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Yano N, Chong PF, Kojima KK, Miyoshi T, Luqmen-Fatah A, Kimura Y, Kora K, Kayaki T, Maizuru K, Hayashi T, Yokoyama A, Ajiro M, Hagiwara M, Kondo T, Kira R, Takita J, Yoshida T. Long-read sequencing identifies an SVA_D retrotransposon insertion deep within the intron of ATP7A as a novel cause of occipital horn syndrome. J Med Genet 2024:jmg-2024-110056. [PMID: 38960580 DOI: 10.1136/jmg-2024-110056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND SINE-VNTR-Alu (SVA) retrotransposons move from one genomic location to another in a 'copy-and-paste' manner. They continue to move actively and cause monogenic diseases through various mechanisms. Currently, disease-causing SVA retrotransposons are classified into human-specific young SVA_E or SVA_F subfamilies. In this study, we identified an evolutionarily old SVA_D retrotransposon as a novel cause of occipital horn syndrome (OHS). OHS is an X-linked, copper metabolism disorder caused by dysfunction of the copper transporter, ATP7A. METHODS We investigated a 16-year-old boy with OHS whose pathogenic variant could not be detected via routine molecular genetic analyses. RESULTS A 2.8 kb insertion was detected deep within the intron of the patient's ATP7A gene. This insertion caused aberrant mRNA splicing activated by a new donor splice site located within it. Long-read circular consensus sequencing enabled us to accurately read the entire insertion sequence, which contained highly repetitive and GC-rich segments. Consequently, the insertion was identified as an SVA_D retrotransposon. Antisense oligonucleotides (AOs) targeting the new splice site restored the expression of normal transcripts and functional ATP7A proteins. AO treatment alleviated excessive accumulation of copper in patient fibroblasts in a dose-dependent manner. Pedigree analysis revealed that the retrotransposon had moved into the OHS-causing position two generations ago. CONCLUSION This is the first report of a human monogenic disease caused by the SVA_D retrotransposon. The fact that the evolutionarily old SVA_D is still actively transposed, leading to increased copy numbers may make a notable impact on rare genetic disease research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoko Yano
- Department of Pediatrics, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Pin Fee Chong
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Fukuoka Children's Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Kenji K Kojima
- Genetic Information Research Institute, Cupertino, CA, USA
| | - Tomoichiro Miyoshi
- Laboratory for Retrotransposon Dynamics, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan
- Department of Gene Mechanisms, Kyoto University Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Ahmad Luqmen-Fatah
- Laboratory for Retrotransposon Dynamics, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Yu Kimura
- Department of Energy and Hydrocarbon Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kengo Kora
- Department of Pediatrics, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Taisei Kayaki
- Department of Pediatrics, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kanako Maizuru
- Department of Pediatrics, Tenri Yorozu Hospital, Tenri, Japan
| | - Takahiro Hayashi
- Department of Pediatrics, Kurashiki Central Hospital, Kurashiki, Japan
| | - Atsushi Yokoyama
- Department of Pediatrics, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Masahiko Ajiro
- Division of Cancer RNA Research, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Hagiwara
- Department of Drug Discovery Medicine, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Teruyuki Kondo
- Department of Energy and Hydrocarbon Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Ryutaro Kira
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Fukuoka Children's Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Junko Takita
- Department of Pediatrics, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Takeshi Yoshida
- Department of Pediatrics, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
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Lodewijk GA, de Geus M, Guimarães RLFP, Jacobs FMJ. Emergence of the ZNF675 Gene During Primate Evolution-Influenced Human Neurodevelopment Through Changing HES1 Autoregulation. J Comp Neurol 2024; 532:e25648. [PMID: 38958676 DOI: 10.1002/cne.25648] [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: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
In this study, we investigated recurrent copy number variations (CNVs) in the 19p12 locus, which are associated with neurodevelopmental disorders. The two genes in this locus, ZNF675 and ZNF681, arose via gene duplication in primates, and their presence in several pathological CNVs in the human population suggests that either or both of these genes are required for normal human brain development. ZNF675 and ZNF681 are members of the Krüppel-associated box zinc finger (KZNF) protein family, a class of transcriptional repressors important for epigenetic silencing of specific genomic regions. About 170 primate-specific KZNFs are present in the human genome. Although KZNFs are primarily associated with repressing retrotransposon-derived DNA, evidence is emerging that they can be co-opted for other gene regulatory processes. We show that genetic deletion of ZNF675 causes developmental defects in cortical organoids, and our data suggest that part of the observed neurodevelopmental phenotype is mediated by a gene regulatory role of ZNF675 on the promoter of the neurodevelopmental gene Hes family BHLH transcription factor 1 (HES1). We also find evidence for the recently evolved regulation of genes involved in neurological disorders, microcephalin 1 and sestrin 3. We show that ZNF675 interferes with HES1 auto-inhibition, a process essential for the maintenance of neural progenitors. As a striking example of how some KZNFs have integrated into preexisting gene expression networks, these findings suggest the emergence of ZNF675 has caused a change in the balance of HES1 autoregulation. The association of ZNF675 CNV with human developmental disorders and ZNF675-mediated regulation of neurodevelopmental genes suggests that it evolved into an important factor for human brain development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerrald A Lodewijk
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Evolutionary Neurogenomics, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Matthijs de Geus
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Evolutionary Neurogenomics, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rita L F P Guimarães
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Evolutionary Neurogenomics, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Frank M J Jacobs
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Evolutionary Neurogenomics, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Kohlrausch FB, Wang F, McKerrow W, Grivainis M, Fenyo D, Keefe DL. Mapping of long interspersed element-1 (L1) insertions by TIPseq provides information about sub chromosomal genetic variation in human embryos. J Assist Reprod Genet 2024:10.1007/s10815-024-03176-9. [PMID: 38951360 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-024-03176-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Retrotransposons play important roles during early development when they are transiently de-repressed during epigenetic reprogramming. Long interspersed element-1 (L1), the only autonomous retrotransposon in humans, comprises 17% of the human genome. We applied the Single Cell Transposon Insertion Profiling by Sequencing (scTIPseq) to characterize and map L1 insertions in human embryos. METHODS Sixteen cryopreserved, genetically tested, human blastocysts, were accessed from consenting couples undergoing IVF at NYU Langone Fertility Center. Additionally, four trios (father, mother, and embryos) were also evaluated. scTIPseq was applied to map L1 insertions in all samples, using L1 locations reported in the 1000 Genomes as controls. RESULTS Twenty-nine unknown and unique insertions were observed in the sixteen embryos. Most were intergenic; no insertions were located in exons or immediately upstream of genes. The location or number of unknown insertions did not differ between euploid and aneuploid embryos, suggesting they are not merely markers of aneuploidy. Rather, scTIPseq provides novel information about sub-chromosomal structural variation in human embryos. Trio analyses showed a parental origin of all L1 insertions in embryos. CONCLUSION Several studies have measured L1 expression at different stages of development in mice, but this study for the first time reports unknown insertions in human embryos that were inherited from one parent, confirming no de novo L1 insertions occurred in parental germline or during embryogenesis. Since one-third of euploid embryo transfers fail, future studies would be useful for understanding whether these sub-chromosomal genetic variants or de novo L1 insertions affect embryo developmental potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiana B Kohlrausch
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, RJ, 24210-201, Brazil.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York University, New York, NY, 10016, USA.
| | - Fang Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York University, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Wilson McKerrow
- Institute for Systems Genetics, New York University, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Mark Grivainis
- Institute for Systems Genetics, New York University, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - David Fenyo
- Institute for Systems Genetics, New York University, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - David L Keefe
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York University, New York, NY, 10016, USA
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Karkas R, Abdullah KSA, Kaizer L, Ürmös Á, Raya M, Tiszlavicz L, Pankotai T, Nagy I, Mátés L, Sükösd F. LINE-1 ORF1p is a Promising Biomarker in Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia Degree Assessment. Int J Gynecol Pathol 2024:00004347-990000000-00166. [PMID: 38920137 DOI: 10.1097/pgp.0000000000001035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) represents a spectrum of preinvasive squamous lesions within the cervical epithelium, whose identification is a diagnostic challenge due to subtle histomorphological differences among its categories. This study explores ORF1p, a nucleic acid-binding protein derived from long interspersed nuclear element-1 (LINE-1), as a potential biomarker for enhancing CIN diagnosis. A comprehensive analysis of 143 cervical specimens, encompassing CIN I (n=20), CIN II (n=46), CIN III (n=14), invasive cancer (n=32), and nondysplastic cases (normal cervical epithelia (n=24) and atrophy (n=7) were conducted. ORF1p, Ki67, and p16 expressions were evaluated using immunohistochemistry. ORF1p immunopositivity was detected in the vast majority [110/112 (98.2%)] of dysplastic and neoplastic (CIN and invasive cancer) specimens, whereas 19/24 (79.2%) of normal cervical specimens lacked ORF1p expression. The observed pattern of ORF1p expression showed a progressively increasing extent and intensity with advancing CIN grades. CIN I exhibited mild ORF1p expression in the lower one or two-thirds of the cervical epithelium [14/16 (87.5%)], whereas CIN II demonstrated moderate to strong ORF1p expression spanning the lower two-thirds [29/46 (63.0%)]. Pronounced transepithelial ORF1p immunopositivity characterized CIN III cases [13/14 (92.8%)] and cervical cancer [30/32 (93.8%)]. These findings propose ORF1p as a valuable indicator even for detecting CIN I, effectively discerning them from normal cervical tissue (p < 0.0001). Our findings underscore the potential of ORF1p as an early diagnostic marker for cervical neoplasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Réka Karkas
- Laboratory of Cancer Genome Research, Institute of Genetics, HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Multidisciplinary Medical Sciences, University of Szeged, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Khaldoon Sadiq Ahmed Abdullah
- Laboratory of Cancer Genome Research, Institute of Genetics, HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Multidisciplinary Medical Sciences, University of Szeged, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, Szeged, Hungary
| | - László Kaizer
- Department of Pathology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Health Centre, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Ádám Ürmös
- Genome Integrity and DNA Repair Core Group, Hungarian Centre of Excellence for Molecular Medicine, Szeged, Hungary
| | - May Raya
- Laboratory of Cancer Genome Research, Institute of Genetics, HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Multidisciplinary Medical Sciences, University of Szeged, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Lilla Tiszlavicz
- Department of Pediatrics and Pediatric Health Centre, Albert Szent-Györgyi Health Centre, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Tibor Pankotai
- Department of Pathology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Health Centre, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
- Genome Integrity and DNA Repair Core Group, Hungarian Centre of Excellence for Molecular Medicine, Szeged, Hungary
- Competence Centre of the Life Sciences Cluster of the Centre of Excellence for Interdisciplinary Research, Development and Innovation, University of Szeged, Hungary
| | - István Nagy
- Seqomics Biotechnology Ltd, Mórahalom, Hungary
- Sequencing Platform, Institute of Biochemistry, HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Lajos Mátés
- Laboratory of Cancer Genome Research, Institute of Genetics, HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Farkas Sükösd
- Department of Pathology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Health Centre, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
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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] [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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Fu B, Ma H, Liu D. Pioneer Transcription Factors: The First Domino in Zygotic Genome Activation. Biomolecules 2024; 14:720. [PMID: 38927123 PMCID: PMC11202083 DOI: 10.3390/biom14060720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Zygotic genome activation (ZGA) is a pivotal event in mammalian embryogenesis, marking the transition from maternal to zygotic control of development. During the ZGA process that is characterized by the intricate cascade of gene expression, who tipped the first domino in a meticulously arranged sequence is a subject of paramount interest. Recently, Dux, Obox and Nr5a2 were identified as pioneer transcription factors that reside at the top of transcriptional hierarchy. Through co-option of retrotransposon elements as hubs for transcriptional activation, these pioneer transcription factors rewire the gene regulatory network, thus initiating ZGA. In this review, we provide a snapshot of the mechanisms underlying the functions of these pioneer transcription factors. We propose that ZGA is the starting point where the embryo's own genome begins to influence development trajectory, therefore in-depth dissecting the functions of pioneer transcription factors during ZGA will form a cornerstone of our understanding for early embryonic development, which will pave the way for advancing our grasp of mammalian developmental biology and optimizing in vitro production (IVP) techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Fu
- Institute of Animal Husbandry, HeiLongJiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin 150086, China; (B.F.); (H.M.)
- Key Laboratory of Combining Farming and Animal Husbandry, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Harbin 150086, China
| | - Hong Ma
- Institute of Animal Husbandry, HeiLongJiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin 150086, China; (B.F.); (H.M.)
- Key Laboratory of Combining Farming and Animal Husbandry, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Harbin 150086, China
| | - Di Liu
- Institute of Animal Husbandry, HeiLongJiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin 150086, China; (B.F.); (H.M.)
- Key Laboratory of Combining Farming and Animal Husbandry, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Harbin 150086, China
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Zheng R, Dunlap M, Bobkov GOM, Gonzalez-Figueroa C, Patel KJ, Lyu J, Harvey SE, Chan TW, Quinones-Valdez G, Choudhury M, Le Roux CA, Bartels MD, Vuong A, Flynn RA, Chang HY, Van Nostrand EL, Xiao X, Cheng C. hnRNPM protects against the dsRNA-mediated interferon response by repressing LINE-associated cryptic splicing. Mol Cell 2024; 84:2087-2103.e8. [PMID: 38815579 PMCID: PMC11204102 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2024.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
RNA splicing is pivotal in post-transcriptional gene regulation, yet the exponential expansion of intron length in humans poses a challenge for accurate splicing. Here, we identify hnRNPM as an essential RNA-binding protein that suppresses cryptic splicing through binding to deep introns, maintaining human transcriptome integrity. Long interspersed nuclear elements (LINEs) in introns harbor numerous pseudo splice sites. hnRNPM preferentially binds at intronic LINEs to repress pseudo splice site usage for cryptic splicing. Remarkably, cryptic exons can generate long dsRNAs through base-pairing of inverted ALU transposable elements interspersed among LINEs and consequently trigger an interferon response, a well-known antiviral defense mechanism. Significantly, hnRNPM-deficient tumors show upregulated interferon-associated pathways and elevated immune cell infiltration. These findings unveil hnRNPM as a guardian of transcriptome integrity by repressing cryptic splicing and suggest that targeting hnRNPM in tumors may be used to trigger an inflammatory immune response, thereby boosting cancer surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Zheng
- Lester & Sue Smith Breast Center, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Mikayla Dunlap
- Lester & Sue Smith Breast Center, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Georg O M Bobkov
- Lester & Sue Smith Breast Center, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Carlos Gonzalez-Figueroa
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology and the Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Khushali J Patel
- Lester & Sue Smith Breast Center, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jingyi Lyu
- Lester & Sue Smith Breast Center, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Samuel E Harvey
- Lester & Sue Smith Breast Center, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Tracey W Chan
- Bioinformatics Interdepartmental Program, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Giovanni Quinones-Valdez
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology and the Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Mudra Choudhury
- Bioinformatics Interdepartmental Program, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Charlotte A Le Roux
- Verna & Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Pharmacology and Therapeutic Innovation Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Mason D Bartels
- Verna & Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Pharmacology and Therapeutic Innovation Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Amy Vuong
- Lester & Sue Smith Breast Center, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ryan A Flynn
- Center for Personal Dynamic Regulome, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Howard Y Chang
- Center for Personal Dynamic Regulome, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Eric L Van Nostrand
- Verna & Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Pharmacology and Therapeutic Innovation Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Xinshu Xiao
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology and the Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Bioinformatics Interdepartmental Program, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
| | - Chonghui Cheng
- Lester & Sue Smith Breast Center, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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Morales E, Prieto-Sánchez MT, Mendiola J, Cutillas-Tolín A, Adoamnei E, Valera-Gran D, Martínez-Graciá C, Santaella-Pascual M, Suárez-Martinez C, Vioque J, Castaños MJ, Del Castillo E, García-Marcos L. Maternal non-compliance with recommended folic acid supplement use alters global DNA methylation in cord blood of newborns: A cohort study. Clin Nutr 2024; 43:1191-1198. [PMID: 38631086 DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2024.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Prenatal folate exposure may alter epigenetic marks in the offspring. We aimed to evaluate associations between prenatal exposure to folic acid (FA) in preconception and in utero with cord blood DNA methylation in long interspersed nuclear element 1 (LINE-1) and Alu short interspersed nuclear elements (SINEs) as markers of global DNA methylation levels. METHODS Data come from 325 mother-child pairs participating in the Nutrition in Early Life and Asthma (NELA) birth cohort (2015-2018). Pregnant women were asked about supplement use, including brand name and dose, one month before pregnancy (preconception) and through the trimesters of pregnancy. Maternal dietary folate intake was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire with additional questions for FA supplement use. Folate serum levels were measured in mothers at 24 weeks of gestation and in cord blood of newborns. DNA methylation was quantitatively assessed by bisulfite pyrosequencing on 5 LINE-1 and 3 Alu different elements. Associations were estimated using multivariable linear regression models. RESULTS A reduction in methylation levels of LINE-1 in newborns was associated with the use of FA supplements below the recommended doses (<400 ug/day) during preconception (-0.50; 95% CI: -0.91, -0.09; P = 0.016), and from preconception up to 12 weeks of gestation (-0.48; 95% CI: -0.88, -0.08; P = 0.018). Maternal use of FA supplements above the tolerable upper intake level of 1000 ug/day from preconception until 12 weeks of gestation was also related to lower methylation in LINE-1 at birth (-0.77; 95% CI: -1.52, -0.02; P = 0.044). Neither FA supplement use after 12 weeks of gestation nor maternal total folate intake (diet plus supplements) were associated with global DNA methylation levels at birth. CONCLUSIONS Maternal non-compliance with the use of FA supplement recommendations from preconception up to 12 weeks of gestation reduces offspring global DNA methylation levels at birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Morales
- Division of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Department of Public Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain; Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain.
| | - María Teresa Prieto-Sánchez
- Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain; Materno-Fetal Medicine Unit, Obstetrics and Gynaecology Service, "Virgen de la Arrixaca" University Clinical Hospital, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Jaime Mendiola
- Division of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Department of Public Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain; Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
| | - Ana Cutillas-Tolín
- Division of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Department of Public Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain; Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
| | - Evdochia Adoamnei
- Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain; Department of Nursing, University of Murcia School of Nursing, Murcia, Spain
| | - Desirée Valera-Gran
- Department of Surgery and Pathology, Miguel Hernandez University, 03550 Alicante, Spain; Grupo de Investigación en Terapia Ocupacional (InTeO), Miguel Hernandez University, 03550 Alicante, Spain; Health and Biomedical Research Institute of Alicante, University Miguel Hernandez (ISABIAL-UMH), Alicante, Spain
| | - Carmen Martínez-Graciá
- Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain; Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Marina Santaella-Pascual
- Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain; Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Clara Suárez-Martinez
- Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain; Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Jesús Vioque
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain; Health and Biomedical Research Institute of Alicante, University Miguel Hernandez (ISABIAL-UMH), Alicante, Spain
| | - María Jesús Castaños
- Obstetrics & Gynecology Service, Virgen de la Arrixaca University Clinical Hospital, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Eva Del Castillo
- Obstetrics & Gynecology Service, Virgen de la Arrixaca University Clinical Hospital, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Luis García-Marcos
- Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain; Paediatric Allergy and Pulmonology Units, Virgen de la Arrixaca University Children's Hospital, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain; ARADyAL Allergy Network, Madrid, Spain
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9
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Tang W, Liang P. The identification of retro-DNAs in primate genomes as DNA transposons mobilizing via retrotransposition. F1000Res 2024; 12:255. [PMID: 38915770 PMCID: PMC11195612 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.130043.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Mobile elements (MEs) constitute a major portion of the genome in primates and other higher eukaryotes, and they play important role in genome evolution and gene function. MEs can be divided into two fundamentally different classes: DNA transposons which transpose in the genome in a "cut-and-paste" style, and retrotransposons which propagate in a "copy-and-paste" fashion via a process involving transcription and reverse-transcription. In primate genomes, DNA transposons are mostly dead, while many retrotransposons are still highly active. We report here the identification of a unique group of MEs, which we call "retro-DNAs", for their combined characteristics of these two fundamentally different ME classes. Methods A comparative computational genomic approach was used to analyze the reference genome sequences of 10 primate species consisting of five apes, four monkeys, and marmoset. Results From our analysis, we identified a total of 1,750 retro-DNAs, representing 748 unique insertion events in the genomes of ten primate species including human. These retro-DNAs contain sequences of DNA transposons but lack the terminal inverted repeats (TIRs), the hallmark of DNA transposons. Instead, they show characteristics of retrotransposons, such as polyA tails, longer target-site duplications (TSDs), and the "TT/AAAA" insertion site motif, suggesting the use of the L1-based target- primed reverse transcription (TPRT) mechanism. At least 40% of these retro-DNAs locate into genic regions, presenting potentials for impacting gene function. More interestingly, some retro-DNAs, as well as their parent sites, show certain levels of expression, suggesting that they have the potential to create more retro-DNA copies in the present primate genomes. Conclusions Although small in number, the identification of these retro-DNAs reveals a new mean for propagating DNA transposons in primate genomes without active canonical DNA transposon activity. Our data also suggest that the TPRT machinery may transpose a wider variety of DNA sequences in the genomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wangxiangfu Tang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, Ontario, L2S 3A1, Canada
| | - Ping Liang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, Ontario, L2S 3A1, Canada
- Centre of Biotechnology, Brock University, St. Catharines, Ontario, L2S 3A1, Canada
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10
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Zhao YX, Zhao HP, Zhao MY, Yu Y, Qi X, Wang JH, Lv J. Latest insights into the global epidemiological features, screening, early diagnosis and prognosis prediction of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. World J Gastroenterol 2024; 30:2638-2656. [PMID: 38855150 PMCID: PMC11154680 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v30.i20.2638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/27/2024] Open
Abstract
As a highly invasive carcinoma, esophageal cancer (EC) was the eighth most prevalent malignancy and the sixth leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide in 2020. Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is the major histological subtype of EC, and its incidence and mortality rates are decreasing globally. Due to the lack of specific early symptoms, ESCC patients are usually diagnosed with advanced-stage disease with a poor prognosis, and the incidence and mortality rates are still high in many countries, especially in China. Therefore, enormous challenges still exist in the management of ESCC, and novel strategies are urgently needed to further decrease the incidence and mortality rates of ESCC. Although the key molecular mechanisms underlying ESCC pathogenesis have not been fully elucidated, certain promising biomarkers are being investigated to facilitate clinical decision-making. With the advent and advancement of high-throughput technologies, such as genomics, proteomics and metabolomics, valuable biomarkers with high sensitivity, specificity and stability could be identified for ESCC. Herein, we aimed to determine the epidemiological features of ESCC in different regions of the world, especially in China, and focused on novel molecular biomarkers associated with ESCC screening, early diagnosis and prognosis prediction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Xin Zhao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Honghui Hospital, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710054, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - He-Ping Zhao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Honghui Hospital, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710054, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Meng-Yao Zhao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Honghui Hospital, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710054, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Yan Yu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Honghui Hospital, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710054, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Xi Qi
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Honghui Hospital, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710054, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Ji-Han Wang
- Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Jing Lv
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Honghui Hospital, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710054, Shaanxi Province, China
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11
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Lee RJ, Horton CA, Van Treeck B, McIntyre JJR, Collins K. Conserved and divergent DNA recognition specificities and functions of R2 retrotransposon N-terminal domains. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114239. [PMID: 38753487 PMCID: PMC11204384 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114239] [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: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
R2 non-long terminal repeat (non-LTR) retrotransposons are among the most extensively distributed mobile genetic elements in multicellular eukaryotes and show promise for applications in transgene supplementation of the human genome. They insert new gene copies into a conserved site in 28S ribosomal DNA with exquisite specificity. R2 clades are defined by the number of zinc fingers (ZFs) at the N terminus of the retrotransposon-encoded protein, postulated to additively confer DNA site specificity. Here, we illuminate general principles of DNA recognition by R2 N-terminal domains across and between clades, with extensive, specific recognition requiring only one or two compact domains. DNA-binding and protection assays demonstrate broadly shared as well as clade-specific DNA interactions. Gene insertion assays in cells identify the N-terminal domains sufficient for target-site insertion and reveal roles in second-strand cleavage or synthesis for clade-specific ZFs. Our results have implications for understanding evolutionary diversification of non-LTR retrotransposon insertion mechanisms and the design of retrotransposon-based gene therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Jooyoung Lee
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Connor A Horton
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Briana Van Treeck
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Jeremy J R McIntyre
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Kathleen Collins
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA.
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12
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Matsumoto S, Uchiumi T, Ueyanagi Y, Noda N, Sakai A, Hotta T, Kato K, Ohga S, Kunisaki Y, Kang D. Long-range and real-time PCR identification of a large SERPINC1 deletion in a patient with antithrombin deficiency. Int J Hematol 2024:10.1007/s12185-024-03796-y. [PMID: 38801563 DOI: 10.1007/s12185-024-03796-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Congenital antithrombin (AT) or serpin C1 deficiency, caused by a SERPINC1 abnormality, is a high-risk factor for venous thrombosis. SERPINC1 is prone to genetic rearrangement, because it contains numerous Alu elements. In this study, a Japanese patient who developed deep vein thrombosis during pregnancy and exhibited low AT activity underwent SERPINC1 gene analysis using routine methods: long-range polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and real-time PCR. Sequencing using long-range PCR products revealed no pathological variants in SERPINC1 exons or exon-intron junctions, and all the identified variants were homozygous, suggesting a deletion in one SERPINC1 allele. Copy number quantification for each SERPINC1 exon using real-time PCR revealed half the number of exon 1 and 2 copies compared with controls. Moreover, a deletion region was deduced by quantifying the 5'-upstream region copy number of SERPINC1 for each constant region. Direct long-range PCR sequencing with primers for the 5'-end of each presumed deletion region revealed a large Alu-mediated deletion (∼13 kb) involving SERPINC1 exons 1 and 2. Thus, a large deletion was identified in SERPINC1 using conventional PCR methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinya Matsumoto
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Kyushu University Hospital, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan.
| | - Takeshi Uchiumi
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
- Department of Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yasushi Ueyanagi
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Kyushu University Hospital, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Nozomi Noda
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Kyushu University Hospital, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Atsuhiko Sakai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Taeko Hotta
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Kyushu University Hospital, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Kiyoko Kato
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Shouichi Ohga
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yuya Kunisaki
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Kyushu University Hospital, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Dongchon Kang
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Kyushu University Hospital, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
- Kashiigaoka Rehabilitation Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, Junshin Gakuen University, Fukuoka, Japan
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13
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Wood TWP, Henriques WS, Cullen HB, Romero M, Blengini CS, Sarathy S, Sorkin J, Bekele H, Jin C, Kim S, Chemiakine A, Khondker RC, Isola JVV, Stout MB, Gennarino VA, Mogessie B, Jain D, Schindler K, Suh Y, Wiedenheft B, Berchowitz LE. The retrotransposon - derived capsid genes PNMA1 and PNMA4 maintain reproductive capacity. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.11.592987. [PMID: 38798495 PMCID: PMC11118267 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.11.592987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
The human genome contains 24 gag -like capsid genes derived from deactivated retrotransposons conserved among eutherians. Although some of their encoded proteins retain the ability to form capsids and even transfer cargo, their fitness benefit has remained elusive. Here we show that the gag -like genes PNMA1 and PNMA4 support reproductive capacity. Six-week-old mice lacking either Pnma1 or Pnma4 are indistinguishable from wild-type littermates, but by six months the mutant mice become prematurely subfertile, with precipitous drops in sex hormone levels, gonadal atrophy, and abdominal obesity; overall they produce markedly fewer offspring than controls. Analysis of donated human ovaries shows that expression of both genes declines normally with aging, while several PNMA1 and PNMA4 variants identified in genome-wide association studies are causally associated with low testosterone, altered puberty onset, or obesity. These findings expand our understanding of factors that maintain human reproductive health and lend insight into the domestication of retrotransposon-derived genes.
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14
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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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15
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Bjørnstad PM, Aaløkken R, Åsheim J, Sundaram AYM, Felde CN, Østby GH, Dalland M, Sjursen W, Carrizosa C, Vigeland MD, Sorte HS, Sheng Y, Ariansen SL, Grindedal EM, Gilfillan GD. A 39 kb structural variant causing Lynch Syndrome detected by optical genome mapping and nanopore sequencing. Eur J Hum Genet 2024; 32:513-520. [PMID: 38030917 PMCID: PMC11061271 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-023-01494-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Lynch Syndrome (LS) is a hereditary cancer syndrome caused by pathogenic germline variants in one of the four mismatch repair (MMR) genes MLH1, MSH2, MSH6 and PMS2. It is characterized by a significantly increased risk of multiple cancer types, particularly colorectal and endometrial cancer, with autosomal dominant inheritance. Access to precise and sensitive methods for genetic testing is important, as early detection and prevention of cancer is possible when the variant is known. We present here two unrelated Norwegian families with family histories strongly suggestive of LS, where immunohistochemical and microsatellite instability analyses indicated presence of a pathogenic variant in MSH2, but targeted exon sequencing and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) were negative. Using Bionano optical genome mapping, we detected a 39 kb insertion in the MSH2 gene. Precise mapping of the insertion breakpoints and inserted sequence was performed by low-coverage whole-genome sequencing with an Oxford Nanopore MinION. The same variant was present in both families, and later found in other families from the same region of Norway, indicative of a founder event. To our knowledge, this is the first diagnosis of LS caused by a structural variant using these technologies. We suggest that structural variant detection be performed when LS is suspected but not confirmed with first-tier standard genetic testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pål Marius Bjørnstad
- Department Medical Genetics, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ragnhild Aaløkken
- Department Medical Genetics, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - June Åsheim
- Department Medical Genetics, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Arvind Y M Sundaram
- Department Medical Genetics, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Caroline N Felde
- Department Medical Genetics, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - G Henriette Østby
- Department Medical Genetics, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Marianne Dalland
- Department Medical Genetics, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Wenche Sjursen
- Department of Clinical & Molecular Medicine, NTNU and Department of Medical Genetics, St Olavs Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Christian Carrizosa
- Department Medical Genetics, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Magnus D Vigeland
- Department Medical Genetics, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Forensic Sciences, Oslo University Hospital, 0372, Oslo, Norway
| | - Hanne S Sorte
- Department Medical Genetics, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ying Sheng
- Department Medical Genetics, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Sarah L Ariansen
- Department Medical Genetics, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Eli Marie Grindedal
- Department Medical Genetics, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Gregor D Gilfillan
- Department Medical Genetics, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
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16
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Luo P, Yang J, Jian L, Dong J, Yin S, Luo C, Zhou S. Knockdown of PGBD5 inhibits the malignant progression of glioma through upregulation of the PPAR pathway. Int J Oncol 2024; 64:55. [PMID: 38577941 PMCID: PMC11015917 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2024.5643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Glioma is the most common type of primary intracranial malignant tumor, and because of its high invasiveness and recurrence, its prognosis remains poor. The present study investigated the biological function of piggyBac transportable element derived 5 (PGBD5) in glioma. Glioma and para-cancerous tissues were obtained from five patients. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blotting were used to detect the expression levels of PGBD5. Transwell assay and flow cytometry were used to evaluate cell migration, invasion, apoptosis and cell cycle distribution. In addition, a nude mouse tumor transplantation model was established to study the downstream pathways of PGBD5 and the molecular mechanism was analyzed using transcriptome sequencing. The mRNA and protein expression levels of PGBD5 were increased in glioma tissues and cells. Notably, knockdown of PGBD5 in vitro could inhibit the migration and invasion of glioma cells. In addition, the knockdown of PGBD5 expression promoted apoptosis and caused cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase, thus inhibiting cell proliferation. Furthermore, in vivo experiments revealed that knockdown of PGBD5 expression could inhibit Ki67 expression and slow tumor growth. Changes in PGBD5 expression were also shown to be closely related to the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) signaling pathway. In conclusion, interference with PGBD5 could inhibit the malignant progression of glioma through the PPAR pathway, suggesting that PGBD5 may be a potential molecular target of glioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengren Luo
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Yunnan 650500, P.R. China
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Yunnan 650500, P.R. China
- Medical School, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, P.R. China
| | - Jinhong Yang
- Medical School, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, P.R. China
| | - Lipeng Jian
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Yunnan 650500, P.R. China
| | - Jigen Dong
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Yunnan 650500, P.R. China
| | - Shi Yin
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Yunnan 650500, P.R. China
| | - Chao Luo
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Yunnan 650500, P.R. China
| | - Shuai Zhou
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Yunnan 650500, P.R. China
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Yunnan 650500, P.R. China
- Medical School, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, P.R. China
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17
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Li H, Durbin R. Genome assembly in the telomere-to-telomere era. Nat Rev Genet 2024:10.1038/s41576-024-00718-w. [PMID: 38649458 DOI: 10.1038/s41576-024-00718-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Genome sequences largely determine the biology and encode the history of an organism, and de novo assembly - the process of reconstructing the genome sequence of an organism from sequencing reads - has been a central problem in bioinformatics for four decades. Until recently, genomes were typically assembled into fragments of a few megabases at best, but now technological advances in long-read sequencing enable the near-complete assembly of each chromosome - also known as telomere-to-telomere assembly - for many organisms. Here, we review recent progress on assembly algorithms and protocols, with a focus on how to derive near-telomere-to-telomere assemblies. We also discuss the additional developments that will be required to resolve remaining assembly gaps and to assemble non-diploid genomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heng Li
- Department of Data Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Richard Durbin
- Department of Genetics, Cambridge University, Cambridge, UK.
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18
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Schloissnig S, Pani S, Rodriguez-Martin B, Ebler J, Hain C, Tsapalou V, Söylev A, Hüther P, Ashraf H, Prodanov T, Asparuhova M, Hunt S, Rausch T, Marschall T, Korbel JO. Long-read sequencing and structural variant characterization in 1,019 samples from the 1000 Genomes Project. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.18.590093. [PMID: 38659906 PMCID: PMC11042266 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.18.590093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Structural variants (SVs) contribute significantly to human genetic diversity and disease 1-4 . Previously, SVs have remained incompletely resolved by population genomics, with short-read sequencing facing limitations in capturing the whole spectrum of SVs at nucleotide resolution 5-7 . Here we leveraged nanopore sequencing 8 to construct an intermediate coverage resource of 1,019 long-read genomes sampled within 26 human populations from the 1000 Genomes Project. By integrating linear and graph-based approaches for SV analysis via pangenome graph-augmentation, we uncover 167,291 sequence-resolved SVs in these samples, considerably advancing SV characterization compared to population-wide short-read sequencing studies 3,4 . Our analysis details diverse SV classes-deletions, duplications, insertions, and inversions-at population-scale. LINE-1 and SVA retrotransposition activities frequently mediate transductions 9,10 of unique sequences, with both mobile element classes transducing sequences at either the 3'- or 5'-end, depending on the source element locus. Furthermore, analyses of SV breakpoint junctions suggest a continuum of homology-mediated rearrangement processes are integral to SV formation, and highlight evidence for SV recurrence involving repeat sequences. Our open-access dataset underscores the transformative impact of long-read sequencing in advancing the characterisation of polymorphic genomic architectures, and provides a resource for guiding variant prioritisation in future long-read sequencing-based disease studies.
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19
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Smith ME, Wahl D, Cavalier AN, McWilliams GT, Rossman MJ, Giordano GR, Bryan AD, Seals DR, LaRocca TJ. Repetitive element transcript accumulation is associated with inflammaging in humans. GeroScience 2024:10.1007/s11357-024-01126-y. [PMID: 38641753 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-024-01126-y] [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: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic, low-grade inflammation increases with aging, contributing to functional declines and diseases that reduce healthspan. Growing evidence suggests that transcripts from repetitive elements (RE) in the genome contribute to this "inflammaging" by stimulating innate immune activation, but evidence of RE-associated inflammation with aging in humans is limited. Here, we present transcriptomic and clinical data showing that RE transcript levels are positively related to gene expression of innate immune sensors, and to serum interleukin 6 (a marker of systemic inflammation), in a large group of middle-aged and older adults. We also: (1) use transcriptomics and whole-genome bisulfite (methylation) sequencing to show that many RE may be hypomethylated with aging, and that aerobic exercise, a healthspan-extending intervention, reduces RE transcript levels and increases RE methylation in older adults; and (2) extend our findings in a secondary dataset demonstrating age-related changes in RE chromatin accessibility. Collectively, our data support the idea that age-related RE transcript accumulation may play a role in inflammaging in humans, and that RE dysregulation with aging may be due in part to upstream epigenetic changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan E Smith
- Department of Health and Exercise Science, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Devin Wahl
- Department of Health and Exercise Science, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Alyssa N Cavalier
- Department of Health and Exercise Science, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Gabriella T McWilliams
- Department of Health and Exercise Science, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Matthew J Rossman
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Gregory R Giordano
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Angela D Bryan
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Douglas R Seals
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Thomas J LaRocca
- Department of Health and Exercise Science, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA.
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20
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Matharu N, Zhao J, Sohota A, Deng L, Hung Y, Li Z, Sims J, Rattanasopha S, Meyer J, Carbone L, Kircher M, Ahituv N. Massively parallel jumping assay decodes Alu retrotransposition activity. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.16.589814. [PMID: 38659854 PMCID: PMC11042287 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.16.589814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
The human genome contains millions of retrotransposons, several of which could become active due to somatic mutations having phenotypic consequences, including disease. However, it is not thoroughly understood how nucleotide changes in retrotransposons affect their jumping activity. Here, we developed a novel massively parallel jumping assay (MPJA) that can test the jumping potential of thousands of transposons en masse. We generated nucleotide variant library of selected four Alu retrotransposons containing 165,087 different haplotypes and tested them for their jumping ability using MPJA. We found 66,821 unique jumping haplotypes, allowing us to pinpoint domains and variants vital for transposition. Mapping these variants to the Alu-RNA secondary structure revealed stem-loop features that contribute to jumping potential. Combined, our work provides a novel high-throughput assay that assesses the ability of retrotransposons to jump and identifies nucleotide changes that have the potential to reactivate them in the human genome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Navneet Matharu
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Institute for Human Genetics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jingjing Zhao
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Institute for Human Genetics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ajuni Sohota
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Institute for Human Genetics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Linbei Deng
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Institute for Human Genetics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Yan Hung
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Institute for Human Genetics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Zizheng Li
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jasmine Sims
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Institute for Human Genetics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Sawitree Rattanasopha
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Institute for Human Genetics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Josh Meyer
- Department of Medicine, Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Lucia Carbone
- Department of Medicine, Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- Division of Genetics, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR, USA
- Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- Department of Medical Informatics and Clinical Epidemiology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Martin Kircher
- Berlin Institute of Health of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10178, Berlin, Germany
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Nadav Ahituv
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Institute for Human Genetics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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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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Jin SW, Seong Y, Yoon D, Kwon YS, Song H. Dissolution of ribonucleoprotein condensates by the embryonic stem cell protein L1TD1. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:3310-3326. [PMID: 38165001 PMCID: PMC11014241 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad1244] [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: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
L1TD1 is a cytoplasmic RNA-binding protein specifically expressed in pluripotent stem cells and, unlike its mouse ortholog, is essential for the maintenance of stemness in human cells. Although L1TD1 is the only known protein-coding gene domesticated from a LINE-1 (L1) retroelement, the functional legacy of its ancestral protein, ORF1p of L1, and how it is manifested in L1TD1 are still unknown. Here, we determined RNAs associated with L1TD1 and found that, like ORF1p, L1TD1 binds L1 RNAs and localizes to high-density ribonucleoprotein (RNP) condensates. Unexpectedly, L1TD1 enhanced the translation of a subset of mRNAs enriched in the condensates. L1TD1 depletion promoted the formation of stress granules in embryonic stem cells. In HeLa cells, ectopically expressed L1TD1 facilitated the dissolution of stress granules and granules formed by pathological mutations of TDP-43 and FUS. The glutamate-rich domain and the ORF1-homology domain of L1TD1 facilitated dispersal of the RNPs and induced autophagy, respectively. These results provide insights into how L1TD1 regulates gene expression in pluripotent stem cells. We propose that the ability of L1TD1 to dissolve stress granules may provide novel opportunities for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases caused by disturbed stress granule dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang Woo Jin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngmo Seong
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Dayoung Yoon
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Soo Kwon
- Department of Integrative Bioscience & Biotechnology, Sejong University, Seoul 05006, Republic of Korea
| | - Hoseok Song
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
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23
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Bell CG. Epigenomic insights into common human disease pathology. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:178. [PMID: 38602535 PMCID: PMC11008083 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05206-2] [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: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
The epigenome-the chemical modifications and chromatin-related packaging of the genome-enables the same genetic template to be activated or repressed in different cellular settings. This multi-layered mechanism facilitates cell-type specific function by setting the local sequence and 3D interactive activity level. Gene transcription is further modulated through the interplay with transcription factors and co-regulators. The human body requires this epigenomic apparatus to be precisely installed throughout development and then adequately maintained during the lifespan. The causal role of the epigenome in human pathology, beyond imprinting disorders and specific tumour suppressor genes, was further brought into the spotlight by large-scale sequencing projects identifying that mutations in epigenomic machinery genes could be critical drivers in both cancer and developmental disorders. Abrogation of this cellular mechanism is providing new molecular insights into pathogenesis. However, deciphering the full breadth and implications of these epigenomic changes remains challenging. Knowledge is accruing regarding disease mechanisms and clinical biomarkers, through pathogenically relevant and surrogate tissue analyses, respectively. Advances include consortia generated cell-type specific reference epigenomes, high-throughput DNA methylome association studies, as well as insights into ageing-related diseases from biological 'clocks' constructed by machine learning algorithms. Also, 3rd-generation sequencing is beginning to disentangle the complexity of genetic and DNA modification haplotypes. Cell-free DNA methylation as a cancer biomarker has clear clinical utility and further potential to assess organ damage across many disorders. Finally, molecular understanding of disease aetiology brings with it the opportunity for exact therapeutic alteration of the epigenome through CRISPR-activation or inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher G Bell
- William Harvey Research Institute, Barts & The London Faculty of Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK.
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24
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Barth ZK, Aylward FO. March of the proviruses. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2402541121. [PMID: 38527209 PMCID: PMC10998573 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2402541121] [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: 03/27/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Zachary K. Barth
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA24061
| | - Frank O. Aylward
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA24061
- Center for Emerging, Zoonotic, and Arthropod-Borne Pathogens, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA24061
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25
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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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26
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Walter NG. Are non-protein coding RNAs junk or treasure?: An attempt to explain and reconcile opposing viewpoints of whether the human genome is mostly transcribed into non-functional or functional RNAs. Bioessays 2024; 46:e2300201. [PMID: 38351661 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202300201] [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: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
The human genome project's lasting legacies are the emerging insights into human physiology and disease, and the ascendance of biology as the dominant science of the 21st century. Sequencing revealed that >90% of the human genome is not coding for proteins, as originally thought, but rather is overwhelmingly transcribed into non-protein coding, or non-coding, RNAs (ncRNAs). This discovery initially led to the hypothesis that most genomic DNA is "junk", a term still championed by some geneticists and evolutionary biologists. In contrast, molecular biologists and biochemists studying the vast number of transcripts produced from most of this genome "junk" often surmise that these ncRNAs have biological significance. What gives? This essay contrasts the two opposing, extant viewpoints, aiming to explain their bases, which arise from distinct reference frames of the underlying scientific disciplines. Finally, it aims to reconcile these divergent mindsets in hopes of stimulating synergy between scientific fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nils G Walter
- Center for RNA Biomedicine, Single Molecule Analysis Group, Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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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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Li Z, Fang F, Zafar MI, Wu X, Liu X, Tan X, Luo J, Ye Z, Xiong C, Li H. RNA m 6A modification regulates L1 retrotransposons in human spermatogonial stem cell differentiation in vitro and in vivo. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:92. [PMID: 38363375 PMCID: PMC10873452 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05119-0] [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: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
The maintenance of genome integrity in the germline is crucial for mammalian development. Long interspersed element type 1 (LINE-1, L1) is a mobile genetic element that makes up about 17% of the human genome and poses a threat to genome integrity. N6-methyl-adenosine (m6A) plays an essential role in regulating various biological processes. However, the function of m6A modification in L1 retrotransposons and human germline development remains largely unknown. Here we knocked out the m6A methyltransferase METTL3 or the m6A reader YTHDF2 in human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and discovered that METTL3 and YTHDF2 are crucial for inducing human spermatogonial stem cells (hSSCs) from hESCs in vitro. The removal of METTL3 or YTHDF2 resulted in increased L1 retrotransposition and reduced the efficiency of SSC differentiation in vitro. Further analysis showed that YTHDF2 recognizes the METTL3-catalyzed m6A modification of L1 retrotransposons and degrades L1 mRNA through autophagy, thereby blocking L1 retrotransposition. Moreover, the study confirmed that m6A modification in human fetal germ cells promotes the degradation of L1 retrotransposon RNA, preventing the insertion of new L1 retrotransposons into the genome. Interestingly, L1 retrotransposon RNA was highly expressed while METTL3 was significantly downregulated in the seminal plasma of azoospermic patients with meiotic arrest compared to males with normal fertility. Additionally, we identified some potentially pathogenic variants in m6A-related genes in azoospermic men with meiotic arrest. In summary, our study suggests that m6A modification serves as a guardian of genome stability during human germline development and provides novel insights into the function and regulatory mechanisms of m6A modification in restricting L1 retrotransposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zili Li
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan, 430030, China
- Wuhan Huake Reproductive Hospital, 128 Sanyang Road, Wuhan, 430013, China
| | - Fang Fang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Mohammad Ishraq Zafar
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, N1 Shangcheng Avenue, Yiwu, China
| | - Xunwei Wu
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Xinyu Liu
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Xia Tan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Jingwen Luo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Zhen Ye
- Wuhan Huake Reproductive Hospital, 128 Sanyang Road, Wuhan, 430013, China
| | - Chengliang Xiong
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan, 430030, China.
- Wuhan Huake Reproductive Hospital, 128 Sanyang Road, Wuhan, 430013, China.
- Hubei Engineering Research Center for Preparation, Application and Preservation of Human Stem Cells, Wuhan, 430013, China.
| | - Honggang Li
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan, 430030, China.
- Wuhan Huake Reproductive Hospital, 128 Sanyang Road, Wuhan, 430013, China.
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29
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Fukuda K. The role of transposable elements in human evolution and methods for their functional analysis: current status and future perspectives. Genes Genet Syst 2024; 98:289-304. [PMID: 37866889 DOI: 10.1266/ggs.23-00140] [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: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Transposable elements (TEs) are mobile DNA sequences that can insert themselves into various locations within the genome, causing mutations that may provide advantages or disadvantages to individuals and species. The insertion of TEs can result in genetic variation that may affect a wide range of human traits including genetic disorders. Understanding the role of TEs in human biology is crucial for both evolutionary and medical research. This review discusses the involvement of TEs in human traits and disease susceptibility, as well as methods for functional analysis of TEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kei Fukuda
- Integrative Genomics Unit, The University of Melbourne
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30
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Ramirez P, Sun W, Kazempour Dehkordi S, Zare H, Fongang B, Bieniek KF, Frost B. Nanopore-based DNA long-read sequencing analysis of the aged human brain. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.01.578450. [PMID: 38370753 PMCID: PMC10871260 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.01.578450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Aging disrupts cellular processes such as DNA repair and epigenetic control, leading to a gradual buildup of genomic alterations that can have detrimental effects in post-mitotic cells. Genomic alterations in regions of the genome that are rich in repetitive sequences, often termed "dark loci," are difficult to resolve using traditional sequencing approaches. New long-read technologies offer promising avenues for exploration of previously inaccessible regions of the genome. Using nanopore-based long-read whole-genome sequencing of DNA extracted from aged 18 human brains, we identify previously unreported structural variants and methylation patterns within repetitive DNA, focusing on transposable elements ("jumping genes") as crucial sources of variation, particularly in dark loci. Our analyses reveal potential somatic insertion variants and provides DNA methylation frequencies for many retrotransposon families. We further demonstrate the utility of this technology for the study of these challenging genomic regions in brains affected by Alzheimer's disease and identify significant differences in DNA methylation in pathologically normal brains versus those affected by Alzheimer's disease. Highlighting the power of this approach, we discover specific polymorphic retrotransposons with altered DNA methylation patterns. These retrotransposon loci have the potential to contribute to pathology, warranting further investigation in Alzheimer's disease research. Taken together, our study provides the first long-read DNA sequencing-based analysis of retrotransposon sequences, structural variants, and DNA methylation in the aging brain affected with Alzheimer's disease neuropathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulino Ramirez
- Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
- Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Wenyan Sun
- Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
- Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
- School of Pharmacy, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri
| | - Shiva Kazempour Dehkordi
- Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Habil Zare
- Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Bernard Fongang
- Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
- Department of Biochemistry & Structural Biology, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Kevin F. Bieniek
- Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Bess Frost
- Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
- Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
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31
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Wijngaard R, Demidov G, O'Gorman L, Corominas-Galbany J, Yaldiz B, Steyaert W, de Boer E, Vissers LELM, Kamsteeg EJ, Pfundt R, Swinkels H, den Ouden A, Te Paske IBAW, de Voer RM, Faivre L, Denommé-Pichon AS, Duffourd Y, Vitobello A, Chevarin M, Straub V, Töpf A, van der Kooi AJ, Magrinelli F, Rocca C, Hanna MG, Vandrovcova J, Ossowski S, Laurie S, Gilissen C. Mobile element insertions in rare diseases: a comparative benchmark and reanalysis of 60,000 exome samples. Eur J Hum Genet 2024; 32:200-208. [PMID: 37853102 PMCID: PMC10853235 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-023-01478-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Mobile element insertions (MEIs) are a known cause of genetic disease but have been underexplored due to technical limitations of genetic testing methods. Various bioinformatic tools have been developed to identify MEIs in Next Generation Sequencing data. However, most tools have been developed specifically for genome sequencing (GS) data rather than exome sequencing (ES) data, which remains more widely used for routine diagnostic testing. In this study, we benchmarked six MEI detection tools (ERVcaller, MELT, Mobster, SCRAMble, TEMP2 and xTea) on ES data and on GS data from publicly available genomic samples (HG002, NA12878). For all the tools we evaluated sensitivity and precision of different filtering strategies. Results show that there were substantial differences in tool performance between ES and GS data. MELT performed best with ES data and its combination with SCRAMble increased substantially the detection rate of MEIs. By applying both tools to 10,890 ES samples from Solve-RD and 52,624 samples from Radboudumc we were able to diagnose 10 patients who had remained undiagnosed by conventional ES analysis until now. Our study shows that MELT and SCRAMble can be used reliably to identify clinically relevant MEIs in ES data. This may lead to an additional diagnosis for 1 in 3000 to 4000 patients in routine clinical ES.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Wijngaard
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - German Demidov
- Universitätsklinikum Tübingen - Institut für Medizinische Genetik und angewandte Genomik, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Luke O'Gorman
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Burcu Yaldiz
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Wouter Steyaert
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Elke de Boer
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Lisenka E L M Vissers
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Erik-Jan Kamsteeg
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Rolph Pfundt
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Hilde Swinkels
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Amber den Ouden
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Iris B A W Te Paske
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Richarda M de Voer
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Laurence Faivre
- Centre de Référence Maladies Rares "Anomalies du développement et syndromes malformatifs", Centre de Génétique, FHU-TRANSLAD et Institut GIMI, CHU Dijon Bourgogne, Dijon, France
| | - Anne-Sophie Denommé-Pichon
- UMR1231-Inserm, Génétique des Anomalies du développement, Université de Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Dijon, France
- Laboratoire de Génétique chromosomique et moléculaire, UF6254 Innovation en diagnostic génomique des maladies rares, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Dijon, Dijon, France
| | - Yannis Duffourd
- UMR1231-Inserm, Génétique des Anomalies du développement, Université de Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Dijon, France
- Laboratoire de Génétique chromosomique et moléculaire, UF6254 Innovation en diagnostic génomique des maladies rares, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Dijon, Dijon, France
| | - Antonio Vitobello
- UMR1231-Inserm, Génétique des Anomalies du développement, Université de Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Dijon, France
- Laboratoire de Génétique chromosomique et moléculaire, UF6254 Innovation en diagnostic génomique des maladies rares, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Dijon, Dijon, France
| | - Martin Chevarin
- UMR1231-Inserm, Génétique des Anomalies du développement, Université de Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Dijon, France
- Laboratoire de Génétique chromosomique et moléculaire, UF6254 Innovation en diagnostic génomique des maladies rares, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Dijon, Dijon, France
| | - Volker Straub
- John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University and Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Ana Töpf
- John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University and Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Anneke J van der Kooi
- Department of Neurology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Francesca Magrinelli
- Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Clarissa Rocca
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
- Clinical Pharmacology, William Harvey Research Institute, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Michael G Hanna
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Jana Vandrovcova
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Stephan Ossowski
- Universitätsklinikum Tübingen - Institut für Medizinische Genetik und angewandte Genomik, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Steven Laurie
- Centro Nacional de Análisis Genómico (CNAG), Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Christian Gilissen
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
- Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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Zakharia Y, Singer EA, Acharyya S, Garje R, Joshi M, Peace D, Baladandayuthapani V, Majumdar A, Li X, Lalancette C, Kryczek I, Zou W, Alva A. Durvalumab and guadecitabine in advanced clear cell renal cell carcinoma: results from the phase Ib/II study BTCRC-GU16-043. Nat Commun 2024; 15:972. [PMID: 38302476 PMCID: PMC10834488 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45216-z] [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: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic modulation is well established in hematologic malignancies but to a lesser degree in solid tumors. Here we report the results of a phase Ib/II study of guadecitabine and durvalumab in advanced clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC; NCT03308396). Patients received guadecitabine (starting at 60 mg/m2 subcutaneously on days 1-5 with de-escalation to 45 mg/m2 in case of dose limiting toxicity) with durvalumab (1500 mg intravenously on day 8). The study enrolled 57 patients, 6 in phase Ib with safety being the primary objective and 51in phase II, comprising 2 cohorts: 36 patients in Cohort 1 were treatment naive to checkpoint inhibitors (CPI) with 0-1 prior therapies and 15 patients in Cohort 2 were treated with up to two prior systemic therapies including one CPI. The combination of guadecitabine 45 mg/m2 with durvalumab 1500 mg was deemed safe. The primary objective of overall response rate (ORR) in cohort 1 was 22%. Sixteen patients (44%) experienced stable disease (SD). Secondary objectives included overall survival (OS), duration of response, progression-free survival (PFS), clinical benefit rate, and safety as well as ORR for Cohort 2. Median PFS for cohort 1 and cohort 2 were 14.26 and 3.91 months respectively. Median OS was not reached. In cohort 2, one patient achieved a partial response and 60% achieved SD. Asymptomatic neutropenia was the most common adverse event. Even though the trial did not meet the primary objective in cohort 1, the tolerability and PFS signal in CPI naive patients are worth further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yousef Zakharia
- University of Iowa Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, Iowa City, IA, USA.
| | - Eric A Singer
- Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | | | - Rohan Garje
- University of Iowa Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | | | - David Peace
- University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | | | - Xiong Li
- University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | | | | | - Ajjai Alva
- University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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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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Singh S, Borkar MR, Bhatt LK. Transposable Elements: Emerging Therapeutic Targets in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Neurotox Res 2024; 42:9. [PMID: 38270797 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-024-00688-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), are characterized by the progressive loss of neuronal function and structure. While several genetic and environmental factors have been implicated in the pathogenesis of these disorders, emerging evidence suggests that transposable elements (TEs), once considered "junk DNA," play a significant role in their development and progression. TEs are mobile genetic elements capable of moving within the genome, and their dysregulation has been associated with genomic instability, altered gene expression, and neuroinflammation. This review provides an overview of TEs, including long interspersed nuclear elements (LINEs), short interspersed nuclear elements (SINEs), and endogenous retroviruses (ERVs), mechanisms of repression and derepression, and their potential impact on neurodegeneration. The evidence linking TEs to AD, PD, and ALS by shedding light on the complex interactions between TEs and neurodegeneration has been discussed. Furthermore, the therapeutic potential of targeting TEs in neurodegenerative diseases has been explored. Understanding the role of TEs in neurodegeneration holds promise for developing novel therapeutic strategies aimed at mitigating disease progression and preserving neuronal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shrishti Singh
- Department of Pharmacology, Bhanuben Nanavati College of Pharmacy, SVKM's DrVile Parle (W), Mumbai, India
| | - Maheshkumar R Borkar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, SVKM's Dr, Bhanuben Nanavati College of Pharmacy, Vile Parle (W), Mumbai, India
| | - Lokesh Kumar Bhatt
- Department of Pharmacology, Bhanuben Nanavati College of Pharmacy, SVKM's DrVile Parle (W), Mumbai, India.
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Kines KJ, Sokolowski M, DeFreece C, Shareef A, deHaro DL, Belancio VP. Large Deletions, Cleavage of the Telomeric Repeat Sequence, and Reverse Transcriptase-Mediated DNA Damage Response Associated with Long Interspersed Element-1 ORF2p Enzymatic Activities. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:143. [PMID: 38397133 PMCID: PMC10887698 DOI: 10.3390/genes15020143] [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: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
L1 elements can cause DNA damage and genomic variation via retrotransposition and the generation of endonuclease-dependent DNA breaks. These processes require L1 ORF2p protein that contains an endonuclease domain, which cuts genomic DNA, and a reverse transcriptase domain, which synthesizes cDNA. The complete impact of L1 enzymatic activities on genome stability and cellular function remains understudied, and the spectrum of L1-induced mutations, other than L1 insertions, is mostly unknown. Using an inducible system, we demonstrate that an ORF2p containing functional reverse transcriptase is sufficient to elicit DNA damage response even in the absence of the functional endonuclease. Using a TK/Neo reporter system that captures misrepaired DNA breaks, we demonstrate that L1 expression results in large genomic deletions that lack any signatures of L1 involvement. Using an in vitro cleavage assay, we demonstrate that L1 endonuclease efficiently cuts telomeric repeat sequences. These findings support that L1 could be an unrecognized source of disease-promoting genomic deletions, telomere dysfunction, and an underappreciated source of chronic RT-mediated DNA damage response in mammalian cells. Our findings expand the spectrum of biological processes that can be triggered by functional and nonfunctional L1s, which have impactful evolutionary- and health-relevant consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristine J. Kines
- Department of Structural and Cellular Biology, Tulane School of Medicine, Tulane Cancer Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Mark Sokolowski
- Department of Structural and Cellular Biology, Tulane School of Medicine, Tulane Cancer Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Cecily DeFreece
- Department of Biology, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA 70125, USA
| | - Afzaal Shareef
- Department of Structural and Cellular Biology, Tulane School of Medicine, Tulane Cancer Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Dawn L. deHaro
- Department of Structural and Cellular Biology, Tulane School of Medicine, Tulane Cancer Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Victoria P. Belancio
- Department of Structural and Cellular Biology, Tulane School of Medicine, Tulane Cancer Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
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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:AD.2023.1001. [PMID: 38300639 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2023.1001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [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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Ge LP, Jin X, Ma D, Wang ZY, Liu CL, Zhou CZ, Zhao S, Yu TJ, Liu XY, Di GH, Shao ZM, Jiang YZ. ZNF689 deficiency promotes intratumor heterogeneity and immunotherapy resistance in triple-negative breast cancer. Cell Res 2024; 34:58-75. [PMID: 38168642 PMCID: PMC10770380 DOI: 10.1038/s41422-023-00909-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive disease characterized by remarkable intratumor heterogeneity (ITH), which poses therapeutic challenges. However, the clinical relevance and key determinant of ITH in TNBC are poorly understood. Here, we comprehensively characterized ITH levels using multi-omics data across our center's cohort (n = 260), The Cancer Genome Atlas cohort (n = 134), and four immunotherapy-treated cohorts (n = 109). Our results revealed that high ITH was associated with poor patient survival and immunotherapy resistance. Importantly, we identified zinc finger protein 689 (ZNF689) deficiency as a crucial determinant of ITH formation. Mechanistically, the ZNF689-TRIM28 complex was found to directly bind to the promoter of long interspersed element-1 (LINE-1), inducing H3K9me3-mediated transcriptional silencing. ZNF689 deficiency reactivated LINE-1 retrotransposition to exacerbate genomic instability, which fostered ITH. Single-cell RNA sequencing, spatially resolved transcriptomics and flow cytometry analysis confirmed that ZNF689 deficiency-induced ITH inhibited antigen presentation and T-cell activation, conferring immunotherapy resistance. Pharmacological inhibition of LINE-1 significantly reduced ITH, enhanced antitumor immunity, and eventually sensitized ZNF689-deficient tumors to immunotherapy in vivo. Consistently, ZNF689 expression positively correlated with favorable prognosis and immunotherapy response in clinical samples. Altogether, our study uncovers a previously unrecognized mechanism underlying ZNF689 deficiency-induced ITH and suggests LINE-1 inhibition combined with immunotherapy as a novel treatment strategy for TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Ping Ge
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Department of Breast Surgery, Precision Cancer Medicine Center, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xi Jin
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Department of Breast Surgery, Precision Cancer Medicine Center, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ding Ma
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Department of Breast Surgery, Precision Cancer Medicine Center, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zi-Yu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Department of Breast Surgery, Precision Cancer Medicine Center, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Cheng-Lin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Department of Breast Surgery, Precision Cancer Medicine Center, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chao-Zheng Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Department of Breast Surgery, Precision Cancer Medicine Center, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shen Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Department of Breast Surgery, Precision Cancer Medicine Center, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tian-Jian Yu
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Department of Breast Surgery, Precision Cancer Medicine Center, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xi-Yu Liu
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Department of Breast Surgery, Precision Cancer Medicine Center, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Gen-Hong Di
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Department of Breast Surgery, Precision Cancer Medicine Center, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Zhi-Ming Shao
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Department of Breast Surgery, Precision Cancer Medicine Center, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yi-Zhou Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Department of Breast Surgery, Precision Cancer Medicine Center, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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38
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Yousefi B, Sadoughi F, Asemi Z, Mansournia MA, Hallajzadeh J. Novel Perspectives for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Gynecological Cancers using Dysregulation of PIWI Protein and PiRNAs as Biomarkers. Curr Med Chem 2024; 31:453-463. [PMID: 36786140 DOI: 10.2174/0929867330666230214101837] [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: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
The term "gynecological cancer" is used for a group of cancers occurring in the female reproductive system. Some of these cancers are ranked as the leading causes of death in developed and developing countries. The lack of proper diagnostic strategies is one of the most important reasons that make them lethal. PIWI-interacting RNAs or piRNAs are a class of small non-coding RNAs, which contain 24-32 nucleotides. These RNAs take part in some cellular mechanisms, and their role in diverse kinds of cancer is confirmed by accumulative evidence. In this review, we gather some information on the roles of these RNAs and members of the PIWI protein family to provide new insight into accurate diagnostic biomarkers and more effective anti-cancer drugs with fewer side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahman Yousefi
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Sadoughi
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, I.R. Iran
| | - Zatollah Asemi
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, I.R. Iran
| | - Mohammad Ali Mansournia
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Jamal Hallajzadeh
- Department of Biochemistry and Nutrition, Research Center for Evidence-Based Health Management, Maragheh University of Medical Sciences, Maragheh, Iran
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39
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Guo Y, Li TD, Modzelewski AJ, Siomi H. Retrotransposon renaissance in early embryos. Trends Genet 2024; 40:39-51. [PMID: 37949723 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2023.10.010] [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: 07/22/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Despite being the predominant genetic elements in mammalian genomes, retrotransposons were often dismissed as genomic parasites with ambiguous biological significance. However, recent studies reveal their functional involvement in early embryogenesis, encompassing crucial processes such as zygotic genome activation (ZGA) and cell fate decision. This review underscores the paradigm shift in our understanding of retrotransposon roles during early preimplantation development, as well as their rich functional reservoir that is exploited by the host to provide cis-regulatory elements, noncoding RNAs, and functional proteins. The rapid advancement in long-read sequencing, low input multiomics profiling, advanced in vitro systems, and precise gene editing techniques encourages further dissection of retrotransposon functions that were once obscured by the intricacies of their genomic footprints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youjia Guo
- Department of Molecular Biology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Ten D Li
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-4539, USA
| | - Andrew J Modzelewski
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-4539, USA.
| | - Haruhiko Siomi
- Department of Molecular Biology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; Human Biology Microbiome Quantum Research Center (WPI-Bio2Q), Keio University, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan.
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40
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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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41
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Lashen A, Al-Kawaz A, Jeyapalan JN, Alqahtani S, Shoqafi A, Algethami M, Toss M, Green AR, Mongan NP, Sharma S, Akbari MR, Rakha EA, Madhusudan S. Immune infiltration, aggressive pathology, and poor survival outcomes in RECQL helicase deficient breast cancers. Neoplasia 2024; 47:100957. [PMID: 38134458 PMCID: PMC10777014 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2023.100957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
RECQL is essential for genomic stability. Here, we evaluated RECQL in 449 pure ductal carcinomas in situ (DCIS), 152 DCIS components of mixed DCIS/invasive breast cancer (IBC) tumors, 157 IBC components of mixed DCIS/IBC and 50 normal epithelial terminal ductal lobular units (TDLUs). In 726 IBCs, CD8+, FOXP3+, IL17+, PDL1+, PD1+ T-cell infiltration (TILs) were investigated in RECQL deficient and proficient cancers. Tumor mutation burden (TMB) was evaluated in five RECQL germ-line mutation carriers with IBC by genome sequencing. Compared with normal epithelial cells, a striking reduction in nuclear RECQL in DCIS was evident with aggressive pathology and poor survival. In RECQL deficient IBCs, CD8+, FOXP3+, IL17+ or PDL1+ TILs were linked with aggressive pathology and shorter survival. In germline RECQL mutation carriers, increased TMB was observed in 4/5 tumors. We conclude that RECQL loss is an early event in breast cancer and promote immune cell infiltration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayat Lashen
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 3RD, UK
| | - Abdulbaqi Al-Kawaz
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 3RD, UK; Department of Pathology, Nottingham University Hospital, City Campus, Hucknall Road, Nottingham NG51PB, UK
| | - Jennie N Jeyapalan
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 3RD, UK
| | - Shatha Alqahtani
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 3RD, UK
| | - Ahmed Shoqafi
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 3RD, UK
| | - Mashael Algethami
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 3RD, UK
| | - Michael Toss
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 3RD, UK; Department of Pathology, Nottingham University Hospital, City Campus, Hucknall Road, Nottingham NG51PB, UK
| | - Andrew R Green
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 3RD, UK
| | - Nigel P Mongan
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 3RD, UK; Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Sudha Sharma
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Howard University, 520 W Street, NW, Washington, DC 20059, USA
| | - Mohammad R Akbari
- Women's College Research Institute, Women's College Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Institute of Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto. Toronto, Canada; Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Emad A Rakha
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 3RD, UK; Department of Pathology, Nottingham University Hospital, City Campus, Hucknall Road, Nottingham NG51PB, UK
| | - Srinivasan Madhusudan
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 3RD, UK; Department of Oncology, Nottingham University Hospitals, Nottingham NG51PB, UK.
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42
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Rosspopoff O, Martins F, Trono D. New ingredients for old recipes. Nat Genet 2023; 55:2023-2024. [PMID: 37973954 DOI: 10.1038/s41588-023-01591-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Olga Rosspopoff
- School of Life Sciences, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Filipe Martins
- School of Life Sciences, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Didier Trono
- School of Life Sciences, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland.
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43
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Libertini G. Phenoptosis and the Various Types of Natural Selection. BIOCHEMISTRY. BIOKHIMIIA 2023; 88:2007-2022. [PMID: 38462458 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297923120052] [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: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
In the first description of evolution, the fundamental mechanism is the natural selection favoring the individuals best suited for survival and reproduction (selection at the individual level or classical Darwinian selection). However, this is a very reductive description of natural selection that does not consider or explain a long series of known phenomena, including those in which an individual sacrifices or jeopardizes his life on the basis of genetically determined mechanisms (i.e., phenoptosis). In fact, in addition to (i) selection at the individual level, it is essential to consider other types of natural selection such as those concerning: (ii) kin selection and some related forms of group selection; (iii) the interactions between the innumerable species that constitute a holobiont; (iv) the origin of the eukaryotic cell from prokaryotic organisms; (v) the origin of multicellular eukaryotic organisms from unicellular organisms; (vi) eusociality (e.g., in many species of ants, bees, termites); (vii) selection at the level of single genes, or groups of genes; (viii) the interactions between individuals (or more precisely their holobionts) of the innumerable species that make up an ecosystem. These forms of natural selection, which are all effects and not violations of the classical Darwinian selection, also show how concepts as life, species, individual, and phenoptosis are somewhat not entirely defined and somehow arbitrary. Furthermore, the idea of organisms selected on the basis of their survival and reproduction capabilities is intertwined with that of organisms also selected on the basis of their ability to cooperate and interact, even by losing their lives or their distinct identities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacinto Libertini
- Italian Society for Evolutionary Biology (ISEB), Asti, 14100, Italy.
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, 80131, Italy
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44
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Shin W, Mun S, Han K. Human Endogenous Retrovirus-K (HML-2)-Related Genetic Variation: Human Genome Diversity and Disease. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:2150. [PMID: 38136972 PMCID: PMC10742618 DOI: 10.3390/genes14122150] [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: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) comprise a significant portion of the human genome, making up roughly 8%, a notable comparison to the 2-3% represented by coding sequences. Numerous studies have underscored the critical role and importance of HERVs, highlighting their diverse and extensive influence on the evolution of the human genome and establishing their complex correlation with various diseases. Among HERVs, the HERV-K (HML-2) subfamily has recently attracted significant attention, integrating into the human genome after the divergence between humans and chimpanzees. Its insertion in the human genome has received considerable attention due to its structural and functional characteristics and the time of insertion. Originating from ancient exogenous retroviruses, these elements succeeded in infecting germ cells, enabling vertical transmission and existing as proviruses within the genome. Remarkably, these sequences have retained the capacity to form complete viral sequences, exhibiting activity in transcription and translation. The HERV-K (HML-2) subfamily is the subject of active debate about its potential positive or negative effects on human genome evolution and various pathologies. This review summarizes the variation, regulation, and diseases in human genome evolution arising from the influence of HERV-K (HML-2).
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Affiliation(s)
- Wonseok Shin
- NGS Clinical Laboratory, Division of Cancer Research, Dankook University Hospital, Cheonan 31116, Republic of Korea;
- Smart Animal Bio Institute, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Republic of Korea;
| | - Seyoung Mun
- Smart Animal Bio Institute, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Republic of Korea;
- College of Science & Technology, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Republic of Korea
- Center for Bio-Medical Engineering Core Facility, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyudong Han
- Smart Animal Bio Institute, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Republic of Korea;
- Center for Bio-Medical Engineering Core Facility, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Republic of Korea
- Department of Microbiology, College of Science & Technology, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Republic of Korea
- Department of Bioconvergence Engineering, Dankook University, Yongin 16890, Republic of Korea
- R&D Center, HuNBiome Co., Ltd., Seoul 08507, Republic of Korea
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Cuenca-Guardiola J, Morena-Barrio BDL, Navarro-Manzano E, Stevens J, Ouwehand WH, Gleadall NS, Corral J, Fernández-Breis JT. Detection and annotation of transposable element insertions and deletions on the human genome using nanopore sequencing. iScience 2023; 26:108214. [PMID: 37953943 PMCID: PMC10638045 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108214] [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: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Repetitive sequences represent about 45% of the human genome. Some are transposable elements (TEs) with the ability to change their position in the genome, creating genetic variability both as insertions or deletions, with potential pathogenic consequences. We used long-read nanopore sequencing to identify TE variants in the genomes of 24 patients with antithrombin deficiency. We identified 7 344 TE insertions and 3 056 TE deletions, 2 926 were not previously described in publicly available databases. The insertions affected 3 955 genes, with 6 insertions located in exons, 3 929 in introns, and 147 in promoters. Potential functional impact was evaluated with gene annotation and enrichment analysis, which suggested a strong relationship with neuron-related functions and autism. We conclude that this study encourages the generation of a complete map of TEs in the human genome, which will be useful for identifying new TEs involved in genetic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Cuenca-Guardiola
- Departamento de Informática y Sistemas, Universidad de Murcia, CEIR Campus Mare Nostrum, IMIB-Pascual Parrilla, Facultad de Informática, Campus de Espinardo, Murcia 30100, Spain
| | - Belén de la Morena-Barrio
- Servicio de Hematología, Hospital Universitario Morales Meseguer, Centro Regional de Hemodonación, Universidad de Murcia, IMIB-Pascual Parrilla, CIBERER-III, Ronda de Garay S/N, Murcia 30003, Spain
| | - Esther Navarro-Manzano
- Servicio de Hematología, Hospital Universitario Morales Meseguer, Centro Regional de Hemodonación, Universidad de Murcia, IMIB-Pascual Parrilla, CIBERER-III, Ronda de Garay S/N, Murcia 30003, Spain
| | - Jonathan Stevens
- Department of Haematology, University of Cambridge, CB2 0PT, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, Cambridge, England, UK
- Blood and Transplant, National Health Service (NHS), CB2 0QQ, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, England, UK
| | - Willem H Ouwehand
- Department of Haematology, University of Cambridge, CB2 0PT, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, Cambridge, England, UK
- Blood and Transplant, National Health Service (NHS), CB2 0QQ, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, England, UK
- British Heart Foundation Cambridge Centre of Excellence, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Cambridge Heart and Lung Research Institute, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, England CB2 0AY, UK
- University College London Hospitals, NHS Foundation Trust, London, England, UK
| | - Nicholas S Gleadall
- Department of Haematology, University of Cambridge, CB2 0PT, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, Cambridge, England, UK
- Blood and Transplant, National Health Service (NHS), CB2 0QQ, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, England, UK
| | - Javier Corral
- Servicio de Hematología, Hospital Universitario Morales Meseguer, Centro Regional de Hemodonación, Universidad de Murcia, IMIB-Pascual Parrilla, CIBERER-III, Ronda de Garay S/N, Murcia 30003, Spain
| | - Jesualdo Tomás Fernández-Breis
- Departamento de Informática y Sistemas, Universidad de Murcia, CEIR Campus Mare Nostrum, IMIB-Pascual Parrilla, Facultad de Informática, Campus de Espinardo, Murcia 30100, Spain
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46
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Touma F, Lambert M, Martínez Villarreal A, Gantchev J, Ramchatesingh B, Litvinov IV. The Ultraviolet Irradiation of Keratinocytes Induces Ectopic Expression of LINE-1 Retrotransposon Machinery and Leads to Cellular Senescence. Biomedicines 2023; 11:3017. [PMID: 38002016 PMCID: PMC10669206 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11113017] [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: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Retrotransposons have played an important role in evolution through their transposable activity. The largest and the only currently active human group of mobile DNAs are the LINE-1 retrotransposons. The ectopic expression of LINE-1 has been correlated with genomic instability. Narrow-band ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) and broad-band ultraviolet B (BB-UVB) phototherapy is commonly used for the treatment of dermatological diseases. UVB exposure is carcinogenic and can lead, in keratinocytes, to genomic instability. We hypothesize that LINE-1 reactivation occurs at a high rate in response to UVB exposure on the skin, which significantly contributes to genomic instability and DNA damage leading to cellular senescence and photoaging. Immortalized N/TERT1 and HaCaT human keratinocyte cell lines were irradiated in vitro with either NB-UVB or BB-UVB. Using immunofluorescence and Western blotting, we confirmed UVB-induced protein expression of LINE-1. Using RT-qPCR, we measured the mRNA expression of LINE-1 and senescence markers that were upregulated after several NB-UVB exposures. Selected miRNAs that are known to bind LINE-1 mRNA were measured using RT-qPCR, and the expression of miR-16 was downregulated with UVB exposure. Our findings demonstrate that UVB irradiation induces LINE-1 reactivation and DNA damage in normal keratinocytes along with the associated upregulation of cellular senescence markers and change in miR-16 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fadi Touma
- Research Institute, McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada; (F.T.); (B.R.)
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 2M1, Canada
| | - Marine Lambert
- Research Institute, McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada; (F.T.); (B.R.)
| | - Amelia Martínez Villarreal
- Research Institute, McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada; (F.T.); (B.R.)
| | - Jennifer Gantchev
- Research Institute, McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada; (F.T.); (B.R.)
| | - Brandon Ramchatesingh
- Research Institute, McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada; (F.T.); (B.R.)
| | - Ivan V. Litvinov
- Research Institute, McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada; (F.T.); (B.R.)
- Department of Dermatology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
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47
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Garza R, Atacho DA, Adami A, Gerdes P, Vinod M, Hsieh P, Karlsson O, Horvath V, Johansson PA, Pandiloski N, Matas-Fuentes J, Quaegebeur A, Kouli A, Sharma Y, Jönsson ME, Monni E, Englund E, Eichler EE, Gale Hammell M, Barker RA, Kokaia Z, Douse CH, Jakobsson J. LINE-1 retrotransposons drive human neuronal transcriptome complexity and functional diversification. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadh9543. [PMID: 37910626 PMCID: PMC10619931 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adh9543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
The genetic mechanisms underlying the expansion in size and complexity of the human brain remain poorly understood. Long interspersed nuclear element-1 (L1) retrotransposons are a source of divergent genetic information in hominoid genomes, but their importance in physiological functions and their contribution to human brain evolution are largely unknown. Using multiomics profiling, we here demonstrate that L1 promoters are dynamically active in the developing and the adult human brain. L1s generate hundreds of developmentally regulated and cell type-specific transcripts, many that are co-opted as chimeric transcripts or regulatory RNAs. One L1-derived long noncoding RNA, LINC01876, is a human-specific transcript expressed exclusively during brain development. CRISPR interference silencing of LINC01876 results in reduced size of cerebral organoids and premature differentiation of neural progenitors, implicating L1s in human-specific developmental processes. In summary, our results demonstrate that L1-derived transcripts provide a previously undescribed layer of primate- and human-specific transcriptome complexity that contributes to the functional diversification of the human brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Garza
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurogenetics, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center and Lund Stem Cell Center, BMC A11, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815, USA
| | - Diahann A. M. Atacho
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurogenetics, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center and Lund Stem Cell Center, BMC A11, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815, USA
| | - Anita Adami
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurogenetics, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center and Lund Stem Cell Center, BMC A11, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815, USA
| | - Patricia Gerdes
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurogenetics, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center and Lund Stem Cell Center, BMC A11, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
| | - Meghna Vinod
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurogenetics, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center and Lund Stem Cell Center, BMC A11, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
| | - PingHsun Hsieh
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Ofelia Karlsson
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurogenetics, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center and Lund Stem Cell Center, BMC A11, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
| | - Vivien Horvath
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurogenetics, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center and Lund Stem Cell Center, BMC A11, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
| | - Pia A. Johansson
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurogenetics, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center and Lund Stem Cell Center, BMC A11, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
| | - Ninoslav Pandiloski
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurogenetics, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center and Lund Stem Cell Center, BMC A11, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
- Epigenetics and Chromatin Dynamics, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center and Lund Stem Cell Center, BMC B11, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
| | - Jon Matas-Fuentes
- Epigenetics and Chromatin Dynamics, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center and Lund Stem Cell Center, BMC B11, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
| | - Annelies Quaegebeur
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815, USA
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge and Department of Pathology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Antonina Kouli
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience and Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Cambridge CB2 0PY, UK
| | - Yogita Sharma
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurogenetics, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center and Lund Stem Cell Center, BMC A11, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
| | - Marie E. Jönsson
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurogenetics, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center and Lund Stem Cell Center, BMC A11, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
| | - Emanuela Monni
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Restorative Neurology, Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, SE-22184 Lund, Sweden
| | - Elisabet Englund
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Division of Pathology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Evan E. Eichler
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Molly Gale Hammell
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815, USA
- Institute for Systems Genetics, Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Neuroscience Institute, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Roger A. Barker
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815, USA
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience and Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Cambridge CB2 0PY, UK
| | - Zaal Kokaia
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Restorative Neurology, Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, SE-22184 Lund, Sweden
| | - Christopher H. Douse
- Epigenetics and Chromatin Dynamics, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center and Lund Stem Cell Center, BMC B11, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
| | - Johan Jakobsson
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurogenetics, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center and Lund Stem Cell Center, BMC A11, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815, USA
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48
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Liu M, Xie XJ, Li X, Ren X, Sun J, Lin Z, Hemba-Waduge RUS, Ji JY. Transcriptional coupling of telomeric retrotransposons with the cell cycle. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.30.560321. [PMID: 37808851 PMCID: PMC10557779 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.30.560321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Instead of employing telomerases to safeguard chromosome ends, dipteran species maintain their telomeres by transposition of telomeric-specific retrotransposons (TRs): in Drosophila , these are HeT-A , TART , and TAHRE . Previous studies have shown how these TRs create tandem repeats at chromosome ends, but the exact mechanism controlling TR transcription has remained unclear. Here we report the identification of multiple subunits of the transcription cofactor Mediator complex and transcriptional factors Scalloped (Sd, the TEAD homolog in flies) and E2F1-Dp as novel regulators of TR transcription and telomere length in Drosophila . Depletion of multiple Mediator subunits, Dp, or Sd increased TR expression and telomere length, while over-expressing E2F1-Dp or knocking down the E2F1 regulator Rbf1 (Retinoblastoma-family protein 1) stimulated TR transcription, with Mediator and Sd affecting TR expression through E2F1-Dp. The CUT&RUN analysis revealed direct binding of CDK8, Dp, and Sd to telomeric repeats. These findings highlight the essential role of the Mediator complex in maintaining telomere homeostasis by regulating TR transcription through E2F1-Dp and Sd, revealing the intricate coupling of TR transcription with the host cell-cycle machinery, thereby ensuring chromosome end protection and genomic stability during cell division.
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Li J, Yuan P, Ma G, Liu Y, Zhang Q, Wang W, Guo Y. The composition dynamics of transposable elements in human blastocysts. J Hum Genet 2023; 68:681-688. [PMID: 37308564 DOI: 10.1038/s10038-023-01169-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Transposable elements (TEs) are mobile DNA sequences that can replicate themselves and play significant roles in embryo development and chromosomal structure remodeling. In this study, we investigated the variation of TEs in blastocysts with different parental genetic backgrounds. We analyzed the proportions of 1137 TEs subfamilies from six classes at the DNA level using Bowtie2 and PopoolationTE2 in 196 blastocysts with abnormal parental chromosomal diseases. Our findings revealed that the parental karyotype was the dominant factor influencing TEs frequencies. Out of the 1116 subfamilies, different frequencies were observed in blastocysts with varying parental karyotypes. The development stage of blastocysts was the second most crucial factor influencing TEs proportions. A total of 614 subfamilies exhibited different proportions at distinct blastocyst stages. Notably, subfamily members belonging to the Alu family showed a high proportion at stage 6, while those from the LINE class exhibited a high proportion at stage 3 and a low proportion at stage 6. Moreover, the proportions of some TEs subfamilies also varied depending on blastocyst karyotype, inner cell mass status, and outer trophectoderm status. We found that 48 subfamilies displayed different proportions between balanced and unbalanced blastocysts. Additionally, 19 subfamilies demonstrated varying proportions among different inner cell mass scores, and 43 subfamilies exhibited different proportions among outer trophectoderm scores. This study suggests that the composition of TEs subfamilies may be influenced by various factors and undergoes dynamic modulation during embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ping Yuan
- IVF Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- IVF Center, The First People's Hospital of Kashi Prefecture, Kashi, China
| | - Guangwei Ma
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Ecology of Tropical Islands, Key Laboratory of Tropical Animal and Plant Ecology of Hainan Province, College of Life Sciences, Hainan Normal University, Haikou, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Reproductive Medical Center, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Qingxue Zhang
- IVF Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenjun Wang
- IVF Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Yabin Guo
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
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Miret NV, Pontillo CA, Buján S, Chiappini FA, Randi AS. Mechanisms of breast cancer progression induced by environment-polluting aryl hydrocarbon receptor agonists. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 216:115773. [PMID: 37659737 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common invasive malignancy among women worldwide and constitutes a complex and heterogeneous disease. Interest has recently grown in the role of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) in breast cancer and the contribution of environment-polluting AhR agonists. Here, we present a literature review addressing AhR ligands, including pesticides hexachlorobenzene and chlorpyrifos, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans, polychlorinated biphenyls, parabens, and phthalates. The objectives of this review are a) to summarize recent original experimental, preclinical, and clinical studies on the biological mechanisms of AhR agonists which interfere with the regulation of breast endocrine functions, and b) to examine the biological effects of AhR ligands and their impact on breast cancer development and progression. We discuss biological mechanisms of action in cell viability, cell cycle, proliferation, epigenetic changes, epithelial to mesenchymal transition, and cell migration and invasion. In addition, we examine the effects of AhR ligands on angiogenic processes, metastasis, chemoresistance, and stem cell renewal. We conclude that exposure to AhR agonists stimulates pathways that promote breast cancer development and may contribute to tumor progression. Given the massive use of industrial and agricultural chemicals, ongoing evaluation of their effects in laboratory assays and preclinical studies in breast cancer at environmentally relevant doses is deemed essential. Likewise, awareness should be raised in the population regarding the most harmful toxicants to eradicate or minimize their use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noelia V Miret
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Bioquímica Humana, Laboratorio de Efectos Biológicos de Contaminantes Ambientales, Paraguay 2155, Piso 5, (CP 1121), Buenos Aires, Argentina; Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Departamento de Físico-Matemática, Laboratorio de Radioisótopos, Junín 954, 1er subsuelo (CP1113), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Carolina A Pontillo
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Bioquímica Humana, Laboratorio de Efectos Biológicos de Contaminantes Ambientales, Paraguay 2155, Piso 5, (CP 1121), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Sol Buján
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Bioquímica Humana, Laboratorio de Efectos Biológicos de Contaminantes Ambientales, Paraguay 2155, Piso 5, (CP 1121), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Florencia A Chiappini
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Bioquímica Humana, Laboratorio de Efectos Biológicos de Contaminantes Ambientales, Paraguay 2155, Piso 5, (CP 1121), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Andrea S Randi
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Bioquímica Humana, Laboratorio de Efectos Biológicos de Contaminantes Ambientales, Paraguay 2155, Piso 5, (CP 1121), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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