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Wei Y, Zhou YF, Xiao L, Qin J, Cheng H, Cai H, Chen X, Zou Y, Yang L, Zhang H, Zhang Z, Yang X. Associations of Heavy Metals with Cognitive Function: An Epigenome-Wide View of DNA Methylation and Mediation Analysis. Ann Neurol 2024; 96:87-98. [PMID: 38661228 DOI: 10.1002/ana.26942] [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: 01/13/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Exposure to heavy metals has been reported to be associated with impaired cognitive function, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This pilot study aimed to identify key heavy metal elements associated with cognitive function and further explore the potential mediating role of metal-related DNA methylation. METHODS Blood levels of arsenic, cadmium, lead, copper, manganese, and zinc and genome-wide DNA methylations were separately detected in peripheral blood in 155 older adults. Cognitive function was evaluated using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator penalized regression and Bayesian kernel machine regression were used to identify metals associated with cognitive function. An epigenome-wide association study examined the DNA methylation profile of the identified metal, and mediation analysis investigated its mediating role. RESULTS The MMSE scores showed a significant decrease of 1.61 (95% confidence interval [CI]: -2.64, -0.59) with each 1 standard deviation increase in ln-transformed arsenic level; this association was significant in multiple-metal models and dominated the overall negative effect of 6 heavy metal mixture on cognitive function. Seventy-three differentially methylated positions were associated with blood arsenic (p < 1.0 × 10-5). The methylation levels at cg05226051 (annotated to TDRD3) and cg18886932 (annotated to GAL3ST3) mediated 24.8% and 25.5% of the association between blood arsenic and cognitive function, respectively (all p < 0.05). INTERPRETATION Blood arsenic levels displayed a negative association with the cognitive function of older adults. This finding shows that arsenic-related DNA methylation alterations are critical partial mediators that may serve as potential biomarkers for further mechanism-related studies. ANN NEUROL 2024;96:87-98.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Wei
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Yan-Feng Zhou
- Department of Social Medicine, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Lili Xiao
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Jian Qin
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Hong Cheng
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Haiqing Cai
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Xing Chen
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Yunfeng Zou
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Li Yang
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Haiying Zhang
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Zhiyong Zhang
- Department of Environmental Health and Occupational Medicine, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Exposomics and Entire Lifecycle Heath Research, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - Xiaobo Yang
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
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Macias-Gómez A, Jiménez-Balado J, Fernández-Pérez I, Suárez-Pérez A, Vallverdú-Prats M, Guimaraens L, Vivas E, Saldaña J, Giralt-Steinhauer E, Guisado-Alonso D, Villalba G, Gracia MP, Esteller M, Rodriguez-Campello A, Jiménez-Conde J, Ois A, Cuadrado-Godia E. The influence of epigenetic biological age on key complications and outcomes in aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2024; 95:675-681. [PMID: 38302433 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2023-332889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We aimed to investigate the association between DNA-methylation biological age (B-age) calculated as age acceleration (ageAcc) and key aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (aSAH) complications such as vasospasm, delayed cerebral ischaemia (DCI), poor outcome, and mortality. METHODS We conducted a prospective study involving 277 patients with aSAH. B-age was determined in whole blood samples using five epigenetic clocks: Hannum's, Horvath's, Levine's and both versions of Zhang's clocks. Age acceleration was calculated as the residual obtained from regressing out the effect of C-age on the mismatch between C-age and B-age. We then tested the association between ageAcc and vasospasm, DCI and 12-month poor outcome (mRS 3-5) and mortality using linear regression models adjusted for confounders. RESULTS Average C-age was 55.0 years, with 66.8% being female. Vasospasm occurred in 143 cases (51.6%), DCI in 70 (25.3%) and poor outcomes in 99 (35.7%), with a mortality rate of 20.6%. Lower ageAcc was linked to vasospasm in Horvath's and Levine's clocks, whereas increased ageAcc was associated with 12-month mortality in Hannum's clock. No significant differences in ageAcc were found for DCI or poor outcome at 12 months with other clocks. CONCLUSIONS Our study indicates that B-age is independently associated with vasospasm and 12-month mortality in patients with aSAH. These findings underscore the potential role of epigenetics in understanding the pathophysiology of aSAH-related complications and outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrià Macias-Gómez
- Neurology Department, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain
- Neurovascular Research Group, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute, Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain
| | - Joan Jiménez-Balado
- Neurovascular Research Group, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute, Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain
| | - Isabel Fernández-Pérez
- Neurology Department, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain
- Neurovascular Research Group, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute, Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain
| | - Antoni Suárez-Pérez
- Neurology Department, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain
- Neurovascular Research Group, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute, Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain
| | - Marta Vallverdú-Prats
- Neurovascular Research Group, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute, Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain
| | - Leopoldo Guimaraens
- J.J. Merland of Therapeutic Neuroangiography, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain
| | - Elio Vivas
- J.J. Merland of Therapeutic Neuroangiography, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain
| | - Jesus Saldaña
- J.J. Merland of Therapeutic Neuroangiography, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain
| | - Eva Giralt-Steinhauer
- Neurology Department, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain
- Neurovascular Research Group, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute, Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain
| | - Daniel Guisado-Alonso
- Neurology Department, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain
- Neurovascular Research Group, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute, Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain
| | - Gloria Villalba
- Neurosurgery Department, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain
- Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain
| | - Maria-Pilar Gracia
- Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain
- Intensive Care Department, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain
| | - Manel Esteller
- Cancer Epigenetics Group, Research Institute Against Leukemia Josep Carreras, Badalona, Catalunya, Spain
- Physiological Sciences Department, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain
| | - Ana Rodriguez-Campello
- Neurology Department, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain
- Neurovascular Research Group, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute, Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain
- Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain
| | - Jordi Jiménez-Conde
- Neurology Department, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain
- Neurovascular Research Group, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute, Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain
- Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain
| | - Angel Ois
- Neurology Department, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain
- Neurovascular Research Group, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute, Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain
- Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain
| | - Elisa Cuadrado-Godia
- Neurology Department, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain
- Neurovascular Research Group, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute, Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain
- Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain
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Li CZ, Haghani A, Yan Q, Lu AT, Zhang J, Fei Z, Ernst J, Yang XW, Gladyshev VN, Robeck TR, Chavez AS, Cook JA, Dunnum JL, Raj K, Seluanov A, Gorbunova V, Horvath S. Epigenetic predictors of species maximum life span and other life-history traits in mammals. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadm7273. [PMID: 38848365 PMCID: PMC11160467 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adm7273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
By analyzing 15,000 samples from 348 mammalian species, we derive DNA methylation (DNAm) predictors of maximum life span (R = 0.89), gestation time (R = 0.96), and age at sexual maturity (R = 0.85). Our maximum life-span predictor indicates a potential innate longevity advantage for females over males in 17 mammalian species including humans. The DNAm maximum life-span predictions are not affected by caloric restriction or partial reprogramming. Genetic disruptions in the somatotropic axis such as growth hormone receptors have an impact on DNAm maximum life span only in select tissues. Cancer mortality rates show no correlation with our epigenetic estimates of life-history traits. The DNAm maximum life-span predictor does not detect variation in life span between individuals of the same species, such as between the breeds of dogs. Maximum life span is determined in part by an epigenetic signature that is an intrinsic species property and is distinct from the signatures that relate to individual mortality risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caesar Z. Li
- Department of Biostatistics, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine, Spring House, PA, USA
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Amin Haghani
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Altos Labs, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Qi Yan
- Department of Biostatistics, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Altos Labs, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Ake T. Lu
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Altos Labs, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Joshua Zhang
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Zhe Fei
- Department of Biostatistics, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Statistics, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Jason Ernst
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - X. William Yang
- Center for Neurobehavioral Genetics, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Vadim N. Gladyshev
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Todd R. Robeck
- Zoological Operations, SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment Inc., Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Andreas S. Chavez
- Department of Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Translational Data Analytics Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Joseph A. Cook
- Department of Biology and Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Jonathan L. Dunnum
- Department of Biology and Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | | | - Andrei Seluanov
- Departments of Biology and Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Vera Gorbunova
- Departments of Biology and Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Steve Horvath
- Department of Biostatistics, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Altos Labs, San Diego, CA, USA
- Altos Labs, Cambridge, UK
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Klinaki E, Ogrodnik M. In the land of not-unhappiness: On the state-of-the-art of targeting aging and age-related diseases by biomedical research. Mech Ageing Dev 2024; 219:111929. [PMID: 38561164 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2024.111929] [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: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
The concept of the Land of Not-Unhappiness refers to the potential achievement of eliminating the pathologies of the aging process. To inform of how close we are to settling in the land, we summarize and review the achievements of research on anti-aging interventions over the last hundred years with a specific focus on strategies that slow down metabolism, compensate for aging-related losses, and target a broad range of age-related diseases. We critically evaluate the existing interventions labeled as "anti-aging," such as calorie restriction, exercise, stem cell administration, and senolytics, to provide a down-to-earth evaluation of their current applicability in counteracting aging. Throughout the text, we have maintained a light tone to make it accessible to non-experts in biogerontology, and provide a broad overview for those considering conducting studies, research, or seeking to understand the scientific basis of anti-aging medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eirini Klinaki
- Ludwig Boltzmann Research Group Senescence and Healing of Wounds, Vienna 1200, Austria; Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Traumatology, The Research Centre in Cooperation with AUVA, Vienna 1200, Austria; Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria
| | - Mikolaj Ogrodnik
- Ludwig Boltzmann Research Group Senescence and Healing of Wounds, Vienna 1200, Austria; Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Traumatology, The Research Centre in Cooperation with AUVA, Vienna 1200, Austria; Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria.
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Chen D, Keremane S, Wang S, Lei EP. CTCF regulates global chromatin accessibility and transcription during rod photoreceptor development. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.27.596084. [PMID: 38853900 PMCID: PMC11160664 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.27.596084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Chromatin architecture facilitates accurate transcription at a number of loci, but it remains unclear how much chromatin architecture is involved in global transcriptional regulation. Previous work has shown that rapid depletion of the architectural protein CTCF in cell culture strongly alters chromatin organization but results in surprisingly limited gene expression changes. This discrepancy has also been observed when other architectural proteins are depleted, and one possible explanation is that full transcriptional changes are masked by cellular heterogeneity. We tested this idea by performing multi-omics analyses with sorted post-mitotic mouse rods, which undergo synchronized development, and identified CTCF-dependent regulation of global chromatin accessibility and gene expression. Depletion of CTCF leads to dysregulation of ∼20% of the entire transcriptome (>3,000 genes) and ∼41% of genome accessibility (>26,000 sites), and these regions are strongly enriched in euchromatin. Importantly, these changes are highly enriched for CTCF occupancy, suggesting direct CTCF binding and transcriptional regulation at these active loci. CTCF mainly promotes chromatin accessibility of these direct binding targets, and a large fraction of these sites correspond to promoters. At these sites, CTCF binding frequently promotes accessibility and inhibits expression, and motifs of transcription repressors are found to be significantly enriched. Our findings provide different and often opposite conclusions from previous studies, emphasizing the need to consider cell heterogeneity and cell type specificity when performing multi-omics analyses. We conclude that the architectural protein CTCF binds chromatin and regulates global chromatin accessibility and transcription during rod development.
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Antón-Fernández A, Roldán-Lázaro M, Vallés-Saiz L, Ávila J, Hernández F. In vivo cyclic overexpression of Yamanaka factors restricted to neurons reverses age-associated phenotypes and enhances memory performance. Commun Biol 2024; 7:631. [PMID: 38789561 PMCID: PMC11126596 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06328-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: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, there has been success in partially reprogramming peripheral organ cells using cyclic Yamanaka transcription factor (YF) expression, resulting in the reversal of age-related pathologies. In the case of the brain, the effects of partial reprogramming are scarcely known, and only some of its effects have been observed through the widespread expression of YF. This study is the first to exclusively partially reprogram a specific subpopulation of neurons in the cerebral cortex of aged mice. The in vivo model demonstrate that YF expression in postmitotic neurons does not dedifferentiate them, and it avoids deleterious effects observed with YF expression in other cell types. Additionally, our study demonstrates that only cyclic, not continuous, expression of YF result in a noteworthy enhancement of cognitive function in adult mice. This enhancement is closely tied to increased neuronal activation in regions related to memory processes, reversed aging-related epigenetic markers and to increased plasticity, induced by the reorganization of the extracellular matrix. These findings support the therapeutic potential of targeted partial reprogramming of neurons in addressing age-associated phenotypes and neurodegenerative diseases correlated with aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Antón-Fernández
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (UAM-CSIC), Nicolás Cabrera, 1. Cantoblanco, 28049, Madrid, Spain.
- Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Serrano 117, 28006, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Marta Roldán-Lázaro
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (UAM-CSIC), Nicolás Cabrera, 1. Cantoblanco, 28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Vallés-Saiz
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (UAM-CSIC), Nicolás Cabrera, 1. Cantoblanco, 28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jesús Ávila
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (UAM-CSIC), Nicolás Cabrera, 1. Cantoblanco, 28049, Madrid, Spain
- Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Serrano 117, 28006, Madrid, Spain
| | - Félix Hernández
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (UAM-CSIC), Nicolás Cabrera, 1. Cantoblanco, 28049, Madrid, Spain.
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Mondal AK, Gaur M, Advani J, Swaroop A. Epigenome-metabolism nexus in the retina: implications for aging and disease. Trends Genet 2024:S0168-9525(24)00099-4. [PMID: 38782642 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2024.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Intimate links between epigenome modifications and metabolites allude to a crucial role of cellular metabolism in transcriptional regulation. Retina, being a highly metabolic tissue, adapts by integrating inputs from genetic, epigenetic, and extracellular signals. Precise global epigenomic signatures guide development and homeostasis of the intricate retinal structure and function. Epigenomic and metabolic realignment are hallmarks of aging and highlight a link of the epigenome-metabolism nexus with aging-associated multifactorial traits affecting the retina, including age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma. Here, we focus on emerging principles of epigenomic and metabolic control of retinal gene regulation, with emphasis on their contribution to human disease. In addition, we discuss potential mitigation strategies involving lifestyle changes that target the epigenome-metabolome relationship for maintaining retinal function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anupam K Mondal
- Neurobiology, Neurodegeneration, and Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Mohita Gaur
- Neurobiology, Neurodegeneration, and Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Jayshree Advani
- Neurobiology, Neurodegeneration, and Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Anand Swaroop
- Neurobiology, Neurodegeneration, and Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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Li CP, Wu S, Sun YQ, Peng XQ, Gong M, Du HZ, Zhang J, Teng ZQ, Wang N, Liu CM. Lhx2 promotes axon regeneration of adult retinal ganglion cells and rescues neurodegeneration in mouse models of glaucoma. Cell Rep Med 2024; 5:101554. [PMID: 38729157 PMCID: PMC11148806 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2024.101554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
The axons of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) form the optic nerve, transmitting visual information from the eye to the brain. Damage or loss of RGCs and their axons is the leading cause of visual functional defects in traumatic injury and degenerative diseases such as glaucoma. However, there are no effective clinical treatments for nerve damage in these neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we report that LIM homeodomain transcription factor Lhx2 promotes RGC survival and axon regeneration in multiple animal models mimicking glaucoma disease. Furthermore, following N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-induced excitotoxicity damage of RGCs, Lhx2 mitigates the loss of visual signal transduction. Mechanistic analysis revealed that overexpression of Lhx2 supports axon regeneration by systematically regulating the transcription of regeneration-related genes and inhibiting transcription of Semaphorin 3C (Sema3C). Collectively, our studies identify a critical role of Lhx2 in promoting RGC survival and axon regeneration, providing a promising neural repair strategy for glaucomatous neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang-Ping Li
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Shen Wu
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences Key Laboratory, Beijing 100730, China; Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Yong-Quan Sun
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Xue-Qi Peng
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Maolei Gong
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Hong-Zhen Du
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Jingxue Zhang
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences Key Laboratory, Beijing 100730, China; Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Zhao-Qian Teng
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China.
| | - Ningli Wang
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences Key Laboratory, Beijing 100730, China; Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; Henan Academy of Innovations in Medical Science, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China.
| | - Chang-Mei Liu
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China.
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Pernomian L, Waigi EW, Nguyen V, Mohammed AD, da Costa TJ, Fontes MT, Kubinak JL, Aitken A, Biancardi VC, Sinclair DA, McCarthy CG, Wang Y, Tan W, Wenceslau CF. A Single-Short Partial Reprogramming of the Endothelial Cells decreases Blood Pressure via attenuation of EndMT in Hypertensive Mice. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.20.595057. [PMID: 38826452 PMCID: PMC11142064 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.20.595057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Background Small artery remodeling and endothelial dysfunction are hallmarks of hypertension. Growing evidence supports a likely causal association between cardiovascular diseases and the presence of endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT), a cellular transdifferentiation process in which endothelial cells (ECs) partially lose their identity and acquire additional mesenchymal phenotypes. EC reprogramming represents an innovative strategy in regenerative medicine to prevent deleterious effects induced by cardiovascular diseases. Methods Using a partial reprogramming of ECs, via overexpression of Oct-3/4, Sox-2, and Klf-4 (OSK) transcription factors, we aimed to bring ECs back to a youthful phenotype in hypertensive mice. Primary ECs were infected with lentiviral vectors (LV) containing the specific EC marker cadherin 5 (Cdh5) and the fluorescent reporter enhanced green fluorescence protein (EGFP) with empty vector (LVCO) or with OSK (LV-OSK). Confocal microscopy and western blotting analysis were used to confirm the OSK overexpression. Cellular migration, senescence, and apoptosis were evaluated. Human aortic ECs (HAoECs) from male and female normotensive and hypertensive patients were analyzed after OSK or control treatments for their endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) levels, nitric oxide (NO), and genetic profile. Male and female normotensive (BPN/3J) and hypertensive (BPH/2J) mice were treated with an intravenous (i.v.) injection of LVCO or LV-OSK and evaluated 10 days post-infection. The blood pressure, cardiac function, vascular reactivity of small arteries, in vivo EGFP signal and EndMT inhibition were analyzed. Results OSK overexpression induced partial EC reprogramming in vitro , and these cells showed endothelial progenitor cell (EPC)-like features with lower migratory capability. OSK treatment of hypertensive BPH/2J mice normalized blood pressure and resistance arteries hypercontractility, via the attenuation of EndMT and elastin breaks. EGFP signal was detected in vivo in the prefrontal cortex of both BPN/3J and BPH/2J-treated mice, but OSK induced angiogenesis only in male BPN/3J mice. OSK-treated human ECs from hypertensive patients showed high eNOS activation and NO production, with low ROS formation. Single-cell RNA analysis showed that OSK alleviated EC senescence and EndMT, restoring their phenotypes in human ECs from hypertensive patients. Conclusion Overall, these data indicate that OSK treatment and EC reprogramming can decrease blood pressure and reverse hypertension-induced vascular damage.
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10
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Bierhoff H. [Genetics, epigenetics, and environmental factors in life expectancy-What role does nature-versus-nurture play in aging?]. Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz 2024; 67:521-527. [PMID: 38637469 PMCID: PMC11093831 DOI: 10.1007/s00103-024-03873-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
In Germany and worldwide, the average age of the population is continuously rising. With this general increase in chronological age, the focus on biological age, meaning the actual health and fitness status, is becoming more and more important. The key question is to what extent the age-related decline in fitness is genetically predetermined or malleable by environmental factors and lifestyle.Many epigenetic studies in aging research have provided interesting insights in this nature-versus-nurture debate. In most model organisms, aging is associated with specific epigenetic changes, which can be countered by certain interventions like moderate caloric restriction or increased physical activity. Since these interventions also have positive effects on lifespan and health, epigenetics appears to be the interface between environmental factors and the aging process. This notion is supported by the fact that an epigenetic drift occurs through the life course of identical twins, which is related to the different manifestations of aging symptoms. Furthermore, biological age can be determined with high precision based on DNA methylation patterns, further emphasizing the importance of epigenetics in aging.This article provides an overview of the importance of genetic and epigenetic parameters for life expectancy. A major focus will be on the possibilities of maintaining a young epigenome through lifestyle and environmental factors, thereby slowing down biological aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holger Bierhoff
- Institut für Biochemie und Biophysik, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Hans-Knöll-Straße 2, 07745, Jena, Deutschland.
- Leibniz-Institut für Alternsforschung - Fritz-Lipmann-Institut (FLI), Jena, Deutschland.
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11
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Tan DX. Mitochondrial dysfunction, a weakest link of network of aging, relation to innate intramitochondrial immunity of DNA recognition receptors. Mitochondrion 2024; 76:101886. [PMID: 38663836 DOI: 10.1016/j.mito.2024.101886] [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: 02/11/2024] [Revised: 04/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/30/2024]
Abstract
Aging probably is the most complexed process in biology. It is manifested by a variety of hallmarks. These hallmarks weave a network of aging; however, each hallmark is not uniformly strong for the network. It is the weakest link determining the strengthening of the network of aging, or the maximum lifespan of an organism. Therefore, only improvement of the weakest link has the chance to increase the maximum lifespan but not others. We hypothesize that mitochondrial dysfunction is the weakest link of the network of aging. It may origin from the innate intramitochondrial immunity related to the activities of pathogen DNA recognition receptors. These receptors recognize mtDNA as the PAMP or DAMP to initiate the immune or inflammatory reactions. Evidence has shown that several of these receptors including TLR9, cGAS and IFI16 can be translocated into mitochondria. The potentially intramitochondrial presented pathogen DNA recognition receptors have the capacity to attack the exposed second structures of the mtDNA during its transcriptional or especially the replicational processes, leading to the mtDNA mutation, deletion, heteroplasmy colonization, mitochondrial dysfunction, and alterations of other hallmarks, as well as aging. Pre-consumption of the intramitochondrial presented pathogen DNA recognition receptors by medical interventions including development of mitochondrial targeted small molecule which can neutralize these receptors may retard or even reverse the aging to significantly improve the maximum lifespan of the organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dun-Xian Tan
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, UT Health San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA.
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12
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Sun J, Xie X, Song Y, Sun T, Liu X, Yuan H, Shen C. Selenomethionine in gelatin methacryloyl hydrogels: Modulating ferroptosis to attenuate skin aging. Bioact Mater 2024; 35:495-516. [PMID: 38404642 PMCID: PMC10885793 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2024.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
During skin aging, the degeneration of epidermal stem cells (EpiSCs) leads to diminished wound healing capabilities and epidermal disintegration. This study tackles this issue through a comprehensive analysis combining transcriptomics and untargeted metabolomics, revealing age-dependent alterations in the Gpx gene family and arachidonic acid (AA) metabolic networks, resulting in enhanced ferroptosis. Selenomethionine (Se-Met) could enhance GPX4 expression, thereby assisting EpiSCs in countering AA-induced mitochondrial damage and ferroptosis. Additionally, Se-Met demonstrates antioxidative characteristics and extensive ultraviolet absorption. For the sustained and controllable release of Se-Met, it was covalently grafted to UV-responsive GelMA hydrogels via AC-PEG-NHS tethers. The Se-Met@GelMA hydrogel effectively accelerated wound healing in a chronological aging mice model, by inhibiting lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis with augmented GPX4 expression. Moreover, in a photoaging model, this hydrogel significantly mitigated inflammatory responses, extracellular matrix remodeling, and ferroptosis in UV-exposed mice. These characteristics render Se-Met@GelMA hydrogel valuable in practical clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiachen Sun
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, Fourth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100048, China
| | - Xiaoye Xie
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, Fourth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100048, China
| | - Yaoyao Song
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, Fourth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100048, China
| | - Tianjun Sun
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, Fourth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100048, China
| | - Xinzhu Liu
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, Fourth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100048, China
| | - Huageng Yuan
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, Fourth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100048, China
| | - Chuanan Shen
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, Fourth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100048, China
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13
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Becker S, L'Ecuyer Z, Jones BW, Zouache MA, McDonnell FS, Vinberg F. Modeling complex age-related eye disease. Prog Retin Eye Res 2024; 100:101247. [PMID: 38365085 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2024.101247] [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: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Modeling complex eye diseases like age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and glaucoma poses significant challenges, since these conditions depend highly on age-related changes that occur over several decades, with many contributing factors remaining unknown. Although both diseases exhibit a relatively high heritability of >50%, a large proportion of individuals carrying AMD- or glaucoma-associated genetic risk variants will never develop these diseases. Furthermore, several environmental and lifestyle factors contribute to and modulate the pathogenesis and progression of AMD and glaucoma. Several strategies replicate the impact of genetic risk variants, pathobiological pathways and environmental and lifestyle factors in AMD and glaucoma in mice and other species. In this review we will primarily discuss the most commonly available mouse models, which have and will likely continue to improve our understanding of the pathobiology of age-related eye diseases. Uncertainties persist whether small animal models can truly recapitulate disease progression and vision loss in patients, raising doubts regarding their usefulness when testing novel gene or drug therapies. We will elaborate on concerns that relate to shorter lifespan, body size and allometries, lack of macula and a true lamina cribrosa, as well as absence and sequence disparities of certain genes and differences in their chromosomal location in mice. Since biological, rather than chronological, age likely predisposes an organism for both glaucoma and AMD, more rapidly aging organisms like small rodents may open up possibilities that will make research of these diseases more timely and financially feasible. On the other hand, due to the above-mentioned anatomical and physiological features, as well as pharmacokinetic and -dynamic differences small animal models are not ideal to study the natural progression of vision loss or the efficacy and safety of novel therapies. In this context, we will also discuss the advantages and pitfalls of alternative models that include larger species, such as non-human primates and rabbits, patient-derived retinal organoids, and human organ donor eyes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silke Becker
- John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Zia L'Ecuyer
- John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Bryan W Jones
- John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Moussa A Zouache
- John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Fiona S McDonnell
- John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Biomedical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Frans Vinberg
- John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Biomedical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
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14
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Kawasumi-Kita A, Lee SW, Ohtsuka D, Niimi K, Asakura Y, Kitajima K, Sakane Y, Tamura K, Ochi H, Suzuki KIT, Morishita Y. hoxc12/c13 as key regulators for rebooting the developmental program in Xenopus limb regeneration. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3340. [PMID: 38649703 PMCID: PMC11035627 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47093-y] [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: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
During organ regeneration, after the initial responses to injury, gene expression patterns similar to those in normal development are reestablished during subsequent morphogenesis phases. This supports the idea that regeneration recapitulates development and predicts the existence of genes that reboot the developmental program after the initial responses. However, such rebooting mechanisms are largely unknown. Here, we explore core rebooting factors that operate during Xenopus limb regeneration. Transcriptomic analysis of larval limb blastema reveals that hoxc12/c13 show the highest regeneration specificity in expression. Knocking out each of them through genome editing inhibits cell proliferation and expression of a group of genes that are essential for development, resulting in autopod regeneration failure, while limb development and initial blastema formation are not affected. Furthermore, the induction of hoxc12/c13 expression partially restores froglet regenerative capacity which is normally very limited compared to larval regeneration. Thus, we demonstrate the existence of genes that have a profound impact alone on rebooting of the developmental program in a regeneration-specific manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aiko Kawasumi-Kita
- Laboratory for Developmental Morphogeometry, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, 650-0047, Japan
| | - Sang-Woo Lee
- Laboratory for Developmental Morphogeometry, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, 650-0047, Japan
| | - Daisuke Ohtsuka
- Laboratory for Developmental Morphogeometry, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, 650-0047, Japan
| | - Kaori Niimi
- Laboratory for Developmental Morphogeometry, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, 650-0047, Japan
| | - Yoshifumi Asakura
- Laboratory for Developmental Morphogeometry, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, 650-0047, Japan
| | - Keiichi Kitajima
- Laboratory for Developmental Morphogeometry, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, 650-0047, Japan
- Department of Ecological Developmental Adaptability Life Sciences, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, 980-8578, Japan
| | - Yuto Sakane
- Graduate School of Science, Hiroshima University, Higashihiroshima, Hiroshima, 739-8526, Japan
| | - Koji Tamura
- Department of Ecological Developmental Adaptability Life Sciences, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, 980-8578, Japan
| | - Haruki Ochi
- Institute for Promotion of Medical Science Research, Faculty of Medicine, Yamagata University, 2-2-2 Iida-Nishi, Yamagata, 990-9585, Japan
| | - Ken-Ichi T Suzuki
- Graduate School of Science, Hiroshima University, Higashihiroshima, Hiroshima, 739-8526, Japan
- Emerging Model Organisms Facility, Trans-scale Biology Center, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki, Aichi, 444-8585, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Morishita
- Laboratory for Developmental Morphogeometry, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, 650-0047, Japan.
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15
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Bylino OV, Ogienko AA, Batin MA, Georgiev PG, Omelina ES. Genetic, Environmental, and Stochastic Components of Lifespan Variability: The Drosophila Paradigm. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4482. [PMID: 38674068 PMCID: PMC11050664 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084482] [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: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Lifespan is a complex quantitative trait involving genetic and non-genetic factors as well as the peculiarities of ontogenesis. As with all quantitative traits, lifespan shows considerable variation within populations and between individuals. Drosophila, a favourite object of geneticists, has greatly advanced our understanding of how different forms of variability affect lifespan. This review considers the role of heritable genetic variability, phenotypic plasticity and stochastic variability in controlling lifespan in Drosophila melanogaster. We discuss the major historical milestones in the development of the genetic approach to study lifespan, the breeding of long-lived lines, advances in lifespan QTL mapping, the environmental factors that have the greatest influence on lifespan in laboratory maintained flies, and the mechanisms, by which individual development affects longevity. The interplay between approaches to study ageing and lifespan limitation will also be discussed. Particular attention will be paid to the interaction of different types of variability in the control of lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oleg V. Bylino
- Department of Regulation of Genetic Processes, Laboratory of Molecular Organization of the Genome, Institute of Gene Biology RAS, 119334 Moscow, Russia
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119334 Moscow, Russia
| | - Anna A. Ogienko
- Department of Regulation of Genetic Processes, Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology SB RAS, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Mikhail A. Batin
- Open Longevity, 15260 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles, CA 91403, USA
| | - Pavel G. Georgiev
- Department of Regulation of Genetic Processes, Laboratory of Molecular Organization of the Genome, Institute of Gene Biology RAS, 119334 Moscow, Russia
| | - Evgeniya S. Omelina
- Department of Regulation of Genetic Processes, Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology SB RAS, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
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16
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Matteini F, Montserrat-Vazquez S, Florian MC. Rejuvenating aged stem cells: therapeutic strategies to extend health and lifespan. FEBS Lett 2024. [PMID: 38604982 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14865] [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: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Aging is associated with a global decline in stem cell function. To date, several strategies have been proposed to rejuvenate aged stem cells: most of these result in functional improvement of the tissue where the stem cells reside, but the impact on the lifespan of the whole organism has been less clearly established. Here, we review some of the most recent work dealing with interventions that improve the regenerative capacity of aged somatic stem cells in mammals and that might have important translational possibilities. Overall, we underscore that somatic stem cell rejuvenation represents a strategy to improve tissue homeostasis upon aging and present some recent approaches with the potential to affect health span and lifespan of the whole organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Matteini
- Stem Cell Aging Group, Regenerative Medicine Program, The Bellvitge Institute for Biomedical Research (IDIBELL), Barcelona, Spain
- Program for Advancing the Clinical Translation of Regenerative Medicine of Catalonia (P-CMR[C]), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sara Montserrat-Vazquez
- Stem Cell Aging Group, Regenerative Medicine Program, The Bellvitge Institute for Biomedical Research (IDIBELL), Barcelona, Spain
- Program for Advancing the Clinical Translation of Regenerative Medicine of Catalonia (P-CMR[C]), Barcelona, Spain
| | - M Carolina Florian
- Stem Cell Aging Group, Regenerative Medicine Program, The Bellvitge Institute for Biomedical Research (IDIBELL), Barcelona, Spain
- Program for Advancing the Clinical Translation of Regenerative Medicine of Catalonia (P-CMR[C]), Barcelona, Spain
- Center for Networked Biomedical Research on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Madrid, Spain
- The Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
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17
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Zhang J, Yang SG, Zhou FQ. Glycogen synthase kinase 3 signaling in neural regeneration in vivo. J Mol Cell Biol 2024; 15:mjad075. [PMID: 38059848 PMCID: PMC11063957 DOI: 10.1093/jmcb/mjad075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) signaling plays important and broad roles in regulating neural development in vitro and in vivo. Here, we reviewed recent findings of GSK3-regulated axon regeneration in vivo in both the peripheral and central nervous systems and discussed a few controversial findings in the field. Overall, current evidence indicates that GSK3β signaling serves as an important downstream mediator of the PI3K-AKT pathway to regulate axon regeneration in parallel with the mTORC1 pathway. Specifically, the mTORC1 pathway supports axon regeneration mainly through its role in regulating cap-dependent protein translation, whereas GSK3β signaling might be involved in regulating N6-methyladenosine mRNA methylation-mediated, cap-independent protein translation. In addition, GSK3 signaling also plays a key role in reshaping the neuronal transcriptomic landscape during neural regeneration. Finally, we proposed some research directions to further elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulatory function of GSK3 signaling and discover novel GSK3 signaling-related therapeutic targets. Together, we hope to provide an updated and insightful overview of how GSK3 signaling regulates neural regeneration in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhang
- Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310016, China
| | - Shu-Guang Yang
- Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310016, China
| | - Feng-Quan Zhou
- Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310016, China
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18
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Raisi-Estabragh Z, Szabo L, Schuermans A, Salih AM, Chin CWL, Vágó H, Altmann A, Ng FS, Garg P, Pavanello S, Marwick TH, Petersen SE. Noninvasive Techniques for Tracking Biological Aging of the Cardiovascular System: JACC Family Series. JACC Cardiovasc Imaging 2024:S1936-878X(24)00082-2. [PMID: 38597854 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmg.2024.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Population aging is one of the most important demographic transformations of our time. Increasing the "health span"-the proportion of life spent in good health-is a global priority. Biological aging comprises molecular and cellular modifications over many years, which culminate in gradual physiological decline across multiple organ systems and predispose to age-related illnesses. Cardiovascular disease is a major cause of ill health and premature death in older people. The rate at which biological aging occurs varies across individuals of the same age and is influenced by a wide range of genetic and environmental exposures. The authors review the hallmarks of biological cardiovascular aging and their capture using imaging and other noninvasive techniques and examine how this information may be used to understand aging trajectories, with the aim of guiding individual- and population-level interventions to promote healthy aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Raisi-Estabragh
- William Harvey Research Institute, NIHR Barts Biomedical Research Centre, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom; Barts Heart Centre, St. Bartholomew's Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Liliana Szabo
- William Harvey Research Institute, NIHR Barts Biomedical Research Centre, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom; Barts Heart Centre, St. Bartholomew's Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom; Semmelweis University, Heart and Vascular Center, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Art Schuermans
- Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of Harvard and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA; Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ahmed M Salih
- William Harvey Research Institute, NIHR Barts Biomedical Research Centre, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom; Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester UK; Department of Computer Science, Faculty of Science, University of Zakho, Zakho, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
| | - Calvin W L Chin
- Department of Cardiology, National Heart Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore; Cardiovascular Academic Clinical Programme, Duke National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Hajnalka Vágó
- Semmelweis University, Heart and Vascular Center, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Andre Altmann
- Centre for Medical Image Computing, Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Fu Siong Ng
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Pankaj Garg
- University of East Anglia, Norwich Medical School, Norwich, United Kingdom; Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Sofia Pavanello
- Occupational Medicine, Department of Cardio-Thoraco-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy; Padua Hospital, Occupational Medicine Unit, Padua, Italy; University Center for Space Studies and Activities "Giuseppe Colombo" - CISAS, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | | | - Steffen E Petersen
- William Harvey Research Institute, NIHR Barts Biomedical Research Centre, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom; Barts Heart Centre, St. Bartholomew's Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom; Health Data Research UK, London, United Kingdom
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19
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Landsberger T, Amit I, Alon U. Geroprotective interventions converge on gene expression programs of reduced inflammation and restored fatty acid metabolism. GeroScience 2024; 46:1627-1639. [PMID: 37698783 PMCID: PMC10828297 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-023-00915-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the mechanisms of geroprotective interventions is central to aging research. We compare four prominent interventions: senolysis, caloric restriction, in vivo partial reprogramming, and heterochronic parabiosis. Using published mice transcriptomic data, we juxtapose these interventions against normal aging. We find a gene expression program common to all four interventions, in which inflammation is reduced and several metabolic processes, especially fatty acid metabolism, are increased. Normal aging exhibits the inverse of this signature across multiple organs and tissues. A similar inverse signature arises in three chronic inflammation disease models in a non-aging context, suggesting that the shift in metabolism occurs downstream of inflammation. Chronic inflammation is also shown to accelerate transcriptomic age. We conclude that a core mechanism of geroprotective interventions acts through the reduction of inflammation with downstream effects that restore fatty acid metabolism. This supports the notion of directly targeting genes associated with these pathways to mitigate age-related deterioration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomer Landsberger
- Department of Systems Immunology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel.
| | - Ido Amit
- Department of Systems Immunology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel.
| | - Uri Alon
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
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20
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Xu L, Ramirez-Matias J, Hauptschein M, Sun ED, Lunger JC, Buckley MT, Brunet A. Restoration of neuronal progenitors by partial reprogramming in the aged neurogenic niche. NATURE AGING 2024; 4:546-567. [PMID: 38553564 DOI: 10.1038/s43587-024-00594-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
Partial reprogramming (pulsed expression of reprogramming transcription factors) improves the function of several tissues in old mice. However, it remains largely unknown how partial reprogramming impacts the old brain. Here we use single-cell transcriptomics to systematically examine how partial reprogramming influences the subventricular zone neurogenic niche in aged mouse brains. Whole-body partial reprogramming mainly improves neuroblasts (cells committed to give rise to new neurons) in the old neurogenic niche, restoring neuroblast proportion to more youthful levels. Interestingly, targeting partial reprogramming specifically to the neurogenic niche also boosts the proportion of neuroblasts and their precursors (neural stem cells) in old mice and improves several molecular signatures of aging, suggesting that the beneficial effects of reprogramming are niche intrinsic. In old neural stem cell cultures, partial reprogramming cell autonomously restores the proportion of neuroblasts during differentiation and blunts some age-related transcriptomic changes. Importantly, partial reprogramming improves the production of new neurons in vitro and in old brains. Our work suggests that partial reprogramming could be used to rejuvenate the neurogenic niche and counter brain decline in old individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Xu
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Max Hauptschein
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Eric D Sun
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Judith C Lunger
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Anne Brunet
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Glenn Center for the Biology of Aging, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
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21
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Abstract
The recent emergence of reprogramming technologies to convert brain cell types or epigenetically alter neurons and neural progenitors in vivo and in situ hold significant promises in brain repair and neuronal aging reversal. However, given the significant epigenetic and transcriptomic changes to components of the existing neuronal cells and network, we question if these reprogramming technology might inadvertently alter or erase memory engrams, conceivably resulting in changes in narrative identity or personality. We suggest that the nature of these alterations might be less predictable compared to memory and personality changes known to be associated with diseases, drugs or brain stimulation therapies. While research in applying reprogramming technologies to neurological ailments and aging should continue, more targeted analyses should be put in place in animal experiments to gauge the severity and degree of memory alterations, and appropriate risk and benefit analyses should be conducted before these technologies move into human trials.
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22
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Zhang Y, Huang S, Xie B, Zhong Y. Aging, Cellular Senescence, and Glaucoma. Aging Dis 2024; 15:546-564. [PMID: 37725658 PMCID: PMC10917531 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2023.0630-1] [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: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Aging is one of the most serious risk factors for glaucoma, and according to age-standardized prevalence, glaucoma is the second leading cause of legal blindness worldwide. Cellular senescence is a hallmark of aging that is defined by a stable exit from the cell cycle in response to cellular damage and stress. The potential mechanisms underlying glaucomatous cellular senescence include oxidative stress, DNA damage, mitochondrial dysfunction, defective autophagy/mitophagy, and epigenetic modifications. These phenotypes interact and generate a sufficiently stable network to maintain the cell senescent state. Senescent trabecular meshwork (TM) cells, retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and vascular endothelial cells reportedly accumulate with age and stress and may contribute to glaucoma pathologies. Therapies targeting the suppression or elimination of senescent cells have been found to ameliorate RGC death and improve vision in glaucoma models, suggesting the pivotal role of cellular senescence in the pathophysiology of glaucoma. In this review, we explore the biological links between aging and glaucoma, specifically delving into cellular senescence. Moreover, we summarize the current data on cellular senescence in key target cells associated with the development and clinical phenotypes of glaucoma. Finally, we discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting cellular senescence for the management of glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumeng Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated Medical School, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Shouyue Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated Medical School, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Bing Xie
- Correspondence should be addressed to: Dr. Yisheng Zhong () and Bing Xie (), Department of Ophthalmology, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated Medical School, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Yisheng Zhong
- Correspondence should be addressed to: Dr. Yisheng Zhong () and Bing Xie (), Department of Ophthalmology, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated Medical School, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200025, China
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23
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Mitchell W, Goeminne LJE, Tyshkovskiy A, Zhang S, Chen JY, Paulo JA, Pierce KA, Choy AH, Clish CB, Gygi SP, Gladyshev VN. Multi-omics characterization of partial chemical reprogramming reveals evidence of cell rejuvenation. eLife 2024; 12:RP90579. [PMID: 38517750 PMCID: PMC10959535 DOI: 10.7554/elife.90579] [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] [Indexed: 03/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Partial reprogramming by cyclic short-term expression of Yamanaka factors holds promise for shifting cells to younger states and consequently delaying the onset of many diseases of aging. However, the delivery of transgenes and potential risk of teratoma formation present challenges for in vivo applications. Recent advances include the use of cocktails of compounds to reprogram somatic cells, but the characteristics and mechanisms of partial cellular reprogramming by chemicals remain unclear. Here, we report a multi-omics characterization of partial chemical reprogramming in fibroblasts from young and aged mice. We measured the effects of partial chemical reprogramming on the epigenome, transcriptome, proteome, phosphoproteome, and metabolome. At the transcriptome, proteome, and phosphoproteome levels, we saw widescale changes induced by this treatment, with the most notable signature being an upregulation of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. Furthermore, at the metabolome level, we observed a reduction in the accumulation of aging-related metabolites. Using both transcriptomic and epigenetic clock-based analyses, we show that partial chemical reprogramming reduces the biological age of mouse fibroblasts. We demonstrate that these changes have functional impacts, as evidenced by changes in cellular respiration and mitochondrial membrane potential. Taken together, these results illuminate the potential for chemical reprogramming reagents to rejuvenate aged biological systems and warrant further investigation into adapting these approaches for in vivo age reversal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wayne Mitchell
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| | - Ludger JE Goeminne
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| | - Alexander Tyshkovskiy
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| | - Sirui Zhang
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| | - Julie Y Chen
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| | - Joao A Paulo
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| | - Kerry A Pierce
- Broad Institute of MIT and HarvardCambridgeUnited States
| | | | - Clary B Clish
- Broad Institute of MIT and HarvardCambridgeUnited States
| | - Steven P Gygi
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| | - Vadim N Gladyshev
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
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24
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Qin Y, Li T, An P, Ren Z, Xi J, Tang B. Important role of DNA methylation hints at significant potential in tuberculosis. Arch Microbiol 2024; 206:177. [PMID: 38494532 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-024-03888-7] [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: 12/02/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB), an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection, has persisted as a major global public health threat for millennia. Until now, TB continues to challenge efforts aimed at controlling it, with drug resistance and latent infections being the two main factors hindering treatment efficacy. The scientific community is still striving to understand the underlying mechanisms behind Mtb's drug resistance and latent infection. DNA methylation, a critical epigenetic modification occurring throughout an individual's growth and development, has gained attention following advances in high-throughput sequencing technologies. Researchers have observed abnormal DNA methylation patterns in the host genome during Mtb infection. Given the escalating issue of drug-resistant Mtb, delving into the role of DNA methylation in TB's development is crucial. This review article explores DNA methylation's significance in human growth, development and disease, and its role in regulating Mtb's evolution and infection processes. Additionally, it discusses potential applications of DNA methylation research in tuberculosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuexuan Qin
- School of Life Science, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Immunology in Chronic Diseases, Anhui Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, 233030, Anhui Province, China
| | - Tianyue Li
- School of Life Science, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Immunology in Chronic Diseases, Anhui Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, 233030, Anhui Province, China
| | - Peiyan An
- School of Life Science, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Immunology in Chronic Diseases, Anhui Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, 233030, Anhui Province, China
| | - Zhi Ren
- First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, 233030, Anhui Province, China
| | - Jun Xi
- School of Life Science, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Immunology in Chronic Diseases, Anhui Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, 233030, Anhui Province, China.
| | - Bikui Tang
- School of Life Science, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Immunology in Chronic Diseases, Anhui Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, 233030, Anhui Province, China.
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25
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Yu G, Wu L, Su Q, Ji X, Zhou J, Wu S, Tang Y, Li H. Neurotoxic effects of heavy metal pollutants in the environment: Focusing on epigenetic mechanisms. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 345:123563. [PMID: 38355086 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
The pollution of heavy metals (HMs) in the environment is a significant global environmental issue, characterized by its extensive distribution, severe contamination, and profound ecological impacts. Excessive exposure to heavy metal pollutants can damage the nervous system. However, the mechanisms underlying the neurotoxicity of most heavy metals are not completely understood. Epigenetics is defined as a heritable change in gene function that can influence gene and subsequent protein expression levels without altering the DNA sequence. Growing evidence indicates that heavy metals can induce neurotoxic effects by triggering epigenetic changes and disrupting the epigenome. Compared with genetic changes, epigenetic alterations are more easily reversible. Epigenetic reprogramming techniques, drugs, and certain nutrients targeting specific epigenetic mechanisms involved in gene expression regulation are emerging as potential preventive or therapeutic tools for diseases. Therefore, this review provides a comprehensive overview of epigenetic modifications encompassing DNA/RNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs in the nervous system, elucidating their association with various heavy metal exposures. These primarily include manganese (Mn), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), cobalt (Co), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), sliver (Ag), toxic metalloids arsenic (As), and etc. The potential epigenetic mechanisms in the etiology, precision prevention, and target therapy of various neurodevelopmental disorders or different neurodegenerative diseases are emphasized. In addition, the current gaps in research and future areas of study are discussed. From a perspective on epigenetics, this review offers novel insights for prevention and treatment of neurotoxicity induced by heavy metal pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangxia Yu
- Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350122, China; Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350122, China
| | - Lingyan Wu
- Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350122, China
| | - Qianqian Su
- Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350122, China
| | - Xianqi Ji
- Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350122, China
| | - Jinfu Zhou
- Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350122, China; Fujian Maternity and Child Hospital College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350001, China
| | - Siying Wu
- Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350122, China; Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350122, China
| | - Ying Tang
- Fujian Center for Prevention and Control Occupational Diseases and Chemical Poisoning, Fuzhou 350125, China
| | - Huangyuan Li
- Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350122, China; Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350122, China.
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26
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Yücel AD, Gladyshev VN. The long and winding road of reprogramming-induced rejuvenation. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1941. [PMID: 38431638 PMCID: PMC10908844 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46020-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Organismal aging is inherently connected to the aging of its constituent cells and systems. Reducing the biological age of the organism may be assisted by reducing the age of its cells - an approach exemplified by partial cell reprogramming through the expression of Yamanaka factors or exposure to chemical cocktails. It is crucial to protect cell type identity during partial reprogramming, as cells need to retain or rapidly regain their functions following the treatment. Another critical issue is the ability to quantify biological age as reprogrammed older cells acquire younger states. We discuss recent advances in reprogramming-induced rejuvenation and offer a critical review of this procedure and its relationship to the fundamental nature of aging. We further comparatively analyze partial reprogramming, full reprogramming and transdifferentiation approaches, assess safety concerns and emphasize the importance of distinguishing rejuvenation from dedifferentiation. Finally, we highlight translational opportunities that the reprogramming-induced rejuvenation approach offers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Doğa Yücel
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Koc University, Istanbul, 34450, Turkey
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Vadim N Gladyshev
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
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27
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Pereira B, Correia FP, Alves IA, Costa M, Gameiro M, Martins AP, Saraiva JA. Epigenetic reprogramming as a key to reverse ageing and increase longevity. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 95:102204. [PMID: 38272265 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102204] [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: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
The pursuit for the fountain of youth has long been a fascination amongst scientists and humanity. Ageing is broadly characterized by a cellular decline with increased susceptibility to age-related diseases, being intimately associated with epigenetic modifications. Recently, reprogramming-induced rejuvenation strategies have begun to greatly alter longevity research not only to tackle age-related defects but also to possibly reverse the cellular ageing process. Hence, in this review, we highlight the major epigenetic changes during ageing and the state-of-art of the current emerging epigenetic reprogramming strategies leveraging on transcription factors. Notably, partial reprogramming enables the resetting of the ageing clock without erasing cellular identity. Promising chemical-based rejuvenation strategies harnessing small molecules, including DNA methyltransferase and histone deacetylase inhibitors are also discussed. Moreover, in parallel to longevity interventions, the foundations of epigenetic clocks for accurate ageing assessment and evaluation of reprogramming approaches are briefly presented. Going further, with such scientific breakthroughs, we are witnessing a rise in the longevity biotech industry aiming to extend the health span and ideally achieve human rejuvenation one day. In this context, we overview the main scenarios proposed for the future of the socio-economic and ethical challenges associated with such an emerging field. Ultimately, this review aims to inspire future research on interventions that promote healthy ageing for all.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Pereira
- Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | | | - Inês A Alves
- Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Margarida Costa
- Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Mariana Gameiro
- Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Ana P Martins
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Jorge A Saraiva
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal.
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28
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Xia X, Shi C, Tsien C, Sun CB, Xie L, Luo Z, Bian M, Russano K, Thakur HS, Benowitz LI, Goldberg JL, Kapiloff MS. Ca 2+/Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinase II Enhances Retinal Ganglion Cell Survival But Suppresses Axon Regeneration after Optic Nerve Injury. eNeuro 2024; 11:ENEURO.0478-23.2024. [PMID: 38548335 PMCID: PMC10978821 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0478-23.2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Neuroprotection after injury or in neurodegenerative disease remains a major goal for basic and translational neuroscience. Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), the projection neurons of the eye, degenerate in optic neuropathies after axon injury, and there are no clinical therapies to prevent their loss or restore their connectivity to targets in the brain. Here we demonstrate a profound neuroprotective effect of the exogenous expression of various Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) isoforms in mice. A dramatic increase in RGC survival following the optic nerve trauma was elicited by the expression of constitutively active variants of multiple CaMKII isoforms in RGCs using adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors across a 100-fold range of AAV dosing in vivo. Despite this neuroprotection, however, short-distance RGC axon sprouting was suppressed by CaMKII, and long-distance axon regeneration elicited by several pro-axon growth treatments was likewise inhibited even as CaMKII further enhanced RGC survival. Notably, in a dose-escalation study, AAV-expressed CaMKII was more potent for axon growth suppression than the promotion of survival. That diffuse overexpression of constitutively active CaMKII strongly promotes RGC survival after axon injury may be clinically valuable for neuroprotection per se. However, the associated strong suppression of the optic nerve axon regeneration demonstrates the need for understanding the intracellular domain- and target-specific CaMKII activities to the development of CaMKII signaling pathway-directed strategies for the treatment of optic neuropathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Xia
- Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute, Mary M. and Sash A. Spencer Center for Vision Research, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California 94034
| | - Caleb Shi
- Department of Neurosurgery, F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
- Department of Neurosurgery and Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
| | - Christina Tsien
- Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute, Mary M. and Sash A. Spencer Center for Vision Research, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California 94034
| | - Catalina B Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute, Mary M. and Sash A. Spencer Center for Vision Research, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California 94034
| | - Lili Xie
- Department of Neurosurgery, F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
- Department of Neurosurgery and Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
| | - Ziming Luo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute, Mary M. and Sash A. Spencer Center for Vision Research, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California 94034
| | - Minjuan Bian
- Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute, Mary M. and Sash A. Spencer Center for Vision Research, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California 94034
| | - Kristina Russano
- Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute, Mary M. and Sash A. Spencer Center for Vision Research, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California 94034
| | - Hrishikesh Singh Thakur
- Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute, Mary M. and Sash A. Spencer Center for Vision Research, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California 94034
| | - Larry I Benowitz
- Department of Neurosurgery, F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
- Department of Neurosurgery and Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
| | - Jeffrey L Goldberg
- Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute, Mary M. and Sash A. Spencer Center for Vision Research, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California 94034
| | - Michael S Kapiloff
- Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute, Mary M. and Sash A. Spencer Center for Vision Research, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California 94034
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29
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Rizzo JF, Shah MP, Krasniqi D, Lu YR, Sinclair DA, Ksander BR. The Role of Epigenetics in Accelerated Aging: A Reconsideration of Later-Life Visual Loss After Early Optic Neuropathy. J Neuroophthalmol 2024; 44:16-21. [PMID: 37938114 DOI: 10.1097/wno.0000000000002041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2005, we reported 3 patients with bilateral optic nerve damage early in life. These patients had stable vision for decades but then experienced significant bilateral vision loss with no obvious cause. Our hypothesis, novel at that time, was that the late decline of vision was due to age-related attrition of retinal ganglion cells superimposed on a reduced neuronal population due to the earlier injury. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION The field of epigenetics provides a new paradigm with which to consider the normal aging process and the impact of neuronal injury, which has been shown to accelerate aging. Late-in-life decline in function after early neuronal injury occurs in multiple sclerosis due to dysregulated inflammation and postpolio syndrome. Recent studies by our group in mice have also demonstrated the possibility of partial reversal of cellular aging and the potential to mitigate anatomical damage after injury and even improve visual function. RESULTS The results in mice and nonhuman primates published elsewhere have shown enhanced neuronal survival and visual function after partial epigenetic reprogramming. CONCLUSIONS Injury promotes epigenetic aging , and this finding can be observed in several clinically relevant scenarios. An understanding of the epigenetic mechanisms at play opens the opportunity to restore function in the nervous system and elsewhere with cellular rejuvenation therapies. Our earlier cases exemplify how reconsideration of previously established concepts can motivate inquiry of new paradigms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph F Rizzo
- Department of Ophthalmology and the Neuro-Ophthalmology Service (JFR), Massachusetts Eye and Ear and the Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Avedisian and Chobanian School of Medicine (MPS), Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Ophthalmology (MPS, DK, BRK), Harvard Medical School, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye & Ear, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Biology (YRL), Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Sciences, MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts; and Paul F. Glenn Center for Biology of Aging Research (DAS), Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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30
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Hoad M, Roby JA, Forwood JK. Structural basis for nuclear import of bat adeno-associated virus capsid protein. J Gen Virol 2024; 105:001960. [PMID: 38441555 PMCID: PMC10999750 DOI: 10.1099/jgv.0.001960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Adeno-associated viruses (AAV) are one of the world's most promising gene therapy vectors and as a result, are one of the most intensively studied viral vectors. Despite a wealth of research into these vectors, the precise characterisation of AAVs to translocate into the host cell nucleus remains unclear. Recently we identified the nuclear localization signals of an AAV porcine strain and determined its mechanism of binding to host importin proteins. To expand our understanding of diverse AAV import mechanisms we sought to determine the mechanism in which the Cap protein from a bat-infecting AAV can interact with transport receptor importins for translocation into the nucleus. Using a high-resolution crystal structure and quantitative assays, we were able to not only determine the exact region and residues of the N-terminal domain of the Cap protein which constitute the functional NLS for binding with the importin alpha two protein, but also reveal the differences in binding affinity across the importin-alpha isoforms. Collectively our results allow for a detailed molecular view of the way AAV Cap proteins interact with host proteins for localization into the cell nucleus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikayla Hoad
- School of Dentistry and Medical Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW, 2678, Australia
| | - Justin A. Roby
- School of Dentistry and Medical Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW, 2678, Australia
- Gulbali Institute, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW, 2678, Australia
| | - Jade K. Forwood
- School of Dentistry and Medical Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW, 2678, Australia
- Gulbali Institute, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW, 2678, Australia
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31
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Wang L, Zhang S, Han Y, Tang S, Li J, Bu L, Zhao D, Deng H. An effective pharmacological hydrogel induces optic nerve repair and improves visual function. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2024; 67:529-542. [PMID: 38041780 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-023-2394-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
Irreversible eye lesions, such as glaucoma and traumatic optic neuropathy, can cause blindness; however, no effective treatments exist. The optic nerve, in particular, lacks the capacity to spontaneously regenerate, requiring the development of an effective approach for optic nerve repair, which has proven challenging. Here, we demonstrate that a combination of the small molecules 3BDO and trichostatin A (TSA)-which regulate mTOR and HDAC, respectively-packaged in thermosensitive hydrogel for 4-week-sustained release after intravitreal injection, effectively induced optic nerve regeneration in a mouse model of optic nerve crush injury. Moreover, this combination of 3BDO and TSA also protected axon projections and improved visual responses in an old mouse model (11 months old) of glaucoma. Taken together, our data provide a new, local small molecule-based treatment for the effective induction of optic nerve repair, which may represent a foundation for the development of pharmacological methods to treat irreversible eye diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lipeng Wang
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Stem Cell Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
- MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, College of Life Sciences, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Shan Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Stem Cell Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
- MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, College of Life Sciences, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Yawen Han
- Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Shuo Tang
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Stem Cell Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
- MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, College of Life Sciences, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Jiarui Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University People's Hospital Eye Diseases and Optometry Institute, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Lina Bu
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Dongyu Zhao
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Hongkui Deng
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Stem Cell Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China.
- MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, College of Life Sciences, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.
- Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.
- Changping Laboratory, Beijing, 102206, China.
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32
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Huyghe A, Trajkova A, Lavial F. Cellular plasticity in reprogramming, rejuvenation and tumorigenesis: a pioneer TF perspective. Trends Cell Biol 2024; 34:255-267. [PMID: 37648593 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2023.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
The multistep process of in vivo reprogramming, mediated by the transcription factors (TFs) Oct4, Sox2, Klf4, and c-Myc (OSKM), holds great promise for the development of rejuvenating and regenerative strategies. However, most of the approaches developed so far are accompanied by a persistent risk of tumorigenicity. Here, we review the groundbreaking effects of in vivo reprogramming with a particular focus on rejuvenation and regeneration. We discuss how the activity of pioneer TFs generates cellular plasticity that may be critical for inducing not only reprogramming and regeneration, but also cancer initiation. Finally, we highlight how a better understanding of the uncoupled control of cellular identity, plasticity, and aging during reprogramming might pave the way to the development of rejuvenating/regenerating strategies in a nontumorigenic manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurélia Huyghe
- Cellular Reprogramming, Stem Cells and Oncogenesis Laboratory, Equipe Labellisée la Ligue Contre le Cancer, Labex Dev2Can - Univeristy of Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, 69008 Lyon, France
| | - Aneta Trajkova
- Cellular Reprogramming, Stem Cells and Oncogenesis Laboratory, Equipe Labellisée la Ligue Contre le Cancer, Labex Dev2Can - Univeristy of Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, 69008 Lyon, France
| | - Fabrice Lavial
- Cellular Reprogramming, Stem Cells and Oncogenesis Laboratory, Equipe Labellisée la Ligue Contre le Cancer, Labex Dev2Can - Univeristy of Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, 69008 Lyon, France.
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33
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Vanluchene H, Gillon O, Peynshaert K, De Smedt SC, Sanders N, Raemdonck K, Remaut K. Less is more: Self-amplifying mRNA becomes self-killing upon dose escalation in immune-competent retinal cells. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2024; 196:114204. [PMID: 38302048 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2024.114204] [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: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
In the last few years, mRNA therapeutics experienced a new wave of interest as therapy for retinal diseases. Nevertheless, despite the widespread use of mRNA vaccines in the COVID-19 pandemic, mRNA delivery to the eye is still in its infancy. Recently, our research group has demonstrated that after subretinal and intravitreal delivery of modified mRNA, the number of transfected retinal cells and protein expression per cell remains limited. In this study, we aimed to tackle this limitation by using self-amplifying mRNA (saRNA), which in theory will increase the duration and level of protein expression when only a few mRNA molecules reach their target cells. A one-on-one comparison between modified mRNA and saRNA in two immune-competent human retinal cell types, including Müller cells and retinal pigment epithelial cells, and in immune-deficient BHK-21 cells revealed that saRNA delivery induced an innate immune response blocking its own translation above a certain dose threshold. Removal of double-stranded (ds)RNA byproducts by cellulose-based purification and addition of the innate immune inhibitor B18R remarkably improved translation from saRNA through a reduction in innate immune response. Taken together, when saRNA is applied for retinal disease, the dose should be controlled and measures should be taken to limit immunogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Vanluchene
- Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines, Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Oriane Gillon
- Laboratory of Gene Therapy, Department of Nutrition, Genetics and Ethology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Karen Peynshaert
- Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines, Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Stefaan C De Smedt
- Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines, Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Niek Sanders
- Laboratory of Gene Therapy, Department of Nutrition, Genetics and Ethology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Koen Raemdonck
- Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines, Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Katrien Remaut
- Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines, Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium.
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34
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Dai M, Yang N, Xu K, Zhang J, Li X, Zhang Y, Li W. Discovering human cell-compatible gene therapy virus variants via optimized screening in mouse models. Cell Prolif 2024; 57:e13565. [PMID: 37864397 PMCID: PMC10905335 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13565] [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: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023] Open
Abstract
In gene therapy, intravenous injection of viral vectors reigns as the primary administration route. These vectors include adeno-associated viruses, adenoviruses, herpes viruses, rhabdoviruses and others. However, these naturally occurring viruses lack inherent tissue or organ tropism for tailored disease treatment. To address this, we devised an optimized process involving directed viral capsid evolution, organ-specific humanized mouse models and in vitro-in vivo virus screening. Our approach allows for the rapid generation specifically modified adeno-associated virus variants, surpassing the time required for natural evolution, which spans millions of years. Notably, these variants exhibit robust targeting of the liver, favouring chimeric human liver cells over murine hepatocytes. Furthermore, certain variants achieve augmented targeting with reduced off-target organ infection, thereby mitigating dosage requirements and enhancing safety in gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moyu Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative MedicineChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Ning Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative MedicineChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Kai Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative MedicineChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative MedicineChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Jingwen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- College of Life ScienceNankai UniversityTianjinChina
| | - Xueke Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative MedicineChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Ying Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative MedicineChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative MedicineChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Wei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative MedicineChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative MedicineChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
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35
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Tonti E, Dell'Omo R, Filippelli M, Spadea L, Salati C, Gagliano C, Musa M, Zeppieri M. Exploring Epigenetic Modifications as Potential Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets in Glaucoma. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2822. [PMID: 38474069 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052822] [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: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma, a complex and multifactorial neurodegenerative disorder, is a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. Despite significant advancements in our understanding of its pathogenesis and management, early diagnosis and effective treatment of glaucoma remain major clinical challenges. Epigenetic modifications, encompassing deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs, have emerged as critical regulators of gene expression and cellular processes. The aim of this comprehensive review focuses on the emerging field of epigenetics and its role in understanding the complex genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying glaucoma. The review will provide an overview of the pathophysiology of glaucoma, emphasizing the intricacies of intraocular pressure regulation, retinal ganglion cell dysfunction, and optic nerve damage. It explores how epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation and histone modifications, can influence gene expression, and how these mechanisms are implicated in glaucomatous neurodegeneration and contribute to glaucoma pathogenesis. The manuscript discusses evidence from both animal models and human studies, providing insights into the epigenetic alterations associated with glaucoma onset and progression. Additionally, it discusses the potential of using epigenetic modifications as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for more personalized and targeted glaucoma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuele Tonti
- Eye Clinic, Policlinico Umberto I University Hospital, 00142 Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Dell'Omo
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences "Vincenzo Tiberio", University of Molise, Via Francesco De Sanctis 1, 86100 Campobasso, Italy
| | - Mariaelena Filippelli
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences "Vincenzo Tiberio", University of Molise, Via Francesco De Sanctis 1, 86100 Campobasso, Italy
| | - Leopoldo Spadea
- Eye Clinic, Policlinico Umberto I University Hospital, 00142 Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Salati
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Caterina Gagliano
- Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Enna "Kore", Piazza dell'Università, 94100 Enna, Italy
- Eye Clinic, Catania University, San Marco Hospital, Viale Carlo Azeglio Ciampi, 95121 Catania, Italy
| | - Mutali Musa
- Department of Optometry, University of Benin, Benin City 300238, Nigeria
| | - Marco Zeppieri
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
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36
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Yang JH, Hayano M, Rajman LA, Sinclair DA. Response to: The information theory of aging has not been tested. Cell 2024; 187:1103-1105. [PMID: 38428391 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2024.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Jae-Hyun Yang
- Paul F. Glenn Center for Biology of Aging Research, Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School (HMS), Boston, MA, USA
| | - Motoshi Hayano
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Luis A Rajman
- Paul F. Glenn Center for Biology of Aging Research, Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School (HMS), Boston, MA, USA
| | - David A Sinclair
- Paul F. Glenn Center for Biology of Aging Research, Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School (HMS), Boston, MA, USA.
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37
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Yin Z, Ge L, Cha Z, Gao H, A L, Zeng Y, Huang X, Cheng X, Yao K, Tao Z, Xu H. Identifying Hmga2 preserving visual function by promoting a shift of Müller glia cell fate in mice with acute retinal injury. Stem Cell Res Ther 2024; 15:54. [PMID: 38414051 PMCID: PMC10900711 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-024-03657-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Unlike in lower vertebrates, Müller glia (MG) in adult mammalian retinas lack the ability to reprogram into neurons after retinal injury or degeneration and exhibit reactive gliosis instead. Whether a transition in MG cell fate from gliosis to reprogramming would help preserve photoreceptors is still under exploration. METHODS A mouse model of retinitis pigmentosa (RP) was established using MG cell lineage tracing mice by intraperitoneal injection of sodium iodate (SI). The critical time point for the fate determination of MG gliosis was determined through immunohistochemical staining methods. Then, bulk-RNA and single-cell RNA seq techniques were used to elucidate the changes in RNA transcription of the retina and MG at that time point, and new genes that may determine the fate transition of MG were screened. Finally, the selected gene was specifically overexpressed in MG cells through adeno-associated viruses (AAV) in the mouse RP model. Bulk-RNA seq technique, immunohistochemical staining methods, and visual function testing were used to elucidate and validate the mechanism of new genes function on MG cell fate transition and retinal function. RESULTS Here, we found the critical time point for MG gliosis fate determination was 3 days post SI injection. Hmga2 was screened out as a candidate regulator for the cell fate transition of MG. After retinal injury caused by SI, the Hmga2 protein is temporarily and lowly expressed in MG cells. Overexpression of Hmga2 in MG down-regulated glial cell related genes and up-regulated photoreceptor related genes. Besides, overexpressing Hmga2 exclusively to MG reduced MG gliosis, made MG obtain cone's marker, and retained visual function in mice with acute retinal injury. CONCLUSION Our results suggested the unique reprogramming properties of Hmga2 in regulating the fate transition of MG and neuroprotective effects on the retina with acute injury. This work uncovers the reprogramming ability of epigenetic factors in MG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyuan Yin
- Southwest Eye Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
- Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration and Restoration of Chongqing, Southwest Eye Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Chongqing, 400038, China
- Department of Physiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Lingling Ge
- Southwest Eye Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
- Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration and Restoration of Chongqing, Southwest Eye Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Zhe Cha
- Southwest Eye Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
- Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration and Restoration of Chongqing, Southwest Eye Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Chongqing, 400038, China
- Department of Physiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Hui Gao
- Southwest Eye Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
- Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration and Restoration of Chongqing, Southwest Eye Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Luodan A
- Southwest Eye Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
- Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration and Restoration of Chongqing, Southwest Eye Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Yuxiao Zeng
- Southwest Eye Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
- Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration and Restoration of Chongqing, Southwest Eye Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Xiaona Huang
- Southwest Eye Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
- Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration and Restoration of Chongqing, Southwest Eye Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Xuan Cheng
- Southwest Eye Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
- Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration and Restoration of Chongqing, Southwest Eye Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Kai Yao
- Institute of Visual Neuroscience and Stem Cell Engineering, College of Life Sciences and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430065, China.
| | - Zui Tao
- Southwest Eye Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China.
- Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration and Restoration of Chongqing, Southwest Eye Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Chongqing, 400038, China.
| | - Haiwei Xu
- Southwest Eye Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China.
- Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration and Restoration of Chongqing, Southwest Eye Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Chongqing, 400038, China.
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38
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Yang K, Wei R, Liu Q, Tao Y, Wu Z, Yang L, Wang QH, Wang H, Pan Z. Specific inhibition of TET1 in the spinal dorsal horn alleviates inflammatory pain in mice by regulating synaptic plasticity. Neuropharmacology 2024; 244:109799. [PMID: 38008374 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2023.109799] [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: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023]
Abstract
DNA demethylation mediated by ten-eleven translocation 1 (TET1) is a critical epigenetic mechanism in which gene expression is regulated via catalysis of 5-methylcytosine to 5-hydroxymethylcytosine. Previously, we demonstrated that TET1 is associated with the genesis of chronic inflammatory pain. However, how TET1 participates in enhanced nociceptive responses in chronic pain remains poorly understood. Here, we report that conditional knockout of Tet1 in dorsal horn neurons via intrathecal injection of rAAV-hSyn-Cre in Tet1fl/fl mice not only reversed the inflammation-induced upregulation of synapse-associated proteins (post-synaptic density protein 95 (PSD95) and synaptophysin (SYP)) in the dorsal horn but also ameliorated abnormalities in dendritic spine morphology and alleviated pain hypersensitivities. Pharmacological blockade of TET1 by intrathecal injection of a TET1-specific inhibitor-Bobcat 339-produced similar results, as did knockdown of Tet1 by intrathecal injection of siRNA. Thus, our data strongly suggest that increased TET1 expression during inflammatory pain upregulates the expression of multiple synapse-associated proteins and dysregulates synaptic morphology in dorsal horn neurons, suggesting that Tet1 may be a potential target for analgesic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kehui Yang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, China; Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, China; NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, China
| | - Runa Wei
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, China; Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, China; NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, China
| | - Qiaoqiao Liu
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, China; Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, China; NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, China
| | - Yang Tao
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, China; Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, China; NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, China
| | - Zixuan Wu
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, China; Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, China; NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, China
| | - Li Yang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, China; Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, China; NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, China
| | - Qi-Hui Wang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, China; Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, China; NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, China
| | - Hongjun Wang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, China; Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, China; NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, China.
| | - Zhiqiang Pan
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, China; Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, China; NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, China.
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Hoppe C, Gregory-Ksander M. The Role of Complement Dysregulation in Glaucoma. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2307. [PMID: 38396986 PMCID: PMC10888626 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042307] [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: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by damage to the optic nerve that results in irreversible vision loss. While the exact pathology of glaucoma is not well understood, emerging evidence suggests that dysregulation of the complement system, a key component of innate immunity, plays a crucial role. In glaucoma, dysregulation of the complement cascade and impaired regulation of complement factors contribute to chronic inflammation and neurodegeneration. Complement components such as C1Q, C3, and the membrane attack complex have been implicated in glaucomatous neuroinflammation and retinal ganglion cell death. This review will provide a summary of human and experimental studies that document the dysregulation of the complement system observed in glaucoma patients and animal models of glaucoma driving chronic inflammation and neurodegeneration. Understanding how complement-mediated damage contributes to glaucoma will provide opportunities for new therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cindy Hoppe
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA;
- Animal Physiology/Neurobiology, Department of Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Meredith Gregory-Ksander
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA;
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Sagy N, Meyrom N, Beckerman P, Pleniceanu O, Bar DZ. Kidney-specific methylation patterns correlate with kidney function and are lost upon kidney disease progression. Clin Epigenetics 2024; 16:27. [PMID: 38347603 PMCID: PMC10863297 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-024-01642-w] [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: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronological and biological age correlate with DNA methylation levels at specific sites in the genome. Linear combinations of multiple methylation sites, termed epigenetic clocks, can inform us the chronological age and predict multiple health-related outcomes. However, why some sites correlating with lifespan, healthspan, or specific medical conditions remain poorly understood. Kidney fibrosis is the common pathway for chronic kidney disease, which affects 10% of European and US populations. RESULTS Here we identify epigenetic clocks and methylation sites that correlate with kidney function. Moreover, we identify methylation sites that have a unique methylation signature in the kidney. Methylation levels in majority of these sites correlate with kidney state and function. When kidney function deteriorates, all of these sites regress toward the common methylation pattern observed in other tissues. Interestingly, while the majority of sites are less methylated in the kidney and become more methylated with loss of function, a fraction of the sites are highly methylated in the kidney and become less methylated when kidney function declines. These methylation sites are enriched for specific transcription-factor binding sites. In a large subset of sites, changes in methylation patterns are accompanied by changes in gene expression in kidneys of chronic kidney disease patients. CONCLUSIONS These results support the information theory of aging, and the hypothesis that the unique tissue identity, as captured by methylation patterns, is lost as tissue function declines. However, this information loss is not random, but guided toward a baseline that is dependent on the genomic loci. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT DNA methylation at specific sites accurately reflects chronological and biological age. We identify sites that have a unique methylation pattern in the kidney. Methylation levels in the majority of these sites correlate with kidney state and function. Moreover, when kidney function deteriorates, all of these sites regress toward the common methylation pattern observed in other tissues. Thus, the unique methylation signature of the kidney is degraded, and epigenetic information is lost, when kidney disease progresses. These methylation sites are enriched for specific and methylation-sensitive transcription-factor binding sites, and associated genes show disease-dependent changes in expression. These results support the information theory of aging, and the hypothesis that the unique tissue identity, as captured by methylation patterns, is lost as tissue function declines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naor Sagy
- Department of Oral Biology, Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, The Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Tel Aviv University, 69978, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Noa Meyrom
- Department of Oral Biology, Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, The Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Tel Aviv University, 69978, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Pazit Beckerman
- Kidney Research Lab, The Institute of Nephrology and Hypertension, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer and The Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Oren Pleniceanu
- Kidney Research Lab, The Institute of Nephrology and Hypertension, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer and The Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Daniel Z Bar
- Department of Oral Biology, Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, The Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Tel Aviv University, 69978, Tel Aviv, Israel.
- The AI and Data Science Center (TAD), Tel Aviv University, 69978, Tel Aviv, Israel.
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Guarente L, Sinclair DA, Kroemer G. Human trials exploring anti-aging medicines. Cell Metab 2024; 36:354-376. [PMID: 38181790 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2023.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
Here, we summarize the current knowledge on eight promising drugs and natural compounds that have been tested in the clinic: metformin, NAD+ precursors, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, TORC1 inhibitors, spermidine, senolytics, probiotics, and anti-inflammatories. Multiple clinical trials have commenced to evaluate the efficacy of such agents against age-associated diseases including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases. There are reasonable expectations that drugs able to decelerate or reverse aging processes will also exert broad disease-preventing or -attenuating effects. Hence, the outcome of past, ongoing, and future disease-specific trials may pave the way to the development of new anti-aging medicines. Drugs approved for specific disease indications may subsequently be repurposed for the treatment of organism-wide aging consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonard Guarente
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute for Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139; Academy for Healthspan and Lifespan Research (AHLR), New York, NY, USA.
| | - David A Sinclair
- Academy for Healthspan and Lifespan Research (AHLR), New York, NY, USA; Blavatnik Institute, Genetics Department, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Guido Kroemer
- Academy for Healthspan and Lifespan Research (AHLR), New York, NY, USA; Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Equipe labellisée par la Ligue contre le cancer, Université Paris Cité, Sorbonne Université, Inserm U1138, Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France; Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, Institut Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France; Institut du Cancer Paris CARPEM, Department of Biology, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, AP-HP, Paris, France.
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Wen X, Huang C, Xie H, Hu D, Luo J, Li K. The Applications of CircRNA in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease. Mol Neurobiol 2024:10.1007/s12035-024-03977-0. [PMID: 38315302 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-03977-0] [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: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Early diagnosis and intervention are key to the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). There is an urgent need for new biomarkers and molecular targets for the detection and treatment of early Alzheimer's pathology. Circular RNA (circRNA) is a newly discovered non-coding RNA with a special type of covalently closed single strand, with potential preventive and therapeutic applications in a variety of diseases. New studies in the field of circRNA in AD have made many exciting new discoveries in recent years, some of which have not received sufficient attention but have important research implications. This review will focus on existing studies of circRNA in AD and discuss future translational perspectives of proposed circRNA strategies for clinical application in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueyi Wen
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
- Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Cheng Huang
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
- Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Hesong Xie
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
- Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Di Hu
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
- Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Juyu Luo
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
- Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Keshen Li
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
- Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
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Sichani AS, Khoddam S, Shakeri S, Tavakkoli Z, Jafroodi AR, Dabbaghipour R, Sisakht M, Fallahi J. Partial Reprogramming as a Method for Regenerating Neural Tissues in Aged Organisms. Cell Reprogram 2024; 26:10-23. [PMID: 38381402 DOI: 10.1089/cell.2023.0123] [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: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Aging causes numerous age-related diseases, leading the human species to death. Nevertheless, rejuvenating strategies based on cell epigenetic modifications are a possible approach to counteract disease progression while getting old. Cell reprogramming of adult somatic cells toward pluripotency ought to be a promising tool for age-related diseases. However, researchers do not have control over this process as cells lose their fate, and cause potential cancerous cells or unexpected cell phenotypes. Direct and partial reprogramming were introduced in recent years with distinctive applications. Although direct reprogramming makes cells lose their identity, it has various applications in regeneration medicine. Temporary and regulated in vivo overexpression of Yamanaka factors has been shown in several experimental contexts to be achievable and is used to rejuvenate mice models. This regeneration can be accomplished by altering the epigenetic adult cell signature to the signature of a younger cell. The greatest advantage of partial reprogramming is that this method does not allow cells to lose their identity when they are resetting their epigenetic clock. It is a regimen of short-term Oct3/4, Sox2, Klf4, and c-Myc expression in vivo that prevents full reprogramming to the pluripotent state and avoids both tumorigenesis and the presence of unwanted undifferentiated cells. We know that many neurological age-related diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, stroke, dementia, and Parkinson's disease, are the main cause of death in the last decades of life. Therefore, scientists have a special tendency regarding neuroregeneration methods to increase human life expectancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Saber Sichani
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Somayeh Khoddam
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Shayan Shakeri
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Zahra Tavakkoli
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Arad Ranji Jafroodi
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Reza Dabbaghipour
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohsen Sisakht
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Jafar Fallahi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Wang XW, Yang SG, Hu MW, Wang RY, Zhang C, Kosanam AR, Ochuba AJ, Jiang JJ, Luo X, Guan Y, Qian J, Liu CM, Zhou FQ. Histone methyltransferase Ezh2 coordinates mammalian axon regeneration via regulation of key regenerative pathways. J Clin Invest 2024; 134:e163145. [PMID: 38015636 PMCID: PMC10849760 DOI: 10.1172/jci163145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Current treatments for neurodegenerative diseases and neural injuries face major challenges, primarily due to the diminished regenerative capacity of neurons in the mammalian CNS as they mature. Here, we investigated the role of Ezh2, a histone methyltransferase, in regulating mammalian axon regeneration. We found that Ezh2 declined in the mouse nervous system during maturation but was upregulated in adult dorsal root ganglion neurons following peripheral nerve injury to facilitate spontaneous axon regeneration. In addition, overexpression of Ezh2 in retinal ganglion cells in the CNS promoted optic nerve regeneration via both histone methylation-dependent and -independent mechanisms. Further investigation revealed that Ezh2 fostered axon regeneration by orchestrating the transcriptional silencing of genes governing synaptic function and those inhibiting axon regeneration, while concurrently activating various factors that support axon regeneration. Notably, we demonstrated that GABA transporter 2, encoded by Slc6a13, acted downstream of Ezh2 to control axon regeneration. Overall, our study underscores the potential of modulating chromatin accessibility as a promising strategy for promoting CNS axon regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Wei Wang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Shu-Guang Yang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Rui-Ying Wang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Chi Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Anish R. Kosanam
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Arinze J. Ochuba
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jing-Jing Jiang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Yun Guan
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Chang-Mei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Feng-Quan Zhou
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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45
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Wu Z, Zhang W, Qu J, Liu GH. Emerging epigenetic insights into aging mechanisms and interventions. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2024; 45:157-172. [PMID: 38216430 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2023.12.002] [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: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
Epigenetic dysregulation emerges as a critical hallmark and driving force of aging. Although still an evolving field with much to explore, it has rapidly gained significance by providing valuable insights into the mechanisms of aging and potential therapeutic opportunities for age-related diseases. Recent years have witnessed remarkable strides in our understanding of the epigenetic landscape of aging, encompassing pivotal elements, such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, RNA modifications, and noncoding (nc) RNAs. Here, we review the latest discoveries that shed light on new epigenetic mechanisms and critical targets for predicting and intervening in aging and related disorders. Furthermore, we explore burgeoning interventions and exemplary clinical trials explicitly designed to foster healthy aging, while contemplating the potential ramifications of epigenetic influences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeming Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Weiqi Zhang
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing 100101, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
| | - Jing Qu
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
| | - Guang-Hui Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, China; Aging Translational Medicine Center, International Center for Aging and Cancer, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, China.
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Macip CC, Hasan R, Hoznek V, Kim J, Lu YR, Metzger LE, Sethna S, Davidsohn N. Gene Therapy-Mediated Partial Reprogramming Extends Lifespan and Reverses Age-Related Changes in Aged Mice. Cell Reprogram 2024; 26:24-32. [PMID: 38381405 PMCID: PMC10909732 DOI: 10.1089/cell.2023.0072] [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: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Aging is a complex progression of changes best characterized as the chronic dysregulation of cellular processes leading to deteriorated tissue and organ function. Although aging cannot currently be prevented, its impact on life- and healthspan in the elderly can potentially be minimized by interventions that aim to return these cellular processes to optimal function. Recent studies have demonstrated that partial reprogramming using the Yamanaka factors (or a subset; OCT4, SOX2, and KLF4; OSK) can reverse age-related changes in vitro and in vivo. However, it is still unknown whether the Yamanaka factors (or a subset) are capable of extending the lifespan of aged wild-type (WT) mice. In this study, we show that systemically delivered adeno-associated viruses, encoding an inducible OSK system, in 124-week-old male mice extend the median remaining lifespan by 109% over WT controls and enhance several health parameters. Importantly, we observed a significant improvement in frailty scores indicating that we were able to improve the healthspan along with increasing the lifespan. Furthermore, in human keratinocytes expressing exogenous OSK, we observed significant epigenetic markers of age reversal, suggesting a potential reregulation of genetic networks to a younger potentially healthier state. Together, these results may have important implications for the development of partial reprogramming interventions to reverse age-associated diseases in the elderly.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jihyun Kim
- Rejuvenate Bio, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Yuancheng Ryan Lu
- Department of Biology, Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
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Griffin PT, Kane AE, Trapp A, Li J, Arnold M, Poganik JR, Conway RJ, McNamara MS, Meer MV, Hoffman N, Amorim JA, Tian X, MacArthur MR, Mitchell SJ, Mueller AL, Carmody C, Vera DL, Kerepesi C, Ying K, Noren Hooten N, Mitchell JR, Evans MK, Gladyshev VN, Sinclair DA. TIME-seq reduces time and cost of DNA methylation measurement for epigenetic clock construction. NATURE AGING 2024; 4:261-274. [PMID: 38200273 DOI: 10.1038/s43587-023-00555-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Epigenetic 'clocks' based on DNA methylation have emerged as the most robust and widely used aging biomarkers, but conventional methods for applying them are expensive and laborious. Here we develop tagmentation-based indexing for methylation sequencing (TIME-seq), a highly multiplexed and scalable method for low-cost epigenetic clocks. Using TIME-seq, we applied multi-tissue and tissue-specific epigenetic clocks in over 1,800 mouse DNA samples from eight tissue and cell types. We show that TIME-seq clocks are accurate and robust, enriched for polycomb repressive complex 2-regulated loci, and benchmark favorably against conventional methods despite being up to 100-fold less expensive. Using dietary treatments and gene therapy, we find that TIME-seq clocks reflect diverse interventions in multiple tissues. Finally, we develop an economical human blood clock (R > 0.96, median error = 3.39 years) in 1,056 demographically representative individuals. These methods will enable more efficient epigenetic clock measurement in larger-scale human and animal studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick T Griffin
- Blavatnik Institute, Department of Genetics, Paul F. Glenn Center for Biology of Aging Research at Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alice E Kane
- Blavatnik Institute, Department of Genetics, Paul F. Glenn Center for Biology of Aging Research at Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Institute for Systems Biology, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Alexandre Trapp
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jien Li
- Blavatnik Institute, Department of Genetics, Paul F. Glenn Center for Biology of Aging Research at Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Matthew Arnold
- Blavatnik Institute, Department of Genetics, Paul F. Glenn Center for Biology of Aging Research at Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jesse R Poganik
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ryan J Conway
- Blavatnik Institute, Department of Genetics, Paul F. Glenn Center for Biology of Aging Research at Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Maeve S McNamara
- Blavatnik Institute, Department of Genetics, Paul F. Glenn Center for Biology of Aging Research at Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Margarita V Meer
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- San Diego Institute of Science, Altos Labs, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Noah Hoffman
- Blavatnik Institute, Department of Genetics, Paul F. Glenn Center for Biology of Aging Research at Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - João A Amorim
- Blavatnik Institute, Department of Genetics, Paul F. Glenn Center for Biology of Aging Research at Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Xiao Tian
- Blavatnik Institute, Department of Genetics, Paul F. Glenn Center for Biology of Aging Research at Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Michael R MacArthur
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Lewis-Sigler Institute of Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Sarah J Mitchell
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Ludwig Princeton Branch, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Amber L Mueller
- Blavatnik Institute, Department of Genetics, Paul F. Glenn Center for Biology of Aging Research at Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Cell Metabolism, Cell Press, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Colleen Carmody
- Blavatnik Institute, Department of Genetics, Paul F. Glenn Center for Biology of Aging Research at Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Daniel L Vera
- Blavatnik Institute, Department of Genetics, Paul F. Glenn Center for Biology of Aging Research at Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Csaba Kerepesi
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Institute for Computer Science and Control, Eötvös Loránd Research Network, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Kejun Ying
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nicole Noren Hooten
- Laboratory of Epidemiology and Population Science, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - James R Mitchell
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michele K Evans
- Laboratory of Epidemiology and Population Science, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Vadim N Gladyshev
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David A Sinclair
- Blavatnik Institute, Department of Genetics, Paul F. Glenn Center for Biology of Aging Research at Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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Paine PT, Rechsteiner C, Morandini F, Desdín-Micó G, Mrabti C, Parras A, Haghani A, Brooke R, Horvath S, Seluanov A, Gorbunova V, Ocampo A. Initiation phase cellular reprogramming ameliorates DNA damage in the ERCC1 mouse model of premature aging. FRONTIERS IN AGING 2024; 4:1323194. [PMID: 38322248 PMCID: PMC10844398 DOI: 10.3389/fragi.2023.1323194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Unlike aged somatic cells, which exhibit a decline in molecular fidelity and eventually reach a state of replicative senescence, pluripotent stem cells can indefinitely replenish themselves while retaining full homeostatic capacity. The conferment of beneficial-pluripotency related traits via in vivo partial cellular reprogramming in vivo partial reprogramming significantly extends lifespan and restores aging phenotypes in mouse models. Although the phases of cellular reprogramming are well characterized, details of the rejuvenation processes are poorly defined. To understand whether cellular reprogramming can ameliorate DNA damage, we created a reprogrammable accelerated aging mouse model with an ERCC1 mutation. Importantly, using enhanced partial reprogramming by combining small molecules with the Yamanaka factors, we observed potent reversion of DNA damage, significant upregulation of multiple DNA damage repair processes, and restoration of the epigenetic clock. In addition, we present evidence that pharmacological inhibition of ALK5 and ALK2 receptors in the TGFb pathway are able to phenocopy some benefits including epigenetic clock restoration suggesting a role in the mechanism of rejuvenation by partial reprogramming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Treat Paine
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Center for Virology and Vaccine Research, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | | | - Francesco Morandini
- Department of Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Gabriela Desdín-Micó
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Calida Mrabti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Alberto Parras
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- EPITERNA SA, Vaud, Switzerland
| | | | - Robert Brooke
- Epigenetic Clock Development Foundation, Torrance, CA, United States
| | - Steve Horvath
- Altos Labs, San Diego, CA, United States
- Epigenetic Clock Development Foundation, Torrance, CA, United States
- Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Andrei Seluanov
- Department of Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
- Department of Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Vera Gorbunova
- Department of Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
- Department of Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Alejandro Ocampo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- EPITERNA SA, Vaud, Switzerland
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Santa Cruz-Pavlovich FJ, Bolaños-Chang AJ, Del Rio-Murillo XI, Aranda-Preciado GA, Razura-Ruiz EM, Santos A, Navarro-Partida J. Beyond Vision: An Overview of Regenerative Medicine and Its Current Applications in Ophthalmological Care. Cells 2024; 13:179. [PMID: 38247870 PMCID: PMC10814238 DOI: 10.3390/cells13020179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Regenerative medicine (RM) has emerged as a promising and revolutionary solution to address a range of unmet needs in healthcare, including ophthalmology. Moreover, RM takes advantage of the body's innate ability to repair and replace pathologically affected tissues. On the other hand, despite its immense promise, RM faces challenges such as ethical concerns, host-related immune responses, and the need for additional scientific validation, among others. The primary aim of this review is to present a high-level overview of current strategies in the domain of RM (cell therapy, exosomes, scaffolds, in vivo reprogramming, organoids, and interspecies chimerism), centering around the field of ophthalmology. A search conducted on clinicaltrials.gov unveiled a total of at least 209 interventional trials related to RM within the ophthalmological field. Among these trials, there were numerous early-phase studies, including phase I, I/II, II, II/III, and III trials. Many of these studies demonstrate potential in addressing previously challenging and degenerative eye conditions, spanning from posterior segment pathologies like Age-related Macular Degeneration and Retinitis Pigmentosa to anterior structure diseases such as Dry Eye Disease and Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency. Notably, these therapeutic approaches offer tailored solutions specific to the underlying causes of each pathology, thus allowing for the hopeful possibility of bringing forth a treatment for ocular diseases that previously seemed incurable and significantly enhancing patients' quality of life. As advancements in research and technology continue to unfold, future objectives should focus on ensuring the safety and prolonged viability of transplanted cells, devising efficient delivery techniques, etc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco J. Santa Cruz-Pavlovich
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Monterrey 64849, Mexico; (F.J.S.C.-P.); (A.J.B.-C.); (X.I.D.R.-M.); (E.M.R.-R.); (A.S.)
| | - Andres J. Bolaños-Chang
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Monterrey 64849, Mexico; (F.J.S.C.-P.); (A.J.B.-C.); (X.I.D.R.-M.); (E.M.R.-R.); (A.S.)
| | - Ximena I. Del Rio-Murillo
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Monterrey 64849, Mexico; (F.J.S.C.-P.); (A.J.B.-C.); (X.I.D.R.-M.); (E.M.R.-R.); (A.S.)
| | | | - Esmeralda M. Razura-Ruiz
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Monterrey 64849, Mexico; (F.J.S.C.-P.); (A.J.B.-C.); (X.I.D.R.-M.); (E.M.R.-R.); (A.S.)
| | - Arturo Santos
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Monterrey 64849, Mexico; (F.J.S.C.-P.); (A.J.B.-C.); (X.I.D.R.-M.); (E.M.R.-R.); (A.S.)
| | - Jose Navarro-Partida
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Monterrey 64849, Mexico; (F.J.S.C.-P.); (A.J.B.-C.); (X.I.D.R.-M.); (E.M.R.-R.); (A.S.)
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50
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Zeng L, Ying Q, Lou H, Wang F, Pang Y, Hu H, Zhang Z, Song Y, Liu P, Zhang X. Protective effect of the natural flavonoid naringenin in mouse models of retinal injury. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 962:176231. [PMID: 38052414 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.176231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Glaucoma is an eye disease with a high rate of blindness and a complex pathogenesis. Ocular hypertension (OHT) is a critical risk factor, and retinal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) is an important pathophysiological basis. This study was designed to investigate the retinal neuroprotective effect of oral naringenin in an acute retinal I/R model and a chronic OHT model and the possible mechanism involved. After the I/R and OHT models were established, mice were given vehicle or naringenin (100 mg/kg or 300 mg/kg). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and immunostaining of RBPMS and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) were used to evaluate retinal injury. GFAP, CD38, Sirtuin1 (SIRT1), and NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) expression levels were measured by Western blotting. In the OHT model, intraocular pressure (IOP) was dynamically maintained at approximately 20-25 mmHg after injury. The retinal structure was damaged, and retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) were lost in both models. Naringenin ameliorated the abovementioned indications but also demonstrated that high concentrations of naringenin significantly inhibited retinal astrocyte activation and inhibited damage-induced increases in the expression of GFAP, NLRP3, and CD38 proteins, while SIRT1 protein expression was upregulated. This study showed for the first time that naringenin can reduce microbead-induced IOP elevation in the OHT model, providing new evidence for the application of naringenin in glaucoma. Naringenin may mediate the CD38/SIRT1 signaling pathway, inhibit astrocyte activation, and ultimately exert an anti-inflammatory effect to achieve retinal neuroprotection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Zeng
- Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi Research Institute of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Ophthalmology, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Qian Ying
- Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi Research Institute of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Ophthalmology, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Hongdou Lou
- Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi Research Institute of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Ophthalmology, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Feifei Wang
- Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi Research Institute of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Ophthalmology, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yulian Pang
- Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi Research Institute of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Ophthalmology, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Haijian Hu
- Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi Research Institute of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Ophthalmology, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Ziqiao Zhang
- Queen Mary School, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Yuning Song
- Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi Research Institute of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Ophthalmology, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Peiyu Liu
- Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi Research Institute of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Ophthalmology, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Xu Zhang
- Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi Research Institute of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Ophthalmology, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.
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