1
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Amir Abdul Nasir AF, Niehaus AC, Cameron SF, Ujvari B, Madsen T, von Hippel FA, Gao S, Dillon DM, Buck CL, Charters J, Heiniger J, Blomberg S, Wilson RS. Manganese Exacerbates Seasonal Health Declines in a Suicidally Breeding Mammal. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2024; 43:74-86. [PMID: 37750553 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
Reproductive costs must be balanced with survival to maximize lifetime reproductive rates; however, some organisms invest in a single, suicidal bout of breeding known as semelparity. The northern quoll (Dasyurus hallucatus) is an endangered marsupial in which males, but not females, are semelparous. Northern quolls living near mining sites on Groote Eylandt, Northern Territory, Australia, accumulate manganese (Mn) in their brains, testes, and hair, and elevated Mn impacts motor performance. Whether Mn is associated with other health declines is yet unknown. In the present study we show that male and female northern quolls with higher Mn accumulation had a 20% reduction in immune function and a trend toward reduced cortisol concentrations in hair. The telomere lengths of male quolls did not change pre- to postbreeding, but those with higher Mn levels had longer telomeres; in contrast, the telomeres of females shortened during the breeding season but recovered between the first year and second year of breeding. In addition, the telomeres of quolls that were recaptured declined at significantly higher rates in quolls with higher Mn between prebreeding, breeding, and/or postbreeding seasons. Future research should determine whether changes in cortisol, immune function, or telomere length affect reproductive output or survival-particularly for semelparous males. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:74-86. © 2023 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ami F Amir Abdul Nasir
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Saint Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Amanda C Niehaus
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Saint Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Skye F Cameron
- Australian Wildlife Conservancy, Subiaco East, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Beata Ujvari
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria, Australia
| | - Thomas Madsen
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria, Australia
| | - Frank A von Hippel
- Department of Community, Environment and Policy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Sisi Gao
- Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Danielle M Dillon
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA
| | - C Loren Buck
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA
| | - Jordan Charters
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Saint Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jaime Heiniger
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Saint Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Simone Blomberg
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Saint Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Robbie S Wilson
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Saint Lucia, Queensland, Australia
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2
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Barford RG, Whittle E, Weir L, Fong FC, Goodman A, Hartley HE, Allinson LM, Tweddle DA. Use of Optical Genome Mapping to Detect Structural Variants in Neuroblastoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5233. [PMID: 37958407 PMCID: PMC10647738 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15215233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranial solid tumour in children, accounting for 15% of paediatric cancer deaths. Multiple genetic abnormalities have been identified as prognostically significant in neuroblastoma patients. Optical genome mapping (OGM) is a novel cytogenetic technique used to detect structural variants, which has not previously been tested in neuroblastoma. We used OGM to identify copy number and structural variants (SVs) in neuroblastoma which may have been missed by standard cytogenetic techniques. METHODS Five neuroblastoma cell lines (SH-SY5Y, NBLW, GI-ME-N, NB1691 and SK-N-BE2(C)) and two neuroblastoma tumours were analysed using OGM with the Bionano Saphyr® instrument. The results were analysed using Bionano Access software and compared to previous genetic analyses including G-band karyotyping, FISH (fluorescent in situ hybridisation), single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array and RNA fusion panels for cell lines, and SNP arrays and whole genome sequencing (WGS) for tumours. RESULTS OGM detected copy number abnormalities found using previous methods and provided estimates for absolute copy numbers of amplified genes. OGM identified novel SVs, including fusion genes in two cell lines of potential clinical significance. CONCLUSIONS OGM can reliably detect clinically significant structural and copy number variations in a single test. OGM may prove to be more time- and cost-effective than current standard cytogenetic techniques for neuroblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruby G. Barford
- Wolfson Childhood Cancer Research Centre, Translational & Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK; (R.G.B.); (F.C.F.); (H.E.H.); (L.M.A.)
| | - Emily Whittle
- Newcastle Genetics Laboratory, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3BZ, UK; (E.W.); (L.W.); (A.G.)
| | - Laura Weir
- Newcastle Genetics Laboratory, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3BZ, UK; (E.W.); (L.W.); (A.G.)
| | - Fang Chyi Fong
- Wolfson Childhood Cancer Research Centre, Translational & Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK; (R.G.B.); (F.C.F.); (H.E.H.); (L.M.A.)
| | - Angharad Goodman
- Newcastle Genetics Laboratory, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3BZ, UK; (E.W.); (L.W.); (A.G.)
| | - Hannah E. Hartley
- Wolfson Childhood Cancer Research Centre, Translational & Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK; (R.G.B.); (F.C.F.); (H.E.H.); (L.M.A.)
| | - Lisa M. Allinson
- Wolfson Childhood Cancer Research Centre, Translational & Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK; (R.G.B.); (F.C.F.); (H.E.H.); (L.M.A.)
| | - Deborah A. Tweddle
- Wolfson Childhood Cancer Research Centre, Translational & Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK; (R.G.B.); (F.C.F.); (H.E.H.); (L.M.A.)
- Great North Children’s Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4LP, UK
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3
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Wang B, Shi X, Gao J, Liao R, Fu J, Bai J, Cui H. SCARECROW maintains the stem cell niche in Arabidopsis roots by ensuring telomere integrity. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 192:1115-1131. [PMID: 36943300 PMCID: PMC10231454 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiad181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Stem cells are the ultimate source of cells for various tissues and organs and thus are essential for postembryonic plant growth and development. SCARECROW (SCR) is a plant-specific transcription regulator well known for its role in stem cell renewal in plant roots, but the mechanism by which SCR exerts this function remains unclear. To address this question, we carried out a genetic screen for mutants that no longer express SCR in the stem cell niche of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) roots and characterized 1 of these mutants. Molecular genetics methods allowed us to pinpoint the causal mutation in this mutant in TELOMERIC PATHWAYS IN ASSOCIATION WITH STN 1 (TEN1), encoding a factor that protects telomere ends. Interestingly, TEN1 expression was dramatically reduced in the scr mutant. Telomerase and STN1 and CONSERVED TELOMERE MAINTENANCE COMPONENT 1 (CTC1), components of the same protein complex as TEN1, were also dramatically downregulated in scr. Loss of STN1, CTC1, and telomerase caused defects in root stem cells. These results together suggest that SCR maintains root stem cells by promoting expression of genes that ensure genome integrity. Supporting this conclusion, we demonstrated that the scr mutant accumulates more DNA damage than wild-type Arabidopsis and that this problem is aggravated after exposure to zeocin, a DNA damage reagent. Finally, we identified 2 previously uncharacterized motifs in TEN1 and provide evidence that a conserved amino acid residue in 1 of the motifs is indispensable for TEN1 function. SCR thus provides a connection between genome integrity and stem cell maintenance in Arabidopsis roots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingxin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Xiaowen Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Jingbo Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Rui Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Jing Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Juan Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Hongchang Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
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4
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Adwan Shekhidem H, Sharvit L, Huffman DM, Manov I, Atzmon G, Shams I. Damage-Free Shortening of Telomeres Is a Potential Strategy Supporting Blind Mole-Rat Longevity. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14040845. [PMID: 37107603 PMCID: PMC10137574 DOI: 10.3390/genes14040845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomere shortening or loss of shelterin components activates DNA damage response (DDR) pathways, leading to a replicative senescence that is usually coupled with a senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Recent studies suggested that telomere aberration that activates DDR may occur, irrespective of telomere length or loss of shelterin complex. The blind mole-rat (Spalax) is a subterranean rodent with exceptional longevity, and its cells demonstrate an uncoupling of senescence and SASP inflammatory components. Herein, we evaluated Spalax relative telomere length, telomerase activity, and shelterin expression, along with telomere-associated DNA damage foci (TAFs) levels with cell passage. We show that telomeres shorten in Spalax fibroblasts similar to the process in rats, and that the telomerase activity is lower. Moreover, we found lower DNA damage foci at the telomeres and a decline in the mRNA expression of two shelterin proteins, known as ATM/ATR repressors. Although additional studies are required for understanding the underling mechanism, our present results imply that Spalax genome protection strategies include effective telomere maintenance, preventing early cellular senescence induced by persistent DDR, thereby contributing to its longevity and healthy aging.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lital Sharvit
- Department of Evolutionary and Environmental Biology, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
- Department of Human Biology, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
| | - Derek M. Huffman
- Departments of Molecular Pharmacology, Medicine, and the Institute for Aging Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Irena Manov
- Institute of Evolution, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
| | - Gil Atzmon
- Department of Human Biology, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
| | - Imad Shams
- Institute of Evolution, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
- Department of Evolutionary and Environmental Biology, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
- Correspondence:
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5
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Mendoza-Munoz PL, Gavande NS, VanderVere-Carozza PS, Pawelczak K, Dynlacht J, Garrett J, Turchi J. Ku-DNA binding inhibitors modulate the DNA damage response in response to DNA double-strand breaks. NAR Cancer 2023; 5:zcad003. [PMID: 36755959 PMCID: PMC9900423 DOI: 10.1093/narcan/zcad003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) plays a critical role in the DNA damage response (DDR) and non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) double-strand break (DSB) repair pathways. Consequently, DNA-PK is a validated therapeutic target for cancer treatment in certain DNA repair-deficient cancers and in combination with ionizing radiation (IR). We have previously reported the discovery and development of a novel class of DNA-PK inhibitors with a unique mechanism of action, blocking the Ku 70/80 heterodimer interaction with DNA. These Ku-DNA binding inhibitors (Ku-DBi's) display nanomolar activity in vitro, inhibit cellular DNA-PK, NHEJ-catalyzed DSB repair and sensitize non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells to DSB-inducing agents. In this study, we demonstrate that chemical inhibition of the Ku-DNA interaction potentiates the cellular effects of bleomycin and IR via p53 phosphorylation through the activation of the ATM pathway. This response is concomitant with a reduction of DNA-PK catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs) autophosphorylation at S2056 and a time-dependent increase in H2AX phosphorylation at S139. These results are consistent with Ku-DBi's abrogating DNA-PKcs autophosphorylation to impact DSB repair and DDR signaling through a novel mechanism of action, and thus represent a promising anticancer therapeutic strategy in combination with DNA DSB-inducing agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela L Mendoza-Munoz
- Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Navnath S Gavande
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wayne State University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Detroit, MI 48201-2417, USA
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201-2417, USA
| | | | | | - Joseph R Dynlacht
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Joy E Garrett
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - John J Turchi
- Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- NERx Biosciences. Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University, School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
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6
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de Bardet JC, Cardentey CR, González BL, Patrone D, Mulet IL, Siniscalco D, Robinson-Agramonte MDLA. Cell Immortalization: In Vivo Molecular Bases and In Vitro Techniques for Obtention. BIOTECH 2023; 12:biotech12010014. [PMID: 36810441 PMCID: PMC9944833 DOI: 10.3390/biotech12010014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Somatic human cells can divide a finite number of times, a phenomenon known as the Hayflick limit. It is based on the progressive erosion of the telomeric ends each time the cell completes a replicative cycle. Given this problem, researchers need cell lines that do not enter the senescence phase after a certain number of divisions. In this way, more lasting studies can be carried out over time and avoid the tedious work involved in performing cell passes to fresh media. However, some cells have a high replicative potential, such as embryonic stem cells and cancer cells. To accomplish this, these cells express the enzyme telomerase or activate the mechanisms of alternative telomere elongation, which favors the maintenance of the length of their stable telomeres. Researchers have been able to develop cell immortalization technology by studying the cellular and molecular bases of both mechanisms and the genes involved in the control of the cell cycle. Through it, cells with infinite replicative capacity are obtained. To obtain them, viral oncogenes/oncoproteins, myc genes, ectopic expression of telomerase, and the manipulation of genes that regulate the cell cycle, such as p53 and Rb, have been used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Curi de Bardet
- Department of Neurobiology, International Center for Neurological Restoration, Havana 11300, Cuba
| | | | - Belkis López González
- Department of Allergy, Calixto Garcia General University Hospital, Havana 10400, Cuba
| | - Deanira Patrone
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Division of Molecular Biology, Biotechnology and Histology, University of Campania, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | | | - Dario Siniscalco
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Division of Molecular Biology, Biotechnology and Histology, University of Campania, 80138 Naples, Italy
- Correspondence:
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7
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Identification of the Telomere elongation Mutation in Drosophila. Cells 2022; 11:cells11213484. [DOI: 10.3390/cells11213484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomeres in Drosophila melanogaster, which have inspired a large part of Sergio Pimpinelli work, are similar to those of other eukaryotes in terms of their function. Yet, their length maintenance relies on the transposition of the specialized retrotransposons Het-A, TART, and TAHRE, rather than on the activity of the enzyme telomerase as it occurs in most other eukaryotic organisms. The length of the telomeres in Drosophila thus depends on the number of copies of these transposable elements. Our previous work has led to the isolation of a dominant mutation, Tel1, that caused a several-fold elongation of telomeres. In this study, we molecularly identified the Tel1 mutation by a combination of transposon-induced, site-specific recombination and next-generation sequencing. Recombination located Tel1 to a 15 kb region in 92A. Comparison of the DNA sequence in this region with the Drosophila Genetic Reference Panel of wild-type genomic sequences delimited Tel1 to a 3 bp deletion inside intron 8 of Ino80. Furthermore, CRISPR/Cas9-induced deletions surrounding the same region exhibited the Tel1 telomere phenotype, confirming a strict requirement of this intron 8 gene sequence for a proper regulation of Drosophila telomere length.
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8
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Mu J, Zhou Z, Sang Q, Wang L. The physiological and pathological mechanisms of early embryonic development. FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 2:859-872. [PMID: 38933386 PMCID: PMC11197659 DOI: 10.1016/j.fmre.2022.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Early embryonic development is a complex process. The zygote undergoes several rounds of division to form a blastocyst, and during this process, the zygote undergoes the maternal-to-zygotic transition to gain control of embryonic development and makes two cell fate decisions to differentiate into an embryonic and two extra-embryonic lineages. With the use of new molecular biotechnologies and animal models, we can now further study the molecular mechanisms of early embryonic development and the pathological causes of early embryonic arrest. Here, we first summarize the known molecular regulatory mechanisms of early embryonic development in mice. Then we discuss the pathological factors leading to the early embryonic arrest. We hope that this review will give researchers a relatively complete view of the physiology and pathology of early embryonic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Mu
- The State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, The Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Zhou Zhou
- The State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, The Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Qing Sang
- The State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, The Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Lei Wang
- The State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, The Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
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9
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Ng GYQ, Hande V, Ong MH, Wong BWX, Loh ZWL, Ho WD, Handison LB, Tan IMSP, Fann DY, Arumugam TV, Hande MP. Effects of dietary interventions on telomere dynamics. MUTATION RESEARCH. GENETIC TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MUTAGENESIS 2022; 876-877:503472. [PMID: 35483787 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrgentox.2022.503472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Telomeres play a critical role in maintaining cellular fate through tight regulation of cell division and DNA damage or repair. Over the years, it is established that biological ageing is defined by a gradual derangement in functionality, productivity, and robustness of biological processes. The link between telomeres and ageing is highlighted when derangement in telomere biology often leads to premature ageing and concomitant accompaniment of numerous age-associated diseases. Unfortunately, given that ageing is a biologically complicated intricacy, measures to reduce morbidity and improve longevity are still largely in the infancy stage. Recently, it was discovered that dietary habits and interventions might play a role in promoting successful healthy ageing. The intricate relationship between dietary components and its potential to protect the integrity of telomeres may provide unprecedented health benefits and protection against age-related pathologies. However, more focused prospective and follow-up studies with and without interventions are needed to unequivocally link dietary interventions with telomere maintenance in humans. This review aims to summarise recent findings that investigate the roles of nutrition on telomere biology and provide enough evidence for further studies to consider the topic of nutrigenomics and its contributions toward healthy ageing and concomitant strategy against age-associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gavin Yong-Quan Ng
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Varsha Hande
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Min Hui Ong
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Beverly Wen-Xin Wong
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Zachary Wai-Loon Loh
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Wei D Ho
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Lionel B Handison
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - David Y Fann
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Healthy Longevity Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Centre for Healthy Longevity, National University Health System (NUHS), Singapore
| | - Thiruma V Arumugam
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea; Department of Physiology, Anatomy & Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - M Prakash Hande
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, India; Mangalore University, Mangalore, India.
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10
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Russi M, Marson D, Fermeglia A, Aulic S, Fermeglia M, Laurini E, Pricl S. The fellowship of the RING: BRCA1, its partner BARD1 and their liaison in DNA repair and cancer. Pharmacol Ther 2021; 232:108009. [PMID: 34619284 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.108009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2021] [Revised: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The breast cancer type 1 susceptibility protein (BRCA1) and its partner - the BRCA1-associated RING domain protein 1 (BARD1) - are key players in a plethora of fundamental biological functions including, among others, DNA repair, replication fork protection, cell cycle progression, telomere maintenance, chromatin remodeling, apoptosis and tumor suppression. However, mutations in their encoding genes transform them into dangerous threats, and substantially increase the risk of developing cancer and other malignancies during the lifetime of the affected individuals. Understanding how BRCA1 and BARD1 perform their biological activities therefore not only provides a powerful mean to prevent such fatal occurrences but can also pave the way to the development of new targeted therapeutics. Thus, through this review work we aim at presenting the major efforts focused on the functional characterization and structural insights of BRCA1 and BARD1, per se and in combination with all their principal mediators and regulators, and on the multifaceted roles these proteins play in the maintenance of human genome integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Russi
- Molecular Biology and Nanotechnology Laboratory (MolBNL@UniTs), DEA, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Domenico Marson
- Molecular Biology and Nanotechnology Laboratory (MolBNL@UniTs), DEA, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Alice Fermeglia
- Molecular Biology and Nanotechnology Laboratory (MolBNL@UniTs), DEA, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Suzana Aulic
- Molecular Biology and Nanotechnology Laboratory (MolBNL@UniTs), DEA, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Maurizio Fermeglia
- Molecular Biology and Nanotechnology Laboratory (MolBNL@UniTs), DEA, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Erik Laurini
- Molecular Biology and Nanotechnology Laboratory (MolBNL@UniTs), DEA, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Sabrina Pricl
- Molecular Biology and Nanotechnology Laboratory (MolBNL@UniTs), DEA, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy; Department of General Biophysics, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland.
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11
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Kang HJ, Oh JH, Kim YW, Kim W, An J, Sung CO, Kim J, Shim JH, Hwang S, Yu E, Heaphy CM, Hong SM. Clinicopathological and molecular characterization of chromophobe hepatocellular carcinoma. Liver Int 2021; 41:2499-2510. [PMID: 34036718 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Chromophobe hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a newly included subtype of HCC in the 5th edition of the WHO classification with distinctive histological features (chromophobic cytoplasm with anaplastic nuclei and pseudocyst formation) and is strongly associated with the alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) phenotype. However, the clinicopathologic characterization and molecular features of chromophobe HCC are unknown. METHODS To comprehensively characterize chromophobe HCC, whole exome sequencing, copy number variation, and transcriptomic analyses were performed in 224 surgically resected HCC cases. Additionally, telomere-specific fluorescence in situ hybridization was used to assess ALT. These genomic profiles and ALT status were compared with clinicopathological features among subtypes of HCC, particularly chromophobe HCC and conventional HCC. RESULTS Chromophobe HCC was observed in 10.3% (23/224) cases and, compared to conventional HCC, was more frequent in females (P = .023). The overall and recurrence-free survival outcomes were similar between patients with chromophobe HCC and conventional HCC. However, chromophobe HCC displayed significantly more upregulated genes involving cell cycle progression and DNA repair. Additionally, ALT was significantly enriched in chromophobe HCC (87%; 20/23) compared to conventional HCC (2.2%, 4/178; P < .001). Somatic mutations in ALT-associated genes, including ATRX, SMARCAL1, FANCG, FANCM, SP100, TSPYL5, and RAD52 were more frequent in chromophobe HCC (30.4%, 7/23 cases) compared to conventional HCC (11.8%, 21/178 cases; P = .024). CONCLUSIONS Chromophobe HCC is a unique subtype of HCC with a prevalence of ~10%. Compared to conventional HCC, chromophobe HCC is associated with female predominance and ALT, although overall and recurrence-free outcomes are similar to conventional HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyo Jeong Kang
- Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Asan Liver Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Hye Oh
- Department of Medical Science, Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeon Wook Kim
- Asan Institute for Life Science, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Wonkyung Kim
- Department of Medical Science, Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jihyun An
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hanyang University of Medicine, Guri, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang Ohk Sung
- Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jihun Kim
- Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Asan Liver Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ju Hyun Shim
- Asan Liver Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Gastroenterology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Shin Hwang
- Asan Liver Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunsil Yu
- Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Asan Liver Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Christopher M Heaphy
- Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Seung-Mo Hong
- Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Asan Institute for Life Science, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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12
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Functional characterization of miR-708 microRNA in telomerase positive and negative human cancer cells. Sci Rep 2021; 11:17052. [PMID: 34426596 PMCID: PMC8382839 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-96096-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Activation of a telomere length maintenance mechanism (TMM), including telomerase and alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT), is essential for replicative immortality of tumor cells, although its regulatory mechanisms are incompletely understood. We conducted a microRNA (miRNA) microarray analysis on isogenic telomerase positive (TEP) and ALT cancer cell lines. Amongst nine miRNAs that showed difference in their expression in TEP and ALT cancer cells in array analysis, miR-708 was selected for further analysis since it was consistently highly expressed in a large panel of ALT cells. miR-708 in TEP and ALT cancer cells was not correlated with C-circle levels, an established feature of ALT cells. Its overexpression induced suppression of cell migration, invasion, and angiogenesis in both TEP and ALT cells, although cell proliferation was inhibited only in TEP cells suggesting that ALT cells may have acquired the ability to escape inhibition of cell proliferation by sustained miR-708 overexpression. Further, cell proliferation regulation in TEP cells by miR708 appears to be through the CARF-p53 pathway. We demonstrate here that miR-708 (i) is the first miRNA shown to be differentially regulated in TEP and ALT cancer cells, (ii) possesses tumor suppressor function, and (iii) deregulates CARF and p21WAF1-mediated signaling to limit proliferation in TEP cells.
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13
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Diotti R, Esposito M, Shen CH. Telomeric and Sub-Telomeric Structure and Implications in Fungal Opportunistic Pathogens. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9071405. [PMID: 34209786 PMCID: PMC8305976 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9071405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomeres are long non-coding regions found at the ends of eukaryotic linear chromosomes. Although they have traditionally been associated with the protection of linear DNA ends to avoid gene losses during each round of DNA replication, recent studies have demonstrated that the role of these sequences and their adjacent regions go beyond just protecting chromosomal ends. Regions nearby to telomeric sequences have now been identified as having increased variability in the form of duplications and rearrangements that result in new functional abilities and biodiversity. Furthermore, unique fungal telomeric and chromatin structures have now extended clinical capabilities and understanding of pathogenicity levels. In this review, telomere structure, as well as functional implications, will be examined in opportunistic fungal pathogens, including Aspergillus fumigatus, Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, and Pneumocystis jirovecii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raffaella Diotti
- Department of Biological Sciences, Bronx Community College, City University of New York, New York, NY 10453, USA;
- The Graduate Center, PhD Program in Biology, City University of New York, New York, NY 10016, USA;
| | - Michelle Esposito
- The Graduate Center, PhD Program in Biology, City University of New York, New York, NY 10016, USA;
- Department of Biology, College of Staten Island, City University of New York, New York, NY 10314, USA
| | - Chang Hui Shen
- The Graduate Center, PhD Program in Biology, City University of New York, New York, NY 10016, USA;
- Department of Biology, College of Staten Island, City University of New York, New York, NY 10314, USA
- The Graduate Center, PhD Program in Biochemistry, City University of New York, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Institute for Macromolecular Assemblies, City University of New York, New York, NY 10031, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-(718)-982-3998; Fax: +1-(718)-982-3852
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14
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Fonin AV, Silonov SA, Shpironok OG, Antifeeva IA, Petukhov AV, Romanovich AE, Kuznetsova IM, Uversky VN, Turoverov KK. The Role of Non-Specific Interactions in Canonical and ALT-Associated PML-Bodies Formation and Dynamics. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22115821. [PMID: 34072343 PMCID: PMC8198325 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In this work, we put forward a hypothesis about the decisive role of multivalent nonspecific interactions in the early stages of PML body formation. Our analysis of the PML isoform sequences showed that some of the PML isoforms, primarily PML-II, are prone to phase separation due to their polyampholytic properties and the disordered structure of their C-terminal domains. The similarity of the charge properties of the C-terminal domains of PML-II and PML-VI isoforms made it possible for the first time to detect migration of PML-VI from PML bodies to the periphery of the cell nucleus, similar to the migration of PML-II isoforms. We found a population of “small” (area less than 1 µm2) spherical PML bodies with high dynamics of PML isoforms exchange with nucleoplasm and a low fraction of immobilized proteins, which indicates their liquid state properties. Such structures can act as “seeds” of functionally active PML bodies, providing the necessary concentration of PML isoforms for the formation of intermolecular disulfide bonds between PML monomers. FRAP analysis of larger bodies of toroidal topology showed the existence of an insoluble scaffold in their structure. The hypothesis about the role of nonspecific multiple weak interactions in the formation of PML bodies is further supported by the change in the composition of the scaffold proteins of PML bodies, but not their solidification, under conditions of induction of dimerization of PML isoforms under oxidative stress. Using the colocalization of ALT-associated PML bodies (APBs) with TRF1, we identified APBs and showed the difference in the dynamic properties of APBs and canonical PML bodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander V. Fonin
- Laboratory of Structural Dynamics, Stability and Folding of Proteins, Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 4 Tikhoretsky Ave., 194064 St. Petersburg, Russia; (S.A.S.); (O.G.S.); (I.A.A.); (I.M.K.)
- Correspondence: (A.V.F.); (V.N.U.); (K.K.T.); Tel.: +7-812-2971957 (K.K.T.); Fax: +7-812-2970341(K.K.T.)
| | - Sergey A. Silonov
- Laboratory of Structural Dynamics, Stability and Folding of Proteins, Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 4 Tikhoretsky Ave., 194064 St. Petersburg, Russia; (S.A.S.); (O.G.S.); (I.A.A.); (I.M.K.)
| | - Olesya G. Shpironok
- Laboratory of Structural Dynamics, Stability and Folding of Proteins, Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 4 Tikhoretsky Ave., 194064 St. Petersburg, Russia; (S.A.S.); (O.G.S.); (I.A.A.); (I.M.K.)
- Research Center for Molecular Mechanisms of Aging and Age-Related Diseases, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, 141700 Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Iuliia A. Antifeeva
- Laboratory of Structural Dynamics, Stability and Folding of Proteins, Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 4 Tikhoretsky Ave., 194064 St. Petersburg, Russia; (S.A.S.); (O.G.S.); (I.A.A.); (I.M.K.)
| | - Alexey V. Petukhov
- Institute of Hematology, Almazov National Medical Research Centre, 197341 St. Petersburg, Russia;
| | - Anna E. Romanovich
- St-Petersburg State University Science Park, Resource Center of Molecular and Cell Technologies, Universitetskaya nab. 7-9, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia;
| | - Irina M. Kuznetsova
- Laboratory of Structural Dynamics, Stability and Folding of Proteins, Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 4 Tikhoretsky Ave., 194064 St. Petersburg, Russia; (S.A.S.); (O.G.S.); (I.A.A.); (I.M.K.)
| | - Vladimir N. Uversky
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Byrd Alzheimer’s Research Institute, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
- Correspondence: (A.V.F.); (V.N.U.); (K.K.T.); Tel.: +7-812-2971957 (K.K.T.); Fax: +7-812-2970341(K.K.T.)
| | - Konstantin K. Turoverov
- Laboratory of Structural Dynamics, Stability and Folding of Proteins, Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 4 Tikhoretsky Ave., 194064 St. Petersburg, Russia; (S.A.S.); (O.G.S.); (I.A.A.); (I.M.K.)
- Peter the Great St.-Petersburg Polytechnic University, Polytechnicheskaya 29, 195251 St. Petersburg, Russia
- Correspondence: (A.V.F.); (V.N.U.); (K.K.T.); Tel.: +7-812-2971957 (K.K.T.); Fax: +7-812-2970341(K.K.T.)
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15
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Minasi S, Baldi C, Gianno F, Antonelli M, Buccoliero AM, Pietsch T, Massimino M, Buttarelli FR. Alternative lengthening of telomeres in molecular subgroups of paediatric high-grade glioma. Childs Nerv Syst 2021; 37:809-818. [PMID: 33128602 PMCID: PMC7875853 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-020-04933-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The maintenance of telomere length prevents cancer cell senescence and occurs via two mutually exclusive mechanisms: (a) reactivation of telomerase expression and (b) activation of alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT). ALT is frequently related to alterations on ATRX, a chromatin-remodelling protein. Recent data have identified different molecular subgroups of paediatric high-grade glioma (pHGG) with mutations of H3F3A, TERTp and ATRX; however, differences in telomere length among these molecular subgroups were not thoroughly examined. METHODS We investigated which genetic alterations trigger the ALT mechanism in 52 IDH-wildtype, 1p/19q-wildtype pHGG. Samples were analysed for telomere length using Tel-FISH. ATRX nuclear loss of expression was assessed by IHC, H3F3A and TERTp mutations by DNA sequencing, and TERTp methylation by MS-PCR. RESULTS Mutant H3.3 was found in 21 cases (40.3%): 19.2% with K27M mutation and 21.1% with G34R mutation. All H3.3G34R-mutated cases showed the ALT phenotype (100%); on the opposite, only 40% of the H3.3K27M-mutated showed ALT activation. ATRX nuclear loss was seen in 16 cases (30.7%), associated sometimes with the G34R mutation, and never with the K27M mutation. ATRX nuclear loss was always related to telomere elongation. TERTp C250T mutations were rare (5.4%) and were not associated with high intensity Tel-FISH signals, as TERTp hyper-methylation detected in 21% of the cases. H3.3/ATRX/TERTp-wildtype pHGG revealed all basal levels of telomere length. CONCLUSION Our results show a strong association between H3.3 mutations and ALT, and highlight the different telomeric profiles in histone-defined subgroups: H3.3-G34R mutants always trigger ALT to maintain telomere length, irrespective of ATRX status, whereas only some H3.3-K27M tumours activate ALT. These findings suggest that acquiring the gly34 mutation on H3.3 might suffice to trigger the ALT mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Minasi
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Anatomo-Pathological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Caterina Baldi
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Gianno
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Anatomo-Pathological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Manila Antonelli
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Anatomo-Pathological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Torsten Pietsch
- Institute of Neuropathology, DGNN Brain Tumour Reference Centre, University of Bonn Medical Centre, Bonn, Germany
| | - Maura Massimino
- Paediatric Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy
| | - Francesca Romana Buttarelli
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Anatomo-Pathological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
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16
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Polettini J, da Silva MG. Telomere-Related Disorders in Fetal Membranes Associated With Birth and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes. Front Physiol 2020; 11:561771. [PMID: 33123024 PMCID: PMC7573552 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.561771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomere disorders have been associated with aging-related diseases, including diabetes, vascular, and neurodegenerative diseases. The main consequence of altered telomere is the induction of the state of irreversible cell cycle arrest. Though several mechanisms responsible for the activation of senescence have been identified, it is still unclear how a cell is indeed induced to become irreversibly arrested. Most tissues in the body will experience senescence throughout its lifespan, but intrinsic and extrinsic stressors, such as chemicals, pollution, oxidative stress (OS), and inflammation accelerate the process. Pregnancy is a state of OS, as the higher metabolic demand of the growing fetus results in increased reactive oxygen species production. As a temporary organ in the mother, senescence in fetal membranes and placenta is expected and linked to term parturition (>37 weeks of gestation). However, a persistent, overwhelming, or premature OS affects placental antioxidant capacity, with consequent accumulation of OS causing damage to lipids, proteins, and DNA in the placental tissues. Therefore, senescence and its main inducer, telomere length (TL) reduction, have been associated with pregnancy complications, including stillbirth, preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction, and prematurity. Fetal membranes have a notable role in preterm births, which continue to be a major health issue associated with increased risk of neo and perinatal adverse outcomes and/or predisposition to disease in later life; however, the ability to mediate a delay in parturition during such cases is limited, because the pathophysiology of preterm births and physiological mechanisms of term births are not yet fully elucidated. Here, we review the current knowledge regarding the regulation of telomere-related senescence mechanisms in fetal membranes, highlighting the role of inflammation, methylation, and telomerase activity. Moreover, we present the evidences of TL reduction and senescence in gestational tissues by the time of term parturition. In conclusion, we verified that telomere regulation in fetal membranes requires a more complete understanding, in order to support the development of successful effective interventions of the molecular mechanisms that triggers parturition, including telomere signals, which may vary throughout placental tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jossimara Polettini
- Universidade Federal da Fronteira Sul (UFFS), Programa de Pós Graduação em Ciências Biomédicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Campus Passo Fundo, Brazil
| | - Marcia Guimarães da Silva
- Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Faculdade de Medicina, Departamento de Patologia, Botucatu, Brazil
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17
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Zhang H, Zhao R, Tones J, Liu M, Dilley RL, Chenoweth DM, Greenberg RA, Lampson MA. Nuclear body phase separation drives telomere clustering in ALT cancer cells. Mol Biol Cell 2020; 31:2048-2056. [PMID: 32579423 PMCID: PMC7543070 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e19-10-0589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomerase-free cancer cells employ a recombination-based alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) pathway that depends on ALT-associated promyelocytic leukemia nuclear bodies (APBs), whose function is unclear. We find that APBs behave as liquid condensates in response to telomere DNA damage, suggesting two potential functions: condensation to enrich DNA repair factors and coalescence to cluster telomeres. To test these models, we developed a chemically induced dimerization approach to induce de novo APB condensation in live cells without DNA damage. We show that telomere-binding protein sumoylation nucleates APB condensation via interactions between small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) and SUMO interaction motif (SIM), and that APB coalescence drives telomere clustering. The induced APBs lack DNA repair factors, indicating that APB functions in promoting telomere clustering can be uncoupled from enriching DNA repair factors. Indeed, telomere clustering relies only on liquid properties of the condensate, as an alternative condensation chemistry also induces clustering independent of sumoylation. Our findings introduce a chemical dimerization approach to manipulate phase separation and demonstrate how the material properties and chemical composition of APBs independently contribute to ALT, suggesting a general framework for how chromatin condensates promote cellular functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huaiying Zhang
- Departments of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104.,Departments of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Rongwei Zhao
- Departments of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Jason Tones
- Departments of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Michel Liu
- Departments of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Robert L Dilley
- Penn Center for Genome Integrity, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - David M Chenoweth
- Department of Cancer Biology, Basser Center for BRCA, Perelman School of Medicine
| | - Roger A Greenberg
- Penn Center for Genome Integrity, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Michael A Lampson
- Penn Center for Genome Integrity, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
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Abstract
Limited clinical activity has been seen in osteosarcoma (OS) patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). To gain insights into the immunogenic potential of these tumors, we conducted whole genome, RNA, and T-cell receptor sequencing, immunohistochemistry and reverse phase protein array profiling (RPPA) on OS specimens from 48 pediatric and adult patients with primary, relapsed, and metastatic OS. Median immune infiltrate level was lower than in other tumor types where ICI are effective, with concomitant low T-cell receptor clonalities. Neoantigen expression in OS was lacking and significantly associated with high levels of nonsense-mediated decay (NMD). Samples with low immune infiltrate had higher number of deleted genes while those with high immune infiltrate expressed higher levels of adaptive resistance pathways. PARP2 expression levels were significantly negatively associated with the immune infiltrate. Together, these data reveal multiple immunosuppressive features of OS and suggest immunotherapeutic opportunities in OS patients. The efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) in osteosarcoma has been limited. Here, the authors investigate the immunogenomic landscape of osteosarcoma, and integrated analyses highlight features related to a suppressed immune microenvironment.
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Cabrera-Andrade A, López-Cortés A, Jaramillo-Koupermann G, Paz-y-Miño C, Pérez-Castillo Y, Munteanu CR, González-Díaz H, Pazos A, Tejera E. Gene Prioritization through Consensus Strategy, Enrichment Methodologies Analysis, and Networking for Osteosarcoma Pathogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E1053. [PMID: 32033398 PMCID: PMC7038221 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21031053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Revised: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Osteosarcoma is the most common subtype of primary bone cancer, affecting mostly adolescents. In recent years, several studies have focused on elucidating the molecular mechanisms of this sarcoma; however, its molecular etiology has still not been determined with precision. Therefore, we applied a consensus strategy with the use of several bioinformatics tools to prioritize genes involved in its pathogenesis. Subsequently, we assessed the physical interactions of the previously selected genes and applied a communality analysis to this protein-protein interaction network. The consensus strategy prioritized a total list of 553 genes. Our enrichment analysis validates several studies that describe the signaling pathways PI3K/AKT and MAPK/ERK as pathogenic. The gene ontology described TP53 as a principal signal transducer that chiefly mediates processes associated with cell cycle and DNA damage response It is interesting to note that the communality analysis clusters several members involved in metastasis events, such as MMP2 and MMP9, and genes associated with DNA repair complexes, like ATM, ATR, CHEK1, and RAD51. In this study, we have identified well-known pathogenic genes for osteosarcoma and prioritized genes that need to be further explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Cabrera-Andrade
- Grupo de Bio-Quimioinformática, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito 170125, Ecuador;
- Carrera de Enfermería, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito 170125, Ecuador
- RNASA-IMEDIR, Computer Sciences Faculty, University of A Coruna, 15071 A Coruña, Spain; (A.L.-C.); (C.R.M.); (A.P.)
| | - Andrés López-Cortés
- RNASA-IMEDIR, Computer Sciences Faculty, University of A Coruna, 15071 A Coruña, Spain; (A.L.-C.); (C.R.M.); (A.P.)
- Centro de Investigación Genética y Genómica, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud Eugenio Espejo, Universidad UTE, Quito 170129, Ecuador;
| | - Gabriela Jaramillo-Koupermann
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular, Subproceso de Anatomía Patológica, Hospital de Especialidades Eugenio Espejo, Quito 170403, Ecuador;
| | - César Paz-y-Miño
- Centro de Investigación Genética y Genómica, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud Eugenio Espejo, Universidad UTE, Quito 170129, Ecuador;
| | - Yunierkis Pérez-Castillo
- Grupo de Bio-Quimioinformática, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito 170125, Ecuador;
- Escuela de Ciencias Físicas y Matemáticas, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito 170125, Ecuador
| | - Cristian R. Munteanu
- RNASA-IMEDIR, Computer Sciences Faculty, University of A Coruna, 15071 A Coruña, Spain; (A.L.-C.); (C.R.M.); (A.P.)
- Biomedical Research Institute of A Coruña (INIBIC), University Hospital Complex of A Coruña (CHUAC), 15006 A Coruña, Spain
- Centro de Investigación en Tecnologías de la Información y las Comunicaciones (CITIC), Campus de Elviña s/n, 15071 A Coruña, Spain
| | - Humbert González-Díaz
- Department of Organic Chemistry II, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, 48940 Leioa, Spain
- IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, 48011 Bilbao, Spain;
| | - Alejandro Pazos
- RNASA-IMEDIR, Computer Sciences Faculty, University of A Coruna, 15071 A Coruña, Spain; (A.L.-C.); (C.R.M.); (A.P.)
- Biomedical Research Institute of A Coruña (INIBIC), University Hospital Complex of A Coruña (CHUAC), 15006 A Coruña, Spain
- Centro de Investigación en Tecnologías de la Información y las Comunicaciones (CITIC), Campus de Elviña s/n, 15071 A Coruña, Spain
| | - Eduardo Tejera
- Grupo de Bio-Quimioinformática, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito 170125, Ecuador;
- Facultad de Ingeniería y Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito 170125, Ecuador
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20
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Giangaspero F, Minasi S, Gianno F, Alzoubi H, Antonelli M, Buttarelli F. Mechanisms of telomere maintenance in pediatric brain tumors: Promising targets for therapy – A narrative review. GLIOMA 2020. [DOI: 10.4103/glioma.glioma_20_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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Nersisyan L, Hopp L, Loeffler-Wirth H, Galle J, Loeffler M, Arakelyan A, Binder H. Telomere Length Maintenance and Its Transcriptional Regulation in Lynch Syndrome and Sporadic Colorectal Carcinoma. Front Oncol 2019; 9:1172. [PMID: 31750255 PMCID: PMC6848383 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.01172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Activation of telomere maintenance mechanisms (TMMs) is a hallmark of most cancers, and is required to prevent genome instability and to establish cellular immortality through reconstitution of capping of chromosome ends. TMM depends on the cancer type. Comparative studies linking tumor biology and TMM have potential impact for evaluating cancer onset and development. Methods: We have studied alterations of telomere length, their sequence composition and transcriptional regulation in mismatch repair deficient colorectal cancers arising in Lynch syndrome (LS-CRC) and microsatellite instable (MSI) sporadic CRC (MSI s-CRC), and for comparison, in microsatellite stable (MSS) s-CRC and in benign colon mucosa. Our study applied bioinformatics analysis of whole genome DNA and RNA sequencing data and a pathway model to study telomere length alterations and the potential effect of the "classical" telomerase (TEL-) and alternative (ALT-) TMM using transcriptomic signatures. Results: We have found progressive decrease of mean telomere length in all cancer subtypes compared with reference systems. Our results support the view that telomere attrition is an early event in tumorigenesis. TMM gets activated in all tumors studied due to concerted overexpression of a large fraction of genes with direct relation to telomere function, where only a very small fraction of them showed recurrent mutations. TEL-related transcriptional state was dominating in all CRC subtypes, showing, however, subtype-specific activation patterns; while contribution of the ALT-TMM was slightly more prominent in the hypermutated MSI s-CRC and LS-CRC. TEL-TMM is mainly activated by over-expression of DKC1 and/or TERT genes and their interaction partners, where DKC1 is more prominent in MSS than in MSI s-CRC and can serve as a transcriptomic marker of TMM activity. Conclusions: Our results suggest that transcriptional patterns are indicative for TMM pathway activation with subtle differences between TEL and ALT mechanisms in a CRC subtype-specific fashion. Sequencing data potentially provide a suited measure to study alterations of telomere length and of underlying transcriptional regulation. Further studies are needed to improve this method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilit Nersisyan
- Group of Bioinformatics, Institute of Molecular Biology, National Academy of Sciences, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Lydia Hopp
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Bioinformatics, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Henry Loeffler-Wirth
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Bioinformatics, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Jörg Galle
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Bioinformatics, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Markus Loeffler
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Bioinformatics, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany.,Institute for Medical Informatics, Statistics and Epidemiology, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Arsen Arakelyan
- Group of Bioinformatics, Institute of Molecular Biology, National Academy of Sciences, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Hans Binder
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Bioinformatics, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
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22
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Rodriguez-Centeno J, Manguán-García C, Perona R, Sastre L. Structure of Dictyostelium discoideum telomeres. Analysis of possible replication mechanisms. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0222909. [PMID: 31550289 PMCID: PMC6759168 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0222909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomeres are nucleo-protein structures that protect the ends of eukaryotic chromosomes. They are not completely synthesized during DNA replication and are elongated by specific mechanisms. The structure of the telomeres and the elongation mechanism have not been determined in Dictyostelium discoideum. This organism presents extrachromosomal palindromic elements containing two copies of the rDNA, also present at the end of the chromosomes. In this article the structure of the terminal region of the rDNA is shown to consist of repetitions of the A(G)n sequence where the number of Gs is variable. These repeats extend as a 3’ single stranded region. The G-rich region is preceded by four tandem repetitions of two different DNA motifs. D. discoideum telomere reverse transcriptase homologous protein (TERTHP) presented RNase-sensitive enzymatic activity and was required to maintain telomere structure since terthp-mutant strains presented reorganizations of the DNA terminal regions. These modifications were different in several terthp-mutants and changed with their prolonged culture and subcloning. However, the terthp gene is not essential for D. discoideum proliferation. Telomeres could be maintained in terthp-mutant strains by homologous recombination mechanisms such as ALT (Alternative Lengthening of Telomeres) or HAATI (heterochromatin amplification-mediated and telomerase-independent). In agreement with this hypothesis, the expression of mRNAs coding for several proteins involved in homologous recombination was induced in terthp-mutant strains. Extrachromosomal rDNA could serve as substrate in these DNA homologous recombination reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Rodriguez-Centeno
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas CSIC/UAM, C/ Arturo Duperier, IdiPaz, C/Pedro Rico, Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristina Manguán-García
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas CSIC/UAM, C/ Arturo Duperier, IdiPaz, C/Pedro Rico, Madrid, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
| | - Rosario Perona
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas CSIC/UAM, C/ Arturo Duperier, IdiPaz, C/Pedro Rico, Madrid, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
| | - Leandro Sastre
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas CSIC/UAM, C/ Arturo Duperier, IdiPaz, C/Pedro Rico, Madrid, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
- * E-mail:
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23
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Distinct Nuclear Organization of Telomeresand Centromeres in Monoclonal Gammopathyof Undetermined Significance and Multiple Myeloma. Cells 2019; 8:cells8070723. [PMID: 31311193 PMCID: PMC6678424 DOI: 10.3390/cells8070723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Revised: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Both multiple myeloma (MM) and its precursor state of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) are characterized by an infiltration of plasma cells into the bone marrow, but the mechanisms underlying the disease progression remain poorly understood. Previous research has indicated that 3D nuclear telomeric and centromeric organization may represent important structural indicators for numerous malignancies. Here we corroborate with previously noted differences in the 3D telomeric architecture and report that modifications in the nuclear distribution of centromeres may serve as a novel structural marker with potential to distinguish MM from MGUS. Our findings improve the current characterization of the two disease stages, providing two structural indicators that may become altered in the progression of MGUS to MM.
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24
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Gong P, Wang H, Zhang J, Fu Y, Zhu Z, Wang J, Yin Y, Wang H, Zhou Z, Yang J, Liu L, Gou M, Zeng M, Yuan J, Wang F, Pan X, Xiang R, Weissman SM, Qi F, Liu L. Telomere Maintenance-Associated PML Is a Potential Specific Therapeutic Target of Human Colorectal Cancer. Transl Oncol 2019; 12:1164-1176. [PMID: 31207547 PMCID: PMC6580093 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2019.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomere length maintenance is essential for cell proliferation, which is particularly prominent in cancer. We validate that the primary colorectal tumors exhibit heterogeneous telomere lengths but mostly (90%) short telomeres relative to normal tissues. Intriguingly, relatively short telomeres are associated with tumor malignancy as indicated by poorly differentiated state, and these tumors contain more cancer stem-like cells (CSLCs) identified by several commonly used markers CD44, EPHB2 or LGR5. Moreover, promyelocytic leukemia (PML) and ALT-associated PML nuclear bodies (APBs) are frequently found in tumors with short telomeres and high proliferation. In contrast, distant normal tissues rarely or only minimally express PML. Inhibition of PML and APBs by an ATR inhibitor decreases proliferation of CSLCs and organoids, suggesting a potential therapeutic target to progressive colorectal tumors. Together, telomere maintenance underling tumor progression is connected with CSLCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, 2011 Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy; Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Hua Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, 2011 Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy; Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Jingsong Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, 300052, China
| | - Yudong Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, 2011 Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy; Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Zhengmao Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, 2011 Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy; Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Jinmiao Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, 300052, China
| | - Yu Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, 2011 Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy; Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Haiying Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, 2011 Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy; Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Zhongcheng Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, 2011 Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy; Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Jiao Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, 2011 Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy; Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Linlin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, 2011 Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy; Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Mo Gou
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, 2011 Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy; Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Ming Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, 2011 Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy; Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Jinghua Yuan
- Department of Genetics, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Feng Wang
- Department of Genetics, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Xinghua Pan
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Rong Xiang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, 2011 Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy
| | - Sherman M Weissman
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Feng Qi
- Department of General Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, 300052, China.
| | - Lin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, 2011 Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy; Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China.
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25
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Minasi S, Baldi C, Pietsch T, Donofrio V, Pollo B, Antonelli M, Massimino M, Giangaspero F, Buttarelli FR. Telomere elongation via alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) and telomerase activation in primary metastatic medulloblastoma of childhood. J Neurooncol 2019; 142:435-444. [PMID: 30830680 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-019-03127-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 02/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Elongation of telomeres is necessary for tumor cell immortalization and senescence escape; neoplastic cells use to alternative pathways to elongate telomeres: telomerase reactivation or a telomerase-independent mechanism termed alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT). Telomerase and ALT pathway has been explored in adult and pediatric gliomas and medulloblastomas (MDBs); however, these mechanisms were not previously investigated in MDBs metastatic at the onset. Therefore, we analyzed the activation of telomerase and ALT pathway in a homogenous cohort of 43 pediatric metastatic medulloblastomas, to investigate whether telomere elongation could play a role in the biology of metastatic MDB. METHODS We evaluated telomeres length via telomere-specific fluorescence in situ hybridization (Telo-FISH); we assessed nuclear expression of ATRX by immunohistochemistry (IHC). H3F3A and TERT promoter mutations were analyzed by pyrosequencing, while UTSS methylation status was analyzed via methylation-specific-PCR (MS-PCR). RESULTS H3F3A mutations were absent in all MDBs, 30% of samples showed ATRX nuclear loss, 18.2% of cases were characterized by TERT promoter mutations, while 60.9% harboured TERT promoter hyper-methylation in the UTSS region. Elongation of telomeres was found in 42.8% of cases. Metastatic MDBs control telomere elongation via telomerase activation (10.7%), induced by TERT promoter mutations in association with UTSS hyper-methylation, and ALT mechanism (32.1%), triggered by ATRX inactivation. Among non-metastatic MDBs, only 5.9% (1/17) showed ATRX nuclear loss with activation of ALT. CONCLUSIONS Our metastatic cases frequently activate ALT pathway, suggesting that it is a common process for senescence escape in primary metastatic medulloblastomas. Furthermore, the activation of mechanisms for telomere elongation is not restricted to certain molecular subgroups in this high-risk group of MDBs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Minasi
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Anatomo-Pathological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Caterina Baldi
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Torsten Pietsch
- Institute of Neuropathology, DGNN Brain Tumor Reference Center, University of Bonn Medical Center, Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Bianca Pollo
- Neuropathology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milano, Italy
| | - Manila Antonelli
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Anatomo-Pathological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Maura Massimino
- Pediatric Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy
| | - Felice Giangaspero
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Anatomo-Pathological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
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26
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Mensà E, Latini S, Ramini D, Storci G, Bonafè M, Olivieri F. The telomere world and aging: Analytical challenges and future perspectives. Ageing Res Rev 2019; 50:27-42. [PMID: 30615937 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2019.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Revised: 11/15/2018] [Accepted: 01/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Telomeres, the terminal nucleoprotein structures of eukaryotic chromosomes, play pleiotropic functions in cellular and organismal aging. Telomere length (TL) varies throughout life due to the influence of genetic factors and to a complex balancing between "shortening" and "elongation" signals. Telomerase, the only enzyme that can elongate a telomeric DNA chain, and telomeric repeat-containing RNA (TERRA), a long non-coding RNA involved in looping maintenance, play key roles in TL during life. Despite recent advances in the knowledge of TL, TERRA and telomerase activity (TA) biology and their measurement techniques, the experimental and theoretical issues involved raise a number of problems that should carefully be considered by researchers approaching the "telomere world". The increasing use of such parameters - hailed as promising clinically relevant biomarkers - has failed to be paralleled by the development of automated and standardized measurement technology. Consequently, associating given TL values to specific pathological conditions involves on the one hand technological issues and on the other clinical-biological issues related to the planning of clinically relevant association studies. Addressing these issues would help avoid major biases in association studies involving TL and a number of outcomes, especially those focusing on psychological and bio-behavioral variables. The main challenge in telomere research is the development of accurate and reliable measurement methods to achieve simple and sensitive TL, TERRA, and TA detection. The discovery of the localization of telomeres and TERRA in cellular and extracellular compartments had added an additional layer of complexity to the measurement of these age-related biomarkers. Since combined analysis of TL, TERRA and TA may well provide more exhaustive clinical information than a single parameter, we feel it is important for researchers in the various fields to become familiar with their most common measurement techniques and to be aware of the respective merits and drawbacks of these approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Mensà
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, DISCLIMO, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Silvia Latini
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, DISCLIMO, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Deborah Ramini
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, DISCLIMO, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Gianluca Storci
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy; Interdepartmental Centre "L. Galvani" (CIG), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Bonafè
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy; Interdepartmental Centre "L. Galvani" (CIG), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy; Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST), IRCCS, Biosciences Laboratory, Meldola, Italy
| | - Fabiola Olivieri
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, DISCLIMO, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy; Center of Clinical Pathology and Innovative Therapy, IRCCS INRCA, Ancona, Italy.
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27
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Haider S, Li P, Khiali S, Munnur D, Ramanathan A, Parkinson GN. Holliday Junctions Formed from Human Telomeric DNA. J Am Chem Soc 2018; 140:15366-15374. [PMID: 30376323 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.8b08699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Cells have evolved inherent mechanisms, like homologous recombination (HR), to repair damaged DNA. However, repairs at telomeres can lead to genomic instability, often associated with cancer. While most rapidly dividing cells employ telomerase, the others maintain telomere length through HR-dependent alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) pathways. Here we describe the crystal structures of Holliday junction intermediates of the HR-dependent ALT mechanism. Using an extended human telomeric repeat, we also report the crystal structure of two Holliday junctions in close proximity, which associate together through strand exchange to form a hemicatenated double Holliday junction. Our combined structural results demonstrate that ACC nucleotides in the C-rich lagging strand (5'-CTAACCCTAA-3') at the telomere repeat sequence constitute a conserved structural feature that constrains crossover geometry and is a preferred site for Holliday junction formation in telomeres.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shozeb Haider
- UCL School of Pharmacy , University College London , London WC1N 1AX , United Kingdom
| | - Pengfei Li
- UCL School of Pharmacy , University College London , London WC1N 1AX , United Kingdom
| | - Soraia Khiali
- UCL School of Pharmacy , University College London , London WC1N 1AX , United Kingdom
| | - Deeksha Munnur
- Dunn School of Pathology , University of Oxford , Oxford OX1 3RE , United Kingdom
| | - Arvind Ramanathan
- Computational Science and Engineering Division , Oak Ridge National Laboratory , Oak Ridge , Tennessee 37830 , United States
| | - Gary N Parkinson
- UCL School of Pharmacy , University College London , London WC1N 1AX , United Kingdom
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28
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Jimenez Villarreal J, Murillo Ortiz B, Martinez Garza S, Rivas Armendáriz DI, Boone Villa VD, Carranza Rosales P, Betancourt Martínez ND, Delgado Aguirre H, Morán Martínez J. Telomere length analysis in residents of a community exposed to arsenic. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2018; 33:e22230. [PMID: 30291661 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.22230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2018] [Revised: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 08/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Differentiated cells telomere length is an indicator of senescence or lifespan; however, in peripheral blood leukocytes the relative shortening of the telomere has been considered as a biological marker of aging, and lengthening telomere as an associated risk to cancer. Individual's age, type of tissue, lifestyle, and environmental factors make telomere length variable. The presence of environmental carcinogens such as arsenic (As) influence as causal agents of these alterations, the main modes of action for As described are oxidative stress, reduction in DNA repair capacity, overexpression of genes, alteration of telomerase activity, and damage to telomeres. The telomeres of leukocytes resulting a finite capacity of replication due to the low or no activity of the telomerase enzyme, therefore, elongation telomere in this kind of cells is a potential biological marker associated with the development of chronic diseases and carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel Jimenez Villarreal
- Departamento de Investigación, Escuela de Medicina Unidad Norte, Universidad Autónoma de Coahuila, Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico
| | - Blanca Murillo Ortiz
- Departamento de Investigación en Epidemiología Clínica, Unidad Medica de Alta Especialidad No. 1 Bajio, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), León, Guanajuato, México
| | - Sandra Martinez Garza
- Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción, Instituto de Ciencias en Reproducción Humana, León, Guanajuato, México
| | - Diana Isabel Rivas Armendáriz
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Ultraestructura, Centro de Investigación Biomédica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Coahuila, Torreón, Coahuila, México
| | - Víctor Daniel Boone Villa
- Departamento de Investigación, Escuela de Medicina Unidad Norte, Universidad Autónoma de Coahuila, Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico
| | - Pilar Carranza Rosales
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Centro de Investigación Biomédica del Noreste, Monterrey, Nuevo León, México
| | - Nadia Denys Betancourt Martínez
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Ultraestructura, Centro de Investigación Biomédica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Coahuila, Torreón, Coahuila, México
| | - Héctor Delgado Aguirre
- Departamento de Investigación, Unidad Medica de Alta Especialidad (UMAE) No. 71, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Torreón, Coahuila, México
| | - Javier Morán Martínez
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Ultraestructura, Centro de Investigación Biomédica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Coahuila, Torreón, Coahuila, México
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29
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Liu H, Xie Y, Zhang Z, Mao P, Liu J, Ma W, Zhao Y. Telomeric Recombination Induced by DNA Damage Results in Telomere Extension and Length Heterogeneity. Neoplasia 2018; 20:905-916. [PMID: 30118998 PMCID: PMC6097467 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2018.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Revised: 07/20/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
About 15% of human cancers counteract telomere loss by alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT), which is attributed to homologous recombination (HR)–mediated events. But how telomeric HR leads to length elongation is poorly understood. Here, we explore telomere clustering and telomeric HR induced by double-stranded breaks (DSBs). We show that telomere clustering could occur at G1 and S phase of cell cycle and that three types of telomeric HR occur based on the manner of telomeric DNA exchange: equivalent telomeric sister chromatin exchange (T-SCE), inequivalent T-SCE, and No-SCE. While inequivalent T-SCE increases telomere length heterogeneity with no net gain of telomere length, No-SCE, which is presumably induced by interchromatid HR and/or break-induced replication, results in telomere elongation. Accordingly, cells subjected to long-term telomeric DSBs display increased heterogeneity of length and longer telomeres. We also demonstrate that DSBs-induced telomere elongation is telomerase independent. Moreover, telomeric recombination induced by DSBs is associated with formation of ALT-associated PML body and C-circle. Thus, DNA damage triggers recombination mediated elongation, leading to the induction of multiple ALT phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiying Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China; Collaborative Innovation Center of High Performance Computing, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha 410073, P. R. China
| | - Yujie Xie
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China; Collaborative Innovation Center of High Performance Computing, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha 410073, P. R. China
| | - Zepeng Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China; Collaborative Innovation Center of High Performance Computing, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha 410073, P. R. China
| | - Pingsu Mao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China; Collaborative Innovation Center of High Performance Computing, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha 410073, P. R. China
| | - Jingfan Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China; Collaborative Innovation Center of High Performance Computing, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha 410073, P. R. China
| | - Wenbin Ma
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China
| | - Yong Zhao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China; Collaborative Innovation Center of High Performance Computing, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha 410073, P. R. China.
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30
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Braun DM, Chung I, Kepper N, Deeg KI, Rippe K. TelNet - a database for human and yeast genes involved in telomere maintenance. BMC Genet 2018; 19:32. [PMID: 29776332 PMCID: PMC5960154 DOI: 10.1186/s12863-018-0617-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2018] [Accepted: 04/30/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The ends of linear chromosomes, the telomeres, comprise repetitive DNA sequences in complex with proteins that protects them from being processed by the DNA repair machinery. Cancer cells need to counteract the shortening of telomere repeats during replication for their unlimited proliferation by reactivating the reverse transcriptase telomerase or by using the alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) pathway. The different telomere maintenance (TM) mechanisms appear to involve hundreds of proteins but their telomere repeat length related activities are only partly understood. Currently, a database that integrates information on TM relevant genes is missing. Description To provide a resource for studies that dissect TM features, we here introduce the TelNet database at http://www.cancertelsys.org/telnet/. It offers a comprehensive compilation of more than 2000 human and 1100 yeast genes linked to telomere maintenance. These genes were annotated in terms of TM mechanism, associated specific functions and orthologous genes, a TM significance score and information from peer-reviewed literature. This TM information can be retrieved via different search and view modes and evaluated for a set of genes as demonstrated for an exemplary application. Conclusion TelNet supports the annotation of genes identified from bioinformatics analysis pipelines to reveal possible connections with TM networks. We anticipate that TelNet will be a helpful resource for researchers that study telomeres. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12863-018-0617-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delia M Braun
- Division of Chromatin Networks, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) & Bioquant, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Inn Chung
- Division of Chromatin Networks, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) & Bioquant, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Nick Kepper
- Division of Chromatin Networks, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) & Bioquant, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Katharina I Deeg
- Division of Chromatin Networks, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) & Bioquant, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Karsten Rippe
- Division of Chromatin Networks, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) & Bioquant, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
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Maicher A, Gazy I, Sharma S, Marjavaara L, Grinberg G, Shemesh K, Chabes A, Kupiec M. Rnr1, but not Rnr3, facilitates the sustained telomerase-dependent elongation of telomeres. PLoS Genet 2017; 13:e1007082. [PMID: 29069086 PMCID: PMC5673236 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1007082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2017] [Revised: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 10/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) provides the precursors for the generation of dNTPs, which are required for DNA synthesis and repair. Here, we investigated the function of the major RNR subunits Rnr1 and Rnr3 in telomere elongation in budding yeast. We show that Rnr1 is essential for the sustained elongation of short telomeres by telomerase. In the absence of Rnr1, cells harbor very short, but functional, telomeres, which cannot become elongated by increased telomerase activity or by tethering of telomerase to telomeres. Furthermore, we demonstrate that Rnr1 function is critical to prevent an early onset of replicative senescence and premature survivor formation in telomerase-negative cells but dispensable for telomere elongation by Homology-Directed-Repair. Our results suggest that telomerase has a "basal activity" mode that is sufficient to compensate for the “end-replication-problem” and does not require the presence of Rnr1 and a different "sustained activity" mode necessary for the elongation of short telomeres, which requires an upregulation of dNTP levels and dGTP ratios specifically through Rnr1 function. By analyzing telomere length and dNTP levels in different mutants showing changes in RNR complex composition and activity we provide evidence that the Mec1ATR checkpoint protein promotes telomere elongation by increasing both dNTP levels and dGTP ratios through Rnr1 upregulation in a mechanism that cannot be replaced by its homolog Rnr3. Telomeres protect the ends of eukaryotic chromosomes and as such determine the replicative capacity of a cell. In budding yeast and approximately 80% of human tumors the enzyme telomerase maintains telomere length by adding newly synthesized repeats to telomeres using dNTPs generated by Ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) complexes. Similarly, telomerase activity can restore telomere length after more severe telomere shortenings that result from collapsed replication forks or lead to telomere over-elongation in the absence of negative regulators of telomerase. Here we provide evidence for two activity modes of telomerase that differentially depend on the major RNR subunit Rnr1. We demonstrate that telomere maintenance and a compensation of the "end-replication-problem" is possible under conditions where Rnr1 activity is absent but that a sustained elongation of short telomeres fully depends on Rnr1 activity. We show that the Rnr1-homolog, Rnr3, cannot compensate for this telomeric function of Rnr1 even when overall cellular dNTP values are restored.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Maicher
- Dept. of Molecular Microbiology & Biotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Inbal Gazy
- Dept. of Molecular Microbiology & Biotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Sushma Sharma
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Lisette Marjavaara
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Gilad Grinberg
- Dept. of Molecular Microbiology & Biotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Keren Shemesh
- Dept. of Molecular Microbiology & Biotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Andrei Chabes
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
- Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS), Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Martin Kupiec
- Dept. of Molecular Microbiology & Biotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Tel Aviv, Israel
- * E-mail:
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Naderlinger E, Holzmann K. Epigenetic Regulation of Telomere Maintenance for Therapeutic Interventions in Gliomas. Genes (Basel) 2017; 8:E145. [PMID: 28513547 PMCID: PMC5448019 DOI: 10.3390/genes8050145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2017] [Revised: 05/08/2017] [Accepted: 05/12/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
High-grade astrocytoma of WHO grade 4 termed glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a common human brain tumor with poor patient outcome. Astrocytoma demonstrates two known telomere maintenance mechanisms (TMMs) based on telomerase activity (TA) and on alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT). ALT is associated with lower tumor grades and better outcome. In contrast to ALT, regulation of TA in tumors by direct mutation and epigenetic activation of the hTERT promoter is well established. Here, we summarize the genetic background of TMMs in non-malignant cells and in cancer, in addition to clinical and pathological features of gliomas. Furthermore, we present new evidence for epigenetic mechanisms (EMs) involved in regulation of ALT and TA with special emphasis on human diffuse gliomas as potential therapeutic drug targets. We discuss the role of TMM associated telomeric chromatin factors such as DNA and histone modifying enzymes and non-coding RNAs including microRNAs and long telomeric TERRA transcripts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Naderlinger
- Institute of Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Borschkegasse 8a, Vienna 1090, Austria.
| | - Klaus Holzmann
- Institute of Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Borschkegasse 8a, Vienna 1090, Austria.
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Huang C, Jia P, Chastain M, Shiva O, Chai W. The human CTC1/STN1/TEN1 complex regulates telomere maintenance in ALT cancer cells. Exp Cell Res 2017; 355:95-104. [PMID: 28366536 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2017.03.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2017] [Revised: 03/27/2017] [Accepted: 03/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Maintaining functional telomeres is important for long-term proliferation of cells. About 15% of cancer cells are telomerase-negative and activate the alternative-lengthening of telomeres (ALT) pathway to maintain their telomeres. Recent studies have shown that the human CTC1/STN1/TEN1 complex (CST) plays a multi-faceted role in telomere maintenance in telomerase-expressing cancer cells. However, the role of CST in telomere maintenance in ALT cells is unclear. Here, we report that human CST forms a functional complex localizing in the ALT-associated PML bodies (APBs) in ALT cells throughout the cell cycle. Suppression of CST induces telomere instabilities including telomere fragility and elevates telomeric DNA recombination, leading to telomere dysfunction. In addition, CST deficiency significantly diminishes the abundance of extrachromosomal circular telomere DNA known as C-circles and t-circles. Suppression of CST also results in multinucleation in ALT cells and impairs cell proliferation. Our findings imply that the CST complex plays an important role in regulating telomere maintenance in ALT cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenhui Huang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Washington State University, PO BOX 1495, Spokane, WA 99210, United States
| | - Pingping Jia
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Washington State University, PO BOX 1495, Spokane, WA 99210, United States
| | - Megan Chastain
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Washington State University, PO BOX 1495, Spokane, WA 99210, United States
| | - Olga Shiva
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Washington State University, PO BOX 1495, Spokane, WA 99210, United States
| | - Weihang Chai
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Washington State University, PO BOX 1495, Spokane, WA 99210, United States.
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Coluzzi E, Buonsante R, Leone S, Asmar AJ, Miller KL, Cimini D, Sgura A. Transient ALT activation protects human primary cells from chromosome instability induced by low chronic oxidative stress. Sci Rep 2017; 7:43309. [PMID: 28240303 PMCID: PMC5327399 DOI: 10.1038/srep43309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2016] [Accepted: 01/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cells are often subjected to the effect of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as a result of both intracellular metabolism and exposure to exogenous factors. ROS-dependent oxidative stress can induce 8-oxodG within the GGG triplet found in the G-rich human telomeric sequence (TTAGGG), making telomeres highly susceptible to ROS-induced oxidative damage. Telomeres are nucleoprotein complexes that protect the ends of linear chromosomes and their dysfunction is believed to affect a wide range of cellular and/or organismal processes. Acute oxidative stress was shown to affect telomere integrity, but how prolonged low level oxidative stress, which may be more physiologically relevant, affects telomeres is still poorly investigated. Here, we explored this issue by chronically exposing human primary fibroblasts to a low dose of hydrogen peroxide. We observed fluctuating changes in telomere length and fluctuations in the rates of chromosome instability phenotypes, such that when telomeres shortened, chromosome instability increased and when telomeres lengthened, chromosome instability decreased. We found that telomere length fluctuation is associated with transient activation of an alternative lengthening of telomere (ALT) pathway, but found no evidence of cell death, impaired proliferation, or cell cycle arrest, suggesting that ALT activation may prevent oxidative damage from reaching levels that threaten cell survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Coluzzi
- Department of Science, University Roma Tre, V. le G. Marconi, 446, 00146, Rome, Italy
| | - Rossella Buonsante
- Department of Science, University Roma Tre, V. le G. Marconi, 446, 00146, Rome, Italy
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Stefano Leone
- Department of Science, University Roma Tre, V. le G. Marconi, 446, 00146, Rome, Italy
| | - Anthony J. Asmar
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Kelley L. Miller
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Daniela Cimini
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
- Biocomplexity Institute, Virginia Tech, 1015 Life Science Circle, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Antonella Sgura
- Department of Science, University Roma Tre, V. le G. Marconi, 446, 00146, Rome, Italy
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Roumelioti FM, Sotiriou SK, Katsini V, Chiourea M, Halazonetis TD, Gagos S. Alternative lengthening of human telomeres is a conservative DNA replication process with features of break-induced replication. EMBO Rep 2016; 17:1731-1737. [PMID: 27760777 PMCID: PMC5167343 DOI: 10.15252/embr.201643169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2016] [Revised: 09/18/2016] [Accepted: 10/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Human malignancies overcome replicative senescence either by activating the reverse-transcriptase telomerase or by utilizing a homologous recombination-based mechanism, referred to as alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT). In budding yeast, ALT exhibits features of break-induced replication (BIR), a repair pathway for one-ended DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) that requires the non-essential subunit Pol32 of DNA polymerase delta and leads to conservative DNA replication. Here, we examined whether ALT in human cancers also exhibits features of BIR A telomeric fluorescence in situ hybridization protocol involving three consecutive staining steps revealed the presence of conservatively replicated telomeric DNA in telomerase-negative cancer cells. Furthermore, depletion of PolD3 or PolD4, two subunits of human DNA polymerase delta that are essential for BIR, reduced the frequency of conservatively replicated telomeric DNA ends and led to shorter telomeres and chromosome end-to-end fusions. Taken together, these results suggest that BIR is associated with conservative DNA replication in human cells and mediates ALT in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fani-Marlen Roumelioti
- Laboratory of Genetics, Center of Experimental Medicine and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Vasiliki Katsini
- Laboratory of Genetics, Center of Experimental Medicine and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Chiourea
- Laboratory of Genetics, Center of Experimental Medicine and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Sarantis Gagos
- Laboratory of Genetics, Center of Experimental Medicine and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Slattery ML, Herrick JS, Pellatt AJ, Wolff RK, Mullany LE. Telomere Length, TERT, and miRNA Expression. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0162077. [PMID: 27627813 PMCID: PMC5023115 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0162077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2015] [Accepted: 08/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
It has been proposed that miRNAs are involved in the control of telomeres. We test that hypothesis by examining the association between miRNAs and telomere length (TL). Additionally, we evaluate if genetic variation in telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) is associated with miRNA expression levels. We use data from a population-based study of colorectal cancer (CRC), where we have previously shown associations between TL and TERT and CRC, to test associations between TL and miRNA expression and TERT and miRNA expression. To gain insight into functions of miRNAs associated with TERT we tested linear associations between miRNAs and their targeted gene mRNAs. An Agilent platform that contained information on over 2000 miRNAs was used. TL was measured using a multiplexed quantitative PCR (qPCR). RNAseq was used to assess gene expression. Our sample consisted of 1152 individuals with SNP data and miRNA expression data; 363 individuals with both TL and miRNA; and 148 individuals with miRNA and mRNA data. Thirty-three miRNAs were directly associated with TL after adjusting for age and sex (false discovery rate (FDR) of 0.05). TERT rs2736118 was associated with differences in miRNA expression between carcinoma and normal colonic mucosa for 75 miRNAs (FDR <0.05). Genes regulated by these miRNAs, as indicated by mRNA/miRNA associations, were associated with major signaling pathways beyond their TL-related functions, including PTEN, and PI3K/AKT signaling. Our data support a direct association between miRNAs and TL; differences in miRNA expression levels by TERT genotype were observed. Based on miRNA and targeted mRNA associations our data suggest that TERT is involved in non-TL-related functions by acting through altered miRNA expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martha L. Slattery
- Department of Medicine, University of Utah, 383 Colorow, Salt Lake City, Utah 84108, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Jennifer S. Herrick
- Department of Medicine, University of Utah, 383 Colorow, Salt Lake City, Utah 84108, United States of America
| | - Andrew J. Pellatt
- Department of Medicine, University of Utah, 383 Colorow, Salt Lake City, Utah 84108, United States of America
| | - Roger K. Wolff
- Department of Medicine, University of Utah, 383 Colorow, Salt Lake City, Utah 84108, United States of America
| | - Lila E. Mullany
- Department of Medicine, University of Utah, 383 Colorow, Salt Lake City, Utah 84108, United States of America
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Singhi AD, Liu TC, Roncaioli JL, Cao D, Zeh HJ, Zureikat AH, Tsung A, Marsh JW, Lee KK, Hogg ME, Bahary N, Brand RE, McGrath KM, Slivka A, Cressman KL, Fuhrer K, O'Sullivan RJ. Alternative Lengthening of Telomeres and Loss of DAXX/ATRX Expression Predicts Metastatic Disease and Poor Survival in Patients with Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors. Clin Cancer Res 2016; 23:600-609. [PMID: 27407094 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-16-1113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 155] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2016] [Revised: 06/29/2016] [Accepted: 07/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PanNET) are a heterogeneous group of neoplasms with increasing incidence and unpredictable behavior. Whole-exome sequencing has identified recurrent mutations in the genes DAXX and ATRX, which correlate with loss of protein expression and alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT). Both ALT and DAXX/ATRX loss were initially reported to be associated with a favorable prognosis; however, recent studies suggest the contrary. Our aims were to assess the prevalence and prognostic significance of ALT and DAXX/ATRX in both primary and metastatic PanNETs. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Telomere-specific FISH and DAXX/ATRX IHC was performed on a multi-institutional cohort of 321 patients with resected PanNET and 191 distant metastases from 52 patients. These results were correlated with clinicopathologic features, including disease-free survival (DFS) and disease-specific survival (DSS). RESULTS The prevalence of ALT and DAXX/ATRX loss in resected PanNETs was 31% and 26%, respectively, and associated with larger tumor size, higher WHO grade, lymph node metastasis, and distant metastasis (P < 0.001). The 5-year DFS and 10-year DSS of patients with ALT-positive and DAXX/ATRX-negative PanNETs were 40% and 50%, respectively, as compared with 96% and 89%, respectively, for wild-type PanNETs. Among distant metastases, ALT and DAXX/ATRX loss was 67% and 52%, respectively, and only occurred in the setting of an ALT-positive and DAXX/ATRX-negative primary PanNET. By multivariate analysis, both ALT and DAXX/ATRX loss were negative, independent prognostic factors for DFS. CONCLUSIONS ALT and DAXX/ATRX loss in PanNETs was associated with shorter DFS and DSS and likely plays a significant role in driving metastatic disease. Clin Cancer Res; 23(2); 600-9. ©2016 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aatur D Singhi
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
| | - Ta-Chiang Liu
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Justin L Roncaioli
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Dengfeng Cao
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Herbert J Zeh
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Amer H Zureikat
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Allan Tsung
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - J Wallis Marsh
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Kenneth K Lee
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Melissa E Hogg
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Nathan Bahary
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Randall E Brand
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Kevin M McGrath
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Adam Slivka
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Kristi L Cressman
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Kimberly Fuhrer
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Roderick J O'Sullivan
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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Sasaki A, Ide S, Kawamoto Y, Bando T, Murata Y, Shimura M, Yamada K, Hirata A, Nokihara K, Hirata T, Sugiyama H, Maeshima K. Telomere Visualization in Tissue Sections using Pyrrole-Imidazole Polyamide Probes. Sci Rep 2016; 6:29261. [PMID: 27380936 PMCID: PMC4933941 DOI: 10.1038/srep29261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2016] [Accepted: 06/13/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pyrrole–Imidazole (PI) polyamides bind to specific DNA sequences in the minor groove with high affinity. Specific DNA labeling by PI polyamides does not require DNA denaturation with harsh treatments of heat and formamide and has the advantages of rapid and less disruptive processing. Previously, we developed tandem hairpin PI polyamide probes (TH59 series), which label telomeres in cultured cell lines more efficiently than conventional methods, such as fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Here, we demonstrate that a TH59 derivative, HPTH59-b, along with immunostaining for specifying cell types in the tissues, visualizes telomeres in mouse and human tissue sections. Quantitative measurements of telomere length with single-cell resolution suggested shorter telomeres in the proliferating cell fractions of tumor than in non-tumor tissues. Thus, PI polyamides are a promising alternative for telomere labeling in clinical research, as well as in cell biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asuka Sasaki
- Structural Biology Center, National Institute of Genetics, and Department of Genetics, Sokendai (Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8540, Japan
| | - Satoru Ide
- Structural Biology Center, National Institute of Genetics, and Department of Genetics, Sokendai (Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8540, Japan
| | - Yusuke Kawamoto
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
| | - Toshikazu Bando
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
| | - Yukinori Murata
- Department of Pathology, Hospital, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Shinjuku, Tokyo 162-8655, Japan
| | - Mari Shimura
- Department of Intractable Diseases, Research Institute, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Shinjuku, Tokyo 162-8655, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Yamada
- Department of Surgery, Hospital, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Shinjuku, Tokyo 162-8655, Japan
| | - Akiyoshi Hirata
- HiPep Laboratories, Nakatsukasa-cho 486-46, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602-8158, Japan
| | - Kiyoshi Nokihara
- HiPep Laboratories, Nakatsukasa-cho 486-46, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602-8158, Japan
| | - Tatsumi Hirata
- Division of Brain Function, Department of Integrated Genetics, National Institute of Genetics, and Department of Genetics, Sokendai, Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8540, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Sugiyama
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Maeshima
- Structural Biology Center, National Institute of Genetics, and Department of Genetics, Sokendai (Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8540, Japan
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Telomere Length Maintenance and Cardio-Metabolic Disease Prevention Through Exercise Training. Sports Med 2016; 46:1213-37. [DOI: 10.1007/s40279-016-0482-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Yu EY, Pérez-Martín J, Holloman WK, Lue NF. Mre11 and Blm-Dependent Formation of ALT-Like Telomeres in Ku-Deficient Ustilago maydis. PLoS Genet 2015; 11:e1005570. [PMID: 26492073 PMCID: PMC4619612 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1005570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2015] [Accepted: 09/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
A subset of human cancer cells uses a specialized, aberrant recombination pathway known as ALT to maintain telomeres, which in these cells are characterized by complex aberrations including length heterogeneity, high levels of unpaired C-strand, and accumulation of extra-chromosomal telomere repeats (ECTR). These phenotypes have not been recapitulated in any standard budding or fission yeast mutant. We found that eliminating Ku70 or Ku80 in the yeast-like fungus Ustilago maydis results initially in all the characteristic telomere aberrations of ALT cancer cells, including C-circles, a highly specific marker of ALT. Subsequently the ku mutants experience permanent G2 cell cycle arrest, accompanied by loss of telomere repeats from chromosome ends and even more drastic accumulation of very short ECTRs (vsECTRs). The deletion of atr1 or chk1 rescued the lethality of the ku mutant, and "trapped" the telomere aberrations in the early ALT-like stage. Telomere abnormalities are telomerase-independent, but dramatically suppressed by deletion of mre11 or blm, suggesting major roles for these factors in the induction of the ALT pathway. In contrast, removal of other DNA damage response and repair factors such as Rad51 has disparate effects on the ALT phenotypes, suggesting that these factors process ALT intermediates or products. Notably, the antagonism of Ku and Mre11 in the induction of ALT is reminiscent of their roles in DSB resection, in which Blm is also known to play a key role. We suggest that an aberrant resection reaction may constitute an early trigger for ALT telomeres, and that the outcomes of ALT are distinct from DSB because of the unique telomere nucleoprotein structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun Young Yu
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, W. R. Hearst Microbiology Research Center, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | | | - William K. Holloman
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, W. R. Hearst Microbiology Research Center, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, New York, United States of America
- Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Neal F. Lue
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, W. R. Hearst Microbiology Research Center, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, New York, United States of America
- Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Abstract
The ends of linear chromosomes are capped by nucleoprotein structures called telomeres. A dysfunctional telomere may resemble a DNA double-strand break (DSB), which is a severe form of DNA damage. The presence of one DSB is sufficient to drive cell cycle arrest and cell death. Therefore cells have evolved mechanisms to repair DSBs such as homologous recombination (HR). HR-mediated repair of telomeres can lead to genome instability, a hallmark of cancer cells, which is why such repair is normally inhibited. However, some HR-mediated processes are required for proper telomere function. The need for some recombination activities at telomeres but not others necessitates careful and complex regulation, defects in which can lead to catastrophic consequences. Furthermore, some cell types can maintain telomeres via telomerase-independent, recombination-mediated mechanisms. In humans, these mechanisms are called alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) and are used in a subset of human cancer cells. In this review, we summarize the different recombination activities occurring at telomeres and discuss how they are regulated. Much of the current knowledge is derived from work using yeast models, which is the focus of this review, but relevant studies in mammals are also included.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clémence Claussin
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Michael Chang
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Gurung RL, Lim SN, Low GKM, Hande MP. MST-312 Alters Telomere Dynamics, Gene Expression Profiles and Growth in Human Breast Cancer Cells. JOURNAL OF NUTRIGENETICS AND NUTRIGENOMICS 2015; 7:283-98. [PMID: 26022559 DOI: 10.1159/000381346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Targeting telomerase is a potential cancer management strategy given that it allows unlimited cellular replication in the majority of cancers. Dysfunctional telomeres are recognized as double-strand breaks. However, the status of DNA repair response pathways following telomerase inhibition is not well understood in human breast cancer cells. Here, we evaluated the effects of MST-312, a chemically modified derivative from tea catechin, epigallocatechin gallate, on telomere dynamics and DNA damage gene expression in breast cancer cells. METHODOLOGY Breast cancer cells MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 were treated with MST-312, and telomere-telomerase homeostasis, induced DNA damage and gene expression profiling were analyzed. RESULTS MST-312 decreased telomerase activity and induced telomere dysfunction and growth arrest in breast cancer cells with more profound effects in MDA-MB-231 than in MCF-7 cells. Consistent with these data, the telomere-protective protein TRF2 was downregulated in MDA-MB-231 cells. MST-312 induced DNA damage at telomeres accompanied by reduced expression of DNA damage-related genes ATM and RAD50. Co-treatment with MST-312 and the poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP-1) inhibitor PJ-34 further enhanced growth reduction as compared to single treatment with MST-312 or PJ-34. CONCLUSIONS Our work demonstrates potential importance for the establishment of antitelomerase cancer therapy using MST-312 along with PARP-1 inhibition in breast cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Resham Lal Gurung
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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Osterwald S, Deeg KI, Chung I, Parisotto D, Wörz S, Rohr K, Erfle H, Rippe K. PML induces compaction, TRF2 depletion and DNA damage signaling at telomeres and promotes their alternative lengthening. J Cell Sci 2015; 128:1887-1900. [DOI: 10.1242/jcs.148296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/30/2023] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT
The alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) mechanism allows cancer cells to escape senescence and apoptosis in the absence of active telomerase. A characteristic feature of this pathway is the assembly of ALT-associated promyelocytic leukemia (PML) nuclear bodies (APBs) at telomeres. Here, we dissected the role of APBs in a human ALT cell line by performing an RNA interference screen using an automated 3D fluorescence microscopy platform and advanced 3D image analysis. We identified 29 proteins that affected APB formation, which included proteins involved in telomere and chromatin organization, protein sumoylation and DNA repair. By integrating and extending these findings, we found that APB formation induced clustering of telomere repeats, telomere compaction and concomitant depletion of the shelterin protein TRF2 (also known as TERF2). These APB-dependent changes correlated with the induction of a DNA damage response at telomeres in APBs as evident by a strong enrichment of the phosphorylated form of the ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) kinase. Accordingly, we propose that APBs promote telomere maintenance by inducing a DNA damage response in ALT-positive tumor cells through changing the telomeric chromatin state to trigger ATM phosphorylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Osterwald
- Research Group Genome Organization & Function, Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ) & BioQuant, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Katharina I. Deeg
- Research Group Genome Organization & Function, Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ) & BioQuant, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Inn Chung
- Research Group Genome Organization & Function, Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ) & BioQuant, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Daniel Parisotto
- Research Group Genome Organization & Function, Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ) & BioQuant, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stefan Wörz
- Department of Bioinformatics and Functional Genomics, Biomedical Computer Vision Group, University of Heidelberg & DKFZ, BioQuant, IPMB, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Karl Rohr
- Department of Bioinformatics and Functional Genomics, Biomedical Computer Vision Group, University of Heidelberg & DKFZ, BioQuant, IPMB, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Holger Erfle
- ViroQuant-CellNetworks RNAi Screening Facility, University of Heidelberg & BioQuant, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Karsten Rippe
- Research Group Genome Organization & Function, Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ) & BioQuant, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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Lindner S, Bachmann HS, Odersky A, Schaefers S, Klein-Hitpass L, Hero B, Fischer M, Eggert A, Schramm A, Schulte JH. Absence of telomerase reverse transcriptase promoter mutations in neuroblastoma. Biomed Rep 2015; 3:443-446. [PMID: 26171145 DOI: 10.3892/br.2015.463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2015] [Accepted: 04/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Maintenance of telomere length is a critical hallmark of malignant transformation. While silenced in somatic cells, telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT), the catalytic subunit of telomerase, is frequently overexpressed in malignant cells thereby maintaining their telomere length. Specific point mutations in the TERT promoter region have recently been identified in melanoma and other tumor entities resulting in high TERT expression. Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranial tumor of childhood, arising from neural-crest progenitor cells. TERT overexpression has been observed in the majority of neuroblastoma. Taking into consideration that TERT promoter mutations are frequently described in neural-crest-derived tumors such as melanoma, as well as a variety of other neuronal tumors, the present study analyzed the frequency of TERT promoter mutations in primary neuroblastoma and neuroblastoma cell lines. In 131 neuroblastoma primary tumors representing the whole spectrum of neuroblastoma, no TERT promoter mutations were detected. However, in 3 out of 19 neuroblastoma cell lines the previously described C228T TERT promoter mutation was present. In conclusion, the TERT promoter mutations are not a frequent mechanism of TERT overexpression in neuroblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sven Lindner
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, University Children's Hospital Essen, D-45122 Essen, Germany ; German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research (DKTK), Partner Site Essen/Duesseldorf, D-45122 Essen, Germany ; German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hagen S Bachmann
- Institute of Pharmacogenetics, University Hospital Essen, D-45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Andrea Odersky
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, University Children's Hospital Essen, D-45122 Essen, Germany
| | - Simon Schaefers
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, University Children's Hospital Essen, D-45122 Essen, Germany ; German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research (DKTK), Partner Site Essen/Duesseldorf, D-45122 Essen, Germany ; German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ludger Klein-Hitpass
- Institute of Cell Biology (Cancer Research), Faculty of Medicine, University of Duisburg-Essen, D-45122 Essen, Germany
| | - Barbara Hero
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, University Children's Hospital of Cologne, D-50924 Cologne, Germany
| | - Matthias Fischer
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, University Children's Hospital of Cologne, D-50924 Cologne, Germany ; Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, D-50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Angelika Eggert
- Department of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, D-10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Alexander Schramm
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, University Children's Hospital Essen, D-45122 Essen, Germany
| | - Johannes H Schulte
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, University Children's Hospital Essen, D-45122 Essen, Germany ; German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research (DKTK), Partner Site Essen/Duesseldorf, D-45122 Essen, Germany ; German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany ; Translational Neuro-Oncology, West German Cancer Center (WTZ), University Hospital Essen, D-45147 Essen, Germany ; Centre for Medical Biotechnology, University Duisburg-Essen, D-45147 Essen, Germany
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Hopfner KP. Single-molecule choreography between telomere proteins and G quadruplexes. Structure 2015; 22:801-2. [PMID: 24918337 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2014.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Telomeric DNA binds proteins to protect chromosome ends, but it also adopts G quadruplex (GQ) structures. Two new studies by Hwang and colleagues (in this issue of Structure) and Ray and colleagues (published elsewhere) use single molecule imaging to reveal how GQs affect the binding of different telomere associated proteins. The data suggest that GQs play important roles in regulating accessibility of telomeres.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl-Peter Hopfner
- Department Biochemistry and Gene Center, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, Feodor-Lynen-Strasse 25, 81377 Munich, Germany; Center for Integrated Protein Sciences, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, Feodor-Lynen-Strasse 25, 81377 Munich, Germany.
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Hsieh MH, Tsai CH, Lin CC, Li TK, Hung TW, Chang LT, Hsin LW, Teng SC. Topoisomerase II inhibition suppresses the proliferation of telomerase-negative cancers. Cell Mol Life Sci 2015; 72:1825-37. [PMID: 25430478 PMCID: PMC11113807 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-014-1783-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2014] [Revised: 11/10/2014] [Accepted: 11/13/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Telomere maintenance is required for chromosome stability, and telomeres are typically elongated by telomerase following DNA replication. In both tumor and yeast cells that lack telomerase, telomeres are maintained via an alternative recombination mechanism. Previous studies have indicated that yeast Sgs1 and Top3 may work together to remove highly negative supercoils that are generated from recombination. However, the mechanism by which cells eradicate highly positive supercoils during recombination remains unclear. In the present study, we demonstrate that TOP2 is involved in telomere-telomere recombination. Disturbance of telomeric structure by RIF1 or RIF2 deletion alleviates the requirement for TOP2 in telomere-telomere recombination. In human telomerase-negative alternative lengthening of telomere (ALT) cells, TOP2α or TOP2β knockdown decreases ALT-associated PML bodies, increases telomere dysfunction-induced foci and triggers telomere shortening. Similar results were observed when ALT cells were treated with ICRF-193, a TOP2 inhibitor. Importantly, ICRF-193 treatment blocks ALT-associated phenotypes in vitro, causes telomere shortening, and inhibits ALT cell proliferation in mice. Taken together, these findings imply that TOP2 is involved in the ALT pathway, perhaps by resolving the highly positive supercoil structure at the front of the helicase. Inhibition of topoisomerase II may be a promising therapeutic approach that can be used to prevent cell proliferation in ALT-type cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Hsun Hsieh
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, No. 1, Sec. 1, Jen-Ai Road, Taipei, 100, Taiwan,
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Jang KJ, Kwon GS, Jeong JW, Kim CH, Yoon HM, Kim GY, Shim JH, Moon SK, Kim WJ, Choi YH. Cordyceptin induces apoptosis through repressing hTERT expression and inducing extranuclear export of hTERT. J Biosci Bioeng 2015; 119:351-7. [PMID: 25282637 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiosc.2014.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2014] [Revised: 08/03/2014] [Accepted: 08/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Cordycepin is an adenosine analog originally extracted from Cordyceps militaris that possesses many pharmacological effects including immune activation and antioxidant and antitumor effects. However, the underlying relationship between apoptosis and telomerase activity in response to cordycepin exposure has not been investigated. In this study, we found that cordycepin-induced apoptosis of human leukemia cells (H937 and THP-1 cells) was associated with inactivation of telomerase and downregulation of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) as well as the transcription factors c-Myc and Sp1, which are required for basal transcription from the hTERT gene promoter. Cordycepin also attenuated the activation of phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling, thereby reducing phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of hTERT. We further showed that the PI3K inhibitor LY29004 significantly decreased telomerase activity in cordycepin-treated cells and increased cordycepin-induced cell death. These findings demonstrate that cordycepin is cytotoxic to human leukemia cells and suppresses telomerase activity through transcriptional and post-translational suppression of hTERT by inactivating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyung-Jun Jang
- Department of Acupuncture & Moxibustion, Dongeui University College of Korean Medicine, Busan 614-052, Republic of Korea
| | - Gi-Sun Kwon
- Department of Acupuncture & Moxibustion, Dongeui University College of Korean Medicine, Busan 614-052, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Woo Jeong
- Department of Biochemistry, Dongeui University College of Korean Medicine, Busan 614-052, Republic of Korea
| | - Cheol-Hong Kim
- Department of Acupuncture & Moxibustion, Dongeui University College of Korean Medicine, Busan 614-052, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Min Yoon
- Department of Acupuncture & Moxibustion, Dongeui University College of Korean Medicine, Busan 614-052, Republic of Korea
| | - Gi-Young Kim
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Department of Marine Life Sciences, Jeju National University, Jeju 690-756, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Hyun Shim
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Mokpo National University, Jeonnam 534-729, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Kwon Moon
- School of Food Science and Technology, Chung-Ang University, Ansung 456-756, Republic of Korea
| | - Wun-Jae Kim
- Department of Urology, Chungbuk National University College of Medicine, Cheongju 361-804, Republic of Korea
| | - Yung Hyun Choi
- Department of Biochemistry, Dongeui University College of Korean Medicine, Busan 614-052, Republic of Korea; Anti-Aging Research Center & Blue-Bio Industry RIC, Dongeui University, Busan 614-714, Republic of Korea.
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Qi Nan W, Ling Z, Bing C. The influence of the telomere-telomerase system on diabetes mellitus and its vascular complications. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2015; 19:849-64. [PMID: 25677239 DOI: 10.1517/14728222.2015.1016500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The telomere-telomerase system plays an important role in the pathogenesis and disease progression of diabetes mellitus as well as in its vascular complications. Recent studies suggest that telomere shortening and abnormal telomerase activity occur in patients with diabetes mellitus, and targeting the telomere-telomerase system has become a prospective treatment for diabetes mellitus and its vascular complications. This review highlights the significance of the telomere-telomerase system and supports its role as a possible therapeutic target for patients with diabetes mellitus and its vascular complications Areas covered: This review covers the advances in understanding the telomere-telomerase system over the last 30 years and its significance in diabetes mellitus. In addition, it provides knowledge regarding the significance of the telomere-telomerase system in diabetes mellitus and its vascular complications as well as its role and mechanisms in oxidative stress, cell therapy and antioxidant activity Expert opinion: The telomere-telomerase system may be a potential therapeutic target that can protect against DNA damage and apoptosis in patients with diabetes mellitus and its vascular complications. DNA damage and apoptosis are associated with oxidative stress and are involved in the dysfunction of pancreatic β cells, insulin resistance, and its vascular complications. Abnormalities in the telomere-telomerase system may be associated with diabetes mellitus and its vascular complications. Therapies targeting telomere-telomerase system, telomerase reverse transcriptase transfection and alterative telomere lengthening must be identified before gene therapy can commence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wu Qi Nan
- The First Affiliated Hospital of the Third Military Medical University, Endocrine Department , Chongqing, Post number: 400038 , China
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Komosa M, Root H, Meyn MS. Visualization and quantitative analysis of extrachromosomal telomere-repeat DNA in individual human cells by Halo-FISH. Nucleic Acids Res 2015; 43:2152-63. [PMID: 25662602 PMCID: PMC4344523 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkv091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Current methods for characterizing extrachromosomal nuclear DNA in mammalian cells do not permit single-cell analysis, are often semi-quantitative and frequently biased toward the detection of circular species. To overcome these limitations, we developed Halo-FISH to visualize and quantitatively analyze extrachromosomal DNA in single cells. We demonstrate Halo-FISH by using it to analyze extrachromosomal telomere-repeat (ECTR) in human cells that use the Alternative Lengthening of Telomeres (ALT) pathway(s) to maintain telomere lengths. We find that GM847 and VA13 ALT cells average ∼80 detectable G/C-strand ECTR DNA molecules/nucleus, while U2OS ALT cells average ∼18 molecules/nucleus. In comparison, human primary and telomerase-positive cells contain <5 ECTR DNA molecules/nucleus. ECTR DNA in ALT cells exhibit striking cell-to-cell variations in number (<20 to >300), range widely in length (<1 to >200 kb) and are composed of primarily G- or C-strand telomere-repeat DNA. Halo-FISH enables, for the first time, the simultaneous analysis of ECTR DNA and chromosomal telomeres in a single cell. We find that ECTR DNA comprises ∼15% of telomere-repeat DNA in GM847 and VA13 cells, but <4% in U2OS cells. In addition to its use in ALT cell analysis, Halo-FISH can facilitate the study of a wide variety of extrachromosomal DNA in mammalian cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Komosa
- Genetics and Genome Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Heather Root
- Genetics and Genome Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - M Stephen Meyn
- Genetics and Genome Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 0A4, Canada Division of Clinical and Metabolic Genetics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1X8, Canada Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1A8, Canada Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1A8, Canada
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