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Monnat RJ. James German and the Quest to Understand Human RECQ Helicase Deficiencies. Cells 2024; 13:1077. [PMID: 38994931 PMCID: PMC11240319 DOI: 10.3390/cells13131077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
James German's work to establish the natural history and cancer risk associated with Bloom syndrome (BS) has had a strong influence on the generation of scientists and clinicians working to understand other RECQ deficiencies and heritable cancer predisposition syndromes. I summarize work by us and others below, inspired by James German's precedents with BS, to understand and compare BS with the other heritable RECQ deficiency syndromes with a focus on Werner syndrome (WS). What we know, unanswered questions and new opportunities are discussed, as are potential ways to treat or modify WS-associated disease mechanisms and pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raymond J Monnat
- Departments of Laboratory Medicine/Pathology and Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
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2
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Drapela S, Ilter D, Gomes AP. Metabolic reprogramming: a bridge between aging and tumorigenesis. Mol Oncol 2022; 16:3295-3318. [PMID: 35666002 PMCID: PMC9490145 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Aging is the most robust risk factor for cancer development, with more than 60% of cancers occurring in those aged 60 and above. However, how aging and tumorigenesis are intertwined is poorly understood and a matter of significant debate. Metabolic changes are hallmarks of both aging and tumorigenesis. The deleterious consequences of aging include dysfunctional cellular processes, the build‐up of metabolic byproducts and waste molecules in circulation and within tissues, and stiffer connective tissues that impede blood flow and oxygenation. Collectively, these age‐driven changes lead to metabolic reprogramming in different cell types of a given tissue that significantly affects their cellular functions. Here, we put forward the idea that metabolic changes that happen during aging help create a favorable environment for tumorigenesis. We review parallels in metabolic changes that happen during aging and how these changes function both as adaptive mechanisms that enable the development of malignant phenotypes in a cell‐autonomous manner and as mechanisms that suppress immune surveillance, collectively creating the perfect environment for cancers to thrive. Hence, antiaging therapeutic strategies that target the metabolic reprogramming that occurs as we age might provide new opportunities to prevent cancer initiation and/or improve responses to standard‐of‐care anticancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanislav Drapela
- Department of Molecular Oncology, H. Lee Moffit Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Didem Ilter
- Department of Molecular Oncology, H. Lee Moffit Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Ana P Gomes
- Department of Molecular Oncology, H. Lee Moffit Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
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3
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前澤 善. [Basic science of Werner syndrome]. Nihon Ronen Igakkai Zasshi 2021; 58:402-408. [PMID: 34483166 DOI: 10.3143/geriatrics.58.402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- 善朗 前澤
- 千葉大学大学院医学研究院内分泌代謝・血液・老年内科学
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4
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Tadros S, Kondrashov A, Namagiri S, Chowdhury A, Banasavadi-Siddegowda YK, Ray-Chaudhury A. Pathological Features of Tumors of the Nervous System in Hereditary Cancer Predisposition Syndromes: A Review. Neurosurgery 2021; 89:343-363. [PMID: 33693933 DOI: 10.1093/neuros/nyab019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hereditary cancer predisposition syndromes (HCS) become more recognizable as the knowledge about them expands, and genetic testing becomes more affordable. In this review, we discussed the known HCS that predispose to central and peripheral nervous system tumors. Different genetic phenomena were highlighted, and the important cellular biological alterations were summarized. Genetic mosaicism and germline mutations are features of HCS, and recently, they were described in normal population and as modifiers for the genetic landscape of sporadic tumors. Description of the tumors arising in these conditions was augmented by representative cases explaining the main pathological findings. Clinical spectrum of the syndromes and diagnostic criteria were tabled to outline their role in defining these disorders. Interestingly, precision medicine has found its way to help these groups of patients by offering targeted preventive measures. Understanding the signaling pathway alteration of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) in tuberous sclerosis helped introducing mTOR inhibitors as a prophylactic treatment in these patients. More research to define the germline genetic alterations and resulting cellular signaling perturbations is needed for effective risk-reducing interventions beyond prophylactic surgeries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saber Tadros
- Laboratory of Pathology, National Cancer Institute , National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Aleksei Kondrashov
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.,Faculty of Medicine, Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Sriya Namagiri
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Ashis Chowdhury
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Abhik Ray-Chaudhury
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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5
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Iglesias-Pedraz JM, Fossatti-Jara DM, Valle-Riestra-Felice V, Cruz-Visalaya SR, Ayala Felix JA, Comai L. WRN modulates translation by influencing nuclear mRNA export in HeLa cancer cells. BMC Mol Cell Biol 2020; 21:71. [PMID: 33054770 PMCID: PMC7557079 DOI: 10.1186/s12860-020-00315-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Werner syndrome protein (WRN) belongs to the RecQ family of helicases and its loss of function results in the premature aging disease Werner syndrome (WS). We previously demonstrated that an early cellular change induced by WRN depletion is a posttranscriptional decrease in the levels of enzymes involved in metabolic pathways that control macromolecular synthesis and protect from oxidative stress. This metabolic shift is tolerated by normal cells but causes mitochondria dysfunction and acute oxidative stress in rapidly growing cancer cells, thereby suppressing their proliferation. RESULTS To identify the mechanism underlying this metabolic shift, we examined global protein synthesis and mRNA nucleocytoplasmic distribution after WRN knockdown. We determined that WRN depletion in HeLa cells attenuates global protein synthesis without affecting the level of key components of the mRNA export machinery. We further observed that WRN depletion affects the nuclear export of mRNAs and demonstrated that WRN interacts with mRNA and the Nuclear RNA Export Factor 1 (NXF1). CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that WRN influences the export of mRNAs from the nucleus through its interaction with the NXF1 export receptor thereby affecting cellular proteostasis. In summary, we identified a new partner and a novel function of WRN, which is especially important for the proliferation of cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Manuel Iglesias-Pedraz
- Departamento de Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación, Laboratorio de Genética Molecular y Bioquímica, Universidad Científica del Sur, Villa El Salvador, 15842 Lima, Peru
| | - Diego Matia Fossatti-Jara
- Departamento de Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación, Laboratorio de Genética Molecular y Bioquímica, Universidad Científica del Sur, Villa El Salvador, 15842 Lima, Peru
- Present address: National Centre for Biomolecular Research, Masaryk University, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Valeria Valle-Riestra-Felice
- Departamento de Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación, Laboratorio de Genética Molecular y Bioquímica, Universidad Científica del Sur, Villa El Salvador, 15842 Lima, Peru
| | - Sergio Rafael Cruz-Visalaya
- Departamento de Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación, Laboratorio de Genética Molecular y Bioquímica, Universidad Científica del Sur, Villa El Salvador, 15842 Lima, Peru
| | - Jose Antonio Ayala Felix
- Departamento de Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación, Laboratorio de Genética Molecular y Bioquímica, Universidad Científica del Sur, Villa El Salvador, 15842 Lima, Peru
| | - Lucio Comai
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, Longevity Institute, Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033 USA
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6
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Tu J, Wan C, Zhang F, Cao L, Law PWN, Tian Y, Lu G, Rennert OM, Chan W, Cheung H. Genetic correction of Werner syndrome gene reveals impaired pro-angiogenic function and HGF insufficiency in mesenchymal stem cells. Aging Cell 2020; 19:e13116. [PMID: 32320127 PMCID: PMC7253065 DOI: 10.1111/acel.13116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Revised: 12/30/2019] [Accepted: 01/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
WRN mutation causes a premature aging disease called Werner syndrome (WS). However, the mechanism by which WRN loss leads to progeroid features evident with impaired tissue repair and regeneration remains unclear. To determine this mechanism, we performed gene editing in reprogrammed induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) derived from WS fibroblasts. Gene correction restored the expression of WRN. WRN+/+ mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) exhibited improved pro‐angiogenesis. An analysis of paracrine factors revealed that hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) was downregulated in WRN−/− MSCs. HGF insufficiency resulted in poor angiogenesis and cutaneous wound healing. Furthermore, HGF was partially regulated by PI3K/AKT signaling, which was desensitized in WRN−/− MSCs. Consistently, the inhibition of the PI3K/AKT pathway in WRN+/+ MSC resulted in reduced angiogenesis and poor wound healing. Our findings indicate that the impairment in the pro‐angiogenic function of WS‐MSCs is due to HGF insufficiency and PI3K/AKT dysregulation, suggesting trophic disruption between stromal and epithelial cells as a mechanism for WS pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajie Tu
- School of Biomedical Sciences Faculty of Medicine The Chinese University of Hong Kong Hong Kong SAR China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology Key Laboratory of Anti‐Inflammatory and Immune Medicine Ministry of Education Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anti‐Inflammatory and Immune Medicine Anhui Medical University Hefei China
- CUHK‐SDU Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics School of Biomedical Sciences the Chinese University of Hong Kong Hong Kong SAR China
| | - Chao Wan
- School of Biomedical Sciences Faculty of Medicine The Chinese University of Hong Kong Hong Kong SAR China
- School of Biomedical Sciences Core Laboratory Shenzhen Research Institute The Chinese University of Hong Kong Shenzhen China
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine Ministry of Education School of Biomedical Sciences The Chinese University of Hong Kong Hong Kong SAR China
| | - Fengjie Zhang
- School of Biomedical Sciences Faculty of Medicine The Chinese University of Hong Kong Hong Kong SAR China
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine Ministry of Education School of Biomedical Sciences The Chinese University of Hong Kong Hong Kong SAR China
| | - Lianbao Cao
- CUHK‐SDU Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics School of Biomedical Sciences the Chinese University of Hong Kong Hong Kong SAR China
| | - Patrick Wai Nok Law
- School of Biomedical Sciences Faculty of Medicine The Chinese University of Hong Kong Hong Kong SAR China
| | - Yuyao Tian
- School of Biomedical Sciences Faculty of Medicine The Chinese University of Hong Kong Hong Kong SAR China
| | - Gang Lu
- School of Biomedical Sciences Faculty of Medicine The Chinese University of Hong Kong Hong Kong SAR China
- CUHK‐SDU Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics School of Biomedical Sciences the Chinese University of Hong Kong Hong Kong SAR China
| | - Owen M. Rennert
- Division of Intramural Research Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development National Institutes of Health Bethesda MD USA
| | - Wai‐Yee Chan
- School of Biomedical Sciences Faculty of Medicine The Chinese University of Hong Kong Hong Kong SAR China
- CUHK‐SDU Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics School of Biomedical Sciences the Chinese University of Hong Kong Hong Kong SAR China
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine Ministry of Education School of Biomedical Sciences The Chinese University of Hong Kong Hong Kong SAR China
| | - Hoi‐Hung Cheung
- School of Biomedical Sciences Faculty of Medicine The Chinese University of Hong Kong Hong Kong SAR China
- CUHK‐SDU Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics School of Biomedical Sciences the Chinese University of Hong Kong Hong Kong SAR China
- School of Biomedical Sciences Core Laboratory Shenzhen Research Institute The Chinese University of Hong Kong Shenzhen China
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine Ministry of Education School of Biomedical Sciences The Chinese University of Hong Kong Hong Kong SAR China
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7
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Weeks SE, Metge BJ, Samant RS. The nucleolus: a central response hub for the stressors that drive cancer progression. Cell Mol Life Sci 2019; 76:4511-4524. [PMID: 31338556 PMCID: PMC6841648 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03231-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2019] [Revised: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The nucleolus is a sub-nuclear body known primarily for its role in ribosome biogenesis. Increased number and/or size of nucleoli have historically been used by pathologists as a prognostic indicator of cancerous lesions. This increase in nucleolar number and/or size is classically attributed to the increased need for protein synthesis in cancer cells. However, evidences suggest that the nucleolus plays critical roles in many cellular functions in both normal cell biology and disease pathologies, including cancer. As new functions of the nucleolus are elucidated, there is mounting evidence to support the role of the nucleolus in regulating additional cellular functions, particularly response to cellular stressors, maintenance of genome stability, and DNA damage repair, as well as the regulation of gene expression and biogenesis of several ribonucleoproteins. This review highlights the central role of the nucleolus in carcinogenesis and cancer progression and discusses how cancer cells may become "addicted" to nucleolar functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon E Weeks
- Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, WTI 320E, 1824 6th Ave South, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA
| | - Brandon J Metge
- Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, WTI 320E, 1824 6th Ave South, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA
| | - Rajeev S Samant
- Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, WTI 320E, 1824 6th Ave South, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA.
- O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.
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8
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Kuribayashi N, Uchida D, Hamasaki Y, Kawamata H. Oral squamous cell carcinoma arising in a patient with Werner syndrome. Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2019; 48:1394-1397. [PMID: 31235391 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijom.2019.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2018] [Revised: 04/23/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Werner syndrome (WS) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by physical signs and symptoms, including premature aging and scleroderma-like skin changes. The gene responsible for WS is the WRN gene. A significant proportion of WS-related malignant tumours are non-epithelial types, and the incidence of oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is rare. A case of oral SCC of the lower alveolus and gingiva arising in a 63-year-old woman with WS is reported here. Biopsy confirmed moderately differentiated SCC. Surgical resection was performed and there was no recurrence or metastasis at the 3-year follow-up. Mutation analysis using next-generation sequencing, detected no mutations in the genes encoding the molecules strongly involved in the development of oral SCC, such as TP53 or PIK3CA. No obvious mutations were detected. Based on the results of the study, the results of mutation analysis suggest that this case might be genetically different from the common mechanisms of SCC in the oral cavity.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Kuribayashi
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Dokkyo Medical University School of Medicine, Mibu, Shimo-Tsuga, Tochigi, Japan; Section of Dentistry, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Kamitsuga General Hospital, Kanuma, Tochigi, Japan.
| | - D Uchida
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Dokkyo Medical University School of Medicine, Mibu, Shimo-Tsuga, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Y Hamasaki
- Department of Dermatology, Dokkyo Medical University School of Medicine, Mibu, Shimo-Tsuga, Tochigi, Japan
| | - H Kawamata
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Dokkyo Medical University School of Medicine, Mibu, Shimo-Tsuga, Tochigi, Japan
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Guio H, Poterico JA, Levano KS, Cornejo‐Olivas M, Mazzetti P, Manassero‐Morales G, Ugarte‐Gil MF, Acevedo‐Vásquez E, Dueñas‐Roque M, Piscoya A, Fujita R, Sanchez C, Casavilca‐Zambrano S, Jaramillo‐Valverde L, Sullcahuaman‐Allende Y, Iglesias‐Pedraz JM, Abarca‐Barriga H. Genetics and genomics in Peru: Clinical and research perspective. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2018; 6:873-886. [PMID: 30584990 PMCID: PMC6305655 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Peruvians currently preserve in their DNA the history of 2.5 million years of human evolution and 150,000 years of migration from Africa to Peru or the Americas. The development of Genetics and Genomics in the clinical and academic field is shown in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heinner Guio
- Instituto Nacional de Salud del PerúLimaPerú
- Universidad Científica del SurLimaPerú
| | - Julio A. Poterico
- Instituto Nacional de Salud del PerúLimaPerú
- Servicio de GenéticaInstituto Nacional de Salud del Niño San Borja (INSN‐SB)LimaPeru
| | | | - Mario Cornejo‐Olivas
- Neurogenetics Research Center, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias NeurológicasLimaPerú
| | - Pilar Mazzetti
- Neurogenetics Research Center, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias NeurológicasLimaPerú
- School of MedicineUniversidad Nacional Mayor de San MarcosLimaPerú
| | | | - Manuel F. Ugarte‐Gil
- Universidad Científica del SurLimaPerú
- Rheumatology Department. Hospital Guillermo Almenara Irigoyen. EsSaludLimaPerú
| | - Eduardo Acevedo‐Vásquez
- School of MedicineUniversidad Nacional Mayor de San MarcosLimaPerú
- Clínica San FelipeLimaPerú
| | - Milagros Dueñas‐Roque
- Servicio de GenéticaHospital Nacional Edgardo Rebagliati MartinsLimaPerú
- Sociedad de Genética Médica del PerúLimaPeru
| | - Alejandro Piscoya
- Universidad San Ignacio de LoyolaLimaPerú
- Hospital Guillermo Kaelin de la FuenteLimaPerú
| | - Ricardo Fujita
- Centro de Genética y Biología Molecular, Universidad de San Martín de PorresLimaPerú
| | | | - Sandro Casavilca‐Zambrano
- Banco de Tejidos Tumorales, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades NeoplásicasBanco de Tejidos TumoralesLimaPerú
- Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades NeoplásicasLimaPerú
| | | | | | - Juan M. Iglesias‐Pedraz
- Universidad Científica del SurLimaPerú
- Laboratorio de Genética Molecular y Bioquímica, Departamento de Investigación, Desarrollo e InnovaciónUniversidad Científica del SurLimaPerú
| | - Hugo Abarca‐Barriga
- Servicio de Genética & EIMInstituto Nacional de Salud del Niño Breña (INSN)LimaPeru
- Facultad de EstomatologíaUniversidad Científica del SurLimaPerú
- Facultad de Medicina HumanaUniversidad Ricardo PalmaLimaPerú
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10
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Ferreli C, Gasparini G, Parodi A, Cozzani E, Rongioletti F, Atzori L. Cutaneous Manifestations of Scleroderma and Scleroderma-Like Disorders: a Comprehensive Review. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol 2018; 53:306-336. [PMID: 28712039 DOI: 10.1007/s12016-017-8625-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Scleroderma refers to an autoimmune connective tissue fibrosing disease, including three different subsets: localized scleroderma, limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis, and diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis with divergent patterns of organ involvement, autoantibody profiles, management, and prognostic implications. Although systemic sclerosis is considered the disease prototype that causes cutaneous sclerosis, there are many other conditions that can mimic and be confused with SSc. They can be classified into immune-mediated/inflammatory, immune-mediated/inflammatory with abnormal deposit (mucinoses), genetic, drug-induced and toxic, metabolic, panniculitis/vascular, and (para)neoplastic disorders according to clinico-pathological and pathogenetic correlations. This article reviews the clinical presentation with emphasis on cutaneous disease, etiopathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment options available for the different forms of scleroderma firstly and for scleroderma-like disorders, including scleromyxedema, scleredema, nephrogenic systemic fibrosis, eosinophilic fasciitis, chronic graft-versus-host disease, porphyria cutanea tarda, diabetic stiff-hand syndrome (diabetic cheiroartropathy), and other minor forms. This latter group of conditions, termed also scleroderma mimics, sclerodermiform diseases, or pseudosclerodermas, shares the common thread of skin thickening but presents with distinct cutaneous manifestations, skin histology, and systemic implications or disease associations, differentiating each entity from the others and from scleroderma. The lack of Raynaud's phenomenon, capillaroscopic abnormalities, or scleroderma-specific autoantibodies is also important diagnostic clues. As cutaneous involvement is the earliest, most frequent and characteristic manifestation of scleroderma and sclerodermoid disorders, dermatologists are often the first-line doctors who must be able to promptly recognize skin symptoms to provide the affected patient a correct diagnosis and appropriate management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Ferreli
- Section of Dermatology, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Giulia Gasparini
- Section of Dermatology, Department of Health Sciences, DISSAL, IRCSS-AOU S. Martino-IST, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Aurora Parodi
- Section of Dermatology, Department of Health Sciences, DISSAL, IRCSS-AOU S. Martino-IST, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Emanuele Cozzani
- Section of Dermatology, Department of Health Sciences, DISSAL, IRCSS-AOU S. Martino-IST, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Franco Rongioletti
- Section of Dermatology, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Laura Atzori
- Section of Dermatology, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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Abstract
Aging, the universal phenomenon, affects human health and is the primary risk factor for major disease pathologies. Progeroid diseases, which mimic aging at an accelerated rate, have provided cues in understanding the hallmarks of aging. Mutations in DNA repair genes as well as in telomerase subunits are known to cause progeroid syndromes. Werner syndrome (WS), which is characterized by accelerated aging, is an autosomal-recessive genetic disorder. Hallmarks that define the aging process include genomic instability, telomere attrition, epigenetic alterations, loss of proteostasis, deregulation of nutrient sensing, mitochondrial dysfunction, cellular senescence, stem cell exhaustion, and altered intercellular communication. WS recapitulates these hallmarks of aging and shows increased incidence and early onset of specific cancers. Genome integrity and stability ensure the normal functioning of the cell and are mainly guarded by the DNA repair machinery and telomeres. WRN, being a RecQ helicase, protects genome stability by regulating DNA repair pathways and telomeres. Recent advances in WS research have elucidated WRN’s role in DNA repair pathway choice regulation, telomere maintenance, resolution of complex DNA structures, epigenetic regulation, and stem cell maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raghavendra A Shamanna
- Laboratory of Molecular Gerontology, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Deborah L Croteau
- Laboratory of Molecular Gerontology, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jong-Hyuk Lee
- Laboratory of Molecular Gerontology, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Vilhelm A Bohr
- Laboratory of Molecular Gerontology, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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