.); (M.X.)
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA;
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50
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Keighley LM, Lynch-Sutherland CF, Almomani SN, Eccles MR, Macaulay EC. Unveiling the hidden players: The crucial role of transposable elements in the placenta and their potential contribution to pre-eclampsia. Placenta 2023; 141:57-64. [PMID: 37301654 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2023.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The human placenta is a vital connection between maternal and fetal tissues, allowing for the exchange of molecules and modulation of immune interactions during pregnancy. Interestingly, some of the placenta's unique functions can be attributed to transposable elements (TEs), which are DNA sequences that have mobilised into the genome. Co-option throughout mammalian evolution has led to the generation of TE-derived regulators and TE-derived genes, some of which are expressed in the placenta but silenced in somatic tissues. TE genes encompass both TE-derived genes with a repeat element in the coding region and TE-derived regulatory regions such as alternative promoters and enhancers. Placental-specific TE genes are known to contribute to the placenta's unique functions, and interestingly, they are also expressed in some cancers and share similar functions. There is evidence to support that aberrant activity of TE genes may contribute to placental pathologies, cancer and autoimmunity. In this review, we highlight the crucial roles of TE genes in placental function, and how their dysregulation may lead to pre-eclampsia, a common and dangerous placental condition. We provide a summary of the functional TE genes in the placenta to offer insight into their significance in normal and abnormal human development. Ultimately, this review highlights an opportunity for future research to investigate the potential dysregulation of TE genes in the development of placental pathologies such as pre-eclampsia. Further understanding of TE genes and their role in the placenta could lead to significant improvements in maternal and fetal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura M Keighley
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand
| | - Chiemi F Lynch-Sutherland
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand; Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, Level 2, 3A Symonds Street, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Suzan N Almomani
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand; Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, Level 2, 3A Symonds Street, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Michael R Eccles
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand; Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, Level 2, 3A Symonds Street, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Erin C Macaulay
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand.
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